Deck Patents (Class 14/73)
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Patent number: 8161691Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Plattforms, Inc.Inventors: David H. Platt, John E. Charchenko, Daryl G. Hodgson, Russell J. Platt
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Publication number: 20120023687Abstract: A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams and to other such panels at abutting ends. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The runner bars are connected by cross bars and several studs extend from the runner bars into the paving material. Several nuts are welded to the runner bars at spaced intervals and aligned with holes through the runner bars for attachment to connecting structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: James H. Bumen
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Publication number: 20120000020Abstract: A bridge superstructure comprises a first aspect of the present invention, a bridge structure comprises a contact surface supported by a decking mounted on a superstructure. The superstructure includes a mounting for the decking. The decking comprises a panel composed of a fibre reinforced polymer composite, the panel comprising a plate having an upperside and an underside, a plurality of first and second beams, each beam having an upper face and a base face and side faces, the upper face of each beam being integral with the underside of the plate, a first beam having an aperture extending between the side faces, wherein a second beam extends through the aperture. The panel further comprises means for attachment to the superstructure and a layer of wear-resistant material on the upper side of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: John Reginald Newton
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Patent number: 8069519Abstract: A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The connecting structures include panel to beam connecting structures that have several clamping plates extending from beneath a runner bar to beneath a portion of a bridge beam. The decking panels arc cast in a form that has two or more channel-forming sheets attached to the bottom wall of the form and extending from wall to wall. Each sheet is dimensioned to receive an anchor plate assembly and form a channel in the cast concrete between the runner bars.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: James H. Bumen
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Publication number: 20110294917Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEYInventors: Jennifer K. Lynch, Thomas J. Nosker, Richard Lehman, James D. Idol, Kenneth Van Ness, Richard W. Renfree, Maryann Renfree
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Patent number: 8020235Abstract: An improved prestressed concrete bridge having internal and external tensioning tendons which follow approximately similar pathways which are not straight.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Technological UniversityInventor: Nabil F. Grace
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Patent number: 8008402Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Jennifer K. Lynch, Thomas J. Nosker, Richard Lehman, James D. Idol, Kenneth Van Ness, Richard W. Renfree, Maryann Renfree, legal representative
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Publication number: 20110197379Abstract: The invention relates to a fixed road for rail-bound vehicles on a bridge, wherein the fixed road consists of a bridge superstructure slab, a support slab covering said bridge superstructure slab and comprising longitudinal humps and stoppers and a ballast slab comprising clearances, on which the rails are arranged with fasteners. The invention is based on the object of developing a structure which requires simpler longitudinal reinforcement and reduced shuttering and manufacturing expenditure and makes possible the manufacture of longer ballast slabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Tristan Moelter
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Patent number: 7996945Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Thomas Nosker, Richard Renfree, Maryann Renfree, legal representative, James Kerstein, Louis Simon
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Publication number: 20110138549Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in deck units by tensioning the longitudinal load-carrying members without the use of standard post-tensioning details. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices, which also permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units. Jacking apparatuses are used to introduce deck compression by jacking against the longitudinal load-carrying members. This system can be used for new structures and for deck replacement of existing structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Yidong He
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Patent number: 7945980Abstract: A bridge deck (20) includes a plurality of rows (72, 74) of tubes (44) each extending between tube ends (46) with the tubes (44) disposed adjacent to each other in a side by side relationship. The bridge deck (20) includes lifting blocks (60, 70) having a square periphery with equal block sides (58) disposed therein abutting one of the tube ends (46) of at least one of the tubes (44) and laterally engaging adjacent tubes (44) on either side of the one tube (44). The rows (72, 74) include block rows (72, 74) defining two tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70). The block rows (72, 74) include end-block rows (74) having one of the tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70) at each tube end (46) thereof. The block rows (72, 74) include mid-block rows (72) having two tubes (44) abutting opposite block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Griswold Machine & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Zylman
