Abstract: Provided is a method for purifying ?-thrombin and for quantifying ?-thrombin and its degradation polypeptides in a liquid proteinatious solution. The method employs a one-step anion exchange chromatography method. The method allows purification and/or quantification of a homogenous post-translationally modified ?-thrombin. The method can also be used for purification and/or quantification of ?-thrombin.

Abstract: Unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In certain embodiments, the current invention includes unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements and uses thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In an embodiment, the current invention provides a method/ability to transform any four-bar compliant mechanism into a bistable compliant mechanism. It is an object of the current invention to facilitate structures morphing from one specific shape to another specific shape using unit cell bistable elements.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels, which provides for a quick and easy assembly. The ground mount system for photovoltaic panels includes at least two vertical supports, wherein attached to each vertical support are a T plate connected to a vertical support, a post frame connected to the T plate, and a kicker brace connected between the vertical support and the post frame. The ground mount system may further include a first C-Purlin connected to a first end of the post frame, to a second C-Purlin connected to a second end of the post frame, a purlin tie connected between the first C-Purlin and the second C-Purlin. Panel clamps secure a photovoltaic panel assembly to the mounting system.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a hat stiffener. The hat stiffener has a cap. The hat stiffener further has a first web and a second web extending from opposite ends of the cap. The first web and the second web are non-linear and include at least one canted portion. The hat stiffener further has a first flange extending outwardly from a first web base portion and a second flange extending outwardly from a second web base portion.

Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A device supporting a first and a second element of a piece of space equipment. The device includes at least two deployable flexible arms each having a first end and a second end, the ends are secured respectively to the first and second elements and each designed to adopt at least one initial position folded in curves and an unfolded final position, in which positions they hold the first element away from the second element by first and second chosen distances respectively, the second distance being greater than the first.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace.

Abstract: A segmented end shape for an elongate, parallel-sided wooden web for a roof truss, suitable for use in the Turb-O-Web method of roof truss construction, is shaped as a series of three or more substantially straight facets to approximate a notional part circle, preferably a semicircle having an endpoint coinciding with an endmost point of said web. The end shape includes an irregular part polygon having an end point coinciding with the endpoint of the notional part circle, and wherein junctions between one or more adjacent facets of the polygon lie outside the notional part circle and a part of one or more facets lie inside the notional part circle.

Abstract: An indirectly prestressed concrete roof-ceiling construction is a prefabricated element for constructing large-span industrial buildings. The construction includes a distinctly wide and thin concrete soffit plate and an upper concrete girder of an inverse “V”-shaped cross section, interconnected by slender steel pipe-rods that are used to stabilize the upper girder against lateral buckling and to prevent the plate and the girder from getting closer or further away from each other. Prestressing of the soffit plate causes compression in the upper girder which passively (indirectly) pushes the ends of the construction, acting on some eccentricity over the center of gravity of the cross section, causing rotation of its ends, bending in that way the soffit plate upwards. There are two efficient methods of prestressing these constructions.

Abstract: An eaves beam for a glazed roof system includes a base member and an upper member. The base member includes a base plate adapted to rest on a building wall and includes upstanding wall members. The base member can be fastened from the top into the wall with the fastener extended between the two upstanding wall members. In turn, the upper portion of the eaves beam includes downwardly extended legs which are adapted to fit over the base member and are fastened to the base member by screws extended laterally through the legs into the base member. This facilitates installation of the eaves beam and allows the roof to be pre-assembled, taken to the work site and installed.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: A prestressed, roof-ceiling construction with flat-soffit for constructing an industrial large-span building with a bearing plane-space by assembling pre-fabricated elements. A problem of constructing flat-soffit, finished ceilings in large-span buildings is solved whereby besides an aesthetic ceiling look, the heating volume is reduced, ventilation is ensured and an isolated loft space is provided through which all kinds of installations can be guided. The construction includes a wide and thin concrete plate with a two-part upper, steel construction, interconnected by vertical elements. The construction is twice prestressed by two independent methods. The soffit concrete plate is prestressed centrally in the mould and after the plate concrete is hardened, the upper steel construction is prestressed by pushing apart, at the midspan, the steel separated halves which are then connected.

