Suspension Patents (Class 14/18)
  • Patent number: 11807998
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of wind-induced vibration control study of bridges, and provides a dangling net cloth device for suppressing flutter of a sea-crossing bridge, i.e., a large-area dangling net cloth equipped with multiple balance weights, which is suspended below a girder by ropes and is immersed in water. When wind-induced vibration occurs on a bridge, the device is driven to move in the water, and gravity of the device as well as a huge additional mass force and an additional damping force produced by the water on the net cloth will do negative work on the girder to consume vibration energy of the bridge and effectively suppress large vibration of the bridge. The device adopts lightweight standardized components which are convenient to install, detach, transport, and store, and has the advantages of safety, reliability, economy, and practicality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Fuyou Xu, Minshan Pei, Gao Liu, Wenjie Li, Taotao Mao
  • Patent number: 11733135
    Abstract: An integral tension test system for a large-tonnage basalt fiber anchor cable includes: a plurality of basalt fiber anchoring bars each comprising a basalt fiber reinforced plastic (BFRP) bundle, a steel strand, a first and a second steel casing pipes, the BFRP bundle including a plurality of BFRPs, and a grating array temperature, stress and vibration sensing optical cables bonded in the BFRP; a vibration table and a reaction frame arranged thereon, wherein the first steel casing pipe of the basalt fiber anchoring bar is located in the reaction frame, the steel strand penetrates one end of the reaction frame to be connected to a center hole jack, and the second steel casing pipe of each basalt fiber anchor cable is located outside the reaction frame to be anchored; and a data acquisition module connected to all of the grating array temperature, stress and vibration sensing optical cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey (Central South China Innovation Center for Geosciences)
    Inventors: Zhenwei Dai, Shengtao Zhou, Xiaolin Fu, Yanjun Zhang, Anle Zhang, Runqing Ye, Jinjun Guo, Zhigang Du
  • Patent number: 10161090
    Abstract: A method for launching/constructing a bridge using assembly of a precast bottom plate and a concrete-filled steel tube truss girder, wherein a CFT truss girder and a precast bottom plate are provisionally assembled, thereby forming a segment, and then a plurality of segments are successively launched, thereby constructing a bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Railroad Research Institute
    Inventors: Kyoung Chan Lee, In Ho Yeo, Sung Il Kim, Seung Yup Jang, Hyun-Min Kim, Ki Hyun Kim, Hyang Wook Ma, Young Hak Kwak, Yoon Bong Shin, In Gyu Kim, Young Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9714489
    Abstract: A method of damping the vibrations of at least one pair of stay cables of a civil engineering structure, in which the stay cables of said pair are linked by a damper having a first stiffness in response to tensile stress and a second stiffness in response to compressive stress, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventors: Jérôme Stubler, Erik Mellier
  • Patent number: 9714490
    Abstract: A bridge and method of installing the bridge for spanning a hydrological surface feature. The bridge includes a deck spanning the hydrological surface feature, at least one tower, and a tensile support system connecting the deck with the tower under tension to provide a tensile force for supporting the deck. A density and surface area of the deck, and the tensile force provided by the tensile support system, are selected to facilitate flotation of the deck on the hydrological feature with a top surface of the deck at a selected elevation above a surface the hydrological surface feature while supporting a selected load and while the deck is supported by the tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Mark G. Tansley
  • Patent number: 9580876
    Abstract: The damping device comprises an interconnecting structure between cables of a group of at least three cables of the suspension system which extend substantially in one and the same suspension plane P. The interconnecting structure has, outside the plane P, at least one bearing point for an energy dissipating element arranged so as to develop a damping force in response to a movement of one of the cables of the group relative to the other cables of the group in a direction perpendicular to the suspension plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventors: Jerome Stubler, Erik Mellier
  • Patent number: 9309633
    Abstract: A connector for covering an opening in and connecting a scaffolding panel to an underlying cable. One plate has a portion pivotally attached to another plate for movement within a slot thereof, an arcuate portion to cradle the cable and extend back through a slot in the other plate for securing, and a neck therebetween which suspends the arcuate portion at a distance below the other plate to ease receiving the cable. The plates alternatively abut. Alternatively, the plates are hingedly joined with one having an arcuate cable-receiving portion which extends back through a slot in the other plate for securing with a wedge which is inseparable from the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 9217451
