Abstract: A viewing structure comprising a plurality of parallel arched frames, pivotally mounted at their ends on the ground, each frame having a front portion, a top portion and a rear portion. The front portion is generally arcuate, with straight top and rear portions joined by a further arcuate portion. The top portion inclines upward and rearward and support pillars are mounted on each top portion, spaced apart along the top portion. Seating members are mounted on the pillars and flooring members are provided between the pillars. The spaces between arches can be filled by fabric panels. The clear space beneath the structure can be used for food concessions, washrooms and other uses.

Abstract: A skeletal frame supporting a continuous sealed, flattened plastic film tube for retaining gas under positive pressure. The tube has opposed edges with a flexible film retainer line passing therethrough and extending beyond the end thereof to form edge beads. Guide strips having integral track means are positioned on opposite edges of the guide strip. The guide tracks receive and guide an edge of the flattened film tube drawn therethrough by the retainer line and retain the retainer line and film tube means in place on the skeletal structure. The plastic film tube of the fully assembled structure is a sealed envelope filled with a gas under positive pressure. In the preferred fully assembled wall structure, the plastic film has the form of a flattened four film layer forming two air-filled insulating layers. The film layer is formed from two concentric tubes, sealed at the ends to form a tubular sealed envelope, and the double walls are sealed to form a tubular envelope.

Abstract: A debris barrier for a high rise construction structure comprises a woven flexible mesh netting. A cord longitudinally extends along the top of the netting to form a reinforced border. The top of the netting is clipped to a safety cable so as to vertically suspend a portion of the netting. An anchoring strip is fastened to the netting. The netting is anchored to the floor slab by driving fasteners through the anchoring strip.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a pair of spaced apart runners supporting a frame carrying a suitable covering. A hinged plate extends between the runners and is shiftable between a lower position extendintg to the bottom of the runners for blocking the flow of air between the runners under the covering and a raised position to allow non-interfering movement of the shelter across the ground or ice.

Abstract: A contaminant shield prevents airborne contaminants from contacting manufactured parts in a work area in a manufacturing facility. The contaminant shield is formed of a plurality of like frames, each formed of a plurality of interconnected side frame members covered by a flexible sheet attached at its outer edges to the side frame members. The frames are interconnected at adjacent edges to form the complete contaminant shield. A sealing strip is applied to the joints between adjacent frames to form a continuous contaminant barrier in conjunction with the flexible sheet attached to each frame. The contaminant shield is constructed by first constructing a plurality of frames by interconnecting side frame members into a rigid, planar frame and attaching the edges of a flexible sheet to each side frame member of the frame.

Abstract: A fire protection device for a structure using a fire resistant sheet material compacted in a folded condition in a housing on the roof of the structure so that when deployed from the housing it can be unfolded to quickly envelop the structure.

Abstract: An air-inflated fabric roof of hyperbolic paraboloidal shape including a cable network therein and covering a building or other structure, or a part of a building such as an atrium. The building includes an annular rigid outer structure enclosing an inner area covered by the air-inflated hyperbolic paraboloidal fabric roof having the cable network therein. A pressurization system maintains the building interior at a predetermined pressure above ambient atmospheric pressure to inflate the fabric roof. The cable network includes a rigid, continuous ring member connected to the annular rigid outer structure. A first set of cables extends across the central opening of the ring member in parallel in a first or X direction. A second set of cables extends across the central opening in parallel in a second or Y direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A pavilion is comprised of a plurality of spaced, generally parallel frames, each having elongated modular elements connected one to the other by joints. Adjustable spacers are provided to connect the frames one to the other. Each modular element includes a pair of channels along opposite sides thereof for receiving enlarged margins of internal and external canvases, respectively, extending between the modular elements of adjacent frames. The spacers are adjusted to tension the canvases between the frames. Each modular element has a spigot as its central core to ensure rigidity. The modular elements are secured at their ends to joints which have channels forming continuations of the channels of the elements whereby the canvases may be drawn through the channels. The pavilion is thus extendable by the additional of further frames and canvases and readily and easily knocked down for transport.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheltering structure essentially constructed of a framework and a cover of sheet material. The structure includes a plurality of arched bars arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein at least most of the bars are supported at their end portions at least indirectly by the ground, wire or rod-like elements extending between at least some of the arched bars disposed along a row, strips of sheet material, each strip extending in the direction of the planes of, and supported by, the arched bars and the elements, and means for securing the strips above the bars, the means extending across the strips along troughs formed between adjoining rows of arched bars. A method of assembling a sheltering structure is also described.

