Showing papers on "Deck published in 1995"

Theoretical analysis of wave impact forces on platform deck structures

Abstract: A description is given of the theoretical analysis procedures used to predict the wave impact forces acting on offshore platform deck structures in large incident waves. Both vertical and horizontal plane forces are considered, in terms of the different type elements that make up such structures and the type of hydrodynamic force mathematical models used to represent the basic forces. Effects of wave surface nonlinearity (including kinematics), deck material porosity, and velocity blockage and shielding are considered in the analysis, which also includes a physical explanation of various observed phenomena. Results of comparison and correlation with experimental model test data are presented, including description of procedures used in data analysis to eliminate extraneous dynamic effects that often contaminate such data. The influence of wave heading angle relative to different structural elements (and overall structures) is also described, including both analytical representations and physical interpretations.

Field performance of full depth precast concrete panels in bridge deck reconstruction

Abstract: There have been many applications of full depth precast and precast, prestressed concrete deck panels for bridge rehabilitation in North America. This paper presents the findings obtained through an investigation conducted in the United States to evaluate the field performance of bridge deck panels. The states included in the investigation were Illinois, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, lowa, California, New York, Alaska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D. C. The investigation mainly consisted of a visual inspection of bridges selected through an earlier phase of the overall study. The inspection process entailed a general visual search for any problems associated with the joints between adjacent precast concrete panels as well as the connection between the deck and supporting system and the condition of the overlay system. The investigation also included discussions with state engineers regarding the design, construction, and performance of the precast concrete panels. This paper is part of an investigation carried out for an Illinois Department of Transporlation rehabilitation program

Watertight system for mounting equipment on roof

Abstract: A watertight mounting system for keeping objects, such as climate control devices, solar panels, etc, above a roof deck The system has a deck mount with a flat plate for fastening directly to the roof deck and a coupling joint with an insertion opening for receiving an elongate joining member by its bottom end A supporting means or element is attached to the top end of the elongate member Preferably, the supporting means is a U-shaped channel and is attached to the elongate member by a swivelable cap The U-shaped channel receives an object framework, preferably made up of beams, which upholds the object This allows the user to orient the supporting means parallel with the horizontal and thus maintain objects level on a pitched roof deck The lower portion of the elongate member is tightly enveloped by a flashing to provide a watertight seal between the elongate member and the flashing The lower portion of the flashing covers the deck mount and is attached to the roof deck in a watertight manner

Premixed gas burner

Abstract: A premixed gas burner has a hollow body including a closed end and an entry end into which a combustible gas and air mixture may flow. The body has a multiplicity of apertures through which the mixture may pass from the hollow interior. A burner portal deck is positioned in superposed relationship over the apertures for permitting the gas air mixture to form a controlled flame. A porous woven fabric formed from ceramic fiber having high thermal insulation properties is located above the deck and separates the deck from the flame front formed when the mixture is ignited. The fabric insulates the deck from excessive temperatures, prevents flash back, allows use of conventional stainless steel for the deck and body components and makes possible the manufacture of long burner sections. A long burner section has a number of decks in side-by-side relationship with an insulating fabric mat over the decks for not only providing insulation, but also forms a gasket between the adjacent decks.

Full depth precast and precast, prestressed concrete bridge deck panels

Abstract: Since 1970, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of full depth precast and precast, prestressed concrete deck panels for the rehabilitation and new construction of bridges. In order to document the various applications of bridge deck panels in North America, a questionnaire survey was sent to the departments of transportation (DOTs) of individual states and one province. Requested information in the survey included type of construction, deck dimensions, deck supporting system, panel dimensions and reinforcement, type of connecting system between panels and supporting system, type of joint between the adjacent panels, type of bonding material used to fill the joints, problems associated with the joints, reasons for adverse results, and type of protection system. The returned questionnaires were compiled and analyzed. This paper summarizes the significant results of this survey

Exodermic deck system

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.

Modular spill deck

Abstract: A spill deck module includes a substantially planar bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls which form an interior chamber. Each side wall and end wall includes an aperture allowing fluid communication between adjacent modules. Initially, the side wall and end wall apertures are closed by a removable sealing assembly. When a number of modules are desired to be arranged to form a composite spill deck, the sealing assemblies in adjacent modules are removed and replaced with module connection assemblies allowing fluid transfer between adjacent modules. A deck grating either rests on the bottom surface of the spill deck or rests on top of ribs provided in each module. The grating forms a continuous spill deck for support of containers of hazardous or non-hazardous liquid materials in various configurations using different combinations of the spill decks.

