2345results about "Joists" patented technology

A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.

The invention is a novel moment-resistant building column insert system for distributing lateral and vertical loads between the column-beam and column-foundation connections. Loads are distributed between the column and beam using a column insert, nut plates and beam end plates incorporated to beam-ends. The column insert is hollow and similar cross-section shape to the building column for inserting there to. The column, column insert, nut plates and endplates have patterns of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts tightened to nuts held by nut plates. Loads are distributed between the column and foundation using a base plate, column insert, and insert plates integrated with anchor bolts, nuts and washers in a concrete foundation. The base plate having mounting holes is incorporated to the building column bottom end to receive the plurality of anchor bolts there through for fixedly tightening as an exposed end of the column insert fits in the column.

The present invention provides for a lightweight metal framing member having a central web and two parallel spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the web. The framing member has at least one longitudinally oriented rib extending the length of the web of the framing member to aid in reducing shrinkage and twisting of the framing member when non-symmetrical reinforcing structures are found in the framing member.

A laminated composite building component, capable of sustained axial stress as a primary support structure and enclosure of a building structure, comprising a lamination of rigid and resilient material, said rigid material formed of sheets with continuous corrugations parallel to the supporting axis and which have opposite faces being bonded to and encapsulated by said resilient material, said resilient material being a cellular foam matrix, an adhesive or fusion that bonds the rigid and resilient material together in either a static or continuous laminating process, said resilient material forming two outer surfaces spaced from the rigid material, said rigid material having opposite lateral edges being exposed from said resilient material, said lateral edges of the rigid material having return flanges for interlocking said laminated composite building component with adjacent building component, and said building components capable of being supplied and distributed in generic lengths and custom field-cut like lumber.

Expandable surfaces made from sheet materials with slits distributed on the surface of sheet material where the surfaces expand by application of force along or/and across the surface of sheet material. The unexpanded surfaces are flat sheets, or closed surfaces like cylinders, spheres, tubes, or custom-designed organic shapes marked with pre-formed or post-formed slit designs. The expanded surfaces can be single units or modules which can be attached to one another through various means. The sheet materials range from hard surfaces like metals, to softer materials like papers and plastics, or pliable materials like fabrics, rubbers, synthetic surfaces or bio-surfaces. The slits are arranged in patterns ranging from periodic, non-periodic to irregular designs. The slits can be straight, bent, curved or irregularly shaped with even or uneven spacing. Slitting can be achieved by digital cutting or punching devices like laser-cutting, water-jet cutting, digital punching, automated dies, etc. or pre-formed when casting the sheet material. Force can be applied manually with tools or through the use of machines and special set-ups. Applications range from architectural surfaces, walls, ceilings, panel systems, structures and sculpture. On a smaller scale, applications include containers, packaging material, fabrics and human wear. On micro- to nano-scale, applications range from expandable surfaces for gauzes, band-aids, stent designs, skin grafts, semi-permeable membranes and micro-filters for various industries including purification of fluids and chemical substances.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design of inexpensive mounting and pointing apparatuses for linear arrays of solar energy collectors and converters. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose a rigging system comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, tensile cables onto which a plurality of solar modules are fastened. Such an arrangement provides a way of suspending solar modules over land, vegetation, bodies of water, and other geographic features without substantial perturbation of the underlying terrain. Certain embodiments comprise additional tensile cables fastened to the solar modules, such that differential axial motion of the cables produces a rotational motion component of the individual solar modules of the array. This rotational motion component effects an orientation control along one rotational axis.

A plurality of studs (14) are spaced apart relative to each other. Upper end portions (32) of the studs fit into an upper channel space (22) and lower end portions (34) fit into a lower channel space (30). The lower channel space (30) is defined in part by a pair of spaced apart sidewalls (24, 26). Screw fasteners (52) extend through the sidewalls (24, 26) and connect them to the lower end portion (34) of the stud (14). The studs (14) have upper ends that are spaced from a web (20) forming the upper boundary of the upper channel space (22). Vertical elongated slots (48, 50) are provided in the sidewalls (38, 40) of the studs (14). Screw fasteners extend through the sidewalls (16, 18) of the upper channel member (10) and then extend into and through the slots (48, 50). The heads of the screw fasteners (52) bear against the sidewalls (16, 18) when the screw fasteners (52) are tightened. This firmly connects the screw fasteners (52) to the sidewalls (16, 18), but there is no connection of the screw fasteners (52) to the upper end portions of the studs (14). When the screw fasteners (52) are tightened, there is no clamping action between the heads (54) of the screw fasteners (52) and the upper end portions (32) of the studs (14). As a result, the studs (14) are completely free to move up and down relative to the upper channel member (10), within limits established by the lengths of the slots (48, 50).

