Abstract: A connector element for a construction system, the construction system having first and second construction elements. The first type of construction elements comprising at least one construction element having connector knobs formed on a surface thereof and arranged in a regular two-dimensional lattice. The second type of construction elements comprising at least one construction element configured to cooperate with a connector peg to form a snap connection. The connector element comprising an elongate body having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis (A1). The first end having a first cylindrical connector portion, having an inner surface configured to form a friction fit, and an outer surface configured to form a friction fit between four neighbouring connector knobs formed on a first type of construction element. A second cylindrical connector portion configured to form a snap connection with the cylindrical connector opening of the second type of construction elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a connecting core for column-beam joint, the connecting core being able to secure excellent rigidity through a simple process without welding. To this end, a connecting core for column-beam joint includes: a closed-section intermediate column; a diaphragm; and internal reinforcing members, in which slit for inserting the internal reinforcing members are formed at the diaphragm, and the internal reinforcing members inserted in the diaphragm are combined with the intermediate column. According to the present disclosure, high rigidity is secured, as compared with the related art, when a closed-section column and a beam are connected. Further, a closed-section column and a beam can be connected without welding, so the process can be shortened, connecting become easy, and quality is also uniform.

Abstract: A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. Also, disclosed is a hoistable connector assembly, a lifting frame assembly, a coupling system for modular frame units, a method for assembling a module unit using the connector assembly, and a modular frame unit and building having the connector assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle underbody structure includes a side sill protruding upward at its center to be coupled to a lower end of each center pillar, a cross member, an associated end of which is coupled to the side sill on a floor panel, and a seat mounting member installed to surround the end of the cross member to support a seat.

Abstract: A lattice structure comprising a series of connecting rings or half-rings on which a series of orienting elements are secured. The orienting elements being equipped with holes and a slot in which the connecting rings or half-rings are disposed, as well as comprising profiles that are solidly connected using joining elements that extend through holes in the profiles.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of solar panel mounting clamps for mounting a plurality of solar panels including a plurality of threaded projections fixed in a mounting surface; a plurality of the solar panel mounting clamps, each respectively disposed upon one of the plurality of threaded projections such that the threaded receiving portion of each solar panel mounting clamp receives each respective threaded projection, such that the plurality of solar panel mounting clamps are capable of securing a plurality of solar panels to the mounting surface such that each clamp makes a conductive bond with one or more panels such that each panel shares a common ground. The system may include one or more mounting plates to rest upon the mounting surface that has one or more retainer clip to ease in cable management.

Abstract: A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), including a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form a substantially continuous mounting surface.

Abstract: An orthogonal framework for the fabrication of modular buildings includes a plurality of hub members formed to fit in the ends of vertical hollow post members including base hubs for securing the lower end of a hollow post to a foundation and/or base beams or shear panels, terminal hubs for securing the top ends of a post upper beam members and/or the upper ends of shear panels, and intermediate tubes for securing the ends of two vertically aligned posts together and/or to support beams for the building. The hubs are hollow and have press nuts mounted on their inner surfaces to allow the terminals to be bolted to the posts, beams and shear panels in a large variety of beam and post combinations to form modular buildings in various configurations.

Abstract: A load-bearing structure of a motor vehicle, having hollow profiles and junction elements to connect the hollow profiles. The hollow profiles may be fastened in receptacles of the junction elements, and the junction elements may have a plurality of of areal webs in a vehicle vertical direction, at least some of the areal webs forming a framework structure which assists the load path in the respective junction element.

Abstract: A clamp is provided that allows for easily and securely mounting an object such as a PV panel to a rail having an internal recess or channel. The clamp utilizes one or more splice bars that extend into a recess of a rail that supports a PV panel. In one arrangement, the splice bar is inserted through an end of the rail into the recess such that a portion the splice bar extends beyond the end of the rail. A sliding clamp body engages lateral edges of the slice bar to, in one embodiment, compress a PV panel against a surface of the rail. The sliding clamp body may be affixed to the splice bar to secure the panel.

Abstract: A method for producing a body of a passenger car is provided. A plurality of body components are connected to each other, the body components are provided at least in part with a plastic. The body is produced in a combined internal high pressure forming and injection molding process.

Abstract: A tube over tube joint for an implement frame includes a self-fixturing weldable connector positioned between upper and lower tubes. Standard fillet welds connect the tubes to the connector. A unitary casting can be used made from material selected to optimize load transfer between the top and bottom tubes to improve the fatigue life of the joint. The casting is self-fixturing so the top tubes can be located by simply placing in the casting on the lower tubes. A tube end connector provides fixturing and weld surfaces for butt joints in planar frames. Outwardly extended weld edges on the connector increase resistance to parallelogramming of the frame.

Abstract: An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).

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: Various disclosures of a horizontal stack joint system for a curtain wall is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the joint system comprises a lower subsystem having a dual member projection and an upper subsystem having a channel sized to receive the dual member projection.

