Superimposed Three-dimensional Units Patents (Class 52/637)
  • Patent number: 11306492
    Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a load bearing ledger fitting, a modular header beam, a perimeter safety deck, a multi-purpose bearing plate, and a mega-shore bearing plate of an integrated construction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Apache Industrial Services, INC
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Chevis
  • Patent number: 10760293
    Abstract: This invention relates to lattice tower for actuate under high load conditions, more particularly to lattice towers utilized for wind turbines and other applications comprising three metallic legs arranged in a triangular configuration around a vertical axis of the lattice tower, wherein each metallic leg has a closed cross-section profile, a distance between the center of metallic legs in a bottom portion of the tower is greater than 4 meters, an angle of inclination of a central longitudinal axis of each metallic leg in relation to the vertical axis of the tower is between ?1.7 degree and +1.7 degrees, and the height of the lattice tower is greater than 60 meters, a plurality of bracing members and auxiliary bracing members and a support platform disposed at a top portion of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SECCIONAL BRASIL S/A
    Inventors: Paulo Emmanuel de Abreu, Odilon Antonio Camargo do Amarante
  • Patent number: 9976815
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger including a heat exchanger core of a first material, the method including additive manufacturing a sacrificial scaffold of a second material, the sacrificial scaffold corresponding in shape to that of the heat exchanger core, coating the sacrificial scaffold with a layer of the first material, and removing the sacrificial scaffold to leave behind the heat exchanger core with an integrated self-aligned passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignees: HRL Laboratories, LLC, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Roper, David Page, Randall C. Schubert, Christopher J. Ro, Arun Muley, Charles Kusuda
  • Patent number: 9719267
    Abstract: A vertical member of a modular scaffolding system includes a securing rosette provided in an upper section having a reduced diameter to provide a pre-determined modular connection. The vertical member includes an elongate intermediate section forming the majority of the vertical member of a first diameter greater than the reduced diameter. The intermediate section at a lower edge includes an integral spigot of the reduced diameter. A reinforcing sleeve is fixedly secured to the upper section above the rosette and forms a spigot receiving socket. The vertical member has higher capacity due to the larger diameter intermediate section while maintaining modularity of the scaffolding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Athos Construction Products Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20150143769
    Abstract: A steel-frame building, which is installed permanently next to a stand-alone heavy structure and which can reduce a construction cost, a plant including the steel-frame building, and a method for assembling a steel-frame building are provided. The steel-frame building is installed permanently next to a stand-alone heavy structure, and includes a gantry frame which is used for pulling the whole of the stand-alone heavy structure to stand up. The gantry frame may be used for carrying in other devices to be housed in the steel-frame building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Naoshige YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 9032689
    Abstract: A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventors: Joe Yustus, Marcus Jones
  • Patent number: 8844238
    Abstract: A support member for supporting a reinforcement material in a composite structure comprises a base member and first and second vertical leg members on opposing sides of the base member. The first and second vertical leg members have a first height relative to the base member. The first and second vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material. Third and fourth vertical leg members are on opposing sides of the base member and have a second height relative to the base member different from the first height of the first and second vertical leg members. The third and fourth vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Concrete Countertop Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Joseph Baldoni, Dario Joseph Baldoni
  • Publication number: 20140174018
    Abstract: A connector for a column segment, such as a boom segment, of a crane includes n extensions, where n is a positive integer. Each extension has a first base and an aperture extends through the extension from a first side to a second side. The first connector also includes at least (n+y) plates, where y is selected from the group consisting of (?1, +1) such that the sum of (n+y) is a positive integer. The plate or plates are positioned in and coupled to the extensions in an alternating arrangement. Each plate includes a plate base aligned substantially in a plane with the first base of the extension to form a first connector mounting surface. A plurality of welds couple the plates to the extensions and the fabricated connector is then welded to the column segment. At least one extension is formed of steel having a grain structure elongated in a direction of rolling that is substantially perpendicular to the first base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Walker, David J. Pech
  • Patent number: 8713888
    Abstract: A roof panel structure having a purlin comprising a truss, the truss having a substantially horizontally disposed top surface. A nailer board is attached to the top surface, and a first subpurlin is attached to the nailer board and is extends at least partly along the top surface such that the first subpurlin is arranged to be supported by the top surface. The nailer board is arranged vertically on the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph K. Glenn
