Abstract: A wall panelling system comprising two upright posts 13, a panel 11, a hinge 19 connecting the panel to one of the posts 13 and a lock 21 for locking the panel to another post. The posts 13 have a cross-sectional shape which provides features for the attachment of the hinge 19 and the locking means 21. The locking means comprises a latch member 23 pivotally mounted with respect to its post 13 and a catch 22 fixed relative to the panel 11. The latch member 23 is movable by means of a pinion 28 which meshes with teeth 27 on the latch member 23.

Abstract: A portable room divider comprises a plurality of slats (10-13) rotatably disposed between a pair of blocks (14, 15) by threads (19, 20) so as to spread the slats (10-13) away from the block (14) when rotated in one direction and draw the slats (10-13) toward the block 14 when rotated in the other direction, whereby the room divider (10-15) can be wedged between a floor and a ceiling, and thereafter released.

Abstract: An improved turntable is provided for use in a building, such as in a residential or office environment, wherein the turntable is constructed from modular components for facilitated installation within a relatively low profile space. The turntable comprises a skeletal frame including an outer rim in combination with a plurality of radially extending support beams, wherein the assembled frame defines a plurality of generally pie-shaped openings for nested reception of a corresponding plurality of lightweight modular panel units. Wheels are mounted to the outer rim in adjacent pairs on opposite sides of each radial support beam for shared distribution of loads applied to the turntable during use. A traction drive surface is formed on the periphery of the outer rim in a position engaged by a drive roller of a low profile drive unit.

Abstract: A swimming pool support structure comprises an elongate upright member having a longitudinal axis and a pivot attached at least indirectly to the upright member at one end thereof for defining an axis of rotation extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. An elongate top rail member is provided at an end with a connector for pivotably connecting the top rail member to the upright member at the pivot, while a fastener is provided for fixing the top rail member to the upright member upon the attainment of a desired orientation angle of the top rail member with respect to the upright member. A swimming pool incorporating the support structure is installed by erecting a first upright member at a predetermined location, pivotally attaching a first end of a first top rail member to the pivot pin of that first upright member, rotating the top rail member about the pivot pin until a first desired angle of orientation is attained between the top rail member and the bearing plate of the upright member.

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: A transportable modular home includes at least four extensible supporting members correspondingly extending therefrom to the ground and a rotatable bearing member mounted to the bottom of the modular home for easily loading and aligning the modular home with a trailer so as to comply with the law and affix the modular home to the trailer for traveling on a public highway.

Abstract: A more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced in a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accomodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

Abstract: An openable roof includes a plurality of rotationally movable roof members and at least one linearly movable roof member. Each of the rotationally movable roof members is of a generally sectorial shape in a two-dimensional projection. The sectorial shape has a radially outer edge portion. The outer edge portions of the rotationally movable roof members are movably disposed on an outer arcuate support. Accordingly, each of the rotationally movable roof members is able to revolve around an axis of the arcuate support so as to participate to open and close a sectorial opening portion provided by the arcuate support. The linearly movable roof member has a generally V-shaped edge portion. The V-shaped edge portion cooperates with the arcuate support to define the sectorial opening. The linearly movable roof member is movably disposed on a plurality of linear supports so as to participate to open and close a larger opening portion which is larger than the sectorial opening.

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged radially around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: The present invention comprises essentially two parallel and aligned ranks of compound plates (1) which are pivoting and rotating around preferably vertical cylindrical bearings (2), the plates being rectangular in plane view but having a profile which may be rectilinear, polygonal or arcuated, the plates (1) being placed two by two in face to face relationship and at uniform spacements so as to fully cover the gap (or partially cover the gap), each rank of plates being controlled or coordinated by one rack device or by combined levers which similtaneously actuate the plates to turn at 0.degree. or 180.degree. in each rank; rotation at 0.degree. being possible as the plates are in face to face relationship causing closure of the gap and touching themselves by their upper ends, that is closing the coverage and fully covering the area; rotation at 90.degree. being possible as the plates are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rank, forming two vertivcal walls of plates (1); and rotation at 190.degree.

Abstract: The lower edge of a wall of a cylindrical rotatable building has a radially inwardly extending flange of inverted U-shape which encompasses the upper peripheries of wheels rotatably mounted on horizontal axles carried on a fixed foundation for the building. The inverted U-shape of the flange not only supports the building for free rotation about a vertical axis but it at all times spaces the building wall from direct engagement with the wheels while restraining the building against substantially any lateral movement relative to the fixed foundation for the building.

