Abstract: A simplified pop-up canopy and frame that allows for easy set and expansion. It is a modular and collapsible design. The design has a plurality of leg assembles which hold up a plurality of cross bar sets. The cross bar sets are connected to brackets which connection a plurality of cross bar sets together to form the pop-up canopy frame on which a canopy cover can be placed.

Abstract: A universal hub adapter for a portable display frame assembly for mounting to an outer surface of a display hub of the frame assembly. The universal hub adapter is used to adapt the display hub of the frame assembly for mounting of a first graphics system including a plurality of stretched fabric panels and a second graphics system including a channeled sub-frame for mounting a larger fabric panel. The universal hub adapter can include a faceplate and a threaded post including a threaded portion, a securement plate, a button shaft, and a button head. The threaded portion passes through an aperture of the faceplate and couples to the display hub to secure the faceplate to the display hub. The button shaft and button head couple to one of a stretched fabric panel or a sub-frame assembly.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A plurality of sliding rails and a frame structure comprising a plurality of frame elements configured to be arranged at least partly circumferentially around a tower structure. Each frame element is slidably connected to at least one of the sliding rails, and the frame elements and the sliding rails are interconnected to form a scissor structure. An upwardly directed lifting force applied by a hoisting mechanism at connecting points at or near positions where the frame elements are connected to the sliding rails, in combination with gravity working on the frame structure, causes the frame elements to slide along the sliding rails, thereby causing the scissor structure to contract or expand to adjust a diameter of the frame structure to an outer diameter of the tower structure having the apparatus mounted thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movable machine room comprising a support platform of a hoisting machine, the support platform comprising one or more releasable mounting mechanisms for releasably mounting the moveable machine room in a hoistway, and a hoisting machine mounted on the support platform; a working platform on top of the support platform, preferably forming a roof of the moveable machine room and/or comprising handrails; and at least one support structure supported by which the working platform rests on the support platform; and wherein each said support structure is selectively actuatable to expand in vertical direction for hoisting the working platform higher above the support platform taking reaction force from the support platform, or to contract in vertical direction for lowering the working platform back towards the support platform. The invention relates to an arrangement and a method implementing the movable machine room.

Abstract: Deployable reflector system includes a boom which is extended from a rigid base. A reflector support structure is secured to a carrier end of the boom opposed from the base. The reflector support structure is configured to transition from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. A tension element coupled at one end to the reflector support structure extends along a length of the boom to the base. The tension element is tensioned as a result of extending the boom, whereby a tension force is provided. The reflector support structure is transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration responsive to the tension force, whereby the same actuator mechanism that extends the boom also expands the reflector support structure.

Abstract: A reflector assembly configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration includes a central hub, a series of ribs coupled to the central hub, and a flexible reflective material attached to the ribs. Each rib includes a root rib, an intermediate rib, and a tip rib. The root rib is configured to rotate in a first direction about a first axis away from a coaxial axis of the central hub, the intermediate rib is configured to rotate in the first direction about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, and the tip rib is configured to rotate in the first direction about a third axis substantially parallel to the second axis as the reflector assembly moves into the deployed configuration. The flexible reflective material and the ribs together form a reflective surface with a substantially paraboloidal surface profile configured to focus electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A deployable thin membrane apparatus for use with a spacecraft is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane structure and a deployment mechanism for transitioning the membrane structure from an undeployed state towards a deployed state in which the membrane can perform a function needed by a spacecraft. In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism includes a plurality of pantographs that each engage the membrane structure, a rotatable disk structure that engages and coordinates the transition of the pantographs from an undeployed state towards a deployed state, and a spring system for providing energy that is used to rotate the disk structure.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided that includes a display configured to output visual information, a frame covering a rear surface of the display, and an adhesive member that provided between the rear surface of the display and the frame and configured to couple the display to the frame, the frame formed in a curved shape to generate a bending force causing the display to curve when the display is coupled to the frame using the adhesive member.

