Abstract: With the conventional radiating truss roof support array, the inner-truss connecting members form multiple complete rings radiating from the central portion of the roof to the periphery at fixed intervals. When tension is applied to the periphery of the roof, a constricting annular compression is generated in each of the concentric rings of inner-truss connecting members. By this mechanism, the tension applied to the periphery is somewhat dissipated, and a less than optimal effect on the curvature of the dome of the roof is achieved by a given amount of tension applied to the periphery. The present invention concerns a radiating truss roof support array constructed in such a manner as to eliminate the above described problem of induced annular constriction in the concentric rings of inner-truss connecting members.

Abstract: A bent tubular profile with lateral grooves intended to form arches for a covering-structure which may be removed is presented. The covering-structure may be at least partially removed between each of the pairs of arches thereof by sliding flexible sheets which are preferable made from a plastic material which is generally transparent. The arch is formed by a single-piece bent profile comprising a central bearing body which is tubular and has a round, oval, square, rectangular or polygonal section or is a U-shaped profile. Bearing on each side and perpendicularly to its vertical plane of symmetry are fins arranged one above the other. The device of the present invention is more particularly intended for covering a swimming pool.

Abstract: A mullion structure for enclosing sun spaces consisting of a system of straight and curved beams for supporting transparent plastic panels. The beams have cross-sectional configurations presenting end flanges which facilitate end-to-end and/or perpendicular attachment and side flanges presenting rabbets for receiving and enclosing the edges of the panels. Elongated spars having longitudinally extending rabbets are formed by joining the curved beams together in end-to-end relationship. The spars are connected to a host structure using a torsion relieving system which is made up of a torsion beam extending perpendicularly from the spar and a load bearing plate attached to the host structure. The spars are laterally flexible so that the panels may be inserted into the rabbets and flexed to assume the shape of the spars after the spares are secured to the host structure. All operations necessary for erecting the structure may be conducted from inside the space being enclosed.

Abstract: A structural member can be used alone or paired with a like member for use as an upright or cross member of a support structure. This structural member has particular application in greenhouse structures where a support structure is formed for retaining transparent panels. The structural members are preferably made of rolled steel and are of a generally `T` configuration with a pair of retaining flanges. The structure simplifies manufacturing by accommodating punching of various fastening ports or forming of securing flanges prior to the rolling operation. Any shaping of the members is easier as the shaping may be carried out on individual members prior to pairing of the members to form an upright or cross member.

Abstract: The vaulted building structure comprises a shell (1) made of a composite construction material and formed of arcuate elements (4) of a uniform width having their ends (5) mounted on a base (3). The shell (1) is shaped as a cylindrical vault of which the vertical axis of symmetry includes a vault ridge (2). The ends (5) of the arcuate elements (4) are hingedly braced to the base (3) for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel with the vertical plane of symmetry. The convex outer surface of each arcuate element (4) has its curvature gradually diminishing lengthwise of the arcuate element (4) towards its ends (5) and ridge (2) for levelling out strains generated in the shell (1) upon rotation of the ends (5) of the arcuate elements (4).

Abstract: An arcuate window frame mounting structure is disclosed comprising an arcuate member sized and configured to be inserted within an existing wall structure, such that the outer edge of the member will interface with the back side of an exteriorally mounted arcuate window frame while the inner edge of the member will be flush with the inner edges or surfaces of the adjacent wall studs. In addition, methods of forming the arcuate window frame mounting structure are disclosed.

Abstract: A supporting frame structure including supporting bars is disclosed. The structure is polygonally-curved in at least one direction to increase its dimensional stability despite a low bending resistance of the bars of the supporting structure and the bar bend points or nodes. Two bar bend points are connected together by a prestressed tension member of a first set of prestressed tension members while two bend points, which lie on opposite sides of one of the two bend points connected by the tension member of the first set, are connected by a tension member of a second set of prestressed tension members. To dampen vibrations induced in the supporting frame structure, spring-damper elements are provided. Such spring-damper elements also can be used to prestress the tension members of the two sets thereof.

Abstract: A rigid ceiling system including a plurality of gridwork members supported solely from the walls of a room and further including a plurality of vaulted translucent diffusion panels. Notched rib members including indexing brackets align each panel to the formed gridwork. Wall mounted illumination sources provide desired lighting relative to the diffusion panels.

