Abstract: A skylight that may have a domed-type or flat-type glazing and which is adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like. The skylight includes a peripheral curb frame that may include a base frame and an operating leaf frame. A retainer is used for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. The curb frame is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material having high temperature resistant properties. A glazing cushioning member is disposed between the retainer and the curb frame for providing positioning and cushioning regarding the edge of the glazing. The glazing cushioning member also receives a securing bolt and is dimensioned to control the tightening of the retainer against the glazing. A sealing gasket is provided integral with the frame and, in one embodiment, seals between frame sections, and in another embodiment, seals with the skylight glazing.

Abstract: A skylight adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like having a peripheral curb frame which is fixed to the roof about the opening. The frame is constructed of a plastic material and includes a retainer for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. A header gasket is provided between the curb frame and retainer and interlocks respectively therewith.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a skylight installation for a pitched roof having a planar section and for passing visible light from the ambient to the building interior while minimizing the ambient elements from entering the building through the skylight installation. The skylight unit includes a roof engaging mounting frame constructed to engage the planar roof section in a substantially coplanar manner and which defines a head end, a sill end and a pair of side edges. The side edges also include a pair of upstanding seam members for sealing to the roof. A sash is removably and hingedly connected to the mounting frame and carries a planar glass pane. Primary sealing means are associated with the frame for sealingly engaging the sash and secondary sealing means are provided in association with the frame for sealingly engaging the pane. The hinge includes one hinge element associated with the frame head member and a second hinge element associated with the sash head member.

Abstract: A sealing system is shown for sealing between a waterproof roofing membrane and a curb around a roof opening, including a cap flashing for the curb, a top flange connected to the cap flashing and extending outwardly therefrom and a wall flange connected to the top flange which extends downwardly and forms a filler channel defined by the top flange, the wall flange and the curb. The roofing membrane is held in the filler channel by folding it over a longitudinal resilient filler material sized to fit closely within the filler channel. A plurality of spaced-apart tabs integral with the wall flange are bent into the filler channel beneath the filler material to securely hold the membrane therein without the necessity for any loose fasteners. A preassembled sealing system perimeter frame ready for mounting on an existing curb, a sealing system with an attached hatchway cover, and a complete hatchway with perimeter frame sealing system, cover, curb and associated flashing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skylight adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like having a peripheral curb frame which is fixed to the roof about the opening. The frame is constructed of a plastic material and includes a retainer for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. A sealing gasket is provided integral with the frame and, in one embodiment, seals between frame sections, and in another embodiment, seals with the skylight glazing.

Abstract: A roof structure of a building having two roof surfaces, one being downwardly inclined from a top ridge in a southernly direction, and the other being downwardly inclined from the ridge in a northernly direction. South and north side openings extend upwardly through the roof surfaces on opposite sides of the ridge. A shaft is rotatably along the top ridge. A roof board selectively closes off one of the south and north side openings. The roof board has a central part supported by the shaft as a fulcrum for swinging movement between a first position wherein a southern portion of the roof board closes the south side opening and a second position wherein a northern portion of the roof board closes the north side opening. A skylight is supported on the roof board adjacent one end edge thereof.

Abstract: A skylight, having a wing actuated by pneumatic springs, can be moved to an emergency opening position thereby substantially exposing the opening area of the skylight case. The skylight also acts as a residential ceiling or attic skylight which has, in the normal open position, a considerably smaller opening than in the emergency open position. A locking device is provided to restrict the long extension stroke of the piston rod of the pneumatic springs to a partial stroke. This partial stroke allows an opening which essentially corresponds to the standard opening of the wing in a residential skylight. The locking device, located on the cylinder of the pneumatic spring, includes a specially designed latch which, in order to effect partial stroke restriction of the piston rod, lockingly engages a stop located on the side of the case by means of a catch pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic skylight actuator designed to be incorporated into a skylight of the type which may be actuated to open and closed positions through the use of an electrical actuator such as a rotary motor. The inventive actuator includes two sensors, one for sensing rain outside the building where the skylight is installed and the other for measuring the room temperature within the room in the building having the skylight therein. When the temperature sensor senses that the temperature within the room is above a predetermined level the actuator is operative to cause the skylight to be opened, whereas when the room temperature drops below a perdetermined level, the skylight is closed. When the rain gauge senses that it is raining outside, the actuator is triggered to cause the skylight to be closed. Whenever the rain gauge senses the existence of rain, acutation by temperature sensing is disabled.

Abstract: In a formed window sash (1) a holder (5) for an operating handle (11,12) is inserted between the frame and window glass (3) and an associated leaf spring (6,7) is provided to prevent an unintentional release of the handle after this has been mounted on the holder in that a slit portion (11) of the handle is stuck onto a stepped flap portion (9) of the holder.

