Elongated Rigid Structure (e.g., Beam, Column, Girder, Shaft, Reinforcing Bar Or Rod, Etc.) Patents (Class 52/831)
  • Publication number: 20130340383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing deformable utility pole that comprises a hollow pole, and an insert placed within the pole. The insert is positioned in an area of the pole that is most affected by an impacting vehicle and the length of the insert is such that it substantially includes the affected area of the pole. During an impact, the utility pole provides for a more gradual deceleration of the vehicle, compared to previously known utility poles, resulting in a reduced level of damage to the vehicle and its occupant(s). The invention also provides for a process for increasing the energy absorption of a deformable utility pole by placing an insert composed of a deformable material within the pole in the area most likely to be affected by an impact with a vehicle, and wherein the length of the insert substantially includes the affected area of the pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: George F. Arnold, Duane S. Cronin, Philip Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20130312346
    Abstract: A fiberglass beam having a body (1) thereof being made of fiberglass. A nailing spot thereof is of a thickness (t1) between two to six millimeters. The fiberglass beam also comprises one or several layers of fiberglass-enforced layer (2) sleeved on the surface of the body (1). The fiberglass beam obviates the use of wood, and allows for improved service life and enhanced operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DURA FORM COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Lung Tak To
  • Patent number: 8590084
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Alexandre de la Chevrotière
  • Patent number: 8567155
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a centrifugally cast pole having a substantially uniform wall thickness along the long axis of the pole. During centrifugal casting, molten metal is poured inside a rotating, tapered mold. As chilled liquid is poured over the outside of the rotating mold, the metal forms, or paints, to the contour of the mold interior creating a metal pole. By precisely controlling casting gyrations such as the spin, travel, pitch, and yaw of the rotating mold and the calibration and physical mechanisms of the casting machine, hollow, tapered, tubular metal poles are produced with previously unknown uniformity of wall thickness. The controlling principles, designs, and mechanisms of this centrifugal casting method enable wall uniformity to extremely high tolerances. By extension, the ability to precisely control the metal volume painted inside the mold allows, as a design choice, wall thickness variation in any embodiment if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Tom W Waugh
  • Publication number: 20130255120
    Abstract: A rail for supporting hanging signage is provided. The rail includes a magnetic strip. The magnetic strip includes first and second end portions and a middle portion. When the rail is in an uncoupled configuration, the first and second end portions are offset from a horizontal reference plane including the middle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHERN IMPERIAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Publication number: 20130255184
    Abstract: A double axis frame strut has a strut frame and a tongue that extends from a distal end of the strut frame. The tongue can be rigidly coupled to an axle that is rotatably coupled to the strut frame and extends from a distal end of the strut frame. The tongue can rotate relative to the strut frame and the tongue can include a hole which can be coupled to other double axis frame struts or other structure. The hole in the tongue can define a first axis of rotation and the axle can define a second axis of rotation. The axis of the hole in the tongue can be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tongue relative to the strut frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Mason
  • Publication number: 20130232911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist contains three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower chord. The upper chord further contains a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Dizenio Inc.
    Inventors: Irving Stal, Hormoz Sayyad
  • Publication number: 20130227906
    Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Schold
  • Patent number: 8511044
    Abstract: A tower section for a wind turbine tower structure comprises at least two shell segments defining, in an assembled condition, a substantially hollow structure, and including first connecting means for mutually joining two adjacent shell segments along a joint, which comprise a column of concrete arranged overlapping at least part of the joint between adjacent shell segments. A method for building a tower section for a wind turbine tower structure and a wind turbine comprising a nacelle having rotatable blades and a vertical tower made of at least one of such tower sections are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Alstom Wind, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Jordi Puigcorbé Punzano, Albert Fisas Camañes, Alberto González Del Egido, Núria García Gómez
  • Publication number: 20130192163
    Abstract: An adjustable stud adapter is configured to attach to a stud. The adjustable stud adapter includes a front surface, a side surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface, and a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot formed on the side surface. The first and second positioning slots have an elongated shape and are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: DEAN A. TATRAULT
  • Publication number: 20130174512
    Abstract: Hot-rolled high-strength steel elongated structural members and method of making same are disclosed by hot-rolling high-strength steel having a specific chemical composition to provide structural units. The units are then welded together to provide structural members of desired geometrical configuration including a thin web with opposed thicker flanges extending therefrom to increase the load bearing capacity of the members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicants: NUCOR CORPORATION, CONSOLIDATED METAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh M. Gallagher, JR., Joseph Bryan Loosle, Jack L. Williams, William W. Wood, Brenda D. Daniels, Cory J. Anthony, David R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8474219
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8468776
