Abstract: A working system for an aeroplane comprising a hangar for accommodating the aeroplane, a partition wall provided within the hangar for partitioning the hangar into a fuselage work area around a fuselage of the aeroplane and a main wing work area around a main wing, and working tables arranged in the fuselage work area. The partition wall is movable between a predetermined partitioning position and a retracted position allowing entrance and exit of the aeroplane. The working tables are movable within the fuselage work area separately from the partition wall.

Abstract: A displaceable flooring system for particular use on truck trailers includes a movable second floor portion, and control structure for elevating and guiding translational displacement of the movable floor portion into a position at least partially superimposed above an adjacent first floor portion in order to selectively create a floor opening left by the displacement of the movable floor portion. The control structure includes a driving mechanism for elevating an end of the movable floor portion normally aligned adjacent to the abutting end of the first floor portion, and a roller system is provided to enable translational rolling of the movable floor portion over the fixed, first floor portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extruded section for use as a ridge or gutter section in a foil greenhouse, which section comprises at least one hollow extending in the longitudinal direction of the section. The hollow is accessible via a slot and is adapted to receive a thickened rim of a foil material. According to the invention the hollow is bounded by two superposed arms, at least one of them being sufficiently resilient for the arms to be bent apart to enable the thickened rim of a foil material to pass into the hollow and a further hollow is provided in the longitudinal direction of the section for receiving in operation a steel wire. The invention further relates to a foil greenhouse provided with at least a number of ridge or gutter sections comprising such an extruded section, to a foil sheet with a thickened rim suitable for cooperation with the present section, and to an auxiliary tool for zipping a thickened rim of a foil sheet into a hollow of an extruded section according to this invention.

Abstract: A containment device for contaminated building demolition. A pre-engineered rigid steel frame building is supported on rail trucks movable on railroad tracks. The railroad tracks are positioned on opposite sides and along the length of the contaminated building to be demolished. The rigid steel frame building has one open end and is sized larger than the width and height of the contaminated building. This allows a portion of the contaminated building to be movably enclosed by the pre-engineered building. A flexible liner material inside the pre-engineered building, at the open end attached to the contaminated building, and at the bottom of the pre-engineered building draped to be in contact with the ground seals off the interior of the pre-engineered building to prevent the release of contaminated particles during demolishing operations. A hoist and cable are used to move the pre-engineered building on the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A transfer pad cover includes a frame structure covered by a water-proof sheet material. The frame structure is supported by bar joists that are mounted for movement along tracks. The entire structure is moved by hand or motor or by a truck from which a liquid transfer will be made to a position adjacent the transfer pad during the transfer operation. When the material and frame structure are sufficiently weighted down so that it is unsafe to move the cover, the joists will rest on a ground surface, preventing movement of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the rails are sloped and the truck pushes the cover off of the pad. When the truck leaves the pad, the slope of the rails causes the cover to automatically return to protect the pad under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A structure having a movable dome-type roof including a plurality of independently movable shell sections which nest one beneath the other. A frame superstructure is arched over the dome to support the upper ends of the shell sections. The lower edges of the shell sections are mounted on self-powered carriages and are independently shiftable about a circular base of the structure. By selectively shifting individual shell sections, the dome may be contracted or expanded as desired. The superstructure may be mounted on a circular track or on a pair of linear tracks to expedite the opening and closing of the dome.

Abstract: An aircraft or road vehicle transportable operating assembly comprises a central body, to which there are telescopically coupled side bodies which can be withdrawn into the central body, during a transportation step, and extended from the central body during the use step, the side bodies including a trampling floor which can be arranged with a coplanar relationship with respect to a trampling floor of the central body.

Abstract: A workstation for providing a relatively isolated environment suitable for human to interface during long time periods with a computer through a display screen. The space partition assembly comprises an elongated canopy defining a working area dimensioned to accommodate a user adopting a reclining posture. The canopy also includes at one end thereof an entryway to allow access to the working area by means of a sliding seat supporting the user. On the back of the seat is provided a large panel which at least partially closes the entryway when the working area is occupied by the user to reduce disturbances such as noise or light from reaching the working area.

