Abstract: A foldable treadmill (10) includes a deck (12) having a rear end (30) that is hingedly attached to a stationary base (14). The deck (12) can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck (12) is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the deck (12) is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill (10) also includes a handrail (16) that is movably attached to the deck (12) and which has a first end attached to the base, and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail (16) is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck (12) and the handrail (16) are configured such that the treadmill (10) can be selectively stored against a wall, and the deck selectviely rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device is provided that has a cabinet. Within the cabinet is mounted an electronic display device. A deck is pivotally mounted to the cabinet. The deck has an opening therein which is located generally above the display device. A touchscreen is sealingly mounted to the deck within the opening so that the touchscreen is located generally above the display device. The deck may be pivoted away from the cabinet while the touchscreen is sealingly mounted within the deck. This allows the seal between the touchscreen and the deck to be preserved while the deck is pivoted away from the cabinet.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet (10) is disclosed. The pallet (10) is characterized in that it is formed of an upper deck (12), a lower deck (14), and reinforcing elements (62). The reinforcing elements (62) are retained on the lower deck (14) in a manner that allows relative movement between the reinforcements (62) and the deck (14).

Abstract: A novel moveable surface conveyor system, especially used as an exercise treadmill is disclosed. The surface is comprised of a plurality of deck members, each pivotally attached to the adjacent deck member, thus creating a continuous loop with an upper run and a lower run. At least the upper run of the loop is supported on a pair of side frames by a support means which is comprised of a series of wheels or bearings. Annular configurations of the support means exist at one or both ends of the treadmill to facilitate the transition of the deck members from the upper run to the lower run and back to the upper run. These configurations include a race that receives the bearings, the bearings being attached to the deck members or the bearings can be mounted on the side frames. Here the bearings receive and thereby support and guide the deck members, thus eliminating the traditional drum pulleys which are prevalent in the art. The deck members are driven, or braked, by a mechanical communication with a star sprocket which is driven by a rotary motor or actuator or in the preferred embodiment, the deck members are driven, or braked, by coils (primary members) and the deck members are the secondary members of what would be considered a linear motor. This system directly drives the continuous loop without the belts, pulleys and separate motors found in the art. The invention reduces the complexity, cost, wear and breakdown potential of current devices.

Abstract: Bridge decks supported by adjacent, precast, prestressed concrete beams have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of construction, shallow superstructure, and aesthetic appeal. In New York State prior to 1992, such structures were built by placing a number of precast beams alongside one another and connecting them through 12 in. (0.305 m) deep grouted keyways called shear keys to transfer shear forces across the structure. After the grout hardens, the beams are transversely post-tensioned and a composite, cast-in-place deck is poured over them. Prompted by the frequent appearance of longitudinal deck cracking over these partial-depth shear keys soon after the construction, full-depth shear keys with more transverse tendons were adopted in 1992. A follow-up study evaluated the performance of this new full-depth shear key/transverse tie system. Results indicate that this method has reduced the frequency of shear key related deck cracking.

Abstract: The fatigue response of concrete decks reinforced with fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) bars is critical to the long-term endurance of this type of innovative structure. To evaluate the degradation of FRP reinforced bridge decks, fatigue tests were conducted on four concrete deck steel stringers. An initial stress range of 2.27 MPa (0.33 ksi) (tension) in the main FRP reinforcement, 3.1 MPa (0.45 ksi) (compressive) in the concrete deck top, and 24.8 MPa (3.6 ksi) (tension) at the bottom flange of a steel stringer was applied for all specimens. The stringer stiffness, composite versus noncomposite casting, and transverse posttensioning using high-strength Dywidag steel rods were varied during this research. The fatigue test results showed no loss of bond between FRP rebars and concrete in any of the test specimens. The major crack patterns were in the direction parallel to the stringers, i.e., flexural cracks in the concrete deck spanning the steel stringers. Effective central deck deflections could be set as a measure of global deck degradation during fatigue, and this rate of degradation in decks reinforced with FRP rebars was found comparable to decks reinforced with steel rebars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation or removal of large multi-ton prefabricated deck packages (16) includes the use of usually two barges (11, 12) defining a base (13, 14) that can support a large multi-ton load. A variable dimensional truss assembly is supported by the barge and forms a load transfer interface between the barge and the deck package. Each boom (21, 22) has a lifting end portion with a roller (63) that fits a receptacle (75) on the package. Tensile connections form attachments (130-134) between the deck package and barge at a lower elevational position. The variable dimension truss includes at least one member of variable length (130-134), in the preferred embodiment being a winch powered cable (130-134) that can be extended and retracted by winding and unwinding the winch.

