Abstract: A large-span and special-shaped arch bridge, comprising a main girder (2), a center abutment (11) served as a central bearing point and two auxiliary abutments (12,13) served as bearing points at two ends, wherein further comprising an arch-axis combination (3) and two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) presented as arcs projected upwards, the arch-axis combination being built on the center abutment (11) with two ends connected to the inner ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5), the outer ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being built on the two auxiliary abutments (12,13), the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being connected to the main girder (2) via a plurality of inhaul cables. A method for constructing said arch bridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A large-span and special-shaped arch bridge, comprising a main girder (2), a center abutment (11) served as a central bearing point and two auxiliary abutments (12,13) served as bearing points at two ends, wherein further comprising an arch-axis combination (3) and two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) presented as arcs projected upwards, the arch-axis combination being built on the center abutment (11) with two ends connected to the inner ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5), the outer ends of the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being built on the two auxiliary abutments (12,13), the two arch-axis bending beams (4,5) being connected to the main girder (2) via a plurality of inhaul cables. A method for constructing said arch bridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for engaging a customer in an enhanced shopping experience. The customer provides customer information which is stored on a database. An identifying token (e.g. a card) is issued to the customer. This identifying token is detected (e.g. by an RFID sensor) when carried by the customer into a retailer's space. This causes at least a portion of the customer information to be accessible from the database to retail personnel while the customer is physically present in the retailer's space, thereby facilitating personal engagement by the retail personnel with the customer.

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.

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.

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: A bridge comprising a set of bases, a deck, an undulating support structure having above-the-deck arch sections and below-the-deck sections and being supported by the set of bases at the below the deck sections. The bridge also includes at least two arrays of load-bearing connectors extending from the above-the-deck arch sections to the deck and supporting substantially the entire weight of the deck. A preferred embodiment of the bridge comprises a deck, a wishbone arch section, including a single topmost middle portion branching transversely into two support legs on either longitudinal side of the topmost middle portion and a set of connectors extending from the wishbone arch to the deck and supporting the deck. The bridge generally includes a deck, an arch and an array of load-bearing connectors extending downwardly and longitudinally inwardly from the arch to the deck and supporting the deck in tension.

Abstract: A tension member is provided for use in erecting structures that has an elongated body with an outer wall defining an inner space. A tendon extends from one end of the body to the other within the defined inner space. The tendon has a tension force placed upon it. Concrete material is added to the inner space to form a concrete holding member which surrounds the tendon and which is in turn surrounded by the outer wall. The concrete holding member thus contacts the tendon and, upon curing, maintains the tension force placed upon the tendon. The tension member is placed in compression when the tension force is released from the tendon. In another aspect of the present invention, an arch member is provided for use as a compression member in a bridge. The arch member has an elongated arcuate body with an outer wall defining an inner space. The inner space of the body is filled with a concrete so that the body provides support for the concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus for span-by-span bridge construction, comprises an elongated girder assembly for spanning between adjacent bridge piers for supporting precast bridge segments during assembly, pier brackets for attachment to a pier shaft, the brackets having rollers for support of the girder assembly for movement between piers, and at least one carriage vehicle for engagement with top rail tracks on the girder assembly, the vehicle moveable between a working position of supporting the bridge segments during assembly of multiple segments and a stowage position.

Abstract: A bridge-laying apparatus has a vehicle adapted to travel in a longitudinal direction and a longitudinally extending laying arm adapted to lay down and pick up bridges formed of at least one bridge section. A rigid link has an upper end pivoted on the laying arm and a lower end pivoted directly on the vehicle and an expansible main cylinder offset horizontally from the link has an upper end pivoted on the arm and a lower end pivoted directly on the vehicle. A pusher cylinder extending nonparallel to the main cylinder has a lower end pivoted on the vehicle and an upper end pivoted on the arm.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular bridge across a span (20) is disclosed. A vehicle (1) is positioned next to the span (20). The vehicle has a launching assembly (10) including an A-frame (40) which is moved from a stored position, in the launching assembly, to an upright, deployed position. A modular launching beam (110) is constructed by sequentially attaching modules (90,90') and then booming the launching beam as it is constructed out across the span (20). Once completed, the launching beam is pivoted about the A-frame (40) to lower the far bank end of the launching beam (110) onto the far bank. The A-frame (40) and, consequently, the home bank end of the launching. beam (110) are then raised, with the far bank end of the launching beam (110) remaining on the far bank. Once raised, a modular bridge (220) is suspended from the launching beam (110) and boomed out across the gap, additional modules being sequentially added.