Abstract: The present invention has a flange integrally formed with the wall which supports the glazed surfaces. The flange carries four ribs which are inclined toward the wall to form channels to carry any water which may pass through the roofing material away from the opening for the skylight unit. Further, the present invention uses wicking material to absorb any condensate on the interior of the glazed surfaces and carry the condensate out through the wall on the lower end of the unit.

Abstract: An insulated glass skylight assembly is provided that is adapted to be mounted to cover an opening in a roof structure. The assembly includes a box-like liner adapted to be mounted adjacent the edge of an opening in a roof structure around the periphery thereof, to surround the opening and to form a wall extending upward from the roof structure. A swinging window unit is provided which includes an insulated glass insert, an inner supporting frame, and an outer encasing frame. The insulated glass insert is of a predetermined size and shape to substantially conform to the opening in the roof structure, and the inner supporting frame is adapted to engage and seat on the liner and to support the glass insert. The outer supporting frame is adapted to be coupled to the inner supporting frame and capture the glass insert therebetween.

Abstract: A skylight shutter mechanism includes a box which preserves the structural vapor barrier and houses a moveable shutter which extends into and closes a light well of an associated skylight. The skylight shutter mechanism is provided for installation between rafters or ceiling joists of the ceiling containing the skylight. The shutter mechanism is preferably installed in new construction before walls and ceilings are finished. The shutter is manually moveable along cooperating rails by an actuating cord having ends which can be located remote from the skylight. To accommodate inclined mounting surfaces, a mechanism is provided for maintaining the shutter in a selected position. The shutter may be opaque and insulating or translucent. Also the operation of the shutter may be conveniently motorized.

Abstract: A structure that provides a substantially unrestricted view of the surrounding environment to its occupants. The structure includes a lower portion defined by upstanding transparent walls, and an upper transparent portion having the general appearance of an inverted funnel. The inverted funnel shape of the structure directs rising hot air currents to the inlet of a chimney positioned at the apex of the inverted funnel. The vertical position of a closure member which forms a part of the chimney is adjustable by the occupants of the structure to control air flow within the structure.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly for buildings of the type having a roof frame comprising a plurality of arcuate roof members extending outwardly from a central gutter section and supporting a flexible roof covering, the ventilation assembly including a pair of vent arms which normally rest upon the gutter section and to which the roof covering is secured on either side of the gutter section but which may be raised above the gutter section to lift the roof covering and form a ventilation opening for hot air from the building.

Abstract: A skylight assembly for installation in an opening in the pitched roof of a building, comprising a window hinged at one end with respect to the roof, and a rubbery flashing member for maintaining a water-tight seal between the window and roof. The flashing member includes a planar portion for attachment to the roof, beneath the shingles, in an area adjacent to the opening, a portion for attachment to each side of the window, and a gusset portion between each attachment portion and the planar portion. The gusset portion expands and contracts as the window is opened and closed, respectively. All the portions of the flashing member are integrally formed at one piece. The gussets may be accordian-folded and may taper toward the hinged end of the window. The attachment portions of the flashing may be sandwiched between the window pane and window frame to serve as a gasket between those parts of the window.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spill pan which is ideally suited for installation between the rails of a rail siding used for loading and unloading liquid chemicals and solvents. The spill catch pan is designed to catch any inadvertent liquids which are discharged during the loading or unloading process. Such spill catch pan comprises a pair of substantially-planar, rigid segments which are pivotally hinged together at one side of each segment. The first segment also is pivotally mounted at the side opposite its said one side while the second segment is spring-biasedly mounted at the side opposite its said one side. The segments contain a hole penetrating therethrough which is located where the segments are pivotally hinged together. A pair of side walls are mounted adjacent said segments transverse to the hinges. The segments are mounted over a spill retainer at the first segment side opposite pivotal mount and at said second segment spring-biased mount such that said pair of segments are non-planar.

Abstract: In a composite window comprising a skylight component and a wall component, the top member (4) of the frame of the wall component presents an upstanding ridge (7) which engages a groove (9), triangular in cross-section, in the bottom member (8) of the skylight frame so as to tiltably support the skylight component. On their outer faces the frame members (4,8) are weather protected by a covering including an angular gusset plate (13) being in overlapping relationship with two covering members (10,12) mounted on the frame top member (4) and the frame bottom member (8), respectively, the angle and the overlapping of said gusset plate (13) being adjustable dependent on the angle between the frames (2, 3) of the wall and skylight components, respectively.

