Arcuate Patents (Class 52/745.07)
  • Patent number: 12121444
    Abstract: Implantable drug-eluting device comprising a microporous structure having regularly arranged pores in at least two different uniform sizes, and manufacturing method. The pores are configured for receiving a drug and are being connected by interconnections. Interconnections originating from pores of a first size have a first elution area and interconnections originating from pores of a second size have a second elution area. The interconnections convey the drug to a surface of the device for elution to surrounding tissue. The ratio between the first and the second elution areas is predefined and selectable. The differently sized elution areas provide for different outflow rates. This allows for simple but reliable dispensing of drugs at positively controlled and well determined rates. Particularly, this enables a single implantable device to dispense drugs over preselectable durations of time, like short-term or long-term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Eckhard Bauer, Helmut D. Link
  • Patent number: 9170044
    Abstract: Example panel assemblies with frost inhibiting seal members are disclosed herein. Some example panel assemblies disclosed herein are particularly suited for creating a blast freezer (for food and other products) by using the panels in cordoning off a relatively small quick-freeze area within a larger freezer room. In some examples disclosed herein, a touch-and-hold fastener (e.g., VELCRO) connects two or more insulated flexible panels along their adjoining vertical edges to span the width of a supporting frame that is wider than a width of a single panel. To seal the joint and/or inhibit frost from developing along the joint, some example panel assemblies disclosed herein include a seal member with touch-and-hold elements plus sealing edges extending laterally in opposite directions. In some examples disclosed herein, the touch-and-hold elements couple two panels together while the sealing edges (e.g., foam strip or double looped sheet of material) block air from flowing through the touch-and-hold elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: David J. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8973336
    Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Southern Utah University
    Inventors: Matthew Edwards, Ronald K. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20150040968
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Steven J. Conger
  • Publication number: 20140290153
    Abstract: A construction-unit (23) that is adapted for being combined with one more similar units (23) to constitute a self-carrying structure (40) to use for shelter or dwelling wherein each construction-unit (23) make up for both one sidewall and half a roof in one segment. A plurality of construction-units (23) are adapted for constructing a static functional self-carrying structure (40) where the shape has a curved design related to the mathematical expression The Hyperbolic Cosine or part of an Ellipse in the traverse direction and a linear design in the longitudinal direction when placed as a part of an assembled shelter (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Jakob Christensen, Claus Ove Heding
  • Patent number: 8726600
    Abstract: A concrete re-entrant corner crack inhibiting device for implantation into a re-entrant corner of a casted concrete structure serves to inhibit stress fractures from developing at the cured concrete re-entrant corners. The device includes a re-entrant corning brace for cornering and embedding onto the re-entrant corner, a radial arm radiating outwardly from the brace so to extend into the cement structure and a fracture interrupting unit transversely connected to the radial arm so as to intercept, interrupt and inhibit the development and spread of stress fractures emanating from a cured cement re-entrant corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Paul W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20140130424
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional, upwardly convex frame (40) constructed from a plurality of substantially identical longitudinally extending frame members (42). The frame (40) includes: the frame members (42) connected at approximately their ends to above approximately the middle of adjacent frame members (42) and the frame members (42) connected at approximately their middle to below approximately the ends of adjacent frame members (42) in a generally outwardly extending sequence. The outwardly facing ends of the outermost frame members (42) are un-connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BETCONFRAME INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
    Inventor: John Marsden Betts
  • Patent number: 8671646
    Abstract: A cable dome structure comprises a top circle and circles of vertical jack posts supported by radiating and hoop cables. The upper and lower ends of the jack post have an upper and a lower cable bar nodes, respectively. The upper cable bar node is connected with two upper radiating cables of present circle at one side, two upper radiating cables of the circle above and two lower radiating cables of the circle above at another side and an upper hoop cable connecting the middle of the upper cable bar node. The lower cable bar node of the present circle at the same side of the upper radiating cables is connected with two lower radiating cables of the present circle and a lower hoop cable connecting the middle of the lower cable bar node. The top circle comprises an upper and a lower cable bar nodes and an elastic pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignees: Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Zhancheng Construction Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Zhuo, Miaofu Wang, Shilin Dong
