Showing papers on "Deck published in 1991"

Validation of design recommendations for integral abutment piles

Abstract: Because integral‐abutment bridges decrease the initial and maintenance costs of bridges, they provide an attractive alternative for bridge designers. The objective of this project is to develop rational and experimentally verified design recommendations for piles in these bridges. Field testing consists of instrumenting two bridges in Iowa to monitor air and bridge temperatures, bridge displacements, and pile strains. Core samples are also collected to determine coefficients of thermal expansion for the two bridges. Design values for the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete and revised temperature ranges for the deck and girders of steel and concrete bridges are recommended. A girder extension model is developed to predict the longitudinal bridge displacements caused by changing bridge temperatures. The pile is idealized as an equivalent cantilever. The frame model better predicts both the longitudinal displacement and weak‐axis pile strains. A lateral frame model is presented to predict the later...

Structural element stiffness identification from static test data

Abstract: A finite element based method for static parameter identification of structures is presented for the systematic identification of plate-bending stiffness parameters for a one-third scale, reinforced-concrete pier-deck model. The plate- bending stiffnesses of the pier deck are identified at the element level by using static test data on a subset of the degrees of freedom used to define the finite element model. The finite element model of the reinforced-concrete pier deck is generated by using three-dimensional isoparametric elements to model the beams, and hourglass plate-bending elements to model the orthotropic slab. Several parameter identification examples are performed on the pier deck using simulated static force and displacement measurements. The level of acceptable er­ ror is investigated for the convergence of the algorithm. Probabilistic parameter identification is performed to simulate an actual test setup. It is believed that con­ tinued research of this approach of static parameter identification will lead to a practical procedure for damage assessment and load-carrying capacity determina­ tion of full-scale structures.

System and components useful in landing airborne craft

Abstract: An improved system is provided suitable for use in landing an aircraft (for example, helicopter, RPV, VTOL) on shipboard comprising a support, base, platform or housing, reciprocal from remote a landing area on the deck of a ship to a position proximate the landing area, the housing carrying an upwardly directed light sensor comprising a lens system and a pair of band-pass filters, one filter before the lens system of the sensor and one after the lens system, the filters each passing the identical wavelength of light at its center but which each need not have the same band width as the other, a pulse detector in close proximity to the upwardly directed light sensor, and means for securing the aircraft to the support, housing, base or platform.

Double deck plastic pallet

Abstract: A plastic pallet has a twin sheet thermoformed upper deck reinforced with a tubular metal substrate. Injection molded plastic octagonal posts have support member walls which are positioned beneath reinforced portions of the top deck. The posts also have a sleeve with a central bolt hole which is parallel to the support member walls. A twin sheet thermoformed lower deck is spaced from the upper deck by the posts and receives the posts in recessed pockets. Plastic bolts are inserted through the top deck, each post, and the bottom deck and are held in place by plastic T-nuts. The pallet is sealed against entry of liquid into the interior space of the pallet and may be stored on a flat surface or elevated on a rack.

Progressive collapse analysis of a ship's hull under longitudinal bending

Abstract: It is very important to estimate the load carrying capacity of a ship's hull as a whole from the viewpoints of safety and economy. For this purpose, a simple method was proposed to simulate the progressive collapse behaviour of a ship's hull girder subjected to longitudinal bending. In this method, the cross section of a hull girder is divided into small elements composed of a stiffener and attatched plating. For each stiffener element, the average stress-strain relationship under axial load is derived based on the equilibrium conditions of forces and moments. The buckling and yielding in both stiffener and plate are taken into account. Then, a step-by-step increase of vertical curvature is applied to the hull girder assuming that the plane cross section remains plane. At each incremental step, the tangential flexural rigidity of the cross section is evaluated using the tangential slope of the average stress-strain curves of the elements as well as the incremental bending moment due to the curvature increment.Performing sample calculations on existing girder models tested under pure bending, the rationality of the proposed method was examined. Then, the analysis was performed on an existing bulk carrier, and the progressive collapse behaviour of the cross section under bending load was discussed. It was found that the full plastic bending moment can not be attained due to buckling of the deck plates under sagging condition and that of the bottom and inner bottom plates under hogging condition. It was also found that the maximum bending moment carried by the cross section under sagging condition is 20% lower than that under hogging condition.