Abstract: A bridging span structure for the crossing of ditches by vehicles has a locking mechanism for locking an upwards swingable access jib to a central box of a bridging span element. The locking mechanism includes at least two tie-rod elements pivotally connected to the access jib by two stationary transverse shafts, and two transverse locking shafts with a controlled displacement permitting fastening of both tie-rod elements to the central box in two different positions, respectively, corresponding to lower and upwards swung positions, respectively, of the upwards swingable access jib, the invention being usable in particular by the Engineering Corps.

Abstract: A bridging span structure intended in particular for the crossing of ditches by vehicles and a system for transporting and depositing such a structure, wherein each connecting arm is rotatably mounted in relation to a bridging span about a pivoted bolt and wherein an arrangement is provided for urging the connecting arm automatically back to its normal position of use and for holding this connecting arm in this normal position, the invention being applicable to military armoured vehicle of the Engineering Corps.

Abstract: A device for assembling and laying track support bridge sections displaceable at right angles to their longitudinal axis, with launching support structures, which are arranged between the track supports and are likewise transversely displaceable, into a bridge support structure. The device includes a base frame with a plurality of telescoping props, base frame being built up on a vehicle. A laying arm is provided pivotable around a horizontal axis at one end of the base frame. A front arm is provided pivotable around a horizontal axis at another end of the base frame. Both the laying arm and the front arm are adjustable by hydraulic cylinders. A displacing device is provided for pushing the bridge sections apart and together. The displacement device includes track support and launching support sections arranged between the front arm and the laying arm on the base frame in a transverse direction in relation to the base frame.

Abstract: A biarch consists of two coplanar arches, curved in the same direction and radially spaced with cross ties having shear rigidity in planes perpendicular to the cross section areal center curve of the arch pair. End ties resist relative tangential arch displacements. Biarch framing members are strong, stiff, durable and economical structural members for framing aesthetically pleasing, clear span arched structures capable of withstanding hurricane winds and mountain snows. The most efficient materials for constructing biarch framing members are hardwoods, aluminum and steel. Biarch frames spanning up to fifty feet can be assembled or disassembled by one or two persons using common hand tools.

Abstract: An armored bridge-laying vehicle with a laying device for bridges or bridge sections located one on top of another, wherein a single laying girder is rotatably mounted on a support ring structure on the tower ring. The laying girder is pivotable around a horizontal pivot bearing, and the pivoting is performed by a piston-and-cylinder unit. Telescopic U-shaped girders are arranged inside the laying girder, and the top edges are located in the same plane as the upper chord edges of the laying girder. The bridge elements are laid by a flanged feeding unit, support rollers and a pivotable arm in the rear of the laying girder.

Abstract: A roller carriage for portable bridges or bridge parts have a rocker carrier connected by a support stud to the bridge structure while the rocker bodies are connected to the rocker carrier by pins which are formed in one piece and inseparably with the rocker bodies. A pair of rollers are journaled on each of the rocker bodies.

Abstract: A precast segmental viaduct construction system, comprises an elongated erection and assembly vehicle for spanning between at least two viaduct piers and for moving between successive piers, the vehicle having a top deck, an elongated central longitudinal beam having a down facing elongated planar bottom support surface, a pair of elongated trusses secured to and inclined outward from said beam, and a pair of elongated longitudinal planar top support surfaces extending along opposite side edges of said top deck, a plurality of jacks spaced along the vehicle for cooperatively engaging piers on which the vehicle is supported for positioning the vehicle relative to piers on which it is supported, and a support assembly for supporting the vehicle on a pier, the support assembly having jacks for selectively elevating and lowering the vehicle.