  • Patent number: 8539735
    Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Max Belicofski
  • Patent number: 8479473
    Abstract: In a method of constructing a supporting structure (e.g. of a bridge or the roof of a building) in arched form, an initially straight or pre-curved frame structure, having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, is pivotally supported at the first and second ends, whereupon the first and second ends are pushed towards one another to achieve a displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another, where the reduction of the distance between the first and second ends causes them to pivot and the frame structure to progressively and flexibly bend, against its resiliency, into a final arched form, the displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another is chosen to amount to at least 1% of the initial distance between the first and second ends, where the first and second ends are then fixed relative to one another in their displaced position so as to preserve the final arched form of the frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The European Union, Represented by the European Commission
    Inventors: Eugenio Gutierrez, Martin Poljansek
  • Patent number: 8453403
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. The sections of the apparatus of the current invention are initially pivotal in relation to one another. Following position in a desired configuration, one embodiment of the current invention provides a tab or protrusion carried by one section which is compressed against the base portion of an adjacent section to preclude further pivotal movement. In another embodiment, the pivotal connection between adjacent sections is further compressed, crimped or swaged to preclude further pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Flex-Ability Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank L. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20130081354
    Abstract: Provided is a method for developing land through the workings of nature. An island (1) is covered with a sealing dome (3) larger than an aboveground part (1a) of the island such that a space (s1) is created between the island (1) and the sealing dome (3) and a lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) is located in the sea, i.e., below the sea level (2). Subsequently, with a gap (s2) between the lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) and a sea bottom (1b), a pile (4) secured to the lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) with a bolt (not shown) is driven into the sea bottom (1b) to secure the sealing dome (3). Then, a pump (5) provided in the sealing dome (3) is actuated to reduce the air pressure of the sealing dome (3). According to the Pascal's law, this causes the seawater to be drawn into the sealing dome (3), allowing the sea level (2a) inside the sealing dome (3) to rise above the aboveground part (1a) of the island (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: STATICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihiro Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20120311941
    Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew Edwards, Ronald K. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20120297698
    Abstract: A monolithic dome building having a plurality of integrated dome hip structures, and methods for making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Edwards
  • Patent number: 8307605
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Joseph McCarty
  • Publication number: 20120227353
    Abstract: A method of construction and installation of a large-span cylindrical reticulated shell comprises: installing a mother vault on the ground by a bulk method; pushing the mother vault gradually during the installation, so as to be match with a lifting device for lifting the extension tail end of the mother vault; adjusting the height of the extension tail end to allow the extension tail end to be maintained at a ground level for ground installation construction; and after the installation of the mother vault is completed, using a high-altitude overhanging construction method to install the other reticulated vaults adjacent to the mother vault, respectively, in sequence along the axial extending direction of the mother vault until the completion of installation of the entire large-span cylindrical reticulated shell is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Yuping XU
  • Publication number: 20120180405
    Abstract: A connector for a geodesic dome comprises a first coupler, a second coupler, and a third coupler. Each coupler is configured to couple with a segment, which may be a substantially straight segment. Each coupler is placed at an angle with respect to the other two couplers and with a horizontal plane, such that a geodesic dome may be constructed using a plurality of the same connectors and a plurality of the same segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur W. DRAKE
