Abstract: A bastion including one or more free-standing structures for use in, for example, military applications and for force protection. The free-standing structures are made up of a plurality of interconnected fire resistant mesh covered wire panels and are filled with, for example, sand, crushed rock or granular materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved greenhouse, improving upon the shortcomings of a typical greenhouse with difficult assembly and handling. The greenhouse is assembled by a plurality of trusses, which are combined through a plurality of erection tubes along with the covering and a plurality of angled elements. The covering directly couples onto the erection tubes, which are coupled via angled elements to form a greenhouse, thereby achieving rapid assembly/disassembly and handling of spare parts. The retaining portion of the covering is provided with layering, so that the covering could be supported and leveled by the layering to provide a smooth greenhouse with improved applicability.

Abstract: A metal frame made up of a plurality of linear bars, which have a constant cross section, are obtained by extrusion, and are joined to one another by means of welding at structural nodes defined by jointing bodies provided with pockets for housing the linear bars. The jointing bodies have box type structures and are made up of the union of respective a load-bearing element, which is obtained by extrusion and has a given direction of extrusion, with a pair of plane closing metal sheets, which are set perpendicular to the direction of extrusion and are welded to the load-bearing element on opposite sides of the load-bearing element. The load-bearing element may also be formed by the lateral union of a number of simple elements, each of the simple elements being obtained directly via extrusion and having a given direction of extrusion parallel to the direction of extrusion of the other simple elements, and wherein the simple elements are joined to one another laterally by mechanical slots.

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

Abstract: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: Apparatus/systems and methods are disclosed for facilitating installation of conduit systems through construction openings. Exemplary embodiments enable one to form, maintain, and controllably block the openings and incorporate the apparatus/systems into the finished construction. Exemplary apparatus/systems disclosed include (i) a structural member that includes one or more side walls defining an opening, one or more base flaps, and one or more top flaps, and (ii) at least one cover to controllably block said opening. Exemplary methods disclosed include (i) installing said apparatus/system that includes (1) securing the structural member relative to a deck, and (2) introducing cement/concrete relative to structural member covering the base flaps and fixing the structural member with respect to the deck, and (ii) installing a conduit system through an apparatus/system-defined opening that includes encasing the cover(s) together with the installed conduit system.

Abstract: A tubular steel frame housing module built in a factory and then transferred within a standard intermodal shipping container for installation within a structural framework at a remote building site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance. New and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring. Such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal (e.g. steel).

Abstract: A frame for doors, windows, or facade elements has a profiled frame section to be arranged in a wall opening, wherein the profiled frame section has at least one basic profiled frame section. The profiled frame section has a multifunctional chamber extending substantially across at least one side of the frame. At least one part of the multifunctional chamber is part of the basic profiled frame section. A venting system having a moveable venting element is arranged at least partially within the multifunctional chamber. The venting element forms an air passage.

Abstract: An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, wherein header and post beams of the room wall assemblies are extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability. Importantly, the beams enable wire services to be routed in concealed fashion from a power source associated with the building to accessible locations in the room and remote to the building. The header and post beams are configured to enable the wire services to be concealed but yet accessible for repair and routing through the header beams and into one or more post beams, as desired.

Abstract: A structure and a method for producing the structure wherein the structure comprises a framework of purlins supported by clips and plates and upright cylindrical members to form a structure of a fence, wall or a structure and the method comprises supporting the purlins between cylindrical members by the use of clips and plates to produce a structure which may include a slanted or peaked roof and may include windows and doors.

Abstract: A product, system and method for reinforcing structural members is provided. The invention includes an elongated beam having a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls forming an internal cavity including an interior surface and an exterior surface; a reinforcing material preferably a flowable, strong, conglomerate construction material that hardens and gains strength when cured, such as a cementious building material (e.g., cementious grout or foam), disposed within the internal cavity, whereby the cured reinforcing material and walls form a strong, composite structural member. The invention further comprises a layer of sealant and/or protectant applied on the interior surface of the walls of the beam to prevent interaction between the reinforcing material and the walls (e.g. aluminum or metal or alloy). The invention further comprises one or more reinforcing rods (e.g. rebar) extending from a slab into the internal cavity.

