Parallel Trellises Or Sheets Held By Disparate Connector Patents (Class 52/654.1)
  • Patent number: 11808070
    Abstract: A retractable sliding door (10) with automatic alignment to the wall (12) during the closing phase, suitable to alternately open and close a through space (14) made along said wall, comprising a lower guide (18) fixed to the floor and an upper guide (20) forming a support beam. In the upper guide (20) paired prominences (50, 52) and (60) are made constituting the sliding tracks of two or more pairs of wheels (54) and single wheels (58) borne by a shaft (56) and combined with a frame (62) to form a carriage. The lower guide (18) interacts with a roller (24) suitable to fit into a shaped channel with a mixed-line extension (26) made along the lower head of the door (10); the upper guide (20) is provided with a shaped channel (78) having the same and parallel mixed-line configuration as said shaped channel (26). The upper head of the door (10) being provided with means for its suspension to the frame (62) constituting the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TERNO SCORREVOLI S.P.A. UNIPERSONALE
    Inventor: Paolo Fornasari
  • Patent number: 11767167
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including a storage structure with storage racks having a seating surface configured to support case units where a position of each case unit is nondeterministic for each storage location on the storage racks, each case unit has a predetermined storage position and a controller is configured to determine the predetermined storage position, a picking aisle configured to provide access to the case units within the storage structure, and a seismic disturbance restorative system including seismic disturbance motions sensors disposed on the storage racks, a seismic disturbance control module in communication with the seismic disturbance sensors and configured to identify a seismic disturbance, and an automated case mapper configured to traverse the picking aisle, the automated case mapper being in communication with and initialized by the seismic disturbance control module to identify a seated position of at least one case unit within the storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Symbotic LLC
    Inventors: Robert Sullivan, Stephen C. Toebes
  • Patent number: 11326337
    Abstract: A building structure that can be assembled easily with high assembling precision is provided. The building structure of the present invention is a building structure for transmitting a load on a roof to a post, and includes a unit (10) joined to a post (20). The unit includes three or more first beams arranged in parallel in one direction and three or more second beams arranged in parallel in another direction intersecting the one direction. Each first beam and each second beam has a truss structure. In a section where the first beam intersects the second beam, an upper chord of the first beam is disposed on an upper chord of the second beam and is joined to the upper chord of the second beam via a joining member, using a fastener. In the section where the first beam intersects the second beam, a lower chord of the first beam is disposed on a lower chord of the second beam and is joined to the lower chord of the second beam via a joining member, using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Masataka Ohde
  • Patent number: 11098475
    Abstract: A building system may include an external structural frame which includes a plurality of columns and beam, a diaphragm which includes a plurality of floor panels, each of the plurality of floor panels having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The plurality of floor panels are supported by a plurality of diaphragm beams arranged along the transverse direction, and a coupling between each of the transverse beams and the external structural frame, wherein loads are transmitted from the diaphragm to the external structural frame only via the couplings between the transverse beams and the external structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Innovative Building Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arlan Collins, Mark Woerman, Mark D'Amato
  • Patent number: 11014690
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating a structure is disclosed. An adjustable interior mockup for simulating a structure has a base with a first elongated side and a second elongated side, the first elongated side being nonadjacent the second elongated side; and an adjustable frame secured to the base. The adjustable frame includes a plurality of girder members secured along the first and second elongated sides to form an arc; a plurality of brackets; a plurality of arms having a latch attached to one end; and a sheet of fabric. The girders are securely fastened along the first elongated side of the base at predetermined intervals; the brackets are secured to the girders; the arms are received by the brackets and adjustably anchored to the girders via a fastener; and the latches engage the sheet of fabric, thus pulling the fabric into a shape that resembles the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wayne Davis, Todd Alan Thisius, Chris Trask, Chris Pinkerton, Alec Charles Willford
  • Patent number: 10760266
    Abstract: A stud such as a light-weight metal stud can include a first elongated channel member and a second elongated channel member coupled to the first elongated channel member by a wire matrix, where ends of the wire matrix are located at ends of the first and second channel members. A pitch of the wire matrix can vary over the length of the stud. Two or more such studs can have different lengths where a difference in the lengths is not a multiple of the pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC
    Inventors: Abraham Jacob Sacks, William Spilchen, Jeffrey Sacks, Narcis Rugina
  • Patent number: 10724228
    Abstract: A building system may include at least one diaphragm beam having opposite ends connected to an external structural frame of a building, at least one pre-assembled floor-ceiling panel adjacent to a vertical side of and coupled to the diaphragm beam, and at least one pre-assembled wall adjacent to a horizontal side of and coupled to the diaphragm beam. The diaphragm beam may be filled with a mineral-based material, such as concrete. The one or more pre-assembled floor-ceiling panels may each include a plurality of joists extending perpendicular to the diaphragm beam, a floor-panel including at least one metal layer attached to the joists on a floor side of the pre-assembled floor-ceiling panel, and a ceiling panel including at least one layer comprising mineral-based material attached to the joists on a ceiling side of the pre-assembled floor-ceiling panel. The one or more pre-assembled walls may include interior and/or exterior walls of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Innovative Building Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arlan Collins, Mark Woerman, Mark D'Amato