  • Patent number: 8220220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and structure for reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure. The present invention provides a method of reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure using a liner provided on one surface of a corrugated steel plate, the reinforcing method using the liner comprising: an anchor bolt installing step of forming an anchor bolt insert hole in the surface of the corrugated steel plate and installing an anchor bolt in the anchor bolt insert hole such that the upper end of the anchor bolt protrudes from the surface of the corrugated steel plate to a predetermined height; a reinforcing bar installing step of fastening a reinforcing bar to the anchor bolt using a wire; a mold installing step of mounting a mold to the anchor bolt using a nut such that the reinforcing bar is covered with the mold; a concrete placing step of placing concrete inside the mold; and a mold removing step of removing the mold after the placed concrete has been cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fixon E&C Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hyeon-Kuk Kim, Byung-Gun Jung, Seung-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20120159872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a layer-by-layer double-hoop sunflower-shaped cable dome structure and its construction method. A cycle of jack posts of an elevation forms a layer that comprises several units with same geometric characters and of same quantity except of the top layer. The units are arranged with same space on each layer. The upper end and the lower end of the jack post of each unit are installed with an upper cable bar node and a lower cable bar node respectively. The upper cable bar node is connected with two upper stayed cables of the present layer at one side, two upper stayed cables of the layer above and two lower stayed cables of the layer above at another side and an upper hoop cable going through the middle of the upper cable bar node. The lower cable bar node of the present layer at the same side of the upper stayed cables is connected with two lower stayed cables of the present layer and a lower hoop cable going through the middle of the lower cable bar node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Xin Zhuo, Miaofu Wang, Shilin Dong
  • Patent number: 8104249
    Abstract: An aesthetic cover assembly includes first mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of a building structure that is secured to the building structure. An alignment pin is secured on one of the first mounting portions and the building structure. The alignment pin supports a second mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of the building structure. A method of installing an aesthetic cover assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Griffiths, Wayne Wagner, Jacob R. Sandquist, Robert J. Albert
  • Patent number: 7958692
    Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Glen R. George
  • Publication number: 20110072749
    Abstract: A series of parallel V-grooves are formed on the top surface of a new or existing top coat of lightweight insulating concrete of a roof deck. A slurry coat of formulated concrete is then applied to the top coat of lightweight insulating concrete at locations in between the parallel V-grooves, to repair cracks and holes and attach a base ply roof membrane, thereby eliminating the need for a base sheet and mechanical fasteners when installing a roof membrane system on the lightweight concrete deck of a roof structure. The formulated concrete slurry comprises a mixture of Portland cement (type I), cellulose, poly vinyl alcohol, and water. A base ply (modified or single ply) roof membrane having a sanded or fleece bottom side is set into a ¼ inch thick slurry coat of the formulated concrete to effectively attach the base ply roof membrane to the lightweight concrete deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Henry Gembala
  • Patent number: 7900405
    Abstract: The invention is a spherical dome consisting of continuous prismatic members in three layers, an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The continuous prismatic members follow great circle arcs. The members of the three layers form a three-way grid, crossing at the vertices of contiguous spherical triangles. Three members, one from each layer, are connected together at each vertex with fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or welds. The continuous prismatic members of each layer can be spaced as desired to provide structural integrity, economy, and simplicity of construction. A tension ring, when required structurally, is provided at the bottom periphery of the dome to resist the vertical and horizontal forces generated by the supported loads. The combined elements provide a simple and economical spherical dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: John Donald Jacoby
  • Publication number: 20100269421
    Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Publication number: 20100251631
    Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each, of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Publication number: 20100162637
    Abstract: Supporting structure (8) for curved envelope geometries in buildings consisting of support elements (4) which are each combined to form N-sided polygons (N=3,4, . . . ) which span the envelope geometry and which each enclose a planar surface element (5), and the support elements (4) of adjacent N-sided polygons each form a common node region (3) in which the support elements (4) abut, and the plane of a surface element (5) and the respective planes of the surface elements (5) of two N-sided polygons which adjoin in non-parallel spatial directions lie in different planes in at least one portion of the envelope geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicants: Helmut Pottmann, RFR S.A.S.