Abstract: A base or a mounting frame for an electrical enclosure or a rack, includes mounting pieces which are arranged, as corner pieces, in the corner regions of a rectangle or square that extends in an x-y plane. The mounting pieces are produced in a respective shaping process and include first and second mounting faces which lie outside with respect to the rectangle or square, which extend in the x direction and in the y direction at a right angle thereto and which extend in a space direction z at a right angle to the x-y plane. Sections of a system of covers are brought into contact with the mounting faces, where the covers having lateral covers with cover walls that are flat on the exterior and that have reinforcing ribs extending longitudinally on the interior, and are fastened to receiving structures of the mounting pieces by connecting structure.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a shelving unit having a first collapsible frame, a second collapsible frame, a plurality of shelf support rods each having a first end connected to the first collapsible frame and a second end connected to the second collapsible frame, a plurality of shelves that are each removably supported by a pair of shelf support rods from the plurality of shelf support rods, and at least a first cover support having a first end connected to the first collapsible frame and a second end connected to the second collapsible frame. A flexible cover at least partially encloses the shelving unit and is supported with respect to the shelving unit at least in part by engagement of the flexible cover with the first cover support. At least a portion of the flexible cover is at least translucent.

Abstract: A deployable truss that extends and retracts in a stable and synchronous manner, and can deploy integral folding panels. Primary orthogonal joints, each consisting of two hinged halves, connect rotationally to the truss diagonals with an angled fitting. The main hinge pin of the orthogonal joints remains orthogonal to the truss longitudinal axis and remains centered in the folding truss diagonals. Hinge pins of each truss joint are connected by center-folding chords which cause the truss joints of adjacent bays to remain parallel to each other. Folding diagonals connected to the primary joint halves are hinged together, permitting the diagonals on each side of the truss to remain parallel to each as they form the short sides of a rectangular truss. The truss may deploy z-folded panels with active surfaces such as photovoltaic, reflective, heat-radiating, LCD/plasma, or radar; or structural floor panels for folding work platforms, bridges, and walkways.

Abstract: A device supporting a first and a second element of a piece of space equipment. The device includes at least two deployable flexible arms each having a first end and a second end, the ends are secured respectively to the first and second elements and each designed to adopt at least one initial position folded in curves and an unfolded final position, in which positions they hold the first element away from the second element by first and second chosen distances respectively, the second distance being greater than the first.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable hierarchical open lattice assembly comprised of hinge boxes of 12 battens connected by hinge nodes. The hinge nodes are made of a plurality of resilient flexure joints, each joint connected to a batten and giving said batten a 90-degree in-plane rotation capability with a neutral-shaped flexure in a deployed state and a deformed-shaped flexure in a compressed state, whereby a restorative moment is created tending to return said flexure to its neutral state. One or more trusses are formed by sets of four longerons connected to the hinge boxes by the resilient flexure joints. Multiple hub boxes connected by longerons may be used to create a hierarchical truss of trusses in either two or three dimensions. These assemblies may be collapsed to a linear dimension by shearing the hub boxes and trusses in a parallelogram manner. The folding kinematics occur in three stages, which may be performed either sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A collapsible frame has a base mechanism. The base mechanism comprises a first connector and a second connector which are pivotally connected to the bottom of the collapsible frame. The first connector is pivotally connected with first reinforcement legs. The bottom of the first connector is formed with a first trough. The second connector and the first connector are overlapped and engaged with each other. The second connector is pivotally connected with a second reinforcement legs. The top of the second connector is formed with a second trough. The first and second reinforcement legs are pivotally connected to the bottom of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A frame element includes a first scissor including a first and a second strut pivotably connected to each other at a first pivot point, a second scissor including a third and a fourth strut pivotably connected to each other at a second pivot point, and a hub to which the first and the third strut are pivotably connected, the first and second scissors being pivotable about the hub between a closed position in which the first, second, third, and fourth struts are substantially parallel to one another and an open, locked position in which the first and third struts define a non-zero angle with each other and abutment portions of the second and fourth struts contact receiving portions of the third and first struts, respectively, and prevent the first and third struts from pivoting beyond the non-zero angle.