Abstract: A bridge laying apparatus for longitudinally displacing a bridge section includes a pinion shaft; a pinion secured to the pinion shaft for moving with the pinion shaft as a unit; a bearing rotatably and axially slidably supporting the pinion shaft; and a hydraulic power cylinder unit. The power cylinder unit includes a cylinder coaxially surrounding the pinion shaft and defining a cylinder chamber; and a hollow piston axially slidably accommodated in the cylinder chamber and being axially driven by a pressure prevailing in the cylinder chamber. The hollow piston surrounds the pinion shaft. There is further provided a coupling arrangement connecting the hollow piston with the pinion shaft for axially displacing the pinion shaft and the pinion into an axially advanced and into an axially withdrawn position.

Abstract: A guide groove provided in an inner lower cord of a bridge section of a portable bridge includes an extruded profile section which is comprised of a vertical strip having an upper end and a lower end, and being composed of, over its entire height in at least a partial cross section thereof, a homogeneous material; and an upper wall section extending from the upper end of the vertical strip and a lower wall section extending from the lower end of the vertical strip. The guide groove has an increased service life when the vertical strip has a thickness in cross section which is reduced at the center portion of the bridge section over at least a part of the length of the bridge section in respect to at least one of the end portions of the bridge section. The guide groove is repairable by a method in which an insertion element is replaced, the insertion element being provided over a part of the length of the bridge section in which the thickness in cross section of the vertical strip is not reduced.

Abstract: A module for constructing a modular bridge suitable for use in both a dry span and a floating role comprising a buoyant structure having interconnection apparatus for connecting the module end to end to an adjacent similar module to form a bridge and having one or more link members which are releasably securable to the underside of the bridge module by link securing apparatus. Each link is provided at one end with a double limb connection member and at the other with a complementary single limb connection member, both provided with holes for insertion of a pin to connect two links from adjacent bridge modules together. The releasably securable link members are removed from a bridge assembled for a floating role to reduce redundant weight.

Abstract: Movable ground supports, which are folded out either manually or hydraulically, are arranged at the tip of the launching support in devices for laying collapsible bridges. An inflatable container (6) is integrated in the structural part (2) of the launching support (8), and the container acts as a movable support in the filled state. A release mechanism (10) arranged in the vicinity of the container ensures that the medium--compressed air or nitrogen--will escape from the inflated container (6) when the end of the bridge (5) has completely reached the bearing (9) after advancing forward.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching inflatable fascines comprising a conveyor system to which uninflated fascines are attachable for delivery to a launching region and an inflator to effect inflation and launch of the fascines. The conveyor (2) comprises a number of rigid conveyor members (12), each of which constitutes a fascine support location. At each of the support locations a packaged fascine (24), comprising a deflated fascine (23) housed between a backing plate (25) and a frangible or hingeable containment member (26), is attachable. The packaged fascines (24) may also contain a reservoir of pressurized gas (32) for inflation purposes. The conveyor (2) is connected via drive wheels (9) to a motor (6) such that the support locations carrying the packaged fascines (24) are sequentially delivered to a fascine launching region (14).

Abstract: A launching ramp for boats, float planes and the like has several ramp segments that are in normal use of the ramp, generally aligned and sloping downwardly into a body of water. To enable the easy removal of the ramp from the body of water, the ramp segments are hinged and equipped with stops so that when a cable is connected to the outermost end of the ramp, pulling in on the cable will pivot the outermost end segment upwardly until the stops limit this pivotal movement with respect to the next segment, whereupon the second segment will pivot upwardly to its stop position and so on. As the cable is drawn in, the ramp is rolled up towards the shore. The installation of the ramp is a reverse process of unrolling the ramp into the water. With appropriate modification the ramp may be used as a roll-up dock.