Abstract: A roof framing system includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket attaches a first rafter and a second rafter to a ridge beam. The second bracket attaches a third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam. The first bracket and/or the second bracket includes one or more projections for interlocking with the other one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the second bracket can be moved between a fixed position and a released position by moving the second bracket relative to the first bracket to attach the third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam.

Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.

Abstract: For a truss, a hinge assembly for connecting truss members that form the truss. The hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate having a first boss formed thereon and a second hinge plate having a second boss formed thereon. The second boss defines an opening for pivotal receipt of the first boss. The hinge assembly also includes a retainer for maintaining the pivotal receipt of the first boss in the second boss. When the first hinge plate is attached to a first portion of a truss and the second hinge plate is attached to a second portion of a truss, the first and second truss portion can be pivoted relative to each other to enable portions of the truss to be collapsed for transporting purposes.

Abstract: Roof bracing, and a braced roof structure including the bracing located at the junction of dihedral surfaces of the roof structure which meet at a dihedral angle determined by trusses in a roof framing system. The bracing includes a pair of elongate braces each having a web and a flange extending from an edge of the flange. The web is bendable relative to the flange. The braces can be applied with their flanges in back-to-back engagement and with the webs extending laterally outwardly generally at the dihedral angle for generally flatwise engagement of the webs with the trusses. The braces also function as beams to support the roofing against upward and downward loads on the roofing.

Abstract: A roof jack system that provides a safety barrier that is conveniently installed upon and removed from a pitched roof. The roof jack system includes a guard assembly that is releasably attachable to an auxiliary support assembly of a first embodiment of the present invention that is secured to an existing roof jack. Alternatively, the guard assembly is releasably attachable directly to a roof jack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A shelter may be readily assembled or disassembled from a plurality of identical shelter supports. Each shelter support is formed from an outer beam placed in a divergent relationship to an inner beam. The converging ends of each beam are capped by a first end member. The diverging ends of each beam are capped by a second end member. The second end member forms an acute angle with the horizontal when the first end member is placed on the ground. Thus, with the first shelter support placed as a column support the second end member is presented for engaging a second end member of a second shelter as a roof support. The truss thus formed from the two shelter supports is joined at an apex portion with other similar trusses in various arrangements conveniently to form shelters of different shapes which can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Roofing brackets include a first leg that can be attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and can be attached to horizontal members of the roof structure and/or to a support surface. One or both of the first and second legs includes a plurality of preformed patterned holes having sizes that can receive fasteners. A roofing structure is fabricated using the roofing brackets.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of nine pre-fabricated structural members and two prefabricated connectors which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as columns. The connectors are right angle connectors; each employing a configuration of holes and slots for securing structural members to create a rigid attachment of rafters to columns. The same connectors can be employed to establish a shallow pitch or a steep pitch roof pitch through selection of the holes and slot positions used to bolt the structural frame together. Eave struts, purlins and girts are attached to mainframes and used to attach sheathing to the structural frame. Alternatively, a “V” shaped stiffener can be employed with the columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof construction, assembled from aluminium alloy extrusions and sections which may be cut on site to the appropriate dimensions. There is a ring beam, made from a channel and a ridge member in the form of a central extruded aluminium alloy central box member, the channel and member being essentially of the same section. Thus a relatively small number of different extrusions are required.

Abstract: A spline for joining two adjacent structural insulated panels each having an insulating core disposed between and joined to first and second outer facings includes a backer member attached to a metal strip by a conventional coupler such as an adhesive. The backer member and metal strip form an elongated, linear combination, and the outer surface of the backer member may be provided with a groove or slot extending the length thereof. The backer member slot facilitates bending or folding the backer plate and metal strip combination along the length thereof into two connected sections for use as a spline. The angled spline is used for connecting adjacent panels which may be oriented at a relative angle &agr;, where &agr;>0°, by placing each section of the spline in intimate contact with a respective panel along the lengths thereof. Conventional connectors such as screws or nails are inserted through each panel and its associated spline section to connect adjacent panels.