Abstract: A collapsible frame has a base mechanism. The base mechanism comprises a first connector and a second connector which are pivotally connected to the bottom of the collapsible frame. The first connector is pivotally connected with first reinforcement legs. The bottom of the first connector is formed with a first trough. The second connector and the first connector are overlapped and engaged with each other. The second connector is pivotally connected with a second reinforcement legs. The top of the second connector is formed with a second trough. The first and second reinforcement legs are pivotally connected to the bottom of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved portable shelter frame having upwardly extending support poles and linkage assemblies connecting the poles. Within the joints of the linkage assemblies are rolling element bearings to reduce joint friction and provide reinforcement support to the shelter frame.

Abstract: A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a collapsible frame and a removable display sheet.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: Tensegrity units may be used to form a tensegrity structure. Each tensegrity unit may include n face tension members, n continuous tension members, and n compression members. A bracket for the tensegrity unit may allow for adjustment of position of portions of the tension members when the tensegrity unit is not in a deployed state. The tension members may be coupled to the tensegrity unit so that there are no loose tension member ends. The unit may be deployed from a collapsed state by positioning the compression members and tension members in a proper orientation and adjusting the length of at least one compression member. Adjusting the length of at least the one compression member may allow tension to be applied to each tension member. A tensegrity structure may be formed from tensegrity units by joining a number of tensegrity units together.

Abstract: A folding linkage is hereby disclosed that is comprised of four links, each link having a bevel gear on its end, where each link is in geared contact with a neighboring link, such that both links are held together by a hub element that is small relative to the two links. An alternate embodiment of the invention has links that have a spur gear on each end, whereby each gear end is engaged with a central rack (linear gear).

Abstract: This invention discloses tongs-linkage, which, in its extended position, provides an essentially triangular-shaped surface, whereby the links of the tongs-linkage are themselves the panels that form the surface. Such assemblies may be planar, or, by use of intermediate hub elements, may form a surface with curvature. As such an assembly is compressed, the panel-links slide over one another, compressing down to a compact stack. Such tongs-linkages may be joined to similar linkages by pivots lying along their respective edges thereby forming extended structural surfaces. Surfaces that are planar, cone-shaped and doubly-curved surfaces of revolution are disclosed. In each case when the structure is retracted it compresses down to a compact linear element or ring.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: A hub assembly for pivotally connecting the ends of support rods of a portable self-supporting display structure configured for a collapsed storage position and an expanded display position. The hub assembly may include first and second members and a connector. The first and second members are mated to provide bearing surfaces and to accommodate pivot pins affixed to the support rods. The connector secures the mated first and second members together by being extended through bores in the mated first and second members.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: An extensible carrier structure is described here which includes several mutually connected individual elements, where the individual elements are made up of tube elements which are deformable in a reversible manner, and where the tube elements, at their ends, are connected with each other by first elastic elements.

Abstract: A portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which serves as a supporting structure of buildings composable in situ. The skeleton comprises a pipe-like spacer. Two dismountable node plates can be fixed to the spacer by way of clamping assemblies. Each node plate includes an eye having a through-hole. A joint assembly which comprises a crosswise tie-piece can be interconnected pivotably to the through-hole of the eye of one of the node plates.

Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.

Abstract: A one-touch assembling collapsible tent frame is disclosed. In the tent frame, the pole ribs are quickly coupled to the tent frame through a one-touch motion. The tent frame is stably supported on the ground since the interval between the lower portions of side poles is wider than that of the upper portions when fully stretching the frame. The tent frame has a slider locking means capable of allowing a slider to be easily and safely locked to or released from a side pole. A tension adjusting means is provided at the center pole for selectively adjusting the spring force of a center pole spring at the outside of the center pole. The center pole thus tightly and stably stretches and sustains the roof of a canvas or other material of the tent and improves the appearance of the tent even when pitching the tent in the wind.

