Abstract: A device for strengthening and/or rigging trusses includes at least two connecting elements, which connect at least two parallel truss pipes of the truss. On these connecting elements an attachment unit provided between at least one pair of truss pipes, to which mounting structures can be attached.

Abstract: A power storage apparatus has a case accommodating an electrode assembly, and a release valve present in the wall of the case. The electrode assembly includes electrodes. A shielding member is arranged between the inner surface of the wall and the end surface of the electrode assembly. A point located in a center of the case in a front view of the case taken in the stacking direction of the electrodes and located in a center of a dimension of the electrode assembly in the stacking direction is a center point, and a region surrounded by a plane connecting the center point and a contour of the pressure release valve at a shortest distance is a three-dimensional region. The shielding member includes a shielding portion that entirely covers a cross section of the three-dimensional region along the end face of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

Abstract: Hot-rolled high-strength steel elongated structural members and method of making same are disclosed by hot-rolling high-strength steel having a specific chemical composition to provide structural units. The units are then welded together to provide structural members of desired geometrical configuration including a thin web with opposed thicker flanges extending therefrom to increase the load bearing capacity of the members.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a load bearing structure is disclosed. The reinforcement device may include a tubular wall including a first end, a second end, a throat disposed between the first end and the second end, and a curved portion disposed between the throat and each of the first end and the second end. The tubular wall may also include a first dimension at the throat and a second dimension at each of the first and second ends, the first dimension being smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: Deck systems, deck system components making up the deck systems, and methods of assembling and disassembling deck system components and the deck systems are described herein. A box-frame can be assembled from box-frame segments, angle clips, and fasteners. A box-frame can be supported by posts attached to the box-frame using post brackets and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be assembled using joist segments, joist spacers, and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be positioned within the box-frame. The joist assemblies can be secured to box-frame segments or another joist assembly using roll-lock tabs and roll-lock tab receivers and locking tabs and locking tab retainers that part of extrusions making up the box-frame segments, joist spacers, or joist segments. Deck boards can be secured to the joist assemblies using deck screws or deck clips. The post brackets can accommodate support posts below deck boards and railing posts extending above deck boards.

Abstract: A post-and-beam type structure includes: a connector having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical direction, wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a first column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion of the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of the four quadrants.

Abstract: The invention includes an access structure integration assembly and an integrated system using the assembly. An access structure integrated assembly includes at least one channeled structure and at least one joist socket slidingly engaged with the channeled structure. The channeled structure is configured to secure to a base structure, such as a suspended work platform system, and the joist socket is configured to secure to a second structure, such as a supported work platform system. An integrated system includes a base structure, a second structure and at least two integration assemblies, each assembly including a channeled structure secured to the base structure and a joist socket secured to the second structure and slidingly engaged with the channeled structure.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for strengthening floor structures and for organizing utility conduits. The apparatus includes a rectangular shaped web having first and second opposing sides. The web bridges between two adjacent floor joists and is perpendicular to the adjacent floor joists. A beam is located a predetermined distance from the first side and is parallel to the first side. The beam and the first side form a pocket for receiving a portion of a floor joist. A channel is formed in the second side for receiving a beam from another substantially identical web so that the two webs may be interlocked. The web includes a central portion having a plurality of openings therein for receiving elongated utility conduits.

Abstract: An elongated purlin for use in roof structures includes an elongated mounting wall designed to be mounted to and supported on roof beams, an upright wall affixed to the mounting wall and extending longitudinally approximately the length of the mounting wall, and first and second horizontally outwardly opening channels affixed to the upright wall and extending approximately the length of the upright wall. The first and second channels open outwardly in opposite directions and each of the first and second channels is designed to receive an edge of a solar panel or roof section engaged therein.

Abstract: An elongate profile element has a bottom, sidewalls extending from the bottom substantially at right angles and an upper side opposite the bottom. The upper side comprises flanges which extend from the respective sidewalls towards each other and delimit between them a longitudinal slot extending over the length of the profile element. The flanges are bended inwards such that the free end of the flanges is directed towards the bottom and extends in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom. The bottom is provided with spaced apart oblong recesses, which have longitudinal side edges which are bended inwards such that the free end of said edges extends towards the upper side in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom.

Abstract: Construction elements and methods of using and making them in a structurally strong manner are disclosed. The construction element and the method of making it may be in the form of an elongated beam, a post or other. The element may include a generally tubular open frame formed of a series of conjoined octahedral sections constructed and arranged in a side by side manner joined together by conjoined pairs of tetrahedral sections disposed intermediate the octahedral sections. Each pair of octahedral sections may be constructed and arranged such that they are conjoined together by a common member, also common with the intermediate tetrahedral sections. The method may include forming an upright structure, using at least one large construction element having a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral sections, and positioning at least one small construction element within an opening within the sections of the large construction element and affixing thereto.

