Geodesic Shape Patents (Class 52/81.1)
  • Patent number: 11608151
    Abstract: Sun heats dark continents more than reflective oceans. Air moves onshore from high pressure to low. Creating wind: powering weather and storms—“hurricane-in-a-box-on-water” principles producing electricity in a marine vessel, providing Green Technology for Marine Transportation. Captured and recovered heat, offset by loss of heat, creates differential pressure conditions across multiple rotary engines. Night and day, a working fluid moves from high pressure to low; powering alternators, batteries, domestics, and in-hull electric drive trains, in a unique, lightweight exoskeleton dome shell design vessel. Disclosed vessel design advantages include: high energy collection and living space to vessel length ratio; high strength to weight ratio; high carrying capacity, downwind sailing while producing electricity; modular fabrication and shipping; and sustained hull speed in a vessel harvesting energy from the environment. The longer the vessel: the more it carries: the greater the hull speed: the faster it goes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Rabjohn
  • Patent number: 11454018
    Abstract: A safety enclosure for building structures is an apparatus that provides maintains a safe and healthy living environment and shields hazardous conditions from a surrounding environment. The apparatus includes a structure enclosure, at least one entrance, a plurality of anchoring posts, a plurality of indoor environmental systems, a plurality of indoor maintenance systems, a main controller unit, and a power supply. The structure enclosure surrounds a building and any supplemental buildings. The building may include a variety of extensions as well. The at least one entrance provides access into and out of the structure enclosure. The plurality of anchoring posts secures the structure enclosure with the ground. The plurality of indoor environmental systems ensures livable conditions within the structure enclosure. The plurality of indoor environmental systems ensures the safety within the structure enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Sean S. Lee
  • Patent number: 10417820
    Abstract: A digital Earth system based upon a hexagonal subdivision of a polyhedron representation of the Earth utilizes a computer-implemented method for assigning identifiers. The method comprises defining a tessellation of hexagonal cells, the tessellation having a first axis and a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to a first side of the hexagonal cells, the second axis being 120 degrees from the first axis and being perpendicular to a second side of the hexagonal cells; selecting an origin cell for the tessellation and assigning a unique identifier comprising a first value and a second value thereto; and assigning a unique identifier to each cell other than the origin cell, the unique identifier for each of these cells comprising a first vector value and a second value, the first vector value and the second vector value being indicative of the location of the cell to the origin cell along the first and second axis respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Global Grid Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Faramarz Famil Samavati, Ali Mahdavi-Amiri
  • Patent number: 10222015
    Abstract: An LED night light having different power sources including a battery, outlet plug-in power source, or interchangeable power source incorporates geometric shape optics means having more than one reflective means situated at different positions, distances, and/or orientations so that light beams will be reflected multiple times by more than one reflector means before passing through the reflectors' optics means and being projected to an external surface(s) such as a ceiling, wall, or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 10080963
    Abstract: In an object (OB) manipulation method of manipulating an object (OB) displayed on a display apparatus for deformation, a control apparatus configured to control the display apparatus executes a step of setting a polyhedron (POL) with a given point (P0) in the object (OB) being a center; a step of dividing a space inside the polyhedron (POL) by a vector going from the center (P0) of the polyhedron (POL) to apexes (P1 through P12) of the polyhedron (POL); a step of discriminating in which of the divided spaces an apex of the object (OB) is included; a step of storing a decomposition coefficient of the apex (POB) of the object (OB) by three vectors making up the space including the apex (POB) of the object (OB); and a step of deforming the object (OB) in accordance with the deformation manipulation acted on the polyhedron (POL) and displaying the deformed object (OB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Masaaki Oka
  • Patent number: 9816263
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated dome and a spherical structure include strut assembly sets, into which glass panels or synthetic resin transparent plates are to be inserted, are assembled into 5 sets of hexagonal modular assemblies around a pentagonal assembly to build a primary pentagonal modular assembly, and further 5 sets of primary pentagonal modular assemblies, into which upper and lower, (outer and inner) struts are assembled in 2 layers (of outer and inner walls), are interconnected to build a semi-spherical dome, and if 12 sets of primary pentagonal modular assemblies are assembled, a solid cylindrical structure can be built to provide a perfect block between the outdoor and the indoor so that the room temperature will not be affected at all by the outdoor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Yeon Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9255421
    Abstract: An above-ground secure shelter comprise multiple modular walls of trapezoidal shape allowing dimensional variation of structure size, supported on base beams placed and anchored into the ground in the pattern defined by the shape of polygon chosen for the floor, a door with locking mechanism remaining securely closed from inside during a storm event and preventing lock-out when shelter is not in use, a multitude of structural inserts and plates connectively placed between adjacent walls, and a roof affixed thereto, resulting in a cost-effective portable shelter in the shape of polygonal pyramid frustum for use during inclement weather and/or during armed assault alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Ryszard Gulik
