Abstract: The modular panel 20 interlocking and reinforcing mechanism for building enclosures pertains to assembling boxes 21 with six of the same or similar modular panels 20 without extra components or connectors. My mechanism joins modular panels 20 by interlocking both grooves 22 attached by living hinges 24 on the panel edges, thus creating the box 21. The embodiment of my mechanism joins modular panels 20 by interlocking both grooves 22 attached by living hinges 24 on the panel edges, thus creating the box 21. The living hinges 24 allow all the grooves 22 to turn forty five degrees at the corners. Upon interlocking both grooves 22 to each other at a forty five degree angle, it completes the ninety degree dihedral angle transition from one panel 20 to another for corners. Another embodiment of my mechanism is to assemble a box 21 in expanded sizes by using the same or similar modular panels 20 without extra accessories.

Abstract: A method for on-site assembly of a shelter for an above-ground structure to protect the structure from blast, wind, fire or other physical hazards. A pyramidal shelter with triangular or rectangular base is formed by joining side panels to each other. Each side panel includes a triangular frame covered, except at access hatch, observation port and door openings, with either steel plate or diamond steel mesh to which blast-resistant, fire-resistant or other kinds of coatings or panels are applied. A corner anchor assembly to support each corner of a shelter has a lower plate, an overlying split plate, and a pair of upstanding, anchor rods attached to the split plates for insertion into hollow, lower portions of side beams of adjacent side panels. The corner anchor assemblies facilitate expansion of an assembled shelter by addition of more modular components.

Abstract: An assembly of a plurality of tiles (1) with a carrier (40). The tiles (1) comprise a foil (20) with an electro-physical transducer (10) and electrical connectors (24, 28) to said transducer. The tiles are mechanically and electrically coupled to the carrier in a connection portion (1c) of said tiles.

Abstract: A molded hunting blind includes a one piece molded body. The molded hunting blind also includes a molded door and a plurality of windows at least one archery door with a taper configured to limit movement or at least one gun door with a gun rest and an arm rest. A method to mold a one piece hunting blind body is also described.

Abstract: An audiovisual presentation system includes a transparent system enclosure and at least one projector outside the system enclosure and generally directed toward an exterior surface of the system enclosure. The system enclosure is formed in a dome shape, a hemispherical shape, a spherical shape, or any other reasonable shape. The system can include a plurality of projectors to present individual images or can be computer altered to present a continuous, panoramic image. The image can be of any quality or format, including high definition (HD) three-dimensional (3D), and others. A plurality of audiovisual input stations may be disposed about an interior of the enclosure. Each station may include a podium, a computer, a video recorder, an audio device, and a user control interface. The station enables the user to manipulate the video camera and/or the video image as desired.

Abstract: A method of assembling a three-dimensional display apparatus involves providing a support unit, made up of a projector mounting and a screen mounting surface having a first aperture therethrough; and a screen unit, made up of a diaphragm and an inflatable screen affixed thereto-the diaphragm defining a second aperture in communication with the inflatable screen. The screen mounting surface and the diaphragm are brought into contact so as to align the first and second apertures; and to secure the support unit to the screen unit to thereby create a seal between the support surface and the diaphragm around the first and second apertures. The seal being sufficiently gas tight to enable inflation of the screen.

Abstract: A hybrid geodesic structure includes a core structure and a geodesic shell surrounding the core structure. The core structure extends from a base at a center of the geodesic shell through an upper extent of the geodesic shell opposite to the base. The core structure supports the geodesic shell at an upper extent and includes a roof.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank has a tower section. A tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A reinforced ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area that withstands the downward force of the liquid. The ringbeam has at least one supporting face that resists downward forces. A dome sits on the supporting face and essentially covers the internal area. The dome is made of a series of laterally adjacent dome where each dome segment has an inner end that is positioned above an outer end.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A regular quadrilateral pyramid-shaped building has isosceles triangle-shaped supporting side walls and a square-shaped base, with a free pyramid-shaped internal space and with a podium in the pyramid-shaped space. The side walls and the base of the pyramid building are made of several layers; the external layer of the side walls and the external layer of the base facing the ground are made of walling units; the internal layer of the side walls and the internal layer of the base are made of electrically controllable covering units.