Abstract: In a heavy structure e.g. a bridge which includes an element liable to low frequency vibration during erection, i.e. when the structure is unstable, another element which is an integral structure part after erection is used as the mass of a dynamic absorber for damping this vibration. In the example given, a launch rail (46) for erecting a bridge across a river is cantilevered out over the river, after which a support leg (50) is extended by means of an integral jack to engage the ground and form a stable structure. The support leg includes a lower part (54) which is suspended during erection from the upper part of the leg through a gas spring, with the gas spring and the mass of the lower part together constituting a dynamic absorber for the lauch rail during erection. After erection, structural loads are transmitted directly to the lower leg part via a trunnion.

Abstract: A spanning beam structure for clearing breaches by vehicles, having a locking member including at least one pair of locking shafts made fast to a raisable access jib and to a central box, respectively, of the spanning beam while extending longitudinally of the central box along the same axis in the locked position of the access jib and two jaw-like members gripping round to confronting heads of both locking shafts.

Abstract: A deployable bridge includes a plurality of identical bridge sections each having two identical track elements. Each track element has a roadway carrier, a bottom boom and adjustment elements connecting the bottom boom with the roadway carrier. The bottom boom of each track element includes a mid section and two end sections flanking the mid section. Each track element further comprises pillars having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the pillars is articulated to the mid section of the bottom boom. Each track element also has a drive shaft assembly suspended from the track element; spindle sleeves inserted on the drive shaft assembly; and a spindle head threadedly mounted on each spindle sleeve. The pillars are articulated by the second end thereof to a respective spindle head.

Abstract: A folding bridge comprising the two sections (27 and 28) hinged together about a hinge pin (43). The hinge being arranged such that when the bridge is folded together for transportation the sections (27 and 28) at least partially nest inside one another in order to reduce the overall height of the folded bridge. The invention also provides a folding bridge in combination with a vehicle for launching and recovering the bridge.

Abstract: An arrangement for laying a bridge, in which a vehicle carries a plurality of track support sections of a bridge to be laid. The vehicle has a laying device which includes a laying support with cantilevering rails traveling on rollers. Telescoping stays are located at ends of the laying support, and a left-side track-laying device and a right-side track-laying device are mounted on telescoping shafts. The telescoping shafts are displaced hydraulically across the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Each of the track-laying device on the laying support has provision for placing the track support sections. A piston-and-cylinder is located on arms mounted at ends of a horizontal one of the shafts, whereas piston-and-cylinder is mounted on ends of a rear one of the shafts.

Abstract: A take-apart drive-over bridge with cantilevers between the drive-overs. The two sections of drive-over (4) associated with each section of the bridge constitute, along with the section of cantilever (5) between them, a transport unit and are simultaneously secured to the corresponding drive-over and cantilever sections of the adjacent bridge section by the bridge-laying system, which consists essentially of a vehicle (1), a latticework outrigger (2), a main boom (3.1), and an auxiliary boom (3.2), while the bridge is being assembled. The two sections of drive-over associated with each bridge section and the section of cantilever, which is in two halves, slide together for transport and apart for assembly.The two drive-overs and the cantilever have U-shaped latticework structural sections with uprights (11 or 16) and horizontals (12 or 19) at the top.The horizontals (19) and beams (15) are removable.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: The useful life and carrying capacity of an existing steel truss bridge are increased by adding a support arch assembly secured to the truss structure. In the preferred embodiment the support arch structure assembly includes arch members running along each side of the bridge. Each arch member includes two spaced arch sections, each arch section including end-to-end beams, preferably channel beams, forming an arcuate path. The web portions of the arch beams are secured to hangers of the truss structure, one arch section extending on the inboard side of the hangers, the other section extending on the outboard side. Additional floor beams may be added, along with corresponding additional hangers which can be secured to the arch beams. The support arch assemblies may be post-tensioned by tension bars connected between opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The gooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.