Vehicle running board

Abstract: A vehicle running board has an elongated two-piece deck assembly attached to a vehicle frame by means of a plurality of longitudinally spaced brackets connected between the underside of the deck and the vehicle frame. The deck assembly includes a metal running board platform and an overlying step pad formed of plastic and having a number of integrally molded resilient tabs for effectuating a snap fit engagement with the platform. Vinyl end caps are mounted to opposite ends of the deck assembly by a pin and post connector to provide a rigid connection capable of withstanding excessive use yet capable of accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the running board components.

Vehicle for transporting loads

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension control system that is especially applicable to an aircargo transport loader which is adapted for storage in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The suspension control system utilizes sensors to monitor the clearance between the vehicle and an underlying or overlying surface such as the ramp leading into a cargo hold or the roof of the cargo hold. The sensors relay information concerning clearance to a central control where the necessary suspension adjustments are made to allow the vehicle to avoid a clearance problem once travel is continued after stopping for the suspension adjustment. The system allows for suspension adjustments to be made either automatically or manually. The invention also includes an under deck support system which allows for limited pitch, yaw, roll and side to side adjustments to be made to the deck with respect to the underlying base frame. The invention further includes a cab relocation system which features a hinged deck section which can be varied from a first position where it covers a deck cutout formed to receive the laterally adjustable operator's cab to a second position where the cutout is uncovered. In the first position, the hinged deck section is releasably locked to the cab for added stability and support.

Method for plaza deck construction

Abstract: A method to construct a plaza deck/parking structure in which a waterproof membrane is applied to the base deck. Panels of foam insulation material are provided on top of the membrane and on the upper side of these panels there is a channeled/ribbed structure. Affixed to the top of the ribs in each panel is a porous fabric which permits moisture and water vapor to penetrate the fabric and collect in the channels. The existence of the fabric layer permits the addition of concrete to the structure by simply pouring wet concrete directly onto the fabric-covered foam panels, instead of having to transport solid, heavy concrete slabs to the top of parking structures. The channeled/ribbed structure of the foam plastic insulation provides for ventilation and moisture removal which leads to better wearability of the insulation material in the plaza deck parking structure.

VTOL aircraft convertible shipping container and method of use

Abstract: A metal container stores a VTOL aircraft during shipment to a sea vessel or large vehicle where it then functions as a portable weather-tight hangar which can be secured in available deck space. When on board a ship's deck, the walls of the container unfold so that the structure may be converted to a take-off and landing pad that provides an exhaust system for the hot lift engine gases that eliminates the hazard to ship's crew, prevents heat damage to the deck and eliminates "suck down" effects characteristic of certain VTOL aircraft configurations. Triangular panels are removably secured together to form the cover of the container; and when unfolded and flattened, these panels are inserted in the corners of the unfolded structure so as to extend the heat shield.

A variable trim trimaran

Abstract: This invention relates to a variable trim trimaran in which side floats (2) are provided that are connected to the central hull (1) by means of devices (3, 5) that allow them to shift vertically, wherein a deck structure (4) is provided that is connected to the central hull (1) and is so shaped as to cover at the top portion said side floats (2), so that they come to belong in the general outline of the trimaran itself.

Energy-saving protected roof systems

Abstract: A roofing system for a structure having a roof deck with upstanding edges about the perimeter of the roof deck, includes a waterproof membrane on the roof deck and extending from edge-to-edge. A reservoir is defined by the waterproof membrane and edges and may contain a liquid therein, but some embodiments may operate without the reservoir. At least one insulating panel is provided above the liquid reservoir and covers the waterproof membrane on the roof deck from edge-to-edge. A pump has an inlet within the reservoir and an outlet communicating with the surrounding environment for selectively spraying liquid from the reservoir or other source onto the external surface of the panel to cool the liquid in the reservoir. Drains in the panel provide communications between the external surface of the panel and the reservoir for permitting drainage of liquid on the external surface into the reservoir. An overflow drain established a maximum depth of the reservoir, and is located below the external surface of the panel so as not to be clogged by debris. An edge cushion between the edge and the insulation panel is resilient for accommodating reciprocal movement of the panel toward and away from the edge. The roof membrane continuously extends from the roof deck and surrounds an exterior face to the edge cushion extending between the panel and the edge to define the liquid reservoir and seal the roof deck against leakage.

