Abstract: A strut-and-node truss design that is applicable to all space frame structure designs can be made with using robotic (semi-autonomous and/or fully autonomous) or telerobotic assembly/joining. Nodes can include a 2-dimensional weld path in an effort to reduce the complexity of having to weld in 3-dimensions. Furthermore, each strut to node connection can be concentrated in a small area where each weld can be performed robotically from a fixed position that only requires the robotic weld head to swivel in a small operating window to reach each joint.

Abstract: A spacer device includes an elongate spacing member extending a longitudinal axis for securing to electrical transmission lines, and has a minimum thickness dm. At least one thickened portion having a thickness Tt and length dt is positioned intermediate along the spacing member to form at least two column lengths Lc separated by the at least one thickened portion. Each column length Lc has a portion with the minimum thickness dm. The thickness Tt and length dt of the at least one thickened portion can be at least two times the minimum thickness dm to form at least one end support for the at least two column lengths Lc, such the at least two column lengths Lc behave as separate Euler type columns for producing increased Euler buckling strength with a minimal increase in weight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are building components, systems and methods of constructing and uses thereof. In some examples, a building component is disclosed including a housing with at least one recess and at least one connector assembly disposed within the at least one recess within the housing, wherein each connector assembly includes a shaft capable of being received by the at least one recess within the housing and at least one latching mechanism disposed on the shaft and configured to form a releasable connection with another building component.

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

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 building assembly kit with roof ring having an open-ended plurality of hollow cuboid tube joints radially disposed around an open center of a roof ring and a plurality of parallelepiped strut members disposed between each of the plurality of cube joints, each of said cube joints and strut members disposed to interconnect endwise with a plurality of extant rafters, said rafters then interconnectable with a plurality of top brackets disposed to interconnect each of said plurality of rafters at a juncture between a pair of horizontally disposed extant wall top beams and a vertically oriented corner post, said corner post connected at a juncture of a pair of base runners at a base bracket, wherein a structure is expediently erected by inserting each rafter, wall top beam, corner post, and base runner into a corresponding tube joint, top bracket, and base bracket.

Abstract: A spherical hub consisting of four interlocking and concentric rings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 and as many collar assembly pieces 12, 13, 14 as desired that can be used to receive tubular rod struts from a multiplicity of angles. The four rings are each uniquely grooved so that they fit and lock together in a specific order to hold a spherical form. The hubs can be used to assemble space frame and other structures in a wide variety of shapes and sizes 15.

Abstract: A geodesic structure comprising convex-concave elements. The elements are easily manufactured, simple shapes that can be assembled randomly to form a geodesic structure, such as a dome. The geodesic structure can also be used to make flat maps of spherical bodies, exhibiting very little distortion.

Abstract: A fixing means for fixing a screen panel on a support structure includes an insert member adapted to fit into a bore formed on the underside of a corner of a screen panel. The insert member has a first upper curved surface forming the major part of the insert member and having a uniform curvature of substantially more than a semi-circle, a second intermediate cylindrical grooved portion that is contiguous with the lowermost end of the first curved portion and is considerably smaller in cross-section compared to the upper curved portion, a third lower straight cylindrical surface which is a straight cylindrical portion contiguous with the second groove portion and is smaller in cross-section compared to the major top curved first portion, and a fourth straight substantially horizontal surface. The insert member has an inner vertical bore of suitable dimension to accommodate a holding means such as a bolt, a screw, or other equivalent to fixedly hold the insert onto a panel support member.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: A construction element has at least one coupling device and the coupling device has at least two prongs. Each prong is comprised of two radially extending mating surfaces which frictionally engage the radially extending surfaces of a mating coupling device. The construction device may have a straight shaft or an angled shaft to accommodate the needs of the user and, furthermore, the prongs of a coupling device may be inserted within mateable apertures in the shaft of another construction element. Using a plurality of such construction elements, a lattice frame may be constructed.

Abstract: An improved structure of a framework is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of connectors having provided with holes, and notch seats are employed in the framework for connecting side rods, slanting rods, and supporting device to form into a stable and conveniently foldable framework. The end section of the side rod is mounted with a rotatable connector for interlinking of the side rods. This facilitates the extension of the framework vertically and/or horizontally.

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: Disclosed is a framework for a balloon decoration capable of forming a balloon ornament at a predetermined shape by inserting a plurality of balloons into a space created between connecting rods of the framework. More particularly, this framework for the balloon decoration is mainly used for enhancing an effectiveness of advertisement at a ceremony to open a business or at a party held in celebration of an event. This framework can be fabricated such as a sectional toy and can be expressed as a variety of shapes adapted to further enhance the effectiveness of advertisement. According to the present invention, the framework for a balloon decoration includes a plurality of connecting balls (20) having a plurality of connecting holes (21) formed on a radial outer surface of the balls (20), and a connecting member (10) having a pair of connecting ends (13) and a connecting rod (11) extending between the connecting ends (13).

Abstract: A modular structural system for building models and structures. The system comprises a plurality of connector hub members each having spherical symmetry, and a plurality of strut members having longitudinal symmetry, wherein, each of the connector hub members provides a strut joining feature adapted for receiving the strut members, and each of the strut members provides a hub joining feature adapted for engaging the strut joining feature of the connector hub members, such that the strut members are removably engagable with the connector hub members in alternative first and second positions placing the strut members in corresponding radial and tangential positions relative to the connector hub members.

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: 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: The invention relates to a cube-shaped profile element (1) provided with more than six identical side surfaces (2), wherein preferably eight slits (3 and 4) are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to each other about an axis of symmetry of the side surface (2) and wherein a central bore is provided (7). Through the slits (3, 4) behind the side surface (2) Insertable closing elements can be inserted through the slits (3, 4) behind the side surface (2). The profile element (1) is preferably hollow and is constructed from six identical, side-surface forming plates (2). All plates (2) are provided with eight-cornered edges (5 and 6), whereby the plates (2) are connected via one edge (5) and the other edges (6) each form an opening (8) at the corners of the cube-shaped profile elements (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing structure for civil construction wherein light weight, longitudinally elongated bodies comprise an external layer of carbon fiber impregnated with epoxy; the bodies resin have a porous plastic core and are magnetically coupled to cooperating pairs of male and female constraining elements.

Abstract: A space frame assembly designed for use in the constructing of a variety of substantially rigid, weight bearing structures including but not limited to walls, bridges, roof structures etc. The space frame assembly comprises a plurality of elongated preferably tubular frame members formed of a high strength, light weight material having opposite end portions formed to include an anchor portion thereon. Each of said plurality of connectors includes a base and at least one end portion mounted thereon such that correspondingly positioned interior surfaces of the base and end portion are disposed in confronting relation to one anther and wherein the base and the one end portion each include a plurality of sockets disposed in spaced and off-set relation to one another.

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connector that comprises a coupling comprising a first portion, a second portion that is located adjacent the first portion, a top surface, and a bottom planar surface that is located opposite the top surface. The bottom planar surface is continuous through the first portion and the second portion. The top surface is substantially planar through the first portion while defining a shape through the second portion that is asymmetrical in two dimensions about a set of perpendicular axes centered in the second portion. The present invention also provides a connection system, a portable assembly, and a method of assembling a portable structure that utilizes the coupling.