  • Patent number: 8534024
    Abstract: A stage comprising a support structure, a stage platform supported by the support structure and a fenced enclosure provided above the stage platform. The support structure includes an upstanding central support column; upstanding outer support columns provided around the central support column substantially equidistant from the central support column with adjacent pairs of the support columns all substantially equidistant; main beam members each extending between the central support column and a respective one of the outer support columns; and transversal beam members each extending between a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns. The main beam members are fixedly anchored to the central and outer support columns and the transversal beam members are coupled to support channels of the outer support columns while remaining slidable relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michel Messier
  • Patent number: 8356448
    Abstract: Provided is a movable tensegrity structure capable of performing bending operation, twisting operation, contracting operation, etc. by itself. The movable tensegrity structures (1, 1*, 10) is constituted by combining a plurality of rigid members (2, 11) and tension members (3, 12) for connecting the end points (E, F) of the rigid members (2, 11), respectively. The tensegrity structure is characterized in that all or a part of the plurality of tension members (3, 12) is formed of a contraction-controllable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nihei
  • Patent number: 8333209
    Abstract: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: ProDelta Investments b.v.
    Inventors: Kamal Daas, Doron Livnat
  • Patent number: 8302363
    Abstract: An interlocking support structure has an array of rectangular cells arranged in at least one layer, each cell having four sides, opposite ends, and eight corners, and sharing common sides and corners with any adjacent cells. The cells are formed by sets of spaced, parallel elongate members extending in x, y and z directions, with the x, y and z members interlocked with one another at the corners of the cells to form interlocking corner joints. Each structural member is hollow at least in the vicinity of each corner joint with which it intersects, and communicates with the other structural members at the respective corner joints. A plug of hardened, initially flowable material fills the hollow interior of the interlocking structural members at least at the corner joints and adheres to the internal surfaces of the members at the corner joints to secure the members together at each corner in the rectangular array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ebert Composites Corporation
    Inventor: David W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8132391
    Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gossamer Space Frames
    Inventor: Glenn Alan Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8028490
    Abstract: A polymeric chair having a rebar cradle and legs of a T-shaped or U-shaped cross-section diverging downwardly from the cradle. The outer surface portions of the legs define segments of a cone. Inwardly extending web portions reinforce the legs. Feet at the distal ends of the legs are disposed to the inside of the outer surface portions. A flat sand plate for the chair has radially extending slots formed therethrough which are proportioned for snug engagement with side surfaces of the feet. The slots are elongate to accommodate different sized chairs having feet spaced at varying radial dimensions. The web portions taper to optimize their reinforcing function and conserve material. In one embodiment, a ring is formed integrally with the legs intermediate the table and the distal ends of the legs. The chair is of a unitary construction and may have an integrally formed strap for extension over the cradle to secure a rebar in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: MMI Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Kelly, Stephen L. Miller, Richard L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8011162
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction. At least a first linked segment is connectable with a second linked segment that is not immediately adjacent to the first segment within the chain. The chain may be converted to the rigid structure by wrapping the chain about an axis extending in the second direction. The segments may include an overall height and further include a coupling that is connected to an adjacent segment. The coupling may be disposed so that the adjacent segment is offset about 1/Nth of the overall height. With this coupling, the first segment may be connectable with the second segment that is N segments separated from the first segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Clint Overby
  • Patent number: 7992353
    Abstract: A hub joint includes a metal rod and pin for joining tubular members in three-dimensional space for assembling a frame structure. The hub joint enables rapid assembly, rapid reconfiguration, and rapid disassembly without using any specialized tools. Multiple hub joints may be used to form geodesic domes, freestanding trusses, space frame slabs, tetrahedrons, and pentahedrons. The hub joints allow different frame configurations that are lightweight, strong, durable, scalable, expandable, and portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan P. Athan
  • Patent number: 7941986
    Abstract: The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Safway Services, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Jolicoeur, Roy Scrafford, Clifford Westrick, Dave Gordon, Tom Silic, Edward Tifft, Mathieu Grumberg
  • Patent number: 7874115
