Abstract: The invention pertains to the conversion of waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as existing gypsum stacks, into waste containment or landfill facilities. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks. Waste containment facilities created according to the invention can be used for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass. Containment facilities according to the invention can be lined or unlined, open or capped, depending upon the nature of the material to be resident in the containment facility and relevant governmental regulations. The invention also provides for drainage and recovery systems, monitoring, controlling and communication means, pumps and valving means, and any other means known in the waste containment facility field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support (12) for an erectable structure (10), in particular a canopy for a grandstand seating platform (98). The support (12) includes a pliable elongate main member in the form of a frame (26); a plurality of compression legs in the form of A-frames (28) mounted to the frame (26); restraint means in the form of tension wires (30) connected between the A-frames (28) and the frame (26); and an elongate tensionable element in the form of a cable (32). The support (12) is movable between a collapsed and an erect position by pivoting the support (12) about a pin joint (100), through which it is coupled to the seating platform. In a preferred embodiment, a structure 10r comprises three such supports (12r) coupled by purlins (16r) and including membranes (14r) to define a grandstand canopy.

Abstract: The invention relates to building structures of the type comprising arched frame members supporting panels of flexible materials such as weather resistant fabric. Problems accompanying the use of separate panels extending between frame members are overcome by providing connecting members on the frame members, and panels having means for attachment to the connecting members and flaps of flexible material adjacent to but spaced from the side margins of the panels, the connecting members slidably engage the means for attachment and have a channel to receive the flaps. The flaps are secured in the channel to provide weatherproof connections between the panels.

Abstract: A standardized arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. The two-sided angled cuts are preferably standard right-angled notches and end cuts.

Abstract: Sized and shaped attachments made of suitable materials and having a predetermined thickness for straightening and replacing studs, joists and rafters, squaring of openings and for aligning a plurality of the studs, joists and rafters in the framing for a building to provide a planar application surface to which exterior finishing members can be affixed. The attachments have sized and spaced openings thereon operatively associated by frictional engagement with fastening members each having a slidable member thereon to enable the attachments or devices to be adjustably fastened to a given stud, joist or rafter so a plurality of such adjusted attachments or any replacement attachments can be aligned with each other to provide the planar application surface. Methods are provided to align a multiplicity of adjoining studs, joists or rafters, to square and to square and align openings with such attachments to provide the planar application surfaces.

Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of erecting a tent comprising two or more beam assemblies is provided. Each of the beam assemblies comprises a roof portion and a pair of legs for supporting the roof portion. A number of base members are secured to the ground at predetermined locations. The roof portions are pivotally connected to the base members and rotated upwardly from the ground while maintaining the connection to the base members. A first side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. A first leg is connected to the first side. The first leg is then connected to the base member. A second side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. The second leg is connected to the second side. The second leg is then connected to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved building panel having increased strength and rigidity, thereby reducing present design constraints imposed upon buildings constructed of interconnected panels. The building panel includes a novel curved central portion connected to two diverging inclined side wall portions in lieu of a straight central portion. Replacing the straight curved portion with a curved portion provides the building panel with increased strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the building panel to withstand increased positive and negative bending moments. Thus, a building constructed of panels having such curved central portions will reduce the present design constraints and increase the size and shape of buildings constructed of such panels.

Abstract: A skirt assembly system for use on a mobile home. The skirt assembly system includes a plurality of telescoping studs. The skirt assembly system also includes a plurality of tracks wherein the stud are secured within the tracks with an edged of the stud facing out. The skirt assembly system also includes studs fastened to a side wall of the tracks. The skirt assembly system also includes a brace connected to the telescoping studs on one side thereof and connected to a bottom of the mobile home on an opposite end of the brace.

Abstract: An overfilled, pre-cast reinforced concrete arch bridge for supporting one pathway above a second pathway in which the projections of the pathways intersect at an oblique angle. The bridge includes a plurality of identically shaped arch elements that are offset from each other to form a staggered orientation whereby a skewed bridge is formed without specially shaped arch elements. Cover elements can be used to prevent migration of soil or water into the bridge and various forms of arch elements can be used in the bridge.

Abstract: A reinforced arch made of arcuate panel sections is disclosed. The addition of stiffening elements such as bracing or a tensioning apparatus to the arch increases the strength and stability of the arch. By attaching a plurality of these arches together in a spaced-apart relationship with a series of purlins, a high strength frame for a soft-covered building could be produced.