Abstract: A movable roof structure for a patio, building, swimming pool or the like is comprised of a plurality of roofing units which are in an overlapping shingle-like arrangement. The roofing units are telescopically movable with respect to each other between a closed position where they partially overlap each other and an open position where they are substantially stacked one on top of the other. Each roofing unit includes a pair of end extrusions and an elongated intermediate extrusion. Each extrusion carries roof panels on the side edges thereof so that said panels are joined end to end in the direction of the width of the roof. The extrusions also carry wheel and track members which cooperate with the extrusion immediately above and below so that the roofing units are movable. A power driven chain or the like moves the roofing units between their closed and open positions.

Abstract: A skylight assembly including a frame for securement within an opening in a pitched roof, and a window supported within the frame. Water flowing down the roof is directed, such as by a specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the window, and water flowing down the window is directed, such as by another specially shaped flashing, to flow on to the roof below the skylight frame. No part of the window projects outwardly beyond the outer edge of the skylight frame, and the window pivots inwardly to open the slylight. A window screen automatically advances to cover the opening when the window is opened, and shades of different types can be pulled across the window.

Abstract: A skylight and roof assembly with at least a portion of the skylight adapted to be pivoted by a drive mechanism between open and closed positions with respect to an opening in the roof. At least one hinge is connected to the movable portion of the skylight and the fixed portion of the assembly to permit the pivotal movement. The hinge includes a first leg adapted to be mounted on the movble portion of the skylight in fixed position. The hinge includes a second leg adapted to be mounted on the non-movable portion of the skylight and roof assembly. A flange extends from the second leg and mating surfaces are on the first leg and the flange adapted to receive a coupling pin for pivotally interengaging the first and second leg with the first leg spaced from the second leg by the flange therebetween so that the movable portion of the skylight can be pivoted in a desired manner between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A skylight assembly for a sloping roof is mounted so that the upper end may be tucked beneath the roof covering so that rain water will drain onto an outer skylight panel; the panel is concave and its lower end extends over the roof covering so that rain water will drain from the panel onto such covering; within and beneath the skylight there is an inner skylight panel mounted for movement to permit ventilation of the room beneath.

Abstract: The invention concerns agriculture. It relates in particular to an agricultural greenhouse which comprises a metallic frame supporting transparent covering elements, wherein said covering elements are formed of panels made of transparent plastic material mounted flatwise and having undulations which are parallel to the metallic frame members, said undulations each having two asymmetrical slopes, with the greater slope being directed southward, the angle .alpha. between the greater slope and the horizontal being about 25.degree. to 35.degree., and the angle .beta. between the smaller slope of each undulation and the horizontal being about 55.degree. to 65.degree., and at least one of said covering elements being mounted pivotally around a horizontal axis at its free edge directed southward, with control means being provided for causing said panel or panels of the movable covering to pivot at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shelter structure using a saddle-shaped cable dome system for a large-span, lightweight roof membrane. The structure uses the curvatures of a saddle surface, combined with two orthogonal cable nets separated by a set of compression struts, to create an efficient structural system confined by an edge ring loaded primarily in compression.

Abstract: In a frame and movable panel assembly, such as a ventilating skylight, a weather seal comprises a panel cap on the panel, a projection on the frame and a water dam on the projection. The cap defines a covered recess into which the projection enters upon closure of the panel on the frame, to provide a primary air tight seal. The dam simultaneously contacts the cap to provide a secondary water tight seal which protects the primary seal.

Abstract: A skylight that may have a domed-type or flat-type glazing and which is adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like having a peripheral frame which is fixed to the roof about the opening. The frame is constructed including a base frame and an operating leaf frame usually referred to as an operating leaf frame or operating leaf. A retainer is used for securing the skylight cover over the operating leaf frame. The frame comprises a rigid plastic profile (core) having high temperature resistant properties and a plastic capping material extruded over the external exposed surface of the core to protect the profile from weathering. There is also preferably provided with the profile and capping, a flexible gasket means which may include respective gaskets associated with both the base frame and the operating leaf frame.

Abstract: A sealing cover for an attic floor well opening and attic stairs is provided and consists of a dome made of insulated material, a seal made of weather stripping mounted around bottom edge of the dome, a device for holding down the dome over the attic floor well opening and compressing the seal around perimeter of the attic floor well opening making the dome draft free and another device for raising up the dome from the attic floor well opening so that a person may gain access through the attic floor well opening via the attic stairs.