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.

Abstract: A modular truss system includes six-way box connectors to which truss beams can be bolted and pinned together in a wide variety of configurations and to any or all of the six identical faces. Each box connector face and each truss beam endplate is fitted with matching center holes for bolts and spring pin arrangements on the peripheral corners. These make aligning and attaching the truss beams and box connectors to one another a quick and simple job that does not require any tools. The truss beam endplates have one or more spring pins and a center hole that matches the ones in each of the six faces of the box connectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steel joist assembly for use in association with a concrete slab and being adapted to form a composite steel joist including a steel joist and a pair of end connectors. The steel joist has a top portion with a generally planar top surface and a planar web generally orthogonal to the generally planar top surface. An end connector is attached at each end of the steel joist. Each end connector has a strut and a diagonal member. The strut has a generally planar bottom surface which is attached to a portion of the generally planar top surface of the steel joist and the diagonal member is attached at one end thereof to the strut and at the other end thereof to a portion of the planar web of the steel joist.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of fittings rigidly connect rod ends with the ends of the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.

Abstract: A multilayered netlock girder system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of brace members positioned in a predefined multilayered network pattern, whereby positioning the plurality of brace members in the predefined multilayered network pattern enable the formation of a rigid network between at least two chord members comprising a plurality of insertion provisions for enabling a secured insertion of the plurality of brace members into the at least two chord members, a plurality of structural interlocks formed as a result of predefined multilayered network pattern configured for a secured interlocking of the plurality of brace members together at the plurality of interlockable junctions.

Abstract: A purlin brace system for roof decks which can be used to provide additional lateral support to roofs is set forth. The system includes a plurality of purlins, each purlin including a central support and a bottom flange. The plurality of purlins are oriented to form a parallel array of purlins such that voids exist between the purlins in the parallel array. The bottom flanges of the purlins define a lower plane. The system further includes at least one brace oriented transverse to the plurality of purlins. The at least one brace has a span member transverse to a purlin axis. The at least one brace is attached to a vertical plate which is cantilevered such that the vertical plate extends away from the span member and along the central support to resist rotational movement of a corresponding purlin.

Abstract: A pergola system includes a frame having a plurality of generally vertically-oriented, spaced-apart posts aligned in rows. A generally horizontally-oriented, spaced-apart frame member is attached to each row of posts. A plurality of rails and outer rails extend across the frame members and are oriented generally orthogonally to the frame members, the rails being attached to the frame members. A plurality of purlins extend across the rails outer rails, and are oriented generally orthogonally to the rails and outer rails, the purlins being attached to the rails and outer rails. The pergola system is freestanding.

Abstract: A portable structure including a plurality of beams having a first engagement feature and a plurality of junction devices having a second engagement feature. The first engagement features and corresponding second engagement features are rigidly engageable, the rigidly engaged engagement features defining a multi-point connection therebetween. The engagement features are manually actuatable and self-contained.

Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A drilling platform constructed from columns of box support members. Each column has one or more spreader support brackets extending toward another spreader support bracket on an opposite column. Outwardly flaring locking arms rise from the spreader support brackets. A locking aperture is contained in the flared portion of each locking arm. The mouth of the aperture is preferably at about a thirty degree angle to its base so that the mouth is generally facing up. Spreader beams connect the columns. Each spreader beam has a locking pin at each end. The spreader beams are lowered onto the support arms of each column. As they are lowered, the locking pins are aligned to engage the locking apertures and thereby secure the spreader beams to the columns. Once the spreader beams are in place, a work platform can be built on top of the columns and spreader beams.

Abstract: A timber support (1) for the construction industry, has a top girder (3) and a bottom girder (4) which are interconnected using a joining element (6). A protective cap (10) that surrounds the end (9) of the girder is provided for the end of the girders. The protective cap (10) for the end of the girders has at least one fastening bracket (15) which partially covers a side of the joining element (6), and the fastening bracket (15) for attaching the protective cap (10) for the end of the girders is fixed to the side of the joining element (6) with the help of fastening means.

Abstract: A crane column segment connection system includes first and second column segments with a connector on the second end of the first segment mating with a connector on the first end of the second segment. The connectors each include at least one extension having a through-hole. The through-holes have an axis and are positioned in the extensions such that all through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are aligned. In one aspect, the connectors include alignment surfaces cooperating such that when the first and second connectors are being brought together during column assembly, the alignment surfaces guide the column segments in two dimensions within a plane transverse to the axis of the through-holes into a relative position such that the through-holes through the extensions in the connectors are aligned.

Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.

