An apparatus includes an arch-support system configured to support an archway above a work surface during construction of the archway. A rail assembly is configured to selectively receive and support the arch-support system in such a way that the rail assembly, in use, supports the arch-support system once the rail assembly selectively receives the arch-support system.

A method of erecting an acoustic shell for stage performances, the shell have frame defining a concave volume that is curved in two orthogonal planes and has an inner surface facing forwardly of a stage for a performance. A plurality of polygonal acoustic panels are positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each panel having an outer acoustically active surface. The frame is formed of plural curved trusses each with a base for support on the stage and a peak. An oculus ring is connected to the peak of each arch and the bases of the arches are space along a bottom curve of the concave volume. The panels comprise plural adjacent blocks in rows and columns, each with a base and inner closed end, the length of each block being different for adjacent blocks.

A method of creating and attaching membrane panels of thin film, fabric or laminate to a tubular framework, that keeps the membrane tight over a wide range of air temperature and effectively seals the edges and hubs to provide a weather tight enclosure. A second aspect of this invention is a complete system for building enclosed geodesic domes and space frames using this method and addresses anchoring, external shading, venting, creating entryways and interior partitioning of said geodesic domes.

An architectural building block system including a block having three side walls, each having an inside surface and an outside surface, the three side walls cooperate to form a triangular tube, the outside surface of each of the three side walls extending from the inner surface to the outer surface and the inside surface of each of the three walls is disposed substantially at right angle to each of the inner surface and the outer surface; and three channels, each channel disposed on one of the three side walls on the inner surface, wherein each channel extending from the inside surface to the outside surface of one of the three side walls and each pair of the three channels configured to receive a rebar.

A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a single spanning member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side face extending between the top and bottom edge. Supports are disposed at longitudinal ends of the single plate member. A stiffener is attached to the lintel for reinforcing the lintel. The stiffener extends in opposed relation to the side face along at least a portion of the side face.

A method of erecting an acoustic shell for stage performances, the shell have frame defining a concave volume that is curved in two orthogonal planes and has an inner surface facing forwardly of a stage for a performance. A plurality of polygonal acoustic panels are positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each panel having an outer acoustically active surface. The frame is formed of plural curved trusses each with a base for support on the stage and a peak. An oculus ring is connected to the peak of each arch and the bases of the arches are space along a bottom curve of the concave volume. The panels comprise plural adjacent blocks in rows and columns, each with a base and inner closed end, the length of each block being different for adjacent blocks.

This invention relates to a self-supporting three-dimensional prestressed structure, as well as a method and a device for erecting same, to be employed in the construction of residential and nonresidential buildings.

The structure is constructed of vertical form-defining flexible rodlike members (1) stressed during the construction of the structure, as well as horizontal flexible rodlike members (2) each forming a closed curve. The horizontal members (2) are also stressed during construction and welded or rigidly affixed by other means to the vertical form-defining members (1).

Instead of horizontal circular members (2) the structure can be constructed completely or to some extent using a spiral member, also stressed during the construction of the structure that is rigidly affixed to the vertical form-defining flexible members (1).

An acoustic shell for stage performances has a frame defining a concave volume that is curved in two orthogonal planes and has an inner surface facing forwardly of a stage for a performance. A plurality of polygonal acoustic panels are positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each panel having an outer acoustically active surface. The frame is formed of plural curved trusses each with a base for support on the stage and a peak. An oculus ring is connected to the peak of each arch and the bases of the arches are space along a bottom curve of the concave volume. The panels comprise plural adjacent blocks in rows and columns, each with a base and inner closed end, the length of each block being different for adjacent blocks.

An arch grid bolted sphere node rotating and fixing device and an arch grid mounting system. The device includes a base, a fixing part, and a rotating part. The fixing part includes a groove body, a first vertical plate, and a second vertical plate. The groove body, the first vertical plate, and the second vertical plate are respectively connected to the base. A notch of the groove body is obliquely upward. The first vertical plate and the second vertical plate are respectively located on opposite sides of the groove body. The first vertical plate is provided with a first through hole. The second vertical plate is provided with a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are formed oppositely. The rotating part includes a first rod piece, a rotating sphere, and a second rod piece that are connected in sequence.

A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a plurality of elongate splice plates each having opposite longitudinal ends. The splice plates are attached together end to end such that a longitudinal end of each splice plate is attached to a longitudinal end of at least one other splice plate.