Abstract: A lattice girder for support of a tunnel structure includes coupling elements arranged on ends of the lattice girder. Each coupling element has two sheet-metal strips having each an end formed with a loop. Extending between the coupling elements in a longitudinal direction of the lattice girder are two lower bars and an upper bar arranged to define corners of a triangle in cross section. A framework made of single braces connects the lower bars with the upper bar. Connectors are received in the loops of the sheet-metal strips.

Abstract: An improved load bearing structure comprises a center pole is mechanically coupled to an outer helical rod by a plurality of cross helical support rods. The outer helical rod is mechanically coupled to an inner bracing triangle. The center pole, an inner helical rod and the outer helical rod are mechanically coupled to outer end bracing cross support rods and. The outer end bracing cross support rods are mechanically coupled to outer end bracing triangles. These triangles can have vertices bifurcated with lines to which the inner helical rod and the outer helical rod are attached in order to give the improved load bearing structure a shape of a helix based on Koch Snowflake with golden mean scaling such that the improved load bearing structure is substantially stronger than structures made of material of similar type and quantity.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for constructing a multilevel structure using a hybrid top chord bearing floor framing system. The method and system may include a top chord bearing floor truss positioned on a first frame structure. The top chord of the truss may include a load-bearing interface with a top surface and a bottom surface. The truss may be wholly supported by the load-bearing interface of the top chord. The method and system may further include a second frame structure on the top surface of the truss. The first frame structure may be secured to the second frame structure via a fastener that extends through both the second bottom load bearing member and load-bearing interface of the truss into the first top load bearing member of the first frame structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional porous light-weight structures composed of helical wires and the manufacturing method of the same. Continuous helical wire groups in three or six directions having a designated angle (for example, 60 degrees or 90 degrees) with respect to one another in a space cross and are then assembled, and thus new truss-shaped three-dimensional lattice truss structures having high strength and stiffness to weight ratio and a large surface area and method of mass-producing the structures at low costs are provided. The three-dimensional porous light-weight structures are manufactured by a method in which helical wires are three-dimensionally assembled through a continuous process rather than a method in which net-shaped wires are simply woven and stacked, and thus have a configuration similar to the ideal hexahedron truss, Octet truss, or truss in which regular octahedrons and cuboctahedrons are combined, thereby having excellent mechanical properties or thermal or aerodynamic properties.

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: A space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: A multi-story tall building structure consisting plurality of three or more towers which are the primary structure enclosing a space longitudinally and transversely therein which are multiple floor/ceiling assemblies for multiple use occupied spaces including condos, military areas, observation, hotels, restaurants, retail, and offices. Each of the three towers has three or more vertical structural elements such as solid or hollow columns, or steel, concrete, or masonry constructs vertically extending. As an alternative occupied space including an aircraft landing deck or platform is attached to the top of the structure.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure system having a first support structure and having a second support structure, wherein the second support structure is at least partly received in the first support structure in at least one position of the support structure system; in that both support structures are able to be displaced or telescoped relative to one another; and in that the first and/or the second support structure is/are formed by a lattice support structure which can be inwardly folded and outwardly folded.

Abstract: A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for constructing a multilevel structure using a hybrid top chord bearing floor framing system. The method and system may include a top chord bearing floor truss positioned on a first frame structure. The top chord of the truss may include a load-bearing interface with a top surface and a bottom surface. The truss may be wholly supported by the load-bearing interface of the top chord. The method and system may further include a second frame structure on the top surface of the truss. The first frame structure may be secured to the second frame structure via a fastener that extends through both the second bottom load bearing member and load-bearing interface of the truss into the first top load bearing member of the first frame structure.

Abstract: A storage bin support system for providing a leg structure to better support the storage bin and allow for easier access underneath. The storage bin support system generally includes a bin for holding the particulate material, wherein the bin includes a roof, sidewalls, and a base, and wherein the roof includes an inlet for filling the bin and wherein the base includes an outlet for emptying the bin, and a supporting framework for supporting the bin above a ground surface in an upright position, wherein supporting framework includes an outer framework and an inner framework interconnecting the outer framework with the base. The outer framework is spaced along an outer perimeter of the bin and the inner framework includes a plurality of upper angled supports comprising an upper end and optionally a plurality of lower angled supports comprising a lower end.

