Abstract: An apparatus for holding a hood of a vehicle open during e-coat application and painting. The apparatus includes a support incorporating first and second pairs of legs attached to spaced locations on right and left sides of an engine compartment. The two pairs of legs are connected at an upper portion of the legs. A hood support bar is connected to the upper portion of both the first and second pairs of legs and extends transversely across the engine compartment. A hood striker receiving bracket may be provided on the hood support bar. The apparatus is adjustable to position the hood striker receiving bracket in a range of vertical, transverse and longitudinal locations. The adjustability of the apparatus provides a flexible hood support that reduces thermal distortion or sag due to thermal load.

Abstract: This invention is an improved side section for a marine gangplank/gangway structure. This side section has a unique visually appealing design and provides gangplanks with resistance to twisting and increased live load capacity. The side sections of this invention can be used to reduce the weight and cost of gangplanks while improving durability. This marine structure comprises (1) a horizontal base section, (2) a vertical base, (3) a horizontal spacer, (4) a sigma spring section which extends upwardly from the inside end of the horizontal spacer in a circumferential manner, (5) a lower deck support, wherein the lower deck support extends horizontally from the top end of the sigma spring section, and wherein the lower deck support includes a fulcrum which is situated on the top of the lower deck support, (6) a vertical deck support, and (7) an upper deck.

Abstract: Enclosed bridge, which comprises at least one outer tube (9), which forms the outer surface of the bridge, and at least one inner tube (2) fitted inside the outer tube (9), which forms the interior space of the bridge. A truss structure (1) attached to the structure of the bridge is fitted inside the inner tube (2) and is formed of an element forming at least one node and receiving a tensile loading, which truss structure forms least one chord across the inner tube, from one point on its inner surface to the opposite side of the inner surface.

Abstract: A triple-helix horizontal spanning structure comprised of three helical beams in compression and cables in tension which integrate with the helical compression members and together form a structure that is stable. Anchored at each end, the structure is a single-span structure without any intermediate vertical members such as columns or pylons. This super structure provides a longitudinal space for the sub structure to be hung within the helical beams and cables that can serve as platform for such things as roads or passageways.

Abstract: A bridge supports any desired loading capacity to cross rivers, ravines, highways, wetlands, and other areas where traffic or pedestrians conveniently access the opposite side. The structure is assembled in a number of ways at the bridge site, using smaller equipment and less time than is normally required. The prefabricated and trial fitted elements can be assembled at ground level and the structure can be launched on rollers across the area that is to be crossed, or can be assembled sequentially from one or both sides. The structure includes two or more box girders supporting the bridge deck which is integrated into the structure. The upper portion of the girders form the side barriers of the bridge and the deck with integrated cross members is fastened to the lower portion of the girders, both of which are sized to accommodate the load bearing capacity of the traffic using 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: Enclosed bridge, which comprises at least one outer tube (9), which forms the outer surface of the bridge, and at least one inner tube (2) fitted inside the outer tube (9), which forms the interior space of the bridge. A truss structure (1) attached to the structure of the bridge is fitted inside the inner tube (2) and is formed of an element forming at least one node and receiving a tensile loading, which truss structure forms least one chord across the inner tube, from one point on its inner surface to the opposite side of the inner surface.

Abstract: A bridge supports any desired loading capacity to cross rivers, ravines, highways, wetlands, and other areas where traffic or pedestrians conveniently access the opposite side. The structure is assembled in a number of ways at the bridge site, using smaller equipment and less time than is normally required. The prefabricated and trial fitted elements can be assembled at ground level and the structure can be launched on rollers across the area that is to be crossed, or can be assembled sequentially from one or both sides. The structure includes two or more box trusses supporting the bridge deck which is integrated into the structure. The upper portion of the trusses form the side barriers of the bridge and the deck with integrated cross members is fastened to the lower portion of the trusses, both of which are sized to accommodate the load bearing capacity of the traffic using 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: A collapsible bridge has two track girders constructed as truss girders with a triangular cross-section. A chord profile is provided at each triangulation point and two corners of the triangular cross-section are situated at the same level with the third corner situated above the corner. A pair of truss planes are formed from diagonal struts, a lower chord and an upper chord, with lower and upper truss nodes respectively being formed at connection points of two diagonal struts and a lower chord and an upper chord respectively. The two track girders are force-lockingly connected by transverse girders. Roadway planks are provided which are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and are force-lockingly connected with the transverse girders.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: A joist assembly having a top chord with a slot formed therein, a bottom chord with a slot formed therein, and a tubular member of serpentine configuration having an upper portion received within the slot of the top chord and a lower portion received within the slot of the bottom chord. The tubular member extends between the chords so as to maintain the chords in parallel spaced relationship. The chords are formed of a length of cold roll-formed steel. The tubular member is of a single length of square tubular steel.

