Abstract: A balcony (10) for attachment to a building wall to provide privacy and views, and comfortable outdoor living space for apartment dwellers. The balcony has a floor (16) having a first edge (18) for abutment to the building wall, a perimeter wall (14) having a first end (22) and a second end (24), the first end and the second end being spaced apart and adjacent to the floor first edge (18). The floor extends between the perimeter wall and the floor first edge. The perimeter wall has a top edge (26) that is higher at the first end (22) than at the second end (24). Connectors (36, 38) are provided proximate to the floor first edge and proximate to the perimeter wall upper edge for attaching the balcony to the building wall.

Abstract: Invention of electronic cluster scanning method for Geodesic Sphere Phased Array Antenna System that is simultaneously faster cheaper and simpler is presented in this patent. This invention is based on recognition and skillful exploitation of multi-level symmetry properties inherent in the truncated icosahedron based geodesic sphere phased array antenna structure described in an earlier invention. The cluster scanning method employs cluster switching with limited angle electronic scanning involving inter-twined hexagonal sub-array centered clusters and pentagonal sub-array centered clusters.

Abstract: A one-touch tent flysheet having an edge portion is fixed to the ground in a state in which the one-touch tent flysheet covers a tent to protect the tent from an external environment, includes a waterproof cloth installed to cover the tent, a tunnel-type pole which is fixed to the waterproof cloth to allow the waterproof cloth to stand in the form of a tunnel when the flysheet is installed and which is formed in a ring shape and bent so that a pair of first points facing each other press against the ground and a pair of second points facing each other, which are at a right angle from the first points, are located at the highest height level, and a fastening member configured to connect and fix portions of the tent and the flysheet to allow the flysheet to be attached to or detached from the tent.

Abstract: An architectural structure in accordance with the invention comprises at least one substantially planar component in the form of a wall (9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), floor or ceiling, the at least one planar component comprising a plurality of identically sized right angled panels A each having the form of a 30°-60°-90° right angled triangles and a plurality of identically sized isosceles panels B each having the form of a 30°-120°-30° isosceles triangle. The invention may provide a building (11) which is constructed from a relatively small selection of prefabricated components, but which provides an architect with a relatively large degree of flexibility in the design of the structure. The invention may also permit a building (11) to be assembled without a binder or other fastenings between the majority of the components and therefore assist in the efficient deconstruction of the building, either at the end of its life or if the building is to be modified or rebuilt.

Abstract: Complex curved structures and methods of making the same without requiring specially made frames or the like. These structures may include complex multi-axis, spherical, semi-spherical, twisted, or other like curves, for example. In this illustrative embodiment, individually sized boxes are stacked or assembled to form the structure.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides complex curved structures and methods of making the same without requiring specially made frames or the like. These structures may include complex multi-axis, spherical, semi-spherical, twisted, or other like curves, for example. In this illustrative embodiment, individually sized boxes are stacked or assembled to form the structure.

Abstract: A tensegrity apparatus having multiple tensegrity units for the transmission of solitary waves with adjustable profiles into a material or structure, and the detection of such waves from a material or structure.

Abstract: The tornado shelter is constructed of a shell and supports forming an enclosure that is secured to a concrete slab. The tornado shelter is designed for indoor or outdoor use as a safety shelter during severe weather events including dangerous wind speeds. The shell of the tornado shelter is constructed of an inner shell layer and an outer shell layer that sandwich the supports therein. The shell includes a layer of extensive padding along an inner surface to protect occupants from injuries associated with impacting the inner layer. The shape of the shell includes a low-profile curvature that is aerodynamic in order to resist reaction to high wind speeds. A GPS locator alarm located inside of the enclosure is actuated in an emergency and provides location based date to emergency response personnel in order to locate the tornado shelter and occupants associated there with.

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.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness joint is provided which has a plurality of structural members with a variable stiffness material coupled between the plurality of structural members. The variable stiffness material may be selectively activated/inactivated to control the stiffness of the joint. Additional embodiments and implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: Synclastic hollow core building panels are employed to form dome-like structures. The synclastic curve allows the panels to be lightweight, yet capable of carrying the weight of the structural loads. When combined, the panels create a sphere or a section of a sphere for enclosing space, with optional egress, skylight, and foundation portals incorporated into the structure without disturbing the spherical curvature of the interior or exterior surfaces. The spheres or sphere sections require no additional framing; the panels themselves are the frame. Workers with only the basic assembly skills can construct a sphere or sphere sections using these panels.