Abstract: In a double layer grid-type of spare frame, certain straight framing members are connected at their opposite ends to separate node connectors carried by chords of the frame. The node connectors have elements which define a pair of spaced, parallel, substantially flat opposing surfaces. The framing members have substantially flat parallel opposing exterior surfaces at their ends which are disposed between the flat opposing surfaces of the node connectors. A shear pin passage is formed through each framing member and on a line normal to the end's parallel exterior surfaces. Holes for a shear pin are formed through the node connector elements on a line normal to the elements' opposing surfaces. A shear pin is engaged in the element holes and the framing member pin passage to define a pinned connection of the framing member to the node connector.

Abstract: A tape-spring shaped, articulating member used in deployable structures having a resilient, compliant hinge region and rigid non-hinge regions, thereby enabling a smaller fold radius and greater packaging efficiency. The increased compliance in the hinge region may be obtained by using a more compliant material in the hinge region or reducing the cross-sectional area in the hinge region. The hinge region may be reinforced with integrated shape memory alloy features serving as folding mandrels, to enhance structural stiffness and strength performance of the hinge, and to exhibit authority over the rate and sequencing of strain release when deployed.

Abstract: A pipe fitting of the present invention comprises a combination of a plurality of split fittings and has a central cylinder and an extended cylinder which outwardly projects from the central cylinder, the central cylinder and the extended cylinder being capable of receiving pipes from orthogonal directions with respect to each other. The extended cylinder includes a bolt hole which locates near the central cylinder and which penetrates the extended cylinder. The central cylinder has an aperture provided in a side surface thereof. Each split fitting is fixed on the pipes by a bolt and nut via the respective bolt hole.

Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) for housing a number of components used in a heating or cooling system to provide forced air for climate control in a particular structure includes a single raceway construction having both low thermal conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties for use with lifting the AHU; a single insulated panel construction having a minimum number of components as well as enhanced mechanical properties for use as the floor in an AHU compartment; to minimize costs associated with fabrication and installation.

Abstract: A frame system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of frame members each having a connector socket defined therein. The system further includes a connector having an outer profile configured to engage the sockets of two of the frame members so as to connect them in a fixed angular relationship. The connectors are composite bodies including a core member and an exterior body which covers at least a portion of the core member and defines a portion of the outer profile of the connector. Also disclosed are frames which employ the system and methods for manufacturing the frames.

Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.

Abstract: A modular channel joint structural system comprising an interlocking system with matching extensions. The extensions slide into matching grooves or channels and are bottled together with only one bolt per joint. In a typical embodiment, aligned members with transverse grooves towards the ends thereof are joined together and to a third perpendicular member with inwardly curved extensions which engage the grooves. The third member includes a corresponding aperture on both sides thereof which is positioned in line with an end notch in the aligned members. A bolt engages the apertures to hold the three members fixedly together.

Abstract: A rigid frame inspection structure (“Rigi-Frame”) and method for housing radiation, contagion, explosive, and other forms of detection and surveillance equipment, while providing crash beams that form horizontal fixed obstacles with the ability to impede vehicles approaching at a high velocity. The crash beams force small passenger vehicles and larger trucks to conform to the inspection station procedure.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

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: The present invention provides for an improved method of fabricating trusses. The improved trusses are made from elongated, tubular members forming the chords and/or webs. A metal connector plate is used to connect the chords and webs to form the truss. Further, modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of trusses into truss assemblies. Additionally, other modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of the trusses to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to form an arch (16), and two series of cables (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.

