Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations for supporting a movable or retractable roof assembly. The roof assembly includes a first major truss that spans a distance between a first and a second of the roof support locations and a second major truss that spans a distance between a third and a fourth of the roof support locations. Both of the first and second major trusses are preferably structurally configured as a tied arch, each of which has a generally convex upper portion and a lower portion that is adapted to assume gravity induced stresses within the trusses as tension. In order to keep the center of mass of the major trusses generally positioned within a plane including the roof support locations, which optimizes lateral stability of the major trusses, the major trusses are most preferably given a lenticular shape, meaning that the lower portion of the trusses is convex and in fact preferably generally symmetrical to the upper portion.

Abstract: A cableless extendable and retractable support system for raising and lower a structure that includes a base, a structure to be raised and lowered relative to the base, a plurality of telescopic assemblies coupled between the base and structure to be raised and lowered, a plurality of spring elements having ends that are coupled between the plurality of telescopic assemblies and a lift tube assembly, the lift tube assembly including a mechanism which, when activated, selectively extends or retracts each of the plurality of spring elements therefrom and a housing which encloses the entire mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements. According to one embodiment, the mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements includes a drive screw and a driven screw and a pair of opposed push blocks which are mounded on the drive and driven screws, the first ends of each of the plurality of spring elements being coupled to the pair of push blocks.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A skylight solar reflective system for increasing the input of solar radiation into a skylight during low sun angles typically occurring within early morning and later afternoon and for decreasing the input of solar radiation during high sun angles typically during the middle of the day. The skylight solar reflective system includes a main bracket attachable to a frame of a skylight, a pair of end brackets attachable to an opposing side of the frame, a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to the main bracket with the distal portions of the arms slidably received by the pair of end brackets, a first reflector attached to the first arm, a second reflector attached to the second arm, and a cross brace attached between the first reflector and the second reflector. In an alternative embodiment a third reflector may be utilized that extends between the distal portions of the first reflector and the second reflector.

Abstract: A folded building, after having been trailered on its own wheel assemblies to a site, is unfolded at the site by first reorienting 90° the wheel assemblies attached to each of a pair of side walls and removing an attached trailer hitch. The side walls are drawn apart from one another while having supported by the rolling wheel assemblies. As the side walls are drawn apart, pivotally attached front and rear bifold walls unfold. Each of a pair of foldable roofs attached to a respective one of the side walls is unfolded from a location adjacent the interior of the respective side wall. Roof end caps are attached to the top edges of each of the front and rear walls. After raising the wheel assemblies the building is lowered onto the site. To remove the building from the site, the building is folded by reversing the unfolding steps and the trailer hitch is attached. The building may then be trailered to another site.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover is provided for a swimming pool which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor and can be then raised to a position above the pool and adjacent the ceiling. The cover is suspended from the ceiling by various wire ropes and associated winches.

Abstract: An edifice such as a sports stadium is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather by having at least one movable roof member. Each movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, orientation structure is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement.

Abstract: A method for erecting a modular building on the ground of a building site with the use of a lifting device having a support pedestal and having a mechanism therein for causing relative movement relative to the support pedestal comprising the steps of providing a floor supported by the ground and having an outer perimeter. A plurality of wall components are provided. The lower extremities of the wall components are hingedly secured to the perimeter of the floor. The lower extremities of the roof components are hingedly secured to the upper extremities of the wall components. The wall components and the roof components are positioned so that they lie in planes parallel to the floor. The support pedestal is vertically positioned on the floor. Pulling cables are secured to the upper extremities of the roof components and extend to the upper extremity of the support pedestal.

Abstract: A vertically moveable swimming pool floor apparatus includes a rigid planar platform configured to fit the planform area of a swimming pool, and a plurality of hydraulically powered hoists coupled to the platform to raise and lower the platform. The hoists are controlled by a control system operated by the user. The hoists controllably actuate the platform into and out of a swimming pool cavity, such that effective depth of the swimming pool is variable in a continuous range. The platform is equipped with depth indicators to allow users to observe the effective depth of the pool.