    Abstract: A scaffolding connector. A first part includes a first plate, a first rod portion extending downwardly therefrom then upwardly to define a cradle, and a second rod portion extending upwardly therefrom then downwardly into close proximity therewith. A second part includes a second plate inseparable from the second rod portion. The first and second plates are positionable to together overlie an opening in a panel with an underlying cable received in the cradle. The terminal end portion is receivable in an aperture in the second plate so that a nut can be applied thereto for connecting the cable to the panel to define an attached state between the first and second parts and wherein a detached state between the first and second parts is defined when the terminal end portion is not received in the aperture. The first and second parts are inseparable in each of the attached and detached states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 8959692
    Abstract: The structural cable has several stretched tendons (4). It is diverted in a device comprising a body crossed by conduits (10). Each conduit has a wall to guide one of the tendons along a curved path. The wall of the conduit has a tendon support area (11) directed toward the interior of the curve of the path. This support area presents, in the center portion of the conduit and transverse to the curved path, a section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is appreciably equal to half the external diameter of the tendon. The central portion of the conduit has a cross-section enlarged outside the support area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Soletanche Freyssinet
    Inventors: Erik Mellier, Stephane Joye
  • Patent number: 8869476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement (202) for a building element comprising tension members. The sealing arrangement (202) is arranged to seal off an internal part of the building element. The sealing arrangement (202) comprises: (a) a first pressing element (500) of rigid material; (b) a transition pad (501) of deformable material; (c) a sealing pad (503) of elastic material; and (d) a second pressing element (505; 507) comprising a rigid layer (507) for pressing the transition pad (501) and the sealing pad (503) against the first pressing element (500). The transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are provided with holes for the tension elements to pass through. When operationally in place, the first pressing element (500), the transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventors: Thibault Collin Delavaud, Rachid Annan
  • Patent number: 8745933
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ATC IP LLC
    Inventors: Jaime Reyes, Hanming You
  • Patent number: 8640292
    Abstract: A deviator apparatus for use in segmental concrete construction has a duct and a pipe extending through an interior of the duct. The duct has a first end and a second end and a central portion. The first end has a diameter substantially greater than a diameter of the central portion. The pipe has a diameter substantially less than a diameter of a duct at the first end. The pipe has a length substantially greater than a length of the duct. A plurality of tendons extend through the pipe. The duct increases constantly in diameter from the central portion to the first end. The duct has ribs formed on an exterior surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 8627530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a cable-stayed bridge with a tensionless stay cable, including the steps for: constructing a main tower 100, continuously installing a suspension cable 200 over a main span and a side span, installing a plurality of hangers 210 on the suspension cable 200, arranging an anchorage cable 220 in a longitudinal direction by connecting the anchorage cable 220 to a lower end of the hanger 210, installing a stay cable 110 in sequence, constructing a girder by connecting a segment 300 constituting the girder to each of the stay cables 110 in sequence, and connecting the segments 300 one another in a longitudinal direction, and removing the suspension cable 200, the hanger, and the anchorage cable 220.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Dong-A University Research Foundation for Industry-Academy Cooperation
    Inventors: Jong Kwan Byun, Won Ho Kang
  • Patent number: 8572787
    Abstract: A bridge deck suspended from a support beam where the deck describes a laterally curved shape, for example an arch having an apex between two deck ends. The support beam describes a laterally curved shape similar to that of the deck, for example an arch having an apex and two ends opposite to the apex that are secured in a base (foundation) in the ground. The support beam is generally inclined from the support's base foundations to the apex at an angle sufficient to position the support above the deck. The support's relative position, dimensions and shape are such that the majority of the supporting beam is above and approximately horizontally aligned with corresponding points of the deck, thereby allowing suspension cables to extend near vertically between attachment points on the support beam and corresponding attachment points on the aligned portions of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: David S. Toguchi