Abstract: A method and system for use in forming arched openings in both concrete block and wood frame building construction. In block construction the present invention provides for the use of monolithic plant pre-cast and reinforced concrete header and arched filler combination units that is load-bearing, and in wood frame construction the present invention provides for the use of non-load-bearing pre-formed arch-filling members that could be made from recycled plastic attached to or including a lintel for overlaying the surrounding wall frame. Use of the present invention would eliminate the need for labor-intensive post and beam type headers with a site-built wooden arch and thereby reduce the on-site costs currently associated with site installation of windows and doors having an arched upper perimeter. The materials from which the present invention is made would determine its load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: A portable shelter includes a frame having front and back arches joined by two skids at their bottom ends and a set of braces extending between the arches. A cover over the frame has a water impervious top panel and end and back panels that are an air pervious mesh. The shelter is particularly useful in sporting installations, for example golf driving ranges.

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

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.

Abstract: Sized and shaped attachments made of suitable materials and having a predetermined thickness for straightening and replacing studs, joists and rafters, squaring of openings and for aligning a plurality of the studs, joists and rafters in the framing for a building to provide a planar application surface to which exterior finishing members can be affixed. The attachments have sized and spaced openings thereon operatively associated by frictional engagement with fastening members each having a slidable member thereon to enable the attachments or devices to be adjustably fastened to a given stud, joist or rafter so a plurality of such adjusted attachments or any replacement attachments can be aligned with each other to provide the planar application surface. Methods are provided to align a multiplicity of adjoining studs, joists or rafters, to square and to square and align openings with such attachments to provide the planar application surfaces.

Abstract: The bow module portable modular structure of the present invention includes: (a) a rigid, spaced apart, parallel array of arches, each lying in a vertical plane and spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, wherein each arch is formed of a unitary generally semi-circular bow member having rigid bracing members mountable thereto within a perimeter of the bow member, and (b) a rigid, spaced apart, substantially parallel array of cross-bracing bows mountable to the array of arches so as to be generally perpendicular to each arch, the array of cross-bracing bows radially spaced apart about a center of curvature of each arch in the array of arches.

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 runner for maintaining at least two studs in a predetermined relationship relatively to one another so as to allow for the construction walls presenting a laterally curved portion, walls erected in a space where the distance between a floor and a ceiling varies or half walls having a figured upper end. Each runner includes at least two stud receiving components. Each of the stud receiving components is configured and sized for receiving one of the stud end portions. Each stud receiving component is provided with a linking structure mounted thereon for mechanically linking with an adjacent stud receiving component while allowing the linked stud receiving components to be angled relatively to each other. Each stud receiving component has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a base wall. The base wall has a base wall peripheral edge.

Abstract: Method of construction of a vault, in which at least two half-shells (1-8; 60) are brought to bear against one another by means of at least two bearing pieces (30, 50; 70) which are mated and, each half-shell (1-8; 60) comprising an upper edge (21; 61) and a bottom lip (22); each bearing piece (30, 50; 70) is fixed removably to a half-shell (1-8; 60), the two half-shells (1-8; 60) are brought to bear against one another temporarily via their bearing piece (30, 50; 70) without their bottom lips (22) being brought to bear against one another, a keystone-forming material is cast between said upper edges (21; 61), on the bottom (14) constituted by the lips (22), so as to bring about continuous transverse joining together of the half-shells (1-8; 60), and then the bearing pieces (30, 50; 70) are removed so as to effect load transfer from the bearing pieces (30, 50; 70) to the half-shells (1-8; 60). The invention is suitable for the construction of a passage under an embankment.

Abstract: A civil engineering structure having an arched wall including a plurality of curve shaped elements. Each element bears against one or more other similar elements and has a recess arranged in an outer face for casting a concrete assembly capping piece and reinforcements. Each element also includes at least one rigid bearing piece fastened to the element and has, at a free end of the rigid bearing piece, a surface with a non-planar profile. The rigid bearing piece comes to bear against a similar piece of another element located opposite it. The two rigid bearing pieces have complementary profiles making it possible for them to be wedged vertically.