  • Patent number: 9234351
    Abstract: A new adaptable grid or lattice structure identified by the coined term “polargrid” is disclosed. A polargrid may be designed or engineered to fill any space between two generally circular structures and where the ribs will intersect with both circular structures at a node. The intersection of a polargrid with a circular structure will not occur mid-rib. Rather, a polargrid can be designed to always have ribs terminate at an inner or outer circular structure at a node. Polargrids have particular applicability in cylindrical structures or when interconnecting concentric circular or cylindrical structures that may or may not be co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Philip M. Echelman
  • Patent number: 9117307
    Abstract: A method for creating a 2D or 3D finite element model of a rubber composite of a rubber matrix and fillers are disclosed. The method comprises a first step in which a region of the rubber matrix and a plurality of regions of the fillers are defined in a predetermined 2D or 3D space; a second step in which the regions of the rubber matrix and fillers are divided into primary elements to form a primary finite element model, wherein the primary elements are triangular elements and optional quadrilateral elements when the space is two-dimensional or tetrahedral elements and optional hexahedron elements when the space is three-dimensional; and a third step in which each of the primary elements is subdivided into quadrilateral elements when the space is two-dimensional or hexahedron elements when the space is three-dimensional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masato Naito
  • Publication number: 20150121772
    Abstract: An architectural structure having a curved surface that includes a plurality of folded boxes is provided. Each of the plurality of folded boxes comprising a front box portion and including a front subsurface joined with a plurality of first sides along a plurality of first folds. The curved surface is formed on at least one of the front subsurfaces of at least one of the plurality of folded boxes. The curved surface extends continuously across more than one of the plurality of folded boxes and includes at least one doubly-curved portion extending across at least one of the plurality of folded boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: JUSTIN BERKEN, KHANH NGUYEN, WALTER ZESK, JONAS HAUPTMAN, PAUL JAMES
  • Patent number: 8973309
    Abstract: A tower structure including a central, vertical mast and a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling, the plurality of tensioned elements together defining a generally hyperboloid structure and including a first plurality of elongate elements which define a multiplicity of junctions therebetween, a second plurality of junction-to-mast joining elongate elements which join at least some of the multiplicity of junctions to the central, vertical mast; and a third plurality of junction-to-junction joining elongate elements which are connected at a plurality of mutually spaced fixed locations therealong to the at least some of the multiplicity of junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: S. Cohen & Co.-Trust Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yossi Amir
  • Patent number: 8863447
    Abstract: A hybrid geodesic structure includes a core structure and a geodesic shell surrounding the core structure. The core structure extends from a base at a center of the geodesic shell through an upper extent of the geodesic shell opposite to the base. The core structure supports the geodesic shell at an upper extent and includes a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory G. Bischoff, Vicki P. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 8833000
    Abstract: A tensegrity structure with one or more tensegrity units formed by a membrane in combination with three or more elongate compression members obliquely disposed in a spiral relationship in compression within the membrane. The ends of the compression members within each tensegrity unit and in adjacent tensegrity units are spaced from one another, and the compression members of adjacent tensegrity units overlap along a longitudinal dimension. The membrane forms anticlastic curves and has variable double curvature between ends of compression members. Multiple tensegrity units can form a column, which can be tapered, curved, or otherwise constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Gerard F. Nadeau
  • Patent number: 8789318
    Abstract: Described herein is a structure that comprises a plurality of spherical triangular units on a plurality of levels. The structure has a superior ability to survive disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. It is cost-efficient, energy efficient, extremely durable and easily maintained. The plurality of spherical triangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentially identical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangular units comprises three planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a level above the first level of the structure is configured to be joined with two neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; the structure is substantially a dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Xiaoping Sun
  • Patent number: 8763326
    Abstract: A building structure includes a hexagonal grid in a vertical plane to thereby be structurally strong and solid, and has a variety of whole shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ichiro Takeshima
  • Patent number: 8752340