Abstract: A false ceiling comprises a stretched sheet made of a relatively elastic material which is hooked, along its edges, to a horizontal support frame constituted by abutting sections, fixed to the walls of a room. Above the sheet, i.e. in the space between this sheet and the ceiling of the room, means exert on the sheet at at least one point thereof, an adjustable effort provoking a deformation of the sheet. These means comprise a cable passing over a pulley fixed to the ceiling of the room, of which the vertical side acts, at its lower end, on the sheet, in order to exert thereon the adjustable vertical effort, and of which the other inclined or manoeuvring side is hooked on the wall, above the support frame, on this support frame itself or on the ceiling.

Abstract: An improved roof system in which an elastomeric flexible membrane is disposed as a protective roof layer over roofing members supported by adjustable roofing support spacers over a preexisting roof. Strips of the membrane are joined together by hidden fastener assemblies which sealingly grip adjacent membrane edges and which attach the membrane to the underlying support spacers.

Abstract: A device for shading areas, in particular for shading areas or plazas where people can walk, in desert areas, comprising a roofing surface which extends on carrier elements at a spacing from the surface to be shaded, preferably with a roof skin or membrane stretched on supports, to provide for shading of larger spaces with a minimum amount of obstruction by the supports, while at the same time using the effect of sunlight which is absorbed in producing the shade. For that purpose the outward side (31) of the roofing surface (12, 21) is occupied with photovoltaic elements (30) or is provided with a photovoltaic layer. The latter preferably comprises amorphous silicon or cadmium derivatives.

Abstract: A device for covering or uncovering a surface by a cover comprising at least one fixed rigid supporting rod placed close to the surface to be covered, a driving member, a helical screw co-axial to the supporting rod and of which one end is connected to the driving member, a rigid pin connected to the cover to be folded or unfolded and held between the supporting rod and the co-axial helical screw, the rigid pin being designed to slide along the screw.

Abstract: A debris barrier for a high rise construction structure comprises a woven flexible mesh netting. A cord longitudinally extends along the top of the netting to form a reinforced border. The top of the netting is clipped to a safety cable so as to vertically suspend a portion of the netting. An anchoring strip is fastened to the netting. The netting is anchored to the floor slab by driving fasteners through the anchoring strip.

Abstract: A guard system for a scaffolding arrangement having upper and lower platforms traversing a pair of spaced apart poles. The platforms respectively project from opposing directions of a plane defined by the poles. The guard system includes a net wall which spans the gap between the upper and lower platforms. A clamping arrangement clamps the upper edge of the net wall to the upper platform and a lower edge of the net wall to the lower platform.

Abstract: An insulating flexible panel adapted to be releasably joined to like panels in side by side relationship, said panel comprising enclosure means for enclosing insulating material therein, said enclosure means presenting a first border and a second border, said second border extending generally outwardly of said enclosure, and releasable fastening means associated with said first and second borders adapted to releasably fasten said first border of one panel to said second border of another panel.

Abstract: A reticular spatial structure comprising a plurality of perimetral rod-like elements which are associable, at their ends, with perimetral nodes; a plurality of variable-length rod-like elements hinged to connecting nodes having a spherical contact surface adapted to allow the rotation of at least part of the variable-length rod-like elements both about the axis of said elements and with respect to the geometrical center of the various nodes, for the extension of the variable-length elements during the raising of the framework which is preassembled on a base plane. A connecting node comprises a lower plate and an upper plate securing a covering membrane, which can be fixed to a rocker suspension pivot connected to a hollow body having both the outer surface and the inner surface in the shape of equatorial segments of concentric spheres. The hollow body is provided with openings for the insertion of the node-rode fixing bolts.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending cladding or protective sheeting from scaffolding includes a first member detachably securable to an element of scaffolding, and a second member capable of attachment to said sheeting or cladding. The second member is adapted to hang from said first, thereby to hang the cladding or sheeting from scaffolding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light and climate control system for pre-stressed fabric structures of the type having a plurality of arches and fabric under tension extending between adjacent to enclose a space. The fabric between the arches is composed of zones of exteriorly reflective opaque material and translucent material. The respective areas of the zones of these two materials are determined such that the zone of translucent material is of sufficient area to permit enough light to pass to the enclosed space during daylight, for adequate interior lighting of the enclosed space. The zone of reflective opaque material is of sufficient area to reduce solar radiation into the enclosed space to a degree which permits the air conditioner means to comfortably cool the interior.