Abstract: A temporary housing frame is provided including a plurality of supporting columns. A first link member formed from equal length rod member connects two adjacent supporting columns. A second link member connects between the other supporting columns and is composed of second rod members having respectively different lengths which are crossed and combined rotatably with each other so that at least one side has an ascending structure if the second link member is unfolded. A slider is provided for connecting both ends of the first and second link members to the supporting column as well as a slider fixing unit for stopping the slider from descending by its gravitational weight.

Abstract: A folding frame system includes a roof assembly including at least three pivotably attached strut pairs, adjacent pairs of the at least three pivotably attached strut pairs defining at least three corners of the roof assembly. The roof assembly is movable between a roof assembly closed position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are disposed parallel to each other and a roof assembly open position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are locked in non-parallel positions and ends of the struts of each strut pair of the at least three strut pairs define a rectangle. The folding frame system also includes a folding leg assembly disposed at each of the at least three corners of the roof assembly. Each folding leg assembly includes a leg strut assembly. The leg strut assembly includes a top leg strut and a tubular bottom leg strut in which the top leg strut is telescopingly slidable between a top leg strut closed position and a top leg strut open position.

Abstract: A retractable enclosure for moveable areas such as barges or trucks and for stationary areas such as swimming pools and areas which must be covered at one time and open at another time such as those housing telescopes, cranes, reactors, etc. The enclosure comprises a multiplicity of rail moveable frames having fabric covered peripheries and constructed to allow the frames to be moved close together at one time whereby the area is uncovered, and to be moved apart or extended to the extent allowed by the attached fabric, whereby the area is covered. A pair of parallel rails is positioned one on each side of the area to be covered. Each frame is supported by a pair of multi-axis trolleys, one trolley positioned at each frame end and engaging one of the rail pair, thereby allowing the frame to move readily.

Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.

Abstract: A scissors-type work platform lift machine includes a mobile chassis having rear stationary wheels and front steerable wheels, a scissors lift mechanism mounted at a lower end on the chassis, a work platform mounted on an upper end of the lift mechanism, and an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement for operating the lift mechanism between retracted and expanded conditions so as to move the work platform between lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A precision deployable boom assembly 10 for terrestrial and celestial applications comprises an extendable and retractable boom 12 having a fixed end 14, a movable distal end 20 and three or more cables 30 attached to the distal end to form a tripod configuration of the deployed boom. The boom is spring biased to urge extension of the boom and to produce a tensile pre-load in the cables. The cables are wound and unwound by cable drums 28 selectively driven by precise motors such as stepping motors 33. The cables are preferably formed of graphite which provides high stiffness, light weight and a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. The position of the distal end is highly stable at all deployed lengths of the boom and is also precisely repeatable.

Abstract: A figure for positioning into a variety of polygonal orientations. The figure includes telescoping outer members pivotally connected to one another to form a polygon. The telescoping members can each be adjusted in length and angular orientation relative to adjoining members to form a plurality of polygonal shapes.

Abstract: A framework structure comprises three or more primary constituent units each including two rigid diagonal members constituting the diagonals of a quadrangular lateral face of a solid and coupled together for relative rotation about a first rotation axis passing through the intersection of the diagonals. The primary constituent units are coupled to one another via second and third rotation axes into a ring-like form. A more complicated framework structure can be obtained by using a plurality of these framework structures as secondary constituent units which are coupled to one another with a coupler or a primary constituent unit used in common between adjacent ones of the secondary constituent units. The framework structure can provide one which is capable of being expanded and contracted in three-dimensional directions and which has rigidity in any directions.

Abstract: A joint mechanism having a movement between relative members about a center of rotation located at a point where a first line extends from one of the members intersects a second line extending from the opposite member is disclosed. Multiple joint mechanisms may be aligned together along with common lines being the axis of rotation of each joint mechanism to provide a concentric spherical joint mechanism. Concentric spherical joint mechanism may be used to assemble truss frame structures.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having an awning and collapsible frame, the frame having either adjustable or fixed end caps at its corners bearing against reinforcing strips, and a center post unit forming a part of the frame is both spring-loaded and can be adjustably tensioned to regulate the tautness of the awning.

