Abstract: A method and fixturing apparatus for manufacturing a suction caisson foundation includes providing an elevated center support and peripheral supports, elevating the foundation's prefabricated thumb section atop the center support, and temporarily securing radial frame members about the circumference of the prefabricated thumb section with the each frame member resting atop a respective peripheral support. The skirt panels are then affixed to the frame members, and the frame members to the prefabricated thumb section to thereby become self-supporting. The center support is removed from the interior of the resulting bucket, as by raising the peripheral supports to unload the center support, and lowering and dismantling the center support, whereupon additional panels are affixed to the frame members to define the foundation's lid, and further shaft sections added atop the prefabricated thumb section to complete the foundation.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a grain mound covering tarp including steps of assembling a matrix of flexible tubes over the tarp and filling the matrix of flexible tubes with water; wherein the matrix assembling step provides a multiplicity of collapsible tubes forming a quadrilateral grid; wherein the matrix assembling step further provides a plurality of T joints and a plurality of + joints interconnecting the collapsible tubes; wherein the collapsible tube providing steps include a pair of cam connector halves attached to the ends of each collapsible tube; wherein the T joint providing steps include a triple of cam connector halves attached to each T joint; and wherein the + joint providing steps include a quadruple of cam connector halves attached to each + joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a modular reconfigurable shielding system for one or more storage containers in temporary or long term storage. The system comprises shield panels which may be used to shield external faces of containers in a storage configuration to reduce the overall amount of shielding required in a storage facility. Reducing the amount of shielding reduces the storage footprint of each container thus increasing storage capacity and efficiency of the storage facility. The modularity of the shield panels allows storage containers to be easily added and removed from the storage configuration. Additionally, modular shielding allows the amount and type of shielding to be easily reconfigured for differing requirements and storage contents.

Abstract: A method for lifting and supporting above ground a concrete slab foundation employing hydraulic jacks includes installing piers in the ground, each with a pier extension protruding above ground. A lifting assembly is placed over each pier extension, the lifting assembly having a lift sleeve and upward extending lifting members. Then the slab foundation is poured, bonding a portion of the lifting assembly in concrete. After the slab foundation hardens, a jack is positioned on top of the pier extension, and lifting arms of the jack engage the lifting members. The jack is actuated to exert an upward force on the lifting assembly to lift the slab foundation above the ground. Then, the lift sleeve is rigidly secured to the pier extension, allowing the jack and lifting arms to be removed.

Abstract: A method and means to build an ecological house with enormous monolithic foam blocks is described here. The building structure is reinforced by liquid cement filled pipes or by glass fiber mesh. The building according to this disclosure may be 1-3 floor building. The building according to this disclosure is earthquake resistant.

Abstract: A water shield for a door of a vehicle. The water shield includes a sheet of a water impervious material configured to be attached to an inboard panel of the door and extend over an access opening in the inboard panel. A cover of expanded foam is directly attached to the sheet to fit over the access opening in the door. A perimeter portion of the cover circumscribes the access opening. The cover is secured, around the access opening, to the inboard panel, resulting in sealing of the access opening and mass dampening of the inboard panel.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a roof region. In a longitudinal direction of the roof region, an air-conditioning duct is laid and which is bounded with respect to a passenger compartment by an inner ceiling. When the air-conditioning duct is composed in its longitudinal direction of at least two air-conditioning duct elements, the two air-conditioning duct elements are connected to one another by a sealing frame which can be pre-positioned. Furthermore, a method for constructing the roof region for such a rail vehicle is specified.

Abstract: A portable modular building structure that includes a plurality of sections assembled adjacent one another. The sections include molded fiberboard panels, that optionally include interior plenums. In an embodiment, each panel has an upwardly curving profile, and mirror-image sections are attached to one another via a fastener, that may include tape or other mechanical fastener. The sections are positioned end to end, with the number of sections determining the overall length of the structure. An optional end section of the structure may include wedge shaped sections positioned end to end, forming a curved end.

Abstract: A corrugated metal plate comprises a plate configured to define a series of crests and troughs, where the plate has longitudinal edges extending parallel to longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs and transverse edges extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs. The corrugated metal plate further comprises at least one of: at least one longitudinal flange extending from each longitudinal edge, and at least one transverse flange extending from each transverse edge.

Abstract: A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arced formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A modular building construction system including a plurality of free-standing, molded polymer components that may be assembled to form a weatherproof structure. Components include a center, corner, interior passageway, door, and roof panels, as well as supporting beams that may be arranged in a nearly infinite number of configurations to easily, quickly and inexpensively form nearly any structure desired by the user.