Abstract: In a domed support structure, especially for roof construction, a compression dome is arched in lengthwise direction in a catenary configuration. A tension dome is further arranged either side by side or below the compression dome and is also arched in lengthwise direction in a catenary configuration. The compression and the tension domes are provided with a compression sheating and a tension sheating, respectively. The compression sheating is formed to have a high buckling strength. To this end the compression sheating is arched also in a direction transverse to said lengthwise direction. The arched shape is defined and maintained by corresponding transverse beams which function as stiffening or shaping elements but do not support any load caused by the own weight of the sheating. Such forces are transmitted by the sheating itself directly onto the bearings of the structure at its lengthwise ends.

Abstract: A glazing assembly for providing a glazing surface for glass or similar media used in the construction of metal and glass structures. The assembly includes a main beam, a mullion bar attached to the main beam, glazing retainers removably attached to the main beam, and glazings attatched to the glazing retainers and to the mullion bar. The glazings form a glazing surface on the same plane. Glass or similar media are attached to the glazing surface.

Abstract: A unique bowed prefabricated structural building panel and a bowed roof for a building using the panel. The panel preferably having a light weight rigid highly insulative foam bore bonded to inner and outer skins and having a bowed configuration which when assembled with similar panels creates a bowed structural wall and/or a bowed structural roof. A method for building a bowed roof for a building such as a cap house by assembling a plurality of bowed structural prefabricated panels in edge-to-edge relationship to create the bowed configuration on the roof.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for an inground swimming pool. The enclosure is a building like structure made up of vertical sidewalls including a fence portion and a ventilating window portion. The roof is made from a transluscent plastic supported on a skeleton-like framework.

Abstract: A curved glazed roof for use particularly as a greenhouse, and a method for the production thereof. This roof has at least one continuous vault including at least two successive glazed spans, each span having at least two juxtaposed curved glazed panels. The panels include a sheet of thermally-tempered, cold-curved glass having a resiliently-flexed curvature formed therein. This resiliently-flexed curvature is maintained under constraint by a frame which is secured to the sheet of glass. Each of the frames in each span are secured to the frame of another panel, positioned juxtaposed thereto, forming a span. At least one of the frames of one of the panels in one of the spans is secured to at least one of the frames of one of the panels in another, adjacent span, forming successive spans which make up the vault. A framework of trusses, longitudinal beams, struts and peak beams is disclosed for the various roofs.

Abstract: A method for construction of self supporting buildings of the type comprising longitudinally arcuate interlocking panels having a joint of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,159 wherein the respective male and female ribs of adjacent panels are overlaid and then progressively interlocked along the edges of the joint by a sliding compression tool. The compression tool has slides or rollers which engage outwardly opposing exposed surfaces of respective male and female ribs comprising the joint and permits resilient deformation of the male and female ribs to achieve interlocking.

Abstract: The subject structure comprises at least one assembly of premanufactured components. Each component comprises at least one beam with a fixture attached at each end. The fixtures are box shaped, having tops, bottoms, ends and side faces. The fixtures are longer (from end to end) than they are high (top to bottom) or thick (face to face) and the faces are perpendicular to the length of the beam. The fixtures are generally symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to and bisecting the faces. Each fixture has a flange extending from one end and a groove in the other. The components are pivotally connected to form an assembly, the pivotal connections being pins inserted through holes to hold the flange of one fixture in the groove of the next, the pin locations being near the tops of the fixtures. The fixtures are frusto-triangular in plan view, the tops being the bases of the triangles. Cables are threaded endwise through the fixtures near their bottoms.

Abstract: An arch structure is prefabricated from compression segments, the structure generally comprising one or more arch arcs with end anchor elements. Each arch segment comprises a trapezoidal frame structure fabricated from short lengths of sawn lumber, and fastened at the corner junctions of the respective individual members to form the respective arch segment element. The arch radius is determined by segment geometry. The arch segments are assembled in combination with one or more elongated pre-stressing elements and the pre-stressing elements tensioned to a sufficient extent, relative to the geometry and applied load to be born by the arch, that, in combination with other inter-element mechanical fastening means such as nails or bolts the arch elements are maintained substantially under compression across the abutting segment end faces. The arch is generally pin jointed at its ends, and frequently at the center thereof, to preclude the development of local bending moments at the base and apex of the arch.