Abstract: A manufactured building structure which can be transported via road travel. The structure includes a pool, spa, or the like which can be shifted between a travel position inside the structure to a lowered operative position when the structure reaches its destination.

Abstract: A convertible enclosure particularly adapted to cover an outside hot tub installation. The enclosure includes a tubular frame with sliding cross-pieces. A cover is attached to the cross-pieces such that the cover may be extended to encompass one side and the top of the space desired to be enclosed with the opposite side remaining open.

Abstract: A dome shaped structure, and the method of constructing it, are described using curved gore-shaped construction panels which have grooves in their side edges. Rectangular tubular joining members are placed in the grooves, secured therein, and serve to join adjacent panels together. This provides a level surface where the panels are joined so that such adjacent edges of joined panels are even making the interior surface suitable for use as a projection surface.

Abstract: A moveable panel is described for providing privacy for a person in a work station or other location behind an arrangement of one or more stationary panels.

Abstract: A metal container stores a VTOL aircraft during shipment to a sea vessel or large vehicle where it then functions as a portable weather-tight hangar which can be secured in available deck space. When on board a ship's deck, the walls of the container unfold so that the structure may be converted to a take-off and landing pad that provides an exhaust system for the hot lift engine gases that eliminates the hazard to ship's crew, prevents heat damage to the deck and eliminates "suck down" effects characteristic of certain VTOL aircraft configurations. Triangular panels are removably secured together to form the cover of the container; and when unfolded and flattened, these panels are inserted in the corners of the unfolded structure so as to extend the heat shield.

Abstract: A domed structure having a retractable roof comprises a field area obtained by digging out a hollow, substantially concave in section, in the ground and levelling the bottom of the hollow seats for the spectators are provided by extending an upward slope outwardly from the end of the field area in an endless manner, and a movable roof element is movably mounted on a rail element laid out on the ground adjacent to the peripheral edge of said hollow. The movable roof element includes a driving arrangement to be placed on the rail element. The rail element may be tilted with a gradient rising toward the direction of solar radiation.

Abstract: A structure is provided having two opposing nested pairs of outwardly convex roof arches mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Each pair of nested roof arches can be rotated about its axis from a lowered nested condition to a raised condition where the inner portion of one arch partially overlaps the other arch of the nested pair. In a preferred arrangement the arches extend between supports on diametrically opposing sides of a stadium building, which has an upper opening. The arches in their raised condition cover the stadium opening and in their lowered condition maintain the stadium substantially open to the elements. The turning moment exerted by the arches is sustained through struts by floats within liquid contained in caissons forming a foundation of the structure. The floats are shaped and guided to follow a path within the liquid as the associated arch rotates such as to substantially balance the turning moment of the latter as they move.

Abstract: A play panel for use by children in building construction such as playhouses or mazes within which the child can play comprises a surrounding frame structure defined by four frame elements each of which includes one side portion and one corner portion of the total frame structure. A fabric cover for spanning the frame has sleeves defined along four sides each for receiving one side portion of a frame element. The frame elements are connected together by coupling members which are in the form of sleeves surrounding the frame elements as a press fit. Each coupling member has on its outer cylindrical surface a plurality of fins with each fin having a wider rib along the outermost edge. The coupling members of one panel can be connected to the coupling members of the next panel by forcing the fins of one into the spaces of the fins of the other.

Abstract: An electrically-operated folding stage system which embodies the invention in one preferred form comprises (a) a stage body with (i) a platform, (ii) plural rows of upright legs pivotally connected to a bottom of the platform, and (iii) plural connecting members each located along a line connecting lower portions of the legs of one row for connecting the legs to one another, (b) wheels connected to bottoms of foremost ones of the legs to facilitate movements of the stage body on a floor, (c) plural geared motors fixed to the bottom of the platform and each capable of being rotated in either of opposed directions to move the stage body between a horizontal position on the floor and a vertical position immediately adjacent to a wall, each of the geared motors having an output shaft, (d) swing arms each having one end fixed to the output shaft of one of the geared motors, and (e) support means each provided in conjunction with one of the swing arms and located on a given position predetermined in relation to a l

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a wall assembly for displaying visual messages, has a front portion, a display area in the front portion, the display area providing an opening through the wall assembly, a projection screen for covering the opening, and a display panel movable from behind part of the front portion into the display area. The wall assembly can be placed before an audience and used to display visual messages which may be shown for example by projection onto a screen, or by writing on a display panel, with a facility for covering the display area when that area is not in use.