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure provides a dust-free atmosphere for manufacturing operations. The enclosure includes a frame formed of interconnected, horizontally and vertically extending, spaced frame members. An outer cover member is deployed over the sides and top of the interconnected frame members. The outer cover member is formed of a heat shrinkable material which provides a taut, secure attachment of the cover member to the frame members. The bottom ends of the cover member are sealingly attached to a lower support surface or floor by means of an interconnectable clamp and strip having a mating projection and notch which traps the bottom end of the cover member therebetween.

Abstract: An awning structure having two vertical support members, one attached to each end of a horizontal bar; two horizontal projection bars, one attached to the bottom end of each of the supports; two rafter bars each attached to one of the projection bars and the header bar; and a front bar which is attached to the rafter bars. A fabric cover is removably attached to the header bar by a rope track extruding from the header bar. The fabric cover is removably attached to the front bar and projection bars by a plurality of velcro strips.

Abstract: A sealed portable isolation enclosure for use in removing asbestos material from ceiling or other elevated asbestos-containing structures including a booth and an adjustable ceiling-contacting plenum for accommodating ceiling of various heights. Disposed between the booth and the plenum is a flexible transparent film for enclosing and sealing the spaced formed therebetween regardless of the elevation of the plenum relative to the booth. The enclosure is equipped with EPA approved vacuum and ventilation systems for filtering and ventilating the contaminated air therein. A disposable bag-trap door system is provided for the disposal of the asbestos-containing materials. In addition, the enclosure may also include a shower system within the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective awning for scaffolding and tubular structures of the type generally used in restoration of buildings and construction in general. A laminar piece of cloth, canvas or similar material constituting the awning proper is fitted on a bearing structrue formed from tubular elements welded together. The bearing structure is finished at the bottom by vertical sections with a sleeve welded to the free or bottom ends thereof, in which sleeves the top ends belonging to the structure of the scaffolding are housed and attached, and are fixed by radial screws provided in the sleeves. The extreme lateral zones have a bar for the passage of the awning over them, each of which is complemented by a mechanism for securing the awning to the bearing structure.

Abstract: This isolation hut intended for temporary or provisional use, notably as a polling-booth during elections or like events, or as a transportable trying cubicle, a dressing-room during occasional events, or the like, consists of a frame structure made from a basic folding sheet of cardboard, pasteboard or light-weight multilayer material, or metal, comprising a plurality of lateral walls and a front access aperture. This structure is stiffened on the one hand by bending the basic sheet material and on the other hand by means of posts disposed at the corners of the structure, a cross bar constituting a lintel disposed at the top of the front aperture, and possibly a desk-forming element, all these elements being obtained by folding a flexible sheet of the same basic material as the basic folding sheet constituting the frame structure.

Abstract: Components for providing temporary walls to environmentally isolate a selected area of a room from the remainder of the room include telescopically adjustable stanchions that support upright sidewalls formed of flexible sheet material. The stanchions include hinged flange members that are mounted to provide planar surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stanchions for sealing attachment to the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelters which are readily adaptable in size and configuration to define an environment, preferably about plants, to control the amount of radiation, humidity, temperature and ventilation and to inhibit intrusion into the defined environment by deleterious vectors such as insects, unwanted microorganisms, weed seeds and the like.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a grain silo is sealed by a mesh-reinforced diaphragm having its peripheral edge-portions bonded to surfaces of the silo adjoining the joint to form a continous seal around it. The intermediate portion of the diaphragm has a flexible bulging portion protecting the joint and spaced from it. The diaphragm is made by covering the joint with a separating strip and applying a thick continuous layer of a viscous sealing agent over the exposed faces of the strip and the adjoining silo surfaces. The mesh is incorporated into the layer and has stiffly-resilient strands extending in the direction of flexing of the diaphragm. The layer cures to form the diaphragm which separates spontaneously from the separation strip the first time the silo expands, to form a bulging portion in the diphragm around the joint.