Abstract: Through co-action between auxiliary triangular structural frames, which are each constructed at opposite ends of a truss girder or arch girder, and a cable stretched between the auxiliary triangular structural frames, an upwardly directed force is exerted to the truss girder or arch girder, thereby effectively inducing a load resisting force. A reinforcement structure of a truss bridge or arch bridge is comprised of a truss girder or arch girder, a first and a second end of which are each provided with a main triangular structural frame. The main triangular structural frame is provided at an inner side thereof with an auxiliary triangular structural frame. The auxiliary triangular structural frame is joined at vertexes thereof with frame structural elements at respective sides of the main triangular structural frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of short- and medium-spans for bridges and other structures. The bridge superstructure is built mainly from components that are not vulnerable to corrosion. It consists of precast prestressed concrete truss girders and a concrete deck. The girders have top and bottom concrete bulbs (i.e. flanges) connected by precast vertical and diagonal truss members made of corrosion-resistant metallic or non-metallic tubes filled with concrete. The deck can be a cast-in-situ reinforced concrete slab or an assembly of precast concrete panels tied together by longitudinal with or without transverse prestressing tendons. The reinforcement in the slab can be fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars and/or corrosion-resistant steel bars. The term corrosion-resistant metal or steel means a product that has delayed corrosion properties.

Abstract: A modular system for the construction of a lattice panel for a bridge, comprises first and second chord members (20, 28) and a plurality of web members (1). Each web member comprises three legs forming a triangle. One leg (2) extends perpendicularly between the chord members. The second and third legs (3, 4) are joined to each other and to the ends of the first leg. The ends of the first leg (1) are provided with means for connecting the web member to the chords (20, 28). Interlocking means (13, 19) are provided at the joint between the second and third legs, and mid way along the first leg, so that adjacent web members can be connected together.

Abstract: Through co-action between auxiliary triangular structural frames which are each constructed at opposite ends of a truss girder or arch girder and a cable stretched between the auxiliary triangular structural frames, an upward directing force is exerted to the truss girder or arch girder, thereby effectively inducing a load resisting force.

Abstract: A modular bridge apparatus includes a self-supporting truss section that can be lifted and transported as a structural unit. The modular bridge has left and right longitudinally extending trusses. Each truss section is made of an upper longitudinal chord member and a lower longitudinal chord member which are connected together at a plurality of joints with vertical and diagonally inclined web members. In the preferred embodiment, these longitudinally extending trusses occur on opposite sides of the bridge, defining the sides of the road surface and extend between supports on each end. A plurality of transverse beams extend between the left and right side trusses of the bridge at an elevation that is higher than the lower longitudinal chord members of the trusses. Some of the transverse beams extend beyond the lower longitudinal chord member, and are connected to the upper longitudinal chord members with an inclined diagonal kicker.

Abstract: A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) module that interlocks with other similarly designed modules. Specifically, each FRP module has a female, receiver, end and a male, inserter, end such that the inserter of a first FRP module interlocks with, or “snaps into” or “slids into,” a receiver of an adjacent second FRP module. Once interlocked, the two connected FRP modules are further secured by either adhesive and/or thermal connections. An FRP module is made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the module. An overlay may be placed over the top face of one or more FRP modules joined together to provide a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top face.

Abstract: A system for use in constructing a lattice panel bridge, includes a plurality of substantially rectangular prefabricated steel lattice panels joined in end to end relationship to form a main girder for the bridge. Each panel comprises an upper chord, a lower chord of substantially equal length, a plurality of web members interconnecting the upper and lower chords, and joint forming devices at each end of each chord. The joint forming devices at either end of the lower chord mate and receive a transverse pin for connecting the lower chords of adjacent panels together. The joint forming devices at each end of the upper chord comprises a longitudinally facing plate provided with apertures for receiving fasteners for connecting the plates of adjacent panels together. A spacer is inserted between the plates and this reduces the tendency of the bridge to sag. Optionally the spacers can be used to give the resultant bridge an upwardly facing longitudinal camber.