Abstract: A groin vault ceiling kit comprises a set of four ceiling segments which are configured to be oriented perpendicularly relative to one another. Each one of the ceiling segments includes a plurality of arch-shaped rib members which are positionable in axially spaced relation to one another. The rib members are preferably sized and configured such that each one of the ceiling segments defines a wedge shape. The rib members of each one of the ceiling segments is of incrementally increasing arc length. Rib ends of each of the rib members is preferably beveled such that the rib members of adjacent ceiling segments are disposable in abutting contact with one another to form a plurality of mitre joints.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for an ISO container includes roof panels attached to factory installed corner fittings on the container roof. The roof panels may be level or inclined and may include cavities for insulation. The standoff distance between the roof panels and the container roof is adjustable in certain embodiments. The roof panels may be layered to enhance thermal protection. Reflective coatings applied to the panels further enhance thermal protection from solar radiation.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: Wall made of concrete or similar materials built from an unfold formwork integrated in the wall and including two formwork walls (8,8?,10) placed face to face and connected by connecting elements (1) articulated to the formwork walls by stiffeners (2) attached to the formwork walls. The interval between these formwork walls after being unfolded is filled with a filler (7) such as concrete. At least one of the formwork walls includes a casing (11,12) of concrete, mortar or similar, surcharged in relation to the stiffeners (2) and to the articulated connecting elements (1). This casing (11,12) is placed outside and/or inside the formwork wall, the stiffeners (2) and the articulated connecting elements (1) and the formwork wall 8 when it is coated forming an inner reinforcement of the wall submerged in the wall and covered by said casing. The use of separated stiffeners, which must be inserted before pouring the concrete, is thus avoided or highly reduced.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an equipment housing, comprising: locating together a first housing part (1) and a second housing part (2) so that the first housing part overlaps the second housing part at a join (15) between the housing parts; and irradiating the region of the join with radiation to which the first housing part is substantially transparent and the second housing part (2) is absorptive so as to heat the second housing part and fuse the housing parts (1,2) together at the join (15).

Abstract: A method of producing an arc window frame has an arc window frame mainly made up of an arc decorative board, an arc upper frame, an arc lower frame, and a lower board. The arc decorative board is mounted onto the outer circumference of the arc upper frame, and the lower board screw joined to the bottom of both arc upper frame and lower frame thereof. The arc upper frame has a plurality of equally spaced sleeve holes disposed at the inner circumference thereof and the arc lower frame has a plurality of through holes equidistantly disposed at the outer circumference thereof, to which blades can be sleeve joined in radial shape and be easily adjusted into different angles for use.

Abstract: A domed construction is formed by positioning and temporarily supporting a series of elongate structural elements in radially-extending positions, and forming structural joints between the adjoining radial edges of the structural elements, such that the series of structural elements form a self-supporting shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather shelter having a base, the base having a peripheral edge and being secured to the ground, a dome with a circumferential edge, wherein the dome fits completely over the base, the circumferential edge of the dome is located proximally to the peripheral edge of the base, and a doorway.

Abstract: A building structure formed from modular building elements, which include first modular building elements (1, 9) having socket beam interconnection means (2), second modular building elements (13, 14, 15) and socket beams (7, 11) having first modular building element interconnection means (6); whereby a socket beam (7, 11) forms an interconnection with at least one first modular building element (1, 9) and at least one second modular building element (13, 14, 15) associates with a socket beam (7, 11) and first modular building element interconnection, a socket beam (7, 11) and at least one first modular building element (1, 9) and at least one second modular building element (13, 14, 15) forming a configuration unit, the configuration unit being repeatable one atop the other, and being repeatable in a side-by-side fashion, a first modular building element associating or abutting with adjacent first modular building elements, a second modular building elements associating or abutting with adjacent second modul

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and a peripheral portion adapted to be joined to the upper edge region of a railcar. In some embodiments, the roof includes plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In some embodiments, the roof is adapted for use on refrigerated, high cube and cryogenic railcars. Methods for forming the invented roofs and roof panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for erecting a domed structure includes a support base and a guide member extending vertically from the support base. A lifting tower movably engages the guide member. The lifting tower is formed of sequentially added sections telescopingly mounted on the guide member. A plurality of push-up devices are mounted adjacent to the base. A first one of the push-up devices engages a first added section of the lifting tower. A second one of the push-up devices engages a second added section of the lifting tower. The first added section of the lifting tower is offset from the second added section of the lifting tower so that the lifting tower is vertically extended in a stepped sequence relative to the guide member. A dome formed of structural components extends radially outwardly from the lifting tower.

Abstract: Architectural units having radiused wall corners are constructed with solid surfacing material (SSM) such as Corian. Cove moldings are formed from SSM sheet strips comprising an elongated cove form flanked by elongated rabbet channels. In a table jig, an SSM wall sheet edge is adhesively secured into one of the cove molding rabbet channels. The cove mold and wall sheet unit is secured to the desired architectural wall with the other cove molding rabbet channel mated to an SSM wall sheet edge respective to an adjacent architectural wall. Clamping blocks secured to respective wall sheet and cove mold surfaces by hot melt adhesive are drawn together along the correct vector to adhesively bond each wall sheet edge into a respective rabbet channel.

