Showing papers on "Deck published in 1984"

Reinforcement corrosion and the durability of concrete bridges.

Abstract: Corrosion can arise in most parts of a bridge substructure or superstructure and usually results from the use of de-icing salts. Substructure corrosion is often associated with leaking joints, faulty drainage or salt spray from traffic. General corrosion is found on substructures and although this is a relatively slow process, producing only small reductions in bar cross-section, it causes substantial disruption of the concrete cover. Localized corrosion has occurred on unwaterproofed decks and is much more rapid than general corrosion; it leads to substantial local reductions in bar cross-section. This form of corrosion is not easy to detect visually because it is not always associated with concrete disruption or rust staining and, in any event, the deck is covered with asphalt surfacing. Several site investigation tests are available. When used together they can usually locate corroding reinforcement, determine its type and causes and estimate its rate, thus providing the information required to specify repairs. The threshold concentration of chlorides in concrete bridges of 0.35% has not proved a reliable basis for predicting corrosion. Likely explanations are that chloride contamination is associated with relatively high concentrations of the more-damaging free chloride ion. Localized anodes also sometimes protect the surrounding steel from effects of high chloride levels. The repair of chloride-contaminated bridges is difficult. Repair of corroding areas is generally effective, but the development of anodes in the concrete adjacent to the repair can lead to further damage. Cathodic protection appears to be the most promising method of overcoming this problem, although further development is needed before it can be applied effectively. (Author/TRRL)

Wheelchair passenger lift apparatus for transit stations

Abstract: A curbside lift apparatus for transferring wheelchair passengers to and from trains and public transit vehicles using existing pedestrian passenger entryways. Free-standing base wall structures support parallel guide tracks inclined toward the transit vehicle, such that a passenger lift car guided by such tracks and carried by chain and sprocket elevator means between the wall structures advances toward and retracts from the passenger vehicle in being raised and lowered, thereby shortening the crossover distance between vehicle passenger deck and lift car spanned by a hinged bridge on the lift car lowered to the deck. Simplified, enclosed, vandal-resistant construction of the mechanical apparatus and an automatic sequencing control system for the same accessible only to an authorized attendant assure prompt, safe operation of the apparatus under various contingencies.

Joint construction of concrete members

Abstract: This invention relates to a structure and method of coupling a precast concrete member to a contiguous deck or other objects. The precast concrete member has a partial inwardly flaring longitudinal groove therethrough and sequential coupling rods which extend within the groove. U-shaped deck rods also extend from the deck within the groove sequentially. A locking bar is inserted longitudinally through the groove in locking relationship with the coupling rods and the U-shaped deck rods. Grout is then injected throughout the longitudinal groove and allowed to harden, thus providing a sealed and locked joint.

Method of forming a waterproof roof

Abstract: A roofing method comprises applying to a roof deck a self-adhesive sheet comprising an adhesive and waterproofing layer of bituminous compound so that the sheet adheres to the deck over an area of 10-50% of the total sheet area and water vapor passing through the deck may escape laterally; rendering the upper surface of the sheet adhesive, for example by torching; optionally applying insulation board and a further self-adhesive sheet, and applying a final waterproofing sheet. The use of hot bitumen is completely avoided, the formation of waterproof and insulated roofs is simplified and economies are offered.

Collapsible pontoon boat

Abstract: A collapsible pontoon boat includes a deck assembly and a plurality of inflatable pontoons for receiving and supporting the deck assembly. The deck assembly includes a plurality of deck panels, and end rails and side rails assemblable into a deck frame. The deck panels are secured to the side rails and end rails and to interposed support members to form the deck assembly, and the pontoons are secured to the deck assembly, underlying the side rails.

Trenchless underfloor conduit system

Abstract: A trenchless underfloor conduit system for distribution of electrical conductors, service lines and the like is disclosed. One or more spaced-apart duct members of reduced height dimension are placed over a corrugated deck. Covers are provided over selected valleys of the corrugated deck to provide at least one enclosed deck conduit extending transversely with respect to the ducts. Openings are provided in the deck conduit and overlying duct member to allow for communication therebetween. A substantially uninterrupted layer of concrete is provided over the deck and duct members and is secured to underlying supporting beams. The layer of concrete preferably has a minimum thickness of about two inches and is secured to the beams to increase the overall strength of the floor by utilizing a composite design without increasing the overall thickness or reducing the service line capacity thereof.