  • Patent number: 10577227
    Abstract: A portable gantry crane formed of composite members includes a composite material I-beam. Two or more support members are formed of a composite material and each support member supports the I-beam when the portable gantry crane is in an upright position. Two or more end housings are included, each end housing enclosing a top end of one of the two or more support members and coupled thereto using adhesive. A plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure including a latch, and each end housing having a latch receiver, each latch in combination with a latch receiver allowing one of the latch structures to be releasably fixedly coupled with an end housing. In implementations a plurality of latch structures are coupled with the I-beam, each latch structure having a latch structure enclosure and each latch structure enclosure at least partially enclosing one of the end housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: OZ Lifting Products, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Napieralski, Gregory Lucas
  • Patent number: 9493940
    Abstract: The present invention integrates the use of pre-manufactured structures with minimal on-site installation and lift-slab construction to achieve the construction of multi-story buildings. The pre-manufactured structures are designed to be readily integrated with both horizontal and vertically adjacent building components, including lift-slab components, so that multiple building stories may be readily and securely stacked, one on top of the other. The present invention advantageously permits top-down lift-slab construction for multi-story buildings. The present invention also provides for the development of flexible design plans for institutional, residential, office and other types of buildings. The present invention advantageously provides for easier, more efficient, faster, cheaper, safer, higher quality and more consistent, environmentally advantaged, energy-efficient, easier to maintain, intelligently designed, and customizable multi-story building construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Arlan Collins, Mark Woerman
  • Patent number: 9151034
    Abstract: A turnbuckle for joining structural elements, in particular prefabricated concrete parts, which is formed substantially in the shape of a shell and has a housing chamber accessible at least from outside via an access opening and, in addition, passage sections which are preferably located opposite one another and open into the housing chamber and which are preferably configured as passage openings for a fixing element to be pushed through. In addition, a kit for joining structural elements, method for joining structural elements, an arrangement for joining structural elements and a method for preparing structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: B.T. INNOVATION GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Jaeschke
  • Patent number: 9022021
    Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9010061
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bochumer Eisenhütte Heintzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudi Podjadtke
  • Patent number: 8984821
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a technology of manufacturing and assembling modular doors, which can be assembled on site, and specifically to modular doors, which can be assembled without a use of glue, by mortize and tenons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Treebus Inc.
    Inventor: Salvatore Bruno
  • Patent number: 8936224
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sapa Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Bartelt-Muszynski, Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 8782994
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8745954
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8615957
    Abstract: A light-weight metal stud and method to produce a light-weight metal stud may include forming a pair of channel members each having a respective major face having a respective first edge. Each member includes first and second flanges extending along the respective major face. A wire matrix includes a pair of wires each having apexes alternatively physically attached to the pair of channel members. The wire matrix forms longitudinal passages to support utility lines and position the lines away from the pair of channel members. The apexes are secured to flanges of the pair of channel members to strengthen the stud and reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sacks Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham Sacks, William Spilchen, Jeffrey Sacks
  • Patent number: 8453414
    Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, for assembling a structural frame from elongate, tubular columns having plural sides, and a selected style of elongate beams, with respect to which, the method includes the steps of (a) pre-fitting the sides of such columns and the ends of such beams with attached, gravity-set, complementary interconnect structures (either collar-form or non-collar form in nature), including column-side-fitted interconnect structures and beam-end-fitted interconnect structures, (b) utilizing gravity, bringing interconnect-structure pre-fitted beams and columns into correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions relative to one another, and (c) through the performing of the bringing step alone, and on the resulting occurrence of the achievement of the mentioned correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions between a beam and a column, simultaneously and immediately thereby establishing (1) a full-moment load-bearing connection, and (2) a relatively positionally gravity-set-and-s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120240497
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure is described for use in supporting a floor at a junction thereof with a structural column. The structure has several generally elongate, preassembled frame structures, each frame structure are disposed in rows parallel to one another. The frame structures incorporate the main top and bottom reinforcement bars for the reinforced floor with integral shear connectors forming part of the frame structures and the shear connectors tying the top and bottom reinforcement together. Transverse internal reinforcing bars are disposed parallel to one another and connected across the top or bottom reinforcing bars of each frame structure to connect the preassembled frame structures into a cagework of spaced-apart, rigidly connected frame structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Maurice O'Brien, Anne O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8037658