Remote controlled fishing apparatus

Abstract: A fishing procedure is enhanced by utilization of a boat member operatively directed utilizing a transmitter, with a receiver mounted within the boat member to selectively actuate a drive motor and rudder therewithin. The boat member includes a boat deck, the boat deck including a door plate, wherein the door plane utilizes a spring hinge to normally bias the door plate at an oblique including angle between the deck and the door plate for a first latched position mounting the door plate in a parallel relationship relative to the boat deck. The door plate is arranged to position a fishing hook of an associated fishing line to remotely position a fishing pole and permit directing of the fishing hook to a spaced relationship in a body of water prior to its projection into the body of water by disengaging the door plate relative to the boat deck.

Transport loading system

Abstract: A mobile retractable load deck (12) comprises a platform with a ground running bearing surface (24), for releasably elevating and supporting a load 16 resting thereupon from a support surface (19) at a load collection station and transferring that elevated load to a delivery station (42), where the load deck is retracted to deposit the load and then withdrawn therefrom.

Dual purpose electric vaporizer for tablets

Abstract: A dual purpose electric vaporizer comprising a container having an electric heating element heated by an electric current, and the heating element connected to an external electric power source. The container has a double deck tablet containing means, for the tablets to be vaporized. The first of the deck containing means is placed at a position close to the heating element, and another deck is positioned at an elevated position above the first deck, at a substantial distance from the heating element. The first containing means can thus be loaded with an insecticide repellant tablet in the lower deck, having a higher evaporating temperature, and the upper deck can be loaded with an air freshener tablet evaporating at a lower temperature.

Method for recycling glass

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for breaking the glass components of articles comprised of glass and nonglass components and liberating the glass components from the nonglass components by subjecting the articles to controlled vibrations sufficient to break the glass without breaking the nonglass components. The apparatus is a vibratory device having a screen deck and a plate deck. The screen deck has holes through which the broken glass falls to the plate deck. The nonglass components remain on the screen deck. Thereafter, the nonglass components are removed by one or more of a variety of means. The glass may be further processed by cleaning, rinsing and further crushing to size the glass pieces. Glass of different types may optionally be separated by taking advantage of the differences in specific gravities between glass types.

Device for loading articles onto an unstacking magazine and a loading method using this device

Abstract: The device essentially comprises a conveyor, on which bins for storing articles stacked flat are loaded, and a coupling deck between the conveyor and the magazine, the coupling deck being hinged about its end adjoining the magazine and having firstly a tipping trough for tipping over the bin coming off the conveyor about the leading bottom edge of the bin, and secondly lateral retaining fins for retaining the bin tipped over onto the deck while the deck is being tilted. The invention is applicable to installations for unstacking postal articles.

Analysis of the Spar Floating Drilling Production and Storage Structure

Abstract: The Spar is a deep-draft floating steel caisson, which can be designed to drill, produce and store oil. It is very stable and relatively insensitive to deck loads. Drilling and production equipment are supported on the decks above the waterline. Oil may be stored in the lower portion of the hull. The centerwell protects drilling and production risers down to 650 feet. The Spar can be moored with conventional or taut catenary mooring lines using embedment or pile anchors. Because of its deep draft and large displacement mooring line dynamic loads are relatively low. Fabrication and installation plans together with cost estimates are included for a 36-well design for Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico. Predicted motions under normal and maximum sea states are shown together with the results of global motion analysis using both frequency and time domain programs. The sensitivity of the design to mooring parameters, draft, diameter and Spar mass properties is discussed. Potential applications are briefly reviewed.

Deck extension for a boat

Abstract: A deck extension for pleasure boats that extends rearwardly from the stern of the boat to define an extended sun deck surface. The deck extension includes a hinged multi-part support frame having integral support leg assemblies that automatically deploy upon deck extension. A second embodiment of support legs are deployed manually in a conventional manner to support the deck extension on the boat.