Abstract: A truss for distributing a maximum bending moment normally occurring at a midpoint region of a girder (430) includes a first truss segment member (505) having first and second ends, a second truss segment member (420) having first and second ends, a third truss segment member (510) having first and second ends, a fourth truss segment member (425) having first and second ends, and a fifth truss segment member (415) having first and second ends. The first end of the first truss segment member (505) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder at a first location near the midpoint region of the girder and the second end of the second truss segment member (420) is attached to the second end of the first truss segment member (505). The first end of the third truss segment member (510) is attached substantially perpendicular to the girder (430) at a second location near the midpoint region of the girder. The first location is located between the second location and the first end of the girder.

Abstract: Abstract: The storage roof truss has a non-triangular central opening to provide greater storage space. Truss chords and webs are arranged to provide a central opening with a horizontal bottom and vertical lower sides. This allows more usable storage space. The central opening chords and webs are connected to the top chords in a triangular mesh pattern such that loads on the element junctures are carried in tension or compression. This allows similar structural efficiency as a conventional truss. Therefore roof storage trusses can be constructed with similar costs as conventional trusses. Also, storage roof trusses can have the same range of pitches as conventional trusses.

Abstract: Tension rod for use as a chord for bridges, having a middle part consisting of fiber composite material and having ends consisting of metallic material. The middle and end parts are connected by a glued tapered overlap.

Abstract: A bridge for walking on is made from surfaces and from a handrail assigned to the surfaces. The handrail includes hollow section segments which have at least one longitudinal groove for connecting to struts, walls or the like.

Abstract: In the case of an arrangement on which it is possible to walk and/or drive and which is intended for bridging over and/or under, for example, roads, comprising a bottom member (1) which is connected, via cross-struts (2), to handrails (10) and/or a top flange (3), the intention is for a cross-strut (2) to comprise, at least in part, a box profile.

Abstract: A beam structure designed to be subjected to at least one bending load defining therealong an envelope curve of bending moments (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) comprising at least one first portion in which the bending moments are of a first sign, at least one second portion in which the bending moments are of a second sign opposite to the first, and at least one third portion in which the bending moments are of the first sign or the second sign or are zero. The beam structure includes a first body (11) whose height and length are also those of the beam structure, and a second body (13) joined sideways to the first body (11) along the full length thereof.

Abstract: A trough bridge is composed of a plurality of interconnected bridge sections each formed of a roadway deck segment and side wall segments located at opposite sides of the roadway deck segment. An articulation for pivotally attaching the side wall segments to each roadway deck segment includes spaced and aligned first hinge sleeves affixed to the roadway deck segment; a separate first hinge recess defined next to each first hinge sleeve; spaced and aligned second hinge sleeves affixed to the side wall segments; and a separate second hinge recess defined next to each second hinge sleeve. In an assembled state the first hinge sleeves are received in respective second hinge recesses and the second hinge sleeves are received in respective first hinge recesses. The first and second hinge sleeves are in alignment with one another. A hinge pin passes through the first and second hinge sleeves for pivotally joining the side wall segments to the roadway deck segment.

Abstract: The composite structure made of wood and reinforced concrete can be used for bridges, roofs etc. In a bridge, a plate of reinforced concrete carries the roadway and rests on a truss comprising lower and upper chords, transversal girders and struts made of wood and posts made of reinforced concrete. The lower struts are reinforced with steel ties, follow a bent curve and are anchored in lateral end sections. Forces in the wooden parts all extend along the wood's fibre, which increases the maximum load capacity. The concrete posts allow a simple assembly of the wooden elements. The weight of the construction is low, its load bearing capacity high.

Abstract: A bridge is assembled by locking truss-like girders along the sides of a bridge section to the transverse beams by a bayonet-type coupling and a swinging of the trusses relative to the transverse beams. Roadway plates are supported by the transverse beams and additional sections are assembled onto the previous sections. The sections can be advanced across an obstruction on a pair of support beams guided through roller frames affixed to at least the first and last sections, which support beams can later be mounted on the bridge span to function as guardrails.

Abstract: A bridge structure comprises at least two piers, a deck structure between each pair of adjacent piers supported to allow for relative movement longitudinally of the deck between at least one pier and the deck, a connecting bar and a shock transmission unit in series connected between each pair of adjacent piers, the bar being supported for longitudinal movement independently of the deck. This arrangement allows free relative movement due to thermal expansion, and can accommodate flexing of the deck structure due to live loads. The shock transmission unit forms a longitudinal lock along the piers in the event of a sudden shock such as an earthquake, so that all the piers are combined to resist the shock.