Abstract: A collapsible structural member including a plurality of segmental sections and devices for connecting adjacent segmental sections is disclosed. Each segmental section has a rigid, elongate body portion which terminates in end portions. The connecting devices connect the end portions of adjacent sections so as to define a maximal spacing between the adjacent end portions and to permit them to move between a maximum spaced apart realtionship and an abutting relationship. A quickly erectable shelter and a composite, collapsible support beam are also disclosed according to the present invention. The shelter has a flexible cover, at least one structural member including segmental sections for supporting the cover, connecting devices for connecting adjacent end portions of adjacent segmental sections, and a tensionable cable for moving the sections between a maximum spaced apart relationship and an abutting relationship defined by the connecting devices.

Abstract: A frame structure comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, arched frame assemblies composed of pairs of frames. This enables existing frame members to be used for longer spans and/or stronger structures. The pairs of frames are connected together at spaced apart positions. Conveniently the connections between frames occurs adjacent to the ends of sections forming the frames and a combined arrangement can be used for connecting frames and joining sections. Fabric panels extend between the frames of a pair and between pairs of frames. The panels have integral tensioning means. The frames are pivotally fastened to ground support means.

Abstract: A roadway protection against snow or the like comprises a vault structure having a skeleton formed by dismountable arches provided with a ventilated covering.

Abstract: An improved folding dome-like modular building structure composed of 48 flexibly interconnected equal right isoceles triangles. Each building structure is formed from a series of four flexibly connected modules of 12 triangles each. The modules are connected in alternating right and left-handed mirror image sequence. Each triangle is defined by struts. The improvements lie in the provision of intermediate cuts and hinged joints in certain of the struts to facilitate folding of the structure into a compact mass. Variations of the basic building structure are disclosed. The building structures may be open or partially open framework or they may be enclosed by a fabric or film covering.

Abstract: A translucent cover for swimming pools, hothouses and the like comprises, a rigid supporting structure covered by rectangular panels (4) of polycarbonate sheeting. The structure comprises a number of rigid arcuate ribs (1) interconnected in parallel distanced alignment by purlins (2). The ribs are bent into arcuate shape from channels (10) open towards the outside of the cover, each rib having two co-planar flanges (11) extending along both sides of the channel opening. The panels (4) are of a width so as to cover the distance between two adjacent ribs with their two opposite margins resting on the flanges, and are held in position and pressed onto the flanges by means of flexible strips (3). The strips are of a width equal to the distance between the outer edges of the flanges (11) and of a length somewhat shorter than the length of the ribs.

Abstract: A structural arrangement is provided which is particularly useful in connection with solar greenhouses. The structural member is suitable for use in a parallel arrangement of the same particularly for the purpose of providing controlled shading. The structural member is provided as a hollow bar of elongated form provided with at least one longitudinally extending track channel having a relatively narrow longitudinally extended slot-mouth. The bar may be provided with two such channels and these channels are substantially circular in cross-section with the mouths defining reentrant angles therewith. In a solar greenhouse, members of the above type support a glazing with a curved-eave section, the bars being curved to shape and the channels therein accommodating the bulbous lateral edges of shades which are retained therein. The shades are transferred from one roller in the direction of a second roller.

Abstract: A structure including two or more posts, an elastically bendable panel and tension members where the panel is forceably held in a curved state by the tension members acting preferably through the posts whereby the entire structure is in a predetermined state of stress.

Abstract: A frame structure formed of a plurality of parallelly disposed rafter bars having axially connected thereto, a plurality of bow members forming the rear wall. The edges of said rafter bars are connected to a ridge bar and supported above ground level by uprights connected thereto in the vicinity of said ridge bar and the ends of said bow members being set in base plates on the ground, and a covering shaped to fit over said frame structure. Various cross bars and supports may be provided.