    Abstract: A modular floor including a pair of main beams, at least one cross beam and a floor panel. The pair of main beams each has an attachment structure. The attachment structure includes a first support section, a second support section and a channel that extends between the first and second support sections. The first and second support sections have a convex upper surface. The at least one cross beam engages the main beams to retain the main beams in a stationary position with respect to each other. The floor panel has ends that each have a recess that is shaped complementary to the upper surfaces of the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Martin E. Thiede
  • Patent number: 7870628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Zachary M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7779599
    Abstract: The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Safway Services, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Jolicoeur, Roy Scrafford, Clifford Westrick, Dave Gordon, Tom Silic, Edward Tifft, Mathieu Grumberg
  • Patent number: 7743577
    Abstract: A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) and method of making same wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and flat apices (6) at their respective ends. The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) is crimped and clamped onto the chords (2) so as to clamp the struts (1) to the chords (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Melvin L. Ollman, Larry Hunsicker
  • Patent number: 7596921
    Abstract: A stud spacer for use in a wall structure. The stud spacer includes a pair of opposed projections. The respective projections of the stud spacer interconnect with similar projections from adjacent stud spacers to form an interconnected series of stud spacers that extend through the studs that comprise the wall structure. When connected, each projection extends through an opening in an adjacent projection and a locking surface or locking tab associated with one projection seats in or against a stop or seat formed in the other projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael Torres, Thomas Trestain
  • Patent number: 7516590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular HD (Heavy Duty) support system (1) having a strongly increased resistance to breaking strain and strain of flexure for the support of very huge and heavy shuttering for use in modern building. This module comprises vertical upright assembly systems (2) consisting of upright elements (2?) with connecting members (3) and intermediate frames (5). The bottom part and/or top part of each upright assembly (2) is provided with a spindle assembly (4), which is capable of carrying a high load and with adjustable butterfly nuts (20) and coupling pieces (21). In upward direction the upright assembly systems (2) are extended by means of connecting pieces (3) provided with locking pins (8a, 8b) for obtaining a connection which is resistant to tensile strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Scafom International B.V.
    Inventor: Frans Brinkmann
  • Publication number: 20090025330
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Zachary M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7451580
    Abstract: A polymeric chair having a rebar cradle and legs of a T-shaped cross-section diverging downwardly from the cradle. The outer surface portions of the legs are arcuate and define segments of a cone. Inwardly extending web portions reinforce the legs and provide feet at the distal ends of the legs disposed to the inside of the outer surface portions. A flat sand plate for the chair has radially extending slots formed therethrough which are proportioned for snug engagement with side surfaces of the feet. The slots are elongate to accommodate different sized chairs having feet spaced at varying radial dimensions. The web portions taper to optimize their reinforcing function and conserve material. In one embodiment, a ring is formed integrally with the legs intermediate the table and the distal ends of the legs. The chair is of a unitary construction and may have an integrally formed strap for extension over the cradle to secure a rebar in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: MMI Management Services LP
    Inventors: David L. Kelly, Stephen L. Miller, Richard L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7448103
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Zachary M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7228670
    Abstract: An improved structural truss (3) and method of making same having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein the apices (6) form an inverted U-shape at a cross-section at the center of the strut (1). The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Melvin L. Ollman
  • Patent number: 7159365
    Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jerome A. Cohen
  • Patent number: 6871469
    Abstract: For a lateral face of the lattice girder, defined by an upper chord and a lower chord, the triangulation comprises compression bars substantially perpendicular to the chords, oblique tension bars of smaller length connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, and other oblique tension bars of greater length, also connecting the top of a compression bar to the lower chord, at a point located further ahead toward the base of the next compression bar. This triangulation is used, in particular, for the jib and counterjib elements of tower cranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Potain
    Inventors: Michel Lissandre, Jean-Pierre Gautier
  • Publication number: 20040237451
    Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches may have curved parallel sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: William L. Elderson
  • Patent number: 6568134
    Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kerney
  • Publication number: 20030014928