Abstract: A kit for a knockdown greenhouse which is easy to assemble and ship in a conventional parcel service container is disclosed which includes a plurality of base strips for forming a rectangular base frame having first and second parallel side base members and first and second end base members. The base strips have a length generally equal to or less than the length of the container. First and second side base members have a series of anchors spaced along a length of the base members. A plurality of elongated bendable rib sections are included having a length generally less than the length of the container. Couplings are provided for joining ends of a predetermined number of the arch sections together generally end to end to form an arch-shaped rib whereby a plurality of arch-shaped ribs may be constructed. The arch-shaped ribs have first and second anchor ends which are interconnectable with the anchors of side base members to position the arch-shaped ribs upright.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an apparatus and method for a storm shelter which can be used aboveground and belowground, and, may be skin supported. The present invention discloses that its top 11, front 13 and rear 15 surfaces can be made from a single, curved piece of material 12, and, that its sides 14 are made from two straight pieces of material all of which pieces are mounted onto parallel curved fine members 18 which are mounted onto a base frame 16 which is anchored to a foundation 34. The storm shelter of the present invention can be manufactured and pre-assembled in an embodiment having a single piece 12, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction or in an embodiment having a multiple piece 46 and 48, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction designed for on-site construction in the form of a kit or pieces which can be assembled on-site.

Abstract: An arch for a ceiling structure having a first vertical wall stud and a second vertical wall stud. The arch includes an arcuate center section having opposed ends and an arcuate under surface with a first radius of curvature. The arcuate center section is sized and configured such that the opposed ends thereof abut respective ones of the first and second wall studs. The arch further includes a first and second arcuate side section attached to the center section and respective ones of the first and second vertical wall studs. Each of the first and second side sections has an arcuate under surface with a second radius of curvature less than the first radius of curvature. Accordingly, the first and second side sections create a continuous transition between the under surface of the arcuate center section and respective ones of the first and second vertical wall studs.

Abstract: A runner for maintaining at least two studs in a predetermined relationship relatively to one another so as to allow for the construction walls presenting a laterally curved portion, walls erected in a space where the distance between a floor and a ceiling varies or half walls having a figured upper end. Each runner includes at least two stud receiving components. Each of the stud receiving components is configured and sized for receiving one of the stud end portions. Each stud receiving component is provided with a linking structure mounted thereon for mechanically linking with an adjacent stud receiving component while allowing the linked stud receiving components to be angled relatively to each other. Each stud receiving component has a generally "U"-shape.

Abstract: The use of a thermoplastic molding composition differing from ABS and comprising, based on a total of 100% by weight of amounts of components A and B, and, if desired, C and/or D,a: as component A, from 1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 15 to 60% by weight, in particular from 25 to 50% by weight, of a particulate emulsion polymer with a glass transition temperature of below 0.degree. C. and with a median particle size of from 50 to 1000 nm, preferably from 50 to 500 nm,b: as component B, from 1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 40 to 85% by weight, in particular from 50 to 75% by weight, of at least one amorphous or partly crystalline polymer,c: as component C, from 0 to 50% by weight of polycarbonates, andd: as component D, from 0 to 50% by weight of fibrous or particulate fillers or mixtures of thesefor producing covering grid plates for ventilator openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing and supporting curved wall structures including a leg member attached to a web member to form a basic frame support assembly. The web member includes a mounting surface which terminates at a curvilinear edge, while the leg member includes spaced-apart notches which collectively define multiple tab portions. The tab portions are bent such that they are skewed relative to a remaining support portion of the leg member. The support portion of the leg member is conformed to the curvature of a curvilinear edge of the web member, and the tab portions are fastened to the mounting surface of the web member. This process can be repeated for additional leg members at additional curvilinear edges that may be present on the web member. In another aspect of the invention, elongated frame members, which serve as support studs, may be attached to the basic frame support assembly.

Abstract: An edge strip for being mounted along a base structure includes a first axially extending flange, a second axially extending flange obliquely extending from the first flange. The second flange includes a first support and a second support. The first support is configured for being mounted adjacent to the base structure and includes a first head portion, a first neck portion between the first head portion and the first flange, a second neck portion spaced from the first neck portion between the head portion and the first flange, and a first strut between the first and second neck portions. The first strut has a width greater than the widths of the first and second neck portions. The second support is adjacent the first support and is configured for being mounted adjacent to the base structure.

Abstract: A floating shelter has a semicircular frame defining an open-ended tunnel with an unobstructed ingress and egress. The frame has straight frame members forming the base of the open-ended tunnel. The roof of the open-ended tunnel is formed by curved frame members working together with a canopy top. A tensioning assembly mounted to each bottom corner of the canopy top engages the curved frame members forming the entrance and exit of the tunnel. Floats are fitted about the straight frame members forming the base of the open-ended tunnel for flotation of the frame.

