Abstract: A construction system for mechanical metamaterials based on discrete assembly of a finite set of modular, mass-produced parts. A modular construction scheme enables a range of mechanical metamaterial properties to be achieved, including rigid, compliant, auxetic and chiral, all of which are assembled with a consistent process across part types, thereby expanding the functionality and accessibility of this approach. The incremental nature of discrete assembly enables mechanical metamaterials to be produced efficiently and at low cost, beyond the scale of the 3D printer. Additionally, a lattice structure constructed of two or more rigid, compliant, auxetic and chiral part types enable the creation of heterogenous macroscopic metamaterial structures.

Abstract: A framework includes at least three posts, and at least three connecting ribs between the posts. First ends of the posts define a first plane, and second ends of the posts, that are opposite to the first ends thereof, define a second plane. At least one of the posts is adjustable to define, in combination with a further post of the at least three posts and two connecting ribs between the adjustable post and the further post, an adjustable trapezium that is configured to set a relative orientation between the first plane and the second plane and to thereby set an orientation of an adjoining framework. A system in which a plurality of said frameworks are interconnected.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a platform for the space-saving formation of an energy conversion system. In this, containers are stacked one above the other as housings of components of the energy conversion system with the platform arranged between the containers, wherein the platform has a frame structure which has, on a first side, first alignment elements for placing the platform on a first container and, on a second side, opposite the first side, of the frame structure, second alignment elements for placing a second container on a placement area of the frame structure. The first and second alignment elements are arranged in such a way that they result in an arrangement, which is laterally centered and vertically spaced apart by a height (H) of the platform, of the second container above the first container, wherein the frame structure forms a standing area, which circumferentially surrounds the placement area and is walkable by persons, as access to the second container.

Abstract: A supporting frame for aerospace applications comprises a plurality of rods, which are arranged along two bases substantially parallel and opposite each other, and along two sides, which are substantially parallel and opposite to each other and are coupled to each other via the two bases; the rods are coupled to each other in a mutually rotating manner by nodes so as to be able to configure the supporting frame between a deployed operating condition and a compacted operating condition; the nodes are spaced apart from one another in the deployed operating condition and are each hinged to at least two of the rods; in the compacted operating condition, each of the nodes is placed side by side with two adjacent nodes so as to form, together, two supporting members arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the supporting frame and each being ring-shaped.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new method, system, and process for the repair and management of repair of a rack system. More specifically the present disclosure relates to using braces of standard sizes, pre-Certified or not, as part of a new method, and process for the onsite repair of slightly damaged elements of wholesale or storage rack systems and associated process of qualification and certification thereof. Shaped repair braces, designed to be mechanically superior to damaged pieces they replace, allow for the off-site pre-certification, off-site selection, and installation of these braces with a possibility of automatic or semi-automatic recertification of the repaired rack system when the brace is added. The process also allows for the use of one or a set of pre-certified braces and under a controlled process of determination of which brace can be used (using a software or not) and resulting in pre-certification of the system once the brace is successfully put in place.

Abstract: A bracket system for coupling an appliance to a cabinet structure includes a mounting bracket having an inner wall spaced-apart from an outer wall and a plurality of apertures is provided through the outer wall. The inner wall couples to the outer surface of the appliance in assembly. A trim member includes first and second mounting portions and an abutment portion inwardly offset from the first and second mounting portions. The first and second mounting portions each include a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough. An inner surface of the first mounting portion abuts the outer wall of the mounting bracket, such that the apertures disposed therebetween are aligned. The second mounting portion includes a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, and an outer surface of the second mounting portion is configured to abut the inner surface of the cabinet compartment for mounting thereto.

Abstract: A nursery rack that is used to ship plants is often necessary for growers and retailers to easily and quickly move large amounts of plants. The device will be equipped with a plurality of removable shelves that will rest on a plurality of hooks made for that purpose. The user can decide how many shelves and the distance between the shelves depending on the particular use that is anticipated. The device provides a means to lift the device using a forklift or palletjack.

Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.