Abstract: This report contains the findings of a study that was performed to evaluate existing rapid bridge deck replacement methods and to develop better procedures and new superstructure designs for future rapid deck replacement. The report provides a comprehensive description of the research, including the details of a continuous precast prestressed stay-in-place concrete system and girder-to-deck connections that would substantially reduce bridge deck construction and replacement time. The contents of this report will be of immediate interest to bridge and construction engineers and others involved in the design, construction, and rehabilitation of bridge structures.

Abstract: A deck suspension system is provided to support the belt of a treadmill with improved shock absorption from foot impact. In the preferred embodiment, the deck is suspended by a pair of cables on either side of the deck which terminate in cushions. A second pair of cables couple the intermediate deck to the framework with cushion adjustment to provide a soft or stiff cushion deck. Deck deformation distributes foot impact to a variety of shock absorption cushions to reduce leg injuries from extended exercise.

Abstract: A parallelogram lift in which the deck rails are raised by lifting legs affixed to sliding members that slide within channels in the deck rails. Link arms pivotally connect to the deck rail to each leg, so that the deck rail lifts vertically. A single hydraulic actuator is used to actuate the legs supporting each deck rail, which ensures that the deck rail remains level during the lifting and lowering processes. In the preferred embodiment the hydraulic system is serially coupled between the hydraulic cylinders associated with each deck rail, which ensures that the displacement of hydraulic pistons raising both deck rails is synchronous so that the two deck rails are lifted at the same rate and remain horizontally aligned throughout lifting and lowering, and an incremental braking system is provided which automatically locks the deck rails into any desired elevated position, reducing the load on the hydraulic system and providing a failsafe against free-falling of the deck rails in the event of hydraulic failure.

Abstract: An access platform system for an earth-moving machine, such as a grader including a frame, plural ground-engaging drive members, an earth working tool and an operator station, which access platform system includes a first deck structure including deck members adapted to move between an upright storage position and a flat deployed position, stairs for providing access for personnel from ground level to the first deck structure and associated safety barriers. The first deck structure extends, in the deployed position, from the stairs to the operator station and the first deck structure allows, in the storage position, a substantially unobstructed view of at least a front portion of either a ground engaging drive member or the earth working tool from the operator station. The access platform system also includes a second deck structure interposed between the stairs and the first deck structure. The first deck structure includes a deck member adapted to extend along said frame adjacent to an engine compartment and substantially over at least one ground engaging drive member. The second deck structure may be mounted on a suspension beam of the machine such that it moves in cooperation with ground engaging drive members.

Abstract: To eliminate deck joints and shoulder piers, continuous span (jointless) bridges are becoming an attractive option. Different continuity methods and construction sequences have different time-dependent effects on the behavior of the bridge system. These effects are illustrated in this paper. To achieve a favorable performance of bridges made continuous for deck loads, recommendations for achieving continuity and for desirable construction sequence are presented. A new continuity detail using high strength threaded rods is proposed. Based on a cost comparison with currently available continuity methods and a full-scale NU1100 I-beam experiment, this continuity detail is shown to eliminate the potential for bottom concrete creep restraint cracking at pier locations and to increase the span capacity by as much as 20 percent.

Abstract: A submergible vessel for use in shallow-water oil drilling includes a pair of spaced pontoons selectively submergible and raisable in water by the admission and expulsion of water, a main deck, a frame supporting the main deck over the pontoons, and a jacking system for horizontally and vertically translating a packaged drilling rig positioned thereon. The jacking system includes a pair of parallel cantilever beams positioned on the main deck adjacent the stern, vertical jacks for selectively translating the cantilever beams in a vertical direction above the main deck, and horizontal jacks for selectively translating the cantilever beams in a horizontal direction along their longitudinal axes. The deck has an inwardly extending slot formed therein at the stem, and the cantilever beams are positioned on either side of the slot, with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the deck. The cantilever beams are spaced apart to support the packaged drilling rig, the jacking system being operable to move the packaged drilling rig either outward over the slot or outward and upward to the edge of the deck of a fixed drilling platform. The cantilever beams are retained on guide shoes, each of which includes rollers which can be raised to permit horizontal movement of the cantilever beams relative to the guide shoes. In use, the vessel can be towed out to a well site and the pontoons are submerged stem first so as to rest on the sea floor. The jacking system can then be used to move packaged drilling rig to the drilling platform deck.