Removable bullet resistant apparatus for vehicles

Abstract: Removable bullet resistant apparatus for windshields and rear windows of a vehicle includes a transparent panel which is disposed against structural elements of a vehicle and a layered mat is secured to the bottom portion of the transparent panel and disposed on the dashboard deck in front of the transparent panel for the windshield embodiment, and behind the transparent panel and on the rear deck for the rear window embodiment. The transparent panels and the mats are bullet resistant. The layered mats are secured to the transparent panels in an overlapping relationship. The transparent panels and their mats may be easily installed and easily removed from the vehicle. The mats are made of layers of bullet resistant material, woven or nonwoven, or combinations of both woven and nonwoven materials.

Passenger aircraft with increased passenger capacity

Abstract: It is a problem in conventional aircraft having a fuselage of substantially circular cross-section, that a conventional lower deck would have an insufficient standing height for passengers if the lower deck were to be equipped as a passenger cabin space including seats, sleeping cabins, or other passenger service facilities. In the present aircraft, the lower deck floor (2, 2') is depressed or dropped at least in a certain area (14) that will form an aisle (16), so that the free height of the lower deck in the area of the depressed floor provides at least the normal standing height (HS) for a person. A module (15, 15') containing passenger service facilities is arranged in the lower deck area at least to one side of the depressed floor area. A modular construction provides a great flexibility and convenience in reconfiguring a lower deck from a cargo hold configuration to a passenger cabin configuration and vice versa.

Precast concrete bridge structure and associated rapid assembly methods

Abstract: A pier and beam bridge structure is formed essentially entirely from steel reinforced, precast concrete elements including elongated, hollow tubular pier members, pier collars, pier base and cap beams, deck beams, deck slabs and side railing members. In forming the support pier structures, the pier members are inserted into dry-drilled pier base excavations through opposite end openings formed in the ground-supported base beams, and are outwardly circumscribed by the collars which are received at their opposite ends in the base beam end openings and openings in the cap beams which are supported at the upper pier ends. A loose aggregate material is dumped into the pier member interiors, and the annular collar and excavation spaces surrounding the pier members. Polymer concrete is then forced downwardly through the pier member interiors, and upwardly through these annular spaces, and cures in a matter of minutes to complete the fabrication of each pier structure. The precast deck beams, deck slabs and railing members are then sequentially installed and rapidly interconnected using hollow connecting pin members inserted into aligned openings formed in abutting concrete surfaces and grouted into place using a quick-setting polymer concrete.

Method and apparatus for air conditioning two passenger decks of an aircraft

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for air conditioning two passenger decks in an aircraft, especially a high capacity aircraft. The engine tap air stream is provided for air conditioning the upper deck passenger cabin and the lower deck passenger cabin. The air stream is cooled in at least one air conditioning plant, mixed with recirculated air from the lower cabin in at least one premix chamber, and then mixed with recirculated air from the upper cabin in local mixing chambers. The finished air streams are directed to the upper deck and the lower deck passenger cabins. The upper deck exhaust air is essentially completely used as recirculation air being mixed with the conditioning air in the local mixing chambers. The lower deck exhaust air is partially used as recirculation air being mixed with the conditioning air in the premix chambers, and is partially exhausted overboard. The desired air temperature, quality, and quantity can thus be achieved independently in the two passenger cabins, in an energy efficient and space-saving manner.

Step deck for a bed

Abstract: A deck is provided for a bed which is configured to support a mattress including a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall, and an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The deck includes an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the deck. The lower deck is configured to support the lower mattress section within the recess of the deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck. The side wall of the deck is configured to be located adjacent the side wall of the lower mattress section. The top surface of the lower mattress section is aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The upper deck is configured to support the upper mattress section with the top surface of the upper mattress section extending above the upper deck to provide a body support surface. The bottom surface of the upper mattress section engages the upper deck.

Stand for removably mounting pole supproted furniture to a deck

Abstract: The present invention is essentially comprised of a deck furniture mounting stand which is removably attachable to a deck's boards. By loosening or tightening nuts threadingly engaging a pair of mounting rods, the stand may be removed from, or affixed to, respectively, a deck. The stand of the present invention includes a base portion having an upper surface, a lower, deck contacting surface, and a predetermined periphery defined by a continuous edge. A cylindrical, pole (umbrella pole for instance) receiving member having a bored hole formed therein for reception of the pole is positioned in centrally, upwardly extending relation to the upper surface. Further included are two apertures formed through the base on opposite sides of the pole receiving member to receive the mounting rods which secure the stand to the decking. The mounting rods are each comprised of a linear, threaded shaft portion which terminates in a first end, and an opposite second end formed in the shape of a loop having deck engaging burrs integral therewith. The burrs penetrate the deck to provide extra support to the stand. The first end extends upwardly through the aperture and includes a nut threaded thereon to prevent the rod from falling away from the base. The loop of the second end is of a thickness smaller than the width of the spacing between two adjacent deck boards, and a width greater than that of the deck's spacing.

