Abstract: A scaffold having an opposing pair of half funicular trusses that are detachably or pivotably connected in the middle to establish a funicular arched truss is provided, where when in a detached or pivoted state, storage and transporting a plurality of the half funicular trusses is simplified.

Abstract: An adjustable structural connection—a connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachment—transforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.

Abstract: A bridging system comprising a bridge (10) and a trolley (70), the bridge comprising a bridge deck (40) having at least two pre-formed bridge sections (42), the trolley including a set of wheels (573) with a track width configured such that in use with the trolley located on the bridge deck, at least one wheel contacts one stringer (443A) and at least one other wheel contacts another stringer (443B), the system further including tracking means for maintaining the at least one wheel in contact with the one stringer and for maintaining the at least one other wheel in contact with the other stringer such that the trolley and bridge deck may remain in contact while moving relative to, or with, one another for the launching of the bridge deck over a space to be bridged, the trolley being configured to carry goods and/or personnel over, and along, the bridge deck after the bridge has been positioned over the space to be bridged.

Abstract: An adjustable structural connection can be used to join steel structural elements at a range of angles and is capable of adjusting in situ to accommodate additional angles or tolerances through cold bending. Pre-bent plate or plates may be loosely fitted around steel structural elements, such that holes in the plates align with holes of the steel structural elements. Placing bolts through the aligned holes and tightening those bolts can be used to cold bend the plate or plates and conform the angle of the pre-bent plates to a different angle defined by an apex joint of two steel structural elements. Specific tightening procedures may be employed.

Abstract: A truss frame for a bridge and/or support includes two elongated, parallel longitudinally-extending post pipes having an outer circumference; two parallel crossbars extending perpendicularly to the post pipes; and a length-adjustable elongated diagonal element. The parts are hingedly and detachably bolted to one other. Two parallel connecting plates secured near each post pipe end extend away from one another on a common, imaginary plane containing the post pipe and crossbar longitudinal axes. Each crossbar and diagonal element has opposite ends hingedly and detachably bolted to a connecting plate. At least two rosettes are welded to each post pipe at a distance from one another corresponding to an integer multiple of a module scaffold modular size. A connecting body is welded to the connecting plate near at least two post pipe ends associated with the same crossbar and surrounds the respective post pipe outer circumference.

Abstract: An autonomous assembly that includes a gantry subassembly, a carrier subassembly movably mounted on the gantry subassembly, a tool actuation subassembly mounted on the carrier subassembly, and an autonomous control system including a perception subsystem, a motion planning subsystem, and a motion control subsystem. The gantry subassembly includes a bridge member for laterally spanning a selected section of a work site and a gantry drive system for effecting travel of the gantry subassembly along a first path, generally in a longitudinally along the length of the selected portion of a work site. The carrier subassembly includes a carriage and a carriage drive system for effecting travel of the carriage along a second path, generally laterally along the bridge member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crane, particularly a bridge crane or gantry crane, including at least one crane girder extending horizontally and designed as a truss with a plurality of braces, on which girder a crane trolley with a lifting gear is movable. At least some of the braces have a flat shape. The flat-shaped braces each have a flat main surface that extends in each case transversely to a longitudinal direction of the crane girder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.

Abstract: A system and method for engaging a customer in an enhanced shopping experience. The customer provides customer information which is stored on a database. An identifying token (e.g. a card) is issued to the customer. This identifying token is detected (e.g. by an RFID sensor) when carried by the customer into a retailer's space. This causes at least a portion of the customer information to be accessible from the database to retail personnel while the customer is physically present in the retailer's space, thereby facilitating personal engagement by the retail personnel with the customer.

Abstract: A tubular truss bridge structure comprising a plurality of interconnected angularly interrelated hoop shaped cross members having a common longitudinal central axis and forming alternately inverted triangular spaces along the length of the tubular truss and having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal stringer members that interconnect the hoop shaped cross members.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.