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Publication number: 20110049896Abstract: There are a large number of sites in the world's oceans and rivers that can provide a significant, viable, and cost effective source of renewable energy. Many are strategically located close to populated areas where these sites can be used to harness energy using ecologically benign hydrodynamic technology. A hydrodynamic array comprises multiple hydrodynamic elements for producing electricity by the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: BLUE ENERGY CANADA INC.Inventors: Martin Burger, Norm Reid
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Publication number: 20110030155Abstract: Methods and systems for building a stress ribbon structure over an opening via incremental launching, a construction fixture, a support structure, an anchorage panel, and a stress ribbon structure are disclosed. Construction fixtures are constructed adjacent to a support structure. The stress ribbon structure is constructed in a staging area and in sections that are suspended between the construction fixtures. Anchorage panels at each end of a section engage a blister on the construction fixtures and the support structure. Completed sections are launched from the construction fixtures onto and along the support structure. Sections are individually constructed and launched and adjacent sections abut along a lateral edge. Adjacent sections are aligned by adjusting tension in integral support cables and their ends pivot or rotate about the blisters via a bearing system with both rotational flexibility and low friction to support sliding in the direction of launching.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: HNTB HOLDINGS LTDInventor: Theodore Peter Zoli, III
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Patent number: 7874035Abstract: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporated CollaborationInventors: Sun-Kyu Park, Sung-Oh Kim, Sung-Nam Hong, Tae-Wan Kim, Kyoung Bong Han
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Patent number: 7861346Abstract: A light to medium-duty bridge structure suitable for use in golf-courses, parks and similar settings. The bridge structure comprises at least one corrugated metal plate having corrugations oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge structure. Applied to the upper surface of this corrugated metal plate is a layer of concrete or like material to provide a support/running surface. The corrugated metal plate is provided with a plurality of devices adapted to engage the concrete or like material so as to provide a composite corrugated metal plate-concrete structure capable of supporting light to medium-duty loads.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: AIL International Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Wilson
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Publication number: 20100325819Abstract: A bridge approach, abutment construction and road widening technique and method using tilt-up panels and lightweight concrete fill is disclosed. A bridge approach ramp is constructed using tilt-up panels, initially supported using tilt form braces, to from a retaining wall perimeter, and subsequently filling the interior with sequential pours of lightweight concrete. The present invention advances the art of bridge construction by providing an improved bridge approach structure that is capable of rapid construction and provides an improved and cost effective structure as compared with prior art teachings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Anthony Abreu
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Publication number: 20100319144Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: Rutgers the State UniversityInventors: Thomas Nosker, Richard Renfree, Maryann Renfree, James Kerstein, Louis Simon
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Patent number: 7814724Abstract: Methods and systems for building a stress ribbon structure over an opening via incremental launching are disclosed. Temporary support structures are constructed adjacent to a permanent support structure. The stress ribbon structure is constructed in a staging area and in sections that are suspended between the temporary support structures. Anchorage panels at each end of a section engage a blister on the temporary and permanent structures. This arrangement allows completed sections to be launched from the temporary support structure onto and along the permanent support structure. Sections are individually constructed and launched and adjacent sections abut along a lateral edge. Adjacent sections are aligned by adjusting tension in integral support cables and their ends pivot or rotate about the blisters via a bearing system with both rotational flexibility and low friction to support sliding in the direction of launching.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd.Inventor: Theodore Peter Zoli, III
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Patent number: 7795329Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyInventors: Thomas Nosker, Richard Renfree, Maryann Renfree, legal representative, James Kerstein, Louis Simon
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Publication number: 20100170050Abstract: A welded joint improved in fatigue strength, a steel deck using the welded joint, and a process of producing the steel deck are provided. A steel deck 3 includes a steel plate 10 having a paving surface 11 on which a pavement is placed, and stiffeners 20 welded to a lower surface 12 of the steel plate opposite the paving surface. Single bevel grooves 22 are formed at respective edges 21 of each stiffener brought into contact with the steel plate, and a weld metal 30 is deposited in each single bevel groove 22. The weld metal is a low transformation-temperature welding material whose martensitic transformation occurs in a predetermined low temperature range. The groove angle ? of the single bevel grooves 22 and welding conditions are set based on data acquired so as to obtain a fixed dilution ratio of the weld metal 30 through control of penetration rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Kotaro Inose, Takaaki Matsuoka, Junko Kambayashi, Shiro Saito
