Shaped Or Strengthened By Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 52/2.11)
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Patent number: 8161686Abstract: The pneumatic structural element comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies made of textile material coated in a gas-type manner and each having two end caps are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area. The edging of this sectional area is formed by two curved tension/compression elements into which is clamped a gas-tight web made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. This web can be connected to the tension/compression elements in a gas-tight manner. By filling the two hollow bodies with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? pretensions said web. This pretensioning increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements. If a plurality of such elements are combined to form a roof, every two adjacent hollow bodies thus form a sectional area with a tension/compression element and web.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Prospective Concepts AG, Airlight Limited (AG)Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
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Patent number: 8136303Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornadoes, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Inventor: Oscar T. Scott, IV
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Publication number: 20120061516Abstract: The invention relates to a curved pneumatic support comprising an inflatable sleeve which has a web that traverses said sleeve along its length under operating pressure, said web comprising in turn a pressure member and a tension member. The curvature of the support is predefined by the application and is generated as a function of the model of the sleeve and the web.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Joep Breuer, Rolf Luchsinger
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Publication number: 20120042577Abstract: An apparatus for suspending above a shooting location comprises an inflatable panel and a plurality of attachment points from which the panel may be suspended. An inflation apparatus directs air into the panel through an air inlet to inflate the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: David MCINTOSH
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Patent number: 8079182Abstract: The inflatable grain storage apparatus provides a truly portable inflatable and collapsible structure. The apparatus structure is fully integral. The apparatus is importantly bi-inflatable, whereby the reversible air pump air delivery and removal is via a Y with valve that provides for filling and emptying the spine and straight supports and also the structure interior separately or cumulatively. This hastens filling and ensures proper filling of the spine and straight supports without potential kinking or delays. The floor is importantly reinforced with bi-directional straps and is comprised of heavier material than are the above moisture and material proof components.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Darcy Higgins
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Patent number: 8070105Abstract: An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Christopher J. Johnson, Jasen L. Raboin, Gary R. Spexarth
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Patent number: 8015631Abstract: A safety enclosure cover for a portable air-inflatable swimming pool includes a mat spread on a horizontal surface, with the inflatable pool resting on the mat. An outer rim of the mat extends beyond an outer wall of the inflatable pool. Water is filled into the inflatable pool so that an inflated holding pillow floats on an upper surface of said water. A cover encloses the inflatable pool and the floating holding pillow. An outer edge of the cover is attached to an outer edge of the mat whereby the water and inflatable pool are completely enclosed, so that the floating pillow pushes up on the inside of the cover, thereby the cover is formed into a convex shape so that rainwater is shed from the convexly-shaped cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Pool Cover CorporationInventor: LeeAnn Pesta
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Publication number: 20110209416Abstract: A joint element for a pneumatic structural element. The joint element includes a sleeve, a compression member, two tension members and two spherical caps. In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps. The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element. The joint element has holes for fastening the compression member with a screw, on the one hand, and holes for accommodating the tension members, on the other hand. The symmetrical arrangement of the holes ensures that the vectors of bearing forces and of the tensile and compressive forces in the joint element added together give zero and, furthermore, the bending moments occur symmetrically in relation to the compression members. Configuring the joint element as a plate ensures that torques are neither introduced from the outside nor diverted to the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
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Patent number: 7992348Abstract: A high-frequency measuring enclosure for measuring large test objects is formed by an air-supported membrane or textile construction of a spherical or ellipsoidal contour, which is substantially pervious to electromagnetic radiation. For absorption of residual electromagnetic radiation that may be reflected by the interior of the surface, the floor is covered with absorber material.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Astrium GmbHInventors: Torsten Fritzel, Hans-Juergen Steiner
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Publication number: 20110180669Abstract: An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Christopher J. Johnson, Jasen L. Raboin, Gary R. Spexarth
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Patent number: 7968160Abstract: A vacuum thermal insulation comprises an inflatable load-carrying structure and gas impermeable envelope with proper gates for inserting pressurized air into the structure and an evacuating vacuum chamber wherein, pressurized air is used for inflating and stiffening the load-carrying structure in order to prevent scrunching the envelope due to the atmospheric pressure. Thereby, producing vacuum in locations which are out of structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Mehdi Yeganeh