Abstract: A conservatory roof construction with a ridge member, glazing bars or rafters and two hip bars. Each hip bar has a track extending therealong. A connector plate connects to the track and is both slidable along the length thereof and is hingable with respect to a respective hip, glazing bars (or track rafters) which connect with the hip bars being configured to permit the connection of the connector plate thereto.

Abstract: A structural connector system for the assembly of structural panel buildings is provided. The system is adapted for use in association with structural panels including roof and wall panels. The system comprises a pair of adjustable roof ridge structural connectors each having a generally U-shaped side with flat faces receiving adjacent ends of roof panels and with arched adjustable components therebetween. An adjustable eave structural connector is positioned between the upper edges of wall panels and roof panels adjacent to the periphery. The eave structural connectors have generally U-shaped sides with flat faces receiving wall panels adjacent their upper edges and with regions coupled to a roof panel with adjustment components therebetween. The base structural connectors have generally U-shaped sides with flat faces receiving opposed exterior faces of wall panels adjacent to their lower ends. Remote components are fixably positionable with respect to the base.

Abstract: A construction system for building a steel frame using steel members. Rafters form a roof portion of the steel frame, and a ceiling joist having two ends forms a ceiling portion of the steel frame. Compression webs and tension webs, disposed between the rafters and the ceiling joists, distribute the load between the rafters and the ceiling joists. The tension webs are disposed between the rafters, the ceiling joists, and the compression webs, and inhibit distortion of the roof. A peak bracket connects two rafters and a compression web together. Eave brackets connect the two unconnected ends of the two connected rafters to the ends of the ceiling joist, such that each end of the ceiling joist aligns with one of the unconnected ends of the two connected rafters. Compression brackets connect the compression webs to the ceiling joist. A center bracket connects two of the tension webs and one of the compression webs to the ceiling joist.

Abstract: A truss pitch break connector plate having a main body portion. A first stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from one face of said main body portion along an arcuate first edge having an outer radius. A second stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from the opposite face of the main body portion along a arcuate second edge having inner radius. The main body portion preferably is generally sector-shaped but alternatively it may be circular. The overall arrangement is such that the pitch break connector plate will accommodate top chords of different sizes; and is capable of maintaining the top chords at any one of a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of nine pre-fabricated structural members and three prefabricated connectors which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as columns and top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The connectors are right angle connectors; each employing a configuration of holes and slots for securing structural members to create a rigid attachment of rafters to columns. The same connectors can be employed to establish a shallow pitch or a steep pitch roof pitch through selection of the holes and slot positions used to bolt the structural frame together. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame. Alternatively, a "V" shaped stiffener can be employed with the columns.

Abstract: A truss for use as support for a sloped roof of a building. The truss can be a collapsible metal truss. A method for assembling the truss is described. Each of the of the rafter and beam can include a metal chord all which chords lie in a first plane. Each of struts can include a metal chord located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. There are pivotal connections between various members. The chords of the truss can be moved into a collapsed position for storage and transport of the truss. The chords can be hollow tubes of generally rectangular cross section. The pivotal connections can be nut and bolt connections. The rafter and beam chords can be connected at an eave end to each other by a metal member, and the truss can include an eave extension member.

Abstract: A pitch break connector is provided. The pitch break connector has an outside and inside rigid member. Each member has a first generally U-shaped channel defined by a spine member between first and second legs. Each member has a first and a second pivot end portion. A hinge pivotally connects the inside and outside members through the pivot end portions in a generally longitudinally opposing position. In this configuration, the first and second end portions of the inside member can be pivotally accepted into a cavity defined by the generally U-shaped channel of the outside member when the members are pivoted about the hinge.