Abstract: A gazebo and a lean-to shelter have rigid panels with a soft material canopy spread over an arrangement of spokes or ribs. The gazebo has a compression spoke arrangement for holding the canopy in a dome configuration. The spokes of the gazebo include a flat hook underneath each spoke adapted to engage a draw cable at the top periphery of the rigid panels, and a sleeve fits over the end of the spoke and the end of the flat hook to lock the draw cable within the hook. A tip engages the end of the tube and the sleeve to lock it in position on the flat hook. The ribs of the lean-to have a toggle arrangement for extending the ribs when the lean-to shelter has been assembled and to apply tension on the canopy. The end of the toggle is adapted to fit in a rail which in turn also receives the edge of the canopy, and the rail is mounted in a track.

Abstract: A games playing area or court which has a floor surface for playing the game on, surrounded substantially continuously by a flexible wall portion and optionally a flexible roof portion, from all of which the game playing piece may be rebounded in play so as to continue the game. A goal scoring device or area is located within the confines of the games playing area and is common to all of the participants in the game thereby overcoming the requirement to have separate goal areas for each person or team. The goal scoring device is preferably centrally located in the court which is supported externally so as not to present an obstruction to the game. The game playing area is portable and may be assembled/disassembled.

Abstract: A lightweight, free-standing, expandable shelter (10) providing protection against chemical and biological agents and against nuclear fallout. The shelter (10) has a frame comprising a series of U-shaped ribs (12) spaced and held parallel by a series of reinforcing members (16) connecting each adjacent pair of ribs (12) on each side of the shelter (10). A cover (11) made of flexible material which is resistant to chemical and biological agents is attached to the frame. An airtight floor (18) is attached to the cover material (11) so that the shelter (10) can be pressurized to a pressure of about one inch water gauge above ambient pressure, to prevent reverse air flow of contaminated air into the shelter (10). A blower (20) for pressurizing the shelter (10) and a filter (22) capable of filtering out chemical and biological agents are connected to the shelter (10).

Abstract: A sheet gripping assembly for thin pliable sheet material, such as plastic film, having a channel shaped base member with a side opening through which may be inserted a fold of the sheet material to be secured, and innerlock and gripping bar members insertable into the base member through its side opening to assembled positions within the fold of sheet material within the base member wherein the sheet material is gripped between the base member and the innerlock and gripping bar members and the innerlock member recesses expulsion of the gripping bar member from the base member by tension in the sheet material being gripped. According to an important feature of the invention, the innerlock member has a lip which pojects externally of the base member through its side opening and the innerlock member is laterally flexible by finger pressure on the lip to facilitate insertion of the innerlock member into and removal of the innerlock member from the base member.

Abstract: A pool cover support comprises a balloon for placement in its uninflated condition on the surface of the water in a swimming pool, an air hose having one end attached to the balloon and provided at its other end with a valve. The hose is of sufficient length that when the balloon is secured in a predetermined position, the valve can be located outside the pool, whereby the balloon can be inflated or later deflated.A covered pool has an edge and is filled with water. A pool cover covers the pool and overlaps the pool's edge, and a pool cover support comprises a balloon which is in a predetermined position on the water and underneath the cover, an air hose having one end attached to the balloon and a valve at its other end. The hose is sufficiently long that the valve is outside the pool, whereby the balloon can be inflated or later deflated with the cover in place.

Abstract: A removable enclosure cover for a swimming pool or the like is disclosed. The enclosure cover includes a plurality of rigid frame members of rectangular panel sections. Th frame members are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another transversely across the pool area. A flexible material is stretched between the frame members. A pair of spaced parallel channel-shaped track members extend along the sides of the pool and guide means is attached to the lower ends of each of the frame members. The guide means has rollers which extend into the interior of the track members. One roller rolls along the bottom of the track members and is mounted on a vertically movable carriage, permitting the frame members to be moved together to one end of the pool deck and collapsing the flexible material to uncover the pool.

Abstract: A tubular frame structure for enclosing a storage area having a pair of tubular frame sections located in juxtaposition to each other with the storage area located therebetween. Extending across the storage area and connecting the frame sections is an enclosed housing. A flexible sheet material cover is located within the storage area. This cover has an open bottom which is to be movable between a lower (covering) position to an upper (uncovering) position. The movement of the cover is accomplished by means of a pair of cables which are conducted through the tubular frame sections. These cables are in turn connected to an electrically operated motor device mounted within the housing.