Abstract: A portable stage having at least a transport configuration and a deployed configuration is disclosed. The portable stage includes a chassis having wheels rotatably attached thereto and a main floor panel attached to the chassis. First and second deployable floor panels are pivotally attached to the main floor panel, and a deployable canopy is attached to the chassis. The deployable canopy is stored between the first and second floor panels when the portable stage is in its transport configuration. When the stage is deployed, the main floor panel, first floor panel and second floor panel form a main stage, and the canopy is large enough to cover the main stage.

Abstract: A fire-retardant roof construction in a building wherein a fire-resistant wall separates a first room from a second room and supports purlins which carry a roof cladding fire-retardant roof construction. A first set of parallel purlins extends over the first room, each having one end pivotally mounted over a horizontal axis parallel to the wall adjacent the top of the wall. A set of upright cleats of sheet metal are secured to the top of the wall, each providing the pivotal mounting for a respective purlin. A second set of parallel purlins extends over the second room, and is mounted on cleats in the manner of the first set. The pivotal mountings are so located that each purlin, if deprived of support elsewhere, can collapse to hang down from its pivot without structural damage to the wall or the respective cleat.

Abstract: A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member.

Abstract: An enclosure for sheltering a small aircraft, provides an arcuate roof frame supported by a base frame. The roof frame has a fixed roof portion engaging a movable roof portion and a crank system for adjusting the position of the movable roof. Wing cushions contact the wings of the small aircraft as it is backed into the enclosure and assure that the craft is properly placed. The fixed and movable roof portions are mutually engaged by a rolling clamping system enabled for directing arcuate motion of the movable roof portion relative to the fixed roof portion. A spring-biased awning is engaged with the movable roof portion and extends forwardly. A fabric cover is mounted between the fixed and movable roofs so as to deploy the fabric cover when the movable roof portion is extended.

Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure that generally comprises a symmetrical pair of base members and a pliable protective cover supported by a plurality of internal frame members pivotally connected on the axis of the hinge points for the base members. By manually rotating the first frame member about its axis, the protective cover and additional frame members unfurl over the base members and surround a vehicle or object in a shell-shaped enclosure. To store or transport the enclosure, the protective cover and frame members collapse in an accordion-like fashion and sandwich between the folded base members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable mobile accommodation structure comprising a central structure provided with floor (3), roof (2), and end walls (1) and two longitudinal side walls (7), at least one of which is movable outwards together with outwardly pivotal floor and roof sections (4 and 9, resp.). The roof and floor sections comprise a rigid panel, and are pivoted to the side wall (7) and the floor and roof edges of the central structure such that in a non-expanded state the roof panel (9) and the side wall (7) are permitted to hang down double-folded outside the folded up floor panel (4). The invention is characterized in that an actuating means (14, 14′) is arranged to act between the central structure and the roof panel (9) for swinging the roof panel up and down supported by a draw rope (15) is acting between the upper part of the central structure and the outermost part of the floor panel (4).

Abstract: In a roof construction (10) with several erected support arches carrying a tentered roof skin (15), both ends of which support arches are held with a fixed distance to one another in the carrying state, each support arch (11)is constituted by several sections (12; 12a, 12b) each connected to one another via joints (13), where a lock is assigned to each joint (13), which limits the unfolding of neighboring sections (12a, 12b) to about their straightened position. In the carrying state of the support arch (11) all its joints (13) are bridged underneath by tensioned pulling connections (16), which engage on both sides of the bridged joint (13) on a section (12a, 12b). Furthermore, in the region of each joint (13)a spacer (19)is provided acting between the support arch (11) and the corresponding pulling connection (16), which spacer (19) directs the pulling connection inwards past the connecting line defined by the two points (18a, 18b) of engagement.