Abstract: A foldable member including a first structural section foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration and a second structural section also foldable flat and biased to have an open configuration. The second section is longitudinally aligned with the first structural section when both structural sections are in the open configuration. A hinged connection between the first and second structural sections allows the first structural section to be folded against the second structural section when both structural sections are folded flat.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals. A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a fabric canopy or tent is formed from a number of elongate rigid cylindrical elements, tubes or rods, joined by a variety of special connectors. They form a frame of interconnected rigid trusses. Each truss has an upper chord and a spaced-apart lower chord connected by rigid members therebetween to form trusses with sufficient rigidity to span greater unsupported spans than conventional canopy frames. Each connector has a plurality of tubular receptacles for receiving the cylindrical elements and transverse threaded apertures for threaded locking fasteners for securing the cylindrical elements in place.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: A method of generating force between a structure and an additional member, particularly for reinforcing an existing structure so that an additional member can share existing load. Pre-cooled or pre-heated shims of shape memory alloy (SMA) are inserted between the additional member and the existing structure, or between different sub-units of the additional member, or between the additional member and shoes fixed for this purpose to the existing structure. On subsequent warming or cooling the SMA shims expand to apply compressive forces to the portions of the structure, additional member or shoe(s) with which they are in contact on their opposite sides. Further compressive, tensile, flexural or torsional forces will be developed within other parts of the structure and additional member as a result of the shim expansion depending on the particular arrangement.

Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.

Abstract: Column-beam building frame structure, wherein columns and beams are interconnected to distribute and share all lateral loads through collars that encircle columns at the nodal points of attachments between columns and beams. Each collar includes inner and outer components which seat, and gravity-lock together, during frame construction, and which also to offer a certain amount of immediate moment resistance to lateral loads. Tension bolt and nut assemblies lock the inner and outer collar components together, and with these assemblies in place, the collars (which circumsurround the beams) function to deliver beam moment loads as plural-position, angularly distributed compression loads to different side regions of columns.

Abstract: A storage structure or hangar designed primarily for housing a sailplane or other small aircraft has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated upper frame support anchored to the ground at several locations, a first set of frame members mounted immovably to the upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the sailplane to be placed into the storage structure.

Abstract: The application relates to various improvements to elements, structures, and components of structures used to support lighting, scenic, and other loads, including, but not limited to, those suitable for entertainment and display applications. Improved profiles for elongated structural shapes used for and used in structures for such purposes are disclosed, as well as improved fittings for connecting such shapes with each other; with supporting structures; and for connecting loads to them. Improvements are disclosed to methods of supporting structures, and for fabricating and interconnecting them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cube-shaped profile element provided with more than six identical side surfaces, wherein preferably eight slots are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to each other around an axis of symmetry of the side surface and wherein a central boring is provided. Through the slots behind the side surface, insertable closing elements can be inserted through the slots behind the side surface. The profile element is preferably hollow and is constructed from six identical plates that form side surfaces. All the plates are provided with eight-cornered edges, whereby the plates are connected via one edge and the other edges each form an opening at the corners of the cube-shaped profile elements. Very modular, stable construction systems are produced using these elements and cross-shaped profile strips having an acceptable appearance when connected with clamp profiles, wherein these elements each form an optically acceptable closure at the edges of the skeleton structure.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.

Abstract: A lattice tower consisting of first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third webs, each web having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the webs being fixedly attached to the first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the poles, the first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates being arranged in substantially identical vertically extending patterns; fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the distal ends of the webs, the fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates being arranged in vertically extending patterns substantially identical to those of the first, second, and third eye plates; and first, second, and third pluralities of eye plate fasteners respectively interconnecting the first and fifth, the second and sixth, and the third and fourth eye plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved modular system for constructing a tubular structure. The improved system allows the tubing to be assembled and disassembled in a direction perpendicular to a centerline of the tubing without having to move the tubing along its centerline. The improved system allows the tubing to be positioned at various angles. The system also enables curved tubing to be used. In an embodiment, the structural system includes a hub and a connector that removably couples to the hub. The connector has a first end that couples to the hub and a second that defines a notch. One of the walls of the notch connects to a flange that may extend in one or two directions from the centerline of the connector. The connector and flange removably couple to one end of an adapter, which contains a mating notch, wherein the adapter receives a tube.

Abstract: A polyhedron-like structural assembly comprises a plurality of polygonal frames installed in upright position on each of a pair of opposite sides of a structural assembly that is square-shaped in a plan view, a plurality of frames having H-shaped cross-sections and connecting the polygonal frames to form a plurality of triangular planes therebetween, a plurality of polygonal flat plates attached in the triangular planes to provide polyhedron-like upper walls and polyhedron-like side walls between the polygonal frames, and a joint disposed in the center of the assembly and having a plurality of arms formed to fit within the frames.