    Abstract: A dome structure constructed of interlocking pieces constructed of plastic with a hollow or insulated interior. The pieces interlock via their alternating male and female edges and are secured at their vertices with wishbone locking connectors. The pieces are generally in the shape of simple polygons and overhang at their edges to prevent water leakage. In constructing a dome, the floor is first constructed from interlocking floor pieces and a perimeter track is constructed from special interlocking track pieces that can be filled with water or sand. A first row of pieces that will form the wall interlock with the perimeter track, and the dome is constructed by interlocking additional pieces after the initial row is in place. The last piece to be secured in place is modified so that it can be placed in the space remaining at the top of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Lee Hartman
  • Patent number: 8671646
    Abstract: A cable dome structure comprises a top circle and circles of vertical jack posts supported by radiating and hoop cables. The upper and lower ends of the jack post have an upper and a lower cable bar nodes, respectively. The upper cable bar node is connected with two upper radiating cables of present circle at one side, two upper radiating cables of the circle above and two lower radiating cables of the circle above at another side and an upper hoop cable connecting the middle of the upper cable bar node. The lower cable bar node of the present circle at the same side of the upper radiating cables is connected with two lower radiating cables of the present circle and a lower hoop cable connecting the middle of the lower cable bar node. The top circle comprises an upper and a lower cable bar nodes and an elastic pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignees: Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Zhancheng Construction Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Zhuo, Miaofu Wang, Shilin Dong
  • Patent number: 8616328
    Abstract: A tensegrity apparatus having multiple tensegrity units for the transmission of solitary waves with adjustable profiles into a material or structure, and the detection of such waves from a material or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chiara Daraio, Fernando Fraternali
  • Patent number: 8549797
    Abstract: The tornado shelter is constructed of a shell and supports forming an enclosure that is secured to a concrete slab. The tornado shelter is designed for indoor or outdoor use as a safety shelter during severe weather events including dangerous wind speeds. The shell of the tornado shelter is constructed of an inner shell layer and an outer shell layer that sandwich the supports therein. The shell includes a layer of extensive padding along an inner surface to protect occupants from injuries associated with impacting the inner layer. The shape of the shell includes a low-profile curvature that is aerodynamic in order to resist reaction to high wind speeds. A GPS locator alarm located inside of the enclosure is actuated in an emergency and provides location based date to emergency response personnel in order to locate the tornado shelter and occupants associated there with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 8539735
    Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Max Belicofski
  • Patent number: 8475074
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness joint is provided which has a plurality of structural members with a variable stiffness material coupled between the plurality of structural members. The variable stiffness material may be selectively activated/inactivated to control the stiffness of the joint. Additional embodiments and implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P Henry
  • Patent number: 8464476
    Abstract: Various modular construction systems exist and these all have limitations of cost, adaptability and strength. Some were also complex and time consuming to assemble. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a simple modular construction element (10), which can be assembled with one another to form a strong structure. The invention comprises sheet-like materials, has a V-shaped cross section and is adapted to receive a connector so that elements in use are connected, one to another. The element may be rhomboid shaped, hexagonal shaped or triangular shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8381457
    Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: S2 Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Patent number: 8381456
    Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: S2 Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Patent number: 8365474
    Abstract: Synclastic hollow core building panels are employed to form dome-like structures. The synclastic curve allows the panels to be lightweight, yet capable of carrying the weight of the structural loads. When combined, the panels create a sphere or a section of a sphere for enclosing space, with optional egress, skylight, and foundation portals incorporated into the structure without disturbing the spherical curvature of the interior or exterior surfaces. The spheres or sphere sections require no additional framing; the panels themselves are the frame. Workers with only the basic assembly skills can construct a sphere or sphere sections using these panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: John Patrick McSweeney
  • Patent number: 8347561
    Abstract: A domed structure (500) comprises a plurality of struts (505) of equal or a reduced number of differing lengths. The struts are held in place by hubs (510, 515, 1400). In one aspect, a first hub secures the ends of inserted struts at a constant distance from its center, while other hubs secure the ends of inserted struts at predetermined distances from their centers. The differences between the various predetermined distances is the difference in strut lengths required by the design of the structure. Thus all struts are of equal length and identical, or a reduced number of lengths, resulting in an economy of scale and ease of construction. A cover can be added after the structure is built. Alternatively, the hubs can be sewn into a fabric or plastic cover for further ease of construction. The struts can be glued in place, or removed from the hubs to disassemble the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Robert H. Howe
  • Patent number: 8351654