Abstract: A portable garage apparatus for providing shelter to a vehicle for people who don't have a garage. The portable garage apparatus includes a portable building structure having a floor, a top wall, side walls, an opening in a back end thereof, and an opening in a front end thereof; and also includes a plurality of doors securely attached to the building structure; and further includes a door opening and closing assembly; and also includes an alarm-sounding assembly for unauthorized entry into said portable building structure.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover (10) is provided for a swimming pool (5) which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor (2) and can be then raised to a position above the pool (5) and adjacent the ceiling (4). The cover (10) is suspended from the ceiling (4) by various wire ropes and associated winches.

Abstract: A mobile aircraft hangar designed to provide a temporary enclosed working environment for workers performing aircraft maintenance, evaluation and support. The hangar includes a mobile housing assembly designed to enclose a section of the wing or fuselage of an aircraft. The housing assembly is assembled over a chassis with four wheels and steering mechanism that enables the housing assembly to be easily driven around an aircraft. The housing assembly includes one end wall and two vertical side walls, forming a three-sided enclosing structure. Formed on the housing assembly opposite the end wall is a main opening through which a section of the fuselage or wing may extend. The housing assembly also includes moveable floor panels that can be arranged in different configurations for working on different sections of the aircraft. Optional lift actuators are provided which enable the housing assembly to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: Roofing brackets include a first leg that can be attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and can be attached to horizontal members of the roof structure and/or to a support surface. One or both of the first and second legs includes a plurality of preformed patterned holes having sizes that can receive fasteners. A roofing structure is fabricated using the roofing brackets.

Abstract: A portable arcade unit having a frame, a means for attaching a wheel means, a means for attaching a hitch means, and a detachable roof. The portable arcade unit may be disassembled for storage and transportation purposes and quickly rebuilt on-site to form an aesthetically pleasing building unit.

Abstract: A split-sphere observatory enclosure includes an antrum and a rotor including an oculus. The oculus is covered by an oculus window, which is rotatably mounted to the rotor. As an instrument housed by the enclosure moves to track an object or point across the sky, the oculus window is rotated to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: Mechanism for covering a greenhouse has rotating shaft upon which a flexible cover is wound. The shaft travels along an arch or bow truss with the cover being wound upon or released from the shaft to uncover or cover the greenhouse. Two rotating shafts are provided on opposite sides of the roof ridge and each are attached to two sets of cables. One set of cables serving to pull the covers and a second set serving to apply tension to the covers during the covering and uncovering process. A counter weight or spring anchored to the floor is used with the second set of cables to assure adequate tension is applied to the covers.

Abstract: An expendable and collapsible mobile structure includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports. The top and bottom portions of inner sides of the front and rear side walls, moreover, are provided with rails, and top and bottom portions of front and rear side edges of the longitudinal side wall are provided with respective guide members which are movably journalled on the rails. The roof of the central structure is movable in a vertical direction and is provided with guide members that are guided along vertical rails provided on an inside of the front and rear end walls of the central structure.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible mobile structure is provided that includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. Foldable floor sections are hinged to a bottom edge of the longitudinal side wall and a bottom edge of the central structure, and foldable roof sections are hinged to a top edge of the longitudinal side wall and a top edge of the central structure. The foldable floor sections and foldable roof sections are adapted to be unfolded as the longitudinal side wall is moved out from the central structure. And front and rear side walls are hinged to respective outermost side edges of the front and rear end walls of the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports.

Abstract: A retractable ceiling assembly for a poultry house, characterized by a ceiling which can be selectively raised from a flat to a pitched configuration in order to accommodate high-profile equipment or materials in the poultry house for cleaning, maintenance or storage purposes. In a preferred embodiment the retractable ceiling assembly is characterized by at least one ceiling unit including multiple rafter units which span the width of the poultry house in parallel, spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the rafter units includes a pair of cross members pivotally attached to each other at substantially the middle of the rafter unit. A flexible ceiling typically constructed of overlapping sheets of fabric material is mounted on the bottom surfaces of the rafter units. A typically manually-operated winch, mounted on the interior of the poultry house roof at substantially the center of the ceiling unit, is connected to each rafter unit at the pivoting midpoint thereof by means of cables.

