Abstract: A hoisting crane or multi configurations crane system for use on an offshore vessel, such a vessel and methods for operating are disclosed. The hoisting crane comprises a boom having a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion. An extension mechanism is provided that is configured to allow the distal portion to be slid relative to the intermediate portion from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In the retracted configuration, the intermediate portion is arranged substantially within the distal portion.

Abstract: A connecting-separating device is for separating satellites from launchers or satellite dispensers. Circumferentially aligned clamps can be coupled on their inner face on rings of separable elements constituting the union interface between the two separable elements. A release mechanism connects two of the clamps through one of the ends of the clamps. The two clamps are connected by the release mechanism include a protrusion protruding from their outer faces at the end opposite the end connecting with the release mechanism. The rest of the clamps include a protrusion protruding from their outer faces at each of their ends adjacent the adjacent clamps, so that each pair of clamps adjacent and not connected to one another by the release mechanism are connected to one another by connectors connecting the protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice piece for a crane boom consisting of a first and a second lattice section element, each comprising a first chord member which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lattice section element, a second chord member which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lattice section element, a first web member which is firmly connected with the first chord member and the second chord member, and preferably extends in the plane defined by the first chord member and the second chord member, wherein a first web member is firmly connected with the first chord member and rises from a plane defined by the first chord member and the second chord member, wherein at its end facing away from the first chord member the second web member includes a fastening means for a releasable connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of a boom system for a work vehicle has a first boom member with a plurality of first boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend along a first boom dimension and a second boom member with a plurality of second boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend in the first boom dimension and spaced from the first boom member in a second boom dimension. The boom system also has a union spanning the second boom dimension to couple the first boom member to the second boom member and having a first coupling segment joining consecutive first boom sections together and a second coupling segment joining consecutive second boom sections together.

Abstract: A hollow tubular joist structure, a joist assembly including a plurality of aligned repetitive tubular joist structures, and a method of constructing this joist assembly. The tubular joist structure may include any suitable cross-sectional geometry. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The tubular top chord may be capable of receiving a power actuated fastener (PAF). The tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord may also be capable of receiving a utility conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice piece for a crane boom comprising at least two lattice piece parts which are separably connected to one another in the longitudinal direction by means of one or more releasable connection points, wherein one or more lattice piece parts have one or more longitudinal tubes at least sectionally in the region of the connection points.

Abstract: A locking artificial tree trunk including a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch, and a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end. The locking artificial tree trunk also includes a coupling mechanism having a body portion and an upper portion having a tab, and defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion. The body portion is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.

Abstract: The structural truss includes a connector plate member welded to the framework between two corresponding longitudinal tubes. The connector plate member is made of a monolithic piece. It includes a corner beam section protruding from the rear side of the connector plate member and a main plate section extending perpendicularly inwards on a side of the corner beam section. The main plate section and the corner beam section define together a planar outer abutment plate surface. The connector plate member also includes a lip projecting at right angle from the main plate section on the rear side of the connector plate member. The lip extends substantially parallel to the corner beam section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steel joist assembly for use in association with a concrete slab and being adapted to form a composite steel joist including a steel joist and a pair of end connectors. The steel joist has a top portion with a generally planar top surface and a planar web generally orthogonal to the generally planar top surface. An end connector is attached at each end of the steel joist. Each end connector has a strut and a diagonal member. The strut has a generally planar bottom surface which is attached to a portion of the generally planar top surface of the steel joist and the diagonal member is attached at one end thereof to the strut and at the other end thereof to a portion of the planar web of the steel joist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for constructing a building including girders and beams which are horizontally and vertically coupled to one another about a column. The structure includes: a gusset plate welded to a side portion of a first girder in a direction crossing a length direction of the first girder for supporting at least one first angle connection for supporting a slab and adjusting a frame assembly position; and a first coupling member including a first bolt and a first nut for coupling the first angle connection to the gusset plate. The first nut is embedded in concrete constituting a core wall or a slab, such that the first angle connection is removable from the gusset plate after concrete is cured in a region corresponding to the first girder.