Abstract: Safety brake for multi-segment telescopic mast of the type used in masts of lighting, surveillance or communication towers, having at least one retractable reel fixed jointly on the top of an external segment of the telescopic mast of the lighting, surveillance or communication tower, in which a tape, or rope is wound, terminated by its free end in a fixing piece, fixed jointly on the inner lower part of an internal segment of the telescopic mast, passing the tape, or rope in the gap between both segments, providing the retractable reel for winding and unwinding the belt, or rope, having to detect an acceleration greater than a preset in the removal of the tape, or rope, and having to block the tape, or rope in case of acceleration greater than a preset in the removal of the tape, or rope.

Abstract: A deployable Kiriform flexure includes first and second sections. The first section of the Kiriform flexure includes a plurality of curved fins arranged about a central axis. The second section of the Kiriform flexure includes a plurality of curved fins arranged about a central axis. Each fin of the second section is joined with a fin of the first section such that the first and second sections share a common central axis in a configuration that produces out-of-plane elastic buckling of the fins to actuate the Kiriform flexure from a substantially flat structure that extends substantially only in two dimensions orthogonal to the central axis to an expanded structure extending substantially in a third dimension parallel to the central axis when at least one of the first and second sections is rotated relative to the other section.

Abstract: A manhole guard, methods of assembling the same, and methods of using the same, are described. The manhole guard generally includes a plurality of sections connected for movement, the sections being capable of being locked into a fixed rigid structure through the use of a first arm and second arm that act independently of each other. The manhole guard may include a safety net attached to one or more sections of the manhole guard. The manhole guard may include attachable mounting brackets designed to facilitate the attachment of a first hoist device and/or first winch and include attachable mounting members designed to facilitate the attachment of a second hoist device and/or second winch.

Abstract: Foldable spaceframes that can be easily collapsed and unfolded to construct structurally stable (temporary) walls, for instance for events (concerts, shows, etc.) upon which (digital) display elements can be deployed, as well as a method for the construction of overlying structures comprising the spaceframes.

Abstract: A deployable membrane structure for an antenna comprises a membrane comprising a plurality of first regions of higher-stiffness material integrally connected via one or more second regions of lower-stiffness material, wherein the one or more second regions are formed from compliant material configured to permit the membrane to be folded into a collapsed configuration and subsequently unfolded into a deployed configuration, and are arranged so as to allow adjacent ones of the plurality of first regions to be folded so as to lie against one another. In some embodiments the membrane is formed of a composite material comprising a plurality of fibres in a compliant matrix, and the plurality of first regions comprise material with a higher fibre density than the one or more second regions. A deployable antenna comprising the deployable membrane structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved intermediate scaffold joint comprising a frame, a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a vertical stub. The frame has an interior side, an exterior side, and a top side. A lock member is slidable in the interior of the frame. The frame has a rear plate portion that has two openings to accommodate the engagement portions of a horizontal scaffold join, but lacks ½ annular cups.

Abstract: One cylindrical pipe is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portions of first and second holders made of hard plastic, and the other cylindrical pipe is inserted into the hollow semi-cylindrical portions. The first and second pipe holders are butted together at butt surfaces, respectively. The cylindrical pipe inserted into the butted hollow cylindrical portions is held in the hollow cylindrical portions using a clamping tool, and the cylindrical pipe inserted into a cylindrical portion that becomes hollow cylindrical by butting is held in the hollow semi-cylindrical portions using the clamping tool.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a horizontal scaffold truss that has upper and lower horizontal scaffold members offset but fixedly joined with braces. Each upper and lower members have a connector positioned on each end of the respective lower and upper members, where at least one of the connectors is pivotally mounted on the respective lower or upper connector, and the connecters are engageable with an annular member positioned on a vertical scaffold member.

Abstract: A central lock for a folding tent includes a central lock rod, an upper lock plate fixedly disposed at one end of the central lock rod, and a lower lock plate assembly detachably connected to the other end of the central lock rod. An elastic locking member and an unlocking mechanism used to control the elastic locking member to be locked are disposed in the lower lock plate assembly. The elastic locking member includes an arc-shaped portion provided integrally and two horizontal locking rods extending inwards from a gap of the arc-shaped portion. A lower end portion of the central lock rod is provided with a locking groove used in cooperation with the locking rod and a clamping and locking portion located at a lower end of the locking groove.

Abstract: A low cost, disposable bio-secure environment to temporarily hold, and where required to transport, patients who are suspected of having an infectious or contagious disease requiring contact, droplet and/or respiratory isolation precautions. The described Environmental Unit's unique design provides a unit that is disposable and relatively inexpensive. The frame is designed to integrate and adapt to various hospital stretchers and beds. The unit is large enough for a patient to sit up and allows movement of arms and legs and the ability to eat and drink while isolated on a bed.