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Patent number: 7963075Abstract: An inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam, combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self sealant, both connected to a source of gas for inflating the fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical, and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Warwick Mills, Inc.Inventor: Charles A Howland
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Patent number: 7941974Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventors: Willem F. VanBasten, Edward V. Roscioli
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Patent number: 7918167Abstract: Barriers and methods of obstructing apertures. One embodiment provides a temporary barrier that includes a bag, a fluid source, and a shear thickening fluid. The bag is made of fabric and can expand (e.g. inflate) via the fluid source which is in communication with the bag. The shear thickening fluid permeates the fabric of the bag and has two states. In the first state the shear thickening fluid allows the fabric to be flexible. In the second state the shear thickening fluid causes the fabric to be inflexible. To cause the shear thickening fluid to transition to the second state a shear must be present in the shear thickening fluid. A material that is capable of reacting to form a gas may be in communication with the fluid source to provide a gas to expand the bag. A deflation valve may also be included in the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Minas H. Tanielian, Thomas A. Woodrow
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Patent number: 7900401Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic plate element (1) consisting of a hollow body (3) that can be impinged upon with a pressure medium having overpressure p. Said hollow body is located between two pressure/tension elements (2) that are connected to one another by their ends and is made of a flexible membrane (9). When transversal load is exerted on the plate element (1) placed on two supports (17) with load force F, the top pressure/tension element (2, 7) is subjected to pressure and the bottom pressure/tension element (2, 8) is subjected to tension. Prestressed tension elements (4) placed at a distance a traverse in channels the hollow body (3) between the pressure/tension elements (2, 8). The tension elements (4) are prestressed by the hollow body (3) separating the tension elements (2). The connections (6) operate as fictitious fixed intermediate supports and stabilize the pressure/tension element (2, 7) submitted to pressure in order to prevent buckling.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Airlight Limited (AG)Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
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Patent number: 7891140Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Johnson Heater Corp.Inventors: Jan Ligas, Jr., Nicholai Gomozov
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Patent number: 7878877Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
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Patent number: 7866101Abstract: A fire protection system for homes and other structures including a pliable multi-layered shroud of fire-resistant material having an inflatable support structure embedded therein. The inflatable support structure includes a web of inflatable channels for rapid deployment from a folded configuration to an inflated configuration in which the fire-resistant material partially envelops a structure. The shroud is packed in an enclosure having a bi-fold top panel for ease of access. The enclosure also has one or more air hose couplings to which the inflatable support structure is connected for rapid inflation and deployment out of the enclosure. A plurality of tethers are also provided as tie-downs, which anchor the heat resistant shroud. The system affords ample rapid deployment protection from neighboring fires and heat exposure therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Patrick H. Boggs, Jr.
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Patent number: 7849635Abstract: Described is a building encasement element (100) with a foil cushion that comprises an outer foil layer (101) forming the outside of a building envelope and an inner foil layer (102) forming the outside of a building envelope, wherein these foil layers form, between themselves, at least one essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space in which a fluid medium, in particular, air, is contained, and with a reinforcement element (107).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Vector FoiltecInventor: Thomas Langner
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Publication number: 20100307071Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic support (1) which can be folded together as a result of joints (10) in the pressure member (3) and has a flexible web (12) that is connected to the tractive member (4) over the entire length of the latter and is connected to the pressure member (3) only in the region of the joints of said member (10). This allows the joints (10) to be fixed in such a way that the pressure member (3) does not buckle at the site of the joints and thus remains stable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Rolf Luchsinger, Rene Crettol
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Publication number: 20100293866Abstract: A device and method for rapid deployment of snow shelters are disclosed forthwith. The device includes an elongated sleeve with an open end and a closed end with an optional weight compartment preferably disposed of at the closed end. The device is quickly inflated by use of wind or movement of the user, closed to form a cylindrical tube and then covered in snow. An opening in the snow is dug out and the device is deflated. Once the device is removed from the snow cover, the inner space where the device was becomes a snow shelter capable of insulating the user from the harsh environment outside the shelter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Aram NUNI, Lior Enmar