Abstract: A strut assembly includes a longitudinal member having a wall and at least a first substantially hollow end portion. A first threaded member is slidably mounted within the first end-portion and is capable of movement along a longitudinal axis of the threaded member between a retracted position and an extended position. The wall has at least a first access opening therein for providing access to the first threaded member. At least a first node is provided having at least one internally threaded radial bore therein which is configured to threadably engage the first threaded member in an extended position.

Abstract: An assembly rail has at least one profile element with support legs. A rail slot is defined between the support legs and extends in a longitudinal direction of the at least one profile element. The support legs are oriented inwardly toward an interior of the at least one profile element. A hollow profile that is larger than the at least one profile element has edge strips arranged along at least one longitudinal side of the hollow profile. Between the edge strips a receiving slot is formed. The at least one profile element is arranged in the receiving slot and is connected fixedly to the hollow profile. The rail slot of the at least one profile element opens outwardly.

Abstract: A modular elongated element (1), an intramodule tensile device (11), a pair of securing and linking devices (12), and an intermodule connector device (13), interconnected using the devices and methods disclosed herein, are used to construct a virtually limitless variety of inherently-tensile constructs. In the most elemental module, the intramodule tensile device (11) connects a pair of securing and linking devices (12) which are in turn secured to two ends (14) of the modular elongated element (1).

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity. In fabricating this type of building, foundation assemblies are first placed in concrete footings at a precise location in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Once the concrete has cured, columns are placed over the foundation assembly and bolted into place using pre-drilled holes in the columns and foundation assembly, thereby eliminating the difficult task of holding the columns erect while at the same time trying to precisely position the column in the horizontal and vertical planes. Trusses are connected to the top of the columns by means of bolts passes through pre-drilled holes.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for protection of a door or window opening having an upper frame and a lower frame, the adjustable apparatus including a plurality of posts, a first end plate for fastening a first end of the adjustable apparatus to the upper frame of the opening, and a second end plate for fastening a second end of the apparatus to the lower frame of the opening, wherein the plurality of posts further include a first portion having a predetermined length and a second portion having a predetermined length, wherein the first portion telescopically engages the second portion, and wherein a length of the plurality of posts telescopically adjusts to correspond to a longitudinal dimension between the upper frame and the lower frame of the opening.

Abstract: A lightweight construction, especially a greenhouse structure, comprises a plurality of pillars (12) arranged at the periphery of an area of said lightweight construction, said pillars (12) extending obliquely and outwardly so that an upper end (22) of said pillars (12) lies substantially in a vertical plane passing through a respective area border. According to the invention at least one of said pillars (12) comprises a supporting element (14), said supporting element being mounted onto said pillar (12) so as to define a predetermined inclination angle of said pillar (12).

Abstract: Shown is a clamping system with multiple clamps that work in combination with each other to support a load attached to an open web joist. This clamping system is typically used to clamp a piping system, of the type commonly used to suspend a basketball backboard and basket, to an open web steel joist of a gymnasium. The clamp combines a prior art “horizontal” clamp subassembly, which clamps to the opposed “lips” of the open web joist, with a second clamp subassembly which provides a “vertical” clamp centered within the horizontal clamp, supported above the open top portion of the open web joist and extending through the open middle portion of the open web joist.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structure with an additional member, said additional member comprising one or more sub-units comprising the steps of: (a) inserting pre-cooled or pre-heated shims (6) of shape memory alloy between said member (4, 8) and said structure (2, 3) or between at least two of said sub-units; (b) allowing said shims to expand on subsequent cooing or warming so as to force said member into compression or tension against said structure, simultaneously driving an adjacent portion of said structure into tension or compression.

Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a building construction system, the components thereof, and method therefore. More specifically, the present invention relates to a building construction system that utilizes specifically designed component parts that fit together, such as by male/female connections, and are permanently attached through the use of an adhesive, or bonding glue, to create an extra strong and uniformly tight structure. If effect, the end result is equivalent to a one-piece construction since all components are permanently “chemically welded” to each other with all components being made from the same type of materials.