A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube and opposing sets of elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces, each slot of each set of elongated slots separated longitudinally along the length of the tube from each adjacent slot by a bridge element of tube material. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

The present invention relates to an improved wall system where a wall form mold has a structural insulated core assembled to form a structural insulated panel (SIP) to form a concrete beam and concrete column to be poured anywhere within the wall as well as between building modules when placed together and erected vertically. The interlocking wall molds interlock within the wall as well as between panels and modules. The wall panels allow concrete columns and beams to be formed in any size and shape. The structural insulated core consists of interlocking foam spacers and support channels which can be glued or screwed together to form an independent wall or as part of a precast wall with columns and beams integrated within the wall panels. Insulated flanges within the wall forming mold separates the wall forming structure from the wall surfaces.

A ribbed metal plate for a composite slab that includes a substantially planar plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of laterally-spaced, longitudinally-extending ribs that have a keystone profile and wherein the sidewalls are angled toward each other. Ends of the ribs are integrally formed. The rib plate is secured to bearing walls in a structure and concrete is poured on the ribs to form a composite deck. The ends of the ribs extend in the lateral direction to form a composite structure retarding movement of cured concrete in a longitudinal direction. The ribbed plate can also be used in composite beams.

The invention relates to a modular building of the type that comprises vertical frame columns (70) and a plurality of volume modules (2) prefabricated of sheet metal profiles (18-32) and being of rectangular horizontal section, which are supported by the columns (70) on two or more floor levels. The volume modules (2) are prefabricated with two frame edge beams (50) which are stronger than said sheet metal profiles (18-32) and which are horizontally extended along a respective upper end wall edge of the volume module (2) and which are on the one hand linearly connected with frame edge beams (50) of adjoining modules (2) on the same floor level and, on the other hand, connected to the columns (70) in such a manner that the horizontal position of the frame edge beams (50) relative to the columns (70) is fixed. The invention also relates to such a module and a method for manufacturing such a building.

The present application is directed toward slotted tracks, in particular slotted tracks for an exterior wall application. Embodiments can include tracks with elongate reinforcing ribs on the tracks' flanges and/or web, tabs and/or protruding ribs for supporting and positioning exterior sheathing elements, second slot patterns along the length of the web of the track to allow for attachment and drift movement of the track with another wall component, and guide marks to identify proper locations for attachment of fasteners.

A three-dimensional (3D) composite structure and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the 3D composite structure includes a 3D ordered microstructure and a second continuous material. The 3D ordered microstructure includes first truss elements defined by first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction, second truss elements defined by second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction, and third truss elements defined by third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third truss elements interpenetrate each other at nodes to form a first continuous material with the three-dimensional ordered microstructure. In addition, the second continuous material has different physical properties than the first continuous material and shares an interface with the three-dimensional ordered microstructure, and wherein the interface is everywhere continuous.

The ends of carbon plates reinforcing supporting elements, such as concrete beams, are divided into at least two splines having approximately the same thickness and are glued in the appropriate retaining slots of a terminal element. The splines form an angle in relation to each other. This assembly is then glued to the traction side of the supporting element, whereby the carbon plates are directly prestressed by the terminal elements in relation to the supporting element. The terminal element can be inserted into an appropriate groove in the supporting element or glued directly on the surface of the supporting element and/or doweled, optionally by using a transverse tensioning device.

A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer. Weep channels on the membrane communicate and transmit water and moisture from the cavity between the walls to the exterior of the veneer. The weep channels are positioned at the joint between adjacent bricks. The membrane extending beyond the mortar joint at the masonry veneer is trimmed during the installation process so as not to extend beyond the outer veneer wall while still providing an easily installed and implemented flash and weep system.

The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.

An iso-truss structure (10) includes at least two helical components (30, 32) and at least one reverse helical component (34) attached thereto with opposing angular orientations. Each helical and reverse helical component preferably includes at least four elongate, straight segments (22) rigidly connected end to end in a helical configuration forming a single, substantially complete rotation about a common axis (14) forming a first square cross section. The structure may further include at least two rotated helical components (80, 92) and at least one rotated reverse helical component (98) which are rotated with respect to the helical and reverse helical components forming a second square cross section, rotated with respect to the first. The structure may be straight, curved, flexible, or form angles.

The present invention includes wood I-beams with fiber reinforcement. In a preferred embodiment, a wood I-beam includes an opposed pair of elongated wood flanges and a substantially continuous web positioned between them. In one embodiment, the web includes multiple metal tubes that extend between the wood flanges and form a zig zag pattern. The ends of the metal tubes are flattened parallel to the plane of the metal web so the ends can fit within either slots in the top surface of the bottom wood flange or slots in the bottom surface of the top wood flange. Metal pins pass through the sides of the wood flanges and the flattened ends of the metal tubes to secure the tubular metal web to the flanges. In other embodiments the web includes oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. Reinforcements are adhered to the wood flanges so that the metal pins also pass through the reinforcements. The reinforcements preferably include multiple fiber strands held within a resin matrix.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

A modular office system incorporating a frame construction with improved stability to support components of the office system. The frame construction generally includes upright supports and crossbeams. The uprights and crossbeams have a tubular configuration to allow the passing of utility wiring. The crossbeams include triangular gussets to improve the support connection between the uprights and crossbeams.