Abstract: A building assembly kit with roof ring having an open-ended plurality of hollow cuboid tube joints radially disposed around an open center of a roof ring and a plurality of parallelepiped strut members disposed between each of the plurality of cube joints, each of said cube joints and strut members disposed to interconnect endwise with a plurality of extant rafters, said rafters then interconnectable with a plurality of top brackets disposed to interconnect each of said plurality of rafters at a juncture between a pair of horizontally disposed extant wall top beams and a vertically oriented corner post, said corner post connected at a juncture of a pair of base runners at a base bracket, wherein a structure is expediently erected by inserting each rafter, wall top beam, corner post, and base runner into a corresponding tube joint, top bracket, and base bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.

Abstract: A grain bin assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. The plurality of roof panels have rib junctions which form a gap. A vent assembly is positioned between the corrugated cylindrical wall and the roof structure. The vent assembly has a plurality of louvers positioned within the vent assembly. The vent assembly provides improved venting of the grain bin assembly.

Abstract: A grain bin and deck assembly includes a generally cylindrical grain bin having an inclined roof and a substantially vertical cylindrical side wall the top of which is located adjacent to the bottom of the inclined roof, and a deck encircles at least a portion of the cylindrical side wall beneath the bottom of the inclined roof and the deck is positioned to permit access to vents on the roof. The deck is mounted to and supported on the exterior of the side wall and its side wall stiffeners which stiffeners are spaced from each other and extend substantially vertically over at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical side wall and adjacent the top of the cylindrical side wall. The deck is fastened to the stiffeners of the side wall by a support assembly which includes mounting plates having a width that extends across the width of the stiffeners, and the mounting plates have plural rows of holes which are arranged to overlie stiffeners of differing widths.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for the roof of a grain bin includes plural units each having a plate having openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. Some of the openings align with openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the plate and rest upon the plate. Openings in the ring segments align with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to an upper face of the plate. A gusset extends upwardly from the ring segments, and the gusset and ring segments are attached together. A hand rail comprising a vertical post is attached at one end to the gusset, and a horizontal rail is attached to the post.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regular quadrilateral pyramid shaped pyramid building for the utilization of pyramid energy, which has isosceles triangle shaped supporting side walls and a square shaped base, with a free pyramid shaped internal space and with a podium in the pyramid shaped space. The invention is characterized in that the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the base (1a) of the pyramid building (1) are made of several layers (2), and the external layer (2a) of the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the external layer (2a) of the base (1a) facing the ground is made of walling units (3) dominated by positive ions the internal layer (2c) of the side walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) and the internal layer (2c) of the base (1a) is made of electrically controllable covering units (5) dominated by negative ions.

Abstract: A platform (2) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower (24) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform (2) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall (22) of the tower (24), comprising a basic, preferably circular, center module (4), radial, telescoping supporting beam members (6), wherein the construction element members are modules (10, 12 and 14) which are independent of the diameter of the platform (2), and two-piece pivotable modules (16) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall (22) of the tower (24).

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: The secure modular shelter apparatus can be used to shelter those at bus stops, on campuses, using ATM's, waiting for trains, making calls, smoking, and for a host of other uses. Importantly, the apparatus is self-contained and can be placed as chosen, by a forklift for example, and either connected to existing power as an alternative energy source or used as is while providing its own power. Security may be guaranteed by entry only allowed by card or other secure personal identification means known in the art. Radiant assisted heating and cooling are provided. Information readout is provided by a lighted panel that may also feature scrolling schedule lights. A panic button and receiver/transmitter are also provided so that emergency communication with professionals is possible when needed. Audio and auxiliary lighting are provided for those with sight and hearing hardships. Automatic interior climate controls provide for thermostatically controlled comfort.

Abstract: The disclosed liquid storage tank has a concrete tower section. A steel tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A concrete ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area between the ringbeam and an access tube that extends from within the tank volume into an interior of the tower section. The ringbeam has an integral upper wall above a ring-shaped, upwardly-facing supporting face that is at least about 4? inches wide and resists downward forces. A series of laterally adjacent concrete dome segments creates a dome that has a vaulted upper surface and essentially covers the internal area. Each of the dome segments has an outer end that sits on the supporting face of the ringbeam, and an inner end that is positioned above the outer end. Lateral sides on each segment define a segment angle, and the sum of the segment angles of the adjacent segments is less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play gym and/or the bassinet.

Abstract: A roof for a large diameter grain bin is formed by roof rafters inclined from a top of the wall to a top ring, with sheet metal panels in an upper row extending from the ring to a circular bottom edge and a lower row extending from a circular top edge to the wall. A circular bracket of Z-shaped cross section is carried on the rafters by upstanding support legs and provides an upper flange engaging the bottom edge of the upper row and a lower flange engaging the top edge of the lower row and an interconnecting web portion. One or both rows are supported at a mid point on a cylindrical tube bent to form a circle butting the panels and supported from the rafters on leg members which include a center strap which can be bent around the tube and two legs bolted to the rafters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and structure for reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure. The present invention provides a method of reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure using a liner provided on one surface of a corrugated steel plate, the reinforcing method using the liner comprising: an anchor bolt installing step of forming an anchor bolt insert hole in the surface of the corrugated steel plate and installing an anchor bolt in the anchor bolt insert hole such that the upper end of the anchor bolt protrudes from the surface of the corrugated steel plate to a predetermined height; a reinforcing bar installing step of fastening a reinforcing bar to the anchor bolt using a wire; a mold installing step of mounting a mold to the anchor bolt using a nut such that the reinforcing bar is covered with the mold; a concrete placing step of placing concrete inside the mold; and a mold removing step of removing the mold after the placed concrete has been cured.

Abstract: A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10.

Abstract: A structure for a polyhedral building has a novel frame including a central column supporting suspended floors and roof members. The frame is adapted to receive prefabricated sandwich-type panels for both roof and walls, and these are joined securely to the frame created by this structure, resulting in a semi-monocoque structure resistant to torsion from wind and other outside forces.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for shelter comprising two sections, a base section and a top section. The base section and the top section have cavities that can be filled with water to encumber the apparatus. The top section is preferably cone-shaped, and is dimensioned to be placed on the base section. After the top section is placed on the base section, the top section can be secured to the base section via bolts. Finally, both the top section and bottom section are divided into sections such that if one section develops a leak the other sections remain unaffected.

Abstract: A safety enclosure cover for a portable air-inflatable swimming pool includes a mat spread on a horizontal surface, with the inflatable pool resting on the mat. An outer rim of the mat extends beyond an outer wall of the inflatable pool. Water is filled into the inflatable pool so that an inflated holding pillow floats on an upper surface of said water. A cover encloses the inflatable pool and the floating holding pillow. An outer edge of the cover is attached to an outer edge of the mat whereby the water and inflatable pool are completely enclosed, so that the floating pillow pushes up on the inside of the cover, thereby the cover is formed into a convex shape so that rainwater is shed from the convexly-shaped cover.

Abstract: A new conical roof building method provides flat plates having straight abutting edges and curved outer edges. The plates are placed horizontally edge to edge except for a sectoral opening. The plates are welded together to form a flat disc-shaped blank, leaving an open sector of the blank. Radial supports are welded to a top of the disc-shaped blank. A center of the disc-shaped blank is lifted, forming a conical-shaped structure, closing and abutting edges of the open sector and touching edges of the formerly open sector are welded together, completing the forming of the conical roof.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures. In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements. The additional methods of assembly and erection of a hypershelter described herein make possible even greater strength-to-weight ratios and more efficient construction procedures than was possible at the time of the original application.

Abstract: A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

Abstract: A high-frequency measuring enclosure for measuring large test objects is formed by an air-supported membrane or textile construction of a spherical or ellipsoidal contour, which is substantially pervious to electromagnetic radiation. For absorption of residual electromagnetic radiation that may be reflected by the interior of the surface, the floor is covered with absorber material.

Abstract: A self-cleaning grain bin roof configured to allow ventilation through the roof ribs which has a trapezoidal shaped inner rib with ventilation orifices therein and a spaced apart and partially covering outer rib configured to inhibit precipitation from falling through the orifices while permitting air to be blown from inside the grain bin outside. The trapezoidal shape providing for a self-cleaning ability in that if matter is blown to the orifices by positive pressure in the grain bin, it will, in the event of a loss of pressure, either fall outside of the orifices and slide down one of the slanted trapezoidal sides, or return to the grain bin. If debris blown by wind gathers on the roof, it will be blown out from under the outer rib by the airflow through the orifices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.

Abstract: An open-air parking shelter comprises a canopy structure, photovoltaic elements, a power output, and a support structure. The canopy structure comprises a plurality of elongated shading members arranged in spaced apart relation. The spaced apart relation being such that airflow is permitted between the elongated members. The photovoltaic elements are provided on the elongated shading members for receiving solar radiation and converting the solar radiation to electricity. The power output is coupled to each of the photovoltaic elements for outputting the electricity converted by the photovoltaic elements. The support structure is provided for supporting the canopy structure in spaced relation above a ground surface.

Abstract: A demountable building structure that is readily assembled from a set of components is disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of arc frame members spaced along a length of the building structure. Each of the arc frame members extends from a first foot portion to a peak, and back to a second foot portion. Each of the arc frame members includes a plurality of beams. Each of the beams includes two opposed flanges. Each of the flanges has two bifurcated ends. The ends define c-shaped rope chases with openings. The building structure further includes bases slidably mateable with the first and second foot portions, and elongate membranes having beaded longitudinal edges. The membranes are stretched between adjacent of the arc frame members. The longitudinal edges are within the rope chases. Spreaders extend between adjacent of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A roof for a large diameter grain bin is formed by roof rafters inclined from a top of the wail to a top ring, with sheet metal panels in an upper row extending from the ring to a circular bottom edge and a lower row extending from a circular top edge to the wall. A circular bracket of Z-shaped cross section is carried on the rafters by upstanding support legs and provides an upper flange engaging the bottom edge of the upper row and a lower flange engaging the top edge of the lower row and an interconnecting web portion. One or both rows are supported at a mid point on a cylindrical tube bent to form a circle butting the panels and supported from the rafters on leg members which include a center strap which can be bent around the tube and two legs bolted to the rafters.

Abstract: An eaves beam for a glazed roof system includes a base member and an upper member. The base member includes a base plate adapted to rest on a building wall and includes upstanding wall members. The base member can be fastened from the top into the wall with the fastener extended between the two upstanding wall members. In turn, the upper portion of the eaves beam includes downwardly extended legs which are adapted to fit over the base member and are fastened to the base member by screws extended laterally through the legs into the base member. This facilitates installation of the eaves beam and allows the roof to be pre-assembled, taken to the work site and installed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded and extruded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. Optional kits are available to provide the gazebo with screen and/or solid enclosures. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.

Abstract: A portable reconfigurable hunting blind assembly is disclosed comprising six rectangular frames joined together side edge to side edge along five hinge lines for accordion folding, and a camouflage covering mounted to each of the frames to define six panel-shaped wall units, the camouflage covering defining a window in at least some of the wall units.

Abstract: A new conical roof building method provides flat plates having straight abutting edges and curved outer edges. The plates are placed horizontally edge to edge except for a sectoral opening. The plates are welded together to form a flat disc-shaped blank, leaving an open sector of the blank. Radial supports are welded to a top of the disc-shaped blank. A center of the disc-shaped blank is lifted, forming a conical-shaped structure, closing and abutting edges of the open sector and touching edges of the formerly open sector are welded together, completing the forming of the conical roof.

Abstract: A shell for an outer LNG containment tank and a method of making the shell from a plurality of precast reinforced concrete shell elements are described. The shell elements having a precast concrete body to which are anchored a radially inwardly facing liner plate and a pair of circumferentially spaced apart side plates which depend radially outwardly from the liner plate. The shell elements can be arranged upon a ring beam with side plates abutting one another. The side plates are welded together to form radially and vertically extending stiffener ribs which are circumferentially spaced around the shell. As these stiffener ribs provide great structural support, the shell can be constructed with minimal or no cast in place structural joints being needed to construct the shell. Ideally, the shell elements have bottom base plates welded to a ring beam or foundation and top end plates that are welded together to form an annular ring thus enhancing the structural strength of the shell.

Abstract: A method for constructing a composite concrete roof on an outer LNG containment tank is disclosed. The roof includes a roof assembly and a plurality of precast reinforced concrete roof elements. The roof assembly is mounted on a tank shell. At least some of the roof elements including a concrete body and embedded metal plates adapted to be welded to the roof assembly. The roof elements are welded to the roof assembly to provide additional strength and stiffness to the roof assembly. Preferably, no or minimal cast in place concrete structural joints are needed to join the roof elements to the roof assembly and or top of the shell. Ideally, the roof assembly includes a membrane and mounting beams connected to the membrane. The embedded plates of the roof assemblies are welded to the mounting beams on the roof assembly. The method may further include mounting or welding the roof elements to the roof assembly while workers access the interior of the shell to perform work therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a permanent plastic formwork system formed by two parallel surfaces, namely an outer surface and an inner surface, comprising a plurality of flat or longitudinally curved, hollow plastic slats obtained by means of extrusion, provided internally with a rebar mesh providing them with rigidity and joined longitudinally by means of tongued-and-grooved ends with separators existing between the two surfaces. The separators are provided with a threaded area and an inclined appendage for securing the rebar mesh located between the surfaces. The slats are secured to the ground using U-shaped parts containing a threaded rod that can be used to clamp and fix the same. In addition, in closed structures, reinforced internal elements can be incorporated diametrically, such as metal bars with flat surfaces at their ends enabling the same to be secured to the above-mentioned inner surface.

Abstract: A ring beam element, a ring beam and a method of constructing a ring beam from a plurality of ring beam elements is disclosed. The ring beam can support a shell or wall of a tank. The ring beam element comprises a reinforced concrete body, preferably having a metal base plate anchored therein, and a plurality of tensile conduits extending circumferentially there through. Ideally, the reinforced concrete body will have interlocking surfaces such that the ring beam elements interlock with one another when circumferentially juxtaposed. Tensile members can be placed through the plurality of tensile conduits and tensioned and anchored by anchors to clamp a plurality of juxtaposed ring beam elements together. Ideally, the base plates of a plurality of the ring beam elements can be connected or welded together to form an annular ring of base plates.

Abstract: Provided is a strengthening device to increase the strength of a grout layer. In the strengthening device, clamp members are interconnected and clamped to surround a grout layer on a concrete base, on which an upper structure is installed, so as to increase the strength of the grout layer. Connection members are provided to edges of the clamp members to connect the clamp members. Fastening means is fastened between the connection members in order to enable the clamp members to clamp the grout layer. This strengthening device acts as a mold to facilitate easy construction when grout is placed, and surrounds the grout layer to increase the strength of the grout layer after grout is cured, thereby effectively preventing and minimizing failure of the grout layer caused by loads transferred from an upper structure such as a column member or a bridge bearing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.