Abstract: A structural framework that includes a column, a beam, a brace beam coupled at an angle to the column and the beam, and a gusset plate to connect the brace beam with the column and the beam. The framework also includes a shear plate with horizontally slotted holes to couple to the column to the beam. The structural framework may also include double framing angles or a flex plate coupled to the gusset plate and to the beam via spacer plates to provide for a semi-rigid connection.

Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.

Abstract: The architectonic spacer building system is a simplified prefabrication assembly using industrialised building system concept. The architectonic spacer building system for skeleton construction includes a spacer (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) having a predetermined shape for use in constructing modular form of building components, including a modular floor joist assembly (18), corner and crisscross junctions assembly (17, 19). The spacer acts as an anchored dowel connector (2, 10), composite key roof connector (22, 24, 26) and/or a bracing (2, 4, 6, 8) of adjoining wall panel (12).

Abstract: A system for supporting a load across non-intersecting beams each having a web depending from an upper chord with an upper surface generally parallel with a chordal plane includes at least one crossing member intersecting the beams at intersection loci. At each intersection locus the beam presents a channel receiving a crossing member in a nesting orientation in an installed orientation. The crossing member includes a support expanse configured for an abutting relation with the upper chord to present the upper surface and a top surface of the crossing member as coplanar in the installed orientation. The beam and the crossing member have aperture-pairs in register in the installed orientation. The apertures accommodate tension resisting members or compression resisting members coupled with the upper chord and traversing the crossing member for resisting tension or compression forces on the upper chord in the installed orientation.

Abstract: The construction element (1) has a hollow body (2) which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and has substantially rectangular cross-section, possibly with rounded corners, and at least a first (3a) and at least a second (3b) strut element, wherein the first strut element (3a) extends from a first edge of the hollow body (2) to the second edge which lies opposite it with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the second strut element (3b) extends along the other diagonal between the associated edges. The strut elements (3a, 3b) are advantageously designed and arranged such that they absorb compressive forces but not tensile forces. A semi-finished product (1a) which has the strut elements (3a, 3b) and a tubular sleeve element (4) which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) can be arranged inside the construction element (1). The hollow body (2) and the strut elements (3a, 3b) can be fabricated completely from a fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A roof structure of a building that has a pair of rafter beams and a pair of eave struts extending between and connected to the rafter beams includes a plurality of first banding strips. The first banding strips have opposite distal ends extending between and connected to the rafter beams. A plurality of second banding strips has opposite distal ends extending between and connected to the eave struts. A support sheet is supported on the first and second banding strips, and a shock absorbing member is attached between the support sheet and one of the rafter beams or the eave struts.

Abstract: A wire strut indicator facing unit for a retaining wall, such as a temporary retaining wall, having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section, wherein the floor section is formed from pairs of parallel wire elements and transverse cross-wire elements, and otherwise substantially free of wire elements between the wire element pairs. The pairs of parallel wires define the attachment location for a wire strut that extends between the face section and floor section of the facing unit.

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

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: In a frame consisting of longitudinal and transverse frame members which are used as bearing units, a frame bearing mount for the frame and an aggregate bearing mount are vertically arranged one upon the other and the frame areas between the frame bearing mounts and the aggregate bearing mounts are made of a vibration absorbing material in the form of blocks so as to provide a lightweight frame in a simple and economical manner and ensure an efficient attenuation of vibrations.

Abstract: A distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system in a multi-level building is disclosed. The plate helps to create a joist bearing point at the interior surface of a vertical structural wall and proximate the top portion of the vertical structural wall. Decking may be laid flat over the top surface of the steel joist and the top surface of the vertical structural wall. This allows the decking to be screwed, welded, or shot directly to the top surface of the vertical structural wall and the top of the steel joist on the same horizontal plane. This also provides for a direct shear attachment at the perimeter of each vertical structural wall. Any height of concrete can then be poured on top of the decking, steel or wood, on a flat continuous plane. This creates a continuous solid mass between vertical structural walls in multi-story buildings, with no voids between floors.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a wide span steel building is disclosed. The assembly employs columns and rafters formed from two pieces of webbed channel stock that are joined together at their webs. A pre-drilled haunch plate connects the column and rafter. A brace formed from two lengths of channel stock joined together at their webs extends at an angle between the columns and rafters and each respective end of the brace is connected to the respective column and rafter via a brace plate. The brace provides increased strength in the frame assembly and enables the construction of wide span steel building from channel stock.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight decorative wood beam system. The wood beam system is comprised of at least two wood beam pieces. The wood beam pieces each have a bottom plate and two vertical plates that form a three-sided, hollow box. Each wood beam piece comprises an end with a male dado and an end with a female dado. The male and female dado ends fit over each other to create a shiplap joint. Anchor plates are fastened into a building surface and support the wood beam system. Because the wood beam system is light weight, it does not require a special anchoring system to support the real wood beams.