Abstract: This invention relates to an observation dome for mounting to the surface of a building, and more particularly it relates to a rotatable transparent dome having an aperture therein for receiving a telescope which is mounted to the roof or side wall of a house or other building structure.

Abstract: According to the invention the suite consists of a rotating platform (1) divided into three sections, each of which accommodates a sanitary fitting, a bulkhead which is of suitable height and is divided into three panels, each of which separates one sanitary fitting from the others and may help to support some other elements necessary to the operation of the sanitary fitting and to the comfort of the user, a second platform also circular in shape but fixed and in the same plane as a first, constitutes the shower tray or the standing area according to the circumstances. The WC communicates directly with an upper tank (122) located immediately below the WC itself and connected, by means of corrugated hoses (128) or the like to a lower tank (122), which is removable and into which the contents of the upper tank are transferred once two on-off gate valves have been opened.

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: The present invention relates in general to a roof construction and more particularly to a roof composed of a main spanning arch or arches above or beneath which other arches or arch sections rotate horizontally for the purpose of covering large areas such as stadiums, arenas, or storage and manufacturing areas, which roof can be moved from an open position where the area is exposed to the weather elements to a closed position wherein the area is shielded from the weather elements.

Abstract: An animal housing system, for example, a horse barn, is constructed to permit ready access by a vehicle for purposes of cleansing the interior of the structure and removal and replacement of the bedding and supporting surfaces. The housing system is structured to incorporate exterior and internal walls arranged to form individual stalls; the interior walls, and at least a portion of the exterior walls, are arranged to be movable to alternate positions to provide an unobstructed passage extending the length or breadth of the entire structure to permit a vehicle to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orientable architectural structure which is habitable. This revolving structure comprises an external generally spherical enclosure (1) which can rotate about its vertical axis V, and a fixed skeleton (2,3,4) housed in the space inside the enclosure. The enclosure is mounted in such a way that it is able to rotate, whereas the skeleton is fixed.

Abstract: A retractable roof, for a stadium building, comprising a central arch separating a pair of ungular end segments, one end segment being movable into nesting relationship with the other end segment and the central arch being movable to rest above the nesting end segments, the nesting end segments and the above resting central arch being movable laterally whereby the interior of the stadium is more fully exposed.

Abstract: A dome-shaped roof structure for a large construction such as an athletic stadium is capable of being partly opening according to the environmental conditions such as the weather. The dome-shaped roof structure includes a dome-shaped stationary roof section having a central opening and fixedly secured at an outer periphery thereof to the external wall of the construction, and a plurality of movable roof units each having a shape to cover one of a plurality of divisions of the central opening and pivotably secured at one end thereof to a support located near the circumference of the central opening so as to be turned between a first position where the central opening is closed and a second position where the same is opened.

Abstract: In the spaced between a plurality of airplanes that are supported by a rotatable bottom wall of an airplane hangar, lifting platforms are mounted on pivoting levers. The lifting platforms are adapted to support further airplanes on an elevated level. The lifting platforms can be lowered, thereby moving translationally in a radial outward direction. A single hydraulic cylinder arrangement is mounted in a sector containing a movable door section of the hangar peripheral wall. Each lifting platform, upon rotation into that sector, is automatically coupled to the cylinder arrangement for swinging the lifting platform downwards onto the level of the rotatable bottom wall. The lifting platform, after having been raised again, is automatically disengaged from the cylinder arrangement when it leaves that sector.

Abstract: A rotatable circular building has at and adjacent the lower edge of its annular wall an inwardly extending annular horizontal flange providing a track which rests on an annular series of ground supported horizontal rollers on which the building rotates, an annular series of vertical rollers also being provided to prevent binding of the relatively movable parts when the building is moved laterally.

Abstract: An access door system for a building housing an automatic teller machine is disclosed. The system includes an outer door in the front wall of the building that opens to allow the door of the safe portion of the teller machine to open 180.degree.. An arcuate shaped wall is attached to the opening edge of the outer door and extends along an arcuate path for 90.degree.. A door is provided in the arcuate shaped wall that is lockable from inside the building to provide a secure work space for a technician servicing the teller machine.

Abstract: A domestic building having a base, a rotatable portion mounted on the base and providing a living space, said rotatable portion having a rigid frame supported on rollers which engage a rail fixed to the base, and a coupling to provide for the flow of water to said rotatable portion and drainage therefrom.

