Abstract: A ceiling runner is disclosed for use in a ceiling grid system of a suspended ceiling. Each of the main and lateral runners of this ceiling grid system has a similar shape in the flange at the lower end of a generally T-shaped structure. Such flange has first and second flange portions on each side of the web portion, and these flange portions are joined to the web portion by first and second connector portions which are recessed toward the web portion. This establishes a longitudinal recess in the exposed surface of the flange so that a distinctive appearance of the ceiling runner is provided which has definite longitudinal delineation between the ceiling panels. Preferably, the connector portions are shaped to maintain a panel in its proper centered position or to cam such panel to such centered position.

Abstract: An improved bracing system for a building system having a primary structure on which are supported secondary structural systems such as purlins, a tertiary structural system supported by the secondary structural system, and a first bracing system which interconnects a selected portion of the tertiary structural system to the primary structural system so that the tertiary structural system is restricted from translational and rotational movement as the tertiary structural system is subject to load and other of the tertiary support systems are allowed to flex with their elastic limits as the roof expands and contracts. A second bracing system interconnects to and extends between a portion of the secondary structural system and the primary structure so that the secondary structural system is restricted from translational movement and from rotational movement as the secondary structural system is subjected to load.

Abstract: A reinforcing strip for a concrete coating for oil or gas pipes consists of wires (1) welded together to form four-sided meshes (2) inclined to the length of the strip, and a straight selvedge wire (4) welded thereto to form along only one edge of the strip triangular meshes (6) incapable of being elongated by tension applied in a pipe coating and winding machine. The four-sided meshes (3) may be diamond-shaped with longer diagonals (7) longitudinal or transverse, or they may be squares. Welded mesh may be used or zig-zag wires welded to each other at adjacent peaks (9) and troughs (10) which may be interengaged or merely overlapped, and the zig-zags may extend longitudinally or transversely.

Abstract: A support grid (10) for roof insulation in a metal building having a roof (12) with a plurality of substantially identical, spaced purlins (16). The support grid includes at least one cross member (26) adapted to extend between adjacent purlins (16). The cross member (26) rests on and is supported by a flange (22, 24) of a first purlin (16) and the upper flange (22) of the adjacent purlin (16). At least one support member (46) may extend longitudinally at angles to the cross members (26) and be engaged therewith. Preferably a first end (30) of the cross member (26) is adapted to rest on the lower flange (24) of a first purlin (16), and a second end (32) is adapted to be hooked, prior to the application of rigid roofing material (18) to the purlins, over the upper flange (22) of the adjacent purlin (16) toward which the lower flange (24) of the first purlin (16 ) extends.

Abstract: A wooden beam suspended ceiling assembly having a support structure including a wall hanger attachable around the perimeter of the area to receive the ceiling, at least one main beam which extends transversely across the area, and a plurality of cross beams extending between the main beam and wall hanger. The main beam and cross beams provide pockets to receive conventional ceiling panels. The wooden beams in the finished ceiling form an aesthetically attractive ceiling structure especially desirable in residential construction.

Abstract: A bar-positioning member comprising a long metal wire or wire rod with at least one indentation to receive a metal bar intersectingly disposed relative to the wire. The indentation is formed by bending part of the wire and it has only one opening which opens along the longitudinal direction of the wire. The indentation has a bottom shaped approximately in conformity with the circumference of the bar.An apparatus for making a bar positioning member, as above described, comprising a pendulumlike mold member swingable about the base end thereof. The mold member has a grip to hold an intermediate portion of the wire, and the contour of the base end is shaped in conformity with the shape of the indentation.

Abstract: A grille comprised of a plurality of the thin strips and bars made of the steel or plastics is disclosed, which grille is assembled without using any welding or bonding. The thin strips have a series of equally spaced notches cut out along the edge of said strips, which notches are of a rectangular shape of width slightly greater than the thickness of said strip and of depth approximately equal to the one half of the width of said strip. Said strips further include a series of holes disposed intermediate each pair of adjacent notches. First half of the grille assembly is formed by the plurality of said strips forming a network wherein the notches on the strips crossing each other engage one another at each crossing point. The last half of the grille assembly is composed of bars threaded through said holes on the strips which bars forms another network wherein bars crossing each other are interlaced to one another.