Abstract: A column-base, ground-moveable stand for stabilizing an elongate upright building-frame column, or the like, in a manner which creates and enables adjustable verticality for such a column's long axis. The stand includes (a) spaced, upper and lower, selectively openable/closeable clamping collar structures which are operable to grip the base of such a column at vertically spaced locations along the base of the column, with the collar structures, with respect to a gripped column, defining the disposition in space of the column's long axis, and (b) tilt-adjustable, load-spreading, ground-engaging, outrigger leg structures supportably joined to the collar structures.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower in which a horizontal force received by an upper part of the tower is dispersed to a lower part of the tower or to a base so as to reduce the load acting on a tower shell and suppress deformation of the tower caused by an external force is provided. A monotype-type wind turbine tower 2 in which mainly a tower shell 21 is configured to bear load includes a platform 22 connected to an inner wall of the tower shell 21 and dividing an internal space of the tower in the vertical direction; an elastic bearing 30 attached by fixing one end thereof to the platform 22; and a load transmission member 23 disposed in the internal space of the tower and connecting another end of the elastic bearing 30 to the platform 22 located at a position facing the elastic bearing 30 or to a base B so as to transmit a horizontal force from the elastic bearing 30 to the tower shell 21 or the base B.

Abstract: An inhabitable space frame (100) can define and support inhabitable living space within, around and projecting from the exterior of the perimeter of the space frame (100). The space frame (100) includes a vector matrix of strut members (105) that defines a plurality of interconnected basic tetrahedral modules (110) and, optionally, a plurality of prime octahedral modules (115). At least a part of each prime octahedral module (115) in the plurality of prime octahedral modules (115) is adjacent to at least two of the basic tetrahedral modules (110). Use of one or more right triangular faces, or planes, within a repeating geometry of a vector matrix enables an interior of the space frame (100) to be inhabitable, with horizontal floors and vertical walls aligned with associated strut members (105).

Abstract: Truss structures assembled from modules comprising one hinge link, four spacer links and four apex joinders, one at each end or each hinge link. The second hinge link to complete a tetrahedron is missing from the module, and is provided by the hinge link of a next in line module so as to provide a series of joined tetrahedrons. When the strut is assembled, the apex joinders enable the strut to be formed into a wide variety of shapes.

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: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.

Abstract: A floating underwater support structure is disclosed. The underwater support structure includes a joint capable of rotation and angular movement along two or three axes coupled to a truss. The truss is capable of sustaining loads in tension, compression, and bending, and comprises one or more elongate, rigid members. The elongate, rigid members are capable of sustaining loads in at least tension and compression. A buoyant member positioned between or around the members of the truss at a predetermined distance below the water provides a buoyant force that typically exceeds the weight of the entire structure. In deeper water, cross bracing may be provided between the members of the truss, and in particularly deep water, a single tendon may connect between the joint, typically anchored to the floor of the body of water, and the truss. The support structure may be used to support wind turbines and other structures.

Abstract: A base frame for a parking lot roof equipped with photovoltaic modules is proposed, wherein two mirror-symmetrically constructed halves are provided, with each half having an inner arc constructed of three inner struts and an outer arc constructed of three outer struts, which are connected with each other by cross struts. The structure is light-weight and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: Support structures and systems for electrical panels, such as solar panels or collectors, and other materials and devices are described. The structures are relatively strong and lightweight and include cable management features.

Abstract: A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.

Abstract: Methods of making truss-based periodic cellular solids that have improved structural properties and multifunctional design. Many materials (metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and even semiconductors) can be shaped into cellular, truss-like architectures with open, closed or mixed types of porosity and then very uniformly arranged in controlled, three-dimensional space-filling arrays. The truss-like elements do not necessarily have a constant cross-section, nor are they necessarily straight or solid throughout (they could be hollow). Their cross sections can be circular, square, triangular, I-beam or other shapes of interest depending on multifunctional needs. When bonded together by solid state, liquid phase, pressing or other methods at points of contact, a cellular structure of highly repeatable cell geometry and few imperfections results.

Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.

Abstract: An A-frame assembly for constructing a building comprises only five major components that are formed from square, galvanized steel hollow tubing. These components include corner braces, side braces, a top brace, beams, and straight tubing. The straight tubing interconnects the other components to form a triangular frame assembly. The corner braces are secured with concrete footings or a complete foundation. A number of the frame assemblies are arrayed to form the basis of a structure. The frame assemblies are spaced apart from each other, joined with additional square tubing, and include an attic space and service spaces between the corner braces. A roofing structure is secured to the joined frame assemblies to complete the structural phase of the assembly.