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Patent number: 7743446Abstract: A composite a deck system having a deck component and a concrete component. The deck component of the present invention includes deck sections, each having a longitudinally-extending rib with spaced apart sidewalls connected to a top wall. At the opposing ends of the sidewalls can be included side edges or webs having upturned flanges with an opening or openings along the flanges that are dimensioned to facilitate composite action between the deck sections and the concrete. The system includes a first deck section, as described, adjacent to a second deck section, wherein the side edges of the first and second deck sections are in juxtaposed relation. These deck sections can be combined with concrete to form a composite deck.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Consolidated Systems, Inc.Inventor: Harry Collins
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Publication number: 20100139015Abstract: A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams and to other such panels at abutting ends. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The runner bars are connected by cross bars and several studs extend from the runner bars into the paving material. Several nuts are welded to the runner bars at spaced intervals and aligned with holes through the runner bars for attachment to connecting structures. The connecting structures include panel to beam connecting structures that have several clamping plates extending from beneath a runner bar to beneath a portion of a bridge beam. A mating machine screw extends through a hole in each clamping plate and engages the nuts and, when tightened, clamps the anchor plate assembly, and therefore the decking panel, to the bridge beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: James H. Bumen
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Patent number: 7690862Abstract: The present invention relates to a transit boarding platform panel for use along an edge of a transit platform adjacent a track. The panel comprises a molded base portion formed from a reinforced composite polymer, and having a top deck and bottom plate, a first side intended to be adjacent a track at an edge of the transit platform, a second side opposite said first side and intended to be adjacent the transit platform, a first end and a second end, and between the top deck and bottom plate a series of internal support members. The top deck has a detectable warning surface consisting of raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. The first and second ends are provided with means to interconnect adjacent panels and to secure the panels to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Astra Capital IncorporatedInventor: Kenneth E. J. Szekely
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Publication number: 20100071141Abstract: A beam comprised of sub-components capable of extending or contracting in overall length is provided. The beam consists of a twin-beam structure that provides travel support for two end beam components that are movable with respect to one another to extend or contract the length of the resulting variable length beam. Extension or contraction of the variable length beam can be accomplished manually or, in a preferred embodiment, by means of a screw drive. The variable length beams facilitate the fabrication of reusable, adjustable width deck-forming panels used in the construction of cast-in-place bridge deck slabs supported by parallel structural beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Randall Julian Reiner
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Publication number: 20100064454Abstract: An improved prestressed concrete bridge having internal and external tensioning tendons which follow approximately similar pathways which are not straight.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYInventor: Nabil F. Grace
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Publication number: 20100037405Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Paul R. Metcalfe, Anil V. Singaraju
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Publication number: 20100031458Abstract: A bridge deck (20) includes a plurality of rows (72, 74) of tubes (44) each extending between tube ends (46) with the tubes (44) disposed adjacent to each other in a side by side relationship. The bridge deck (20) includes lifting blocks (60, 70) having a square periphery with equal block sides (58) disposed therein abutting one of the tube ends (46) of at least one of the tubes (44) and laterally engaging adjacent tubes (44) on either side of the one tube (44). The rows (72, 74) include block rows (72, 74) defining two tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70). The block rows (72, 74) include end-block rows (74) having one of the tubes (44) abutting one of the block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70) at each tube end (46) thereof. The block rows (72, 74) include mid-block rows (72) having two tubes (44) abutting opposite block sides (58) of one of the lifting blocks (60, 70).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventor: Joseph Zylman
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Publication number: 20090300861Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain dislocation preventing means which has a simple structure and reliably prevents dislocation from concrete, and cause a deck plate to correspond to a resistance cross section with respect to all dead/live loads over the entire length of a bridge beam. A dislocation preventing bolt 9 has a threaded section 91, having an external thread formed thereon, a tapered section 92, which is formed continuously from the threaded section, and a circular cylindrical section 93, which is formed continuously from the tapered section. A longitudinal rib composite floor slab 100 includes a main girder 1, a transverse girder 2 joined to the main girder 1, a deck plate 4 whose lower surface side is joined to the main girder 1 and the transverse girder 2, a longitudinal rib joined to the upper surface of the deck plate 4, concrete 7 placed on the upper surface of the deck plate 4, and pavement 5 placed on the upper surface of the concrete 7.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Yasumiki Yamamoto, Kazuo Komori, Atsunori Kawabata, Tatsuya Matsumura