Abstract: A domed structure having a retractable roof comprises an inside field area, a ringed structure vertically provided around said field area, two tracks laid out on the top of said ringed structure and two movable semi-vaults travelling separately on said two annular tracks, which are put one over the other when the roof is opened and are located in opposite relation to each other when the roof is formed, thereby providing a domed roof as a whole. The annular tracks laid out on the top of said ringed structure may have a gradient rising with respect to the direction of solar radiation.

Abstract: Transport with Variable Volume Cooperatively Independently Cooled Compartments includes a transport body that has a conventional cooling and refrigerator unit mounted on the front wall and ceiling. The cooling unit has conditioned air outlets and a return air inlet. The ceiling has simple air conducting channels that conduct conditioned air to central outlets which are situated generally centrally of the transport body. A central wall extends between the ceiling and the floor and has a door or doors. Bulkheads are provided to divide the transport into variable volume compartments defined as a freezer compartment, a chilling compartment, and an ambient temperature compartment. Conditioned air is exhaused into the freezer compartment and into the chilling compartment. Heaters in the chilling compartment and the ambient temperature compartment control the temperatures therein. The heaters and exhaust fans are thermostatically controlled.

Abstract: A greenhouse for providing improved growth and environmental control for growing plants comprising a frame defining a structure having a given length and width forming a bounded, interior region for receiving plants; a flexible cover positionable over the frame for providing a roof enclosure for the structure; an elongate roller substantially extending along the length of the structure secured to a lengthwise edge of the cover; and a power source coupled to the roller for travel therewith operable for rotatably driving the roller about its longitudinal axis to retract or extend the cover relative to the frame.

Abstract: An assembly for forming removable, non-load bearing walls, such as partitions for offices, fairs, exhibitions, etc., consists of a plurality of generally modular panels slidably disposed between upper and lower support rails. The panels include a substantially flat central section and projecting surfaces on the longitudinal sides thereof. In assembled condition, the projecting surfaces on adjacent panels engage one another to form a continuous wall assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building structure with a two part roof including a first generally horizontal top fixed roof part and a second roof part extending downwardly outwardly from the first roof part and formed by sliding panels for retractability of the second roof part. The first and second roof parts are separated by a first roof support which is under compression with a second roof support which is under tension being provided below the second roof part.

Abstract: What is provided is a system which would utilize a plurality of glare modules, constructed of a lightweight foam material, and that could be positioned spaced apart end to end, along the length of the highway median barrier. Each of the modules would be secured to the barrier by a pair of mounting rods firmly secured to the upper face of the barrier and slideably engagable into a pair of openings in the bottom of the barrier module. The barrier panel would then be secured to the mounting rods with a locking pin.

Abstract: The fundamental construction of an electrically-operated folding stage system which embodies the invention in the most preferred form comprises (A) a stage body with (i) a platform, (ii) plural rows of legs with upper ends connected to a bottom of the platform, each row of the legs including a foremost leg and other legs having greater lengths than the foremost leg, and (iii) means for pivotally connecting the upper end of the foremost leg to the bottom of the platform, (B) wheels connected to bottoms of the foremost legs to facilitate movements of the stage body on a floor, (C) geared motors having output shafts, fixed to the bottom of the platform, and each capable of being rotated in either of opposed directions to move the stage body between a horizontal position on the floor and a vertical position immediately adjacent to a wall, (D) swing arms each having one end fixed to the output shaft of one of the geared motors, and (E) support means each provided in conjunction with one of the swing arms and locat

Abstract: An insulated dock plate cover is provided which is connected to the door and thus moves automatically to raised and lowered positions as the door is opened and closed. The forward end of the dock plate cover is connected directly to the lower end of the door while the rear end of the cover is connected by cables which are operatively connected to the conventional door cables in turn connected to a motorized overhead drive shaft.