    Abstract: In a flange to adapt a wind power generator to a pre-stressed concrete tower, the flange includes an annular tapered pre-stressed concrete shell having a bulging which inwardly protrudes toward a central axis of the flange, and a steel component to be embedded within the pre-stressed concrete shell. The bulging includes a horizontal flat surface for settling the steel component. The steel component includes an annular tapered body having an upper and lower end, a plurality of vertical and radially extended fins joined to an external face of the steel component, a connecting ring joined to the body upper end and including a plurality of holes for introducing bolts to join the wind power generator, and an annular base joined to the body lower end, which is settled on the bulging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cortina Innovations S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Jose Pablo Cortina-Ortega, Alejandro Cortina-Cordero, Jose Pablo Cortina-Cordero
  • Patent number: 8464497
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8453416
    Abstract: An adjustable lally column apparatus is described that has a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A cap plate has a first side and an opposed second side that is adapted to connect to a beam. The cap plate includes a selective retention mechanism. An adjustment mechanism connects to the second end portion of the column. The adjustment mechanism includes a base plate that is adapted to be positioned on a floor. The adjustable column has a first position wherein the cap plate is connected to the first end portion of the column and beam and the column is suspended from the beam. The adjustable column has a second position wherein the adjustment mechanism provides an adjustable load-bearing interface between the floor and a terminal end of the second end portion of the column. The adjustment mechanism adjusts to extend between the suspended column and the floor to place the column in a load bearing position between the beam and floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: David R. Brindle
  • Publication number: 20130133284
    Abstract: An elongated purlin for use in roof structures includes an elongated mounting wall designed to be mounted to and supported on roof beams, an upright wall affixed to the mounting wall and extending longitudinally approximately the length of the mounting wall, and first and second horizontally outwardly opening channels affixed to the upright wall and extending approximately the length of the upright wall. The first and second channels open outwardly in opposite directions and each of the first and second channels is designed to receive an edge of a solar panel or roof section engaged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: John Powers, III
  • Publication number: 20130111848
    Abstract: A support pole having a support member track portion and a support arm track portion is described that is configured to allow lateral and vertical displacement of the carrier device. In one or more implementations, the support pole includes a support member and a support arm extending outwardly from the support member. The support pole includes a support member track portion connected to the support member and a support arm track portion connected to the support arm. The support pole may also include a transition track portion disposed between the support member portion and the support arm portion. The track portions, collectively, are configured to allow a carrier device to transition between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Carl J. Macchietto
  • Patent number: 8407954
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for framing openings for doors, windows, store fronts, air conditioning units and other purposes, in walls formed of cast-in-place concrete. The devices include a jamb member having attached first and second inner flanges with angled guide surfaces for guiding placement of a wall forming system in alignment and engagement therewith and for anchoring the jamb member following hardening of the poured concrete. A method includes use of the disclosed jamb member to frame an opening in a building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Stala Integrated Assemblies, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Keith, Jonathan Paul Keith, James Todd Essex
  • Patent number: 8407967
    Abstract: An adjustable lally column apparatus is described which includes a column, a cap plate and an adjustment mechanism. The cap plate is connected to the column and fasteners are connected to an external beam. The integrated cap plate and column assembly are connected to the fasteners in the beam and the column is suspended from the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to the column and adjusted to provide a load bearing interface between a floor and the column. A method of adjusting a column includes employing a single person to connect the cap plate and adjustment mechanism, elevating the column to the vertical and using a lever to lift the integrated column and cap plate and connecting the assembled column and cap plate to the beam. The adjustable column is secured to the beam using the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to a floor and adjusted to place the adjustable column in a load bearing position between the beam and the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: David R. Brindle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8402718
    Abstract: A wind turbine installation is provided. The installation includes a wind turbine tower or tower section, a receiving part of a wind turbine foundation installation, connection means suitable for connecting the wind turbine tower or tower section to the receiving part, whereby a lower end of the wind turbine tower or the tower section is flange-less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Publication number: 20130055676
    Abstract: An elongate profile element has a bottom, sidewalls extending from the bottom substantially at right angles and an upper side opposite the bottom. The upper side comprises flanges which extend from the respective sidewalls towards each other and delimit between them a longitudinal slot extending over the length of the profile element. The flanges are bended inwards such that the free end of the flanges is directed towards the bottom and extends in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom. The bottom is provided with spaced apart oblong recesses, which have longitudinal side edges which are bended inwards such that the free end of said edges extends towards the upper side in a direction substantially at right angles with the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: J. VAN WALRAVEN HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Jan van Walraven, Marek Juzak
  • Publication number: 20130042573
    Abstract: A composite pole includes at least a first composite member that includes first and second ends; an elongated body defined between the first and second ends; a first interior space; and a constant cross-section. The constant cross-section includes an outer circumference having a first radius and a second radius; an inner circumference; and a wall thickness defined between the outer and inner circumference. The first radius is not equal to the second radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CONETT, INC.