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: Truss structures assembled from modules comprising one hinge link, four spacer links and four apex joinders, one at each end or each hinge link. The second hinge link to complete a tetrahedron is missing from the module, and is provided by the hinge link of a next in line module so as to provide a series of joined tetrahedrons. When the strut is assembled, the apex joinders enable the strut to be formed into a wide variety of shapes.

Abstract: A method of employing an adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks, with said wall having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to pavement marking patterns and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and the like. Various pattern designs for the markings are available to replicate layers of bricks, cobblestones, horizontal signage, logos and other components. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example represent bricks which are contained within the grid. As the first and second sections are generally formed from different colored, preferably thermoplastic materials, a hot melt adhesive spray is utilized on the bottom surface of the marking pattern to bridge the intersections between the first and second sections to maintain the integrity of the marking pattern for convenience during handling and application to a substrate.

Abstract: A support structure for use in buildings, vehicle cargo holds, containers, and similar enclosures. The structure typically employs a plurality of triangular-shaped elements that form a low-profile structural support member. The structures may be may be formed from sheet material, such as galvanized steel or aluminum using cold roll-forming or bending (press brake) technology. Various embodiments may also be formed from metal or polymers using extrusion technology. These support structures are particularly well suited for applications in building walls or roof panelized systems as supporting elements.

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: A lightweight, deployable, portable shelter is described. The portable shelter may be a tent. The tent can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The structure of the portable shelter is determined by compression elements and tensile members such that the compression elements do not touch. The forces acting on each component of the structure are axially-loaded, thereby taking advantage of the characteristics of the compression elements and tensile members to provide a tent with improved strength.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tenon joint type space lattice structure consisted of a predetermined quantity of lattice units and combining pillar. The lattice unit includes a convex tenon and a concave tenon groove disposed at an end of the lattice and connected with each other through two or more pre-molded components to form a tenon-and-groove structure, such that the protruded tenon between the components can be embedded into a tenon joint assembly in an adjacent tenon groove for connecting the components in series to form a continuously extended lattice unit. The continuous structure of lattice units forms a plane layer of a space lattice structure. The combining pillar is passed perpendicularly through the hollow portion of the component for connecting the plane layers of the lattice units along the direction of the height of the structure to form a three-dimensional space lattice structure.

Abstract: A modular folding shelter for use in seismic or weather disturbances is disclosed including a first force transferring member having a first plurality of lateral supports, the first plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a second force transferring member having a second plurality of lateral supports, the second plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a top member for receiving the at least one upper articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one upper articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports, and a foldable base member for receiving the at least one lower articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one lower articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports.

Abstract: A trussed embankment dam and wall structure includes a cantilever structure group and a rod member group, and each cantilever structure of the cantilever structure group includes an anchor supporting pillar and a multidirectional connecting board. The lower portion of the anchor supporting pillar is built at a stratum or foundation to support the cantilever structure, and the upper portion of the anchor supporting pillar installs a multidirectional connecting board to a trussed joint structure. After a force is exerted to a rod member of the invention, the force is acted onto the joints of the cantilever structure and transmitted by other rod members. Therefore, each cantilever structure maximizes the supporting effect and provides a dispersive supporting type structure. Unlike the centralized supporting type truss structure, the invention uses the hollow portion of the structure and the malleability of components to create landscapes, fill soil and plant vegetation.

Abstract: A doubly prestressed roof-ceiling construction with grid flat soffit for extremely large-span is a prefabricated element intended for assembling roofs of extremely large-span buildings with a flat soffit. The construction includes a grid soffit construction and an upper concrete girder of a modified “T” shape or of an inverse “V”-shaped cross section, interconnected by slender steel pipe-rods that stabilize the upper girder against lateral buckling. The empty openings within elements of the horizontal grid are fulfilled with plates wherewith a flat soffit is achieved. The construction is prestressed by the double prestressing. The grid-soffit is prestressed centrically and the upper girder is prestressed by a wedge at the midspan.