Abstract: A treadmill of the present invention comprises a base, a pair of spaced rollers journalled in the base, an endless belt, a longitudinally extending support deck, and a deck spacer. One of the rollers constitutes a rear roller and the other roller constitutes a forward roller spaced forward of the rear roller. The endless belt is entrained around the rollers and includes an upper reach that extends longitudinally between the rollers. The upper reach of the belt is adapted to enable a user to walk or run thereon. The support deck is connected to the base and is operatively engageable with an underside of the upper reach of the endless belt for supporting the upper reach. The deck spacer includes a deck engaging portion adapted for operatively engaging the support deck. The deck engaging portion is adapted to operate in at least a first condition and a second condition. The deck spacer is adapted to provide a first resistance to downward movement of the deck relative to the base when the deck engaging portion is in the first condition, and to provide a second resistance to downward movement of the deck relative to the base when the deck engaging portion is in the second condition. The second resistance is different than the first resistance. The deck spacer includes a linearly moveable member that is linearly moveable relative to the base. The linearly moveable member is adapted for varying the deck engaging portion between its first and second conditions. In another aspect of the present invention, the deck spacer includes a rotatable member that is rotatably moveable relative to the base. The rotatable member is adapted for varying the deck engaging portion between its first and second conditions.

Abstract: An entire structure utilizing fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) pultruded structural shapes is provided for use in decks, docks, and boardwalks. This deck system for building decking, docks, boardwalks, walkways, gazebos, hot tub decks and spas can be built either to and extending from the exterior side of residential or commercial structures or as an independent, freestanding structure. The invention is assembled from FRP pultruded components comprising several systems which include a weight bearing support system, flooring system, safety system, roofing system, and decorative system. Components of the invention including but not limited to vertical support posts, horizontal decking, railing, stairs, gates, doors, frames and supporting members will be manufactured from FRP pultrusion structural shapes and composite sections using corrosion resistant hardware and adhesives. The use of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), allows for the manufacture of a corrosion-free, non-rotting, warp and splitting resistant decks and docks. FRP structures do not suffer from the structural and thermal limitations that recycled plastic lumber and PVC experience. The decking surface will incorporate a skid-resistant surface using either pultruded material or honeycomb-sandwich flooring panels. Portions or entire assemblies of the invention will be manufactured as modular units, which can be easily transported to the worksite for final assembly/installation. Hollow sections in the FRP pultruded shapes will be used to conceal electrical wiring for power and lighting fixtures. The intent of this application is to describe these types of structures and their components. The intent of the application is not to limit it to only these structures, but it can be extended to other structures such as gazebos, decks for hot tubs and spas, pavilions, and enclosed patios, pool enclosures, and property (yard) enclosures where the structure can be screened-in.

Abstract: The Connestogo River bridge, constructed in Ontario, Canada, in 1975, is believed to be the first bridge in the world in which a concrete deck slab on longitudinal girders was designed by taking in...

Abstract: A multinational consortium retrofitted the Tagus River suspension bridge in Lisbon, Portugal. The retrofit included widening the roadway deck from five to six lanes, installing a railroad deck between and along the lower chords of the stiffening trusses that would carry both commuter and freight trains, reinforcing the existing structure and repairing and repainting the entire bridge, all without interrupting traffic flow. The Tagus River Bridge is scheduled to open to rail traffic in early 1999.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a deck guttering system which is able to harness seepage from between cracks and openings in the surface of a wooden deck and to direct the seepage in a desired path, typically away from the structure which the deck is attached. The present invention includes a trough which is connected to adjacent support joists irregardless of the dimension between the support joists.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower has wheels which are spring suspended from the chassis and a floating-type cutter deck hangs from the chassis. When a wheel moves upwardly relative to the chassis, as occurs when the wheel goes across a bump or when the chassis leans in a turn, a nearby portion of the cutter deck is lifted upwardly in response. In one embodiment, the drive wheels are independently spring suspended rear wheels and the cutter deck is mounted between the front and rear wheels. On each side of the machine a chain runs from a lifting bracket attached to each rear wheel motor mount and runs down to the rear end of the deck. So, when a wheel moves upwardly the deck is moved upwardly. In another embodiment, the front wheels are the spring suspended drive wheels and the cutter deck is cantilevered from the front end of the machine. The rear end of the cutter deck is lifted upwardly upon upward wheel motion.

