Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic wall structure and a method of making and erecting same. The pneumatic wall structure includes an inner flexible tent sheet, a central flexible tent sheet and an outer flexible tent sheet. The inner, the central and the outer flexible tent sheets are arranged to form a two-layer wall structure comprising (i) an inner layer formed by the inner tent sheet and the central tent sheet and, (ii) an outer layer formed by the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet. The inner layer is inflatable and provides a main support structure for the wall structure, and the outer layer forms a convection space into which an ambient air is capable of flowing. The inflatable support tubes are arranged between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet to provide redundancy to the main support structure and to provide a spacer between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet.

Abstract: A method and lightweight apparatus (100) that provide linear actuation effected by the controlled inflation of a deployable tube (120) permits the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) to be guided out in a linear motion by a yoke (140) that constrains the inflated portion of the tube (120) immediately behind it A means for imparting resistance to deployment facilitates a smooth actuation by controlling both the rate and the directionality of deployment, and by maintaining a uniform internal pressure in the tube being deployed. A frame assembly (180) at the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) can be configured to interface with a variety of components to be linearly deployed.

Abstract: The pneumatic structural component according to the invention comprises an essentially cylindrical airtight hollow body (1) with radius rh and length Lh and two caps (5), which is made from a flexible, but low-stretch, preferably textile material. The hollow body (1) on its side exposed to the loading it carries a pressure rod (2) of length Lh, which is secured against sideways buckling and at both its ends carries a node (3). At least one pair of tension elements (4) is joined to the pressure rod (2) in the nodes (3). The tension elements (4) run screw-shaped and contra-rotating in a whole number of circuits around the hollow body (1) and intersect each other at positions (8), which lie on a surface line (7) opposite to the pressure rod (2). The pressure rod (2), the surface line (7) and the longitudinal axis of the hollow body, referenced A define a plane E in which the engaging loads and forces lie.

Abstract: An air beam structure having reduced weight, increased rigidity, and lower inflation pressure requirements. The structure includes a closed tubular cylindrical shell of air impermeable fabric having at least one inflation valve. Fixed within the shell is an “I” beam envelope comprised of flexible, air impermeable walls sealed to the interior of the shell. The “I” beam envelope extends the length of the shell and defines at least four air chambers in communication with the inflation valve. A quantity of compressible material is dispersed throughout the interior of the “I” beam envelope. When subjected to compressive forces by pressurization of the air chambers, the material becomes rigid. The filled envelope is either vented to atmosphere or connected to a vacuum source. The air beam is used in groups and may be connected one to another by sheet materials to form a wall or roof structure.

Abstract: A canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted by inflation and deflation, respectively. The canopy includes a plurality of beams arranged side by side, an apparatus for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, an apparatus for sliding the beams along a rigid beam and at least one orifice made in the wall of the rigid beam placing the apparatus for supplying pressurized-fluid-supply in communication with the inner space of the inflatable beams. The canopy also includes an apparatus for successive positioning of the inner space of each inflatable beam opposite the orifice of the rigid beam to guarantee inflation of the beams by the pressurized fluid from the upper beam to the lower beam and their deflation from the lower beam to the upper beam.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a mound of particulate material in outside storage from the effects of weather elements includes a flexible double-ply canvas having a top layer affixed to a bottom layer. The cover includes a plurality of individual bladders disposed between the top and bottom layers of the canvas, the bladders being spaced apart from and parallel to each other. Each bladder is connected to a next adjacent bladder with a flexible conduit. The cover further includes a plurality of inlet conduits coupled to respective bladders for filling selected bladders with water. Pressure-actuated check valves disposed in each flexible conduit between bladders allows water to flow from an upstream bladder into respective downstream bladders. Each bladder includes a discharge conduit for selectively draining each bladder. A plurality of straps and knobs are fixedly attached to the canvas such that the canvas may be folded and secured in a desired configuration when respective bladders do not contain water.

Abstract: The containment system of this invention is an enclosure that includes an air supported canopy having walls and flooring to enclose a portion or an entire structure. The canopy is generally a flexible, puncture, air impermeable, and cut resistant canopy supported by air beams and customized air bladders. Side and end flaps or tarps hang downward from the canopy and may be held outward from the structure by air bags. The air bladders are used to support the enclosure above the structure and to hold side flaps out and away from the structure. Lower air bladders can be used along lower edges if needed. A system of wire cables enclosed in smooth, lightweight casings, or equivalent, attached and secured to the air bladders provides for movement of the enclosure along the structure. The entire enclosure can be moved without disassembly and reassembly.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted, respectively, having a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams arranged side by side, a device for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a device for the foundation or ballasting of the canopy. Each of the inflatable beams is formed by a tubular envelope which is closed at its two ends by a mechanical leaktight confinement device.

Abstract: An inflatable umbrella for providing an umbrella that can be carried in one's pocket or purse.

Abstract: One or more inflatable tubes are used to support a self-erecting tent. If two or more tubes then they may have at least one cross over criss-crossed in the manner of conventional domed tent poles. The tube or tubes are secured or releasably secured to the tent so that the tent is self-erecting as the tube or tubes are inflated. When two or more tubes are employed, the tubes may be connected by an auxiliary tube so that forcing pressurized air into one tube results in all tubes inflating simultaneously. The ends of the tubes are self-sealing so as to accommodate relatively high air pressure within the tube, in the order of 20-30 pounds per square inch inflated pressure, thereby providing a significantly rigid structure from which the tent is suspended.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A method of producing an air beam having at least one curved portion, including braiding a sleeve having substantially regularly spaced axial fibers along the circumference thereof, taking-up the braided sleeve using at least one non-cylindrical take-up member, and inserting a gas-barrier tube into the sleeve.