Abstract: A floor support for supporting a perforated floor in a grain drying and storage bin of the type having a plenum chamber and a grain drying and storage chamber. The floor support includes a plurality of floor support members each comprising at least three vertically disposed tubular members joined together near their tops and bottoms by a pair of horizontally disposed brace members.

Abstract: A resilient three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of interlocked strips each having co-engaging projections and apertures. The projections of one strip engaging apertures of another strip to retain against relative movement perpendicular to the length of said one strip and the apertures of said one strip being engaged by projections in said other strip to retain the two strips against relative movement in a second direction perpendicular to the length of said one strip.

Abstract: Welded grid structure for securing underground cavities such as mine roads, consisting of two sets or grid systems of parallel straight bars disposed in parallel planes and connected by welding to a third set of bars that extend perpendicular to the first two sets of bars. The bars of the third set are bent to enable them to intersect the planes of the first and second sets but not all intersection points are welded. The non-welded points are in accordance with a predetermined scheme as a result of which the grid system is rigid in the principal direction along the straight bars of the first two sets but is flexible along a direction perpendicular thereto. A process for making the grid structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building element for the construction of self-supporting interlocking grids which may be used, for example, as floors or roofs, comprises a beam having a longitudinally protruding projection at each end, and having at least one recess of sufficient size to receive the longitudinally protruding projection from a second identical beam. The projection from a third such beam rests on the recess of the second, the projection of a fourth such beam rests in the recess of the third, and the projection of the first beam rests in the recess of the fourth. Thus, the four beams are rigidly connected in a statically determinate self-supporting manner. An entire grid of such joints may be made as well as light arched and domed roof structures.

Abstract: A method for forming a frame from an elongate strip of formable material and products formed thereby are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of notching the side edges of an elongate strip and providing slots in one edge; thereafter deforming the strip along four parallel lines which become the interior corners of frame members having a substantially rectangular cross section. A pair of complementary corner notches, each formed of a particular shape, allow the strip to be folded or deformed transversely of its length dimension, thereby forming a pair of intersecting frame members each having a substantially rectangular cross section defined by a front wall, parallel inside and outside side walls and a pair of flanges. The inside flange and side wall of each frame member provide a plurality of slotted openings spaced equal distances apart to receive the ends of steel rods which are interlaced and form a wire meshed screen.

Abstract: A working table or desk having a grating for vertical storage of material in elongated form, such as rolled blueprints. The table has a vertically directed opening with grating forming rods extending thereacross to form spaces for inserting rolled documents for storage. A container is positioned below the opening on the floor to receive the lower ends of the material. The opening has vertical surfaces having spaced horizontally directed holes therein. Each hole on each surface is in alignment with an opposite hole in an opposite surface to receive the rods forming the grating. One of each pair of oppositely aligned holes is deeper than the other to receive a coil spring. Each rod is inserted into a deeper hole to be in abutment with the spring, the spring being compressed to permit the entry of the rod across the opening and when so compressed the other end of the rod is within the opening and in position to be forced into the opposite hole by the bias of the spring. The spring thus holds each rod in place.

Abstract: A light reflecting and shielding module for a suspended ceiling or the like is disclosed. The module is enabled to be shipped or stored in flattened condition and is comprised of a pair of planar rail members with at least one baffle member hingedly connected thereto and extending transversely thereof. Upon erection of the rail members to parallel spaced relationship, the centroid of the mass of the baffle is spaced from the axis of hinge means connecting same to the rail members, so that upon erection of the rail members the mass centroid of the baffle causes same to hang pendently from the spaced and parallel rail members.

Abstract: A grating to cover a drain for a paved surface such as a road comprises a set of parallel bars interconnected by spacers. In the central part of the grating, adjacent pairs of bars each have only one spacer therebetween, the spacers being positioned alternately at opposite ends of the bars. This allows the grating to be compressed during insertion into a support frame so that, when the force causing such a compression is removed after insertion, lugs on the grating move into locking engagement with the frame.

