Abstract: This invention provides an improved and more efficient method and articles of manufacture to construct new bridge decks, or to replace existing bridge decks. This unique method of constructing deck slabs utilizes precast, prestressed concrete form panels that are continuous over the floor beams or supporting walls. A cast-in-place concrete topping is placed on the form panels and finished to the proper grade to become the top surface of the slab. The cast-in-place topping also bonds to the roughened top surface of the precast, prestressed form panels and acts with the panels to create a structural deck slab. In addition, this invention embodies a new method and article of manufacture and installation for precast parapets, safety curbs and traffic divisors which are attached to a precast, prestressed continuous panel positioned on the supporting beams, or a conventional bridge deck.

Abstract: An ongoing study on the use of ground-penetration radar for the nondestructive inspection of overlaid concrete bridge decks is described. The technique, which uses microwave pulses, should be particularly valuable in the inspection of box-girder and similar types of decks for which even the undersides are inaccessible for visual inspection. The study has indicated that radar can be used to survey the condition of not only overlaid decks that have their original surfaces. It also has shown that delaminations in a concrete deck are manifested as irregularities, or recognizable signatures, in recorded microwave reflection bands that result from reflections at the top mat of the reinforcing bars. Although the speed and accuracy of the technique need to be improved, as will be done through further study, it is usable as is for collecting information on the condition of decks that otherwise would be unattainable. (Author)

Abstract: To deal with the annoying problem of deck board rot and warping, an anchor bracket is provided for installation in newly constructed decks to resist warping or in existing decks where warping has already occured to rectify the situation. The bracket includes a plate body portion which transversely spans abutting end portions of deck boards, and a pair of depending bifurcated extensions on each end of the plate body portion which straddle the underlying support beams or joists of the deck structure and are anchored thereto by nailing. Several embodiments of the bracket are disclosed.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure which is moored at a fixed position on the sea by means of mooring hawsers and anchors connected to the ends thereof respectively for conducting a submarine excavating operation from a deck of the structure. The structure includes a moorage hull part provided with a vertical through-hole formed therein for receiving an excavating drill pipe and the mooring hawsers and a movable hull part connected to the moorage hull part so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. The movable hull part is constituted as a hull defining the outer wall of the floating offshore structure and connected with the moorage hull part by inserting it into a moorage hull part receiving hole formed at a position closer to the bow thereof. The movable hull part has near its water plane a horizontal section with a substantially oval shape formed by a fore draft part in a substantially circular or polygonal shape, with the moorage hull part receiving hole as a center and an after draft part taperingly projecting aft from the fore draft part.

Abstract: Positive rocket motor pressure hull venting in the case of deck fires is vided by placement of thermite masses at spaced locations on the interior of the hull. Small cylindrical masses as well as strip formed masses are employed. The thermite mass includes a small amount of structurally formed aluminum as well as the conventional powdered aluminum.

Abstract: In a cassette tape deck having a cover panel for covering an opening into which a tape cassette may be inserted, a keyboard section with dials for operating the tape deck and a display section with display elements for displaying operating conditions of the tape deck are provided on both front and rear surfaces of the cover panel of the tape deck.

Abstract: The influence of transverse diaphragms on the load distribution in composite bridges has been minimized in current design codes. Tests have shown that when diaphragms having an I-section are rigidly connected to the longitudinal girders, a rigid gridwork is formed; this gridwork in composite action with the concrete deck distributes the wheel loads on the bridge in an orthotropic manner. In this paper, the influences of the number of diaphragms, aspect ratio, skew, and cracking of the concrete deck on the transverse load distribution in continuous composite bridges are examined. The theoretical results are verified and substantiated by tests on two 1/8-scale bridge models. The results indicate that such diaphragms, rigidly connected to longitudinal girders, significantly enhance the transverse load distribution, and thus a reduction in the design load for the girders results; the degree of this enhancement increases with increase in the width as well as the skew angle of the bridge. Furthermore, transvers...