Abstract: A retrofit roof riser subframing support assembly for attaching a new roof over an existing roof wherein the new roof has a slope independent of the slope of the existing roof. The assembly can include a series of spaced apart rows of roof support members having one end attachable to the new roof structure and another end mountable on the existing roof. Each row of roof support members can have a different height such that the difference in height between the tallest row and the shortest row defines the slope of the new roof. Each roof support member can include at least one fixed length post member having one end retained in a socket portion of a mounting member which is mountable on the existing roof. The other end of the post member can have a purlin clip rotatably connected thereto. The purlin clip can be rotated to the desired angle, locked in place, and attached to the new roof structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a ridge beam apparatus which is adjustable to receive roof halves in a variety of roof pitches. Such adjustability results from inner and outer sleeves which may rotate about each other through a reasonable range of pitches. The apparatus is suitable for manufacture through the extrusion process.

Abstract: A method of attaching to at least one bearing beam of a building. A clip with a blocking tab is attached to the bearing beam, and a roof assembly with two pivotally attached frames is unfolded and lowered. Each frame has a blocking member, and the roof is lowered so that the blocking member contacts the blocking tab and restrains the roof assembly from unfolding further. A roof has two parallel bearing beams, clips attached to each bearing beams, and a roof assembly. Each clip has a ramp and a blocking tab. The roof assembly has two pivotally attached frames, and each frame has a rafter and a blocking member. Each rafter rests on a ramp, and each blocking member is attached to a blocking tab.

Abstract: A panel support assembly apparatus for supporting panel members used in a new roof assembly is disclosed. The panel support assembly provides the ability to support a new roof assembly over underlying support structure, which may be a preexisting roof assembly such as a built up roof. An adjustable support spacer supports a new roof assembly over underlying support structure and has base support members disposed in a first direction over the underlying support structure. A support spacer is disposed in a second direction substantially normal to the direction of the base support members. Further, web spacer means support the support spacer and include attachment means for connecting the web spacer means to the base support members and top support means for connecting the web spacer means to the support spacer, thereby rigidly securing the support spacer in the first and the second directions.

Abstract: An adjustable truss is made up of a chain of truss elements sharing common edges. Pairs of adjacent elements are pivotally joined at their common edges, these shared edges acting as hinges. Tension cables are slidably received at the ends of each hinge. The truss can be erected by providing tensile forces in the tension cables. The precise angle of a specific hinge is controlled by actuators driving mechanical linkages connecting the adjacent truss elements associated with that hinge. The mechanical linkages serve to guide the amount of the forces from the cables which are applied to the hinge. In this way, the truss as a whole can be adjusted through an infinite range of configurational changes in three dimensions. The tension cables can be clamped at each hinge end, locking the selected hinge angles and pre-stressing the overall structure. In this way, the truss elements bear the compressive loads, while the cables bear the tensile loads.

Abstract: A system for lifting and supporting a roof including a jack and a pair of jack mounting brackets. One of the mounting brackets is attached to a roof truss and the other of the mounting brackets is attached to a ceiling joist. The jack extends between the mounting brackets, and has reduced diameter ends which are received within enlarged openings in the mounting brackets.

Abstract: Inflatable, air supported frames may be employed to support a variety of structures, including tents. The inflatable frames are composed of one or more elongated inflatable air chambers to which are coupled plural restraints that prevent full extension of components of the frame upon inflation. The restraints cause the inflated frame to kink and form an angle at the location of the restraints. Consequently, the restraints work to define angled portions of the frame. The restraints may be adjusted to alter the configuration of the frame. As a result, one can stabilize the structure on uneven terrain or to cause the frame to assume multiple conformations.

Abstract: A hinge structure having a leaf having knuckles so formed that leaves having two identical such knuckle structures can be joined together to form a hinge, rather than requiring knuckle structures that are not identical. The hinge structure can have plates to hold beams in alignment to form a structure that is initially pivotal but, with the addition of other beams or structures, can be rigid and with the beams at any desired angle relative to each other.