  • Publication number: 20110271467
    Abstract: A multiple track railroad system for use with two adjacent sets of parallel continuous tracks with the tracks having a distance therebetween and each set of tracks including two continuous rails having a distance therebetween. The railroad system includes an engine for pulling a train that has a set of wheels riding on at least two of the rails, and the engine has a width equal to at least one set of the tracks. The railroad system also includes at least one rail car connected to and propelled by the engine, wherein the rail car spans and extends beyond the outer rails of both sets of tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 8042213
    Abstract: A suspension bridge is supported by a cable having one or more cable bands. An anti-rusting device is comprised of one or more covers, each of the covers including an inner peripheral surface and covering the cable so as to leave a gap between the inner peripheral surface and an outer periphery of the cable, the gap being capable of conveying a gas along the outer periphery of the cable; and a ventilator configured to dry and feed the gas into the gap, the ventilator air-tightly communicating with the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Yamane, Manabu Inoue, Nayomon Uno
  • Patent number: 7779499
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Benoit Lecinq, Sebastien Petit, Francois Bignon, Jerome Stubler
  • Patent number: 7743444
    Abstract: A cable-stayed suspension bridge having characteristics of a cable stayed bridge and those of a suspension bridge at the same and time and using one-box and two-box girders in combination is disclosed. The bridge grinder of the cable-stayed suspension bridge includes one-box girders that each extend to both sides through the respective one tower and a two-box girder set in a central portion of the center span between towers in the length direction of the bridge girder. The cable-stayed suspension bridge includes cable-stayed structures in which a respective one of the one-box girders is supported by the tower with plural cables and a suspension structure in which the two-box girder is supported by the plural towers with two main cables and plural hanger ropes. The two-box girder has a central ventilation opening in the central portion as viewed in a transverse direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Incorporated Administrative Agency Public Works Research Institute, Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company Limited, Incorporated Foundation Public Works Research Center, Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kawada Industries, Inc., Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., JFE Engineering Corporation, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Murakoshi, Koichiro Fumoto, Hideki Shimodoi, Masao Miyazaki, Syuji Shirai, Masato Suzawa
  • Patent number: 7739766
    Abstract: A stay comprises an inclined casing and a bundle of substantially parallel taut reinforcements lodged in the casing and individually anchored in a first and a second anchoring region. According to the invention, the casing and some of the reinforcements are installed by applying substantially uniform tension values to the reinforcements, then several iterations of the following steps are formed: compacting the installed reinforcements, at least at one end of the casing; slipping a further group of reinforcements along inside the casing, in a space left available by the compacted reinforcements; and tensioning each reinforcement of the further group between the first and second anchoring regions so that all the installed reinforcements exhibit substantially uniform tension values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Benoit Lecinq, Jean-Pierre Messein, Jean-Claude Percheron, Craig Robertson
  • Patent number: 7263736
    Abstract: A sand dune bridge is configured with a suspension span which spans a sand dune from first pilings on a landward side of the dune to second pilings in or adjacent to a seaward side of the dune. A ramp extends from the second pilings to the beach. The ramp may also be in the form of a suspension bridge wherein step carriages are suspended intermediate the ends thereof so that pilings are needed only at the ends of the carriages. The suspension arrangement uses a pair of cables extending between the pilings with bridge decking supported on stringers which are attached to lateral beams suspended from hangers extending downwardly from the cables. The bridge decking and step treads have openings therethrough for the passage of sand, air and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Harold J. Goodman, Michael L. Tierney
  • Patent number: 7200886