Abstract: In an arcuate roof section including a series of rafters which each define an exposed end of the prescribed height, a device positionable along the exposed ends of the series of rafters to define an arcuate facia. The device comprises at least one facia member having an arcuate inner surface, an arcuate outer surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The inner surface of the facia member is configured to abut the exposed ends of the rafters such that the outer surface defines the arcuate facia. Additionally, the width between the top edge and the bottom edge of the facia member exceeds the height of the exposed ends. The facia member may be formed from a plurality of laminated wood members or formed from bonded particulate matter. Additionally, the facia member may be formed from a plastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for field erection of structures, particularly residential buildings, adapted to utilization of locally available labor and having a significant content of locally available materials. A rectangular floor covering sheet serves both as a waterproof sub-floor and as a layout template for erection of the building framework and the tools used serve as the measuring means required for all dimensions to be determined on-site. Temporary horizontal side beams and permanently installed roof beams are positioned and braced by diagonal and horizontal wire members, while vertically folded, expanded metal mesh reinforcing members provide lath surfaces for application of hardening filler material for walls, so as to provide a substantially monolithic steel-reinforced basic building structure.

Abstract: A foundation element in the form of a rigid monolithic prefabricated frame which includes at least two opposite containing side walls and cross-members interconnecting the two side walls so as to form a casting through-cavity between these two walls. The frame is intended to be located on the ground with the interposition of adjustable support devices and is intended to receive a hardenable fluid binder material poured into its through-cavity and adapted to spread onto the ground between this and the side walls and to fill the cavity, encapsulating the cross-members and the iron rods or other connecting members for connecting a superstructure element. Also provided are prefabricated structures including prefabricated tunnels, with foundation elements formed by means of the prefabricated frames.

Abstract: Autoclaved aerated concrete panels, and method of making and using such panels, specifically for the construction of residential homes, where the panels feature first and second faces having widths of at least two feet.

Abstract: A geodesic dome is created by the steps of: (a) generating a mathematical model of a geodesic dome, (b) fabricating components with which to form a geodesic dome according to the model; and (c) fastening the components to each other according to the model. In the model, M base triangles are generated in a closed three-dimensional shape. M is at, least four, with eight being preferred and the preferred closed three-dimensional shape being a regular octahedron. The closed three-dimensional shape has a center point from which each vertex of each of the base triangles is equidistant, this distance being a geodesic radius. Each leg of each base triangle is then subdivided into N segments of equal length, N being at least two, with eight being preferred, thus defining N+1 segment endpoints or intersections along each leg. A line is then generated between each intersection and two corresponding intersections, thus defining N2 smaller triangles per base triangle.

Abstract: In an arcuate roof section including a series of rafters which each define an exposed end of the prescribed height, a device positionable along the exposed ends of the series of rafters to define an arcuate facia. The device comprises at least one facia member having an arcuate inner surface, an arcuate outer surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The inner surface of the facia member is configured to abut the exposed ends of the rafters such that the outer surface defines the arcuate facia. Additionally, the width between the top edge and the bottom edge of the facia member exceeds the height of the exposed ends. The facia member may be formed from a plurality of laminated wood members or formed from bonded particulate matter. Additionally, the facia member may be formed from a plastic material.

Abstract: A joint for pre-cast concrete twin-leaf arch sections is self-aligning when the two arch sections are initially brought into abutting contact with each other. The joint provides a rigid connection between the twin units and is achieved on site by means of re-inforced cast-in-place concrete. Reinforcement splices for the connection are lap splices, and the joint allows pouring the cast-in-place concrete without the need of formwork. For load distributing purposes, a continuous connection of individual arch rings in the longitudinal direction at the arch crown is possible. An initial abutting contact between the twin units is provided by the joint of the present invention. The contact provided by the joint of the present invention is self-aligning, locking, allows the controlled transmission of the abutting force and allows for a temporary connection. The joint includes mechanical elements for aligning and locking the two arch sections together.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a small building includes a continuous curved wall forming a semi-arcuate arch, the wall comprised of lightweight cellular material such as foamed blocks. The blocks may be identical and interchangeably secured in place by adhesive to form the wall, so that the arch is easily constructed. The arched wall comprises both the longitudinal sides and the top of the structure. In addition, the structure includes an outer skin which covers the entire exterior of the arched wall. The outer skin is both a weatherproof layer and a tension member to apply a compressive force uniformly to the outer surface of the arched wall and significantly augment the load strength of the arch, resulting in a structure that is made very strong with a minimum mass of material.