Abstract: The structural truss includes a connector plate member welded to the framework between two corresponding longitudinal tubes. The connector plate member is made of a monolithic piece. It includes a corner beam section protruding from the rear side of the connector plate member and a main plate section extending perpendicularly inwards on a side of the corner beam section. The main plate section and the corner beam section define together a planar outer abutment plate surface. The connector plate member also includes a lip projecting at right angle from the main plate section on the rear side of the connector plate member. The lip extends substantially parallel to the corner beam section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a framework connecting device of a prefabricated building structure. Each connection portion of frameworks, which are formed in the shape of a square pipe so as to form columns, rafters or the like, is connected and fixed by front and rear connection pieces and a plurality of bolts and nuts which penetrate the same, wherein, during assembly, the frameworks and the front and rear connection pieces are coupled by indented groves and protrusion portions. Base protrusions of the front and rear connection pieces are supported by the frameworks. One or more support pipes which are respectively connected and fixed by bolts and the nuts are provided between the front and rear connection pieces. Therefore, the assembling work may be readily and easily carried out while the strength of the connection portions is being reinforced.

Abstract: The invention is about a supporting framework, having nodes and at least one framework component. The framework components are either panels or diagonal braces or a combination of them. At least one node has a connector and at least two bars. At least one connector has a plurality of bar receiving members that are located in a corresponding plurality of faces of an imaginary polyhedron and at least one bar has a first end, fixed to the one of the bar receiving members of the connector of a first node and a second end, fixed to the corresponding bar receiving member of the connector of another node. The node further comprise a holder for the diagonal braces or panels.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to an overhead crane with one or more bridge rails, that incorporates a reinforcement truss into its one or more bridge rails so as to reduce the overall mass of the one or more bridge rails. This facilitates movement of a load carried by the bridge by an operator to a destination point, particularly in embodiments wherein the one or more bridge rails do not have any bridge drive motors thereon. Reducing the mass of the bridge can increase the amount of lifted load that can comfortably be maneuvered by an operator, particularly when the bridge is manually moved along the runway. Additionally, reducing the mass of the bridge reduces the momentum associated with the bridge, which can increase the amount of control that the operator has when it is desired to stop the bridge when the load has been maneuvered to its desired destination point.

Abstract: A system comprising a first beam, a second beam, at least two attachment nodes, at least four support assemblies, and a platform is provided. The beams each have a top surface and a bottom surface with at least one top channel and bottom channel respectively along the length of the beams' surfaces. The channels each have a first width at the outer surface of the beam that is smaller than a second width of the channels located within the beam. The attachment nodes are secured in the at least one top channel of each of the beams. At least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the first beam, and at least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the second beam. The platform is positioned on the at least two attachment nodes.

Abstract: A long, elastically deployable tubular boom structure consisting of two or more thin-walled booms with a continuous longitudinal slit-opening along its entire length on the backside and a composite reinforced or metallic construction. The slit-opening, thin-walled tubular section accompanied by the boom elastic properties and unique fastening method between the boom segments allows the segmented boom to be flattened and then rolled up into an extremely compact cylindrical stowage volume. The boom elastically and immediately deploys from a rolled stowed configuration under its own strain energy without use of a motor or other complicated actuators/mechanisms. The segmented construction of multiple tube elements allows for unlimited boom lengths and enables unlimited structure scaling.

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: A multi-directional structural joint for interconnecting the ends of tubular structural pipes that includes rigid perpendicularly intersecting planar plates the peripheral edges of which include a plurality of radially projecting connecting stubs for securing the terminal ends of tubular structural members.

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 node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

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

Abstract: A structural apparatus for carrying loads and transferring forces to ground, the apparatus having a plurality of nodes, each having a spherical core, the core having a spherical surface. Each one of the nodes having a plurality of housing frames secured in fixed selected positions in contact with the surface. Each one of the nodes having a plurality of housing hubs secured by the housing frames in contact with the surface and free to circularly rotate about a radius of the core, and each one of the nodes has a plurality of fasteners, each of the fastener having a head and a shaft extending from the head, the head constrained between the surface and a housing hub positioning the shaft in a radial attitude relative to the core. A plurality of struts interconnect the nodes and the struts are joined with the shafts at their opposing ends.

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

Abstract: A framing structure (10) includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core (18). The elements include a hollow-interior column (12) having an opening (22) in a wall (20) that allows access to the interior and a beam (14) having a cavity (28) that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material (18). The beam (14) is positioned with respect to the column (12) such that the cavity (28) is aligned with the opening (22). Flooring sections (16) are supported by the beams (14).

Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

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 supporting frame comprises four transversal supporting tubes, each of the transversal supporting tubes having two hollow ends; each two adjacent inner faces of each transversal supporting tube being formed with a screw hole; four longitudinal supporting tubes, each upper end of the longitudinal supporting tubes being a hollow end; moreover, each two adjacent inner faces of each longitudinal supporting tube being formed with respective screw holes; and a plurality of three-way internal connecting units; each three-way internal connecting unit having three inserting ends; each inserting end of the three-way internal connecting unit can be inserted into the hollow ends of the transversal supporting tube and the longitudinal supporting tube; thus by the longitudinal supporting tubes, the four transversal supporting tubes can be assembled as a rectangular upper frame and the four longitudinal supporting tubes being assembled as legs of the upper frame.

Abstract: Interlocking support posts form an interlocking rack system which may have a single mold which provides both a male and a female joinder member. Between the support posts can be mounted panels such as solar panels. Under the support posts can be installed a roof stand off assembly which prevents water from weakening the roof. Various combinations of construction members offer a cost effective building block array of mounting panels, wind turbines, and any appliance on a roof and/or anywhere in a building. A two recess mounting bracket is ideally suited to mount solar panels on a roof. A lower recess can be fastened to a bolt anchor on the roof. The opposing recess can secure a mounting clip which attaches directly to the solar panel. Identical support posts can interlock. Various embodiments include conduit clasps, slider tracks, mounts for cabinets, sign posts, and thru roof screwed anchors.

Abstract: An interlocking joint system can be used to build emergency shelters. The system provides emergency structures that can be assembled by anyone but still handle heavy weather. The system also provides an armorable air droppable structure for military. Shelters built with the system require no tools or special training and such shelters typically become stronger as more force is applied to the joints. The shelter design laterally redirects how wind load and weight load affects the structure.

Abstract: An intercoupled piping assembly comprising first and second elongated pipes, and a coupler for orthogonally coupling them together. A preferred embodiment provides for the intercoupling piping assembly to be used in connection with tubular building structures having a plurality of elongated pipes coupled together to form a coverable structure and a fabric to cover the structure.

Abstract: A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.

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

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided comprising a frame comprising at least three interconnected sides. A plurality of interconnected frame members define the at least three interconnected sides of the device. A longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of one of the interconnected frame members is slidably movable within a bore of a longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of another of the interconnected frame members to a desired position, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted in one of a horizontal or vertical direction. The plurality of interconnected frame members define at least a rectangular-shaped region on each of the at least three interconnected sides.

Abstract: The structural truss includes a connector plate member welded to the framework between two corresponding longitudinal tubes. The connector plate member is made of a monolithic piece. It includes a corner beam section protruding from the rear side of the connector plate member and a main plate section extending perpendicularly inwards on a side of the corner beam section. The main plate section and the corner beam section define together a planar outer abutment plate surface. The connector plate member also includes a lip projecting at right angle from the main plate section on the rear side of the connector plate member. The lip extends substantially parallel to the corner beam section.

Abstract: Preforms for open structured (lattice) composite truss structures manufactured from large prepreg yarns on a conventional maypole braiding machine, and subsequently cured to produce fiber reinforced composites of high strength and light weight.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for protecting well head equipment at a surface location is made up of an open framework of structural members which surround and protect the well head. Individual steel panels are assembled to form a series of upstanding walls which are covered by a series of roof panels and which together define the quasi-enclosed area surrounding the well head. The roof panels are covered with a steel grating which forms a covered roof for the protective enclosure. The tubing which makes up the steel panels is spaced to allow access to the enclosed area by a worker needing to access the well head.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

Abstract: A frame unit of a curtain wall has a mullion, a beam and a connecting device. The mullion has a mullion recess and a mullion channel. The beam is substantially the same as the mullion and has a beam recess and a beam channel. The connecting device has a first group and a second group. The first group has a plate, two chunks and two bolts. The plate is mounted in the mullion recess. The chunks are mounted in the mullion channel. The bolts are mounted through the plate and are respectively screwed into the chunks. The second group is the same as the first group and is similarly connected with the beam. Because one beam can be connected with and spreads forces to multiple mullions, a structure of a curtain wall can be enhanced.

Abstract: A square shaped lightweight steel component with reinforced members includes a main body structure (1) and reinforced members (2). The main body structure (1) is a square steel tube integrally molded by a steel plate with certain thickness. One side of the square steel tube is provided with an opening. Angular curled edges (5) are respectively set on two sides of the opening. The reinforced members (2) are fixedly connected with the side of the main body structure (1) having the opening and installed with an interval therebetween.

Abstract: A framework system for buildings and other structures having a plurality of structural columns each having a wall structure of generally circular cross-sectional configuration defining an internal chamber and having a number of pairs of elongate external undercut grooves extending the length of the column and defining internal elongate grooves also extending the length of the column. Structural framework members extend between adjacent ones of the structural columns and define opposed ends. Gripper members are mounted to the ends of each of the structural framework members and each have a pair of spaced hook-like lateral retainer flanges disposed in retaining engagement within the elongate external undercut grooves. A structural member extends the length of the internal chamber and has radially oriented structural flanges each being received within one of the internal elongate grooves.

Abstract: A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss.