Abstract: Greenhouse, solarium or the like has roof and side walls comprising a plurality of panels formed of stiff, outwardly bowed light transmitting sheets arranged adjacent one another in substantially radial array, and elongated spaced framing members extending along the adjacent sides of the panels holding the panels in bowed condition in the array.

Abstract: A modular greenhouse has Y-shaped vertical support members connected to roof supports and horizontal supports forming a frame for sealingly adhering glass panes thereto. The roof supports extend from a central annular ring member which has a controllable vent member which can be moved between an open and close position at the center of the roof. In addition, two adjacent vertical supports can mount a standard storm door for entrance into the greenhouse. The modular greenhouse can be adjoined to other modular greenhouse sections sharing two common vertical supports. An entranceway formed between the two common vertical supports provides passage between the two modular sections.

Abstract: A hexagonal housing unit is erected with flat roof and side wall panels of different shapes, formed of selected desired building materials, and manufactured by production procedures. Certain of the panels may be formed of two pieces or sections. There are several sizes of certain panels to accommodate multiple unit installations either initial or by add-on construction. Simple joints, preferably bolted, connect the panels and proper roof drainage is enabled in multiple unit buildings.

Abstract: Multi-wall devices embodying two or more spaced members arranged to provide an enclosed space therebetween for controlling the transmission of energy through the members for the purpose of capturing, storing and releasing energy.

Abstract: A modular solar greenhouse incorporates rigid curving frames overhead with screw and nut tracks for ease of assembly and east side and west side end modules and advantageously employs a thermally broken glazing system; that is, the exterior and interior portions of the aluminum frame extrusions are bonded together by strong plastic material and then the metal bridge is removed for thermally isolating the interior frame portion from the exterior portion. At least one overhead heat storage unit is carried by the rigid frames, with insulated roofing being located above and also being supported by the frames, so that low-angle solar radiation in the wintertime can travel directly into the upper region of the greenhouse below the roof for directly impinging upon and supplying heat energy to the thermal storage units.

Abstract: An enclosed structure such as a silo, particularly suitable for containing grain crops, is provided.The structure has a series of vertical posts disposed in a circle. A series of horizontal girts are attached to the inside of the posts. The inside surface defined by the girts is clad with lightweight sheet material. A roof is added and the structure may be sealed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved joint between building panels, e.g. molded roof panels for prefabricated bay windows, wherein the joint consists of a slot in the edge of one of the panels. The slot has side walls, each of which is at a different angle relative to the plane of the panel. The edge of the other panel is inserted into the slot and the respective side walls thereof are engaged by one side or the other of the edge of the other panel to locate the other panel in one angular position or another with respect to the plane of the first panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated gazebo having a floor assembly formed from a plurality of lengths of a structural supporting material secured together in polygonal formation and provided with joist members and joist support members secured to the polygon formation to support a deck material. A wall assembly is formed from a plurality of wall sections, each of which may be constructed in an arch formation, one such section being secured to each of the plurality of lengths of structural supporting material. Each wall section is also secured to the two adjacent wall sections. One wall section is adapted to serve as an entrance to the gazebo. A roof assembly is formed from a plurality of identical roof sections, one such section being secured to the center of the arch of each wall section, and also secured to the two adjacent roof sections.

Abstract: A building system formed from a plurality of building panels of triangular shape which are continuously attached on all sides to the earth or other triangular panels thereby defining a rigid panel structure of regular geometric form. Preferably, each panel is formed from two panel sections wherein each section is formed by cutting a stock piece of rigid material, having a known or predetermined length to width dimensional ratio, along its diagonal to form two right triangular panel sections. The dimensions of each triangular panel are equal and in a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the base to the perpendicular height is unity, wherein the panel sections are formed from a stock piece of material having a length to width dimensional ratio of two to one.

Abstract: A skeletal dome structure composed of a plurality of arcuate support beams joined at their upper ends to a central hub and radiating outwardly and downwardly to terminate at points of engagement with a support surface. Each support beam is composed of an elongated lightweight core sandwiched between upper and lower strips of a material having high tensile and compressive strength. In making the dome, each beam is first preassembled to the extent that the core thereof is secured to a first strip, that strip is then attached at one end to the central hub, the first strip and core are then longitudinally flexed to develop a convex curvature along the side of the core opposite from the strip, and a second flexible strip is then secured to the convex side of the core.

Abstract: Multi-wall devices embodying two or more spaced members arranged to provide an enclosed space therebetween for controlling the transmission of energy through the members for the purpose of capturing, storing and releasing energy.

Abstract: Architectural structures made up of a set of trapezoids arranged in pleated relationship, interfitted with another interfitting, transverse set of polygons also arranged in pleated relationship.

Abstract: The cylindrical shaped helically wound storage bin is comprised of a roof unit and a side wall structure each of which is separately formed and assembled together in the field. The wall structure and the roof unit are each formed from a continuous metal ribbon member. The ribbon member of the roof unit is helically wound and continuously interlocked in a stepped dome shape with the interlocking connection of the adjacent sides of the metal ribbon constituting riser portions of the steps and a reinforcing member for the roof unit. The metal ribbon of the bin wall structure is helically wound and continuously interlocked along the adjacent sides thereof in a cylindrical shape with the interlocking connection forming a continuous rigid reinforcing rib that projects outwardly from and extends spirally about and over the full height of the side wall structure.

Abstract: A prefabricated building of symmetrical polygonal shape secured onto a concrete slab and symmetrical about a vertical central axis, the building having vertical columns in each polygonal corner and the columns being joined by perimeter beams extending therearound parallel to the slab to form a substantially closed main framework. The building further includes roof beams supported entirely by the columns and extending diagonally upwardly and inwardly to an apex member which joins them. The columns have connectors attached to them to receive the ends of the perimeter and roof beams which comprise two C-shaped members disposed back-to-back with their webs slightly spaced by internally mounted spacers. Prefabricated side and roof panel members enclose the framework, and are made thick enough to hide the beams and the columns and to lap each other to form an inclosed structure.

Abstract: A building, constructed from prefabricated building components, where the roof and floor components are formed from substantially similar triangle-shaped components. The roof and floor components are sequentially assembled and integrally fastened to the center support column of the building, so that the plan view of the building structure has the form of a polygon.The floor components are each supported at the perimeter of the polygon by vertically adjustable support columns which allow for construction of the building on uneven terrain with minimum site preparation. The roof components are supported at the perimeter of the polygon by fixed vertical posts, between which posts may be included structural prefabricated wall components.

Abstract: A tower is disclosed for the elevated storage of water or other liquids. The tower includes a concrete cylindrical shell having an upper distal portion, and a steel tank mounted co-axially at the upper distal portion. The tank has a lower floor opening for the shell distal portion to pass therethrough. The shell distal portion has a plurality of peripheral openings adjacent to the tank floor opening. A continuous tank floor passes through the shell peripheral openings, and sealingly closes the tank floor opening. The tank floor supports the tank and liquid therein, and connects the tank to the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a building structure (1) that is free-standing, clear-span, for bulk storage of materials such as fertilizer, salt, sand, grain, coal, any granular-type material that must be covered and the like. The structural uniqueness of the interface joint (21) of the building structure (1) permits such building to be of variable straight-line, convex, concave profiles, or combinations of such profiles, to spatially accommodate not only materials to be stored, but also equipment to prepare such materials for storage.Said building structure (1) has a series of frustums, with each frustum being in and of itself an independent and self-supporting structure and with each frustum having a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped panels (5) having bottom and top plates (7) and (9). The panels (5) of a lower frustum are joined to the panels (5) of an upper frustum through their interface joints (21) of respective mating top plates (9) and bottom plates (7).

Abstract: A structure for a hexagonal building has a novel steel frame including a connection which joins tension ring members, columns and roof trusses together with threaded fasteners. The upper ends of the rafters are joined by a tension ring. The bottom of each column is secured to a base by means of an adjustable base plate. Rafters spanning between the tension ring and compression ring are located between adjacent trusses. The frame is adapted to receive prefabricated sandwich-type panels for both roof and walls.

Abstract: A kiosk has a central base enclosing an electric motor drivingly connected to an umbrella-like cover supported over the central base for upward and downward movement. A closed counter encloses the central base with a walk space between the counter and the central base and a door in the counter permitting entry to the walk space. The umbrella-like cover is movable by the motor to an elevated position in which the kiosk can be used and a lower position in which it lies over and partially encloses the counter and prevents opening of the door in the counter. A key switch on the outer surface of the counter permits raising of the umbrella-like cover and lowering of the cover as required by the user.

Abstract: An adjustable connecting means for structural members of a suspended ceiling construction which is supported at least at its periphery and at its center and is capable of self-adjustment for ceilings of concave, convex, and horizontal configuration. A connecting means in which the edge portion of a central support member is provided with a plurality of open ended slots, the edge portion and slots being cooperable with a plurality of longitudinal structural members each having a vertically disposed web provided with flanges on opposite sides thereof, one end of the web having a sector shaped opening for reception of the edge portion and entry of a web portion inwardy of the sector shaped opening into a slot.

Abstract: A building roof consists of an assembly of adjacent roofing units, each comprising a pyramid-shaped main section of which the lower edges lead into, and are secured to, a rectangular peripheral assembly of channel ducts, the adjacent ducts of succeeding units being connected and sealed. Fascia units are secured to and extend outwardly from the outer flanges of the channel ducts about the periphery of the roof, each fascia unit having a sloping top substantially co-planar with the pyramid surface secured to the inner flange of the duct, a substantially vertical outer face, and a substantially horizontal bottom leading back to and seated on an exterior wall of the building supporting the roof.

Abstract: An outdoor grain pit cover is disclosed for excluding of rain water and the like from a pit constructed for below ground temporary storage of grain transportable into and out of the pit by an auger. The cover includes a sleeve for protecting the housing of the auger, and further includes a rectangular hatch or door used to cover a chute or trough for loading grain from the grain pit into trucks when the elevators are being unloaded. Means for stabilizing the cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conically-shaped roof structure comprising a plurality of radially spaced tapered roof panels with the ribbed edges of each panel lying in overlapping relation. Anchored to the undersurface of the roof panel ribs are a plurality of stiffener members having a vertically extending web for vertical loads and a horizontally extending lower flange for lateral loading and cable suspension means attached to the opposite ends of the stiffener member joining at a center point for supporting vertical thermocouple cables.

Abstract: The prefabricated building frame structure or gazebo is of octagonal configuration and has a centrally located vertical axis. It includes a structural support system, a floor system carried by the support system above ground level, and a roof system carried solely by the support system. The floor and roof systems are provided with collars, each with at least three sides, which are spaced apart and are located on the vertical axis. The structural support system includes at least three vertical support columns with each column being spaced an equal distance from the axis and being spaced equal distances from adjacent columns to form the octagonal configuration. The floor system includes joists of equal length, one for each collar side and corresponding column. The joists extend from the floor collar to the support columns. The sides of the roof collar and the upper end portions of the support columns are provided with fastening brackets.

Abstract: A heavy, immobile ground based enclosure surrounds growing plants. A cover assembly is removably engaged on the enclosure during periods of inclement or unfavorable weather, and is maintained in place by releasable engagement means. The cover assembly has ventilation means, heat transfer means, and liquid spray means associated therewith.

Abstract: A circular building having an external wall of curved panels of rigid material such as fiberglass reinforced polyester, and roof panels substantially triangular in shape of the same material secured at one end to the top of said wall panels, and a column supported center ring to which the other ends of said roof panels are secured. A cupola is mounted on the center ring and roof panels, covering the said center ring, and tension bars are provided to reinforce the roof panels against deflection. The foundation is poured after the walls are erected and the center column in place, so that a seal is perfected.

Abstract: A grain drying bin is disclosed having a simplified structural supporting system and which provides rapid drying of stored grains. An upper truncated pyramidal shaped housing section has at least three inwardly sloping planar side walls and a horizontal roof portion with a grain entry port. A lower inverted truncated pyramidal shaped housing section having the same number of planar inwardly sloping side walls is provided. The two housing sections directly join to one another with the lower housing section being substantially supported in a cavity in the ground. Ventilation panels are mounted substantially parallel to and at a predetermined spacing from the side walls and floor portion of the lower housing section. A hot gas inlet aperture is provided to permit the entry of heated gas into the spaces between the side walls and the ventilation panels.

Abstract: A structure of generally dome shape including a supporting framework formed of circumferentially spaced vertical members and laterally extending members on each side thereof and means for clamping said laterally extending members to a vertical member. The laterally extending members being spaced apart substantially the same distance as the diameter of the vertical member to which they are clamped. An inside shell formed in any suitable manner of concrete, mesh and reinforcing members and an outside shell spaced from said inside shell and formed generally similarly to the inside shell, the inside and outside shells being connected to and supported by the spaced laterally extending members and fixed thereto providing an airspace between the inside and outside shells. A modification of the structure provides a solar heating arrangement on a part of the dome shaped structure which has a generally southern exposure.

Abstract: A one-story building having a polygonal floor with a centrally located mast, has exterior walls tilted up from horizontal by means of tackle mounted to the mast. The walls are of a cast cementitious material with embedded rectangular grid of bamboo tubes. Continuous strings of barbed wire extend lengthwise inside the horizontal tubes of the grid around the entire perimeter of the building from one jamb to the other of a doorway in one of the exterior walls to bind walls together. Selected ones of the horizontal and vertical tubes used for electrical and plumbing conduits. Tubes are filled with concrete after erection of the walls. The mast and tackle thereon are used to erect a multipanel roof to position where it is supported on the mast and walls.

Abstract: A semi-dome-shaped structure has a foundation and a plurality of load-bearing structural elements each of which extends upwardly from the base and meets at a common vertex suspended above the base. Each structural element has a longitudinal centerline that lies approximately within intersecting great circle planes whose line of intersection is perpendicular to the base. A top covering extends over the structural elements from the vertex of the structural elements to a small semi-circle intermediate the vertex and the base. A plurality of side panels extend from the top covering to the base to provide an enclosure. The front of the structure can have an enormous picture window and a balcony.

Abstract: Air cooled or heated by a localized air-temperature-modifying unit suspended from an air-retention shell is temporarily retained by the shell, thereby reducing the energy consumption and improving the efficiency of the air-temperature-modifying means. The preferred air-temperature-modifying means suspended from the shell is a chicken house brooder. The shell is generally conical, faces downwardly, and is made of a highly heat-retentive material, such as foamed synthetic resinous material.

Abstract: A building structure is disclosed comprising a plurality of rib members and a plurality of panel members. The rib members comprise metal extrusions which are adapted to effect interconnection of said panel members to form structures such as roofs for silos, tanks, barns and other buildings, or alternately to define wall partitions or the like. Also provided is a wedge member adapted to be attached to the rib member by a bolt or the like for securing the panel members to the rib member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel precast building structure system for a polygonal building, preferably a twelve-sided building structure. In particular, the precast structures are constituted by four basic units namely, a system of central core elements, a floor panel system constituted by essentially identical precast concrete floor elements, a plurality of like numbered wall elements which may have openings of various kinds for doors, windows, etc., and a plurality of roof panel elements corresponding in number to the number of wall panels and floor panels but staggered in relation to the wall panels and juxtaposed over the floor panels. The wall panels rest on the piers and are secured via weld plates and at spaced points to the ends of the floor panels. The floor panels and the roof panels incorporate a unique T-beam construction which in conjunction with the integrally cast complementary pairs of triangularly shaped floor and/or roof panel portions, is reinforced with steel.