Abstract: A drywall suspension grid system comprising a selection of various sized and specified pre-formed and pre-engineered "T" grid beams and components used to construct a grid having a grid face upon which drywall is mounted, thus creating a suspended drywall ceiling. The suspension grid system can be used to create flat ceilings, curved ceilings, soffits, fascia for floating edge ceilings, utility interfaces, or any combination thereof in a suspended grid drywall ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss arch which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a single piece of fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss arch is made up of sections comprising tubular upper and lower arctuate truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates on each end of the sections are attached such that the top edge of said coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss arch and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss arch. The truss arch is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A plastic wire frame structural clip includes two pairs of diametrically opposed, equally spaced tapered slots formed longitudinally in a peripheral wall thereof for retaining wire frame members in place at their points of intersection. A wire frame structure employing the structural clip and a method for compactly arranging components of a domed wire frame structure for packaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arch element (1") for protecting roofs has at least one tubular arch (2) held in the curved state by at least one brace (4). The ends of arch and brace (2, 4) are interconnected by end connectors (3). In order to keep the brace (2) out of the direct connection between both end connectors (3) and to guide it along the arch (2) at a certain distance thereof, a flat connecting part (5) is arranged between and joined to arch and brace (2, 4). By using three arches (2), two braces (4) designed as bracing booms, four fabric or plastic connecting surfaces (5) that join the braces (4) to the arches (2), and three spacers (10) that keep the outer arches (2) apart, an unsupported, dimensionally stable three-dimensional arch element (1") is obtained that may be used directly as a shade or associated to other arch elements to carry roof surfaces. By using arches (2), spacers (10) and end connectors (3) that can be plugged into each other, the arch element (1") may be dismounted.

Abstract: A play structure building panel comprising of integrally connected spaced-apart curved parallel inner and outer panel walls joined by two side edges and end two end edges. One of the side edges and at one of the end edges have an integral connection means extending therefrom to mate with complementary connection receiving means on an identical panel. Accordingly, one of the side edges and one of the end edges of the panel also have the complementary connections means to receive the connection means extending from another identical panel. Therefore, any number of the panels may be connected to other identical panels along any of the side or end edges.

Abstract: The method of combining barbed wire and conventional bags to create structures includes the steps of: providing a plurality of bags; filling the bags with a predetermined mixture of organic, manufactured, recycled, particulate, fill material; stacking and arranging the bags in a predetermined array; and, placing at least one strand of barbed wire or similar wire between at least a major portion of the stacked layers of bags as they are being stacked to create frictional resistance to sliding between layers and tensile strength in a wall or other structure formed by the stacked layers of bags thereby to provide earthquake resistant structures. The structures include a building structure retaining wall, and an erosion resistant embankment for a body of water made by the method. The bags can be of different length, the fill material can include a cementious material thereby to create a permanent structure and one to three spaced apart strands of barbed wire can be used between layers of bags.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable protective shelter. It comprises a substantially rigid frame and a substantially watertight cover. The frame and cover form a plurality of telescopic shelter elements, every shelter element being assembled on watertight slides with regard to another adjacent shelter element by means of at least another roller-guiding system allowing the overall and relative movement of all shelter elements with regard to each other in particular with no lateral play.

Abstract: Two curved arch rib supports are provided with a pre-shaped flexible membrane cover attached to the ribs; the ends of the ribs are hinged on a common locus at base supports. When erected, a saddle shaped roof is formed to which contoured end walls may be added. Additional modules may be joined to the structure so formed, by applying a pre-shaped and independent fabric membrane or cable net attached by rings to only each of the two structure base pivot axles. A catenary cable and web belt stress concentrator connect each ring to its opposite on each separate structure. The cable and web are of pre-set length and are shorter than the perimeter of the outer chord of the beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying ceiling panels to a light tunnel is provided. The applicator hereof includes a gantry, a frame, and a shifter for vertically shifting said frame relative to said gantry. The frame is presents a pair of generally arcuate spaced-apart rails each having a pair of terminal feet, with a bridge interconnecting the feet. The gantry includes a plurality of towers each having a pair of upright tower legs. The tower legs are attached to a base and preferably further supported by braces to maintain an upright configuration. A shifter is provided to operatively interconnect the gantry and the frame for raising the latter and the panel placed thereon into juxtaposition with a framework of the light tunnel. In accordance with the method, the applicator is placed within the framework of the light tunnel, a panel is placed on the platform, and the platform is shifted to place the panel in position for attachment to the framework.