Abstract: A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges.

Abstract: Triangular elements for forming geodesic structures each have three elongated leg members arranged end-to-end to form three apexes. At least one of the apexes is formed with a curved-shaped indentation which extends along an outer surface and perpendicular to the opposing side surfaces. The legs of each triangular element also include one or more outer grooves extending longitudinally along the outer surface. Each outer groove is sized to receive a seal member. An inwardly raised shoulder extends longitudinally along the inner surface. An inner groove is formed along a side edge of the raised shoulder and each inner groove is sized to receive a seal member. Panels are positioned over the opposing sides to form double-walled triangular element. Channels extend through the outer surface and raised shoulder of the inner surface. The triangular elements are arranged to form a geodesic structure and fasteners extend through the channels to secure adjacent triangular elements.

Abstract: A tornado resistant dome house. The shape of the dome house is a spheroid section, and is given by a formula. The dome house shell is made up of a plurality of tiles formed to conform to the shape of the dome house. The tiles are mutually connected by means of horizontally and vertically disposed elongate members extending through lumens in adjacent tiles. The tiles are also attached to a dome house foundation. The curved, low-profile shape of the house, combined with the mutual attachment of the tiles, and their attachment to the dome house foundation, improves the resistance of the dome house to high winds associated with tornadoes and hurricanes. Adjacent tiles are cushioned by springs, and are maintained in position relative to each other by means of a tongue-in-groove attachment between adjacent tiles.

Abstract: The invention comprises a compact barber shop structure having the exterior shape of a barber pole of sufficient height and size allow adults to enter and move about standing up and has a barber chair in its interior with barbering accessories to enable a barber groom a person's hair while seated in the barber chair. The structure has a door to allow persons to enter the structure for the grooming. The structure has a cylindrical exterior and has spiral stripes applied to the cylindrical exterior of the color common to a barber pole. A large globe is located on top of the cylindrical exterior of type common to a globe of a barber pole.

Abstract: Triangulated shells can be free-formed but are uneconomical compared to translational shells that can only be flat. Scale-trans shells are limited in terms of number and arrangement of the openings. The present invention provides a free-formed, custom-tailored shell surface and a regularly shaped, mass-produced shell surface that can be assembled fairly evenly from advantageously quadrangular mesh elements having coplanar node points. The flexibility of a triangle net of shell pieces in a large scale is combined with the evenness of a quad net for meshes in a small scale, whereby triangular meshes at the shared side of adjoining square nets are combined in pairs to give irregular quadrangular meshes having coplanar vertices. The inventive shell is especially suitable for use as an energy-saving building such as a weekend home, emergency shelter, cupola of an observatory, roof of a building or an inner courtyard, as the shell of a large multi-story building or as a sports hall or factory building.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing structures, whereof the geometric shape can be broken down into triangles, and which provide without any further treatment the structure with integrated airtightness, the double airtight partition enabling a coolant to be circulated or a relative depression to be generated and hence a more efficient thermal insulation, and also facilitating mounting with above all no need for a particular work site or complex and expensive foundations even on broken terrain. The method consists in prefabricating by moulding followed by assembling single-unit triangular structures, whereof the inside of lateral parts (5) is hollow through use of profiled sections, whereof the tops (6) contain no joints as a result of a plastic coating.

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: The invention is a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of panel elements, each having a coilable frame element and flexible material attached to the frame element. The panel elements are joined to define an enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The bottom perimeter rests on a supporting surface. The structure has at least one roof support rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a first location on the bottom perimeter, and the second end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a second location on the bottom perimeter. The at least one roof support rod is in supporting contact with the roof portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A versatile modular building element, made from the agglutination of three pairs of symmetrical prisms in three overlapping tiers, provides an arched component that can be congruently meshed with a similar one in several different ways. The prism may have rectangular or obliquely parallelogrammic sides or a combination of both while keeping their triangular end walls equilateral and side walls of the same width allowing for up to eight different configurations of the building element. Elements of the same or different types can be combined to construct and infinite variety of structures exhibiting high compressive strength, stability and resistance to multi-directional stresses.

Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of temporary spacers to a set of connectors. The spacers arrange the connectors in space so that the connectors are referenced with respect to one another to form the geometries of a geodesic dome. The method may further include making the temporary geodesic dome structure permanent. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Abstract: A palisade comprises visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides and intermediate end faces. One of the end faces is provided with a projecting convex head, while the other end face comprises a correspondingly formed concave receptacle for the head. When forming a palisade wall, the head of a palisade can engage in the receptacle of a neighboring palisade such that the head substantially completely fills the receptacle. To be able to bend neighboring palisades relative to one another over a large angle and to increase the design possibilities of a palisade wall, the head and the receptacle are disposed eccentrically on the respective end face and preferably in the corner region between the end face and the associated visible or wall surface.

Abstract: A building structure (10 or 10?) has a wall (16) including a plurality of wall elements (12 or 12?). Each wall element is connected to a plurality of other wall elements so as to form the wall. Each wall element includes a connecting means for connecting the adjacent wall elements together to form the wall. The wall is formed at least three consecutively connected rings (15 or 15 and 17) of interlocking wall elements. Each of the wall elements in each ring being of the same size. Each of the wall elements in a first ring of the consecutively connecting rings being larger than the wall elements of a second ring of the consecutively connected rings and each of the elements in the second ring being larger than the wall elements of a third ring of the consecutively connected rings.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting construction panels suitable for modular construction has a hybrid connector, a receptor connector and locking connector. The hybrid connector is inserted into the aperture of the receptor connector which limit the displacement relative to each other. The locking connector is inserted into the aperture of the hybrid connector to interlock the three connectors. A panel connector can have an extension tab to provide additional locking action. Panel connectors can have stiffening portions that fill spaces between the connectors to reduce the need to insulate the interconnection and assist in repelling foreign matter entry. A method for interconnecting construction panels includes mating the hybrid connector and the receptor connector and then mating the locking connector from either side of the receptor connector.

Abstract: A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome. In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges. The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

Abstract: Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of temporary spacers to a set of connectors. The spacers arrange the connectors in space so that the connectors are referenced with respect to one another to form the geometries of a geodesic dome. The method may further include making the temporary geodesic dome structure permanent. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Abstract: Domed building structures are disclosed comprising a series of concentric rings or frustums, each comprising a plurality of panels (4, 5, 6, 8, 30, 32A, 32B, 32C) connected end to end around the ring. Some rings comprise only trapezoidal panels (4) whilst others comprise combinations of trapezoidal (6, 30) and triangular (8, 32A, 32B, 32C) panels. Some rings or frustums may incorporate bracing comprising ties (52, 54) disposed in the interior of the structure and connected with junctions between panels (50).

Abstract: A building structure (10 or 10′) has a wall (16) including a plurality of wall elements (12 or 12′). Each wall element is connected to a plurality of other wall elements so as to form the wall. Each wall element includes a connecting means for connecting the adjacent wall elements together to form the wall. The wall is formed at least three consecutively connected rings (15 or 15 and 17) of interlocking wall elements. Each of the wall elements in each ring being of the same size. Each of the wall elements in a first ring of the consecutively connecting rings being larger than the wall elements of a second ring of the consecutively connected rings and each of the elements in the second ring being larger than the wall elements of a third ring of the consecutively connected rings.

Abstract: A building structure having a plurality of wall elements connecting together to form a wall is disclosed. The wall elements have a plurality of sides, each side is connected to an adjacent side of a wall element by an interlocking connection means. Methods of building a structure with the wall elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather shelter having a base, the base having a peripheral edge and being secured to the ground, a dome with a circumferential edge, wherein the dome fits completely over the base, the circumferential edge of the dome is attached proximally to the peripheral edge of the base by an attachment means, and a doorway.