Jack-up type offshore oil and gas production platform and method

Abstract: A mobile, self-elevating, offshore production platform, for exploitation of smaller reservoirs, is provided with a liquid tight hull having a deck; a plurality of support legs, each having a gear rack and bottom footpads, which are slidably extendable through the hull; a removable jacking tower for each support leg, and, a locking means for each support leg which is engageable to the leg gear rack at any vertical position of the leg. Mineral processing equipment is pre-installed on the deck at a suitable shoreside facility. Then the platform, with legs elevated, is towed to the offshore location where minerals are to be produced. On location the legs are lowered, grounded, and then pre-loaded to desired criteria by introducing ballast water into the hull. After pre-loading the platform is deballasted and elevated to establish a desired air gap. Upon elevation a locking device is engaged to secure each leg in place and the jacking towers, tower powering equipment, and ballast pumps may then be completely removed for storage, or reuse on other platforms. Installation is completed by connecting the hydrocarbon processing equipment to influent and effluent means provided. Upon depletion of the mineral reservoir, or for other reasons such as the threat of a violent storm, the platform can be removed from one location, and reused at another, by reversing and repeating the above procedure.

Overlay brick deck system

Abstract: An overlay brick deck system (10) is provided which includes a base surface formed of slat members (20). A liquid pervious layer (24) is sandwiched between an upper surface (22) of slat members (20) and a lower rim surface (34) of brick or tile members (26). The brick or tile members (26) include a hollowed out under portion defining an internal chamber (32) which lessens the weight of individual brick or tile members (26) into an acceptable range for deck use purposes. Brick or tile members (26) are mounted adjacent each to the other and include recesses (36) at least partially filled with granulated composition (38). In this manner, there is provided an overlay brick deck system (10) which upon exposure to an external environment extends the useful working life of a deck over that of commercially available wooden deck systems. Additionally, with the use of hollowed out brick or tile members 26, aesthetically pleasing arrangements and designs may be provided far in excess of those designs of known wooden decks.

Bridge deck condition surveys using radar: case studies of 28 new england decks

Abstract: Repair and replacement of deteriorated bridge decks represent a major expense to many state highway agencies. Current techniques for assessing deck condition have limited the effectiveness of efforts to program, order by priority, and estimate maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) projects. A research program sponsored by 5 New England states led to the development of ground penetrating radar as a rapid and accurate means for deck deterioration assessment. The program involved surveys of 32 asphalt-overlaid decks in the region, 28 of which were studied during maintenance for deterioration quantities. Before maintenance, radar was collected on all of these decks and analyzed. Analysis techniques were developed to predict the concrete deterioration from the variations in the concrete dielectric constant as computed directly from the radar waveforms. The computation was used to predict overall deterioration for each deck and each major span. This prediction was then correlated with the actual deck deterioration determined when the asphalt overlay was removed and the bare concrete was visually examined and chain-dragged. Correlations were carried out both at a detailed project level (100% coverage) with underside survey, and a network level (30% coverage). The project-level correlation produced a good fit (R squared equals 0.83), with standard error of plus or minus 4.1% of the deck area. The network-level correlation produced a reasonable fit (R squared equals 0.72) with standard error of plus or minus 5% of the deck area. Both project and network survey methods have subsequently been implemented at highway speed, at costs comparable to traditional survey methods.

Adjustable right angle transfer device for conveying flat articles in one of two directions

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the direction of travel of a flat article being conveyed in a first direction to one of two other directions without changing the orientation of the article. The apparatus comprises a circular deck mounted on a frame. The deck is pivotable along a center axis of the deck between a left position and a right position. There is structure operatively coupled to the deck for conveying the article over the deck, the deck conveying structure having a first end and a second end, wherein, when the deck is in the left position, the deck conveying structure receives the article being conveyed in the first direction at the first end and conveys the article in a second direction of forty-five degrees (45°) to the left of the first direction, and wherein, when the deck is in the right position, the deck conveying structure receives the article being conveyed in the first direction at the second end and conveys the article in a third direction of forty-five degrees (45°) to the right of the first direction.