Abstract: A mobile offshore platform has a buoyant and ballastable mat base of substantial horizontal extent. A cylindrical pylon is fixed to and extends upwardly from the center of the base. The pylon has a height greater than the maximum operating water depth of the platform. A positively buoyant deck unit has a central opening through it within which the pylon cooperates. The deck unit is movable vertically along the pylon in response to the operation of jacking mechanisms and cooperating jacking legs located adjacent the corners of the deck unit. The jacking legs are engageable at their lower ends with the base whereby operation of the jacking mechanism causes the deck unit to be moved vertically along the pylon relative to the base. In use, the deck unit is elevated to the top of the pylon after the base is submerged into contact with a sea floor and the jacking legs are thereafter disposed in a retracted position with their lower ends adjacent the deck unit. In use, the deck unit is disposed above the water surface. The platform is especially suited for use in ice-covered waters on the margins of the Arctic Ocean.

Abstract: This report is in two parts. Part I describes a comprehensive state-of-the-art study on the use of precast concrete in bridge decks with emphasis on connection methods and devices used. Three types of decks were examined: 1) Stay-in-place forms for cast-in-place decks; 2) full depth precast decks on girders and 3) precast, usually prestressed integral (multi-beam) decks. A wide variety of connection types and details are examined and evaluated including both deck-to-girder and deck unit-to-unit connections. A thorough study of grout materials and lateral tie methods is included. Part II reports on laboratory testing of two different types of bridges and connections. Phase 1 was a pilot program that would identify the variables and suggest methods of simulating the variables involved in shear key and lateral restraint design. Two tests were made with different restraint systems and grout key materials. Phase 2 was a series of static and dynamic tests of connections from precast decks to prestressed concrete girders. Suggested design procedures and a design example are included. (FHWA)

Abstract: In a multiple-story tower for the display of merchandise with a plurality of story decks and with between the story decks, spacing supports which can be stuck detachably with their ends into upper and lower receiving shafts at the story decks, it is suggested that with a substantially rectangular outline of the story decks, there be arranged at two opposite sides of the rectangle approximately in the middle thereof respectively one spacing support. It is preferred thereat that the spacing supports be constructed with a groove profile, whereat the concave groove side of spacing supports arranged at opposite rectangular sides of a story deck face one another.

Abstract: Precast modular deck construction has been used successfully since 1967. It is still used in a modest but effective fashion, as exemplified by several installations. The details used to connect the panels to the supporting structures, provide composite action, permit vertical adjustment, and develop shear resistance between adjacent panels are critical. A deck protection system to prevent chemical penetration should be incorporated in the design. Construction costs were estimated for four design examples and compared with costs of conventional cast-in-place construction. In each case, the modular system proved to be more economical. Benefits of precast, prestressed decks include greater structural efficiency, reduction in the number of support elements required, less construction time, reduction in interruption to traffic for replacement decks, potential for increasing capacity of existing structures through reduction in dead load, and better quality control. (Author)

Abstract: A method of construction of concrete decks is described utilizing precast concrete panels to obtain such a deck having supporting beams that are rendered integral therewith and that provide thickened, haunched sections adjacent the supporting columns.

Abstract: AM, a 95-year-old semiretired lawyer, had been in excellent health all his life; he prided himself on having &dquo;the body of an 80-year-old.&dquo; A routine chest x ray performed in October 1981 was normal; another, ten months later, revealed a noncalcified density, 1.5 cm in diameter, in the right lung near the main bronchus and pulmonary artery. AM lost ten pounds during the summer of 1982, but had no other symptoms. The lesion was believed by the patient’s physicians to be almost certainly malignant, and was designated as a Stage I tumor in the TNM system of classification. At one well-known medical center, he was told that his age precluded further evaluation or specific antineoplastic therapy. Consultation at another hospital renowned for its expertise in oncology led to a recommendation that he undergo surgical resection of the lesion. The patient sought still another opinion, at the New England Medical Center. Because he had continuing responsibilities to two elderly siblings, he expressed a desire to live &dquo;a few more years&dquo; if he could do so with reasonable comfort.

Abstract: A food supply system is adapted for installation in an aircraft having an upper and a lower deck. A pantry is located on the upper deck. A food supply carts carrying platform is arranged on the lower deck for cooperation with the pantry on the upper deck. A lifting mechanism is arranged for cooperation with the platform for lifting or lowering selectively any one of a plurality of food supply carts whereby the space requirements on each deck are optimally reduced.