Abstract: A curved glazed roof for use particularly as a greenhouse, and a method for the production thereof. This roof has at least one continuous vault including at least two successive glazed spans, each span having at least two juxtaposed curved glazed panels. The panels include a sheet of thermally-tempered, cold-curved glass having a resiliently-flexed curvature formed therein. This resiliently-flexed curvature is maintained under constraint by a frame which is secured to the sheet of glass. Each of the frames in each span are secured to the fame of another panel, positioned juxtaposed thereto, forming a span. At least one of the frames of one of the panels in one of the spans is secured to at least one of the frames of one of the panels in another, adjacent span, forming successive spans which make up the vault. A framework of trusses, longitudinal beams, struts and peak beams is disclosed for the various roofs.

Abstract: A pavilion is comprised of a plurality of spaced, generally parallel frames, each having elongated modular elements connected one to the other by joints. Adjustable spacers are provided to connect the frames one to the other. Each modular element includes a pair of channels along opposite sides thereof for receiving enlarged margins of internal and external canvases, respectively, extending between the modular elements of adjacent frames. The spacers are adjusted to tension the canvases between the frames. Each modular element has a spigot as its central core to ensure rigidity. The modular elements are secured at their ends to joints which have channels forming continuations of the channels of the elements whereby the canvases may be drawn through the channels. The pavilion is thus extendable by the additional of further frames and canvases and readily and easily knocked down for transport.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheltering structure essentially constructed of a framework and a cover of sheet material. The structure includes a plurality of arched bars arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein at least most of the bars are supported at their end portions at least indirectly by the ground, wire or rod-like elements extending between at least some of the arched bars disposed along a row, strips of sheet material, each strip extending in the direction of the planes of, and supported by, the arched bars and the elements, and means for securing the strips above the bars, the means extending across the strips along troughs formed between adjoining rows of arched bars. A method of assembling a sheltering structure is also described.

Abstract: A novel greenhouse or storage structure of simplistic design permitting controlled insulation and solar exposure.

Abstract: A solarium structure provides a muntinless exterior appearance by eliminating the outer retaining member of the horizontal muntins. The glazing panels are supported between an inner supporting member and an outer retaining member of the mullions and by the top and leg of an inner supporting horizontal muntin. The space between the glazing panels which overlies the legs of the T's of the substantially horizontal muntins is covered by a caulking material, which is preferably a silicone material.

Abstract: A clamping structure for joining a pair of panels along curved and other seams comprising longitudinally extending opposing clamping surfaces for receiving therebetween the abutting but spaced apart edges of the panels, and provided with marginal sealing strips compressible against the outer and inner panel sheets along and overlapping the abutting panel edges, sealing the space between the panel edges and rigidly joining the panel edges along the seams.

Abstract: A generally self-supporting structure made from a number of interlocking components which can be assembled together, and optionally if desired disassembled. The structure may vary in size from quite small playthings for young children to very large buildings. The structure, in one form, is composed of wall elements alternatively arranged with interlocking elements on either side continuously around the periphery of the structure. The wall elements are provided with a first part of a generally curved engaging means which engagingly interlock with a complementary second part of the engaging means provided on the interlocking elements so as to securely locate the two elements together and permit slight relative movement. The engaging means is characterized by being substantially curved whereas at least one edge of side of each element is rectilinear.

Abstract: A building panel or arcuate longitudinal form having a pair of upstanding flanges at its opposite longitudinal sides, a male rib supported by one flange and a female rib supported by the other flange, both the male and female rib extending wholly to one side of their supporting flanges, the male rib being engageable with the female rib of an adjacent panel to form an arcuate self supporting roof section for a building.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved structural support member, and method for making the same, having bonded wood beam members which are prestressed during the bonding process. The prestressing is such that significant stresses are induced in an outer surface in at least one of the beam members and at least partially retained by the cured bond. The stresses are such that a significant compression prestress is induced at the bottom surface of the structural support whereby it is capable of carrying a much greater load represented by the compression prestress at the bottom surface.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a generally arched, prefabricated PC shelter structure, a pair of unit half plates for forming an arched unit together to construct the arched shelter structure when a plurality of pairs are fastened together side by side, and a process for prefabricating the paired unit half plates together. The shelter structure is constructed of a plurality of pairs of unit half plates prefabricated of highly strong concrete. Any paired two of the unit half plates are peripherally curved to form the generally arched unit together when they are assembled to have their tops abutting against each other. Peripherally fastening means is incorporated for peripherally fastening the abutting tops of the paired two unit half plates together to form the generally arched unit. Transversely fastening means is also incorporated for transversely fastening a plurality of generally arched units, which are arranged side by side, together to construct the generally arched PC shelter structure.