    Abstract: Structural members widely adaptable for use to build various composite structures and assemblies having horizontal and vertical supports, such as columns, beams and rails, are shown and described. The composite structural members include a longitudinal channel having a web and first and second legs. Each leg includes a plane that extends from a side of the web and is inclined relative to the web, and a cylinder is located at an edge of the leg that is spaced from the web. Various fittings can be used to engage at least one of the cylinders of the channel to fix the channel in position relative to a second, third and/or fourth channel to form the column, beam or rail. Further, select brackets can be used to attach together columns, beams and rails of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kundel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kundel, Sr., Robert Kundel, Jr., Richard A. Schley, Chris Welker
  • Patent number: 7963085
    Abstract: Methods of making truss-based periodic cellular solids that have improved structural properties and multifunctional design. Many materials (metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and even semiconductors) can be shaped into cellular, truss-like architectures with open, closed or mixed types of porosity and then very uniformly arranged in controlled, three-dimensional space-filling arrays. The truss-like elements do not necessarily have a constant cross-section, nor are they necessarily straight or solid throughout (they could be hollow). Their cross sections can be circular, square, triangular, I-beam or other shapes of interest depending on multifunctional needs. When bonded together by solid state, liquid phase, pressing or other methods at points of contact, a cellular structure of highly repeatable cell geometry and few imperfections results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Sypeck, Haydn N. G. Wadley
  • Patent number: 7941984
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Charles Roig, Daniel Roig
  • Patent number: 7914229
    Abstract: A drain cover portion (100a, 100b) for a linear drainage system which comprises at least two attachment means. The attachment means are provided by at least one a connector attachment means (500) and at least one drain attachment means (700). The connector attachment means (500) is arranged to attach one or more anchor connectors (1002) for connecting an anchor (114) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b) and/or one or more cover portion connector for connecting said drain cover portion (100a, 100b) to another drain cover portion (100a, 100b). The drain attachment means (700) is arranged to attach a drain portion (200) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b). Each attachment means is arranged so as to allow the tool-less attachment of a connector/drain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ACO Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Aubusson, Rob King
  • Patent number: 7661242
    Abstract: A hollow structural component suitable for an aircraft structure includes an inner framework of intersecting longitudinal and transverse ribs, cover sheets covering the top and bottom of the framework, and end closure sheets covering ends of the framework. The transverse ribs have slots to receive the intersecting longitudinal ribs and vice versa, so the ribs intermesh in a grid pattern. Top and bottom edges of the ribs have protruding connector tabs that are fitted into slots provided in the cover sheets. Additional connector tabs at the ends of the transverse ribs are fitted into slots in the end closure sheets. After the parts are assembled by intermeshing the longitudinal and transverse ribs and fitting the connector tabs of the ribs into the slots of the cover sheets and end closure sheets, the resulting plugged-in joints are permanently mechanically secured, e.g. by welding, brazing, soldering or adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Doersing, Guenter Hoppe, Peter Sander
  • Patent number: 7618026
    Abstract: A cooling tower fill support grid assembly and method of use which includes multiple cooling tower assembly fill hangers, each having a grid pattern that defines multiple grid openings of selected size. In one embodiment an anchor rivet pin extends from the horizontal grid members upwardly and disproportionally spaced-apart from the vertical grid members, into each grid opening. The anchor rivet pins are located off-center on the horizontal grid members between respective vertical grid members for engaging elliptical splash fills that are inserted in the aligned grid openings of adjacent assembly fill hangers in a first configuration. Once so inserted, the elliptical splash fills are rotated ninety-degrees into contact and engagement with the anchor rivet pins in a second, installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Charles M. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20090094928
    Abstract: In a building component or shuttering body (2) for the production of a wall structure including to oppositely located and substantially parallel, plate-shaped elements (6, 7) connected by at least two spacers (1), wherein the free space between the plate-shaped elements (6, 7) is fillable with an, in particular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, it is provided that it comprises at least two spacers (1) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene of elevated density, as well as plate-shaped elements (6, 7) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene, so as to enable the production of a building component (2) in a simple and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7464513
    Abstract: A fitting is provided for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower or electricity pylon. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tower Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Rioux
  • Patent number: 7421825
    Abstract: A doubly prestressed roof-ceiling construction with grid flat soffit for extremely large-span is a prefabricated element intended for assembling roofs of extremely large-span buildings with a flat soffit. The construction includes a grid soffit construction and an upper concrete girder of a modified “T” shape or of an inverse “V”-shaped cross section, interconnected by slender steel pipe-rods that stabilize the upper girder against lateral buckling. The empty openings within elements of the horizontal grid are fulfilled with plates wherewith a flat soffit is achieved. The construction is prestressed by the double prestressing. The grid-soffit is prestressed centrically and the upper girder is prestressed by a wedge at the midspan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mara-Institut d.o.o.