Header and jamb stud arrangements, truss assemblies, and support posts are disclosed. The assemblies employ a stud that has a web, a pair of flanges protruding from the web, a leg protruding from each flange and a return formed on the end of each leg.

A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.

A joint seal is designed to maintain its proper position in the joint groove opening port to create an effective seal between the inner walls of the joint groove and to resist peeling or damage, even in an event, such as an earthquake, during which the adjacent outer wall materials shift; and to have a joint base material 2, a sealing material 3 and a heart wood 8. The joint base material 2 has at least two seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b projecting from the outer face of side plates 5, 5. A number of small openings 8 to allow sealing material to be pressed out at the insertion of heart wood 8 is punched between the seal tongue pieces 14a and 14b, and release mold sheets 18a and 18b are attached to joint base material 2 as a cap member covering the small openings 8 and the opening ports of side plates 5, 5.

A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.

A hybrid metal/composite material beam is suitable for withstanding bending stresses. The hybrid beam is a combination of dissimilar materials that are geometrically optimized in a structure to provide benefits beyond the characteristics of the materials separately. Also a stanchion assembly incorporates the hybrid beam.

A stud for construction of fire resistant and seismic resistant shaft walls (10), including but not limited to elevator shafts and stairwells. The claimed metal stud is used for constructing shaft wall assemblies which can withstand vertical, and horizontal movements due to seismic forces, wind sway, and inter-story drift resulting from gravity and the rotation of the earth. This stud comprises: an anterior flange (11); posterior flange (14) which is longer than the anterior flange (11) possessing a plurality of parallel horizontal fastening slots (17) along the length of the posterior flange (14); and a vertical web (18) connecting the anterior flange (11) and posterior flange (14) in parallel forming a generally J-shaped channel. The longer posterior flange with fastener slots permits the construction if the shaft wall assembly solely from within the shaft cavity.

A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing members or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls, and similarly configured framing tracks having a recessed channel along the sidewalls thereof. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip and base flange are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing members and tracks performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the member or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing members or tracks to form joints that are strong, durable and precise. The framing system using the stud connectors of the present invention leaves the outside surfaces of the framing members and tracks smooth and continuous, without protruding fastener heads or interruptions of any sort. The resulting smooth outside surfaces can be covered much more easily and inexpensively than the uneven and generally awkward outside surfaces presently encountered in metal framed structures. The manner in which the connectors lock within the members and tracks promote their safe and efficient installation. The system and connectors of the present invention enables an entire structure to be framed using one type and size of metal framing member or track cut to appropriate lengths on site.

The present invention provides for a lightweight metal framing member having a plurality of depressions and a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the surface thereof, the depressions and ribs both being inwardly oriented and cooperating to aid in stiffening of the metal stud. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a metal framing member having a plurality of depressions and a plurality of reinforcing ribs on the surface thereof, the depressions and ribs both being inwardly oriented and cooperating to aid in stiffening of the metal stud. The method utilizes a cold roll forming apparatus having a first roller with a plurality of projections on its surface and a second roller having a surface provided with holes aligned with the projections on the surface of the first roller to form the depressions in the surface of the material having clearly defined edges generally aligned with the plane of the metal sheet. A second roll forming apparatus is used having a first roller with projections on its surface to form the reinforcing ribs in the surface of the sheet material and a second roller to allow for a softer transition between the surface of the sheet material and the edges of the reinforcing ribs and so as not to unduly deform the depressions formed in the first roll forming step. A third roll forming apparatus is used having rollers to form the metal stud or track.

A support tower for heavy loads or large structures such as a wind turbine generators, constructed of a plurality of telescopic tower sections with the outer lower tower section having a lower end supported from a foundation and at least one or more inner upper tower sections telescoped in an initial vertical nested relation within the outer lower tower section. The heavy load is mounted on an upper end of the inner upper tower section while in the initial vertical nested relation. The inner upper tower section or sections are then lifted upwardly to an extended tower height by lift mechanisms and the tower sections are secured in vertically extended position by inter-engaging wedge joint structure with bolt fasteners extending through mating wedge surfaces to retain the telescopic tower sections vertically extended and position the heavy load in a vertically elevated position.

An apparatus includes a press with dies configured to deform a strip of material by drawing material primarily from a width direction, a slitter set to cut the deformed strip to a uniform desired width dimension, and a roll-former with rolls configured to shape linear portions of the deformed and now uniform-width strip into a continuous beam. The apparatus further includes a welder for welding abutting edges of the sheet together to form a permanent tube, a sweep station for imparting a longitudinal shape to the continuous beam, and a cut-off for cutting the continuous beam into segments useful as vehicle bumper beams. A controller controls timing of various components. The beam segments are optimized in specific regions for local strength and minimized weight, and features can be incorporated into the beam segments such as coplanar mounting surfaces.