Abstract: Electrically-operated Folding Stage System An electrically-operated folding stage system comprises a pair of first and second stage components connected to each other and each including a platform, plural operating means each having a pair of output shafts and located directly below a borderline between the platforms of the stage components, a first link means with a lower end fixed to one of the output shafts, a second link means with a lower end fixed to the other output shaft, means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the first link means to a bottom of the platform of the first stage component, and means for pivotally connecting an upper end of the second link means to the bottom of the platform of the second stage component. The platforms of the first and second stage components provide a single continuous surface when the first and second stage components are in horizontal positions on a floor.

Abstract: An openable dome-shaped roof structure is provided upon a circular side wall and comprises a crescent-shaped fixed roof section, a pair of pivotable roof sections and a pair of slidable roof sections. Each pivotable roof section is connected to a respective slidable roof section by a pivot at peripheral end portions thereof so that the pivotable roof section can rotate to a position above the slidable roof section. The slidable roof sections are each provided to be able to rotate toward the upper surface of the fixed roof section about the center of the circle of the side wall.

Abstract: A multi-panel sliding closure unit having a plurality of slidable panels such as doors or insect screen panels are used to close a large opening in a building wall such as an opening facing out onto a patio or deck. Adjacent panels stand in edge-to-edge relationship but between adjacent panels is a vertical jamb post of H shaped cross-section into which the panels fit, holding them securely on their vertical edges. The jamb posts each fit snugly between a pair of upper and lower tracks that also hold the horizontal edge of the panels for sliding movement therealong. At one end of the tracks is a laterally movable storage module for storing panels slid therein from the tracks.

Abstract: A structure is provided having two opposing nested pairs of outwardly convex roof arches mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Each pair of nested roof arches can be rotated about its axis from a lowered nested condition to a raised condition where the inner portion of one arch partially overlaps the other arch of the nested pair. In a preferred arrangemnt the arches extend between supports on diametrically opposing sides of a stadium building, which has an upper opening. The arches in their raised condition cover the stadium opening and in their lowered condition maintain the stadium substantially open to the elements. The turning moment exerted by the arches is sustained through struts by floats within liquid contained in caissons forming a foundation of the structure. The floats are shaped and guided to follow a path within the liquid as the associated arch rotates such as to substantially balance the turning moment of the latter as they move.

Abstract: Reflector telescope, consisting of a tube (2) disposed in a spherical casing (1) and an outer framework (4) in which the spherical casing (1) is mounted. In known reflector telescopes, the tube is rotatable about its polar and declination axis, requiring two different driving systems. Moreover, access to the spherical casing is variable according to the position of said casing. These disadvantages are avoided by mounting the spherical casing (1) within the outer framework (4) to rotate about a horizontal axis (8), and by mounting said framework on a base to rotate about a vertical axis (50). Fixed and permanent access to the spherical casing (1) and therefore to the tube (2) is thus ensured, and the provision of a driving force for the spherical casing (1) is easily achieved.

Abstract: A collapsible shed for a vehicle and other objects includes a fixed enclosure anchored to the ground surface having an open front and a telescoping enclosure of inverted U-shape guidably mounted upon the fixed enclosure and at one end movably supported upon the ground surface, to overly the fixed enclosure when collapsed and retractable for an increased storage area. The telescoping enclosure is closed by retractable roller curtain that can be locked down with the movable enclosure in any position.

Abstract: A portable, strong, lightweight, low-height automobile housing or garage encloses an automobile on five sides. A roll up rear door provides for entry of an automobile. The driver side wall and roof include have a side access opening extending through them such that a driver taller than the roof of the enclosure can ingress and egress the driver door in a normal standing manner. A roll up side door is moveable between an closed position closing the side access opening to an open position disposed under the roof and along the passenger side wall. Side and rear doors opens simultaneously. The door opening, closing, and locking mechanism is a pair of cable winches mounted on a shaft, each with a cable attached to the door. One winch for opening and one for closing a door. The cables are counter wound on the drums so that as one calbe is played out as the other is taken in. Thus the door may not move in either direction unless the cable drums are turned.