Abstract: A shelter for interior use within living space, office space or working space defining an enclosure extending from the floor to the ceiling and providing access through a ceiling opening for above-ceiling construction and/or repair while containing debris engendered as a consequence of such activities and/or falling objects.

Abstract: This canopy system is supported by alternate poles and features edge cords to stress the center of the canopy fabric to reduce sag. The cords are attached adjacent each edge of each canopy segment and resembles a bell curve with respect to that edge. Longitudinal stresses placed on each cord urge the cord to straighten. As the cords straighten, they tension the center of the fabric without undue strain on the edge fabric. The result is a large area canopy with few interior poles and few peak elevations to the affected by wind forces.

Abstract: A fastening device and method is disclosed for use in fixedly attaching a single-ply roof membrane to a roof structure of a building. The device comprises an elongated member formed with spaced-apart, upwardly extending arms forming an elongated channel therebetween. The elongated member is positioned on the roof surface and is fixedly attached to the roof prior to installation of the single-ply membrane. The elongated member may also be used to rigidly fix the roof insulation to the roof decking. A separate elongated plate is inserted into the elongated channel after the single-ply membrane is positioned over the roof surface. The single-ply membrane is positioned over the spaced-apart upwardly extending arms and lies within the elongated channel formed between the arms.

Abstract: Grain storage is provided by a unit having a aboveground retaining wall structure, a floor liner and a cover liner. The wall structure is preferably formed from an earthwork berm and typically has a generally rectangular shape having two parallel side walls and at least one end wall. The area enclosed by the retaining wall structure is covered with a floor liner member on top of which the grain may be deposited. As the area is being filled, the grain is covered with the cover liner. After the unit is completely filled and covered the floor and cover liners are sealed together to form an airtight grain storage compartment in which the grain may be maintained for long periods of time. After sealing the liner together the excess air trapped within the grain storage compartment is preferably removed and the sealed edges of the floor and cover liners are buried in a trench provided around the outside of the retaining wall structure.

Abstract: A support frame for an awning having a cover made from a single piece of fabric (13), has the peculiarity of comprising support brackets (1) for attachment to a support structure such as a wall or a ceiling, the brackets (1) supporting a square bar (2) on which are carried attachment elements (3) fitted to the ends of guides (4) on which are slidable carriages (10) for displacement of an awning cover draw bar (12) attached at or ajacent to one end of the awning cover (13). The draw bar (12) overlies the said guides (4) over the whole of its longitudinal length so that a single piece of fabric can be used for the awning (13) even if the frame has several spans. At its other end the awning fabric (13) is wound on a wind up roller (14) rotatably supported by arms (15) connected to the square bar (2).

Abstract: A plurality of arches are supported in longitudinally spaced, transversely extending, vertical positions. A plurality of fabric panels are each connected between a corresponding pair of adjacent arches. A pair of arcuately extending cables are connected to corresponding opposite end portions of each fabric panel so that the ends of the cables terminate adjacent the lower ends of the corresponding arches. A plurality of base mechanisms are each attached to and support a lower end of a corresponding arch. The opposite ends of each cable are threaded through and guided by adjacent base mechanisms so that they can be pulled together with a winch to transversely tension the corresponding fabric panel.

Abstract: A device for sealed attachment of substantially flat-surfaced cover strips, especially of sheet metal, for single- or double-curve roof surfaces of buildings, with top and bottom clamping members, which can be braced for the side attachment of adjacent cover strips by opposing bolts and which can be attached to a supporting frame. The clamping members have flat clamping surfaces to contact the substantially flat-surfaced cover strips and have clamping bolts that extend through openings on the lengthwise edge of at least one of any two adjacent cover strips. Cover rails are attached to the top clamping members and pass therethrough and are clamped by means of crosspieces which feather out to the side, which on their lengthwise edge carry sealing strips pressed against the outsides of adjacent cover strips.

Abstract: A mechanically strong, airtight, watertight seam provides for joining two panels of industrial strength fabric or material. The inventive seam has two connection systems. One system is a mechanically strong structural connection which is used to make the seam as strong as the fabric panel material. A second system is an all plastic slide closure in the form of a zipper connection which overlies the structural connection, joins the panels into a single cover, and makes the seam airtight, watertight and maintenance free.

Abstract: A decorative fabric wall system includes a connecting frame adhesively attached to wall to define an area to be covered and a corresponding stretcher frame of rigid magnetic frame members for magnetically connecting the fabric to the wall-mounted frame. The fabric is adhered to the fabric frame on an adhesive layer over the magnetic strip, and, thereby, covers and conceals the frame. The fabric is sandwiched between the corresponding magnets of the wall and fabric frame members, stretched taut across the predetermined area defined by the frames. A bonded polyester batting insulation with at least one vacuum deposited, aluminized plastic surface to form a vapor/reflective layer is placed within the margin of the framework, and is supported by the fabric.

Abstract: Method for mounting a structure comprising a number of girders or similar as a roof, floor or similar. The girders are interconnected at their lower side by a flexible sheet or similar and the unit thus assembled is pushed together by moving the girders close together and folding the flexible sheet. The unit is transported from the manufacturing place to the building site, where the unit is placed in its final place and the girders are moved apart to their final position. A structure is adapted to be mounted according to the method having girders interconnected by a flexible member at their lower ends.

Abstract: A shelter for the growth of plants and the like is provided which shelter is comprised of panels. The panels are formed of films which are adapted to control the transmission of energy into the shelter and further adapted to control the flow of fluids stream into and out of the shelter.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled building having a covered atrium. The atrium roof can be a conventional rigid roof or an air-supported, flexible, continuous membrane roof. A pressurization system pressurizes the building interior and the atrium relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the building. When the atrium has a membrane roof, this pressure differential inflates the membrane roof to maintain the roof in the desired configuration. Such a membrane roof can be semi-opaque to permit passage of diffused sunlight, permitting some plants to grow, while inhibiting passage of direct sunlight. Air locks are provided at the building entrances and exits to maintain the pressure differential as people enter and leave the building.

Abstract: The inventive Quonset-type pipe-frame greenhouse is constructed with: a plurality of main rib members each in a semicircular or inverted U-shaped form erected on the ground in parallel with each other and connected together with at least one longitudinal connecting member to form a main room; a plurality of auxiliary rib members each straddling on the ridge line of the main room and connected together with at least one auxiliary longitudinal connecting member to form a monitor roof-like protrusion; and transparent sheet members of a plastic resin for the walls of the main room and the monitor roof-like protrusion each capable of being turned up at the lower end to make an opening for ventilation according to need. The inventive greenhouse is advantageous in the improved ventilation in the upper part of the room to assist healthy growth of the plants and in the improved aerodynamic strength of the structure capable of resisting a strong wind without the danger of falling down.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining first and second panels along facing sides, including a tubular member extending along the facing sides of the panels. A recess formed in each of the facing sides of the panels and with each recess of a depth to receive approximately half the width of the tubular member to have the tubular member substantially enclosed by the facing recesses. At least one locking member extending within each recess and with the locking members each having an enlarged head positioned within the recess. The tubular member including locking openings corresponding in number and position to the locking members and with the locking openings formed with an enlarged portion to receive the enlarged head of the locking member to have the enlarged head positioned within the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: A portable, rapidly erected fabric covered building-type structure has a plurality of articulated arch frames which may be hoisted from the ground to extend transversely in longitudinally spaced vertical planes. Spreaders rigidly connect the arch frames. Individual rectangular fabric sections extend transversely between corresponding adjacent pairs of the arch frames to provide an interior sheltered from the outside environment. The side edges of the fabric sections are connected to the rails of removable ladder-like mechanisms carried by the frames for tensioning the sections across their widths. The ends of the fabric sections are also pulled downwardly at the sides of the building by other mechanisms for tensioning the fabric sections lengthwise.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled building having a covered atrium. The atrium roof can be a conventional rigid roof or an air-supported, flexible, continuous membrane roof. A pressurization system pressurizes the building interior and the atrium relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the building. When the atrium has a membrane roof, this pressure differential inflates the membrane roof to maintain the roof in the desired configuration. Such a membrane roof can be semi-opaque to permit passage of diffused sunlight, permitting some plants to grow, while inhibiting passage of direct sunlight. Air locks are provided at the building entrances and exits to maintain the pressure differential as people enter and leave the building.