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Publication number: 20090205278Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Jennifer K. Lynch, Thomas J. Nosker, Richard Lehman, James D. Idol, Kenneth Van Ness, Richard W. Renfree, Maryann Renfree
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Patent number: 7555800Abstract: A composite a deck system having a deck component and a concrete component. The deck component of the present invention includes deck sections, each having a longitudinally-extending rib with spaced apart sidewalls connected to a top wall. At the opposing ends of the sidewalls can be included side edges or webs having upturned flanges with an opening or openings along the flanges that are dimensioned to facilitate composite action between the deck sections and the concrete. The system includes a first deck section, as described, adjacent to a second deck section, wherein the side edges of the first and second deck sections are in juxtaposed relation. These deck sections can be combined with concrete to form a composite deck.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Consolidated Systems, Inc.Inventor: Harry Collins
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Patent number: 7524136Abstract: A method and composition of matter used to reduce icing of roads, bridges, and overpasses where the wearing course of the paved structure contains expanded plastic polymer. The expanded plastic polymer functions as insulation and reduces the likelihood that the wearing course of the structure will freeze over, thereby lessening the danger drivers face during colder months.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: Earl M. Stenger
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Publication number: 20090094904Abstract: Methods and systems for building a stress ribbon structure over an opening via incremental launching are disclosed. Temporary support structures are constructed adjacent to a permanent support structure. The stress ribbon structure is constructed in a staging area and in sections that are suspended between the temporary support structures. Anchorage panels at each end of a section engage a blister on the temporary and permanent structures. This arrangement allows completed sections to be launched from the temporary support structure onto and along the permanent support structure. Sections are individually constructed and launched and adjacent sections abut along a lateral edge. Adjacent sections are aligned by adjusting tension in integral support cables and their ends pivot or rotate about the blisters via a bearing system with both rotational flexibility and low friction to support sliding in the direction of launching.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: HNTB HOLDINGS LTDInventor: Theodore Peter Zoli, III
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Publication number: 20090077758Abstract: A prefabricated bridge deck panel can be affixed to pre-existing bridge girders. The bridge deck panel includes an elongated metal deck plate stiffened longitudinally by longitudinal stiffening metal ribs. The bridge deck panel also has at least one inverted Tee rib underneath the deck plate. The vertical web member of the inverted Tee rib has its upper end structurally secured to the deck plate of the bridge deck panel. The panel also includes spaced-apart transverse floor beams underneath the deck plate. The vertical web member of the transverse floor beams has recesses fitted over the longitudinal stiffening metal ribs, and interfits with the vertical web member of the inverted Tee rib. The upper end of the transverse floor beams is structurally secured to the deck plate. In use, the inverted Tee rib is laid on and secured to a pre-existing bridge girder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: GROUPE CANAM INC.Inventor: Richard Vincent
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Patent number: 7475446Abstract: A bridge system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members. Tensioned structural elements are external to a plurality of the prefabricated deck units and produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. The tensioned structural elements can be deviated relative to the horizontal plane of the prefabricated deck units, subsequently enhancing the load-carrying capacity of the longitudinal load-carrying members. Leveling devices that permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units are provided. The leveling devices allow for the tensioned structural elements to provide longitudinal compression to the prefabricated deck units independent of the longitudinal load-carrying members.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Yidong He
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Patent number: 7469439Abstract: A floor slab bridge structure is capable of enhancing the strength with which bridge girders and concrete bridge piers are rigidly joined so as to effectively suppress expansion and contraction, deflection, and distortion of the bridge girders, and to synergistically enhance the strength of connection concrete itself against the expansion and contraction, distortion, etc., to thereby be effective to prevent collapse of a bridge due to a large earthquake. Slab concrete is hammer-set between sides of respective bridge girders, which are spaced apart in a bridge width direction, along a length direction of the bridge girders. Connection concrete, in which bridge girder portions supported on bridge bottom surfaces of concrete bridge piers supporting the bridge girders are embedded, is additionally deposited on the bridge bottom surfaces to form a floor slab bridge structure constituting a rigid joining structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Eco Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Fumihiro Saito