Abstract: An extendable arm is comprised of a plurality of cross units arranged in one direction with adjacent ones of the cross units being pivotally coupled at their ends via end coupling shafts. Each of the cross units is comprised of first and second rigid members crossing each other in an X shape and pivotally coupled at their intersection via a middle coupling shaft. The extendable arm includes an engaging protrusion and an engaging recess which move toward each other as the extendable arm extends and fit together when the extendable arm extends to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A modular adjustable bed includes a bed frame unit, front and rear sliding frames disposed to be slidable on the bed frame unit, a head support frame pivotally mounted on the front sliding frame, a pair of prop links coupling the head support frame to a front frame of the bad frame unit, and a leg support frame pivotally mounted on the rear sliding frame. When the head support frame is driven to be displaced to a head elevated position from a head normal position, the front sliding frame is displaced to a front position from a rear position. The leg support frame can be driven to move from a leg normal position to a leg elevated position.

Abstract: Three structural components meet at a structural node for a motor vehicle bodywork. The structural components are fitted together from at least one outer part and one an inner part in each case. A reinforcement part is arranged in a hollow space formed in one of the structural components and is fixed to the inner part of at least a first structural part and the outer part of at least a second structural part.

Abstract: A tension compression structural unit and method of assembling structures that comprises endwise interlapping configuration of at least three elongate members into a tension compression structural unit whereby tensegrity is maintained by tensioning a first end of each elongate member against respective first ends of each other elongate member, in interlapped array, and then anchoring each second end of each elongate member—either onto a ground surface or by interlapped configuration with additional elongate members. A stable, domic structure is thus erectable without the need of additional tensioning elements such as wires or cables, for example.

Abstract: A building system that includes a modular panel with side members, at least one of the side members having an associated coupling for hooked connection with a corresponding shaped fixture of an adjacent structure, the coupling and fixture being adapted to be held together by a locking device that, when engaged, acts to lock the structure and the side member together and, when disengaged, allows for play between the panel and structure in order to free the panel from the structure.

Abstract: A space frame includes a plurality of support structures and a node member configured to couple with the plurality of support structures. The node member includes a base portion, a plurality of coupling members extending from the base portion, each of the plurality of coupling members configured to couple with each of the support structures, and a plurality of clamping members configured to couple each of the plurality of coupling members with each of the plurality of support structures.

Abstract: A truss assembly for use in building construction, comprising a first truss and one or more second trusses attached to the first truss to extend transversely to a face of the first truss upon erection of the truss assembly, wherein the or each second truss is hingedly connected to the first truss for swinging movement about a substantially vertical axis between a folded configuration in which the second truss lies adjacent the face of the first truss and an erected configuration in which the second truss extends transversely to said face.

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size.

Abstract: Reconfigurable, expandable-collapsible structures based upon negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) auxetic unit cells achieve rapidly deployable apparatus, devices and systems. A plurality of joint bodies, each joint body having a plurality of connection features, are coupled to interconnecting link members with opposing ends, each end including connection features that engage with the connection features of the joint bodies. The link members pivot about different axes relative to the joint bodies, thereby forming an expandable and collapsible structure having a height and a width. The link members form an array of geometric unit cells when the structure is expanded, and the height and the width of the structure when expanded are both greater than the height and the width of the structure when collapsed. In certain embodiments the structures have unit cells based upon triangles or bowtie shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flat screen television or monitor to a free standing display frame including a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the second elongate member being coupled to and arranged beside the first elongate member, a hook-shaped upper connector coupled to an upper end of the first elongate member, the upper connector including a first upper groove and a second upper groove, the first upper groove and the second upper grooves opening toward the first elongate member, and a generally foot-shaped lower connector coupled to a lower end of the first elongate member, the lower connector including a first lower groove and a second lower groove, the first lower groove and the second lower groove opening away from the first elongate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support module for a solar collector having a triangular substructure, formed by: a main structure intended to resist the torsional and bending forces of the collector, and an auxiliary structure that balances the assembly and supports the weight of the mirrors and the absorber tube. The main structure includes: a triangular substructure comprising rectangular pyramids and two half-pyramids at the ends, bars (5) joining the upper vertex of each pyramid (1) to the upper vertex (1) of the adjacent pyramid or to the upper vertex (1?) of the adjacent half-pyramid (1?), a diagonal bar (4) joining two opposite vertices of the base of each pyramid, and two king posts (6) located on each end of the triangular substructure. The auxiliary structure includes: arms (7, 7?), struts (8, 8?, 8?) for each arm (7, 7?), purlins (9) and supports (11) for the absorber tube (12).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit comprising a photosensitive drum configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis and a developer device configured to supply a developer agent to the photosensitive drum; a first frame made of a resin and formed in a shape of a plate, while the first frame is arranged on one end, along an axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; and a first beam made of a metal and formed in an elongated shape, while the first beam is arranged along and fixed to a planar face of the first frame, is provided. The first beam is arranged to overlap the image forming unit at a longitudinal central part thereof, when projected along the axial direction, while longitudinal ends of the first beam are arranged on outer sides of the image forming unit.