Modular bridge deck system consisting of hollow extruded aluminum elements

Abstract: A light-weight, corrosion-resistant, readily installed bridge deck is formed of modular deck panels spliced to each other on site. Each of the deck panels is shop-fabricated by longitudinally welding flanges of adjacently placed multi-void extruded aluminum alloy structural elements. Transfer splices of longitudinally adjacent elongate elements are made by providing shear elements connecting individual elongate structural elements of each deck panel end-to-end prior to longitudinal welding of adjacent elongate elements, with the end joints between the elongate elements being arrayed in a staggered manner. A safety rail system is mounted to run alongside and above outer edges of the finished bridge deck mounted to a system of support girders.

Reinforced tape strip for perimeter securement of a membrane roof and method for attaching

Abstract: A reinforced tape strip for securing a membrane roof to a roof deck or a parapet wall of a roof deck. The reinforced tape strip includes a layer of a single ply reinforcement material, at least one adhesive layer of a uniform thickness bonded to the single ply reinforcement material, and a protective layer covering the adhesive layer.

Implement carrier and method for using

Abstract: An implement carrier for mounting implements such as mower blades, spreader blades, tiller blades or nozzles. The implement carrier includes a deck pivotal about a pivot axis that is generally perpendicular to the deck. The deck defines a slot having an open end and a closed end. The closed end of the slot preferably circumscribes the pivot axis of the deck and the open end of the slot preferably is located at the outer perimeter of the deck. The implement carrier is operable for receiving an obstacle in the slot and pivoting about the obstacle such that the deck can by-pass the obstacle.

Lawn mower having nested deck and liner

Abstract: A lawn mower has a cutting chamber formed in a metallic liner having front and rear aprons. A plastic deck, molded in one-piece, is screwed to the liner to enclose and hide the liner. The deck/liner combination is inexpensive but strong and durable, the metallic liner being able to resist being chipped or damaged by rocks or other debris being circulated within the cutting chamber provided by the liner. Front and rear axles may be conveniently retained by being trapped or captured between the deck and the front and rear aprons of the liner when the deck and the liner are secured together. A trailing rear shield may be hung from the rear apron of the liner and retained in place by some of the attachment screws used to affix the deck and liner together.

Determination of end of functional service life for concrete bridge decks

Abstract: The end of functional service life for concrete bridge decks was estimated by quantifying the terminal levels of physical damage that warrant deck overlay. The study focused specifically on decks in snowbelt states, which can suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of expansive reinforcing steel corrosion that is initiated by chloride deicing salts. The terminal damage levels were determined from an opinion survey of state department of transportation bridge engineers, who evaluated plan-view maps of existing decks showing areas affected by cracks, delaminations, spalls, asphalt patches, and concrete patches and recommended when each deck should have been or should be rehabilitated. Linear regression models were developed to relate the engineers' responses to the level of physical damage. The terminal damage levels determined from the recommended model define the end of functional service life as a range of percent damage in the worst traffic lane.

Lifting mechanism for a deck system

Abstract: A trailer for hauling cargo, such as general freight, automobiles, small trucks and the like, has a deck element therein. The deck element is capable of being raised or lowered by a lifting assembly to a variety of positions within the trailer and can be secured to side walls of the trailer by cammed bracket members. A guide assembly is provided to prevent forward and rearward movement of the deck element during transportation of the trailer. The trailer can be tilted backwards until a back end of the trailer contacts the ground so that cargo can be easily loaded into the trailer. Cargo can be loaded onto the deck element and underneath the deck element on the floor of the trailer. The lifting assembly is substantially horizontally arranged along the top of the trailer so that when automobiles are loaded onto the deck element and the deck element is raised, the lifting assembly does not interfere with the space occupied by the automobiles.

Dock leveler with folding barrier lip

Abstract: A dock leveler has a frame mounted at a dock, a deck pivoted at one end to said frame and a lip pivotally attached to said deck at the other end thereof. The deck is movable between a first operable position where the deck is substantially horizontal and the lip extended, a second operative position where the lip hangs pendant and the deck is declined and an inoperative position where the deck is substantially horizontal and the lip hangs pendant. A barrier is mounted to have a raised operative position protruding above the deck and an inoperative position flush with the deck. A mechanical linkage automatically raises the barrier when the deck is in the inoperative position and permits the barrier to be lowered to its inoperative position when the deck is in either operative position. The linkage is responsive to both movement of the deck and the position of the lip.

