Abstract: Modular floating structures suitable for supporting offshore oil drilling and production platforms may be fabricated utilizing a Y-shaped joint interconnecting plural legs of a space frame. The space frame may be made up of plural frame members where each corner of the frame includes a Y-shaped joint. Stable offshore floating structures for drilling and production platforms may utilize the integral space frames in a truncated dodecahedral, inverted pyramid or tetrahedral configuration. The Y-shaped joint may be formed of three channel members each having opposed legs which may be secured to the opposed legs of the other channel members in a back-to-back or face-to-face configuration to form the Y-shaped joint. The channel members may be fabricated of flat plate folded and cut along predetermined lines to form the channel members. If the channel members are secured to each other face-to-face, they may form hollow flotation chambers suitable for use with the floating structures.

Abstract: A roof structure is formed with first and second Y-shaped modular construction members. The first construction member is comprised of first, second and third branches of substantially equal length. The second construction member is comprised of fourth, fifth and sixth branches of substantially equal length. The first and fourth branches are coupled together along a common axis to define an apex or ridge of the roof structure. The second, third, fifth and sixth branches are coupled between the apex and respective first, second, third and fourth corners of a rectangular base frame. At least one gable is positioned intermediate the first and second construction members. In one embodiment, an intermediate section of the roof structure is lengthwise adjustable to adjust the length of the roof structure along the aforementioned common axis. The roof structure of the present invention is adapted to accommodate a foldable or inflatable roof cover.

Abstract: A modular offshore movable drilling platform support includes a double-layer dodecahedrous float having an outer dodecahedrous structure and an inner dodecahedrous structure defining a sealed volume therebetween. The outer dodecahedrous structure is anchored to the ocean floor by tout mooring polyester fiber ropes or aramid guide ropes, and the inner dodecahedrous structure is tied to the ocean floor directly through the use of a riser system. The sealed volume between the inner and outer dodecahedrous structures provides a buoyancy force upon installation of the dodecahedrous float in its position offshore. Both the outer and the inner dodecahedrous structures have 12 pentagonal surfaces formed by the use of rigid Y substructural space components, which contribute to simplified erection process with substantial saving in erection time. The need for expensive underwater welding is minimized in this construction.

Abstract: A modular space framed structure is constructed using uniform components to provide the desired geometry of the modular structure. The structure is comprised of a plurality of rigid Y-shaped joints, each of which has three branches which are disposed at respective predetermined space angles with respect to one another, and a plurality of panels spanning the spaces between the joints. In one embodiment the space angle between first and second branches are approximately 120.degree. and the respective space angles between a third branch and each of the first and second branches are approximately 90.degree. so that the interconnection of first and second branches of adjacent devices defines a hexagonal frame at each level in the structure and the interconnection of aligned ones of the third branches defines vertical legs of the structure. A plurality of such structures may be arranged to form a honeycomb shaped building construction with common vertical legs between adjacent structures.

Abstract: A modular spaced framed structure is constructed using uniform components to provide the desired geometry of the modular structure. The structure is comprised of a plurality of rigid Y-shaped devices, each of which has three tubular branches which are disposed at respective predetermined space angles with respect to one another, and a plurality of panels spanning the spaces between the devices. Linear coupling members are also provided for interconnecting abutting branches of adjacent devices. In the preferred embodiment the three branches of each device are oriented at respective space angles of 108.degree., 108.degree. and 108.degree. so that a tower structure having a pentagonal horizontal cross-section is formed. Each successive level of the tower below the apex has a substantially greater area than the level above it so that the legs of the tower are inclined to provide greater resistance to earthquake forces.

Abstract: A modular dome structure constructed by using uniform Y joints which have branches forming angles of 120.degree., 120.degree. and 108.degree.. The Y joints are interconnected by uniform length members to form pentagonal and hexagonal structures. These modular structures are interconnected to form a modular dome structure which may have a pentagonal apex structure or a hexagonal apex structure. All members are made to harden after inflation due to vulcanization and curing process, so that permanent resistance to stress and strain will be provided in its final form. Due to inflatability of members, the logistic involved in actual construction will be kept minimum, and the freight cost for material transportation will be saved significantly.

Abstract: A modular dome structure constructed by using uniform Y joints which have branches forming angles of 120.degree., 120.degree. and 108.degree.. The Y joints are interconnected by uniform length members to form pentagonal and hexagonal structures. These modular structures are interconnected to form a modular dome structure which may have a pentagonal apex structure or a hexagonal apex structure.All members are made to harden after inflation due to vulcanization and curing process, so that permanent resistance to stress and strain will be provided in its final form. Due to inflatability of members, the logistic involved in actual construction will be kept minimum, and the freight cost for material transportation will be saved significantly.