Abstract: Precast concrete deck modules used for replacement of deteriorated bridge decking are described. Variations in connection techniques and other details were field-tested and the results of tests are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for maneuvering helicopters on the deck of a ship. According to the invention, the helicopter, whose landing gear comprises at least one swivelling wheel, is maneuvered between a take-off and landing area and a garage area on the deck of a ship with the aid of a guide carriage, moving in a guide rail and connected to a fitting on the helicopter by a telescopic rod or a cable, as well as a guide bar engaged by a roller in the rail and hooked by a fork joint on the axle of the swivelling wheels of the helicopter. When the helicopter is displaced towards the garage area by traction on a towing cable hooked at the front of the helicopter on the rear of which is hooked a retaining cable maintained tensioned, the helicopter automatically and progressively aligns itself on the axis of the rail due to the guide bar. The invention is more particularly applicable to flight decks of ships, platforms, etc.

Abstract: A telescoping boat light-antenna for use on a vessel which is recessed below the level of the deck when not being utilized and is capable of being extended to a predetermined height above the deck through a telescoping motor assembly when being utilized as either a boat light or an antenna. The light-antenna includes a recessed cup below a base plate which supports the light lens below deck level when recessed therein in a non-utilized position and provides for extension of the telescoping tubing when the light-antenna is in a telescoped position. The twofold purpose of the light and antenna provides for military function in communications command and control of the vessel as well as safety at sea.

Abstract: A recreational device for producing the thrill of a free fall on the users, which includes a housing, a shock absorbing cushion throughout the bottom of the housing, and an inwardly extending peripheral deck on the top of the housing. The deck has an area sufficient to accommodate a predetermined number of persons and arranged to provide a launching platform for allowing persons to jump into the housing. A plurality of elastic bands have their two opposite ends fixedly attached to the interior surfaces of the side walls of the housing, each individual elastic band extending in a horizontal position throughout its length across the housing. The elastic bands are randomly arranged at different levels within the housing to form an elastic network leaving spans between the bands which are sufficiently small to prevent a person jumping from the deck into the housing from passing through the network all the way down through the housing without bouncing on one or more of the elastic bands, but with the elastic bands having an elasticity sufficient to permit persons to rebound on them as they fall from a higher level of bands to a lower level of bands. The elastic bands are arranged throughout at least a substantial part of the height of the housing. A part of the elastic bands may be arranged in the form of horizontal nets fixed on a frame which may be moved upwardly and downwardly to increase or decrease the vertical distance between successive elastic bands. The frames may also be circular and the housing correspondingly cylindrical to permit rotation of said frames.

Abstract: A box spring assembly has an array of vertical springs attached to a horizontal foundation and supporting a deck or platform for receiving a bedding load, i.e. a mattress and its occupant(s). The assembly has a plurality of deck elements each formed from a single length of wire with an elongate central section terminating in curved sections extending at least in some elements into spring legs. The deck elements are arranged in parallel lengthwise rows with adjacent elements of each row having aligned central sections. Adjacent curved sections are secured to each other and to adjacent rows by transverse helical connecting elements. The central sections of the spring elements and the transverse helical connecting elements together form the deck for receiving the bedding load. This deck is supported by the spring legs which are secured at their lower ends to the foundation.

Abstract: A marine float having a concrete casing surrounding a core of buoyant foam. The casing includes conventional side walls, end walls and a bottom along a specially constructed deck. The deck includes at least one longitudinally extending utility trench which is easily accessible by removing a cover which is releasably secured to the deck. Elongated wales extend along the upper edges of the side walls, and tie rods loosely surrounded by through-tubes extend from one side wall to the other beneath the utility trench. The ends of the tie rods project through the wales, and fastening members are secured thereto thereby securing the wales to the casing and compressively loading the deck. Utility conduits positioned in the utility trench are connected to utility outlets mounted along the side edges of the deck by either transverse utility trenches or transversely extending tubular conduit embedded in the deck.