Abstract: An insulating cover is disclosed for enclosing an opening in a building floor containing a folding stairs which has a pair of tracks mounted adjacent the opening. An inverted box-like structure of sufficient size to cover the opening has sides which fit and are movable in the tracks to enable the box-like structure to be slid horizontally and/or pivoted to cover or expose the openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sun roof (10) which includes a plurality of roofing panels (28) supported on tracks in the form of track beams (20), the track beams forming part of a roof support structure and providing for the displacement of the panels relative to the structure. As such, the position of shade beneath the sun roof can be adjusted so as to provide for personal requirements.

Abstract: A skylight assembly is provided that is adapted to be mounted to cover an opening in a roof structure. The assembly includes a liner adapted to be mounted adjacent the edge of the opening in the roof structure around the periphery to surround the opening and to form a wall extending upward from the roof structure. Flashing is mounted at the area of joinder between the liner and the roof structure. An outer dome and an inner dome are spaced from one another with the outer dome overlying the inner dome. Both of the domes engage a sealing gasket positioned on the upper end of the liner wall. A supporting frame is coupled to the dome and the sealing gasket arrangement and is hinged to the liner to permit shifting thereof with respect to the liner between a closed position overlying the opening in the roof structure and an open position permitting access to the opening from the exterior of the roof structure.

Abstract: A double support wall roof curb linear form fabricated from a continuous strip of metal of substantially uniform thickness into an elongated structure having both inner and outer support walls. The linear form has a top member extending the length of the form, an inner portion bent from one edge of the top member and an outer portion bent from the other edge of the top member. Both the inner and outer portions function as supports for equipment mounted upon a finished roof curb incorporating the linear form. The roof curb linear form is fabricated by first forming the inner and outer portions before formation of the top member is begun. Thereafter, the top member is formed by applying pressure to the strip of metal on opposite sides of the strip at the location of the top member. If the bottom of the linear form is to be open, pressure may be applied by a ram having an offset portion to accommodate the formed bottom member of the linear form as the form is fabricated.

Abstract: A ventilating device which includes at least one ventilating section for running down the roof of a building or structure which is capable of being opened and closed to enable the structure to be ventilated, a support arm connected to the ventilating section to permit it to be moved into and out of a ventilating position and an actuating arm capable of movement relative to the support arm, so as to move the support arm and the ventilating section into and out of a ventilating position. The invention permits the actuating arm to be maintained in a predetermined position to hold the support arm and ventilating section in a position in which the ventilating section is in a substantially non-ventilating position.

Abstract: In a window assembly including a panel mounted for pivotal movement relative to a casing in a roof sheathing, a moving rib attached to the panel and a guide rib operatively connected to the moving rib, actuating means for automatically pivoting the panel from a closed position overlying the casing to an open position disposed at a predetermined angle to the casing comprising a preloaded spring member, at least one actuating lever connected to said spring member, said actuating lever pivotally connected at its ends to the casing and guide rib and operable upon release of the panel from a closed position to effect pivotal movement of the panel to a predetermined angular position relative to the casing for a given linear displacement of said spring member and adjusting means for selectively varying the angular displacement of said panel by said actuating means.

Abstract: A lid for a vehicle roof opening including a linkage hinging it to the roof structure to accommodate tilting of the lid upwardly in either of two directions, or elevating it bodily, for use of the opening to ventilate the vehicle and including provision for separating the linkage from the roof supporting structure to permit swinging the lid to a fully open position relative to the roof opening to provide an escape hatch.

Abstract: A skylight assembly is provided to be mounted to cover an opening in a roof structure. The assembly includes a liner adapted to be mounted adjacent the edge of the opening in the roof structure around the periphery to surround the opening and to form a wall extending upward from the roof structure. An outer dome and an inner dome are provided with the domes spaced and the outer dome overlying the inner dome. Both of the domes engage a sealing gasket positioned on the liner wall. A supporting frame is coupled to the dome and sealing gasket arrangement and the frame and arrangement are hinged to the liner to permit shifting thereof with respect to the liner between a closed position overlying the opening in the roof structure and an open position permitting access to the opening from the exterior of the roof structure. The supporting frame has a U-shaped end portion to receive the peripheral edge portion of the outer dome therein and thereby support the outer dome.

Abstract: The opening and closing device permits simultaneous opening of for instance 100 m long roof hatches. Gear wheels are permanently mounted in housings on a transverse driving shaft at regular intervals. The gear wheels drive their respective rack for simultaneous displacement of the entire window. The cogs of the gear wheel have a larger width and are thin compared to the corresponding measurements of the rack cogs. In order to ensure the gear wheel mesh the rack comprises supporting surfaces engaging the cylindrical surfaces of the gear wheel and support rolls. This device ensures that the racks hinged to the window frames may be displaced along or turned about their engaging points with the gear wheel without disengaging said gear wheel, and in such a manner that squeezing is avoided in connection with the longitudinal stretching and shrinking of the shaft due to variations of the temperature.