Abstract: A vaulted structure of exceptional strength and rigidity is disclosed, characterized by a box-section construction of a plurality of radially spaced-apart sheet material gores joined by radially-extending members that coact with the gores to provide rigidifying and ventillation plenum forming means whereby the expansion-contraction characteristics of the structure are controlled to minimize thermal distortion. In a preferred embodiment the structure is in the form of a generally hemispherical dome formed of sheet metal gores.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support framework or truss having at least one suspension element arched in one direction and serving as a roof construction, formed from concrete poured at the site or from prefabricated components, comprising forming a reinforcement construction taking-up the horizontal forces and composed of two horizontal supports arranged in spaced relationship from one another and extending transversely with respect to the arching direction of the suspension element, and which horizontal supports are laterally interconnected by means of reinforcement components, and supporting the thus formed reinforcement construction upon supports. Tension elements for the suspension element are arranged in a spatial curve extending in a catenary configuration between the horizontal supports and are anchored at the region of the supports at the reinforcement construction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved concept for using flat sheathing materials to construct the curved roof of a domical structure with the underlying dome frame and the shape of the roof panels designed to permit originally flat sheathing material to be curved in different directions. Thus, a single flat sheet of sheathing material may contain several different curved surfaces, improving the appearance and the shell effect of the roof and increasing the strength and economic efficiency of the domical structure.

Abstract: A roof structure for a building includes a number of panels, preferably of a sandwich construction with a rigid foam core and upper and lower surfaces which may be metal, wood or other material depending upon the use. A first type of joint extends along the fall line of the roof, with the panels being in side-by-side, spaced relation and supported along their ridges by a roof truss extending along this longitudinal joint. A retainer strip extends along the longitudinal joint and is held in sealing relation with the adjacent panels by means of threaded fasteners secured to the truss. A joint transverse of the fall line is formed by a tongue-in-groove construction of the panels which permits an upper panel to lap over a lower panel for better drainage, and also allows for thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a self-supporting, mountable and demountable prefabricated building structure comprised of a flexible integral sheet and a plurality of elongated flexible support members attached thereto, the building having substantial load-bearing capacity independent of cross members or interfering columnar supports, the method including simultaneously drawing inwardly the free ends of the supporting members against the opposite members into a rigid arcuate building structure. The apparatus comprising means for simultaneously drawing the free ends of the support members against the fixed ends, the means being connected at one end to the free ends of the support members and, at the other end, to a wind-up mechanism for effecting the simultaneous drawing in of the free ends.

Abstract: Shelters and methods of making them are disclosed which include a basic module that has a frame over which a flexible fabric cover is fitted and appropriately attached so that when distended it will define the configuration of the module. A reinforced rigid plastics foam material is adhered to the outer surface of the flexible fabric cover, and a protective waterproof coating is adhered to the outer surface of the rigid plastics foam material. If desired, portions of the frame can then be removed leaving a self-sustaining shelter.

Abstract: A plurality of identical panels shaped as equilateral triangles with peripheral framing whereby the panels are adapted to be bolted together to form a space enclosing structure whose outer surface will be 15/20th of an icosahedron. The five roof panels have extensions on one side to form overhangs.

Abstract: A solar-heated building structure comprising an exterior shell including a generally semi-spherical roof section comprising a plurality of light-transmitting panes of material providing a air and water-tight exterior surface therefor, horizontal floor means dividing the shell into a heat-insulated living compartment, and an attic compartment extending between the living compartment and the roof section to form a solar heat collector. Air in the attic compartment is heated by absorbed energy from sunlight passing through the light-transmitting panes of the roof section. Means are provided for circulating air into and out of the attic compartment to heat the same, and for circulating the thus heated air through the living compartment to maintain the living compartment at a desired temperature. Means are also provided in the shell for storing heat energy from the heated air for use to heat the living compartment when sunlight energy is unavailable.