Abstract: A retrofittable insulation system for solar rooms having glass bays supported by sills along the bottom and separated by vertically extending glazing bars. The system includes extruded, plastic double channel tracks secured to the inside of the glazing bars and extending substantially the full length thereof. An insulating shade sheet is carried by a roller supported on brackets mounted at the tops of adjacent glazing bars. The shade sheet has corded edges captured within the channels of the tracks and a batten is secured to its lower edge. Spring motors are mounted on the sill adjacent the bottom of each track, and cables connect the spring motors to the ends of the batten. The shade is operated by an actuator connected to the shade roller, which acts against the spring motors. In a preferred embodiment, the spring motors exert a pull force on the shade that varies in accordance with the force required to retract the shade which is a function of the relative position of the shade in the tracks.

Abstract: The terrace glasswork, which is particularly simple to adapt to building conditions, contains the following features: (a) It is made up of a vaulted roof, which is supported above on an existing wall and below on the terrace floor; as well as two gable parts. (b) The roof is made up along its length of several identical, glassed in arch components, the side frame parts of which can be joined and sealed to one another. Each of the latter has two movable glass panes (17, 20) guided so as to slide at different levels. (c) The gable parts are each made up of three gable components, namely of a square basic component (4) and two connecting components (5a, 6a) each of which to the arch components, and which connects together two right-angled frame sides of the basic component (4).

Abstract: A furnace is now provided having a dual pressure damper control system. Such system provides for substantial flexibility of control over the flow of flue gases, and consequently leads to substantial flexibility in the economical treatment of work pieces from a relatively low to relatively high product throughput. Additionally, the furnace includes a lightweight, readily repairable and readily removable, cover member. Such provides for ease of repair of not only the cover member, but also the furnace generally. Dual dampers can be used in association with dual heat chambers and burners therefore providing additional operational efficiency.

Abstract: A stable structure consisting of tubular components and supporting cables or other tensory elements, where the supporting cables, used in pairs, are introduced via pairs of perforations which are positioned excentrically at the respective ends of two predefined chords of a section of the tubular component, so that the tensioning of the cables transforms what is initially an unstable structure into a completely stable one whose form is dependent upon the relative lengths of the two cables in each pair of cables.

Abstract: A vaulted skylight apparatus provides modular skylight panel having a pair of first and second spaced apart, generally parallel, sheets of flexible material with an insulating air space therebetween. The modular panel can be curved by cold forming so that the panels can conform to a network of structural tubing, forming a quarter round vault, a half round vault, a structural barrel vault, or the like. The sheets are supported peripherally by a frame which includes first and second frame members that are affixed respectively to the first and second panels forming a seal therewith. The first and second frame members are movably connected, holding the first and second frame members together during simultaneous cold forming of the first and second sheets into the desired curved vaulted position as aforedescribed.

Abstract: An adjustable arch support used for the laying of brickwork, lamination of timber beams, or other similar uses which incorporates a flexible band supported by a number of telescopic struts from a central hub. The shape of the arch is determined by adjustment of the struts, bending the band to the desired configuration.The band incorporates at least one lockable hinge allowing the band to be set either to an even curve or to a discontinuous curve having a peak at the hinge for the formation of Gothic arches, etc.

Abstract: A monocoque building shell is made up of multiple sections of a compound curved shape. Along the axial length of the building the walls and roof are madeup of a repeated smooth wave form, the amplitude of the wave being in proportion to the stresses generated in the shell as a function of its weight and shape and assumed loads such as snow. In the transverse direction the roof is an hyperbolic shape from the roof center to the corner where the shape curves downward into vertical walls. The wall construction is of insulative foam in a sandwich between inner and outer skins of fiberglass.

Abstract: A prefabricated support and covering structure for making artificial tunnels, small bridges, and the like, is comprised of a plurality of modular bodies each of which consists of a plurality of prefabricated reinforced concrete panels interconnected by reinforcing rods so that upon lifting of the center portion of each modular body the prefabricated panels will fold about hinges defined by the reinforcing rods. The reinforcing rods are disposed at angles relative to each other and intersect along a line parallel to the axis of the structure, which line defines the hinge axis. Each prefabricated panel of reinforced concrete has abutting edges and the gap between the confronting faces of the panels is filled with binding material. The modular bodies are each provided with lateral flanges to define a space between the lateral spaces of adjacent bodies which is also filled with a binding material to unite the modular bodies to each other.