    Inventor: Sigrid Brell-Cokcan
  • Publication number: 20100146868
    Abstract: An air beam structural member having an elongate pneumatic tubular column, a plurality of stiffening members, and means for connecting the tubular column and the stiffening members. An inflatable shelter includes pneumatic tubular columns (arches) covered on both sides by flexible membranes. The columns are placed side by side to create a wall and enclosure of the space. The pneumatic columns are pressurized and keep their shape by means of a set of cables reinforcing them in the plane of the columns. The structure may be supported by an external support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Stanislaw Lukasiewicz, Harold Warner
  • Patent number: 7727430
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a snow shelter are disclosed. A slip form allows snow or ice crystals to be compacted in situ in large continuous blocks. Each block is built upon the previous as the slip form is rotated incrementally around a generally horizontal axis (175). The slip form is a convex shape. The convex shape, or profile, is tailored to the size and shape of the shelter desired. The resulting shape of the snow shelter is a surface of revolution of the profile of the slip form around a horizontal axis. Variations of the shelter's shape are explained herein. Various embodiments are described herein. Some of the advantages of the embodiments include: faster and more efficient construction, simple operation, and tailored size and shape of the finished shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: William L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7721749
    Abstract: A prefabricated shell for forming a shelter (14) has a groundsheet (30) and a cover (32) having a gas impermeable inner layer (24) and at least one outer layer. The outer layers are each formed by a layer of cloth that has been impregnated with a water-settable material, e.g. cement. The shell is steeped in water to wet the cement and then the cover is pneumatically inflated to form a space between the cover and the groundsheet. The shelter is then left until the cement has set and is able to support the cover. The shelter can easily be constructed to provide a durable shelter, especially in emergency areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Crawford Brewin Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Brewin, William Crawford
  • Patent number: 7694479
    Abstract: A three-dimensional constructional element 10 is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels 30, 40 mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer 52 therefore making a composite sheet of three layers. Panel 30 includes transverse grooves 12, 14 formed therein and panel 40 includes transverse grooves 16, 18 formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove 12, 14, 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment the panels 30, 40 are divided into many segments defined by the transverse grooves to allow the constructional element to be deformed so that one of the exterior surfaces of panel 30 is concave while the opposing exterior surface of panel 40 is convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Killen
  • Publication number: 20100024320
    Abstract: This invention concerns an arch structure. In particular, the invention relates to an arch structure comprised of at least two segments which are rotatably linked to each other via hinges or equivalent means to form a continuous bendable chain of attached segments. The segments have magnets above the rotatable or hinged link on opposed end faces, positioned to oppose magnets on confronting end faces of adjacent arch segments, with like poles facing one another, thereby creating a repulsion force. The repulsion force inhibits the arch segments from being brought together and into contact. Due to this effect, the aggregate of the arch segments define an arcuate path (convex upward), maintained by the repulsion forces of the magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Moshe Benjamin Kanner
  • Patent number: 7614152
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: PN II, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Pulte
  • Publication number: 20090100770
    Abstract: An architrave support for supporting one or more sections comprises a plurality of planar portions and preferably a base support which together form a preferably self supporting arch-like shaped architrave support. Each planar portion has a pair of opposite oblique ends abutting another said planar portion or the base support. The plurality of planar portions are in series, preferably mitred, at their oblique ends to form the arch-like shaped architrave support. The support may be preformed or in a kit, either together with or separately to corresponding architrave portions for attachment thereto to form an architrave. The support is useful for forming architrave arches above doorways or windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20090031649
    Abstract: A fenestration product such as a skylight or a window assembly is provided having a frame with a peripheral wall with a light transmitting central region and a plastic dome formed of a light transmitting material mounted to the frame. The plastic dome has a central region which transmits light, a downwardly extending peripheral wall extending about and mounted to the peripheral frame, and an outwardly extending flashing flange for mounting the assembly to a building structure. Various embodiments of the part illustrated include a skylight assembly having a frame formed of a plastic layer formed into an inverted “U” shape cross-section forming an annular channel filled with insulating foam. A sealed, vertically mounted window unit is also disclosed. Other embodiments have an insulating layer of transparent plastic material spaced from the dome forming an enclosed, gas filled insulating region. Methods of forming and installing a fenestration assembly are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: John E. Nemazi, G. Daniel Templeton
  • Publication number: 20080307719
    Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Publication number: 20080236057
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Joseph McCarty
  • Publication number: 20080155909
    Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CTB IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney B. Grossman, Mark S. Dingeldein, Justin Holmes
  • Patent number: 7210271
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Flexability Concepts LLC
    Inventor: Frank Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7204065
    Abstract: A method for applying render to a substrate, said method including the steps of: securing a layer of confining mesh having a three-dimensional open cellular structure to the substrate; applying a base layer of cementitious material over the confining mesh; and screening the base layer to a depth at least substantially level with an outer surface of the confining mesh. Preferably, the method includes the further step of: applying a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer; and applying a top coat of cementitious material over the reinforcing mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: James Hardie International Finance B.V.