Abstract: Method for making a sealing device comprising a door or gasket of rigid material curved in one direction and straight in another, as in the form of a portion of a cylinder, and having convex and concave surfaces. Either or both such surfaces has a circumferentially continuous groove across the straight and curved portions that contains a molded in place packing of resilient material. The packing has a portion projecting from the groove and has a recess extending into the groove. The sides of the recess are either parallel to a transverse axis whose direction corresponds to the direction of travel of the mold members relative to each other when separating so that there are no undercuts in the packing material into which portions of the mold would project and prevent separation of the mold members after the molding operation without damaging the packing.

Abstract: A stadium cover includes a pair of complemental compartmented canopies which are filled with a gas such as helium and which are moored or anchored by two or more winches to enable selective manipulation of their position. The winches act through cable sets that interconnect the winches with the canopies, and pulley means are provided to furnish several points for mooring and moving forces used in the control of the canopies.

Abstract: The Skylight Escape System of the present invention includes a roof curb which defines an escape opening to the roof therewithin. A pair of spaced guides project upwardly from opposite sides of the curb and a pair of spaced tracks are provided immediately adjacent thereto. A movable skylight which upwardly carries a translucent panel is formed with cooperating slides, which slides are in sliding engagement within the spaced tracks. The application of longitudinally directed forces to portions of the skylight causes the skylight to move along the tracks relative to the curb to expose the opening for building escape purposes.

Abstract: A drive system for a movable closure member movable along rail sets carried on opposed sides of the frame of a structure includes a rail set on each side of at least one pair of opposed sides of the frame. Each rail set includes first and second laterally offset toothed sections. Each first section includes a horizontal segment and an inclined segment whereas each second segment includes a vertical segment and an inclined segment which has at least a portion thereof in juxtaposed side-by-side relation with the inclined segment of the first section. An electric motor has a drive shaft that extends transversely of the rail sets and carries a first gear wheel coaxially therewith at each end. Each first gear wheel carries a second and smaller gear wheel eccentrically thereon. The first and second gear wheels have a common point of tangency.

Abstract: A fume extraction assembly comprises an elevated canopy adapted to collect fume; and elongated outlet means offset from an apex of the canopy and having gas flow characteristics compensating for a tendency to uncontrolled extraction rates along said outlet means.

Abstract: A double insulated, ventilating skylight for a building or the like, comprising inner and outer substantially co-extensive frames, each of the frames having at least one substantially rectangular vertical wall and an upwardly directed window panel, the vertical walls having substantially co-extensive openings therethrough. Inner and outer doors are hingeably mounted on the inner and outer frames respectively to close the openings or to provide ventilation therethrough. Means for opening and closing the inner door from within the building is provided, with linkage means connecting the outer door to the inner door so that both doors open and close simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a folding bed in a vehicle with a top and a side to house the bed, a guide rail arrangement is provided in the vehicle side wall. A rectangular side wall is pivoted to the vehicle top, the bottom of said vehicle side wall extending outwards when the wall is outwardly pivoted. A rectangular bed frame having wires and outer sections is provided. The bed frame has a central boss with rollers which enter the guide rail arrangement. When the bed is in the collapsed position, the front section is received in a defined storage area under the vehicle.

Abstract: A grain bin of a type having side walls and a perforated floor therein. A drying fan is connected to the bin below the perforated floor and a roof is rotatably attached to the grain bin. The roof has vanes thereon for catching wind and causing circulation of air through the bin, thereby causing ventilation of the bin. Means for rotating the roof when the wind is not blowing is also provided.

Abstract: A lid for a vehicle roof opening has linkage hinging it to the roof structure accommodating tilting the lid upwardly in either of two directions, or elevating it bodily, for use of the opening to ventilate the vehicle, including provision for separating parts of the hinging linkage to permit swinging the lid fully open for use of the roof opening as an escape hatch. In a modification, the lid is hinged for tilting in only one direction to a ventilating position or swinging to the full open position in the same direction.

Abstract: A power operated collapsible cupola structure involving a quadrilateral top, a pair of rectangular sides hingedly secured to the top at the side edges thereof with each of the sides being formed from two longitudinally extending pieces hinged together along their adjacent edges, and a pair of ends for the structure which ends each include a top and a bottom section pivotally secured together along their adjacent edges and pivotally engaging the top. Power operated means engage the bottom sections of the ends for raising and lowering the top and gaining a mechanical advantage in moving the bottom end portion a distance to elevate the top double such distance.