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Patent number: 7836636Abstract: The pneumatic structural element according to the invention comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies (1) with casings (9) made of textile material preferably coated in a gas-tight manner and having end caps (5) are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area (2). The edging of this sectional area (2) is formed by two curved tension/compression elements (3) into which is clamped a web (4) made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. By filling the two hollow bodies (1) with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? is built up in their casings (9) and is transmitted directly or via the tension/compression elements (3) to the web (4) and pretensions said web. This pretensioning greatly increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Prospective Concepts AGInventor: Rolf Luchsinger
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Patent number: 7832149Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Johnson Heater Corp.Inventors: Jan Ligas, Jr., Nicholai Gomozov
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Publication number: 20100281783Abstract: A temporary protective system provides for minimizing storm damage to selected framing systems of a structure, such as door or window openings, while also eliminating the permanent installation damage common to such structures when conventional plywood covers, shutters, or metal shielding are installed. The protective system incorporates an inflation system and an attachment or securing system for securing the inflation system relative to the selected framing or structural system without damage. The multiple proposed systems allow a user to install each protective system from a convenient position and to uninstall the system without causing structural damage for later compact storage. An additional rigid shielding member, or a series of rigid shielding members, may be incorporated to provide additional protection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Patrick Harrington
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Patent number: 7774987Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventor: Heinz Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 7770332Abstract: A construction object (a structure) that enables access to high altitudes.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Muhamed Semiz
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Patent number: 7757442Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: David J. Hoffmann, Charles J. Digmann
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Publication number: 20100175330Abstract: An inflatable frame using, in each beam of the structure twinned tubes or otherwise multiple adjacent parallel tubes in each beam. The frame may be used for a sport ball arresting structure for supporting a mesh netting to enclose a player using full-swing, full power hitting of a sport ball into the mesh.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Jean-Marc Daniel Turcot
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Patent number: 7748169Abstract: An insulating panel attachable to a building, the building defining a building aperture, the building aperture defining an aperture plane extending substantially thereacross. The insulating panel includes a membrane structure defining a first external wall and a substantially opposed second external wall; a peripheral wall extending between the first and second external walls, the first external wall, second external wall and peripheral wall together defining an enclosure; and an internal wall system located between the first and second external walls, the internal wall system being configured so as to divide the enclosure into a first cell located substantially adjacent to the first external wall and a second cell located substantially adjacent to the second external wall, the first and second cells being substantially spaced apart respectively from the second and first external walls by the internal wall system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Éric Côté
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Patent number: 7743560Abstract: A door sealing system includes a frame and a pneumatic liner positioned along an inner perimeter of the frame. The liner includes a hollow interior for adjusting it between extended and retracted configurations. A pump is included for selectively inflating the liner and a valve which can be deactivated to deflate the liner. When inflated, the liner fills the gap between the door and the frame and when deflated, allows the door to be opened easily. A sensor is positioned with a cavity in the frame for detecting placement of a latch indicative of the door being opened or closed. A processor then appropriately actuates the pump or deactivates the valve. Accordingly, the seal is inflated when the door is closed and is deflated when the door is being opened.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Inventor: Neil K. Box
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Publication number: 20100146868Abstract: An air beam structural member having an elongate pneumatic tubular column, a plurality of stiffening members, and means for connecting the tubular column and the stiffening members. An inflatable shelter includes pneumatic tubular columns (arches) covered on both sides by flexible membranes. The columns are placed side by side to create a wall and enclosure of the space. The pneumatic columns are pressurized and keep their shape by means of a set of cables reinforcing them in the plane of the columns. The structure may be supported by an external support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Stanislaw Lukasiewicz, Harold Warner
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Patent number: 7735265Abstract: An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael L. Tinker, Andrew R. Schnell
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Publication number: 20100139175Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an attachment and an air beam comprising a hug strap attached to a hug strap pad, the hug strap adapted to connect with the attachment, and the hug strap pad adapted to attach to the air beam. A method of securing an attachment to an air beam comprising providing an air beam, attaching a hug strap to a hug strap pad, securing the hug strap pad (with the hug strap attached) to the air beam, and securing the attachment to the hug strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: DYNAMIC SHELTERS, INC.Inventors: Harold Warner, Stanislaw A. Lukasiewicz