Advanced balancing board

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a balancing board of an advanced nature which allows unique maneuverability and whose design renders a smooth performance on virtually any surface conditions both in and outdoors, to promote balance and reflex coordination skills, while providing means for recreation and freestyle maneuvers. The user stands upon a longitudinal deck which engages a precision roller assembly, with means to manipulate the deck so as to achieve linear, pivotal, and sweeping radial motions. The roller assembly contains two independently rotatable wheels mounted to a common axle, each having an interchangeable polymer tire to permit use on diverse surfaces. A special, stepped rail centrally mounted to the lower side of the deck, guides the deck along the roller and furnishes the method whereby the deck is manipulated. A limiting cable maintains the contact between the deck and roller assembly, and defines the longitudinal travel of the deck, producing a desirable stopping action at its boundaries.

Multifunction hydrodynamic and buoyant hull extension for planing water craft

Abstract: A hull extension is attached at an appropriate distance above the hull bottom surface to the stern of a planing water craft so as to be at least partially submerged at subplaning speeds and totally unsubmerged at planing speeds, effectively increasing hull length at subplaning speeds while not affecting hull length at planing speeds. A "step" effect is thus featured whereby the hull extension is not in contact with the water once planing commences. Hydrodynamic and buoyant efficiency is increased by the hull extension at subplaning speeds and unaffected thereby at planing speeds. The hull extension also offers practical utility in terms of providing additional protection, deck space and mounting area.

Deck-mounted leaf blower

Abstract: A leaf blower which includes an axial fan secured to the generally horizontal drive shaft of a motor carried upon a wheel-mounted deck. The deck is guided over the ground by a handle which allows the user of the leaf blower to direct the air flow from the axial fan across the surface of the ground. The wheels of the deck are adjustable to allow for the height and angle of incline of the fan relative to the ground to be varied for optimum leaf blowing.

Deck structure for floating dock

Abstract: A deck structure for a floating dock is comprised of a rectangular frame having opposite sides and opposite ends defined by interconnected C-shaped channel members facing inwardly of the frame and a plurality of cross members between and interconnected with the sides of the frame and constructed from C-shaped metal channel. The cross members have upper flanges spaced below the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame, and deck units of wood material rest on the flanges of the cross members between the upper flanges of the side and end members of the frame which restrain displacement of the deck units relative to the frame in the directions between the opposite sides and opposite ends of the frame. The deck units have upper surfaces coplanar with the upper flanges of the frame, and the deck units are movable as such from the frame to provide access to passageways provided in the frame beneath the decking to accommodate utility lines and the like. The underside of the frame is adapted to be secured to float drums to provide a floating dock.

Composite, prestressed structural member and method of forming same

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member, such as a bridge unit and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders which are transversely spaced and a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders. Each composite unit has a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. The beams are positioned transversely with respect to the girders and attached thereto. Additional, longitudinal beams are disposed between the transversely extending beams over the girders. The longitudinal beams are attached to the girders and by connectors to the molded deck. The structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. Any gaps between adjacent composite units are filled with a non-shrink, high strength grout. When moved to an operating position wherein opposite ends of the girders are supported, the natural deflection of the unit due to its weight imparts a compressive prestress longitudinally in the molded deck units. Each molded deck unit may be formed such that it is also transversely prestressed.

Rigid inflatable boat

Abstract: A ridged inflatable boat is provided with cavities formed on the out-board side of the hull, between the hull and the surrounding pneumatic tube, whereby fastening hardware intended to either retain the pneumatic tube or above deck hardware, may pass through the hull, deck or gunwhale without puncturing the pneumatic tube.

Air-floated apparatus having structural channel member and pressure seal

Abstract: The present invention describes improvements to an air-floated apparatus (10) having a deck (12) with an open bottom (14), a platform (16) enclosing a portion of the open bottom of the deck (12) to define a pressure chamber (18), and an impeller (20) for pressurizing air in the pressure chamber (18) to float the housing above a support surface (22), the platform (16) having an opening (24) and the deck (12) having an outer periphery. According to the invention, a novel structural member (30) is supported between the deck (12) and the platform (16) along a predetermined portion of the deck outer periphery, the structural member (30) including an upper wall (32) and a lower wall (34) defining a chamber (36). A pressure (100) seal is supported in the platform opening.