Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for a flooring support structure of a prefabricated or factory made building, comprising a plate configured to boarder a peripheral edge of the flooring support structure in perpendicular planar configuration to the flooring support structure and a floor joist assembly coupled between an outer structural support beam of the flooring support structure and the plate. The floor joist assembly is configured to position below a wall framing structure supported atop the flooring support structure and to provide an open space below the wall framing structure to enable utility components to be contained within and run down the wall structure and through the open space. The disclosed assembly further allows installation of waterproofing on the exterior of the building structure and enables an exterior finish to terminate above grade level for exterior drainage and superior waterproofing.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthetic component is provided. The orthopaedic prosthetic component comprises a porous three-dimensional structure shaped to be implanted in a patient's body. The porous three-dimensional structure comprises a plurality of unit cells. At least one unit cell comprises a first geometric structure having a first geometry and comprising a plurality of first struts, and a second geometric structure having a second geometry and comprising a plurality of second struts connected to a number of the plurality of first struts to form the second geometric structure.

Abstract: A multi-level parking garage constructed to be in close proximity to an adjacent building includes two or more levels above ground. Each of the two or more levels has a floor and a ceiling. The multi-level parking garage includes a load-bearing support structure for supporting the two or more levels and a plurality of fire-rated, non-load bearing exterior wall panels. Each of the exterior wall panels are independently and removably mounted to the support structure around at least a portion of a periphery of each of the two or more levels such that the plurality of exterior wall panels extend from the floor of each of the two or more levels to the ceiling of each of the two or more levels.

Abstract: The invention notably relates to a computer-implemented method for designing a 3D modeled object by interaction of a user with a feature-based CAD system, the 3D modeled object representing a mechanical structure. The method comprises creating structural member features, each structural member feature representing a respective structural member of the mechanical structure, and displaying to the user a graphical representation of the mechanical structure based on the structural member features. The method further comprises creating corner features, each corner feature representing a respective corner of the mechanical structure, the creation of the corner features being performed automatically by the system, the corner features being editable by the user. This provides improved ergonomics for structural design.

Abstract: A vertical tie is for a load-bearing column of a building off-site structural module with a box-section structural member. The tie has a top tie assembly for engagement by a torqueing tool from above the column. There is a bottom tie assembly, which fastens to the module below. Torque which is applied to the top tie assembly is transferred to the bottom tie assembly by an interconnect tube. The top and bottom tie assemblies are configured so that the bottom tie assembly is adapted to engage with a top tie assembly of an underneath module, in one case by a nut engaging a spindle protruding up from the lower module. This allows modules to be tied together in the vertical direction in a simple, convenient, and safe manner by an operator on-site working on top of the upper module. Access to torque the tie does not require any side opening in the column and so its load-bearing properties are not affected.

Abstract: An articulating frame for a shelter includes a plurality of struts pivotally connected to each other to define a skeletal structure that is adapted to be articulated between a folded condition and an erected condition. The skeletal structure in the erected condition includes a segmented arch that defines an interior space. The skeletal structure is adapted to support an associated outer shell covering. The frame includes at least one double-scissor linkage segment including four of the plurality of struts. The four struts include: (i) first and second struts each with opposite inner and outer ends, the first and second struts bring pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point located between their respective inner and outer ends; and, (ii) third and fourth struts each with opposite inner and outer ends, the third and fourth struts being pivotally connected to each other at a second pivot point located between their respective inner and outer ends.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.

Abstract: An impregnated and activated ion exchange material prepared by a process is provided that includes: impregnating an ion exchange precursor material, wherein impregnation of the ion exchange precursor material includes reacting the ion exchange precursor material with an impregnator solution, thereby increasing the surface area and the hydrophilicity of the ion exchange precursor material; activating the impregnated ion exchange precursor material to increase the porosity of the impregnated ion exchange precursor material, wherein the ion exchange precursor material comprises at least one of nonmetallic printed (NMP) circuit board, amorphous aluminosilicate, or mixtures thereof. In other aspects, a method for fabricating an ion exchanger and a method for removing heavy metal ions from a solution are provided.