    Inventors: Conrad F. Fingerson, Charles Albert Hautamaki
  • Publication number: 20130036679
    Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: DANIEL NYCE, KELLY PATTERSON, GEORGE CLINTON BROOKHART, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130031860
    Abstract: A column assembly includes a shaft, a capital, an opening formed in the capital, and a retaining member. The capital has a lower surface and a substantially planar upper surface. The opening is sized to receive the shaft therethrough, and extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. A channel is formed in a surrounding wall of the opening. The length of the channel may, for instance, extend at least partially around the perimeter of the opening. Regardless, the retaining member advantageously holds the capital at a fixed vertical position along the shaft by engaging the channel and the shaft. The retaining member may be a resilient member (e.g., foam) that seats within the channel and frictionally engages the outer surface of the shaft. Alternatively, the retaining member may be a spring member that mounts onto the upper end of the shaft and engages the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Column & Post, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Douglas Koren
  • Publication number: 20130034383
    Abstract: A kit for an easy quick connect structural system for constructing framework structures comprising a plurality of elongate rectangular prism frame members is provided. The frame members incorporate custom design features which provide structural strength, facilitate assembly and expansion of the framework structure and allow ease of attachment and securing of accessories. These design features include a corner groove, a central hollow longitudinal chamber, at least one sub-trade chamber, at least one outer main channel, stub-nosed channels, and claw assembles flanking each corner groove. There is provided a plurality of snap-in connectors designed and configured to mate with the frame members such that the frame members can be secured in various arrangements with respect to each other. There is further provided custom reinforcement brackets designed and configured to securely bind together a selection of the plurality of the frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: E6-XTRUSION STRUCTURES INC.
    Inventor: Hin Chung Chong
  • Publication number: 20130008096
    Abstract: A utility pole comprises a hollow elongate body (1) formed from a composite material including reinforcing fibres embedded in a matrix material and an energy-absorbing region comprising at least one elongate weakened zone (2, 4, 12) formed in the hollow elongate body (1), the at least one weakened zone promoting delamination of the fibres and the matrix material if a vehicle strikes the utility pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Griffiths, John Michael Jarvie
  • Publication number: 20130009121
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a metal fence post, comprising a first body provided with first left hook parts and first right hook parts that respectively positioned in front of the corresponding side wing, which is easy for installing the fence body between two fence posts directly with great convenience. Further more, owning to the second body for concealing the openings of the first left hook parts and the first right hook parts disposed in front of the first body, it is impossible to break the fence from the first left hook parts and the first right hook parts after the assembling of the first body and the second body, ensuring the safety and reliability of the fence post and the fence formed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Lv Xu
  • Publication number: 20130008120
    Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and has an external surface, and a reinforcement attachment made of a metallic material having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface. The attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate, and has first portions and second portions. At least one of the surfaces of a first portion of the attachment is pre-treated and attached to the substrate such that when the construction structure is under loading the first portion(s) block(s) or reduce(s) spreading of strain sustained by the attachment along the attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of reinforcement from substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Yufei WU, Jian LU
  • Publication number: 20130008111
    Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and having an external surface, and an external reinforcement attachment. The attachment includes an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface and has a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the reinforcement attachment. The reinforcement attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate. The reinforcement attachment has at least first portions and second portions, the two portions are treated such that the first portions have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portions for increasing yield strength of the first portions whereby when the construction structure is under stress the first portions block or reduce spreading of strain sustained by the reinforcement attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of attachment from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Yufei WU, Jian LU
  • Publication number: 20120317905
    Abstract: A load-bearing member such as a beam, column, girder or post comprises an elongated body defining a rigid structure for bearing a load. A hollow fastener extends through the body from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The hollow fastener, which may be a hollow bolt, nail, lag screw or threaded shaft, defines a passageway through the load-bearing member for insertion of a cable, wire, tube or pipe. This obviates the need to drill the beam or column, which can compromise its structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew MacDuff
  • Publication number: 20120304593