    Inventors: Milovan Skend{hacek over (z)}ić, Branko {hacek over (S)}mr{hacek over (c)}ek
  • Patent number: 7418807
    Abstract: A long-span decking panel that includes a first panel section, a second panel section, a first channel and a second channel which form a cell. The first panel section includes a first open channel and a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the first open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the first panel section. The second panel section includes a second open channel, a first side flange integrally extending from a first edge of the second open channel and a second side flange integrally extending from a second edge of the second open channel. The first channel and the second channel include a panel and two depending legs. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the long-span decking panels and methods for manufacturing the panels and the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Epic Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ryan, Donald H. Landis
  • Patent number: 7197856
    Abstract: Truss assemblies of this invention comprise elongate chord elements having opposed first and second axial ends. Brace elements are used to orient and connect together the chord elements in a desired spatial orientation and have a plate structure. The brace elements comprise chord receiving openings disposed therethrough that are sized to accommodate placement of a respective chord element therein, and that are positioned to provide the desired spatial orientation between the chord elements. The chord element receiving openings and define a portion of the brace element that surrounds the chord element disposed within the opening. A connector is rotatably attached to an end of the chord elements to facilitate attaching the truss assemblies together for the purpose of forming a desired truss system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Ian Nicholas Coles
  • Patent number: 7143550
    Abstract: Structural system and method are disclosed for building a simpler and more efficient double layer reticulated frame structure. The double layer reticulated frame structure includes an internal network that has a lower strut frequency than the external network. The lower strut frequency helps reduce the overall weight, cost, and construction time of the structure. Diagonal struts space apart and connect the internal and external networks. The diagonal struts are connected in an alternating manner such that no more than two diagonal struts are connected together at any point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Conservatek Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfonso Lopez
  • Patent number: 6988346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection having a plurality of parallel structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member, preferably light gauge steel. The end of the strap member is held in place by an overlapping strap holder. Fasteners hold the strap holder and the strap to the underlying structural member, with at least one passing through only the strap holder into the first side of the the first structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Louay A. Shamroukh, Mark G. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20040050014
    Abstract: A disclosed aerial protection system relies on the principle of disrupting horizontal flight of an attacking aircraft toward the facility it protects. By disrupting the aircraft's flight, the system helps reduce concentration of any impact and fire from the aircraft. The system includes a number of support masts disposed about an area of terrain enclosing a facility, and a plurality of cable groups that each include a multitude of cables. The cables in each group are coupled to an adjacent pair of the support masts and extend substantially coplanar with the support masts. The cables are separated from each other at a spacing that is comparable to (and preferably slightly less than) a typical wingspan of an aircraft from a class of interest. Numerous variations and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Steven G. Lisa, Louis J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6701688
    Abstract: A molded concrete member has two facings, respectively active and passive, spaced from one another by a preselected distance, and between which is embedded a reinforcing cage. The cage has, on either side of a neutral axis, two layers, respectively active and passive, which are separated by a spacing. Each layer has at least one longitudinal solid bar of preselected cross-section, the spacing and the cross-section of the bars being determined in relation to loads to be applied, the two layers are respectively parallel to both facings of the molded element and are connected by transverse linking armoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Societe Civile de Brevets Matiere
    Inventor: Marcel Matiere
  • Patent number: 6578340
    Abstract: Depth of an inner batten (50C) is reduced and an indoor space (A) is covered with a cover member (60), so that, though the cover member (60) is attached to conceal a lower side of a transom (20C) from an indoor side in a vision portion, the cover member (60) can be omitted in a spandrel portion where the lower side of the transom (20C) cannot be seen in order to reduce production cost, and, even after the inner batten (50C) is attached to the transom (20C), cutoff treatment can be easily conducted before attaching the cover member (60), thereby obtaining stable cutoff performance by checking coating condition of a sealing material (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ishikawa, Masami Takemura, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6550209
    Abstract: Disclosure provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present disclosure discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Publication number: 20030000168