Abstract: A light fixture support is provided comprising a support bar having slots at the extremities which cooperate with inverted "T" members forming the framework for a conventional suspended ceiling to adjustably locate and secure a light fixture within the framework. The slot configuration defined by the light fixture support permits the enlarged extremity of the upstanding portion of the "T" member to be rotated for insertion within the slot, returned to a vertical position, and retained within the slot. If desired, an adjustable support may be provided for accommodating a variety of "T" member spacings or for compact packaging with a light fixture.

Abstract: A grid for a fire-rated suspended ceiling includes a plurality of identical parallel spaced main beams and a plurality of identical parallel spaced cross tees supported by the main beams, the main beams and cross tees each having a substantially inverted T cross section and each including coupling means integral with the ends thereof, the coupling means for each main beam featuring a laterally offset tongue and an integral offset bulb end portion that is crushed to reduce its lateral dimension and to form a stiffening rib, whereby relative is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ceiling runner which has a generally U-shaped configuration. The runner has flanges to support ceiling boards. The side walls of the runner are formed with grooves which may be used to support the runner in position or define an isolated chamber within the body of the runner. The side walls of the runner have a second groove which is used for positioning ceiling boards on the flanges. Locking means are provided on the end and side of two adjacent ceiling runners to lock the ceiling runners together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ceiling runner which has a generally U-shaped configuration and a means for attaching a cross tee thereto. The runner has flanges to support ceiling boards. The side walls of the runner are formed with grooves which may be used to support the runner in position or define an isolated chamber within the body of the runner. The side walls of the runner have a second groove which is used for positioning ceiling boards on the flanges. A fastening means is provided to connect the end of a cross tee runner to the side of the U-shaped runner.

Abstract: A roofing system is provided for large-area wide-span building structures such as natatoria, comprising an interlocking gridwork of purlins supported on beams. A portion of the structure can be provided with a track, and another portion of the structure mounted on wheels movable along the track, so that one portion of the roof may be slid open or closed by movement along the track, so as to open the interior of the building structure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ceiling runner which has a generally U-shaped configuration. The runner has flanges to support ceiling boards. The side walls of the runner are formed with grooves which may be used to support the runner in position or define an isolated chamber within the body of the runner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ceiling runner which has a generally U-shaped configuration. The runner has flanges to support ceiling boards. The side walls of the runner are formed with grooves which may be used to support the runner in position or define an isolated chamber within the body of the runner. The side walls of the runner have a second groove which is used for positioning ceiling boards on the flanges.

Abstract: Support grating for electrical equipment boxes having a format which is a multiple of basic elementary dimensions, constituted by a grid formed by cooperating frame members connected together two by two by distance pieces, wherein the frame members comprise periodic transversal cut-away parts constituted by slots or notches, an intermediate cut-away part and a lower port, the sides of the distance pieces comprise protuberances and bosses, for cooperation with the cut-away parts in a rigid assembly which is locked by the bosses in the cut-away parts.

Abstract: A modular ceiling system utilizing a plurality of stringers interlocked with one another to provide a high strength, non-warping suspended ceiling grid assembly. The T-shaped stringer employed in the grid assembly has a channel-shaped T-head designed to support acoustical ceiling tiles flush with the lower edge of the stringers. The main stringers are arranged parallel to one another and interlocked to secondary stringers to provide a grid of four sided cells. Part of the secondary stringers have the same length as one side of a single cell and others are of double that length. The double length secondary stringers are constructed to have a snug snap-lock joint with the main stringers whereas the single length secondary stringers have a snug, non-locking fit between the mid-portions of the double length stringers.