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Publication number: 20080250579Abstract: A removable support structure for attachment underneath a bridge is provided. The removable support structure has one or more pre-assembled platform modules. Each module comprises an underlying grid and one or more panels attached to the top of the underlying grid. The modules are attached to, suspended below, or otherwise supported beneath the underside of a bridge. The underlying grid is constructed from substantially parallel beams and lateral supports perpendicular to the beams connecting the parallel beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Oded Sten, Kurt G. Conti
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Patent number: 7418804Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes displacement preventing spacers interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. Each displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., ECO Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Kazutoshi Tsuda, Fumihiro Saito
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Publication number: 20080172808Abstract: A bridge structure, comprising: a deck (1) for supporting a load thereon; first and second abutments (13a, b) which support respective ends of the deck and bear a compressive load from backfill (5) at the respective outer sides thereof; and at least one displacement compensation unit (21) which is configured such as to accommodate longitudinal displacement of the deck and maintain a predeterminable longitudinal force between the abutments, wherein the at least one displacement compensation unit has a load-displacement characteristic which provides for a reduced rate of change in the longitudinal force with longitudinal displacement of the deck as compared to a conventional bridge structure which incorporates no displacement compensation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2006Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: George Leslie England
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Patent number: 7373760Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes a displacement preventing spacer interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. The displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Eco Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Kazutoshi Tsuda, Fumihiro Saito
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Patent number: 7371030Abstract: A construct from which a flexing road surface may be produced. A flexing road surface provided in accordance with the invention enables a vehicle to pass over the road surface relatively smoothly, while simultaneously imparting a reciprocating motion to the road surface. This reciprocating motion may be extracted at a takeoff point on the construct, and used as motive means for operating an electrical generator, air compressor, pump, or other useful mechanical device.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Burleigh D. Hickman
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Publication number: 20080078038Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite panel is described. One use of the panel is to construct bridge decks although the panel may have several other uses. It comprises two flat plates formed of commingled glass fiber reinforced polypropylene secured in spaced parallel relationship to a core. The core is formed by either two corrugated sheets interconnected together along connecting ridge sections or else by a plurality of elongated FRP channel members disposed transversely between the flat plates. The corrugated sheets or channel members form hollow core spaces between the two flat plates and the core material and these hollow spaces are filled with a filler material to add stability to the panel. Both the flat plates and the core material are formed of commingled glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (FRP).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: Hossein Borazghi
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Patent number: 7296317Abstract: An improved box beam bridge and a method of construction are disclosed. The box beam bridge comprises a plurality of box beams for each lane structure of the bridge. Each of these lane structures are separately secured together and post-tensioned by means of a composite material strand. The separate lane structures are then brought together to complete the bridge width, with an interstitial box beam placed between the separate lane structures. Once arranged together, the separate lane structures and integrated interstitial box beam are secured together and post-tensioned by a second composite material strand that runs the entire width of the bridge.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Lawrence Technological UniversityInventor: Nabil F. Grace
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Patent number: 7207079Abstract: Bridges decks or panels for bridge decks made of a metal-plastic-metal sandwich with the plastic bonded to the metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween. The sandwich plates may be constructed with either a solid plastic core or a composite core consisting of plastic, metal plates or structural shapes and forms within or without a frame of girders. Sandwich plate bridge panels without peripheral metal frames are held together only by the adhesion of the plastic to the metal plates.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Intelligent Engineering (Bahamas) LimitedInventor: Stephen John Kennedy
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Patent number: 7131161Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer composite deck module is used to form a deck constructed by assembling the deck modules.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Inventor: Sung Woo Lee