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Patent number: 7716876Abstract: An inflatable air beam having a laceloop assembly affixed thereto, a structure utilizing same and a method of constructing a structure is provided. In the structure, the fabric is laced to a structural support, typically, an air beam to position and properly tension the fabric thereon. The laceloop assembly includes spaced apart adjacent laceloops that are interconnected to secure the fabric panel to the structural support. In practicing the method, the laceloops are passed through fabric panels and through adjacent laceloops to interconnect the adjacent laceloops and secure the fabric panels to the structural support.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.Inventors: Joseph G. Wiegand, James G. Reyen
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Publication number: 20100101152Abstract: An inflatable tube (10) in a fascine is provided with a cover (11) of a braided material to provide significant strength. An outer cover (12) of KEVLAR™ may also be provided. The braided cover (11) and the inflatable tube (10) are held at the ends of the tube by a clamping mechanism (17, 18, 19) and a cylinder (40) of inflation gas is supported within the tube (10), when the tube (10) is inflated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: SURVITEC GROUP LIMITEDInventor: Peter Cronin Gordon
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Patent number: 7695049Abstract: A portable climate controlled air shelter system on a transport device such as a trailer, truck bed or ISO container box with all sub-systems integral to the transport device where the sub systems include an inflatable air shelter with inflation/deflation blower, electrical power generator and fuel system pre-wired to all other sub systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning unit, air filtration, inflation/deflation blower, water management system, external lighting, central control panel for single point monitoring and control of the air shelter system and physical storage. Also provided are compressed air tanks for inflation of the air shelter as well as water ballast tubes that mechanically attach to the air shelter to provide stability in winds and on uneven ground. The water management system includes a water storage tank and pump for filling and emptying the water ballast tubes. The air shelter system also has transfer switch to allow the system to run on external “house power”.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Bruce J. Colborne
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Publication number: 20100083585Abstract: An inflatable shutter is provided. The shutter comprises a protective layer and at least one air bladder, and is attached to the outside of a building structure. The shutter is positioned outside the building structure adjacent a window or other opening in order to protect the window or other opening from high velocity winds and flying debris during storms. The shutter may be removed from the outside of the building and compactly stored during periods of nonuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: James V. Miller
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Publication number: 20100083586Abstract: A transportable workstation suitable for providing a closed environment for spraying a vehicle has a base sheet and a cover sheet connected to the edges of the base sheet and at least partially releasable therefrom. First and second further sheets are provided within the cover sheet and are also releasably connected to the base sheet in order to define first and second end chambers, between which is formed a work chamber. An air blower drives air into the first end chamber and passageways allow the flow of air from the first end chamber into the work chamber and from there into the second end chamber before release to the ambient. A filter is associated with the air flow through the second end chamber to prevent pollutants entering the atmosphere. Closable access openings are provided in the first end chamber, respectively from the exterior and to the work chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: George Page
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Publication number: 20100058672Abstract: An insulation system for installation between a floor and a roof of a greenhouse includes an insulation module with insulating panels shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling air flow and heat flow in the greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: David Bayne
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Publication number: 20100011674Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: PROSPECTIVE CONCEPTS AGInventors: Rene Crettol, Rolf Luchsinger
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Publication number: 20090320380Abstract: A set of methods and apparatus for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an air-supported greenhouse or other structure requiring pressurization and ventilation. A method for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an air-supported structure comprises directing any external wind flow and external wind pressure into mechanical flow means, such as a fan, or fans in parallel, operating in the intake direction, and into the internal space of the air-supported structure and out of the internal space of the air-supported structure through internal pressure regulating exhaust means, whereby the internal space of the structure will be ventilated and pressurized with the assistance of any external wind and the reliability of mechanical flow means (fans).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Jonathan David Chelf
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Publication number: 20090313909Abstract: The present invention provides a low density, semi-rigid polyurethane foam made from the reaction product, at an isocyanate index of from about 100 to about 150, of at least one polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive blend containing from about 15 wt. % to about 55 wt. %, based on the weight of the resin, of a difunctional or greater functionality polyether polyol, from about 3 wt. % to about 19 wt. %, based on the weight of the resin, of at least one polyether tetrol, and from about 7 wt. % to about 39 wt. %, based on the weight of the resin, of at least one non-halogenated polyester polyol in the presence of from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, based on the weight of the resin, of at least one non-hydroxy functional flame retardant and from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Jan L. Clatty, Alan D. Bushmire