Abstract: A framing system for a building, house, storage cabinet, or the like employing a plurality of novel structural members or clip-in-joists and a plurality of other structural members, such as channels, I-beams, or the like. The clip-in-joists are special channel members or extrusion joists which have a slot or cut in each leg thereof opposite each other and near the end of the joist. The slotted end section of the joist is adapted to be inserted or snapped-in a second structural member, such as an I-beam or channel member or other structural member having a similar receiving configuration. The member is preferably made of structural aluminum, but can also be made from metals such as iron, steel and the like or plastics such as PVC, ABS, styrene and the like. A wide variety of structural materials may be used, depending upon the particular requirements of the end or resulting construction.

Abstract: An improved metal grating employs a series of parallel bearing bars and cross bars passing laterally through longitudinally spaced holes in the bearing bars. Separate spacer members are provided for maintaining spacing between adjacent pairs of bearing bars. The spacers conform to the shape of and may positively engage a cross bar. The cross bars are fabricated having a length shorter than the total of the width of all the bearing bars and spacer members comprising the grating so that when securing means are tightened to locate the cross bars within the grating, the sides of the bearing bars are brought into compressive contact with the edges of the spacer members.

Abstract: The invention refers to a supporting grid for pipes particularly in steam generators, heat exchanger and other thermic apparatus.This supporting grid is formed of a plurality of intersecting strips forming a reticular structure joined to a peripheral frame, characterized by the fact that the connection between the strips and the peripheral frame is made by means of precision mechanical fixing joints, which prevents reciprocation of the parts but permits free thermic expansion of the same.

Abstract: A grating having a plurality of grating strips in rigid spaced relationship. The upper and lower edges of each strip are relieved to define spaced recesses. Recesses in the lower edges are deeper than those in the upper edges and adjacent strips are longitudinally staggered to cause misalignment of the lower recesses.

Abstract: An end detail is provided for a cross tee to provide positive engagement of the cross tee with the main runner of a suspended ceiling system. The end detail of the cross tee may be provided with means which will positively lock the tee in place to bracket-like structures on the main runner. The positive locking, yet removable, fastening means is provided to fasten the cross tee to the main runner of a suspended ceiling system.

Abstract: A length or panel of welded wire rod mesh with at least one rigid metal strengthening member said length or panel having corrugations or deformed regions at speed intervals to off-set rods extending in the same direction in said corrugated or deformed regions from parallel rods between said corrugated or deformed regions, the said rigid metal strengthening member being passed through at least two corrugated or deformed regions so that said off-set rods lie on one side of the member and the parallel rods between the corrugated or deformed regions lie on the side of said member.

Abstract: A structural building module having longitudinal edge beams of angular S and reverse S cross-section joined together by cross-members of V cross-section and preferably including additional longitudinal reinforcing beams of Z cross-section, which modules when joined together as components of floor, wall, ceiling and roof structures define a series of interconnected roomy closed channels adapted to receive electric wiring and the like.

Abstract: A novel structural panel comprising a frame and two sets of overlapping or intersecting arch members within the interior of the frame is disclosed. The middle portions of the first set of arch members are securely fastened to the middle portion of a first base member of the rectangular frame, while the middle portions of the second set of arch members are securely fastened to the middle portion of the opposing base side of the frame. The ends of the arch members are securely fastened to the interior surface of the frame. Alternatively, a plurality of separate side-by-side single-set panels may be utilized, one having only arch members opening downwardly and the next having arch members only opening upwardly.

Abstract: Improved welded wire fabric lath including a double strand of wire located at predetermined spaced intervals. The wires of the double strand are spaced slightly apart to provide a slot for receiving fasteners used to hold the lath in place on wood and metal framing. In a self furring embodiment of the lathing according to the present invention, the double strand is located along the interval corresponding to the crimping or ribs provided to space or fur the lathing from the framing. Self threading fasteners of a modified design for use with the lathing also comprise a part of the present invention.

Abstract: A dust control mat having a pile fabric upper surface and a bottom calendered rubber stock sheet which employs an anti-tear strip located perpendicular to the grain or calendered direction of the rubber stock sheet between the rubber sheet and a latex backing on the pile fabric. A novel method is employed to produce the mat in which the reinforcing tear strip is located in position prior to vulcanizing the rubber stock sheet in an autoclave.