Abstract: A lightweight, easy to assemble spa cover kit is disclosed herein. The cover kit includes a square or rectangular-shaped overhead cap pivotally attached at two corners along one end to two dual hinged support posts. The cap is made of lightweight, weather-proof material, such as molded fiberglass, and may include skylights to allow natural light through during use. The lower end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to the deck surface on which the spa sits. During use, the upper end of each dual hinged support post is pivotally attached to one comer of the cap. After the lower ends of the dual hinged support posts are attached to the deck and the upper ends of the support posts are attached to the corners of the cap, the dual hinged support posts are slowly lifted to a vertical position while the cap is slowly rotated so that it is aligned horizontally over the spa.

Abstract: A multifunctional building for providing accomodation to events, said building comprising a sports field (1) for an outdoor sport, whereby at least part of the sports field is provided in a container (4) which can be moved in vertical direction, in such a manner that in raised condition said container forms the roof of a space which can be utilized for indoor activities. The sports field may be a grass field which comprises sports facilities fixedly provided thereon. Stands (6) may be present outside the sports field, which stands can be moved to a position under the container when the container occupies a raised position. Roofed-in stands may furthermore be present, the roof of said stands abutting the container when said container occupies a raised position.

Abstract: A collapsible portable camper system for folding into a compact position during nonuse and for expanding into a spacious camper while positioned upon a pickup. The inventive device includes a first wall, a second wall attached to a floor, a pair of side walls, a first platform and a second platform pivotally attached to the side walls, a roof, a tarp attached to the roof, and an elevating structure that extends and retracts the roof. A plurality of support shafts are attached to the roof that are slidably attached to the first wall and the second wall, and that are mechanically coupled to the elevating structure. A plurality of rollers are preferably rotatably attached to the lower surface of the floor for allowing easy removal and insertion upon a conventional pickup. At least one netting is positioned within the tarp serving as a window for the invention. A crank handle is removably attachable to a crank sprocket that is positioned about a crank shaft that extends between the first wall and the second wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a goods storage area such as for use in transporting goods which are compressible and which can be loaded with the roof of the area, or possibly the floor, side or end walls of the same, in an extended position to define an area greater than the goods storage area. The compressible goods are loaded into the greater area defined and the roof, side wall or floor is returned to the closed position to compress the goods into the goods storage area. In order to allow sufficient strength for compression the invention provides for at least one intermediate support frame between the end walls and with means to cause the required movement between extended and closed positions to allow improved use of the storage area and strength of the goods storage area.

Abstract: A lift-assisted entrance to provide ground-level access to an external basement entryway to a building. The lift-assisted entrance has a pivotable roof vertical, rectangular side walls, and a front face with vertically oriented, outward opening double doors, all fabricated from lightweight visco-elastic material. The roof section opens upward and tilts away from the plane of the front face and is supported by two actuators. Doors located on the front face open outward to provide full access to the basement entryway. The roof is shaped to reflect the architectural features or the style of the building to which the lift-assisted entrance is attached and may be a gabled roof The side walls and front face may also include architectural features--such as windows--that emulate those features found on the building. The visco-elastic material can be molded with a relief pattern that emulates the appearance of house shingles or clapboard siding, or roof shingles.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle has a base at ground level and a rigid cover member having a downwardly facing mouth and movable between a lowered position and a raised position. A support is connected to and extend upwardly from the base and are arranged to support the cover member in its raised position. A resilient device is provided for urging the cover member to its raised position. In the lowered position, the mouth of the cover lies at ground level and defines with the base an enclosed storage area. In the raised position, both ends of the cover are raised above the base and access is permitted to the storage area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device that creates a semishaded surface whose level of exposure to sunlight can be determined and on which the sunlight can be distributed uniformly for a given period. It consists of a fixed framework (1) supporting a mobile reciprocating frame (2). A skylight (A) with slats is set into the mobile frame (2). The mobile frame (2) supports one of several frames (3) into which are set skylights (b) with slats. The adjustable deviation between the frames (2 and 3) determines the level of exposure to sunlight. This device is especially intended for persons who wish to be exposed to a reasonable level of sunlight. Its field of application is particularly, though not exclusively, in the tourism, leisure and accommodation industries.