Abstract: A building frame module comprises first and second parallelogram-collapsible frame sections. Each frame section comprises: a plurality of elongate, rigid first frame members; and a plurality of elongate, rigid second frame members. Each second frame member is single-axis pivotally coupled at spaced apart locations to at least two of the plurality of first frame members and each first frame member is correspondingly coupled to at least two second frame members. The building frame module also comprises a plurality of elongate, rigid cross-link members. Each cross-link member links a second frame member of the first frame section to a second frame member of the second frame section. Each cross-link member is single-axis pivotally coupled to each second frame member that it links for relative pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable skirting frame includes a first frame rail; a second frame rail disposed in spaced-apart, parallel relationship to the first frame rail; a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel, length-adjustable studs pivotally carried by and extending between the first frame rail and the second frame rail; a plurality of center supports extending between adjacent pairs, respectively, of the plurality of length-adjustable studs; and a plurality of panel mounting spaces formed by and between the first frame rail, the second frame rail, the plurality of length-adjustable studs and the plurality of center supports.

Abstract: An improved agricultural spray boom having a primary section, a secondary section and a break away section is provided. The primary section has a top extrusion having a web and two tubes, each tube having a heat sink and a wing. No welds are located above the centerline of the tubes where stress would be the greatest. The secondary section is pivotally attached to the primary section. Weight of the second section and break away section cause a twisting force to be applied to the primary section. The primary section has specially oriented side braces which act in compression to resist the twisting force. The primary section further has a steel connector connected to the underside of the extrusions (and not welded to top of extrusions). The secondary section also has a top extrusion with a web and two tubes.

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 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.

Abstract: An office workwall assembly includes a work frame assembly that includes a pair of vertical frame members, a horizontal frame member extending between and operably coupled to the pair of vertical frame members, wherein the pair of vertical frame members each include at least one longitudinally-extending channel. The frame assembly further includes a pair of frame mounting bracket secured within the at least one channel by at least one mechanical fastener and adapted to be secured to a wall structure and support the frame assembly from the wall structure, wherein the vertical frame members may be vertically, horizontally and/or angularly adjusted with respect to the mounting bracket positioned within the channel. The workwall assembly also includes an office utility assembly operably coupled with and supported by the pair of vertical frame members, wherein the office utility assembly is cantilevered from the frame assembly.

Abstract: Deployable support structures include a six-bar linkage structure as a lateral facet of a truncated pyramid. The six-bar linkage structure comprises six articulated struts, each coupled to two others by a revolute joint to form a closed loop. The six-bar linkage structure is convertible from a deployed state into a folded state and vice versa. In the deployed state of one embodiment, the six-bar linkage structure forms a trapezoid with two opposing first and second parallel sides formed by two struts arranged in series and coupled by a revolute joint at the center of the parallel sides. In the folded state, the two struts of each parallel side are pivoted around the joint so that opposing end portions of the struts are located side by side. Scalable and modular deployable structures can be made for space applications as well as civil constructions such as domes, roofs, housing, tents, and bridges.

Abstract: The present invention involves the provision of a truss assembly and method which includes components that have segments pre-connected in a manner that allows the connected parts to be collapsed for packaging and shipping with the other components of a shed or the like.

Abstract: A tensegrity structure with one or more tensegrity units formed by a membrane in combination with three or more elongate compression members obliquely disposed in a spiral relationship in compression within the membrane. The ends of the compression members within each tensegrity unit and in adjacent tensegrity units are spaced from one another, and the compression members of adjacent tensegrity units overlap along a longitudinal dimension. The membrane forms anticlastic curves and has variable double curvature between ends of compression members. Multiple tensegrity units can form a column, which can be tapered, curved, or otherwise constructed.

Abstract: A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable modular roof truss system. In one embodiment, a portable modular roof truss system comprises at least one roof truss device comprising a roof apex collar, a crossbar, two arms, and two connecting members. The collar comprises two separate members coupled together by at least one bolt to form an opening capable of receiving a roof pole. In another embodiment, a portable modular roof truss system comprises two roof apex collars. In yet another embodiment, a roof truss device comprises a collar, a crossbar, two arms, and two connecting members. The collar comprises two separate members coupled together by a hinge to form an opening capable of receiving a roof pole.

Abstract: A building frame module comprises first and second parallelogram-collapsible frame sections. Each frame section comprises: a plurality of elongate, rigid first frame members; and a plurality of elongate, rigid second frame members. Each second frame member is single-axis pivotally coupled at spaced apart locations to at least two of the plurality of first frame members and each first frame member is correspondingly coupled to at least two second frame members. The building frame module also comprises a plurality of elongate, rigid cross-link members. Each cross-link member links a second frame member of the first frame section to a second frame member of the second frame section. Each cross-link member is single-axis pivotally coupled to each second frame member that it links for relative pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having longitudinally extending supports which are connected to one another by obliquely extending struts and are also connected to one another in the state of the lattice support structure ready for operation by transversely extending struts provided with a joint, with the struts being pivotably connected to two respective preferably adjacent supports, with at least one connection strut being provided which connects two supports to one another which are not adjacent to one another and which are preferably disposed opposite one another, and with the at least one connection strut and/or at least one component of the lattice support structure connected thereto having fastening means or being connected or connectable thereto, with the fastening means being made such that they prevent a folding together of the lattice support structure in at least one position.

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: An expandable structure formed from a single piece of material is moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. The structure has a base and a plurality of support members integral with the base that move between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position, the base and the plurality of support members are essentially a two dimensional shape. A biasing force makes the structure self-erecting and moves it to the extended position. In the extended position, the expandable structure has a hollow interior and a cross-section that is bounded by a closed path.

Abstract: A frame assembly for simulating topography of an existing wall portion provides points of adjustment behind a wallboard panel mounted to the frame assembly. In this manner imperfections in an existing wall can be replicated to facilitate cabinet or countertop installation.

Abstract: A modular wall panel system including a series of wall panels connectable to each other. Each of the wall panels is formed from a support frame having a pair of spaced vertical posts and an upper header and a lower sill extending between the vertical posts. The lower sill is received within attachment notches formed in each of the vertical posts near the bottom end of each post. The attachment notches are spaced along the length of the vertical post such that the position of the sill can be adjusted. The lower sill includes a trim channel that receives the bottom of a tile mounted to the support frame. A top cap is attached to the header and engages a top end of the tile to aid in retaining the tile on the support frame. The tile may be a segmented tile having a lower portion and an upper portion joined to each other by a segmented trim channel. The segmented trim channel between the upper and lower portions is not connected to the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable modular roof truss system for creating a symmetric roof. In one embodiment, the portable modular roof truss system comprises a collar, a crossbar, two arms, two connecting members, and a locking mechanism. The arms are elongated hollow cylinders coupled to opposing sides of the hollow cylindrical collar at a predetermined slope. The crossbar is also an elongated cylinder residing parallel to the ground and is coupled to both arms. Each hollow cylindrical connecting member is coupled to the end of an arm, respectively. Finally, the locking mechanism is coupled to the bottom portion of the collar and prevents a roof pole residing therein from moving back and forth. Each connecting member further comprises two apertures residing on opposite sides of the member used to couple the truss system to a variety of truss components (e.g., spacers, clamps, hinges, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars in connection with one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected 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 reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, characterized in that one, several or all of the connecting lattice bars are not displaceably arranged on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, but are rather pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or are pivotably arranged at further connecting lattice bars which are in turn pivotably arranged a