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant tension member, particularly an inclined cable of a cable stayed bridge, is comprised of a bundle of individual elements, for example, steel wire strands, which in its open area is encapsulated by sheathing, and which within the structure extends inside a guide canal that is formed by a recess pipe. The sheathing—sealing off the front side of the guide canal—is thereby directly or indirectly connected to the structure. Between the sheathing and the entrance point of the tension member into the structure, a connecting pipe is arranged, which on the one hand is detachably connected to the sheathing and on the other hand is connected to the structure by a flange plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dywidag-Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Nuetzel, Egbert Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7062812
    Abstract: A bridge, comprising a set of arches, each extending longitudinally along the bridge, including at least one central arch and at least two side arches, symmetrically disposed about the central arch. The side arches are slanted transversely inwardly so that they are closest at the longitudinal center of the bridge and are generally disposed either above or below the central arch. In addition, transverse members connect the arches together and a deck is suspended from the set of arches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: David C. Morris
  • Patent number: 6785925
    Abstract: A modified suspension bridge which comprises a continuous cable in which tension is developed by operation of turnbuckles or the like, instead of hanging weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Curtis L. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6715176
    Abstract: A device for fixing together a construction element and a structural cable, the device has a rigid housing connected to the construction element and surrounding the cable, a wedging structure comprising at least one deformable material arranged between the cable and housing, and load transmitting means arranged to exert a longitudinal compressive force, parallel to the cable, on the wedging structure. The wedging structure is pressed against the cable and the housing under the action of the longitudinal compressive force, so as to offer resistance to movement of the housing and of the construction element parallel to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jérôme Stubler, Michel Robert Crawford McClenahan, Patrick Ladret, Ivica Zivanovic
  • Publication number: 20030150071
    Abstract: The subject invention is an improved bridge structure comprising the use of both arch structural support systems along with suspension systems, combined together to support a multiple bridge support structure, with such multiple support systems being focused and combined through a unitary member in a center portion of the bridge, with the unitary member being an under support member in one embodiment, with such under support member supporting a portion of the bridge deck. More particularly, the subject invention is focused on utilizing multiple structural support systems for a bridge, with such multiple support systems being centered on a longitudinally extending secondary under support member, which is supported and held partially by the supplementary bridge support system, such secondary support member structurally having multiple and varied support systems and being adapted to provide an under support system as a supplementary support mechanism for the bridge structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: George R. Royer
  • Patent number: 6526706
    Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Homebuilding Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6301736
    Abstract: Suspension cables for an elevated lightweight guideway are arranged so that high-speed traffic along the guideway is not subjected to guideway-induced oscillation. Furthermore, suspension cables are interconnected so that pre-assembled towers and guideway spans can be transported and rapidly installed by helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Ernst G. Knolle
  • Patent number: 6154910
    Abstract: A bridge deck (10) is supported by tensile supports (11 and 12) and stabilized to reduce the overall aerodynamic lift on the deck (10) by the addition of aerofoil stabilizers (19 and 20) pivotally secured about respective axes (21) generally longitudinal of the deck (10). The stabilizers (19 and 20) are driven by a mechanism (21 to 26) operable by angular movement between the deck (10) and the tensile supports (11 and 12) to articulate the stabilizers (19 and 20) to a position which will generate a force, in the presence of a cross wind, to reduce the overall aerodynamic lift on the deck (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: GEC-Marconi Limited
    Inventor: John Michael Corney
  • Patent number: 6012191
    Abstract: A suspension bridge housing high rise buildings located at opposite ends of the bridge and integrally sandwiched within the supporting pylons of the bridge. The suspension bridge supports an observation pod at its center and a continuous series of tetrahedron members forming a lattice structure within which is located a hexagonal tube. A pedestrian transportation system is included within the hexagonal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: H.L. Jack Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5896609