Abstract: A deployable bridge having at least one bridge section which includes a base body; and a road section articulated to the base body for pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis oriented transversely to the length of the base body. The road section has a first pivotal position in which the road section lies lengthwise on the base body. The road section has a second pivotal position in which the road section is in a raised state relative to its first pivotal position. There is further provided a pivot shaft mounted on the base body and having a horizontal pivot axis oriented transversely to the length of the base body. A support member adjoins the base body and is articulated to the base body by the pivot shaft. The support member has a first pivotal position in which it is in a flat-lying state. In such flat-lying state the free outer end of the support member projects beyond the outer end of the road section in a direction away from a location situated at midlength of the bridge section.

Abstract: A lattice panel (P1) for a bridge has only a single chord (C1), along one side (S1), with no chord along the opposite side (S2), resulting in a cost and weight saving when two such panels are stacked in one plane. A lattice (L) of web members (W) comprises: either n+1 perpendicular web members (Wp1-3) at n+1 "first" nodes (N1. 1-N1.3) or n perpendicular web members (Wp1, Wp2) at all but an end one of n+1 "first" nodes (Wp1, Wp2); 2n "first" oblique web members (Wo1-Wo4) and 2n "second" web members (Wo5-Wo8) form two quadrilateral structures between the n+1 "first" nodes (Wp1, Wp2). Two "fourth" nodes (N4.1, N4.2) are formed by the tops of the quadrilateral structures, for connection to a second chord or to corresponding nodes of a like panel.

Abstract: Spliced structural members for supporting a traffic deck on a short span bridge. A spliced structural member includes a plurality of metal box-shaped girder segments placed end to end and splice channels nested around the adjacent ends of the girder segments. A spliced joint is formed by connecting the splice channels to the adjacent ends of the girder segments. The spliced joint has at least 75% of the flexural and shear strength of the girder segments and provides continuity for structural strength and rigidity for the spliced structural member.

Abstract: The guideway is comprised of upper horizontal stringers (20, 22), lower horizontal stringers (24, 26) vertically oriented diagonal members (30, 32) affixed to the upper and lower horizontal stringers (20, 22 and 24, 26) and horizontally oriented diagonal members (34) are affixed between the lower horizontal stringers (24, 26). These features present a guideway having an upwardly extending U-shape construction which can be supplied with wheel supporting channels (28), upper support channels (35) and the entire structure can be reinforced by ribs (60) and enclosed by a cover (50). The ribs include spaced inner and outer members with joined free ends.

Abstract: A vehicle supporting guideway is presented, the guideway is comprised of upper horizontal stringers, lower horizontal stringers vertically oriented diagonal members affixed to the upper and lower horizontal stringers and horizontally oriented diagonal members are affixed between the lower horizontal stringers. These features present a guideway having an upwardly extending U-shape construction which can be supplied with wheel supporting channels, and upper support channels. The entire structure is reinforced by ribs which are generally within the horizontal stringers, and the entire guideway may be enclosed by a cover. Overlapping members join adjacent sections of the horizontal stringers together.

Abstract: The launching apparatus, including a stayed metallic beam, is provided with two poles, one of which rests on the plank in correspondence of the last pier of the already formed bridge and the other rests on a cantilever end of said bridge length, bracket-like projecting beyond said pier; between the two poles connection stays are provided parallel to each other, either horizontal or inclined, whereas inclined stays are anchored at each of the two poles and at the corresponding length of the metallic beam which is external to the pair of poles.

Abstract: A concrete deck truss bridge and method of constructing same employing precast compression and tension diagonals with the latter having oppositely extending feet at opposite ends so as to define therein surfaces for support of the intervening compression diagonals, and opposite sides of the feet defining anchor blocks for post-tension tendons. Construction proceeds from main span piers toward the mid-span and end span piers under balanced loading, in sequence.

Abstract: A prefabricated three-dimensional truss structure for a bridge, or the like, the truss formed from bars arranged to define triangular or rectangular patterns. The bars are formed from prestressed, high-strength concrete that are connected at their ends with assembly blocks that are prestressed, the prestress being preferably provided by the cables that prestress the bars, and which terminate at the blocks. A plurality of such unit trusses can be assembled to provide a truss structure for a bridge span, and the trusses can assume a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: A metal truss structure which is characterized by chord and web members formed of rectangular tubing and with the chords of double construction to take advantage of the weight and cost savings and high torsional strength of rectangular tubing and arranged for easy and inexpensive fabrication by avoiding precise cutting and difficult welding requirement. This metal truss structure comprises chords, each including a pair of laterally spaced-apart rectangular tubing members positioned flat against opposite sides of the rectangular tubing web members at one corresponding end and welded exclusively by weld lines extending along the longitudinal intersections of the chord members with the web members for simple and automatic welding.