Feed stream splitter for multiple deck screening machine

Abstract: A multiple deck screening machine wherein the feed material is divided into separate equal fractions on a rubble screen deck and scalp screen decks. Each deck includes downwardly slanting distribution panels having serrated lower edges. Particulate flow over the serrated edges is divided into separate fractions. Each adjacent fraction passes into a different parallel vertical channel which serves a particular screen deck via a chute. The chutes and channels extend the full width of the screens. Flow across the serrated edges is separated due to the notches and tongues and upstanding dividers along the common edge to each notch and tongues. Each notch and tooth of the rubble screen deck is disposed in juxtaposition to an opposed tongues and notch respectively so that excess flow over a tongues may pass over its channel into the channel of the opposed notch. The rubble screen deck including a pair of downwardly and inwardly inclined distribution panels which oppose each other and define a flow gap therebetween. Each of the rubble screen deck distribution panels also having serrated lower edges and coacting so as to send an equal fraction of particulate flow to each of four lower scalp screen decks.

Oil game of skill and chance

Abstract: A game of skill and chance which simulates the excitement and frustrations of drilling for oil. Playing pieces, representing oil drilling rigs are inserted through apertures in a top deck and, if unhindered, proceed through to a lower deck. However, a sliding middle deck is inserted between the other two decks which has only some of the holes so that a drilling rig has a real probability of being blocked and therefore results in a "dry well". Due to the symmetrical nature of the decks, the sliding middle deck may be removed from a specially provided channel, rotated along any plane and then re-inserted. This provides eight different playing configuration from a single sliding deck. Additional decks may be provided for increased variety.

Expandable portable bridge structure

Abstract: A transportable pantograph truss bridge structure. The pantograph truss is in the form of an inverted triangle with deck sections incorporating gratings utilized as parallel tracks for wheeled vehicles. The bridge is suitable for rapid deployment in military applications and is portable on a wheeled trailer including erecting masts, cables, and winches. The pantograph truss is formed of sealed tubular elements, so as to be neutrally buoyant. The deck panels are formed in sections with grating formed of metal or of resin impregnated Fiberglas, carbon filaments or the like.

Two-value playing cards

Abstract: A deck of playing cards preferably comprising sixty two-value cards, whereby the deck consists of three different suits with four different number values per suit, and twelve half-wild cards consisting of a fifth number value which is wild in terms of its suit. The deck is uniquely designed so that every number value of a given suit is paired once with every number value of the other suits. In this manner, the deck constitutes a fair deck in which the probabilities of any given dealt hand can be predetermined so that successful winning stratagies can be developed. The deck is mathematically designed to overcome the statistical inadequacies of two-valued cards of the prior art. The deck may also be supplemented with a die representing the different suits, for games in which one suit ranks differently than another suit.

High wind resistant membrane roof system

Abstract: A membrane roof system includes a single ply water impermeable membrane held to a roof deck by two separate fastening systems The peripheral portion of the membrane is bonded to the peripheral edge of the roof deck by an adhesive and without mechanical fasteners The central portion of the roof membrane is held down by traditional fastening means such as ballast, membrane-penetrating mechanical fastenings or preferably, non-membrane-penetrating mechanical fasteners This provides maximum adherence around the periphery to withstand high uplift forces at a relatively low cost

Boat with auxiliary steering apparatus

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the steerage of boats has one or more fins connected to each side of the aft part of the boat, such that the fins are entirely above the water until the boat is so heeled as to have moderate helm, and after that the fin(s) on the heeled-down side become progressively more immersed as the boat heels further. The spanwise axes of the fins are about vertically disposed when the boat is upright. The cordwise axes of the fins slope inward toward the longitudinal axis of the boat. The fore-aft sectional shape of the fins may be asymmetrical to improve the lift/drag characteristics. One fin on either side may be attached spanwise to a shaft mounted in a shaft housing extending obliquely through the hull and deck; the shafts may be fixed at several angles, or actively adjusted to counter variations in the magnitude of weather-helm and lee-helm experienced by the boat.

Marine hazardous off-loading system

Abstract: A hazardous off-loading system for emergency removal of cargo from a grounded or floundering ship which secures leveling platforms on the deck of the ship from which to implement cargo removal procedures serving to mount appropriate equipment such as a life support module for control housing and operator protection, a power pack with power generating and pumping capability, a mobile tractor for movement on deck and a mechanical robot arm.

Weather protected offshore drilling rig

Abstract: In order to improve the working conditions for the staff on drilling rigs, the work area for handling of pipes and tubes is arranged on a main deck covered by a drill deck, which has openings closable by hatch cover panels. The derrick is enclosed in a cover, from which tunnels extend out over the drill deck and comprises lifting means for handling of pipes and tubes between the decks. The tunnels are connected to the cover of the derrick by way of raised enclosures permitting the swinging of pipes from a horizontal position in the tunnel to a vertical position in the derrick, and vice versa. There is a door, at least at one of the enclosures permitting handling of especially long objects, and basically the handling of pipes and tubes can be performed within areas fully protected from the weather.