Traction arrangement for a tug boat

Abstract: A traction arrangement for a tug boat having a towing winch mounted on the aft and/or fore deck and a tow rope connected to the winch and connectable to a vessel being assisted for necessary measures, such as towing, arresting, steering and equivalent. In order to enhance the stability of the tug boat and the towing, steering, arresting and equivalent properties achieved with the tug boat for the vessel to be assisted, the traction arrangement includes a tow arc mounted essentially in a plane of the deck within an area defined with a transverse bulwark in the front part of the front deck of the tug boat or in the rear part of the aft deck. To be mobile along the tow arc, a towing eyelet is arranged, and through which the tow rope from the towing winch passes to the vessel to be assisted. Traction power is transmitted to the tug boat, and which towing eyelet is on each occasion arranged to be positioned according to the towing angle.

Trim mower attachment for riding mowers

Abstract: An attachment or auxiliary mowing unit for riding mowers of all types having a centrally mounted mower deck. The auxiliary unit consists of a separate mower deck that is pivotly attached to the main mower deck near a front corner of the main deck, preferably the left front corner. The auxiliary deck is attached on pivots with horizontal axes that allow the auxiliary deck to pivot freely upwardly and downwardly about that axis. The auxiliary deck is powered directly from the main deck or by a separate hydraulic motor.

Safety device for a vertically stored dock leveler

Abstract: A vertically storing dock leveler comprises a deck, a pivot coupling the leveler to the mounting pit to allow the deck the rotate from a stored vertical position to an operative horizontal position and a source of power to rotate the deck. A sensor is mounted to the underside of the deck for delivering an output that ceases downward movement of said deck when a foreign object such as a human is sensed under said deck. The sensor comprises a wire mounted to span said deck at a position below it and a switch responsive to movement of said wire. The switch may be a mechanical, proximity or photoelectric type. The wire is fixed at one side of said deck and coupled to a pivoting member at the other side with the pivoting member normally positioned in proximity to said switch. A spring is employed to bias the pivoting member to a centered position relative to the switch in opposition to tension of the wire.

Aseismatic system for constructions such as buildings, dry bridges, tanks and like

Abstract: An aseismatic system for constructions such as buildings, bridges, tanks and like comprising abutment/decoupling means for the deck structure from the piers or for the building from its foundation as well as return means for resisting any relative displacements between the deck structure and the piers or between the building and its foundation, which is based upon the principle to prevent the bridge or the building to be subjected to the seismic effects caused by the deck structure mass by decoupling the construction on the horizontal plane by means of said multi-directional movable abutment means, with nearly null resistance to sliding movements and by means of a connection between the deck structure and its abutment members based upon a swinging device adapt to exert a predetermined action of constant value.

Corrugated paper pallet

Abstract: A lightweight, disposable, corrugated paper pallet formed by a plurality of corrugated paper runners, traversing the length the pallet, each runner enveloped by a continuous corrugated paper inner sheet, which itself is bonded to the lower side of a reinforced corrugated paper top deck and to the upper side of a corrugated paper bottom stabilizing deck.

Movable-deck trailer

Abstract: A movable-deck trailer is provided which includes a frame with front and back ends, a tongue assembly mounted on the frame front end and a deck mounted on top of the frame. A wheeled carriage is mounted on the frame between its front and back ends and includes a pair of walking beam assemblies adapted for pivoting with respect to the frame. Each walking beam assembly mounts multiple torque tube axle/suspension assemblies. The carriage is longitudinally movable with respect to the frame and deck. A multiple-vehicle, movable-deck trailer includes multiple deck portions, the rearmost being tiltable. A movable-deck trailer adapted for tilting under the influence of either gravity or hydraulic power includes a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit interconnecting a frame and a tongue assembly thereof. A movable-deck trailer with a deck adapted for raising to the height of a loading dock includes hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering same with respect to a frame.

Bridge deck system

Abstract: A reduced-weight bridge deck (10) having a plurality of areas (17) wich are void of concrete to provide a lower dead load force and to reduce the product costs. The bridge deck (10) includes structural support bars (16), post-tensioning ducts (20) and a concrete component (18). The concrete component (18) has spaced downwardly projecting protrusions (28) which laterally distribute forces and permit the ability of providing areas (17) void of concrete therebetween. The post-tensioning ducts (20) are located within and extend through the downwardly projecting protrusions (28). The strength of the deck (10) is achieved by placing tendons (42) within the ducts (20). The tendons (42) are tightened and anchored to the ends of the deck (10) to prestress the concrete component (18).