Abstract: A deck unit is disclosed to form a deck system for a roof or floor that is capable of supporting a heavier load and/or spanning greater distances. The deck unit is a profiled, metal unit, that derives its greater load-bearing strength in part from its greater depth but provides flexibility in achieving the greater strength from the way the additional depth is obtained. In particular, a full length channel is attached to a hat-shaped profile. The channel adds strength both by increasing deck unit depth and by avoiding lengthening the webs on the hat-shaped profile. The channel increases design flexibility by allowing the designer to increase the strength of pre-existing decks by the addition of a channel of suitable metal thickness and size. It also provides a channel for conduit, cabling and wiring. The deck unit may be fluted or, by the addition of a liner panel to close the interior of hat-shaped profile, cellular. Sound absorbing materials can be installed in either a fluted or cellular deck unit.

Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.

Abstract: A novel composite beam is disclosed. The composite beam may comprise variations in the surface that can be used to create open and closed surfaces for the modulation of natural light. The composite beam may also be optimized for the applied loads by placing the fibers in the direction of the applied loads and/or increasing the fiber density in the regions of higher loads.

Abstract: There is provided building structures that are demountable from a first configuration to be reassemblable to the first configuration or another configuration. The building structures include systems and kits for the structure, post anchors, kits for floor structure, method for assembling floor structures, wall and ceiling support systems, electrical junction box supports, and kits for frame assembly.

Abstract: A box-type frame member assembly, and a method for assembling the box-type frame member. A first section, having a web, a pair of flanges and a number of holes with locators, is placed onto a fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto pilots. A spacer is placed over each of the pilots and engaged with the locator of the respective hole in the first section. A second section, having a web, a pair of flanges, and a number of holes with locators, is then placed onto the fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto the pilots, and second end of each spacer is engaged with the locator associated with the web of the second section. Finally, the flanges of the first and second sections are secured together.

Abstract: This invention presents a modified reinforced concrete structure, which has a steel structure composed of a beam steel box unit, column steel box unit, and beam-column joint steel box unit with lap jointing reinforced steels. The side plate and/or end plate of the steel box has through holes for concrete flowing therebetween. In this way, the workability of concrete grouting and tamping are improved, and the phenomena of hive, segregation, or floating can be avoided. It can also enhance the performance of beam-column joints (e.g. with better confinement ability, etc.). Applying the invention, the efficiency and accuracy of constructing beam-column joints can be increased, and in addition to better ensure the structural safety, it can also reduce construction manpower and schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loft flooring system that comprises: a plurality of bridging supports each adapted to bridge between an adjacent substantially parallel pair of joists of a loft floor and having a first upright leg with a foot to mount onto a first of the joists and a second upright leg with a foot to mount onto a second of the joists, and a spanning element therebetween onto which flooring boards/panels may be laid. The insulation can be laid between the joists to a required depth rising above the joists and the bridging support mounted in place accommodating the laid insulation thereunder so that the insulation remains substantially un-compacted and fully effective.

Abstract: A metal building stud having two supplemental flanges extending from at least one slot in the stud web yielding a stud with increased strength, both in compression (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted stud also includes a plurality of indents that also enhance the stud strength both in compression and in shear. The slotted web further presents a reduced web area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer. Slots and supplemental flanges may also be provided in the stud primary flanges. The primary flanges may include a fold back portion under a line of flexure presenting two layers through which an attaching screw must pass under that line of flexure that retains the screw in the primary flanges.

Abstract: An upper chord bearing joist comprising a top chord member and a bottom chord member, each having a flange portion and a web receiving portion including two web receiving tabs, each made from a unitary piece of metal; a generally planar steel web, a portion of the web being attached to the top chord member and to the bottom chord member, wherein a top portion of the web is between the two web receiving tabs of the top chord member and a bottom portion of the web is between the two web receiving tabs of the bottom chord member; and a first and second pair of support members, each support member including a shoe portion, a web attaching portion, and an angled portion, the web attaching portion being attached to the web receiving tabs and the angled portion being in contact with the web. The joist may be cambered, have reinforcement stiffeners, and have a rotatable joint at either end. The joists may be used in composite with concrete or with wood.

Abstract: A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of square or rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules bolted together along adjacent edges, and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges and to the ends of the connected side wall modules form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stones may be erected and fastened together, and the building frame is secured to a foundation or slab by attaching to anchor bolts or plates.

Abstract: A truss beam comprised of a plurality of joined convex-curved rods with self-aligning adapters (SAA) adhesively attached at each end of the truss beam is disclosed. Shear web panels are attached to adjacent pairs of rods, providing buckling resistance for the truss beam. The rods are disposed adjacent to each other, centered around a common longitudinal axis, and oriented so that adjacent rod ends converge to at least one virtual convergence point on the common longitudinal axis, with the rods' curvature designed to increase prevent buckling for the truss beam. Each SAA has longitudinal bores that provide self-aligning of the rods in the SAA, the self-aligning feature enabling creation of strong adhesive bonds between each SAA and the rods. In certain embodiments of the present invention, pultruded unidirectional carbon fiber rods are coupled with carbon fiber shear web panels and metal SAA(s), resulting in a lightweight, low-cost but strong truss beam that is highly resistant to buckling.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a modular, structural framing system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular dwelling comprises a beam connector comprising a body and multiple arms that extend out from the body, structural beams comprising outer sides that define elongated channels that extend along a length of the beams, each beam being connected to an arm of the beam connector, a locking means that secure the structural beams to their associated beam connector arms, and a structural panel that comprises multiple edges, at least one edge of the panel being received by a channel of at least one structural beam.