Pedestal and framing system for supplemental roof construction

Abstract: A pedestal (18) for use in conjunction with a framing member (11) to support a supplemental roof (16) in superposed spaced relation to a deck roof (10) or other primary roof of a building. Since blanket or other conventional insulation can be placed in the spaces between the primary and supplemental roofs (10, 16) and between adjacent pedestals (18), the aesthetics of the exposed plank ceiling are preserved. To transfer vertical loading, each of the pedestals (18) is positioned to overlie, and be anchored to, a framing member (14, 15) of the primary roof. At the peak (P) of the roof, complementary configured tabs (38) and receptacles (40) interconnect the adjacent pedestals (18). Use of wider framing members (11) or an optional extension cap (44) and spacer block (42) increases the spacing between the primary and supplemental roofs (10, 16) to accommodate additional insulation. To avoid condensation and conductive heat losses, the pedestal (18), extension cap, and spacer block are each preferably single pieces of plastic, with the pedestal (18) and spacer block having honeycomb cores (28, 43) that are filled with an insulating material.

Method of making a composite foamed resin ski

Abstract: A pre-shaped aluminum plate is held against the flat end wall of an inverted mold cavity by vacuum pressure communicated through bore holes in the wall leading to a vacuum chamber in the mold body. A high temperature PTFE gasket shaped to match the plate fits in an annular recess in the wall to provide a seal between the wall and plate. Polyurethane foam expands and hardens in the mold cavity to further press the plate against the wall and to form a foamed plastic water ski having a flush aluminum deck. The mold cavity has a curved side wall to produce a ski having a radiused edge about the deck.

Twin hull disassemblable rowboat

Abstract: The twin hull rowboat includes certain structural and functional components designed to provide a water craft which, when assembled, is compact, easily rowed, highly maneuverable and has the stability characteristics of a catamaran. When the water craft is disassembled it can be easily stored in any motor yacht, sailboat or transported on the top of a vehicle or inside of a van or station wagon. Each hull is elongated and of unitary construction made from a plastic material. The outer skin of the hull is made from a tough or strong plastic such as polyethylene which surrounds an inner core of solid polyurethane foam material. A flexible deck is stretched between the hulls upon which the operator sits to row the boat. The hulls are held in rowing or assembled position by two round spars which slide into receptacles or sleeves molded directly into the top surface at the bow and stern of each hull. The spars and supports carry the flexible fabric deck. The ends of the spars are received in the bow and stern sleeves and are secured thereto by a quick release or removable pin type fastening device. The edges of the deck adjacent the hulls are secured thereto by removable tension members interposed between the deck and the hulls.

Offshore production systems

Abstract: A ship-shaped floating production system is moored via a tensioned riser (2), with associated motion compensation and riser pipe handling equipment. In one embodiment the attachment of the riser to the ship is through an hydraulic motion-compensation system including a gimballed mast (8). The pipe handling system (18) on the deck of the ship allows normal production to proceed, while ship motions are isolated from the riser, preventing excessive load transfer or unacceptable dynamic responses. In another embodiment a trussed bridge structure is pivotally mounted to the ship's deck at the aft end of the structure and the riser is attached to the fore end thereof. Float means are suspended below the bridge structure in flooded foretanks of the ship and the riser is connected to a production line swivel in a gimballed spider on the fore end of the bridge structure. In another embodiment the riser is attached to the ship by a rocking beam pivotally mounted on the ship, a rack and pinion arrangement being used to transmit horizontal loads.

Ship with several decks having longitudinal and lateral support elements arranged in a grid

Abstract: A maritime structure such as a ship, and in particular a warship, has a plurality of vertically spaced decks which bear foundation seatings, hatches and/or assembly openings; in the plane of each deck, longitudinal parallel support elements, and lateral support elements are arranged in the form of a unit grid, which has longitudinal and transverse grid lines forming a matrix of grid units. The longitudinal grid lines, as well as the transverse grid lines are located at predetermined uniform spacing, the spacing of the lateral grid lines being perferably twice the spacing of longitudinal grid lines. The load bearing longitudinal and transverse beams and girders of base support units and the functional units, pallets, support frames, modules, deck houses, etc., as well as the hatches, assembly openings and access openings are incorporated into the unit grid; in other words, said girders and beams are disposed to coincide with said longitudinal and transverse grid lines. Some pairs of beams which run in the same direction and are on superjacent decks, have vertical wall-members bridging them; the vertical wall-members may be load-bearing and may have access-openings of predetermined size in them. Functional units may be easily replaced, removed and shifted on any deck easily.