    Abstract: An adjustable support system for use in roofing and object support applications, such as on vehicles. An exemplary system includes first and second offset support members that each comprise a base, a first member rotatably and lockably attached to the base, a second member slidably and lockably attached to the first member, and a transverse member attached to the second member. The transverse members of the first and second offset support members are coupled together and are laterally adjustable with respect to each other. The first and second members and the transverse members are preferably tubular. An alternative embodiment has the transverse member of one support member rotatably attached to the end of a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Malofou Sagiao
  • Patent number: 6397551
    Abstract: A structural framework system for the construction of exhibition display stands and the like makes use of a beam extrusions having dovetail shaped edge formations which enable panel frames to be hung therefrom and locked in position by virtue of coupling frames incorporating therein a locking element which can be retracted into a recess of the coupling frame for initial location of the coupling frame relative to a beam and can then be moved to project from the recess and to clamp the beam dovetail by insertion of actuating pins into bores provide in the coupling frame and communicating with the recess. A beam end fitting enables a beam to be secured to a transversely-extending second beam by a similar process and a 4-way node fitting enable nodes to be formed at the intersection of a plurality of orthogonal beams. A leg length adjustment provides for the adjustment of the lengths of structural support legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Owen Lewcock, Ralph Peter Steven Bailey
  • Publication number: 20010005967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Patent number: 6244010
    Abstract: A cross-bracing kit for laterally spacing and bracing open web structural supports comprises at least two clips wherein each clip includes an attachment portion for attaching to the truss member and has a first finger and a second finger extending from the attachment portion in a cantilevered fashion. The fingers define a channel therebetween and each finger includes a nib at a free end of the finger. The nibs face each other and define an opening between the ends of the nib that is narrower than the channel defined by the fingers. The kit further includes at least one cross-brace which has a channel-like cross section that includes a first leg and a second leg connected at their respective bottoms. The cross-brace further includes at least two notches in a bottom of the brace wherein a distance corresponding to a desired spacing of adjacent supports separates the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Scott E. Sluiter
  • Patent number: 6244016
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel for wood structures has a frame (1) which consists of two frame parts (2 and 3) and transverse links (4). The frame parts (2 and 3) consist of wooden boards (6) to (9) which define the outline of the frame parts (2 and 3). The frame parts (2, 3) can be stiffened by additional boards (10 to 12) which are arranged to run obliquely. Everywhere the boards which form the frame parts (2 and 3) abut one another they are joined to one another by nail plates (14, 15 and 16). The transverse links (4) which join the frame parts (2 and 3) to one another to form the frame (1) are likewise boards with a length which determines the distance between the frame parts (2 and 3) and the space which is available for heat and/or sound insulation. It is also advantageous that the prefabricated wall panel as claimed in the invention with its frame (1) can be assembled on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Johann Wolf
  • Patent number: 6240694
    Abstract: A structure includes a framework including frame members interconnected by hub members. The framework includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Cladding material is attached to the inner surface of the framework to form an enclosure or shell within the framework and maintain the framework exterior of the cladding material. This arrangement limits the collection of dust on the structural space frame elements due to the absence of the framework from the interior of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Geometrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Francisco Castaño
  • Patent number: 6202379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Patent number: 6192634
    Abstract: A reticulated dome structure (20) has an inner structural network (24) and an outer structural network (26). Each network has structural members (34, 38) connected at junctions (36, 40) to form various shapes of dome structures including: vault, vault with rounded ends, triangular, stadium, intersecting vault, and spherical. The junctions have two plates (54, 56) with the structural members fastened (68) therebetween to form moment bearing junctions. Tubular braces (32) are connected according to a desired plan between outer network junctions and inner network junctions to establish a desired substantially parallel spacing between the networks and to transfer loads locally between the networks. The network members subdivide outer and inner surfaces into polygonal areas which are of a uniform kind in the outer network. The outer network openings can be closed by closure panels (29, 170) which laterally stabilize the outer network members to which they are connected and structurally enhance that network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Temcor
    Inventor: Alfonso E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6167671
    Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall form system which can be taken to a construction site, joined to other wall forms to form a wall, and filled with concrete. The wall form has an outer wall and an inner wall, each of which can be made from gypsum wall board, plywood sheathing, OSB sheathing, medium density overlay plywood, cement board, rigid foam board, exterior gypsum sheathing, steel siding, steel or aluminum sheet, or fiberglass panels. The outer and inner panels are braced by a series of horizontal, zigzag wires. Vertical wood strips having horizontal grooves corresponding to the wires are used to hold these wires in place. Electrical boxes, plumbing conduits, electrical conduits, doors, windows, and floor joist pockets are made by including a wood mold inside the wall mold, forming the desired hollow structure within the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Steven D. Wilson