Abstract: Structures, systems and methods provide a load-bearing aircraft flooring within an aircraft's fuselage. Load-supporting aircraft flooring systems preferably are provided with a longitudinally separated series of transverse bridges having an upper doubler flange which defines latitudinally separated upper openings, and a latitudinally separated series of beams which include an upper flange and a pair of separated depending web flanges received within respective upper openings of transverse bridges. The upper flanges and web flanges of the beams may thus be connected to the transverse bridges so as to support aircraft flooring panels connected to the beams. Seat tracks for attaching aircraft seats and/or other interior aircraft structures/monuments are preferably fixed to the upper flanges of the beams coincident with its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A unitary steel joist includes a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal bottom flange, a generally horizontal top flange, a bottom wing, a bottom web portion, a top wing and a top web portion. The generally horizontal bottom flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The bottom flange is made of two pieces of steel. The generally horizontal top flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The top flange is made of two pieces of steel. The bottom wing extends outwardly from the web. The bottom web portion extends between the bottom flange and bottom wing. The top wing extends outwardly from the web. The top web portion extends between the top flange and the top wing. The unitary steel joist is made from a unitary piece of steel.

Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: An improved roof structure formed of metal sheet s. The structure comprises a plurality of cold formed columns supported by a concrete foundation, a plurality of cold formed girders supported by the plurality of columns, a plurality of cold formed beams supported by the plurality of girders, a plurality of cold formed open web joists supported by the plurality of beams, and a plurality of polystyrene roof boards supported by the plurality of joists.

Abstract: A construction of elongated steel C-channel joists supporting a roof deck or floor and a drywall ceiling, fiber insulation batts disposed in cavities between the joists, the batts having a width substantially the same as the spacing between the joists and a thickness less than the depth of the joist, a series of anchoring elements spaced along the lengths of the joists in a mid-area of the webs, and steel wires suspended between anchoring elements of adjacent joists, the wires serving to support the insulation batts above a plane of the lower joist flanges, whereby an air space is maintained between the insulation batts and drywall ceiling.

Abstract: A low-rise prefabricated house system includes beams, columns, doors, windows, stairs and floor. The system is characterized in that the house includes two or more than two stress columns, two or more than two basic modules, two or more than two basic elements and two or more than two composite elements, wherein each basic element consists of more than four basic modules; each composite element includes at least one basic element; the composite elements and the basic elements are assembled together to form a basic plane; and stress columns are arranged at intersection points of orthogonal meshes formed by plane control axial lines and outer contour lines of various basic elements. The modular and unit type overall control of the house is realized by controlling the composition method of house planes and controlling the building relationship between the planes and building elements such as column, wall, stairs and roof covering.

Abstract: A mechanical header is provided for spanning a corridor in a building and for hanging mechanical equipment therefrom. The mechanical header includes a first angle member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion, where the first horizontal portion extends away from the first vertical portion in a first direction. The mechanical header further includes a second angle member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second vertical portion, where the second horizontal portion extends away from the second vertical portion in a direction opposite the first direction. A spanning beam is coupled to the first vertical member and to the second vertical member. The first horizontal portion is configured to rest on top of a first wall structure, and the second horizontal portion is configured to rest on top of a second wall structure, such that spanning beam spans the corridor and hangs just at or below the level of the top of the first and second wall structures.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: Wall and floor connection arrangements. In various embodiments, a first a joist rim is coupled to the flanges of at least some vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the first joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of an upper track of the wall. A second joist rim is coupled to another lateral flange of at least some of the vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the second joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of the upper track and the upper rim flange of the first joist rim. A plurality of first joists may be coupled to the first rim and plurality of second joists may be coupled to the second rim. A floor deck may be received on the upper track as well as the upper flanges of the first and second joist rims.

Abstract: A system of structural elements for a pergola structure including vertical posts supporting a roof formed of carrying rails supported by the posts and cross rails supported by the carrying rails. Each post includes a post core element, a post shell enclosing the post core element, and a post shell adapter. Each carrying rail adapter mounts a carrying rail to a post and includes a post core interior adapter joined with a single or dual carrying rail retainer, and each rail connector mounts a cross rail to a carrying rail. The elements may further include shell extensions and beam filled rails comprising a rail shell and a reinforcing beam insert.