    Abstract: Image processing using geodesic forests is described. In an example, a geodesic forest engine determines geodesic shortest-path distances between each image element and a seed region specified in the image in order to form a geodesic forest data structure. The geodesic distances take into account gradients in the image of a given image modality such as intensity, color, or other modality. In some embodiments, a 1D processing engine carries out 1D processing along the branches of trees in the geodesic forest data structure to form a processed image. For example, effects such as ink painting, edge-aware texture flattening, contrast-aware image editing, forming animations using geodesic forests and other effects are achieved using the geodesic forest data structure. In some embodiments the geodesic forest engine uses a four-part raster scan process to achieve real-time processing speeds and parallelization is possible in many of the embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio Criminisi, Toby Sharp
  • Publication number: 20120260583
    Abstract: A hybrid geodesic structure includes a core structure and a geodesic shell surrounding the core structure. The core structure extends from a base at a center of the geodesic shell through an upper extent of the geodesic shell opposite to the base. The core structure supports the geodesic shell at an upper extent and includes a roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory G. Bischoff, Vicki P. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 8201364
    Abstract: A rigid component is formed of a plurality of coupled cylinders. Each cylinder has a circular cross sectional configuration with an axis, a top, a bottom, first and second sides and a slit. The coupled cylinders have parallel axes and include an upper plane with the axes in a common upper plane and a lower plane with the axes in a common lower plane. The slits face downwardly in the upper plane and upwardly in the lower plane. The slits receive a side of each of its adjacent cylinders. The cylinders are secured with respect to each other by the resilience of the cylinders at their slits holding the sides of the cylinders passing through the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Cedo Tomas
  • Patent number: 8191318
    Abstract: A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Japan Tsusyo
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8171676
    Abstract: A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Soichi Yoshida, Munetaka Takahashi, Hiroshi Yamazaki, Eiichi Tanaka, Kishio Sano, Yoshinori Mihara
  • Patent number: 8091290
    Abstract: A device comprising a generally rounded configuration having an inner surface and interior, and an outer surface. There is a wall thickness between the inner surface and outer surface. The entertainment device has a base having a generally tubular configuration with walls and a floor. The base couples to the entertainment Sphere, and forms the base thereof. The device has a plurality of screen subassemblies coupled to the wall thickness of the entertainment device sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: William Drakes
  • Patent number: 8082709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8074404
    Abstract: A double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure and an edge structure, a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts and a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts provided between the two structures, each set of first diagonal struts being arranged alternately with one set of second diagonal struts. Or a plurality of sets of diagonal struts are provided between the two structures, each of which including a plurality of first diagonal struts and second diagonal struts joined together node to node, each first diagonal strut being arranged alternately with one second diagonal strut The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered, or may be constituted by a plurality of structural units, which is adapted for spanning large areas devised for a wide range of building shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 8074418
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sabic Innovations Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Chinniah Thiagarajan, Frans Adriaansen, Bhawesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 8001732
    Abstract: The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures. In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements. The additional methods of assembly and erection of a hypershelter described herein make possible even greater strength-to-weight ratios and more efficient construction procedures than was possible at the time of the original application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Regan
  • Patent number: 7913462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry A. Woodcock
  • Patent number: 7882660
    Abstract: A knockdown structure and assembly method are provided so as to prevent cracking of the sealant, reinforce the junction between sections, and improve the livability of the structure. A structure's body is assembled by using a mortar-powder mixed adhesive to join together a plurality of sections that are made of foam polystyrene and that constitute the parts of a structure having a predetermined shape. The adhesive is applied to cover at least the places where the sections are joined together with a woven inorganic-fiber mesh sheet. A sealant is applied, made by dispersing inorganic fiber and mortar powder in a plastic-type paint, onto the exterior and interior faces of the structure in a predetermined thickness. Onto the sealant of the exterior of the structure is applied, on the exterior of the structure, a paint that is water repellant and can screen out ultraviolet light, and applying, over the sealant of the interior of the structure, a clayey paint made of natural substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Japan Tsusyo
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7802404
    Abstract: A dome connector including a hub portion and at least one pair of strut portions. The at least one pair of strut portions attached to and extending from the hub portion. Each of the strut portions has an upper end, a lower end and an intermediate region between the upper end and the lower end. The intermediate region has a greater thickness than the upper end and the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Blair F. Wolfram
  • Patent number: 7774992