Abstract: A removable deck/platform apparatus for the cargo area of sport/utility vehicles, pickup trucks, mini vans and/or other similar vehicles. The deck/platform apparatus is formed of forward and aft deck members each with integrally molded depending enclosures that serve as storage compartments and as elevating supports for the respective deck. The two deck members may be placed end-to end to form a larger deck/platform that generally conforms to the interior boundaries of the vehicle cargo area when the rear seats are reclined and stowed and may serve as a sleeping deck for supporting two adults. The storage compartments elevate the deck portions above the floor of the cargo area to define a large under-deck storage area for storing personal articles out of view. The storage compartments are provided with hinged lids for easy access from the top of the deck. One of the storage compartments of the forward deck is thermally insulated to serve as a cooler. The forward and aft deck members may also be installed in the cargo area of a vehicle individually or stacked, one on the other, as the situation or needs of the user warrant.

Abstract: Most deck-truss bridges have been designed and constructed without seismic resistance considerations; as a result, their members, connections, and frequently their substructure are not sized and detailed to provide the ductile response needed during major earthquakes. A ductile seismic retrofit solution proposed here consists of converting the deck slab into a composite slab and replacing the end cross-frames and the lower lateral braced panels adjacent to the supports by special ductile diaphragms, thus creating ductile fuses to protect the remaining superstructure an substructure. This paper illustrates the typical seismic vulnerability of such bridges, presents a model governing transverse seismic response of retrofitted deck-trusses, and a methodology to determine overall stiffness and strength of such ductile panels based on developed seismic performance goals. The results of computer simulations for a retrofitted deck-truss subjected to severe ground excitation validates the proposed methodology and the global modeling. It is concluded that the proposed ductile retrofit solution can significantly enhance seismic performance of deck-trusses.

Abstract: A railcar has a substructure, a superstructure and intermediate webwork sides joining the substructure and the superstructure to form a truss-like structure for carrying automobiles. The resultant truss-like structure does not have a straight through center sill, but does retain end stub sills. The main deck of this structure can be depressed between the railcar trucks, and, in combination with a vehicle supporting deck structure allows vehicles of a greater height to be carried in the depressed center than over the end structure above the railcar trucks. The integrated structure, including a structurally significant roof frame, is also used to support the vehicle carrying decking.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a deck pivotally mounted to a frame. A counterbalance mechanism uses a pair of pivoting links connected together at a common point with a tension spring that is coupled at the other end to the deck. The links together with the frame and the deck form a four-bar linkage biased by the spring to counterbalance the weight of the deck.

Abstract: A roofing system incorporating lightweight concrete. The system includes a deck and an insulation board. Lightweight concrete is placed between the deck and the insulation board. The deck includes upper and lower flutes and the insulation board has a plurality of channels formed therein. The lower flutes and channels form ribs in the concrete layer that strengthen the roofing system. The concrete layer may be attached to the deck by a series of protrusions in the deck that extend into the concrete. Alternatively, the concrete layer may float above the deck to prevent cracking. A release agent may be used to prevent the concrete layer from adhering to the deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhering external roof coverings (e.g., flat roofing membranes, shingles, etc.) to a roof deck using mechanical fateners, such as hook and loop fastener structures. One part (16) of a low-profile hook and loop fastener is secured to the roof deck, desirably by means of being on one side of a water-impervious sheet (18) having pressure sensitive adhesive on its other side. The pressure sensitive adhesive is used for adhering the sheet to the roof deck (10). A flat roofing membrane or individual shingel (20) components have the second complementatry part (22) of the mechanical fatener on a back surface thereof an positioned for engagement with the first part of the hook and loop fasterner on the roof deck.

Abstract: A double deck elevator (1) includes a linking mechanism (14) disposed between the cars (2, 3).