Abstract: A structural framework that includes a column, a beam, a brace beam coupled at an angle to the column and the beam, and a gusset plate to connect the brace beam with the column and the beam. The framework also includes a shear plate with horizontally slotted holes to couple to the column to the beam. The structural framework may also include double framing angles or a flex plate coupled to the gusset plate and to the beam via spacer plates to provide for a semi-rigid connection.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a building supporting framework, in particular a high structure supporting framework comprising a certain number of vertical supports (2) and a certain number of horizontal beams (3, 4) mutually extending transversal directions (X, Y) and stacked on each other on different planes. The vertical supports are (2) and the beams (3, 4) are embodied in the form of metal sections comprising; at least partially; at least one cavity (5, 6; 7; 16). The cavities (5, 6) embodied in the vertical support ( ) and the cavities (7, 16) embodied in the beams (3, 4) are used for receiving fluid transporting conduits (9; 24; 26; 29). At intersections, where said vertical supports (2) and beams (3, 4) cross each other or converge, they are mutually connected in such a way that the fluid transporting conduits are directed in three spatial directions (X, Y, Z) through the supporting structure (1), thereby simplifying a building process.

Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of panels to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels. Another method includes attaching flanges to a set of permanent structure members that form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The method further includes fastening a set of panels to the flanges. The panels enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural members for buildings, methods for using the same, and building structures comprising such structural members. In particular, the present invention provides buildings that can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, high winds such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and other natural disasters.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: A wind turbine foundation having a central pedestal, a bottom support slab, and a plurality of prefabricated radial reinforcing ribs. The pedestal and support slab are poured in situ at the site. When the concrete cures the support slab is united to the prefabricated ribs and the ribs are also united to the pedestal. The result is a continuous monolithic foundation wherein loads are carried across the structure vertically and laterally through the continuous structure by doweled and spliced reinforcing steel bars which are integrally cast into the pedestal, ribs and support slab. The slab thus behaves structurally as a continuous slab reducing deflections, improving fatigue conditions and increasing the stiffness of the foundation as well as allowing for the benefits of an economical design.

Abstract: For a lateral face of the lattice girder, defined by an upper chord and a lower chord, the triangulation comprises compression bars substantially perpendicular to the chords, oblique tension bars of smaller length connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, and other oblique tension bars of greater length, also connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, at a point located further ahead toward the base of the next compression bar. This triangulation is used, in particular, for the jib and counterjib elements of tower cranes.

Abstract: A column/beam interconnection employing angular connectors which wrap complementarily around an outside corner in a column. Each connector includes, on each of two, next-adjacent column faces, a cantilever-projecting deflectable tab which is nominally spaced from another, confronting tab that belongs to a next-adjacent connector. These confronting, spaced tabs freely receive between them the end of the central web in an I-beam, and when clamplingly secured to such a web, deflect under spring resistance to introduce useful compressive forces through the associated connectors into the associated column. The proposed connector arrangement allows, with respect to the placement of a beam for connection to and between a pair of next adjacent columns, for the vertical shifting of the beam into proper place for connection of its central web to and between pairs of spaced tabs, without any need for any lateral shifting of the columns to allow for insertion of the beam between the columns.

Abstract: A rod-reinforced cushion beam includes a rigid frame having a spaced plurality of main rod members and a longitudinally paced plurality of connecting elements; and a plastic body encapsulating and substantially solidly filling the frame. A preferred embodiment has least 90 percent by weight of the plastic body in a main polymeric component of linear low density polyethylene, and an additive component that does not contain filler material. Also disclosed is a method for forming a rod-reinforced cushion beam.

Abstract: An improved construction member or joist is disclosed that includes upper and lower chords connected by various members including first and second trimmable webs at either end thereof, which webs include end portions received in grooves in the upper and lower chords. Significantly, the profile of the end portions of the webs includes at least one notch or ridge that fits within a corresponding notch or ridge in the chord to provide a more secure attachment, even under unusual loading conditions. Supplemental webs are also provided that can be attached to the member at various locations to provide an additional degree of support only where needed.

Abstract: An adjustable truss for reinforcing a floor supported atop horizontal joists has a beam which underlies the floor and includes reinforcing members having spaced apart limbs which provide space for the accommodation of utility components such as wiring, pipes, and conduits. The support members are removable from the beam so as to enable any selected support to be uncoupled from the beam and recoupled thereto following movement of the support member in such manner as to enable the utility components to be accommodated in the space between the limbs. The support members are rockable in either of two opposite direction so as to enable the beam to be adjusted in such manner as to maintain bearing engagement with the underside of the floor.

Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of temporary spacers to a set of connectors. The spacers arrange the connectors in space so that the connectors are referenced with respect to one another to form the geometries of a geodesic dome. The method may further include making the temporary geodesic dome structure permanent. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Abstract: The present invention is a synthetic-core construction panel having a polyurethane core encased by a metal grid. The grid system comprises a first series of metal bars disposed in parallel to each other, equally spaced apart around the circumference of the core; a second series of metal bars, disposed in parallel to each other and perpendicularly to the first series of metal bars, equally spaced apart, are also disposed around the circumference of the core; and a plurality of diagonal cross-member reinforcements welded at their edges to each connecting point between the first series of metal bars and the second series of metal bars. The metal grid serves as a surface accepting masonry/plaster as a finish for the panel after installation. An apparatus for making the synthetic core construction panels is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A space frame (10) has upper chord lower grids (12, 14) of intersecting chords (16, 18). The chords (16, 18) are interconnected by bracing modules (30), the bracing modules (30) being spaced apart from one another in each grid direction. The bracing modules (30) are formed from four bracing members (32), the bracing members (32) being arranged in mutually inclined pairs, the bracing members (32) of each pair extending between upper and lower chords (16, 18) extending in the same grid direction. Each pair of bracing members (32) crosses the other pair of bracing members (32), the point of crossing (34) coinciding or being positioned between each member of the other pair of bracing members (32) and either the upper or lower chord (16, 18) associated with the other pair of bracing members (32).

Abstract: A bullet backstop assembly includes a modular support structure formed from legs, vertical ribs and horizontal ribs, and a modular inclined surface formed from a plurality of back panels. The back panels and the components of the support structure are attached to one another to form a bullet backstop assembly which may be assembled and disassembled without welding and with minimal use of tools.

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: The invention is incorporated into a composite floor system for a building structure comprising a plurality of major transverse beams and a minor transverse beam. The major transverse beam has a greater vertical height than the minor transverse beam. The minor transverse beam is interposed between adjacent major transverse beams. A composite panel having an upper sheet member and a lower sheet member is positioned between adjacent major transverse beams with the major transverse beams supporting the upper sheet member and with the interposed minor transverse beam supporting the lower sheet member. A fastener affixes the composite panel to one of the transverse beams.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, positioning and fastening strap is disclosed for use in the construction of building structures. The strap is made from a flexible, durable, non-stretchable material and has a high breaking load. The strap is usable for various construction applications, such as, the fastening or holding down of tar or felt paper on a roof, the laying down of shingles on a roof, the erection of a trussing structure for a roof, the construction of a floor, etc. The durability and breaking load of the multi-purpose strap are critical physical characteristics which are necessary for its use in the aforementioned various construction applications.

Abstract: To improve sound damping in prefabricated building elements having two parallel welded wire mesh mats 1, 2, interconnected by web wires 7, 7′ enclose, therebetween, an insulating body (8) for example of foam plastic. Concrete is then sprayed on both sides over the mesh wires to form inner and outer shells. These concrete shells are interconnected by forming the insulating body with through-holes, which, upon concrete spraying, will form concrete webs or plugs (14, 14′) interconnecting the two shells, thus preventing resonant sound vibrations of the concrete shells. The through-holes (10, 11, 11′) can be molded during manufacture of the insulating body (8) or drilled or stamped therethrough, and may extend at right angles through the major extent of the foam body or obliquely, preferably downwardly and distributed randomly.