    Abstract: The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: James C. Garofalo, James W. Garofalo
  • Patent number: 7770338
    Abstract: Triangular elements for forming geodesic structures each have three elongated leg members arranged end-to-end to form three apexes. At least one of the apexes is formed with a curved-shaped indentation which extends along an outer surface and perpendicular to the opposing side surfaces. The legs of each triangular element also include one or more outer grooves extending longitudinally along the outer surface. Each outer groove is sized to receive a seal member. An inwardly raised shoulder extends longitudinally along the inner surface. An inner groove is formed along a side edge of the raised shoulder and each inner groove is sized to receive a seal member. Panels are positioned over the opposing sides to form double-walled triangular element. Channels extend through the outer surface and raised shoulder of the inner surface. The triangular elements are arranged to form a geodesic structure and fasteners extend through the channels to secure adjacent triangular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Abdessatar Nefzi
  • Publication number: 20100095605
    Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses Hexagonal and Pentagonal cylinders as the main parts of the Geodesic structure, and similar Geodesic structures were proposed and built by the American Architect, the late R. Buckminster Fuller in the early 1960's. and many variations of Geodesics have been proposed and built since then. The concept has a mirror in the Molecular World, Specifically, the Carbon-60 Molecule discovered in 1985; The parent of a new family of molecular structures known as fullerenes named in honor of R. Buckminster Fuller. It is of special interest to note that R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Max Belicofski
  • Patent number: 7694463
    Abstract: An array comprises a plurality of ring elements and a plurality of mortar elements. The ring elements comprise polyhedroids interconnected to one another to form a closed ring shape, with the polyhedroids having a generally polyhedral shape. The mortar elements are configured to connect ring elements to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel J. Lanahan
  • Patent number: 7694479
    Abstract: A three-dimensional constructional element 10 is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels 30, 40 mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer 52 therefore making a composite sheet of three layers. Panel 30 includes transverse grooves 12, 14 formed therein and panel 40 includes transverse grooves 16, 18 formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove 12, 14, 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment the panels 30, 40 are divided into many segments defined by the transverse grooves to allow the constructional element to be deformed so that one of the exterior surfaces of panel 30 is concave while the opposing exterior surface of panel 40 is convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Killen
  • Publication number: 20100077674
    Abstract: A connecting node comprises a polyhedral structure comprising a plurality of panels joined together at its side edges to form a spherical approximation, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a faceted surface being constructed with a passage for integrating with one of a plurality of elements comprising a docking port, a hatch, and a window that is attached to the connecting node. A method for manufacturing a connecting node comprises the steps of providing a plurality of panels, connecting the plurality of panels to form a spherical approximation, wherein each edge of each panel of the plurality is joined to another edge of another panel, and constructing at least one of the plurality of panels to include a passage for integrating at least one of a plurality of elements that may be attached to the connecting node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Johnson, Jasen L. Raboin, Gary R. Spexarth
  • Publication number: 20100058676
    Abstract: Various modular construction systems exist and these all have limitations of cost, adaptability and strength. Some were also complex and time consuming to assemble. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a simple modular construction element (10), which can be assembled with one another to form a strong structure. The invention comprises sheet-like materials, has a V-shaped cross section and is adapted to receive a connector so that elements in use are connected, one to another. The element may be rhomboid shaped, hexagonal shaped or triangular shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Publication number: 20100037930
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen F. Miller
  • Patent number: 7621076
    Abstract: The invention comprises a compact barber shop structure having the exterior shape of a barber pole of sufficient height and size allow adults to enter and move about standing up and has a barber chair in its interior with barbering accessories to enable a barber groom a person's hair while seated in the barber chair. The structure has a door to allow persons to enter the structure for the grooming. The structure has a cylindrical exterior and has spiral stripes applied to the cylindrical exterior of the color common to a barber pole. A large globe is located on top of the cylindrical exterior of type common to a globe of a barber pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Everette Blaisdell
  • Patent number: 7578307
    Abstract: A lightweight, deployable, portable shelter is described. The portable shelter may be a tent. The tent can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The structure of the portable shelter is determined by compression elements and tensile members such that the compression elements do not touch. The forces acting on each component of the structure are axially-loaded, thereby taking advantage of the characteristics of the compression elements and tensile members to provide a tent with improved strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Dana Macy Ung, Robert E. Skelton, Jean-Paul Pinuad
  • Patent number: 7574830
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Baker