Abstract:
Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.
Abstract:
The tent includes an inflatable frame which, when it is not inflated, is flaccid. The frame is continuous and is defined by a generally-tubular member. The frame includes segments which define a floor-forming portion and a pair of oppositely-facing, wall-forming portions. Means are provided to inflate the frame, when desired, to impart a measure of rigidity thereto. A fabric enclosure is provided to surround the frame. At least one substantially-rigid, elongated member is provided for insertion between frame segments defining the pair of oppositely-facing, wall-forming portions of the frame. Those portions are, thereby, maintained at a desired distance from one another.
Abstract:
A tent has a flexible canopy, a floor and a series of inflatable tubes serving as frame hoops. The tubes are fastened removably to the tent using sleeves that open along a longitudinal slit and hook and loop pile fastener closures for closing the sleeves on the tubes.
Abstract:
A tent formed of a plurality of mechanically interconnected but pneumatically separate, elongate inflatable tubes defining the perimeter of the tent structure for being separately inflated and a plurality of valves pneumatically connected to respective separately-inflatable tube for inflating the tubes. A plurality of wall panels are suspended from and between the tubes to define the enclosure of the tent whereby the tubes define a support structure exterior to the enclosure of the tent.
Abstract:
An inflatable tent structure comprising a plurality of pneumatically interconnected, elongate inflatable tubes defining the perimeter of the tent structure for being inflated in unison. A valve is provided for inflating the tubes and a plurality of wall panels are suspended from and between the tubes to define the enclosure of the tent whereby the tubes define a support structure exterior to the enclosure of the tent. The tubes define a dome-shaped structure, the tubes converging in pneumatic interconnection with each other in a single plane at the apex of the dome-shaped structure. The valve includes a manifold into which all of the tubes interconnect at the apex of the dome-shaped structure.
Abstract:
Significant, life-saving protection from airborne, radioactive (fallout) particles due to nuclear explosions, nuclear reactor accidents, and other releases of radioactive particulate is provided by a double-wall tent structure quickly erectable over a central bench or hole. The tent structure includes tightly woven, rip-resistant fabric panels supported by tensile rods or wands, a tub floor extending into and lining a central trench or hole, and an exterior, light-reflecting, metalized, semi-transparent disposable membrane. The bottom circumferential edge of the outer membrane extends into a shallow trench or ditch, excavated around the perimeter of the inner tent structure. Dust particles settling onto the smooth exterior surface of the membrane slide off and are captured in the shallow ditch, thus minimizing direct or indirect radiation into the central trench or hole and its occupants. The perimeter of the outer membrane contains pockets for the storage of potable water and for anchoring of the outer membrane. The tub floor lining extending below the ground surface includes sealable pockets suitable for the storage of refuse and human waste during occupancy. Also described is a light-weight single membrane, plastic, portable tent, suitable for low-cost mass production.
Abstract:
This invention relates to inflatable shelters of the kind that are formed from flexible impervious material, such as plastic, treated fabric, or the like, and which are so constructed as to embody in a unitary structure a skin for the closure and inflatable tubes constituting supporting frame ribs. In particular, the invention teaches a new and relatively inexpensive method of producing the rib tubes, particularly at their points of intersection or crossing and of establishing or avoiding the establishment of intercommunication between tubes which so intersect or cross, as may be dictated as preferred in any particular shelter structure.
Abstract:
A lighting installation for interior lighting of structures with pneumatic supporting members, comprising a hollow slotted light guide in the form of a supporting and shaping element of the structure. The hollow slotted light guide is of elastic film with a mirror light-reflecting coating provided on a portion of the interior surface over the entire length thereof. The other portion, which faces the interior being lighted, is a light-permeable slot. The luminous flux from one or more light sources arranged in an optical input device, which is mounted at least on one side of the light guide, is directed into the light guide, multiply reflected from the internal surface which has a light-reflecting coating and escapes through the optical slot into the interior of the structure to be lighted.
Abstract:
An elongated inflated or inflatable element including closed loops at each end. The element has certain broad dimensional relationships between its loop measurements and other measurements, and is intended to be used in connection with a plurality of other elements to make joints and form structures. A system comprising a plurality of inflated elements having joint means and capable of being joined and assembled into a large variety of different structures. The joint means are inherent in the inflated structure of the elements.
Abstract:
There are disclosed cooling towers and air coolers each having a housing through which air is caused to flow, the housing including a substantially upright conduit having a lower end which is anchored against upward movement, and cell means thereabout which, upon inflation, is adapted to be pneumatically tensed and to lift the conduit into erected position.