Abstract: A collapsible portable framework is expanded to an open position forming a long, narrow, column-like structure for a folding display frame, in which generally rectangular frame-like cubicles are aligned serially and are pivotally joined at common ends of the cubicles. Each cubicle has hubs at its corners pivotally joined to ends of rigid rods interconnected at pivot points forming a pair of scissor members along opposite sides of each cubicle. End braces releasably interlock as a rigid box frame to support the ends of the scissor members and the hubs at the corners of the cubicles in rigid spaced-apart positions. A diagonal cross-brace extends from a lower front corner to an upper rear corner of each cubicle, and another diagonal cross-brace extends from an upper front corner to a rear lower corner of each cubicle. Disconnection of the end brace members permits the frame to be collapsed by folding the scissor members so the cubicles are collapsed into a compact side-by-side form.

Abstract: A collapsible modular display tower assembly has a three-dimensional, collapsible display panel structure having two opposing pairs of pivotally-connective links with upper and lower ends arranged to form four side faces when erect. A plurality of upper and lower hub assemblies are pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of the links of adjacent side faces. Four vertically-oriented expansible support and attachment braces are provided with each brace being connected to one pair of the vertically-aligned upper and lower hub assemblies. The braces permit the attachment of graphic representations and display accessories to the tower assembly. Releasable hub-connecting means in the form of male and female connectors are provided on the upper and lower hub assemblies for releasably interlocking a multiplicity of display panel structures into a vertical display tower.

Abstract: A movable wall system for athletic courts makes the same court suitable for both racquetball, handball and squash play. The system disclosed includes a movable wall assembly between the front wall and back support structure at the back. Extensible and retractable side linkage assemblies connect between the movable wall assembly and back support structure that will stabilize the wall during movement. Side rollers and bottom rollers on the wall assembly facilitate sliding movement. Slide bolt catches hold the wall against movement in either the retracted or extended positions and latching mechanisms hold the wall assembly to the back wall in the retracted position.

Abstract: A shopping basket is comprised of an arrangement of plural lazytongs frames movable from folded to extended position in which they constitute an erected structure having a floor provided by support bars, these support bars including long bars and short bars connected to the lower part of the enclosure. By selectively adjusting the effective lengths of the long support bars, the envelope and hence capacity of the erect structure can be changed. The structure can embody wheels and a handle thereon so that the basket serves as a readily movable shopping cart.

Abstract: A modified folding tent is provided. The tent comprises a plurality of main supporters and supporting structures, and a topmost supporter, to form a frame which is covered by an awning. Each main supporter has an inner supporter and a slide. Each supporting structure is provided with a pair of U-shaped covers to provide a sturdy connection. The awning and main supporters are coupled together by studs passing through holes in the awning and wing nuts tightened on the studs. The topmost supporter has a resilient inner supporter, to make the awning look smooth and good-looking. The modified structure ensures high strength of the tent and proper stability thereof, when it is opened.

Abstract: A support apparatus has lengthwise beams which are coupled together by a plurality of cross members. The beams are hingedly fixed to the plurality of cross members via intermediate members. The apparatus is pantographically movable, and thus the volume of the apparatus can be reduced for transport. Two such apparatus can be coupled together to form a support system on which a cover is held. The cover is supported on a number of arcuate supports which extend between the beams, the ends of the arcuate supports being folded over to hold the cover in place.

Abstract: A slidable foot assembly for stabilizing a collapsible display structure. Such structures include a network of support rods which form a skeletal frame for the structure and which are pivotally joined together by hub assemblies. The present foot assembly includes a slide which is elongate to extend to each of the sides of the erected structure to stabilize the structure and further includes feet affixed to a lower hub assembly and slidable in the slide to permit the slide to be disposed parallel to the collapsed form of the structure to maintain the compactness of the collapsed form.