Abstract: A structure frame made of arches is formed with a plurality of curved frame units in parallel arrangement, where the curved frame units having butt joints (6) are connected in length by several straight bars (16) and the butt joints (6). The straight bars are connected in line at right angles with the curved frame units in order to form a truss. The curved frame units include curved bars (14) and tie members (11) where the curved bars are connected to form the curved frame units by the tie members (11) and the butt joints (6). A tension member (9) is provided between the curved frame units and the trusses.

Abstract: An inflatable building construction, in particular suitable for use as a tunnel greenhouse comprising a film which is kept in an operative condition doming a predetermined useful space through an air pressure that has been increased relative to the environment, and which film has longitudinal edges anchored to the ground, wherein, for anchoring the longitudinal edges of the film, at least one flexible hose or tube is used which lies on and/or against a longitudinal edge provided in a trench in the bottom and which is filled with a fluid under excess pressure, which hose or tube clamps the film edges in the trench.

Abstract: A roof construction with a number of roof elements coupled together to form an up and down, essentially corrugated construction. The connection point of the roof elements is in the region of the neutral line. In this way particularly large spans can be achieved without special measures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a temporary corridor, to cover a walkway or the like, comprising easily transportable elements that can be quickly erected and disassembled on a selected site by one person.

Abstract: A box culvert formed from a plurality of corrugated sections. Reinforcing ribs are secured to the outside surface of the culvert. A universal receiving channel is provided for each lower edge of the culvert and may be used to secure lower edge portions extending at different angles relative to horizontal. A rib configuration is disclosed which results in manufacturing and material savings.

Abstract: An arch casing bead having a mounting flange and a ground flange extending therefrom. The mounting flange includes a free edge and an edge proximate to a junction of the ground flange and the mounting flange. A notch is formed in the mounting flange extending from the free edge towards the ground flange. The notch defines an arcuate portion which is positioned proximate to the ground flange. A pair of spaced apart edges extend from the arcuate portion to the free edge defining a mouth of the notch. The notch facilitates arcuate deformation of the elongated casing bead without angularly deforming the ground flange.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated thermoplastic bar members, each bar member defining a pre-determined width, and a pre-determined thickness which is less than its width, and each bar member being made up of an outer facing panel, and an inner wall and intermediate spacer walls extending between the facing panels and inner walls at intervals, and defining therebetween generally elongated passageways, and at least some of the bars having interlock formations formed on the exterior of the facing panels, so that adjacent bars may be interlocking together, the interlock formations defining continuous tongue and groove slide members, permitting one bar member to slide relative to its adjacent bar members, and at least one of bar members having one panel free of the interlock formations, so as to provide a smooth finished exterior surface.

Abstract: An explosion resistant structure comprises arcuate interlocking cold roll formed profiled steel panels (59) over which an outer (51) of steel reinforced concrete is formed. The outer concrete skin (51) is formed integrally with a steel reinforced concrete base (60) in turn formed integrally with a steel reinforced concrete floor. Planar front and rear walls (54, 63) are formed by planar cold roll formed profiled interlocking steel panels of a similar configuration to the arcuate roof panels and a steel reinforced concrete skin is also formed over the planar steel panels. The profiled steel panels (70) are of a substantially U-shaped cross section, the upper portions (72) of the side walls (76) being interlocked and the entire side wall portions and interlocked portions are encapsulated in the steel reinforced concrete layer to form a substantially continuous steel skin over the inner surface of the structure.

Abstract: A biarch consists of two coplanar arches, curved in the same direction and radially spaced with cross ties having shear rigidity in planes perpendicular to the cross section areal center curve of the arch pair. End ties resist relative tangential arch displacements. Biarch framing members are strong, stiff, durable and economical structural members for framing aesthetically pleasing, clear span arched structures capable of withstanding hurricane winds and mountain snows. The most efficient materials for constructing biarch framing members are hardwoods, aluminum and steel. Biarch frames spanning up to fifty feet can be assembled or disassembled by one or two persons using common hand tools.

Abstract: An improved framework is disclosed supporting a dome above an outdoor dome covering such as an outdoor swimming pool or other outdoor structure. The improved framework provides additional structural support by the inclusion of a circumferential row of rafter-braces connected by four-way connectors and interspersed with a plurality of biased rafter-braces. The biased rafter-braces are composed of a first tube having an open end sized to receive a second tube and to allow slidable and rotatable movement therebetween. A helical compression spring is disposed within the first tube to secure the first and second tubes together so that they provide a telescoping function by urging the first tube into a first four-way connector tube and the second tube into a second four-way connector tube over a range of distances between four-way connectors.