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Patent number: 7069614Abstract: A bridge is constructed using simply structured, longitudinal, modular deck sections or cells that are fabricated in a shop and shipped to the jobsite for quick assembly and erection. Each section has generally horizontal upper and lower members and at least one generally vertical member connected between the upper and lower horizontal members. The sections may be C-shaped, Z-shaped, or shallow U-shaped, and are connected in series. The upper and lower horizontal members of each section overlap respectively portions of the upper and lower horizontal members of the adjacent section to form overlapped regions. The connection sections define a plurality of closed cells. Open cells at the ends may be closed using appropriate end section(s) that may be shallow C-shaped or J-shaped. The sections are roll-formed or press braked from metal sheets or plates. The sections are connected together to form a multi-cell box girder bridge module by mating and welding or bolting the overlapped regions.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Manufacturers Equity TrustInventors: Eugene Sivachenko, Jiri Strasky
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Patent number: 7003837Abstract: A method of constructing a bridge including forming a concrete slab remote from the bridge, the slab having a side with at least one bolt hole therein, orienting the side of the concrete slab substantially parallel to the side of a girder so that the bolt hole of the concrete slab is aligned with a bolt hole in the side of the girder and connecting the bolt hole of the concrete slab with the bolt hole of the girder using a bracket and a pair of bolts.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventors: Jeff N. Pollard, Thomas C. Friday, Frank H. Murphree
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Patent number: 7000279Abstract: The present invention relates to a transit boarding platform panel for use along the edge of an existing transit platform adjacent a track. The panel comprises a molded base portion formed from a reinforced composite polymer. The base portion has a top deck and bottom plate, a first side intended to be adjacent a track at an edge of the transit platform, a second side opposite said first side and intended to be adjacent the existing transit platform, first end and second side, and between the top deck and bottom plate a series of internal support members. The top deck, bottom plate, first and second sides, first end, second end and series of internal support members are preferably molded at the same time to form an integral unit. The top deck has a detectable warning surface consisting of raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Astra Capital IncorporatedInventor: Kenneth E. J. Szekely
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Patent number: 6904636Abstract: A technique and apparatus for integrally connecting a precast or prefabricated deck to a girder. A connection structure and method for connecting a precast or prefabricated deck to a girder, makes it unnecessary to form shear pockets in the deck and to remove existing shear connectors already installed to the girder, and makes it possible to easily adjust an elevation of the deck and to obtain excellent structural integration between the girder and the deck. The connection structure includes at least one rod shaped elevation adjustor inserted through the deck to support the deck spaced apart from an upper surface of the girder at a predetermined interval. A length of the rod shaped elevation adjustor projected toward an upper face of the girder can be changed to allow the deck to be supported. At least one shear connector is inserted through the deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Korea Institute of Construction TechnologyInventors: Yoon-Koog Hwang, Hyeong-Yeol Kim, Ki-Tae Park, Young-Ho Lee, Sun-Myung Kim
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Patent number: 6895622Abstract: A transit boarding platform panel comprising a base portion formed from a reinforced composite polymer. The base portion has a top deck and a bottom plate, a first end, a second end, a first side and second side. Between the top deck and bottom plate are a series of internal longitudinal and cross support members. The top deck has a central section and opposite end sections. Detectable warning tiles are mounted to the top surfaces of the end sections. The top surface of the central section has a slip resistant surface. Positive drainage is provided by the top deck to facilitate runoff of any precipitation and prevent standing pools of water. Positive drainage is further provided by the interface between adjacent panels utilizing a ship lap configuration with a drainage channel beneath the joint between adjacent panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Astra Capital IncorporatedInventor: Kenneth E. J. Szekely
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Patent number: RE40064Abstract: A construction of a floor slab bridge includes a plurality of columnar H-shaped steels each disposed between adjacent bridge legs and arranged in side-by-side relation with an end face of a lower flange abutted with a corresponding end face of the adjacent columnar H-shaped steel. A lower concrete layer is formed by placing concrete in a space defined between the upper and lower flanges and between adjacent web plates through a concrete inlet port formed between the adjacent upper flange, and an upper concrete layer is formed by placing concrete on the upper flange. An iron reinforcement is horizontally disposed on the upper flanges, and an iron reinforcement is suspended in the space from the horizontal iron reinforcement through the concrete inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Eco Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tokuno, Kazutoshi Tsuda, Fumihiro Saito