Abstract: A suspended membrane structure, comprising:a plurality of suspending members arranged substantially parallel or substantially radial fashion;a membrane downward hung by a plurality of wire members (or hanging members) from a plurality of points on each suspending member; anda plurality of bracing cables each provided on the membrane in the same direction with that of said suspending member at each middle position between said suspending members, and capable of imparting a tensile force to said membrane.

Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for use along a stairway is disclosed. The apparatus provides a pivot support fixed to a wall or other support structure to allow positioning of a handrail at at least two different laterally displaced positions. One position can be provided so that the positionable handrail is as close as 22 inches from a second, fixed position handrail disposed opposite the positionable handrail along the stairway. A second position of the handrail occurs in a vertically folded position of the pivoting apparatus bringing the handrail into a position substantially adjacent the support structure, which opens the stairway to about its full width.

Abstract: A system for constructing staging or the like comprising beams 2,3,4,5,6 etc. (e.g. timbers) and socket elements 10,11,12,13, etc., with screws or the like to secure the beams to the socket elements. The socket elements each comprise at least three interconnected box sections for slidably receiving the beams, the box sections being open at both ends and arranged such that a first of the beams can pass through a selected one of the box sections, while at least one further beam can pass through further box sections and abut the first beam. The system generally supports cladding sheets 1, for example, for stage flooring.

Abstract: A booth in which components are cleaned by high pressure water ejected from a nozzle assembly associated with a robot. The robot is adapted to move the nozzle assembly along multiple axes so as to enable the nozzle assembly to reach various areas of the components to be cleaned. The nozzle assembly and part of the robot are located in the booth but substantial portions of the robot are located outside of the booth in order to avoid the need for waterproofing those portions. To enable the robot to operate while located partially within and partially outside of the booth, one wall of the booth is formed by groups of slidable panels which expand and contract to accommodate the robot as the robot is moved. In one embodiment, the panels form the ceiling of the booth and, in a second embodiment, the panels define one upright side wall of the booth.

Abstract: Provision for mounting a television receiving set behind the ceiling of a room, such as a bedroom, for viewing by a person reclining or sitting with head back, is made by a support portion of a protective housing positioned or adapted to be positioned behind a viewing opening in the ceiling of the room and sloping upwardly from such opening. The viewing opening is normally closed by a ceiling panel hinged as a door along its forward end, but can be opened for viewing of or projection by the television receiver by remote-controlled mechanism operative to raise and lower the panel door on its hinging axis, which is preferably free. The mechanism is arranged to pull a flexible draw line for raising the panel door and to slacken such line so the panel can return to closed position by the force of gravity.

Abstract: Presented is a two-shell telescopic element for a movable partition that has a wall section and a horizontally extendable telescoping part. The cover panels of the telescoping part are disposed on the telescoping part in transversally movable fashion to their principal plane. With extended telescoping part, the cover panels run out formt he overlapping area formed with the cover panels of the wall section and can be brought into an end position aligning with the cover panels of the wall section, transversally to the running planes, by an actuating mechanism.

Abstract: The guardrail window assembly includes a window sub-assembly movable between the floor and ceiling sections of a patio or balcony. A stationary support is mounted on the floor and includes two foreshortened vertical supports rising only partially towards the ceiling section. A crossheader frame is movably retained between the two vertical supports. The crossheader frame is generally rectangularly shaped and the sides of the crossheader carry trolleys that run in tracks provided within the stationary support. In a first position, the crosshead frame is encased by the stationary support. In a second position, the crossheader frame extends from and frames an area between the stationary support and the ceiling. That area can be open or can be screened, as necessary. A window, consisting of a window pane and a window frame, is movably retained within the crossheader frame and the stationary support. In the first and second positions, the window is disposed within the stationary support.