Abstract: A security case adapted to be disposed on a counter of a bank, which comprises a housing having at least one security closet at its upper portion and aligned front and rear openings at the front side and at the rear side of the lower portion of the housing. At least one rotary container is mounted in the housing between the front and rear openings for rotation about a vertical axis, and is provided with an opening to allow banking documents access to the container, the container conveying the documents from the front side to the rear side of the counter. A transparent cover is disposed for covering a portion of the openings of the housing for allowing a view to the front side from the rear side of the counter.

Abstract: A sound and visual partition screen panel utilizes a treated corrugated cardboard septum to which is secured a frame. Acoustic insulation pads are provided on each side of the septum within the frame. The frame is designed with rounded vertical and top edges which are adapted to receive a fabric covering in the form of a sewn sock or sleeve which includes seams with inwardly formed welts adapted to be threaded into recesses in the verticals which open to the edges of the panels through a very narrow slot. The top and bottom of each vertical is provided with a removable pin, the one on the bottom also adjustably supporting the panel, which pins in turn secure plastic blocks having semi-circular gear segments, the gear teeth projecting just beyond the rounded surface of the verticals. The gear teeth extend for only slightly less than one half the height of the semi-circular face of the block. The blocks may be inverted by removing and replacing the pins.

Abstract: Walking dragline base frame and revolving frame having an internal web grid of triangular cells in a concentric series of annular girders. Cell plates are oriented in circular and spiral arc arrangements, the spiral arcs extending both left hand and right hand in crossing relation. Segmented rail beam and rail pad structures are provided concentrically in one of the annular girders of the frames connected with intersecting diagonal web plates of the associated annular girder. The rail pads may be of double-T structure. A relative stiffness ratio of base frame and revolving frame approaching 1:1 is attained and wherein the revolving frame may be centrally of diminished depth and the base frame of complementary greater central depth.

Abstract: A building structure having a roof opening which is covered by a retractable closure. The retractable closure includes a plurality of panels which are pivotally mounted about the margin of the roof opening. The panels are sized and shaped so that they fit together and cover the opening when in their closed positions, and when the panels are in their open positions the roof opening is completely unobstructed. Tracks on the roof support the panels and resist vertical load forces. Support towers and guy lines are provided to bear a part of the load forces as the panels are closed. Drive means is provided for opening and closing the panels conjointly or independently to achieve a range of roof opening capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sales boutique, especially a newspaper kiosk.The technical problem posed consists of creating such a boutique which enables effective protection of the products and provides an excellent appearance.According to the invention, this boutique is formed of a cell (I) fixed on a plinth (2) and comprising, over at least a part forming a facade, articulated members (I2) which can be brought from a closed position, in which they define a unified external surface integrated with the external surface of the rest of the body (4) of the cell, to an open position, in which they define and protect a display space, and the inverse.The main utilization of the invention resides in boutiques for sale of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or books.

Abstract: A surgical operating room structure having prep room, operating room and post-operative room around a central core and separated by flexible curtains. The core comprises independently movable sections each having an arm supporting an operating table which is rotatable about the core from one room to the next adjacent room through the curtains.

Abstract: An outdoor recreational area cover comprises a pylon support with a plurality of circular segment shaped cover members which have inner apices which are pivotally supported on the pylon support. All the supports are connected to the cover members at a spaced location from the pylon and they are arranged to roll over tracks or similar supports so that the cover members may be rotated around the pylon. By rotation, the cover members may be arranged so that they are foldable, one over the other, or extended fanlike to cover any desired recreational area such as a swimming pool. The segments are advantageously supported by generally vertical portions which extend downwardly from their outer ends and carry the rollers. The construction is such that the swimming pool or other area may advantageously be used when the cover members are arranged to overlie it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of building a reservoir for storing liquefied natural gas at low temperature.This method consists in fixing on the internal wall 22 of the concrete vessel 3 a first thin lining 21 forming a first fluid-tight barrier, then in completely filling the space between the tank 2 and the concrete vessel 3 by means of a heat-insulating structure comprising an assembly of stacked blocks 25 of insulating material, associated with a second thin lining 24 forming a second fluid-tight barrier, said structure being supported by the concrete vessel and simply arranged round the inner tank.The building method according to the invention applies in particular to liquefied natural gas storage reservoirs installed on solid ground.