Abstract: A load bearing two-way pallet fabricated as a permanent piece of hardware from tubular members integrally joined with transverse load bars embraced and enclosed by support rails. A common tube cross section is employed throughout with intermediate notching that reinforces complimentary engagement of one notched member with the other, and with end notching that reinforces the terminal ends of the tube members that are engaged with an embracing tube member. A feature is the method of manufacture wherein a rectangular and planar ladder-form is initially fabricated and the members thereof interjoined, followed by bending reformation of the rail members thereof so as to establish upwardly open transversely disposed channels for the reception of lifting forks, and openings beneath raised load bearing bars so as to receive the longitudinal insertion of lifting forks.

Abstract: A modular floor structure of modular components for use in a building, such as a grain storage bin or the like, in which a plurality of floor sections are formed of planar material with there being a number of different perimetric contours for various ones of said floor sections including a basic section providing, by interconnection therebetween, a major part of the floor area. The floor sections are supported above the ground or other surface by support members positionable beneath overlapped parts of adjacent floor sections and the support members as well as floor sections have structure permitting insertion of fastening devices to lock said floor sections to each other and to the subjacent support member.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system employing a plurality of main and cross runners for supporting a plurality of ceiling panels, with both the main and cross runners being provided with means for supporting the ceiling panels. Also disclosed are interlocking joint means formed on each end of a respective main runner for interconnection with a like main runner, and interlocking joint means formed on each end of a respective cross runner for interconnection with a like cross runner and the medial portion of a respective main runner disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A ceiling structure, particularly for "dry-wall" type panels, employing a suspended ceiling grid structure having a plurality of parallel main runners and a plurality of parallel cross runners extending transversely to, and having their ends engaged with the main runners to form a rectangular grid structure, with each of the runners having flange means adapted to support a ceiling panel around the periphery thereof, the ceiling panel being reinforced by at least one cross member extending along the upper face of such ceiling panel and is secured thereto.In a preferred form of the invention, the ceiling panels are adapted to be successively installed in the grid structure with the associated reinforcing members being installed in operative position and secured to the associated panel following installation of the latter by means of screws or a suitable adhesive.

Abstract: A baffle assembly comprises a series of cross baffles which are pivotally connected, in depending relation, to a pair of longitudinal baffles, so that the longitudinal baffles and cross baffles may be folded together and thereby reduce considerably the shipping and storage space. Between spaced pairs of such baffle assemblies, a series of transverse baffles may be pivotally connected to angles which rest on outwardly extending ledges of the adjacent baffle assemblies. The space between adjacent baffle assemblies may be covered by lateral extensions of the cross baffles pivoted to the longitudinal baffles.

Abstract: This invention is for a light-weight bridge floor and the like in which spaced parallel structural sections with top flanges and vertical webs are connected by cross braces threaded through openings punched through the webs of the structural sections at intervals along their lengths and at a level spaced below the top flanges of said sections and thereafter deformed in such manner that the cross braces cannot move relatively to the webs through which they pass and integrate the structure whereby loads are distributed from one structural section to the others and welding is unnecessary. Subsequently deck strips with skid-resistant surfaces are applied lengthwise over the flanges of the structural sections which are wider than the tops of the sections to such strips being wide enough to cover a single section, or of a width to cover a plurality of sections. The assembly may be made in situ on the bridge structure or preferably prefabricated in transportable panel sections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reinforcing concrete, and like materials, wherein modular units or sections of reinforcing mesh are provided which are connectable to provide a larger reinforcing mesh. A variety of forms of connections between adjacent mesh sections may be used. The individual mesh sections and the interconnected mesh sections are self supporting, so that no support elements for the mesh are necessary. The mesh sections are preferably made small and light enough to be carried and assembled by a single person. The mesh sections are preferably of forms capable of being stacked or baled compactly, for ease of transportation and storage.

Abstract: A unique clip which can be formed by the extrusion of plastic material and cut in strips can be used in a wide variety of positions to support suspension members for ceiling panels.