Abstract: Elongated and thin-walled structural member (10) with several views (101, 102, 103, 104) extending along a longitudinal axis so that the member exhibits multiple rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis (9). Each rotationally symmetric view includes a support surface (11) as support and fastening point for a wall facing and a connection surface (12, 12?) for fastening of the member to other structural members. It is characteristic that the connection surface (12, 12?) is disposed recessed with respect to the support surface (11) and at a spacing so that, when the member is fastened with ordinary fastening means via the connection surface, the fastening means do not protrude from the support surface. The connection surfaces (12, 12?) are provided with a regular pattern of holes (13) to serve as passages for the fastening means. An assembly of such structural members is also described.

Abstract: A system for handling various structural building components including a pick and stack-registry lug which is anchorable to the top of a building component for handling that component in either one, or both sequentially, of its two, pick and stack-registry functional modes, (b) a clamshell-style, releasably lockable clasp adapted to receive and close capturingly upon the lug under operational circumstances with the lug anchored to the top of a building component, and ready to function in its pick category of component-handling behavior, and (c) a guide socket includable in the base of a building component functional for camming, guided reception of a lug with the lug then functioning in its stack-registry mode of behavior to facilitate overhead stack registering of two building components in relation to the lowering of an overhead component onto the top of an underlying component whose top also has a lug anchored to it.

Abstract: A truss anchor and a truss assembly used with a gate for reinforcing the gate are provided. The truss anchor has a flange defining a first opening, a base opposite to the flange for defining a second opening and a continuous wall extending between the flange and the base. The continuous wall and the base collectively define an open space which is accessible through the first opening. The truss assembly has two of the truss anchors and a rod extending between the truss anchors. The rod has two opposite ends, each end being insertable into the open space of the truss anchor through the second opening. A locking member is used for locking each end and a respective truss anchor. Upon locking the end of the rod and the truss anchor, the flange of the truss anchor abuts against an external surface of the gate and the rod is preloaded with tension.

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: Modular support systems for supporting multi story buildings including plates having bottom major faces and top major faces, the plates defining bolt holes extending through the plates, vertical columns extending from bottom ends to top ends opposite the bottom ends, the bottom ends of the vertical columns being welded to the top major faces of the plates, and horizontal columns having bottom sides and top sides opposite the bottom sides, the bottom sides of the horizontal columns being welded to the top end of the vertical columns. In some examples, the horizontal column defines bolt holes being positioned to align with the bolt holes defined in the plate. Some examples include pluralities of structural units selectively fastened together in a vertical arrangement, with each structural unit configured to selectively couple with vertically adjacent structural unit. Some examples define buildings including disclosed support systems.

Abstract: A structural framing member comprises a web flanked by a pair of flanges. The flanges may extend generally perpendicularly from the side edges of the web. In some embodiments, the web may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced embossments positioned along the centerline of the web. The embossments may be diamond shaped. The web may further comprise one or more longitudinally extending offsets that extend along the length of the web. Each flange may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced longitudinally extending stiffeners. The longitudinally extending stiffeners may be spaced approximately ?? (0.953 cm) apart from each other. In some embodiments, each flange may further comprise a free end, which is bent inwardly to form a return lip along the length of the flange. The return lip may extend generally perpendicularly from the flange and generally parallel to the web. The structural framing member may comprise a stud, track member, or other framing member.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The platform includes a concrete slab having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and a structural grid pattern of reinforcing bar within the concrete slab. The concrete slab further includes a shear connector opening on a side surface of a side of the concrete slab. The shear connector opening is a recess on the side surface of the concrete slab. The platform further includes an integrated attachment assembly within the shear connector opening on the side of the concrete slab. The integrated attachment assembly includes a shear connector rebar including an extension of continuous reinforcing bar extending out of the shear connector opening and back into the shear connector opening. The shear connector rebar and the shear connector opening form a closed loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layered framing system for securing cladding to an exterior wall having exterior insulation. The framing system provides horizontal elements positioned across the exterior insulation, wherein the horizontal elements are secured to studs within the wall using fasteners. Vertical elements are secured to the horizontal elements. Then panels of cladding are secured to the vertical elements.