    Abstract: A componentized, three dimensional, self-aligning, self-engineering building system for homes and similar constructions involving a plurality of individual, separately installable components of predetermined height selectively arranged, positioned and secured to each other in side-by-side relationship along the perimeter of and also secured on a previously prepared flat supporting surface for a home; and modeling blocks representing the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kerney
  • Patent number: 6408587
    Abstract: A structural member, e.g. a truss for erection of temporary structures, comprises a number of elongate elements disposed in spaced generally parallel relationship to one another with transversely extending elements therebetween, and an element extending longitudinally of the structural member has a formation extending lengthwise of it for engagement by an attachment member which is to be retained to the longitudinally extending element at any of a range of positions therealong. The attachment member may provide for connection of a safety element to the structural member, and be freely movable therealong in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Total Fabrications Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Patrick Noel Cronin, Neil Howard Darracott
  • Patent number: 6405830
    Abstract: A scaffold toeboard system for use on a scaffold where the system includes a bracket attachable to a horizontal scaffold frame member, a first sleeve attached to the bracket, where the sleeve has at least one slot, and a toeboard having two ends, with each end having a clip section which is insertable into the sleeve slot, and a lock, where the lock is a second sleeve slidable with respect to the first sleeve and which engages with the clip section to prevent removal of the toeboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Deltak Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Yates Westley Hayman
  • Publication number: 20020023349
    Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Bernard Joseph Kennelly, John Edwin Griffith
  • Patent number: 6253520
    Abstract: A structure for use in structural, load bearing construction is made from cold rolled shapes and/or shaped from structural grade sheet metals or structural shapes. The structure includes interlocking box trusses containing core members held by four web members in perpendicular alignment and pairs of parallel spaced chord members as well as facing units. Each web member and each chord member has a plurality of alternating, tapering, and projecting teeth and transverse strikes on transverse edge faces and at least one of the opposing primary faces. Each projecting tooth has a shape of a truncated pyramid with a taper on three sides of an inverted trapezoid base and with orthographic projection of a greater side, and has facets joined with at least one primary face at obtuse angles, a distance between the facets at the juncture with the primary face being less than at other respective facets. Chord members are aligned and interconnected with respective chord members of adjacent box trusses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Edward E. Houk
  • Publication number: 20010004823
    Abstract: A structural member, e.g. a truss for erection of temporary structures, comprises a number of elongate elements disposed in spaced generally parallel relationship to one another with transversely extending elements therebetween, and an element extending longitudinally of the structural member has a formation extending lengthwise of it for engagement by an attachment member which is to be retained to the longitudinally extending element at any of a range of positions therealong. The attachment member may provide for connection of a safety element to the structural member, and be freely movable therealong in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher Patrick Noel Cronin, Neil Howard Darracott
  • Patent number: 6167670
    Abstract: A system for building shaft casing for dumb-waiters in a building structure with prefabricated assemblies that are readily stackable over each other. One lower, middle and top assemblies constitute the minimum combination typically used in going from one floor to the next. However, the middle and upper assemblies can be repeated depending on the structure where the system is installed. The assemblies include each four elongated corner members with respective ends that receive connecting pin members that permit the structurally stable stacking up of the assemblies. A central and continuous passage is defined. The lower assembly includes two apertures with adjacent compartments within the central passage one to have access to the dumbwaiter and the other one to access the motor and control means. The top assembly has an aperture to provide access to the sprocket mechanism used with the chain that suspends the dumbwaiter within the shaft casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: John Reite, John David Reite
  • Patent number: 6076324
    Abstract: An integrally formed three-dimensional truss structure, including molds and methods for production of same, containing outer top and bottom plane surfaces thereof comprising interconnected rod segments integrally formed at their points of intersection on the outer top and bottom surfaces, the top and bottom surfaces also integrally joined together through additional interconnected rod segments passing through an integrally formed intersection, wherein the additional interconnected rod segments passing through the integrally formed intersection form a three-dimensional continuous array of triangles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Nu-Cast Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Daily, Daniel A. Lees, Dennis Donald McKitterick
  • Patent number: 5962150
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Jonathan Aerospace Materials Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Priluck
  • Patent number: 5921048