Abstract: An adjustable camber truss comprising an upper chord member having opposed ends and being disposed to receive a load acting in one direction; a major support structure fixed to and subtending substantially the entire length of the upper chord member, the major support structure including a major king post fixed to the upper chord member at a post position proximate the midpoint between the opposed ends and extending therefrom in the one direction to a distal end and a pair of major tension members, each major tension member having a first end fixed to the upper chord member proximate a respective one of the opposed ends thereof and an axially opposed second end slidably extending through one end of a tube fixed to the distal end of the major king post and threadably receiving a nut for selective adjustment against one end of the tube.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a recovered second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: A roof includes a plurality of rafters each having at its upper end a connection and having at its lower end a fixing section, and a rod for retaining the rafters at predetermined intervals. The roof further includes a reinforcement material provided between the rafters, and an eaves trough extending along the periphery of the lower edge of the sheathing surface laid on the rafters. Accordingly, the labor hours required for, e.g., the positional change of the ridgepole or rafters when remodeling the conventional roof, are reduced, thereby enabling occupancy within the house under remodeling, as well as restraining the remodeling cost.

Abstract: An expandable-retractable portable structure is provided which is capable of being transported on public highways in its retracted position. The structure has a stationary portion and a movable portion, wherein the movable portion pivotally encloses the stationary portion of the structure in the retracted configuration of the structure. The movable portion of the structure carries a winch which when activated causes the movable portion to move from the expanded configuration to a retracted configuration by pivotally enclosing the stationary portion of the structure. The winch is reversed in direction to rotate the movable portion from the retracted to its expanded configuration wherein maximum interior space is available within the structure for use.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a reversed second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strut and bracket apparatus for mounting to a section of an overhead garage door, the strut and bracket combination being utilized to selectively impart the desired tensile forces to the section, thereby correcting or otherwise compensating for any misalignment or tendency for misalignment in the section. Specially shaped brackets are used along with hardened steel bolts to assure secure and safe attachment of the strut to the bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building truss having an intermediate flexible section and two end stiff sections. The truss is formed of upper and lower chord(s) with the lower chord(s) of the intermediate section having a plurality of lengths of tube slidably received over a tensioning cable. By tensioning the cable the truss is bowed upwardly to form an arcuate truss.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjustably attaching roof panels to the side walls of an enclosure and for securing the pitch of the roof panel with respect to the side walls after it has been established is disclosed. The apparatus includes a header support member which is placed on top of the side wall and has a longitudinally extending pocket therein. A header arm having a longitudinally extending yoke at one end thereof is received in the longitudinally extending pocket in the header support member. After the roof pitch has been established by rotating the yoke portion of the header arm within the pocket in the header support member, the header arm is fastened to the header support member to secure the roof pitch.

Abstract: A variable polyhedral framework made from at least two joined tetrahedrons hinged at their coincident base edges, which may thereby move easily through and be made rigid in many different configurations.

Abstract: An indoor jungle gym assembly comprises a plurality of paper pipes having a multi-wound cylindrical body formed on its surface with a synthetic resin film and a plurality of joints formed of a synthetic resin comprising a hollow columnar member provided around its inner center with ribs capable of being fitted over the paper pipe and extension extending at right angles with respect to the axis of the paper pipe and being able to be fitted in the paper pipe. The plurality of joints are of the L-shaped type having two extensions subtending therebetween an angle of 90 degrees, the T-shaped type having three extensions each one of which subtends an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the other, and the cross-shaped type having four extensions each one of which subtends an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-carrying structure for making volume-enclosing constructions for placing against buildings, and in particular for volume-enclosing constructions having an outside surface with at least two intersecting planes, with at least one of said planes being defined by two parallel load-carrying bars. In accordance with the invention, the line of intersection bars (5, 6) together with link means (11, 12, 13, 15) which are provided for interconnecting the intersection bars, said link means engaging in bar stubs and providing a pivot hinge. The invention is particularly applicable to providing glazed extensions to buildings.