Construction Specialties, Inc.

Kenneth H Betts

An expansion joint for a parking structure includes first and second rails for mounting on adjacent slabs at opposite sides of a gap therebetween and a cover plate that overlies the rails and covers the gap while permitting relative movement between the slabs. A series of turnbars are pivotally coupled to the underside of the cover plate using ball and socket joints so that lateral loads imposed on the cover plate are transmitted directly into the turnbars, minimizing the risk of shear failure between the cover plate and the turnbars. At the same time, the ball and socket joints allow the cover plate and turnbars to tip with respect to one another. The turnbars have spherical end portions that are received in complimentary channels in the respective rails so that the turnbars maintain the cover plate centered over the gap.

Expansion joint

Expansion joint rail

A pressure relief panel assembly for buildings in which explosions may occur includes a panel pivotally coupled to a frame for movement between a normal closed position and an open position and a calibrated magnet and striker set for holding the panel in its closed position. The magnet has a maximum holding force substantially in excess of a known force to which it is subjected at a predetermined blow-out pressure and a striker has secured thereto at least one non-magnetic shim defining a face for contact with the magnet. The shim thickness is selected to reduce the effective holding force exerted on the striker by the magnet, to the said known force.

Pressure relief panels and louvers

A panel laying machine for use as a 'power assist' in installing access flooring. The machine includes a self-propelled chassis, a mast extending upwardly from the chassis and a jib turnably mounted on the mast. A panel gripper head is suspended from the mast by a cable coupled to a winch on the jib and the gripper head includes controls manually operable by an operator to raise and lower the panel, release the panel from the gripper head and move the chassis. A safety interlock is provided so that the panel cannot be released by the gripper head while the suspension cable is supporting a load above a predetermined limit.

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Mississauga, Canada

Kenneth H Betts