Abstract: A frame connector assembly is adapted to releasably secure first and second frame members in line with one another. The connector assembly includes first and second expansion elements elastically interconnected. The second expansion element includes two hollow lobes joined by a web. When the connector assembly is received by the two frame members, threaded rotation of one or more threaded actuators forces the expansion elements apart and into engagement with opposing primary walls of the frame members. The threaded actuator also presses against the web, thereby causing resilient outward rotation of the lobes. This rotation results in compressive engagement between the outboard edges of the second expansion element and respective intermediate walls of the frame members. Thus, the connector assembly imposes locking forces to the frame members along two axes orthogonal to the main axis of the frame connector assembly. The expansion elements may have an identical extrusion cross-section.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a support structure having upper portion extending to adjacent a floor structure above the support structure and adapted to receive stand-off fasteners there along, a plurality of stand-off fasteners each having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the lower portion of the stand-off fasteners comprises a self-drilling end portion and an adjacent thread-forming portion and, when installed into the upper portion of the support structure, at least a portion of the upper portion of each stand-off fastener extends significantly above the upper portion of the support structure, a cementitious wall structure formed above the upper portion of the wall structure with the upper portions of the stand-off fasteners encapsulated in the cementitious wall structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, in particular for solar modules (1), consisting of supports (2) with a closed hollow box profile (3), with connectors (4) for solar module fastening means, and connectors (5) for roof fastening means. At least the connectors (4) for the solar module fastening means are formed from longitudinal groove pairs—or longitudinal flange pairs in or on the hollow box profile (3) that are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening means for the solar module (1) or solar modules (1) in the area of the support consist of a clamping piece with a shaped part (8), with each shaped part (8) having at least two webs (9.1, 9.2), arranged opposite each other on the shaped part (8) whereby at least one positive click connection with one of the groove pair—or flange pairs can be made by means of the ends remote from the shaped part (8), and the shaped part (8) has at least one bore hole (11) for the insertion of a fastening bolt (14).

Abstract: A joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) for connection of mutually adjacent structural members (11A, 11B), (11, 12), (12, 14), (11, 13), (11, 11), (11, 12), characterized in that each structural member has a pair of opposed walls (18, 19, 20, 21), (24, 24, 22A, 22A), (50, 51, 52A, 52A), (50, 51, 52C, 52C), (99, 100, 24, 24), (99, 102, 24, 24), (102, 102, 24, 24) whereby in formation of said joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) each opposed wall (18, 19), (24, 24), (50, 51), (99, 100), (99, 102), (102, 102) of one structural member (11A, 11, 12) is located adjacent to a proximal opposed wall (20, 21), (22A, 22A), (24, 24) of another structural member (11B, 12, 14, 13, 11) and connected thereto by fasteners (26, 17A, 17B).

Abstract: Structures used for dividing, supporting, disguising and/or cladding, for example, modular wall panel systems can include frame members that can include or be in the form of a rail having a panel engaging portion with a generally planar mounting surface configured to accept at least one fastener, the panel engaging portion including first and second lateral sides on opposite sides of the generally planar mounting surface. First and second channels can include side walls extending generally parallel to the generally planar mounting surface, the first and second channels facing away from each other.

Abstract: A tower having a lattice structure for improved structural reliability and load bearing.

Abstract: A modular building system including: assembled modules, where the modules provide framing for a structure; panels, where the panels are implemented within the modules to create a building structure; fixed hinges, where the fixed hinges are attached along the edges of the modules; and a series of hinge connectors throughout the structure, where the series of hinge connectors provide a mechanism for attachment of the modules to each other. The framework may include metal channels to adjoin the components of the framework. Each module may include a frame, an inner surface, an outer surface, insulation within the frame and a spacer between the inner surface and the outer surface.

Abstract: A protective structure for tables comprises an external frame placed around the table defining a security distance between the external frame and the table, and the protective structure further comprises protecting means including at least one beam blocker, said at least one beam blocker being preferably placed vertically on said external frame. The protective structure permits isolation of the optical table from vibrations, heat and/or air flow produced by other equipment used during the experiments.

Abstract: Structures with interlocking components include a plurality of interlocking structure sections, each of the interlocking structure sections including at least one tensioning component and a plurality of compression components carried by the at least one tensioning component. The at least one tensioning component secures alternating ones of the plurality of compression components in adjacent ones of the plurality of interlocking structure sections in end-to-end, interlocking compression with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of buildings, especially a reticulated stereo modular element that, combined with other identical elements, enables the construction of quadrangular enclosures suitable for the construction of rooms.