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Publication number: 20090282746Abstract: The pneumatic structural element according to the invention comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies (1) with casings (9) made of textile material preferably coated in a gas-tight manner and having end caps (5) are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area (2). The edging of this sectional area (2) is formed by two curved tension/compression elements (3) into which is clamped a web (4) made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. By filling the two hollow bodies (1) with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? is built up in their casings (9) and is transmitted directly or via the tension/compression elements (3) to the web (4) and pretensions said web. This pretensioning greatly increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Rolf Luchsinger
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Publication number: 20090249700Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Michael Wayne Peterson, David L. Berdan, Trevor J. Hinz, John P. Barnett, Jason T. McClintock, Susan L. Michaelis, Mitchell L. Wilgus, Derrick D. Lenz, Duane D. Marshall, Gail R. Matheus, Jake L. Hillard, Daniel D. DeBrunner, Mark A. Hrubant, Tracy A. Beehn, Timothy E. Daniel
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Publication number: 20090199489Abstract: An airbeam is augmented with transverse frames and bracing cables to make a truss-like structure. This feature is adaptable for adding strength to a plain airbeam and to an airbeam forming a structural arch. It can also be incorporated into an inflatable wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Glen J. Brown
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Patent number: 7562493Abstract: Modular inflatable cover for buildings, comprising separate coaxial conduits (30) secured together by tensionable link (50) and fluid-connected by coaxial inflatable tube (24). Tube (24) securely embraces sliders (32) that in turn closely but freely embrace conduits (30). Sliders (32) are urged by springs (34) to keep tube (24) taught. Elastic cinctures (26) on tube (24) and springs (34) tensionably cooperate against inflation means to provide reliable control of openings between adjacent modules in an assembly. Conduits (30) are securely torqued to ground anchors (40) by coupling (42). End covers (44) and sliders (32) are provided to compensate for and facilitate length shrinkage of tube (24), upon inflation. The present invention provides a variable cover with integral support that is uniquely capable of exploiting canyons and other ground depressions for an unprecedented scale of environment control. Applications include greenhouses, shutters, insulation and shelters.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventor: Edouard Pichko Kassianoff
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Publication number: 20090139172Abstract: A gymnastic floor structure includes an elastic collective floor substrate 30 having a given area formed by arranging a plurality of plywood unit floor panels 3 equipped with a plurality of elastically supporting leg members 2 provided on a bottom surface thereof on a floor surface of a building, and an elastic layer including a flat cushioning air mat 4 and a fiber mat 5 as essential structural elements provided on the floor substrate 30. The air mat 4 includes a linking body 41 in which a pair of textile inner sheets 41a and 41b are linked by a plurality of linking threads 43 and airtight external sheets 42 and 42a entirely covering the linking body 41, and has an airtight space 44 therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: NGC CORPORATIONInventor: Atsushi Harinishi
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Publication number: 20090126280Abstract: A container for forming a wall structure providing a container for forming a wall structure including one or more neighboring containers, the container providing a body including a cavity for storing liquid therein; an inlet, in fluid communication with the cavity, for receiving liquid within the cavity; an outlet, in fluid communication with the cavity, for transferring, to one of the one or more neighboring containers, the liquid received within the cavity; and a connecting arrangement connectable with a respective connecting arrangement of one of the one or more neighboring containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Elie Radi, Jason Aaron Shead
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Publication number: 20090124402Abstract: An inflatable structure having an integral air pump positioned within a housing at or near an edge of the structure. The housing is generally formed of the same material as the play structure. An orifice within the housing operably connects the air pump to the air chambers of the inflatable device. A flexible hose may be used to connect the air pump to the orifice. An access hatch is provided to facilitate air exchange and allow the air pump to be viewed during operation. This configuration increases safety because it eliminates the likelihood that users, generally children, will touch or come into contact with an externally positioned air pump during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Ted Amberg
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Patent number: 7509774Abstract: For an inflatable structure having a flexible outer shell or wall structure having a flexible restraint layer comprising interwoven, load-bearing straps, apparatus for integrating one or more substantially rigid members into the flexible shell. For each rigid member, a corresponding opening is formed through the flexible shell for receiving the rigid member. A plurality of connection devices are mounted on the rigid member for receiving respective ones of the load-bearing straps.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Christopher J. Johnson, Ross M. Patterson, Gary R. Spexarth