    Abstract: A flat roof support structure includes a plurality of vertical columns, an elongated generally horizontally oriented beam associated with and positioned atop each vertical column, and attachment structure fixing the upper end of each vertical column to a mounting area of the associated elongated beam. The attachment structure includes U-shaped attachment members affixed to opposed sides of the vertical columns at the upper end of each column with the attachment members opening in an outwardly directed orientation parallel to the associated elongated beam. A pair of attachment plates is fixed to opposed sides of each elongated beam in the mounting area. The attachment plates extend downwardly below a lower surface of the elongated beam a distance equal to a portion of the U-shaped attachment members so as to overlap the portion. Attachment devices fix the attachment plates to the U-shaped attachment members and are assembled on-site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: John Powers, III
  • Patent number: 8316615
    Abstract: A tower assembly for use with a modular tower is provided. The tower assembly includes a plurality of assembly panels each including a pair of opposing circumferential edges, and, a plurality of connectors for use in coupling adjacent assembly panels of the plurality of assembly panels to one another, each connector of the plurality of connectors including an outer flange, an inner flange, and a spacer extending therebetween, the outer flange is spaced a distance from the inner flange such that a first slot and a second slot are defined between the outer and inner flanges, each of the first and the second slots is sized to receive one of the assembly panel circumferential edges therein to enable the adjacent assembly panels to be coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Balaji Haridasu, Biao Fang, Danian Zheng
  • Publication number: 20120279162
    Abstract: A light steel structural stud includes a web portion, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange lips. The web portion has a web face and sides. The pair of flange portions each extend generally orthogonally from each side of the web portion. Each flange portion is in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the other flange portion. Each of the flange portions has a flange face. The pair of flange lips each extend generally orthogonally from each of the flange portions and are generally parallel to the web portion. Each flange lip has a double thickness and at least a portion of each flange portion has a double thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: SUR-STUD STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. STRICKLAND, Douglas M. FOX, Richard Wilson STRICKLAND
  • Publication number: 20120266562
    Abstract: A structural element comprising a web, a pair of substantially oppositely directed flanges projecting outwardly from respective ends of the web, wherein the web comprises two or more channels formed therein, and wherein at least two of the two or more channels project into the web in opposed orientation to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Keith Woolf
  • Publication number: 20120266550
    Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Casata Technologies Inc..
    Inventors: John R. Naccarato, Joseph A. Severini
  • Publication number: 20120240482
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a high rise modular structure having a truss structure. The truss structure has four corner columns wherein the columns carrying the load of the building. The columns are adapted to have lifting arms for assembling the structure and plugs for snap fitting the modular units into one another. Once assembled, the modular units are tied to one another using a steel plate/blind rivet system. The modular structure is also capable of having an advanced weather protecting system for when the modular structure is on-site and not yet assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: XSite Modular
    Inventors: Michael Pitt, Anthony Filippini
  • Publication number: 20120233936
    Abstract: A monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) dense column structure includes RC dense columns along a structure perimeter, RC window structures along the structure perimeter, and a RC beam over the dense columns and the window structures around the structure perimeter. Each window structure includes RC window columns, a RC short window column between the window columns, and a RC window beam between the window columns and over the short window column. The structure further includes prefabricated wall panels having molds that casted the dense columns, the window structures, and the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Hai Zhong
  • Publication number: 20120233950
    Abstract: A concrete wall system includes first and second opposing wall panels and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first and second wall panels. A plurality of reinforcing bars is placed between the first and second wall panels and supported by the spacers, and a concrete core is disposed between the first and second wall panels such that the spacers and the reinforcing bars are embedded in the concrete core. Each one of the spacers has a cup-like body defining a closed first end and an open second end with a flange formed on the second end. The spacer bodies are tapered so that the spacers are stackable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: CEMWALL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jerry R. Carr, Michael W. McClure, Lloyd E. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20120233955
    Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an axial member, a plurality of restraining members, and a plurality of securing units. The axial member includes a middle section extending in an axial direction, and a pair of coupling sections extending respectively from opposite ends of the middle section and that are adapted to be coupled fixedly to two connecting plates of a framework of a building, respectively. The restraining members extend in the axial direction, and are disposed around and contact the axial member. Each securing unit secures an adjacent pair of the restraining members together. Each restraining member cooperates with an adjacent one of the restraining members to define an opening therebetween through which a portion of the axial member is exposed for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Keh-Chyuan TSAI, An-Chien WU, Chih-Yu WEI, Pao-Chun LIN
  • Publication number: 20120233954
    Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: John A. Schold
  • Publication number: 20120227354
    Abstract: A beam includes at least three web plates that are connected to a bottom flange and top flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Steel-Invest Ltd.