Abstract: A solar display kiosk particularly to a display kiosk that during day time conditions is illuminated by the sun. It provides, in its preferred embodiment, a closed cylindrical member placed in the vertical position with an open or a closed but light transmissive upper end, which acts as a receiver for solar or ambient light. A circumferential band at the top of the kiosk acts a shading member to place regions immediately beneath such band into shade either totally or in part (umbra and penumbra). Translucent display materials are mounted in the walls of the cylinder in the zones of umbra or penumbra. To the viewer they appear to be highly illuminated, the illumination coming from the solar light entering into the center of the cylinder.

Abstract: An anechoic chamber having a rotatable corner in the nature of a rotating door which permits the selection of a desired one of four right angle corners to be introduced into operative engagement with the room. In the use of the anechoic chamber, with a selected corner in position facing into the chamber, a sound seal is provided about the periphery of the frame of the rotating door. The walls of the anechoic chamber are covered by sound absorbent material, and one of the four corners which may be positioned in the chamber through rotation of the rotating door contains surfaces similarly covered by sound absorbent material. Another of the four corners is a trihedral corner including a base, or floor, for supporting a corner speaker.

Abstract: A system of individual and easily deconnectable collectors for the passage of fluids and electric cables in a dwelling comprising an inhabitable assembly which can rotate or revolve. Each circuit (fluid conduit or cable duct) is associated with a separate collector, of general annular shape, comprising two rings adapted and connected to each other so as to define at least one annular chamber therebetween, the first ring being fixed and integrally mounted on the fixed central spindle of the dwelling and the second ring being integrally connected to the rotating or revolving inhabitable assembly and said second ring being mounted so as to be capable of moving relative to the first ring. Said first ring is provided with at least one transverse passage by which each annular chamber communicate with a respective fixed conduit or duct.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure includes a central hub having a revolving floor therein and a plurality of arms radiating outwardly from that hub. The arms are growth chambers, and movable trays located within those growth chambers move plants from the arms onto and from a workbench in the hub.

Abstract: Credit card operated, automated teller machines are located in the vestibule of a bank where they may be accessed during normal banking hours. During off hours, a partition system segregates the vestibule from the remainder of the bank. Off-hour access to the vestibule is advantageously controlled by a customer activated door lock operated by the credit card and reader located at the bank door. Thus, access to the vestibule and the automated teller machines are controlled by the customer own credit card.

Abstract: A simple molded plastic sales kiosk design is described having a unique closure means. The kiosk has a fixed substantially spherical shell member mounted on a cylindrical base. This fixed shell member is truncated by a vertical chordal plane in the region of the central axis, extending between the top of the shell and a horizontal serving counter mounted in an intermediate region of the shell. This serving counter is annular and extends between the vertical truncated edges of the shell. For entry into the kiosk, a gap is provided in the serving counter adjacent one of the vertical truncated edges. An outer shell including a spherical segment portion merging into a chordal skirt portion is mounted for rotation on and surrounding the fixed shell.

Abstract: A room divider including a plurality of partition panels hingedly interconnected with one end of the panel assembly being pivotally connected to a permanent wall or other vertical support. Each of the panels forming the room divider is provided with caster support means for engaging a floor surface and the end of the panel remote from connection with the permanent wall or support is provided with an access door pivotally connected to the panel.

Abstract: A garage assembly for two-wheeled vehicles, the assembly comprising a rotatable circular frame, a plurality of housings connected to the frame, each housing including a floor portion having a back edge and a front edge, the length of the back edge being less than the length of the front edge, a back wall upstanding from the back edge, side walls upstanding from side edges of the floor portion, a front wall hingedly connected to the front edge, and a top portion shaped complementarily to the floor portion and hingedly connected to an upper edge of one of the side walls, the front wall and the top portion being movable between positions in which the housing is open and positions in which the housing is closed.

Abstract: A body portion of a standard type vehicle, such as the rear body panel of an automobile or a side body panel of a van, is pivotally connected to the balance of the vehicle by an accordion folding hood to define an original enclosed usable volume in the collapsed position of the hood, which volume is bisected by a diagonal extending through the pivot axis for the movable body portion. The diagonal defines the confronting edges of the movable body portion with the balance of the vehicle in the collapsed position of the hood. The body portion in the collapsed position of the hood defines a half volume for the enclosed usable volume which when pivotally rotated about the pivot axis through an angle of 90 degrees describes an arch for the diagonal which defines a path of travel for the accordion hood to create a new expanded enclosed usable volume having an increased headroom and a total enclosed volume greater than twice that of the original enclosed volume.