    Inventor: Basil Naji
  • Patent number: 7146732
    Abstract: A roof module comprises an outer shell and a foamed inner shell. The outer shell has a rim including an edge of cut and the inner shell extends as far as on the edge of cut. There is also proposed a method of producing such a roof module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Böhm, Rainer Grimm
  • Patent number: 7114305
    Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: BEBOtech Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 7100333
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 6948281
    Abstract: The storm shelter is a portable above ground shelter that is aerodynamically stable and can be dimensioned to fit under a standard sized mobile home. The shelter provides an enclosure formed by an arch shaped rigid sheet that is permanently attached to a rectangular shaped base member. Hinged doors are provided on each end of the shelter for rapid and easy entrance and exit. Each door is provided with a failsafe snap locking mechanism and contains a louvered conduit for ventilation and air pressure equalization. The louvered conduits are protected from wind damage by covers attached to the exterior surface of each door. Further safety is provided through the use of tie cables that are strung tightly from one side to the other side over the top of the shelter and secured into the ground using tie rods and earth anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce Carmichael
  • Patent number: 6912488
    Abstract: The invention uses foam blocks in commercially available sizes to build curved structure that are used in constructing habitable buildings. The curved structure is divided into sections using a Computer Assisted Drafting program. The foam blocks are cut to the curvature of the curved structure by a Computer Assisted Manufacturing program. The blocks are joined and then coated with a high strength coating to create the curved structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Nasser Saebi
  • Patent number: 6840013
    Abstract: A building includes an inflatable form having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A stabilizing layer of polymeric foam or cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the inflatable form. At least one support layer of cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the stabilizing layer. Finally, one or more ribs project from the interior surface of the at least one support layer. Each rib includes a core of polymeric foam and a layer of cementitious material disposed over the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Dome Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Barry South
  • Patent number: 6832455
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a space frame structure, such as a dome, for covering an open space, with the space frame structure being assembled from beam members, which intersect at rigid mode joints. The beam members and other structural components used in the skeleton of the space frame are made from pre-cast concrete, which has not been subjected to pre-tensioning and the rigid node joints are formed in situ, for example, by casting concrete joints incorporating the ends of the beam members. The loads imposed by the weight of the beam members on the beams and the node joints effectively simulate pre-stressing of the components which act within the assembled structure as pre-stressed concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew David Tomlinson, Martin James Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6725622
    Abstract: A method of producing an arc window frame has an arc window frame mainly made up of an arc decorative board, an arc upper frame, an arc lower frame, and a lower board. The arc decorative board is mounted onto the outer circumference of the arc upper frame, and the lower board screw joined to the bottom of both arc upper frame and lower frame thereof. The arc upper frame has a plurality of equally spaced sleeve holes disposed at the inner circumference thereof and the arc lower frame has a plurality of through holes equidistantly disposed at the outer circumference thereof, to which blades can be sleeve joined in radial shape and be easily adjusted into different angles for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds, Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
  • Patent number: 6708455
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Housing Kousan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimi Niiduma
  • Patent number: 6658812
    Abstract: A domed construction is formed by positioning and temporarily supporting a series of elongate structural elements in radially-extending positions, and forming structural joints between the adjoining radial edges of the structural elements, such that the series of structural elements form a self-supporting shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew David Tomlinson, Martin James Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20030056463
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel form comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: OUTINORD ST. AMAND, S.A.
    Inventor: Fabrice Pertoldi