    Inventor: Seppo HAUTA-AHO
  • Patent number: 8256186
    Abstract: A formed building element or “log” comprising a top filler section and a bottom filler section affixed on opposite sides of a center reinforcement member. The center reinforcement member may be a steel or metal rod or tube. The reinforcement member, which may be of approximately the same length of the filler sections, has one end extending out from the end of the building element. The extended end may have a vertical hole extending from top to bottom, adapted to accept a rod pin, which may or may not be threaded. Matching holes extend from the top to bottom of the filler section at the opposite end of the building element, so adjacent building elements may be attached end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Bryan
  • Publication number: 20120216479
    Abstract: A system for attachment of a fitting to an extruded beam comprises a beam including an upstanding longitudinally-disposed neck having a head comprising laterally-extending flange elements and co-operating attachment means for mounting the fitting, in which the attachment means comprise clamp elements which in use engage the neck of the longitudinally-disposed member from each side thereof, underneath the flange elements, when a clamping force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Lewcock, Peter Bailey
  • Patent number: 8230660
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting at least one line in a tower of a wind power plant, the line is provided in the tower before its erection in shortened, preferably folded or wound-up form. The tower also includes a means for extending the line, after erection of the tower so that the lower end of the line is lowered in a controlled manner to the bottom of the tower and can be attached there to a connector and the upper end is extended to a connector at the top of the tower if not already connected to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Markus Mühlhäuser
  • Publication number: 20120186178
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention includes a retrofitting system for the insulation of existing interior walls such as basements; a retrofitting system for the insulation of exterior walls of a structure such as a home needing further insulation without a convenient or economical method to do so within the interior walls, the inclusion of insulation within the concrete walls of a structure constructed by the tilt-up construction method and a use of elements of the insulated wall system to effectively insulate and provide continuous studding in a conventional “cast-in-place” concrete wall assembly, subsequent to placing concrete. The insulated wall systems of these embodiments provide an economical and efficient method of providing the installation of insulation panels to each of the walls described. The insulation panels are generally of a foam structure supported by connecting and/or corner studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: GREGORY WESTRA, Albert Westra
  • Publication number: 20120180426
    Abstract: Techniques for reinforcing concrete using rebar are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include prestressed concrete structures reinforced by twisted, threaded reinforcing bars. An example reinforcing bar for a prestressed concrete structure may include an elongated, generally cylindrical rod; an external thread disposed on the generally cylindrical rod, the external thread formed from an elongated, generally nonlinear channel wrapped about a radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod in a generally helical fashion. A base portion of the nonlinear channel may be disposed substantially against the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod and/or an upstanding portion of the nonlinear channel may extend generally orthogonally from the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Sheppard Bromer
  • Publication number: 20120180423
    Abstract: A yielding rod to counteract seismic activity having a generally cylindrical shape with a narrow portion having a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the remaining portions of the yielding rod. The narrow portion spans a length that is approximately 8 times its diameter to approximately 16 times its diameter. A transition area connects the narrow portion of the rod to the remainder of the rod. The transition area spans a length of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch and has a preferred slope of 30 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Francisco Avila
  • Patent number: 8209913
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to propose a tubular structure and a wind turbine generator in which work on an outer surface of the tower structure can be performed easily. A tubular structure comprises: a plurality of tubular sections 21 that are stacked one on top of another in a vertical direction, the adjacent tubular sections 21 being joined together with use of a splice plate 22 arranged on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of abutting ends of the adjacent tubular sections 21 and a fastening member 25 fastening the splice plate 22 and the adjacent tubular sections 21; an opening for operation 26 which is arranged in a vicinity of the splice plate 22 on a circumferential surface of the tubular sections 21; and a reinforcing rib 28 arranged in the vertical direction on the circumferential surface of the tubular sections 21, wherein a vertical position of the reinforcing rib 28 includes at least a vertical range where the opening for operation 26 is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8205408
    Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Houghton, Jesse E. Karns, Enrique A. Gallart
  • Patent number: 8201383
    Abstract: A beam for a measuring machine is constituted by a plurality of extruded beam elements, which are set alongside one another and welded together so that each forms a portion of the cross section of the beam itself; the beam elements and the beam have a hollow section shaped like an equilateral triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Garau