Abstract: A shell (20) of generally spherical form is constructed by assembly of a plurality of oblong segments (30). The segments are obtained by dividing a spherical rhombic surface into equal parts such as by lines (40) running generally parallel to opposite sides. A half dome is obtained by dividing the figure in half with a great circle (22). Partial segments (27, 29) are utilized with no resulting waste. When used as building or other structures, improvements are realized in cost, strength, and conservation of energy and material resources.

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.

Abstract: A geodesic dome construction system utilizing a plurality of prefabricated flanged triangular panels and interior rigid insulation material. The flanged triangular panels are formed from single sheets of rigid material and fastened together on a flange-to-flange basis with sealant between the flanges. Along the interior face of the panel, rigid insulative material is attached with adhesive. The seams or voids along the edges of the rigid insulative material can be filled with foam insulation or other sealer which will further seal the interior flange seam of the flanged triangular panels. In addition, the interior face of the insulative material is covered with a coating to provide an interior finish and protection against damage.

Abstract: A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

Abstract: The invention uses flat, transparent or opaque plastic sheets to build curved structures that are used in constructing habitable buildings. The curved structure is divided into sections using a Computer Assisted Drafting program. The plastic sheets are cut into sides and top and bottom panels by a Computer Assisted Manufacturing program. The sides are joined to form a frame. The sides have curved upper and lower edges that match the curvature of the structure. The top and bottom panels are placed on the frame formed from the sides and bent to match the curvature of the sides. The panels are joined to the sides. The sections are joined together to form the curved surface. The curvature can be either outwardly curved or inwardly curved. The curvature can change in different portions of the structure.

Abstract: A class of undulated building structures constructed from sheets of suitable material and composed of sinuous curved faces meeting at constant angle at sinuous curved edges. The curved faces ensure a deformation-free (and hence a strain-free) surface, a critical feature for large-scale architectural constructions from sheet materials. The structures can be constructed by scoring a single sheet and folding the entire structure or from parts which are scored and folded. A variety of 2-dimensional scoring designs and a morphological technique for their derivation is disclosed. The technique enables the generation of symmetric and asymmetric 3-dimensional developable structures with combinations of convex and concave angle folds. The technique also provides the enabling feature for forming by various manufacturing methods. The structures can also be constructed from cast materials.

Abstract: The invention uses flat, transparent or opaque plastic sheets to build curved structures that are used in constructing habitable buildings. The curved structure is divided into sections using a Computer Assisted Drafting program. The plastic sheets are cut into sides and top and bottom panels by a Computer Assisted Manufacturing program. The sides are joined to form a frame. The sides have curved upper and lower edges that match the curvature of the structure. The top and bottom panels are placed on the frame formed from the sides and bent to match the curvature of the sides. The panels are joined to the sides. The sections are joined together to form the curved surface.

Abstract: A geodesic dome is created by the steps of: (a) generating a mathematical model of a geodesic dome, (b) fabricating components with which to form a geodesic dome according to the model; and (c) fastening the components to each other according to the model. In the model, M base triangles are generated in a closed three-dimensional shape. M is at, least four, with eight being preferred and the preferred closed three-dimensional shape being a regular octahedron. The closed three-dimensional shape has a center point from which each vertex of each of the base triangles is equidistant, this distance being a geodesic radius. Each leg of each base triangle is then subdivided into N segments of equal length, N being at least two, with eight being preferred, thus defining N+1 segment endpoints or intersections along each leg. A line is then generated between each intersection and two corresponding intersections, thus defining N2 smaller triangles per base triangle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building system comprising prefabricated plates for self-supporting space boundaries. To enable simple construction of load-bearing structures that are versatile in three dimensions and that enclose spaces, plates, at least some of which are disposed at different inclinations, in the form of flat, slanted prisms are joined by their side faces directly to one another and/or via bars in the form of long, slanted, square prisms; adjacent connecting faces are congruent, and the square faces of different bars, are disposed parallel or perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A structural assembly for building dodecahedral-based structures for habitable or commercial use, or for use as play equipment, models, or toys, is provided. Panels with shapes including hexagonal, rhombic, and trapezoidal are assembled edge-to-edge using ordered edge connections (i.e. alternating connector and receptor edges) to minimize the number of different panels required for producing a complete structure.