Abstract: An adjustable transom assembly is adaptable for a variety of differenty angled mullions each having two portions inclined at an angle with respect to each other and joined together by the assembly. The assembly has a first hollow member mounted on one of the portions of the mullion and having an arcuate wall, and a projection with a semi-cylindrical end portion located at the center of curvature of the arcuate wall. A second member has an elongated arcuate recess receiving the semi-cylindrical end portion and is tiltable about the end portion, the second member including an arm movable over the arcuate wall and connected to one of a plurality of selectable positions on the arcuate wall. The selected position causes the second member to be inclined at the afore-mentioned angle with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A rotary floor comprising a base having an upwardly facing surface and defining a vertically extending center axis, a platform disposed above and in vertical registry with the base, the platform having a bottom side, circular outer and inner lower tracks concentrically mounted on the base, circular outer and inner upper tracks concentrically mounted on the bottom side of the platform to be in vertical registry, respectively, with the lower tracks, and a plurality of wheels disposed between the tracks rotatably to support the platform. The plurality of wheels comprise first wheels running on the outer lower track and under and supporting the outer upper track, and a plurality of second wheels running on the inner lower track and under and supporting the inner upper track. A driver is provided for the platform to rotate it about the axis.

Abstract: A portable stage has supporting structure extending lengthwise of a trailer dimensioned for highway travel and provided with a central turntable and tracks leading therefrom to both ends of the trailer. Each of a series of joists has a carriage and the turntable is dimensioned to enable all the carriage to be stored thereon side by side. In a first position of the turntable, the joists extend lengthwise of the trailer and in a second position, the joists extend transversely thereof and the carriage is thus positioned to travel along the tracks and be spaced therealong to enable floor members to be detachably attached thereto.

Abstract: Solar heating apparatus, including a reflector assembly made up of multiple adjustable cylindrical reflector bodies which direct the sun's rays toward a heat collector.

Abstract: An improved space dividing panel and a space dividing assembly incorporating such panels. The panel has means along its bottom edge for use in supporting the panel and separate means on at least one end edge at the top and bottom for use in connecting the panel to another panel. Panels are connected together, at any angle, by simple post units to form space dividing assemblies. The post units comprise a simple tubular member having an adjustable top cap. The connecting means comprise brackets at the top and bottom edges which extend past the end of the panel and are insertable into the interior of the tubular posts. The top of each tubular post is adapted to receive a threaded cap member.

Abstract: A rotary structure for supporting loads to be rotated, having a fixed body with a peripheral portion, a hollow chamber and a liquid partially filling the chamber so that the movable body floats in the liquid in the chamber. The support structure includes rollers supported on the peripheral portion of the fixed body for circular movement thereover about a central vertical axis.

Abstract: Storage apparatus for small vehicles and the like such as bicycles and motorcycles and the like including at least one storage unit having a roof, end members and rigid channel means for joining and supporting said roof and end members over a supporting surface, and for joining one of the units to another storage unit, side closure, wall, or the like. The rigid channel includes a recessed portion to drain rain water from the unit or units and secures interior divider panels which separate the interior of one unit from the interior of another and also segregate the interior of each unit into discrete storage areas.

Abstract: A building is constructed so that its appearance both exteriorly and interiorly may be altered from one shape to another at the desire of the owner utilizing essentially the same materials. In an exemplary embodiment, panels forming sections of the building walls may be shifted from an original position to a second position at which not only the appearance of the building changes but the function of the enclosed space and floor area may be different.

Abstract: A sunroof for vehicles which has a panel rotatable about a vertical axis and capable of selectively obstructing and uncovering an opening in the roof of the vehicle, admitting or restricting the passage of light and air from the outside to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: At least two sections are arranged one behind another on a common integral substructure which is mounted on wheels, said sections being generally rectangular in plan and having vertical sides. Each of said sections is mounted on a pivot located in the central longitudinal plane of said common integral substructure, at least one of said pivots being longitudinally slidable in said substructure. Two sections are hinged together at one corner of each section, and are movable on their pivots, from a transport position in which they are longitudinally aligned with one another and with said substructure, to a transverse position of use in which a side of one section and a side of the other section, formerly in alignment, are folded together on said hinge.