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: Truss assemblies of this invention comprise elongate chord elements having opposed first and second axial ends. Brace elements are used to orient and connect together the chord elements in a desired spatial orientation and have a plate structure. The brace elements comprise chord receiving openings disposed therethrough that are sized to accommodate placement of a respective chord element therein, and that are positioned to provide the desired spatial orientation between the chord elements. The chord element receiving openings and define a portion of the brace element that surrounds the chord element disposed within the opening. A connector is rotatably attached to an end of the chord elements to facilitate attaching the truss assemblies together for the purpose of forming a desired truss system.

Abstract: Open frames are disclosed by which structural support is provided, each frame comprising an array of slender members formed into a plurality of zig zag frame elements defining apexes, where the slender members of different zig zag frame elements integrally intersect each other at non-midpoint locations. A linear member bridges between and is integrated with some or all of the asymmetrical points of intersection, in some embodiments. The apexes so formed may comprise two slender members in some cases and four in others.

Abstract: Structural system and method are disclosed for building a simpler and more efficient double layer reticulated frame structure. The double layer reticulated frame structure includes an internal network that has a lower strut frequency than the external network. The lower strut frequency helps reduce the overall weight, cost, and construction time of the structure. Diagonal struts space apart and connect the internal and external networks. The diagonal struts are connected in an alternating manner such that no more than two diagonal struts are connected together at any point.

Abstract: Adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks and having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A molded plastic truss work includes an upper grid and a lower grid, with a plurality of interconnecting members interconnecting the grids. The upper grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members that extend between and interconnect the longitudinal members. The lower grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members extending between and interconnecting the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the longitudinal members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the longitudinal members in the upper grid. The transverse members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the transverse members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the transverse members in the upper grid. The plurality of interconnecting members extend between the upper and lower grids, and include a plurality of vertical members.

Abstract: A support and attachment brace for a collapsible display structure. The support and attachment brace is attachable between two vertically adjacent hubs of the collapsible display structure, and includes an elongated rigid bar or brace with opposing ends. A first end has a tab with an aperture adapted to receive and engage a fastening button projecting from a first hub assembly. The second end has a slide mechanism having a slide with an open notch. The slide is retractable so that the brace may be aligned with a fastening button projecting from the second hub without the need for forcing the hubs apart. Once in position, the slide is extendable so that the open notch is engaged with the fastening button of the second hub. The support and attachment brace is adapted so as to enable multiple support and attachment braces to be attached to the structure in a vertical column arrangement for providing vertical support and rigidity to the display structure.

Abstract: A modular system for the construction of a lattice panel for a bridge, comprises first and second chord members (20, 28) and a plurality of web members (1). Each web member comprises three legs forming a triangle. One leg (2) extends perpendicularly between the chord members. The second and third legs (3, 4) are joined to each other and to the ends of the first leg. The ends of the first leg (1) are provided with means for connecting the web member to the chords (20, 28). Interlocking means (13, 19) are provided at the joint between the second and third legs, and mid way along the first leg, so that adjacent web members can be connected together.

Abstract: Supporting structure for supporting the leveled ceiling, or other constructive elements, of an habitable construction, where said supporting structure can be fabricated with only three different kinds of structural elements, joined with each other by screws or any other suitable joining mean, where said structural elements have a simple shape which allow a fast, simple and cheap construction of very flexible ceiling supporting structures, which do not get deformed nor attacked by termites, as the time goes on, and which are able to satisfy the requirements of different kinds of habitable constructions that normally involve the supporting of ceilings in the lower part of rough works, like truss, slabs and other related elements.

Abstract: Public storage lockers are designed particularly for storage of bicycles, such as at a public transportation terminal. In a preferred embodiment the storage lockers are on-demand, lockable by a user who must unlock the locker using the same electronic key and who must unlock the locker before using the key for any other locker. The lockers are visually open, with a secure screen or mesh on the locker door and optionally on walls and top cover. This reveals that the bike locker is occupied and prevents the use of the locker for unauthorized, privacy-requiring activities. The bike enclosure has a floor wheel guide for conveniently loading the bike, and a special door latch mechanism which provides for security by including a latch bar in a fixed frame, while a latch bar lifter, operable to permit door opening when the lock is unlocked, is on the door.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. A fixture is provided which includes posts for holding the wires before they are welded. The posts and a coupling member such as a welding gun can move with respect to each other to form the joints between the wires.