    Abstract: A method of construction a prestressed cable-stay bridge is provided. The method includes the constructing at least a tower having a pier, a pair of masts and a girder between the masts for securing a deck, a main beam supported on the deck along a longitudinal direction of the bridge, a pair of sub-beams connect to two ends of the main beam and suspended from a plurality of temporal stay cables from the top of the masts, an upper portion and a plurality of segment secured on the top of the main beam and the sub-beam after the performance of on the spot prestressing procedure, a plurality of side reinforcements secured to the elongate gaps at two lateral side of the bridge, a plurality of permanent stay cables instead of the temporal stay cables for suspending the bridge from the inner side of the masts and a roadway paved on the top of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Wei-Hwang Lin
  • Patent number: 5850652
    Abstract: A method of suspending a bridge-girder of a suspension bridge is provided. The method is characterized in that where the bridge-girder is suspended by main cables supported by main towers through hanger ropes, the central portion of each of a plurality of horizontal beams mounted on each of the main towers in spaced part relationships with one another vertically are connected to the lateral sides of the bridge-girder by means of obliquely extending auxiliary cables 7. According to this suspension method, the torsional natural frequency of the bridge-girder increases so that the flutters and vortex induced oscillation harmful to the bridge-girder are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Nobumichi Yamamura, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5784739
    Abstract: As a countermeasure against storms for long span, particularly super-long span suspension bridges with the center span exceeding 2,000 m, there is provided a super-long span suspension bridge which can be improved of its static and dynamic wind resistance performance by applying a mass to a portion of the girder. In a suspension bridge with the center span exceeding 2,000 m, a mass application member capable of temporarily carrying a predetermined amount of additional load is provided on either side of the stiffening girder for a distance equal to 1/3 at the maximum of the center span so that a mass weighing 30% or less of the weight of the girder is temporarily applied in the mass application member in the girder on the windward side when the bridge is subjected to a storm, and cross stays are provided each at a point inward from either end of the center span section at a distance equal to 1/4 to 1/3 of the center span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kawada Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadaki Kawada, Masahiro Yoneda, Shunzo Nakazaki
  • Patent number: 5655457
    Abstract: A system of suspended supports for aerial transportation like ski lifts, tramways, freight ropeways, and high voltage electricity lines, has a main carrying element which is a long-span cable along the route, and which is suspended at its ends. A plurality of spaced supports for the aerial means are hung from the cable. Each support has a rigid element carrying the carrying cable and guy ropes, one end of which is attached to the rigid element and another end which is anchored in the ground. The guy ropes carry horizontal and upward vertical loads, and torques applied to the rigid element and fix a position of the rigid element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Yury Sherman, Mark Yankelevich
  • Patent number: 5640732
    Abstract: Windbreak barrier for a suspension bridge comprising a substantially rigid flat structure, the top surface of which forms the roadway for the vehicles crossing the bridge, and a suspension system formed of catenary cables and of a plurality of vertical stays or hangers (P) to which is anchored the structure. The windbreak barrier comprises, on the one hand, aerodynamic elements consisting of a pair of horizontal wing surfaces (8, 9) having a symmetrical profile and forming part of a framework, and on the other hand, a vertical grille wall (910) having a transparency of the order of 70% and being mounted on the framework. The wing surfaces have a wing chord of 100 to 150 cm and a thickness, in correspondence of the highest point, of 20 to 30 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Stretto Di Messina S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Diana, Marzio Falco
  • Patent number: 5615436
    Abstract: Framework for a suspension bridge of the type comprising an essentially flat main structure, the top surface of which forms the traffic lane for the transport structure crossing the bridge, anchored to a suspension system formed of a plurality of vertical hangers (6) fixed to catenary cables (5) anchored to end piers of the bridge. The framework consists of at least two parallel longitudinal box-like bodies corresponding to two runways of the bridge, reciprocally spaced by an extent equal to their transverse dimension. Said bodies have a cross section with a profile adapted to favor the proper flow of the wind stream and they are interconnected, at regular intervals, by stiff supporting transverse ledgers (4) having in turn a box-like configuration and carrying at their ends means for their anchorage to the suspension hangers (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Stretto Di Messina S.P.A.