Abstract: A strut end piece for a strut for connecting with a fin of a sleeve for a solar mirror frame support. A strut for receiving a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support. A sleeve for connecting with a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support having a main portion having an opening for receiving the chord. A method for connecting a sleeve to a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: An overhead door frame apparatus having a plurality of elongated structural C-channel members. At least one of the members has a tube secured within and perpendicular to the first member and having a flat plate attached to an outside of the tube. At least an adjacent C-channel member of the plurality of members having a closed end. At least one fastener passes through the flat plate and through the tube of the first member and through the adjacent member.

Abstract: A system of framework timber construction in a building structure, the system comprising: a plurality of free-standing prefabricated glued laminated modular timber frame members, each timber frame member comprising four studs, the four studs being two posts, each post having a lateral dimension L2 and width WP, and two beams, each beam having a lateral dimension L1 and width WB, each timber frame member further comprising: at least three two-post-two-beam members, each two-post-two-beam member having two posts, two beams, and four joints between respective posts and beams, each of the posts and beams having an elongated rectangular shape defined by respective elongated lengths LP and LB, and having respective widths WP and WB, and having a thickness, with the at least three two-post-two-beam members having a crisscross glulam construction; wherein the plurality of free-standing prefabricated glued laminated modular timber frame members are configured to form supporting walls of the building structure.

Abstract: A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.

Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a connector clip for interconnecting a horizontally positioned sill member to an abutting vertically positioned stud. The connector clip comprises: a planar web having a pair of opposing side web flanges, each side web flange is flat and perpendicular to the web; first and second horizontally transverse and confronting open-ended inwardly-directed web slots on the web; and first and second horizontally transverse open-ended flange slots aligned and continuous with the first and second web slots. The first and second flange slots define respective upper and lower portions of the opposing side web flanges, and the web slots and the flange slots are engaged with the first and second upper sill returns of the sill member such that the entire outer surface of the of the lower portions of side web flanges are in planar contact with the respective opposing sidewalls of the sill member.

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: The present invention provides for a modular, plug-and-play DC/AC compatible solar photovoltaic power system and mounting frames therefor, having inexpensive modular designs which require no or minimal penetration for rooftop installation and provide enhanced wind-induced position disruption protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated localization steel frame used in lightweight steel building. The localization steel frame comprises steel columns (2), bracing members (1), and localization members (3) connecting the steel columns (2) and bracing members (1) through fixing connectors (7). The localization members (3) are casted in concrete ring beams (4). The steel columns (2), bracing members (1) and the fixing connectors (7) are connected together in pre-determined positions. The localization steel frame has proper structure, and is stressed uniformly and cost effective in construction. It can be assembled simply on site and can improve the construction efficiency. Hence it is more suitable for practical application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a plate-shaped solar element. The frame includes a bottom frame element (21) with a first surface (24) and a top frame element (11) with a second surface (14). The second surface (14) is disposed opposite the first surface (24) and is at spaced from the first surface forming a gap that accommodates an edge region of the plate-shaped solar element (31). The first surface and the second surface are each self-adhesive.

Abstract: A support system for holding solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes a frame for supporting the mirrors. The system includes a rib attached to the frame. The system includes at least a first roller engaged with the rib along which the rib moves as the frame moves. A method for moving a frame supporting solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes the steps of moving the frame on a roller guided by a rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a first position. There is the step of moving the frame on the roller guided by the rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a second position. A roller for engaging with a rib attached to a frame that holds mirrors of a solar trough system. A rib for a frame that holds solar mirrors of a solar trough system which engages with a roller. A support system for mirrors of a solar trough system.

Abstract: A method of installing a solar panel mounting stand, the method including: forming an installation scheduled surface on which a plurality of piles are scheduled to be installed at a position deeper than an original ground surface, by digging the soil of an installation site of the solar panel mounting stand; installing the plurality of piles at the installation site by supporting the plurality of piles in a state of being relatively aligned, using a pile installation structure, and transporting the plurality of piles to the installation site of the solar panel mounting stand integrally with the pile installation structure, and placing the projecting portions on the installation scheduled surface corresponding to each projecting portion, and refilling the installation site with soil; removing the pile installation structure from the plurality of piles; and assembling a member as a framework of the solar panel mounting stand, using the plurality of piles.