Abstract: The deck evaluation portion of the investigation described involved three distinct data-gathering activities: infrared evaluation of the deck for delaminations; visual observation of the underside to identify and map deterioration; and ground-penetrating radar profiles to determine delamination depth, all of which were at the 1 one-half-inch level.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating structure usable as a floating airport or as a floating support for an industrial facility. The structure is made of numerous identical modular units joined in a reticulated pattern. Each modular unit has a removable self-draining deck, groups of removable flotation tanks, a grid framework of beams and girders for holding the tanks and supporting the deck, and a submerged bridging network providing rigid support and stability for the structure. The components are made primarily of waterproofed steel reinforced concrete. The flotation tanks are accessible for purposes of inspection and maintenance, and for adjusting the level of ballast therein.

Abstract: A wet deck fill sheet is disclosed for use in making a wet deck fill for use in evaporative counterflow heat exchangers. One aspect of the sheet is that it includes transverse corrugations formed in at least one of the top and bottom edges of the sheet. Another aspect is the provision of a staggered array of substantially vertical spacers extending from one face of the sheet to space the sheet a predetermined distance from an adjacent sheet in the wet deck fill. The spacers are aligned to provide for substantially equalized air flow along the length of the sheet in a horizontal direction between the sheets as the air travels upward through the deck. Another aspect of the invention includes providing in the sloping walls of the major face corrugations formed in the fill sheets a plurality of substantially horizontal air turbulence increasing and water spreading means to increase the interaction of air and water to provide improved thermal performance.

Abstract: A pool has a pool wall support structure incorporating an outer tensioned cable which is spaced outwardly from the pool wall and thrust bearing struts between the cable and the pool wall. A walkway deck or other load may be mounted over and supported by such struts. Adjustment of the tension in the cable may be monitored by reference to corner plates mounted on the pool walls and having slotted holes.

Abstract: The need for inspection of a ship's hull for maintenance, damage, or security is becoming increasingly prevalent. The jobs are presently being performed by divers or by heavy (>200 lbs) "free swimming," remotely operated vehicles. Both present methods require significant personnel and deck support equipment. This may include a series of dive teams or appropriate deck gear to lift and deploy the divers or the ROV. The flying ROVs also require skilled personnel for maintenance and handling. A simple, lightweight, easy-to-control vehicle for rapid response to ship hull inspection requirements would be an asset to the Government and commercial fleets. A full scale demonstration model of a tethered remotely operated ship hull inspection vehicle is being developed by SEACO for the Naval Ocean Systems Center. The vehicle is a nonswimming, wheeled vehicle which travels over and remains attached to the steel hull utilizing magnetic attraction forces. Design goals established that the magnetic attractive force must be sufficient to keep the vehicle attached on a moderately fouled surface (1/8" of corrosion scale or marine growth) in a 3-knot current. The vehicle is small and lightweight enough to be deployed by two people from the rail or gunwales of a ship. It is designed to travel at a maximum speed of three miles per hour and be capable of traversing over rivets and plate lap seams. The final low profile model results in a low drag configuration, approximately 16" high, 30" wide and 36" long. The outer shell is designed to accommodate a variety of teleoperator sensors. It is propelled and remains attached to the surface using magnetic roll modules as wheels. Power provided by two electric motors allows speed variation between the port and starboard sides of the vehicle for steering control. The model weighs approximately 165 lbs, including sensor. The future vehicle is designed to implement a high-pressure waterjet for surface preparation to facilitate nondestructive testing techniques. The nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques expected to be available on the vehicle include visual systems (monoscopic or stereoscopic), ultrasonics, and magnetic particle inspection.

Abstract: The platform comprises a deck in the form of front and rear parts 1c, 1d separated by a transverse line, a transverse support member 3 intended to support the load deck substantially below said transverse line, cooperating detent means 12, 13 designed to secure the load deck against forward and rearward movement relative to the support member, and front support means 7 adapted to support the front edge of the load deck and maintain the load deck substantially horizontal, the arrangement being such that the front and rear parts may be co-planar or either part may be superposed on the other. Desirably the two deck parts are secured to each other by hinge means. Preferably the load platform is in two sections separated by a longitudinal line.