    Inventor: William Brown
  • Patent number: 5539946
    Abstract: The stiffening girder type suspension bridge according to the present invention is designed with a smaller dead load under normal conditions, and applied with a temporary dead load as an additional mass to improve the static characteristics and aerodynamic stability when the bridge is subjected to particularly violent storms that result in significant vibrations and swaying of the bridge. The present invention bridge structure is highly economical. A passage is provided in the stiffening girder at the center of its width along the direction of the bridge axis, so that a temporary dead load as an additional mass can be moved into the passage. Under normal conditions, the passage is kept empty of the load. When an imminent storm is anticipated, a given amount of liquid or solid is transferred into the passage located within the stiffening girder to temporarily apply a given amount of temporary dead load to the stiffening girder during a storm to control vibrations of the bridge caused by the winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Kawada Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadaki Kawada
  • Patent number: 5513408
    Abstract: A suspension bridge structure is disclosed which uses horizontal cables, tensioned between anchorages, and frame lateral girder/node members connected between the horizontal cables to form frames. A tower section protrudes between the horizontal cables and is attached to the horizontal cables. A main cable is extended between the anchorages and over the top of the tower section. The frame lateral girder/node members are suspended from the main cable. A roadway or other transportation system can be supported on the frame lateral girder/node members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minakami, Motoyuki Minakami
  • Patent number: 5493746
    Abstract: A suspension bridge structure is disclosed which uses horizontal cables, tensioned between anchorages, and frame lateral girder/node members connected between the horizontal cables to form frames. A tower section protrudes between the horizontal cables and is attached to the horizontal cables. A main cable is extended between the anchorages and over the top of the tower section. The frame lateral girder/node members are suspended from the main cable. A roadway or other transportation system can be supported on the frame lateral girder/node members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minakami, Motoyuki Minakami
  • Patent number: 5400454
    Abstract: A method of supporting a transportation surface, such as a vehicular bridge, a railroad trestle or an elevated walkway, that is resistant to unexpected, infrequent shocks such as might be encountered during an earthquake or similar disaster. The method includes arranging laterally spaced apart fixed bearing members on a surface adjacent a path for a transportation surface and supporting elongated elastic members on the bearing members at a distance spaced inwardly from the ends of the elastic members. The transportation surface may be placed in association with the elastic members. Beginning from an equilibrium state, each elastic member is capable of bending in proportion to the magnitude of an additional load applied intermediate the ends of the elastic member, with the ends of the elastic member sliding against the bearing members a distance also proportional to the magnitude of the additional load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5287578
    Abstract: The invention provides wind flow dissipating units mountable in close relation to one another along the sidewalls of the roadway of a suspension bridge and providing pivotable plates hanging from the units in opposed parallel relation to the sidewalls, the plates being adapted to interfere with and dissipate the force of steady wind blowing toward the sidewalls so as to avoid undesirable resonance swaying of the bridge by the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: John E. Lovret
  • Patent number: 5197157
    Abstract: A cable-stayed bridge is disclosed comprising at least one pylon (1) and stay cables (2) anchored on this pylon, each stay cable being formed by a bundle of strands or twisted strands (7), the upper portion of each stay cable passing through the pylon from one side to the other and its free end being anchored on a block (3) which bears on the face of the pylon located on the side opposite that where the stay cable is situated. The slightly flared upper portions of two stay cables (2) anchored on the same vertical pylon section (1) and extending on each side of this pylon are crossed with mutual imbrication so that the mean lines of these two portions are both situated in the same vertical plane of the pylon parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Freyssinet International et Compagnie
    Inventor: Carlos De La Fuente
  • Patent number: 5121518
    Abstract: A cable-stayed bridge including at least one concrete platform consisting of an assembly of caisson elements, at least partly prefabricated, extending transversely to the bridge. Each element is composed of an upper table and a lower table separated by spaces which extend transversely to the platform, and are connected by walls at the side and the end, and with longitudinal intermediate partitions and transverse partitions. The piers of the bridge extend preferably upwards to the platform and carry both a part of the platform and the pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Jean Muller
  • Patent number: 5118099