Abstract: A retractable roof panel for selectively permitting light and air to enter through an opening in the roof. The retractable roof panel includes a pair of opposed side rails that are coupled to an upper surface of the roof structure and extend along the side edges adjacent the opening of the roof structure. A panel member has a pair of opposed panel sides, an upper end and a lower end and is slidably disposed between the side rails. The panel member is positionable between a closed position and an open position. The panel member substantially closes the opening of the roof structure when in the closed position. The opening of the roof structure is substantially open when the panel member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A movable device for alternatingly covering and uncovering a vehicle is shown and described. The device includes a protective cover, a structural member, a lift member, and an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid and controlling the fluid to raise and lower the cover. The protective cover is constructed to receive at least a portion of the vehicle, such as a boat or a car. The structural member has an elongated hollow extending at least partially from a first end to a bottom end and ending at a termination point. A first end of the lift member is coupled to the protective cover and a second end of the lift member is reciprocally engaged with the hollow. The lift member can move with the protective cover between a first position in which the protective cover receives at least a portion of the vehicle and a second position in which the protective cover is separated from the vehicle. The space between the second end of the lift member and the termination point of the hollow defines a chamber.

Abstract: A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member.

Abstract: An ice rink covering system utilizes a plurality of support mechanisms for sets of non-flexible insulated panels which are interconnected by a hinge mechanism between each pair of adjacent panels. The support mechanisms are connected to the panels by lifting units for selectively moving the panels in an accordion fashion for either edge to edge contact when the panels cover a rink or side to side contact when the panels are in their stored condition.

Abstract: A retractable weather shield for protecting an outdoor structure from the elements, the weather shield having a base panel; a mounting bracket for mounting the structure to a substrate; the base panel being slidably mounted to the mounting bracket; the mounting bracket having a storage space for storing the base panel in a substantially vertical stored position between the substrate and the structure; the mounting bracket having a guide channel for engaging a corresponding guide member on the base panel and guiding said base panel between the stored position and a substantially horizontal deployed position above the structure for protecting the structure from the elements when in the deployed position; and wherein the shield may further have a telescoping panel being slidably mounted and supported within the base panel, the telescoping panel being stored within the base panel when in a stored position and extending substantially outside the base panel when in a deployed position.

Abstract: A convertible roof (20) moves between extended and retracted positions for selectively covering an area, or exposing the area to ambient weather conditions. The roof (20) includes a first panel (26) having a plurality of inflatable tubes (28). One end of each tube connects to one side of the base of the roof and the other end connects to the other side of the roof's base. An air compressor (42) inflates the tubes sequentially via valves (40) and air duct anchor posts (30) or (112) for causing the first panel to move by inflation air pressure. The inflation air pressure causes the first panel to move from a position extending along one end of the base when the tubes are evacuated, to a second position above the base when the tubes inflate for covering the base. The roof will usually, but not necessarily, include a second panel (26) substantially identical to the first panel. The second panel connects to the end of the base of the roof opposite the end the first panel connects to.

Abstract: A weather hood is disclosed having a housing and a plurality of hood segments each formed from a pair of spaced apart pivot arms joined by a shell portion. The hood segments are pivotally mounted on the housing for rotation about an axis passing through the ends of the pivot arms. The hood segments pivot between a retracted position, wherein the hood segments are nested one within another within the housing, and an extended position, wherein the hood segments extend from the housing and are positioned adjacent to each other. Hooks extend from edges of the shell portions, each hook interengaging a hook on an adjacent hood segment or the housing to interlock the hood segments in the extended position and limit their rotation. A spring is connected between the housing to the lowermost hood segment to bias the hood segments into the retracted or extended position.

Abstract: A retractable covering for buildings (20) or spaces (22) comprising a plurality of flexible retractable panels (32) and attached retractable cables (36) stored at the perimeter of the space and capable of being deployed in a helical pattern converging near a predetermined point above the space.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.