Trailer gear for small craft

Abstract: The trailer gear serves to tow a water-craft on the ground. This gear comprises a tow bar and two separate wheel assemblies. The tow bar is adapted to be rigidly and detachably secured directly to the bow of the hull of the craft and serves to hitch the hull to the back of a towing vehicle. Each wheel assembly includes a rigid frame carrying a spring suspension, to the outer end of which is mounted a ground-engaging wheel. Each frame is adapted to be rigidly attached to a respective side wall of the hull. When the craft is in water, each wheel assembly, together with the towing bar, can be easily detached from the hull and put inside the latter. The invention further discloses a protecting cover for the cockpit of the hull of a water-craft having a front deck. This protecting cover is provided on the inside with foldable legs engageable with the bottom of the hull to retain the cover in raised position over the cockpit to form a shelter against rain. Furthermore, the cockpit cover is convertible into a tent. For this purpose, the cover is placed upside down on the ground and bed panels hinged inside the cover are folded outwardly of the latter, and tent-supporting stays are erected over the cover and unfolded bed panels, ready to receive a tent fabric.

Anti-blowout plate for multi-spindle mower decks

Abstract: A multi-spindle mower deck containing a plurality of mower blades rotatably supported in a deck housing. A plurality of blow-out plates strategically located and fixably mounted to the forward sidewall of the housing below the mower blades.

Portable multi-hull watercraft kit

Abstract: A readily portable kit for assembling a multiple-hulled watercraft, such as a catamaran, from two or more open-hulled boats such as canoes. The kit in one embodiment allows the assembly, using two standard canoes, of a stable catamaran having a large deck surface. The multiple hulled vessel may be rapidly assembled or disassembled using a novel fastening system which allows the deck to be tied down with straps or other suitable hardware. In its disassembled state, the kit and hulls may be readily and compactly carried on the roof of a car or van. In its assembled condition, the deck acts to seal the open hulls, creating a stable, substantially water-tight watercraft of large capacity. The deck is constructed to enable the erection thereon of a tent, or similar collapsible shelter, including a water-tight protective shroud around the circumference of the tent, and in one variation, a protective tarpaulin above the tent.

Device for automatically closing the elevator deck of lift gate

Abstract: A device for automatically closing the elevator deck of lift gate is actuated by a drive device and constituted by a parallelogram deformable under the action of the drive device. The arm of the parallelogram intended to support the elevator deck extends beyond its point of articulation on the lower adjacent arm of the parallelogram, thus defining an extension. The elevator deck is articulated on the lower end of the extension of the arm supporting the elevator desk. An articulation element of adjustable variable length is mounted to pivot, on the one hand, on the elevator deck and, on the other hand, at an appropriate point of the chassis or of the upper arm of the deformable parallelogram, so that the distance between these two points of articulation of the element of articulation of variable length decreases when the lift gate is being raised. When the element of articulation takes its position of minimum length, it acts as a fixed connecting rod causing the elevator deck to pivot at the end of lift of the lift gate from a position determined by the prior adjustment in length of the element of articulation to a new position.

Effect of Design Seismic Loads on a Highway Bridge

Abstract: The measured and calculated response of a five‐span reinforced concrete highway bridge subjected to static lateral loads is presented. The experimental studies included nondestructive static tests of the bridge loaded by hydraulic jacks at the intersection of piers and the deck, as well as quick‐release dynamic tests. The lateral deflection of the bridge deck was measured at the abutments and at the intersection of piers and the deck. The bridge was loaded to approximately 50% above the seismic design loads. No sign of distress was observed even though these very large loads were used. The analytical studies included several static elastic and inelastic analyses of the bridge for the test loads, the loads used in the design of the bridge, and the loads based on the current Applied Technology Council (ATC) guidelines for seismic design of highway bridges. An inelastic model was developed that accounted for the nonlinear action at the pier to foundation connections. In this model, the loads are applied mono...

Helicopter rescue device

Abstract: A rescue device for use with a helicopter comprises a floatation ring large enough to surround several standing persons and a rigid, non-buoyant open decking capable of supporting those persons. A collapsable netting surrounds the deck and connects the floatation ring thereto. The floatation ring has sufficient buoyancy to support the whole device when in the water with the deck suspended below the water level and with several persons standing on the deck and who are partially submerged. Supporting cables for use with a helicopter hoist are fixed both to the ring and to the deck so that when the device is lifted the ring is held a predetermined distance above the deck.

Deflections and camber loss in heat-curved girders

Abstract: To check the camber loss in heat-curved girders, a 140-ft., simply supported span was instrumented during the construction of a bridge. The span was composed of four steel plate girders that have radii of curvature varying from 802.51 ft. on the inside to 834.51 ft. on the outside of the alignment curvature. Girder deflection and camber loss were measured before and after construction of the bridge deck. Some loss in camber from construction loading occurred shortly after placement of the concrete deck. The amount of loss, however, was only one-fourth of that determined from the AASHTO equation for predicting such loss. In addition, no significant camber losses were caused by service loading over a 6.5-month period subsequent to construction. (Author)