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an articulated playground bridge including a frame, and a deck having opposite sides and opposite ends. The deck is attached at its opposite ends to the frame such that the deck is suspended above the ground by the frame with the deck sagging downwardly between its opposite ends. The deck is made up of a plurality of generally rectangular planks having longitudinally edges extending in side-to-side direction with respect to the deck. Adjacent planks are in generally edge-to-edge relationship, and pivotally interconnected by a hinge pin extending generally along the longitudinal edges of the adjacent planks. Thus, the planks will pivot upwardly and downwardly in an undulating fashion with respect to each other when the bridge is crossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Iron Mountain Forge
    Inventor: Ralph O. Vatterot
  • Patent number: 5088142
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for fastening a guy to a concrete bridge deck. A metal plate is abutted against the horizontal surface of the deck and retained there with pre-stressing cables at its top surface and an extension which protrudes downward into the deck from its bottom surface. An anchoring device is mounted on the upper surface of the plate. It may be positioned to keep the guy in a plane parallel to the plate and do not require that the cables pass through the deck. The deck may have spaced bearing surfaces that are angled and/or are parallel to one another and support anchoring devices that keep the cables running in different directions from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Dite Societe Centrale d'Etudes et de Realisations Routieres
    Inventor: Jean Muller
  • Patent number: 5072474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a cable-stayed bridge extending between at least three towers. Initially, a horizontally extending truss spanning from a first tower to a second tower is moved longitudinally to be projected from the second tower to a third tower. The truss is then elevated. A plurality of stay cables are then strung from an elevated location on the second tower to a series of temporary connections to the truss on both sides of the second tower. A deck portion is then constructed on the truss on both sides of the second tower, and the cables that are not connected to the truss are connected to this deck portion. Finally, the cables are disconnected from the truss and the truss and hence the deck portion are lowered, causing the cables to support the weight of the deck and to acquire the desired tensional stresses. The procedure is faster than hitherto know methods of constructing this type of bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Walter H. Dilger, Gamil S. Tadros, David Calder, Paul B. Giannelia
  • Patent number: 5070566
    Abstract: A hybrid bridge construction comprises a pair of piers enclosed in the earth at a fixed predetermined distance apart with a cantilever section supported on each pier. Each cantilever section comprises one or more vertical towers with a pair of inner and outer rigid compression members fixed to and extending upwardly and outwardly from the base of each tower. Outer tension members are attached to the top portions of each tower and to upper end portions of the compression members. A suspension section interconnecting the cantilever sections comprises catenary cable members attached to the upper end portions of inner compression members. A road deck extends between the piers, and vertical suspender members extend between the cable members and the road deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: T. Y. Lin International
    Inventors: Tung-Yen Lin, Philip Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 4993094
    Abstract: Bridge comprising a bridge floor, said floor consisting of an upper boom (4) which may form a road section, a lower boom (5) which may be formed by a tubular succession of sections, and diagonal linking girders (6), joining the booms, their axes converging on that of the lower boom. Those elements subjected to high stress are preferably to be provided with individual pretensioning elements. The gussets (15) linking the diagonals with the upper boom carry advantageously the attachment elements of the supporting stay cables (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Scetauroute
    Inventor: Jean Muller
  • Patent number: 4799279
    Abstract: A method of constructing the approach and main spans of a cable stayed segmental bridge as the main span is constructed as a smooth continuation of the approach spans without the need for special equipment or different box girder deck sections. The approach spans are constructed each in succession from opposite sides of the main span after which the main span continues from opposite sides toward a midpoint, while the cable stays are installed. For a two-wide box girder bridge, delta frames interconnect side-by-side box girders at the anchor locations of the cable stays for thereby transferring the static and dynamic loads of the main span toward the center plane of support of the cable stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean M. Muller
  • Patent number: 4777686
    Abstract: Precast concrete hollow box girders of a two-wide cable stayed segmental bridge are provided as having inner side slabs of connected girder pairs acting to transfer loads of the box girder pairs to a central location thereof at which they are supported by cable stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean M. Muller
  • Patent number: 4742591
    Abstract: A cable stayed bridge construction having box edge beams to which the deck structure is joined between the top and bottom thereof, and to which the cable stays are anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean M. Muller