    Abstract: A structural member having greatly enhanced load bearing capacity per unit weight has a plurality of helical components wrapped around a longitudinal axis. The helical components have straight segments rigidly connected end to end in a helical configuration. In a basic repeating unit, three helical components have a common angular orientation, a common longitudinal axis, and are spaced apart from each other at equal distances. Another three reverse helical components also have a common angular orientation, a common longitudinal axis, and are spaced apart from each other at equal distances, but have an opposing angular orientation. These six helical components appear as a triangle when viewed along the axis due to the straight segments. An additional six helical are configured as above but rotated with respect to the first six components such that the member appears as a six-pointed star when viewed from the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Larry R. Francom, David W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5802772
    Abstract: A releasable joint for joining two construction elements of a transportable construction. Also a construction element adapted for use in making the releasable joint, and a construction, such as a portable building or stage assembly, comprising a plurality of construction elements joined by the releasable joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Edwin Shirley Trucking, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Richard Burke, Oliver Charles Watts
  • Patent number: 5765248
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shore which has a durability with respect to loads not only in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction but also in a lengthwise direction, and which can be automatically folded without requiring extra work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Tatsuo Ono
  • Patent number: 5678375
    Abstract: A building framework comprises a plurality of steel girders, steel columns, and steel connecting members for joining at least one girder with at least one column to form the building framework. Further provided is a plurality of substantially flat coupling elements, each having opening therein, wherein at least one column and at least one connecting member each terminate with at least one coupling element. The coupling elements substantially match each other and extend outward beyond the outer wall of the column and of the connecting member for providing attachment therebetween. The girders, columns and coupling elements are reinforced with concrete extending through the coupling elements via the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Tuomo Juola
  • Patent number: 5679467
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Jonathan Priluck
  • Patent number: 5527590
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a wire lattice configuration. The structural material can manufactured by first weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. Once woven into arrays of parallel wires, the filament is fixed in position and cut into segments. The segments are then placed in a rig. The rig positions the segments at relative angles so as to form a matrix or mesh. In the final step of the manufacturing process, the wires are welded together using, for example, a forge press. Alternatively, the material can be formed by first holding wire segments in a pair of rigs and then sequentially welding the wire segments together. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multilaminate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Jonathan Priluck
  • Patent number: 5490364
    Abstract: A telescopic flare pipe tower supports a flare pipe several hundred feet above the base level and includes a bottom section in contact with the base that may be the ground or the platform or deck offshore. The bottom section has a door or opening through which tower section assemblies including a tower section and a flare pipe section are transported on a dolly travelling on a track and telescopically raised above the bottom section. Each tower section assembly includes a flare pipe that permits vertical movement relative to the tower section but substantially restricts lateral movement. Upon installation of the second tower section assembly below the superposed previously telescoped tower section assembly the flare pipe section may be raised by a jack positioned on the ground, the deck or other base level to move the flare pipe section up to the superposed flare pipe section for welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Dreco, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinod Desai, Richard E. Tesch
  • Patent number: 5487479
    Abstract: A longitudinally divisible crane boom segment includes at least a first and a second section that are easily nested together for transport. The sections each include at least one chord member, at least one bracket attached to the section, and a plurality of partial lacing elements. Each partial lacing element has a first end permanently attached to the at least one chord member and a second end. The second end of at least one of the plurality of partial lacing elements of the first section is connectable to a bracket attached to the second section to hold the sections in a nested fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Robert J. Walker, Michael J. Wanek
  • Patent number: 5412913
    Abstract: An improved joinder method and system which allow either individual vertical columns or prefabricated module assemblies which incorporate a plurality of said vertical columns to be quickly and accurately lowered into position on top of one or more similarly configured underlying columns. In one preferred embodiment the uppermost ends of the underlying columns comprise a portion of a similar previously installed module located immediately below the particular module being lifted into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Harold F. Daniels, David M. Williams