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: An improved universal hub and strut system for a geodesic enclosure framework is disclosed. The universal hub and strut system disclosed herein allows a geodesic structure to be more quickly assembled and with increased integrity. The geodesic structure is assembled by interconnecting a plurality of universal hubs and struts at each vertex of a geodesic spatial framework. To connect a strut to a universal hub of the present system, a strut-tab on a strut end overlaps a hub-tab of the universal hub, which is secured together via a fastening means through the respective ports. Based on the flexibility of the hub-tabs, the geodesic structure design disclosed herein may depart from the geometric designs associated with traditional geodesic structures. The invention may be applied in any geodesic type dome, structure, or enclosure.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy truss structure, comprising upper chord members, lower chord members, web members and all connection nodes by which the members are connected using riveting bolts, the chord members and web members being interconnected using tenons and mortise grooves that mate with each other respectively, each of the chord members being provided with a tenon plate at the end adjacent to the respective web members, each of the web members being correspondingly provided with a mortise groove at either end thereof, and the tenon plate on the chord members being implanted into the mortise groove on the web members; or, alternatively, each of the chord members being provided with a mortise groove at the end adjacent to the respective web members, each of the web members being correspondingly provided at either end thereof with a tenon that is to mate with the mortise groove.

Abstract: A collar-form, nodal connection between the ends of beams and the outside of a column including (a) column-mount node components, joined to and distributed around the outside of the column at a defined location along its length, (b) planar beam-mount node components connected to beam ends and arranged in a collar form circumsurrounding the column-mount node components, with adjacent beam-mount node components possessing adjacent lateral sides including confronting load-compression faces that lie in planes which are disposed at angles of substantially 45-degrees relative to the respective planes of their associated beam-mount components, and (c) for each pair of adjacent beam-mount-component lateral sides, operatively connected nut-and-bolt structure extending through the associated beam-mount components' lateral sides, appropriately tightened within the overall nodal connection to produce compression in confrontingly adjacent load-compression faces which is effective within the connection to promote column-ci

Abstract: Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.

Abstract: A modular building panel preferably includes a plurality of lengthwise members, two end members, four corner members and a surface panel. Each lengthwise member and end member includes a first flange, a base member and a second flange. Preferably, two rows of base holes are formed in the base member and one row of first flange holes is formed in the first flange. The base and flange holes are sized to receive fasteners for assembling a plurality of modular building panels in either parallel or perpendicular orientations. Both ends of the lengthwise members are modified for insertion into the two end members. The second flanges of the lengthwise and end members are attached to the surface panel with fasteners. The four corner members are inserted into four corner cavities created by the junction of the two outside lengthwise members and the two end members and secured thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A floating, nondestructably disconnectable, discontinuous, full-moment nodal connection between the end of a beam and the side of a column including (a) a column having a side, (b) a column-mount node structure joined to that column side, (c) an elongate beam having an end, and (d) a beam-mount node structure joined to that beam end. The column-mount and beam-mount structures are floatingly, nondestructably disconnectably, and discontinuity-gravity-seated relative to one another, and as so seated, form an operative full-moment connection, via the node structures, between the column and beam, this connection being characterized by the fact that there is no uninterrupted material-occupying path or structure which flows structurally from the beam to the column through the node structures.

Abstract: A space frame connector is provided for attaching an oblique strut tube to an axial chord of a space frame. The space frame connector includes a collar adapted to fit over an axial chord. The collar is equipped with one or more attachment flanges. The space frame connector also includes a strut tube having an extrusion flange formed in at least one of its ends. The extrusion flange is made up of two parallel leaves that define a slot between them. The slot is sized and shaped to fit over an attachment flange on the collar that is positioned over the axial chord. The extrusion flange can be formed using simple press and punch tools. Space frames used to support solar energy collector arrays can be assembled in the field, including formation of the extrusion flanges on the oblique strut tubes, or multiple strut tubes can be attached to axial chords and compactly packed and transported to the field for use in constructing space frames, for example for supporting large parabolic trough solar collectors.

Abstract: A prefabricated house including two or more modules including a core module having a fixed space portion and a passive space portion. The fixed space portion includes non-foldable walls. The fixed space portion has a functionality beyond providing volume. The passive space portion has one or more foldable panels. Each foldable panel is movable from a first, closed position to second open position.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite material structure comprising a plate having an upper side, an under side and at least first and second beams, each beam having a plurality of faces comprising at least an upper face and a base face and a pair of spaced apart side faces intermediate to and adjoining the upper and base faces, each beam being attached to the underside of the plate at the upper face wherein the first beam has an open ended passage extending between the side faces and the second beam extends through the open ended passage.