Abstract: A device for reinforcement of hollow structures such as aircraft boxes, composed of a front panel, an upper panel, a lower panel, and a rear panel, the device comprising a network of reinforcement rods with the ends attached to at least some of the panels comprising the structure. The device comprises at least a first rod and a second rod, both inclined, the first end of the first rod being attached to the internal side of the front panel, the second end of the first rod being attached to the internal side of the upper panel, the second end of the second rod being attached to the internal side of the lower panel, the device comprising in addition a third rod connecting said second ends of said first and second rods, the first, second and third rods thus comprising a reinforcement triangle.

Abstract: A concrete building system includes a set of parallel spaced apart strip footers and one or more precast concrete sections supported by the footers in a predetermined alignment. Each precast concrete section has a top slab integrally connected to a pair of equally flared legs. Each leg depends from an end of the top slab at an effective flare angle to form a corner. The precast section includes haunch sections formed between the top slab and each leg resulting in a corner thickness greater than the uniform thickness of the angled leg to which it is integrally formed and the top member. The length of the effective span of each section varies between 60 and 90 percent of the distance between the bottom-of-leg span. The sections can be used to construct bridges, culverts, underground storage units, fluid detention units and dam structures.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.

Abstract: An improved support structure capable of supporting a guideway in the form of a tube or tubes which may in turn carry a train for travel thereupon, which elevated guideway is capable of passing over existing right-of-ways, rolling or mountainous terrain, and rivers of moderate size. The improved support structure provides a uniform vertical thermal expansion and uniform loading deflection (due to the weight of a passing train) thus assuring that the elevated tubes are smooth and straight.

Abstract: A system for use in constructing a lattice panel bridge, includes a plurality of substantially rectangular prefabricated steel lattice panels joined in end to end relationship to form a main girder for the bridge. Each panel comprises an upper chord, a lower chord of substantially equal length, a plurality of web members interconnecting the upper and lower chords, and joint forming devices at each end of each chord. The joint forming devices at either end of the lower chord mate and receive a transverse pin for connecting the lower chords of adjacent panels together. The joint forming devices at each end of the upper chord comprises a longitudinally facing plate provided with apertures for receiving fasteners for connecting the plates of adjacent panels together. A spacer is inserted between the plates and this reduces the tendency of the bridge to sag. Optionally the spacers can be used to give the resultant bridge an upwardly facing longitudinal camber.

Abstract: A truss for distributing a maximum bending moment normally occurring at a midpoint region of a girder (430) includes a first truss segment member (505) having first and second ends, a second truss segment member (420) having first and second ends, a third truss segment member (510) having first and second ends, a fourth truss segment member (425) having first and second ends, and a fifth truss segment member (415) having first and second ends. The first end of the first truss segment member (505) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder at a first location near the midpoint region of the girder and the second end of the second truss segment member (420) is attached to the second end of the first truss segment member (505). The first end of the third truss segment member (510) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder (430) at a second location near the midpoint region of the girder. The first location is located between the second location and the first end of the girder.

Abstract: Abstract: The storage roof truss has a non-triangular central opening to provide greater storage space. Truss chords and webs are arranged to provide a central opening with a horizontal bottom and vertical lower sides. This allows more usable storage space. The central opening chords and webs are connected to the top chords in a triangular mesh pattern such that loads on the element junctures are carried in tension or compression. This allows similar structural efficiency as a conventional truss. Therefore roof storage trusses can be constructed with similar costs as conventional trusses. Also, storage roof trusses can have the same range of pitches as conventional trusses.

Abstract: A work platform includes a first elongate side section, a second elongate side section, and a floor section. The first and second side sections each includes a lower beam, an upper beam, and a plurality of support members extending between and coupled to the upper and lower beam. The floor section includes a plurality of cross beams extending between and coupled to the first and second side sections, and a floor panel supported by the cross beams. The work platform also includes a crane assembly movably coupled to the first side section. The crane assembly is longitudinally movable along first side section. The upper beams, lower beams, support members, cross beams, floor panel, and the crane assembly are fabricated from fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: In the case of an arrangement on which it is possible to walk and/or drive and which is intended for bridging over and/or under, for example, roads, comprising a bottom member (1) which is connected, via cross-struts (2), to handrails (10) and/or a top flange (3), the intention is for a cross-strut (2) to comprise, at least in part, a box profile.