Abstract: A modular, wooden, pool cover frame, designed to replace conventional floating supports with a frame that spans the area above the pool, providing rigid support that is not susceptible to the problems such as puncture, rupture, structural integrity failure or water sitting on the pool cover. An A-frame like wooden structure covers the entire pool area. The frame is modular in design and has a plurality of locking wheel assemblies on the bottom thereof making it easy to store and set up, even by a single person. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, a number of vertically aligned, equally spaced A-frame assemblies are placed spanning across the pool and are connected to one another by multiple support beams. Additional support arms are angled from the A-frame components to the ground in order to provide additional support. With the pool cover placed over the frame, a tent-like shape results that allows debris and water to run off the pool cover.

Abstract: Advanced vehicle-transportable field emergency medical systems comprising surgical suites deployable from core modules, each expanding to form an enclosed surgical or treatment room with perimeter tenting spaces, supplies and equipment. Two system versions are disclosed, each containing operating rooms, post operative beds, and a twenty plus bed triage capacity with unidirectional patient flow. The first surgical procedure can begin within one hour of delivery with a twenty patient cycle for twenty four hours. The surgical/treatment modules may also be deployed independently. Both system versions are transportable in a single C130 transport aircraft. Version AZ1 has smaller modules deployable by utility helicopter that include two operating suites, two post operative units, and also supply/communications and power units. Version AZ2 includes two modules each forming a combined surgical/post-operative unit, and also supply/communications and power units.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for sheltering and/or launching devices such as projectiles or a tracking device. The apparatus preferably includes a main body having a bottom, a plurality of walls connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom, and an inner chamber defined by the inner confines of the bottom and the plurality of walls. An inner chamber cover is connected to the main body for covering the inner chamber of the main body when in a closed position and for accessing the inner chamber when in an open position. A sheltered device mount preferably is positioned in the inner chamber and connected to the main body for mounting a device to be sheltered thereto.

Abstract: A convertible sports and exhibition facility includes stadium and arena configurations. Playing fields or surfaces are provided for both the stadium and arena configurations, with at least a portion of the stadium playing field being removable to provide a lower playing surface in the arena configuration. A seating system includes opposite pairs of end and side seating sections. The stadium configuration end seating sections become the arena configuration side seating sections and portions of the stadium side seating sections become the arena end seating sections when the facility is converted from a stadium configuration to an arena configuration. The facility includes a roof with an adjustable-height ceiling portion with a raised stadium position and a lowered arena position. The facility also includes circulation, structure and support systems.

Abstract: An expandable retract able portable structure is provided having a stationary portion and a movable portion. The movable portion pivotally encloses the stationary portion in the retracted configuration. A hydraulic, pneumatic or gear driven actuator carried by the floor of the stationary portion co-operates with a linkage mechanism to rotate the movable portion through approximately 90.degree. to the expanded position. The roof of the movable portion is hingedly connected to one wall. The unit expands or retracts in one single pivoting motion through approximately 90.degree..

Abstract: An inflatable roof (1), which can be unfolded and folded away by respectively inflating and deflating it, includes a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams A, B, C . . . arranged side by side, a mechanism (4) for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a mechanism for sliding the beams along at least one unfolding or folding-up track (2, 2a) formed by a rigid beam sealingly passing through the inflatable beams. The rigid beam is formed by a pipe (3) for conveying pressurized fluid for inflating or deflating the beams. The pipe communicates at least at one of its ends, with the pressurized-fluid supply mechanism (4), and with the interior of at least one inflatable beam via at least one orifice (5, 5a, 5b . . . ) formed in the wall of the pipe (3). The pipe is equipped with a device or devices for blocking off the at least one orifice.

Abstract: The stadium with retractable cover includes a peripheral wall defining an open top and a top peripheral edge. At least one floatation device is included which is adapted to rise in air. Next provided is at least one canopy mounted to the floatation device. At least one retraction assembly is adapted for selectively transferring the canopy between a closed orientation for closing the open top of the peripheral wall and an open orientation for exposing the open top of the peripheral wall.