The present invention is directed to a multi-purpose panel member which may be utilized as any surface or support beam in a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the panel may be extruded monolithically from aluminum. Also disclosed are systems for assembling structures from the panels utilizing a plurality of other components, which are also preferably extruded from aluminum.

A wall connection system is disclosed, which includes a horizontal building frame component with a first vertical face that has a first slot. The system further includes a prefabricated wall structure with a plurality of parallel studs and an elongate member connect to each stud. The elongate member has a second vertical face with a second slot and is parallel to the first vertical face. The long axis of the first slot is perpendicular to the long axis of the second slot. A fastener assembly connects the horizontal building frame component to the wall structure, through the slots.

A wall connection system is disclosed, which includes a horizontal building frame component with a first vertical face that has a first slot. The system further includes a prefabricated wall structure with a plurality of parallel studs and an elongate member connect to each stud. The elongate member has a second vertical face with a second slot and is parallel to the first vertical face. The long axis of the first slot is perpendicular to the long axis of the second slot. A fastener assembly connects the horizontal building frame component to the wall structure, through the slots.

A parts assembly, a tank, and a panel discussed, including a first wall; a second wall, a first edge of the first wall facing a second edge of the second wall; a first flange connected to and extending outward from the first wall; a second flange connected to and extending outward from the second wall, the second flange being spaced from and disposed opposite the first flange; at least one fastener extending through and connecting the first flange and the second flange, the at least one fastener being pre-tensioned; and at least one rigid spacing member disposed between the first flange and the second flange, the rigid spacing member being spaced from the at least one fastener, the rigid spacing member being in contact with the first and second flanges, the at least one fastener being disposed between the rigid spacing member and the first and second walls.

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

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

A tornado shelter and having a reinforced monolithic construction resulting from a single pour of concrete is described herein. Rebar extends upwardly from a base. The rebar is encased in concrete that forms the walls of the shelter. An upper portion of the rebar extend above a top surface of each of the walls. The upper portion of each of said rods are bent inwards and are also encased in the single pour of concrete for strengthening a ceiling portion of the shelter. A door, in-wall conduits, vent orifices and attached benches may also be provided.

A tornado shelter and having a reinforced monolithic construction resulting from a single pour of concrete is described herein. Rebar extends upwardly from a base. The rebar is encased in concrete that forms the walls of the shelter. An upper portion of the rebar extend above a top surface of each of the walls. The upper portion of each of said rods are bent inwards and are also encased in the single pour of concrete for strengthening a ceiling portion of the shelter. A door, in-wall conduits, vent orifices and attached benches may also be provided.

Described is a containment device for holding a container that defines a container interior volume. The containment device can include a base portion enclosing a base portion interior volume, the base portion including: a plurality of base walls, a trough extending from at least one of the base walls, and a substantially horizontal support surface adapted to support the container above the base portion interior volume. The base portion interior volume can be equal to or greater than the container interior volume. An enclosure can extend above the base portion, the enclosure including a plurality of enclosure walls adapted to surround the container. The enclosure walls can define an opening above the trough, the opening adapted for insertion of the container into the enclosure.

A fodder growing apparatus includes an insulated housing having a draining floor, a door-closable open face, and a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms being supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6°. The apparatus further includes pass-through irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of the platforms and supplied with water. An illumination system of the apparatus includes an LED equipped lighting assembly supported over each of the platforms. A ventilation system of the apparatus includes forced ventilation means. The apparatus further includes a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation and lighting, and temperature control means controlling the temperature within the housing.