Abstract: A blast supression device for use in explosive hardening in a relatively confined enclosed area. The device absorbs and dissipates the explosive force by utilizing a containment frame covered with overlapping multiple flexible resilient flaps that dissipate the explosive force by yielding during the blast within the device.

Abstract: A method of constructing and erecting a post-tensioned steel frame structure consisting in:1. Constructing on the ground a center span of the structure to each end of which are hingedly connected column structures;2. Post-tensioning the center span by means of a cable to bring the span to a desired shape; and3. Post-tensioning cables connected between each said column structure and the center span to produce relative rotational movement between the column structures and the center span about the hinge joints to raise the column structures from a substantially horizontal to a substantially vertical position thereby elevating the center span to its final position.

Abstract: A roof formed from a self-supporting inflatable structure including a polyhedron frame made from tension cables interconnected and joining at nodes and an envelope surrounding the frame. Anchoring skirts extend from each node line to predetermined lines on the panels forming the envelope. The polyhedron frame is such size as to provide an arch shaped roof covering an area to be covered, and when the envelope is inflated, and sufficient internal air pressure is therein maintained, all of the tension cables are under tension and the overall structure becomes rigid, stable and capable of resisting deformation caused by external forces applied to it.

Abstract: A greenhouse construction is provided which includes adjacent panels, each including a front wall section, a sloped roof section and a curved section which is located between and connects the front wall and sloped roof sections to form a continuous module. Each panel includes and is laterally bordered by glazing bar sections and glazing is provided which extends between these sections. The glazing is, at least in part, supported by the glazing bar sections and includes a curved glazing section corresponding to and constituting at least a part of the curved section of the associated panel. One of the galzing bar sections of each panel abuts the corresponding glazing bar section of the next adjacent panel and is in mirror image and matched relationship therewith. Together the glazing bar sections cooperatively form a glazing bar. The abutting glazing bar sections include matched curved sections which can be matched by being bent simultaneously by a common bending force.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for curved windows comprises a rigid frame member having a curved profile, a flexible frame member, and a plurality of individual window frame core blocks. The blocks are secured serially to the flexible frame member. The blocks and flexible frame member form a subassembly which is secured to the rigid frame member such that the subassembly assumes the curved profile of the rigid frame member. The blocks are preferably wood, the rigid frame member preferably an aluminum clad frame cover, and the assembly preferably provides an aluminum clad, wood core window frame assembly.

Abstract: A prefabricated unitary body forming an archway is made of a light, durable material. The body includes a corner bead and abuts against the walls around the archway. The archway is nailed in place and drywall compound is applied, tapering from the corner bead of the archway to fill and cover the seam joining the archway within a framed opening of a doorway or window.

Abstract: Modular living space constructed from ten-foot diameter cylindrical continuous pipe stock of predetermined unit lengths. Depending upon the amount of desired total living space, multiple units may be coupled end-to-end via coupling bands and extension members. The interior walls of each unit are of conventional rectilinear design and are supported from a plurality of nailing member containing lengthwise channels attached to the interior periphery of each cylinder. Primary lengthwise channel members are secured at each quadrant and angle channel members are used at each corner. Window sashes mount to drip edge containing sleeves fitted through the interior and exterior walls. End walls are secured to flanged collar members fitted within the cylinder.

Abstract: A quonset type arched roof shelter construction is disclosed. In one embodiment, the shelter is constructed of corrugated laminated fiberglass panels, each of which has a corrugated construction throughout the main central portion of the length thereof and a molded end portion at each end. The corrugations of each panel have a maximum amplitude midway between the respective end portions and with the amplitude being reduced as the corrugations taper into a generally flat configuration adjacent the end portions. The panels may have a length such as about two feet, with a structure of any desired length being obtained by joining overlapping end portions of successive panels. The number of plies in the laminated panels may be varied throughout the height of the structure and various reinforcing materials may be employed between laminations of fiberglass.