Abstract: A gun mount is constructed of a plurality of alternately curved and flat isogrid plates arranged, annularly about and extending upward from a generally circular base, the plates being secured together to define a generally U-shaped shell-like structure having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending trunnion support members, the grid structure of the flat plates consisting of an uniform unflanged isogrid structure which terminates at a pocketed transition section on three sides and a stiffened edge along the top, and the grid structure of the curved sections consisting of radial grid members which are intersected by curved diagonal grid members describing exponential spirals.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inverted frusto-conical shaped perforated floor which is mounted in a conventional grain drying bin in a raised position relative to the base floor thereof. The perforated floor has a plurality of grain discharge openings formed therein, each of which are selectively closed by a trough-like valve. The valves have varying lengths to obtain better grain distribution on the base floor. The valves are controlled by a manually operated means. A tube tensioner is provided on the bottom surface of the perforated floor to stiffen and strengthen the perforated floor. A series of bands are mounted above the perforated floor to maintain the level of the grain being dried substantially parallel to the upper surface of the perforated floor for evenness of drying. The grain is dumped on the perforated floor and the dried air is passed upwardly through the perforated floor to dry the grain.

Abstract: A vented metal umbrella kit comprising a pair of substantially diametrically divided, prefabricated canopy half-sections, each half-section of which is prefabricated of a plurality of elongated sheet metal channel members tapered from end to end and secured in relatively side to side, interstraddling, fan-like relative disposition, a vertical support structure having a support arm adjustably secured at one end and a support disc removably attachable to the outer end of the support arm, means securing the umbrella half-sections in depending relation about the support disc, and a cone member of greater diameter than the support disc removably securable over the support disc and the attached end portions of the canopy half-sections assembled thereto.

Abstract: A dome structure having a stabilizer pole forming the apex of the dome. A plurality of spaced riser beams are arched and terminate at the apex and join a plurality of arched panel members. Each of the panel members taper from a wide base to a narrow top at the apex.

Abstract: A portable enclosure having a series of panels hingedly affixed together to form a closed polygon. A flexible linking member and a vinyl hinge or sealing strip fixed between adjacent pairs of panels interconnect the panels such that the enclosure can be folded. The pivot link at the upper and lower portions of the panels are basically identical and provide means for securing and retaining a roof structure at the top while the link located at the bottom provides a convenient means for fixing the enclosure to the ground.

Abstract: A method of forming the roof/wall portion of a conical building structure is disclosed. A generally two-dimensional panel structure is first constructed at or near ground level. The panel structure has a shape generally comprising from one to three contiguous quadrants of a theoretical square configuration. This shape has at least one primary peripheral corner coincident with one of the corners of the square configuration, and two secondary peripheral corners intermediate the corners of the square configuration. The secondary peripheral corners are formed by a peripheral edge of the panel structure coincident with the boundary of the square configuration and a secondary edge directed inwardly with respect to that boundary. The panel structure so formed is flexed into a downwardly opening conical configuration.

Abstract: A shelter structure constructed of a plurality of modules or lobes each of which includes a pair of triangular panels having curved edges connected together with the apices thereof spread apart and supported by pedestals in elevated relation to a supporting surface. Adjacent edges of the lobes or modules are secured together by a connector and the pedestals are secured to the lower apices of the modules by splice plate assemblies. The lobes or modules are assembled into a building or shelter structure by a unique manipulative procedure to facilitate the construction of a shelter on site thus enabling the modules to be conveyed to the site in a partially assembled condition and then expeditiously set-up and assembled into a shelter structure.

Abstract: A vertically aligned triangularly cross sectioned bicycle storage cabinet having a pyramidical top and in which the bicycle is vertically suspended in the storage cabinet from a hook mounted at the apex of the pyramidical top by engagement with the front or back wheel of the bicycle. The base of the triangularly cross sectioned storage cabinet is provided with a door and lock means are provided for locking the door in a closed position.

Abstract: A concentric building including a foundation; a first substantially circular platform serving as a lower floor resting upon the foundation; at least one second substantially circular platform smaller in diameter than, and concentric with the first platform, the second platform serving as an upper floor. A plurality of vertically oriented poles are secured between the first and second platforms, and positioned to rigidly hold the second platform above the first platform. A lower wall is attached to the circumference of, and slopes outwardly away from the first platform. At least one upper wall is attached to the circumference of, and slopes outwardly away from the second platform. First and second tension cables are clamped around the uppermost outer perimeters of the lower and upper walls, respectively, for retaining the walls in an upright position. A roof is secured to the top edges of the lower and upper walls, the upper portion of the roof being truncated to provide a skylight.