Abstract: An articulated modular beam formed by a plurality of rigid modules designed to withstand compression on a planar surface, and a bendable coupling piece connecting the modules on one side such that the distance between one side of the modules can be varied so as to achieve a desired shape or curve.

Abstract: A ramp structure which may be constructed quickly to provide temporary or permanent access to all individuals between two areas of different elevation. A truss design allows long spans to form a bridge without the need for intermediate supports and related support foundations. A truss cross-connector is firmly wedged in place between two trusses and allows the quick, solid joining of two trusses without fasteners to form a strong and stable assembly to serve as ramps, bridges, elevated walkways, etc. The truss cross-connector has resistance to bending and supports the edge of a surface panel and provides a retaining pocket for the surface panel. The truss cross-connector firmly supports the trusses in an upright position when the trusses are used as railings. Surfacing panels placed between the truss cross-connectors provide a high quality, long lasting surface which is quickly installed for temporary or permanent installations, but which can be easily removed for reuse.

Abstract: A deployable bridge is assembled from individual components. The components include cross girders and pavement slabs disposed between the cross girders, the cross girders each having opposite ends and first and second continuous girders each disposed along one of the opposite ends, respectively, of the cross girders. Each continuous girder comprises an upwardly pointing truss having top and bottom chords and truss members arranged between the top and bottom chords and connected to the top and bottom chords at top and bottom nodal points, respectively. The top and bottom chords are each divided in regions of the top and bottom nodal points into a plurality of top chord members and bottom chord members. Each continuous girder further includes connecting elements connecting together the top chord members and connecting together the bottom chord members.

Abstract: A bridge including a metal tubular space frame enclosed in a housing shell made principally from fibre reinforced plastics material which is maintenance free and protects the frame from corrosion. The upper surface of the housing shell forms a vehicular platform. The lower surface of the housing shell is of a curved aerodynamic shape and forms a load bearing access and maintenance platform. The space frame may include pre-stressing cables running alongside or inside elongate members of the space frame.

Abstract: A portable, demountable bridge which can be self-launched. The bridge uses a traditional beam system to conform the deck of the bridge. Two hollow, bottom-plated, triangular footings are added as supports for this beam. These footings, buried into the soil of a riverbank or the bank of a chasm, absorb the horizontal forces using the weight of the soil above the bottom plates of the footings. Sets of vertical plane trusses parallel to the axis of the deck and located on each side of the deck at the entrance, help the beam of the deck to support vertical loads, by means of a transversal truss which touches the beam of the deck at its upper chord. Each set of the additional vertical plane trusses are founded on two bottom plated footings buried into the riverbank or the bank of a chasm. The footing near the water uses the soil as a bearing, and the other footing is used as a counterweight. The bridge also uses the soil of the riverbank or bank of the chasm as a protection against floods.

Abstract: A transportable bridge having longitudinal sides, includes plural bridge sections connected in series and presenting first and last bridge sections in the series. Each said bridge section in the series includes a deck slab extending across a width of the bridge and having front and rear transverse ends, and an inverted triangular truss on each longitudinal side of the bridge. Each truss has a lower corner portion and an oppositely disposed top beam. The lower corner portion of the truss is connected to the rear transverse end of the deck slab and additionally to the front transverse end of the deck slab of an adjacent following bridge section in the series of bridge sections. The top beam of the truss of the bridge section is connected to the top beam of the adjacent following bridge section thus forming a trough-shaped bridge having a lateral truss structure. A further deck slab is associated with the last bridge section.

Abstract: A bridge includes a bridge element which has a basic bridge body; a folding ramp situated at opposite sloped end faces of the bridge body; a hinge connection pivotally attaching each folding ramp to the bridge body; and a locking device supported by the bridge body for locking the folding ramp to the bridge body in the downfolded position of the ramp in which the ramp forms a common access ramp with the respective sloped end face of the bridge body. The locking device includes a locking pin and an actuating device for moving the locking pin into a locking position or into a withdrawn position. In the locking position the locking pin extends into a locking pin-receiving opening of the folding ramp if the folding ramp is in its downfolded position or into a locking pin-receiving opening of an adjoining basic bridge body in the upfolded position of the folding ramp. The hinge connection includes a double-jointed lever connected to the bridge body and the respective folding ramp by pivotal joints.