Abstract: Presented is a two-shell telescopic element of a movable partition containing (holding) two external cover panels on the supporting frame of a wall section, between which, at the upper and/or lower edge, are guided packing strips, and that are extendable out toward the ceiling and/or the floor. An edge-side telescoping part has a vertical edge strut to which are also attached cover panels that overlap the cover panels of the wall section, or that continue in surface-flush fashion. The packing strips have an edge section projecting inwardly between the cover panels of the telescoping part, said edge section being horizontally displaceable together with the telescoping part. In order to achieve an improved noise damping, provided are intermediate panels that engage behind the cover panels of the wall section and of the telescoping part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontally extensible construction comprising a series of rigid prefabricated elements capable of being moved close together to render the construction more compact, for example for transport, or moved apart into the position for use to create space units between them suitable for use as dwelling units or the like, the said elements having connecting members connected to the elements by hinges which enable the construction to be placed into the position for use by the application of a force to an end element, this force being then transmitted from one element to the next by the hinges, and the construction being then capable of being moved back into the compact position by the application of a force to the element at the end in the direction which brings the elements together.

Abstract: Provision for mounting a television receiving set behind the ceiling of a room, such as a bedroom, for viewing by a person reclining or sitting with head back is made on a support positioned or adapted to be positioned behind a viewing opening in the ceiling of the room and sloping upwardly from such opening. The viewing opening is normally closed by a ceiling panel hinged along one of its ends to the ceiling structure, but can be opened for viewing television by remote-controlled mechanism operative to raise and lower the ceiling panel on its hinge axis. The mechanism is arranged to pull a flexible draw line to raise the ceiling and to slacken such line so the panel can return to closed position by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a vertically extending guide and a restaurant dining car movable upwardly and downwardly in respect to the guide and having one or more dining tables for accommodating diners. The car advantageously has a wall with a window view so that diners upon entering the car and ordering their food may be moved upwardly to a higher elevation to enjoy the view during dining. The food preparation area is defined on its support structure adjacent the guide and it may for example remain at a ground level location or be located at an uppermost location. The food preparation center has a connection to the dining car for example in the form of a direct door connection from a central restaurant preparation area through a doorway into the dining area for service.

Abstract: A self-ventilating greenhouse and frame therefor. The frame comprises a series of aligned sideposts connected to a series of partially overlapping frame members which support a translucent roof. The frame members are hingedly joined by a series of cross-members which guide the frame members as the roof is opened and closed by means of a worm gear or a rack and pinion.

Abstract: An entranceway is disposed in the front wall of the structure and a first storefront window arrangement is disposed on one side of the entranceway while a second storefront window arrangement is disposed on the other side of the entranceway. A first upper landing extends behind the first storefront window arrangement and a first lower landing, below the first upper landing, also extends behind the first storefront window arrangement. A second upper landing extends behind the second storefront window arrangement and a second lower landing, below the second upper landing, extends behind the second storefront window arrangement. An ascending stairway runs from the entranceway to the upper landings, and descending stairways run from the entranceway to the lower landings.

Abstract: An enclosure for use as a garage, storage shed and the like comprises a roof supported at its four corners by vertical posts, and front, back and opposed side walls each including a plurality of telescoping wall panels movable between a raised position in which the wall panels are nested together near the roof and a lowered position wherein the wall panels extend between the roof and ground. A cable and pulley system is operable to raise and lower all four walls simultaneously to provide access to the interior of the enclosure from any point along the perimeter of the enclosure.

Abstract: A roof assembly exemplarily for use in outdoor theatrical and musical productions comprises a roof trusswork elevated by means of a plurality of telescoping legs. The legs are raised in unison so that the roof trusswork maintains the same orientation throughout a raising or lowering operation. A clamping or locking mechanism is provided for rigidifying the entire structure upon the raising thereof.

Abstract: A germination floor system for a malt plant having a plurality of pivotally mounted tray assemblies movable between a horizontal position for supporting grain during germination and an approximate upright orientation to provide access beneath the floor for cleaning. The tray assemblies are capable of being manually movable to the cleaning position or, alternatively, may be fitted with a pneumatic cylinder and/or spring devices to facilitate movement. In the vertical cleaning position, the individual tray assemblies are fixed in position to prevent injury to personnel beneath the structure.

Abstract: A dual wall partition comprising, in combination, first and second generally planar panels, and hinge apparatus supporting the panels in generally parallel, generally opposed relationship, the hinge apparatus extending between the panels for permitting a range of movement of the panels relative to each other to vary the spacing therebetween from a maximum determined by the hinge apparatus to selected spacings which are less than the maximum and so that the panels remain substantially parallel throughout the range of movement.