Abstract: A lattice panel (P1) for a bridge has only a single chord (C1), along one side (S1), with no chord along the opposite side (S2), resulting in a cost and weight saving when two such panels are stacked in one plane. A lattice (L) of web members (W) comprises: either n+1 perpendicular web members (Wp1-3) at n+1 "first" nodes (N1. 1-N1.3) or n perpendicular web members (Wp1, Wp2) at all but an end one of n+1 "first" nodes (Wp1, Wp2); 2n "first" oblique web members (Wo1-Wo4) and 2n "second" web members (Wo5-Wo8) form two quadrilateral structures between the n+1 "first" nodes (Wp1, Wp2). Two "fourth" nodes (N4.1, N4.2) are formed by the tops of the quadrilateral structures, for connection to a second chord or to corresponding nodes of a like panel.

Abstract: A bridge designed to afford enhanced resistance to shearing forces has at least one top chord (1) of concrete and a bottom chord (2) of concrete or of metal connected to each other by means of structural elements designed to resist shearing forces. These structural elements include two pleated or corrugated continuous steel sheets (3, 4) placed on each side of a vertical mid-plane (P) of the bridge. The pleats or corrugations extend in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the length of the bridge.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular unit construction bridging system in which all components are identical and interchangeable to meet any variation of span, width of roadway, number of lanes of traffic, and live load specification for any temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent bridge. The bridge is capable of being dismantled and the individual modular components used elsewhere to form a new bridge. The panels, when connected end-to-end to form the main load-bearing trusses of the bridge side girders, are of such a shape that they can be pinned together at their bottom chord level to support the standard cross-beams and modular deck units/bracing throughout the bridge and provide gaps between adjacent panels at their top chord level into which can be pinned other standard chord units of such a length calculated to eliminate entirely both the natural pin-hole deflection inherent in 2-pinned modular truss structures and the elastic deflection under dead load.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterised by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.

Abstract: A prefabricated three-dimensional truss structure for a bridge, or the like, the truss formed from bars arranged to define triangular or rectangular patterns. The bars are formed from prestressed, high-strength concrete that are connected at their ends with assembly blocks that are prestressed, the prestress being preferably provided by the cables that prestress the bars, and which terminate at the blocks. A plurality of such unit trusses can be assembled to provide a truss structure for a bridge span, and the trusses can assume a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: A support structure, such as a bridge support structure for long spans between supports, includes a beam-like girder formed of reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete connected to and supported on the upper ends of support piers so that the girder is bending resistant. A strut framework extends between the girder and the support pier and includes a reinforced concrete compression strut extending diagonally upwardly from the lower end of the support pier to the girder at a position spaced outwardly from the support pier whereby the dead load of the compression strut is supported by tie rods extending from the compression strut upwardly to the girder or the pier. The compression strut forms one side of a triangle with the other sides formed by the girder and the support with the tie rods located within the triangle.

Abstract: A bridge module is preassembled from girder sections the type disclosed in Pat. No. GB 1209747, and integrated by stabilizing means so as to provide a crane-assisted building method which is less labor intensive and less time consuming than known manual methods.

Abstract: A load-supporting structure comprises a plurality of similar longitudinally extending truss members each having upper and lower spaced-apart chords and intermediate joining members. The chords and joining members are constructed of rectangular tubular members, the joining members being arranged to overlap adjacent side surfaces of the respective chords which, in a preferred embodiment in which the tubular members are constructed of fibre-reinforced plastics material, provides large bond areas resulting in a strong lightweight structure.The load-supporting structures of the invention find particular application in forming the individual trackways of a temporary bridge structure, means being provided for attaching structures end-to-end and to suitable ramp portions.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterized by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.