Abstract: The invention provides for a data shifting capability that permits sorting the data in addition to searching for obtaining real-time performance in color, with high quality imagery through a simple search of a spatial database based on a rectangularly shaped search region or range search (fig. 13). A sorting Magnitude Comparison Content Addressable Memory (SMCCAM) performs a range search, introducing a conservative approximation of the ideal Occluding Region, and provides a MCCAM wherein the data words stored in the fields is shifted to corresponding fields in an adjacent word, based on the magnitude comparisons (fig. 7). The 3D graphics method stores the parameters of a polygon span in a spatial database (804-814) and a query operation is performed on the database to determine which of those spans, or portions of spans, are visible (816 and 818), and applies a rule for comparing new span portion to an old span portion on a subspan-by-subspan basis, thereby providing additional polygon edge information within a raster line, providing anti-aliasing.

Abstract: Span programs provide a linear algebraic model of computation. Lower bounds for span programs imply lower bounds for formula size, symmetric branching programs, and contact schemes. Monotone span programs correspond also to linear secret-sharing schemes. We present a new technique for proving lower bounds for monotone span programs. We prove a lower bound of Ω(m 2.5) for the 6-clique function. Our results improve on the previously known bounds for explicit functions.

Abstract: A conveyor system with a roller transfer assembly (30) is provided for transferring articles (C, C', C', etc) from the end of a first conveyor (11) to the start of a second, in-line conveyor (12) A conveying surface is formed by a plurality of rollers (35) that span substantially across the transfer zone The conveyor transfer assembly (30) includes a plurality of shafts (35b) extending transversely across the zone, a mounting block (41, 42) at each end for supporting the shafts, which blocks are secured within a holding pan (44) The support for the assembly includes a pair of tabs (50, 51) on each end of the pan that cooperate with a respective pair of open notches (52, 53) on a pair of frame plates (25, 25') The plates are secured at the ends of the transfer zone to the frame of the conveyor system A pair of angular slots (57) in the plates allows adjustment of the transfer assembly to allow movement of the articles from one level on the first conveyor (11) to a second level on the second conveyor (12)

Abstract: The present compensating circuit operates to reduce the span shift error due to ambient temperature changes of a span resistance compensated, bridge array circuit arrangement for a semiconductor transducer employing piezoresistive sensors. The span resistance method alone cannot reduce the span shift error to less than one percent (1%) for full scale. The present compensating circuit applies a constant voltage source, derived from the voltage source applied to the transducer, to a non-inverting input to an operational amplifier. The circuit also applies an ambient temperature dependent voltage, derived from the ambient temperature dependent bridge resistance of the bridge array circuit, to an inverting input of the operational amplifier. Both inputs to the operational amplifier are fed back through a different resistance loop to control the output voltage in response to the non-linearity of the ambient temperature dependent bridge resistance. The present circuit produces a compensation voltage which counteracts the downward span shift influence of the bridge resistance, resulting in a span shift error of less than five tenths of a percent (0.5%) for full scale.

Abstract: Achieving larger maximum spans by inventing new bridge systems has always been a fascinating intellectual challenge Several concepts of modified cable-supported bridges have been proposed in the past that promise to surpass the more traditional cable-supported bridges in terms of maximum span length Some of these concepts are recalled in this paper An alternative concept derived from the classical cable-stayed bridge system is presented Instead of vertical pylons, pairs of inclined pylon legs, spreading out longitudinally and connected at the top by horizontal ties, are used The merits and shortcomings of such a system are discussed Based on a comparative analysis of forces, quantities, and costs, it is concluded that the alternative concept presented in this paper not only allows the achievement of larger maximum spans, but also can lead to an economically advantageous design—even within the span-length range of the classical cable-stayed bridge system

Abstract: The two basic methodologies for the laboratory testing of aeolian vibration dampers described in IEEE Std 664-1993 are reviewed under the aspect of mechanical impedance relationships. The results of both methodologies-test of a vibration damper using a conductor span in resonant vibration and forced response test on a shaker-otherwise not comparable can then be set in relation to each other. Experimental results are presented to give evidence to that approach. Moreover, an experimental method is described for determining power flow on a laboratory conductor span. The vibration amplitude is measured at two arbitrary locations along the span. By digital signal processing it is possible to determine separately the amplitudes of the waves travelling forward and backward along the span. With both amplitudes known, the net power flow can be computed.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To build an extremely large span frame by the use of an ordinary crane, reduce altitude works and temporary materials, shorten the construction period, decrease the cost, and improve safety. SOLUTION: The outer circumferential ring 3 and the outermost circumferential ring 2C of a large span frame 2 are built on a foundation 6, a first center part large span frame 2A and at least one intermediate part ring structure 2B are built by assembling on the ground, the first center part large span frame 2A (2-1) is elevated by suspending or the like to the end part connection height and connected to the intermediate part ring structure 2B so as to form a second large span frame 2-2, and the second large stretch frame 2-2 is elevated to the end part connection height by suspending or the like and connected to the outermost circumferential part ring structure 2C. All of 2A, 2B and 2C are provided with constraint mechanism, and by tension of the constrain mechanisms 11, fixed desin dimension is obtained and prestress is introduced to the member.

Abstract: As a countermeasure against storms for long span, particularly super-long span suspension bridges with the center span exceeding 2,000 m, there is provided a super-long span suspension bridge which can be improved of its static and dynamic wind resistance performance by applying a mass to a portion of the girder. In a suspension bridge with the center span exceeding 2,000 m, a mass application member capable of temporarily carrying a predetermined amount of additional load is provided on either side of the stiffening girder for a distance equal to 1/3 at the maximum of the center span so that a mass weighing 30% or less of the weight of the girder is temporarily applied in the mass application member in the girder on the windward side when the bridge is subjected to a storm, and cross stays are provided each at a point inward from either end of the center span section at a distance equal to 1/4 to 1/3 of the center span.

Abstract: The pre-stressed bridge roadway spans comprise prefabricated concrete caissons pre-stressed by wires and associated with an end beam and a reinforced concrete compression slab. The caisson is formed by three parts along its length. The central running part called the "span zone" (1) and two end parts called "support zones " (2). The span zone is constituted from a lower horizontal slab and two side frames (3) inclined towards the caisson exterior. The side frames are pre-stressed by wires tightened on the prefabrication bench. The side frames have on their top part longitudinal rabbets (9) which receive lost coffering for the production of a compression slab connected by frameworks to the side frames. The support zones have several holes (6) for the passage of pre-stressed cables or bars.

Abstract: We study the effect of a field on the span of a particle diffusing on a line, i.e., the length covered by a Brownian particle which moves on a line for time t in the presence of a constant field. This is the one-dimensional analog of the Wiener sausage volume. Exact expressions are found for the probability density for the span together with the first two moments. Our results indicate that at very short times the dominant effect is diffusion while at very long times the field plays the dominant role.

Abstract: The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a suspension bridge under construction whose center span is 1, 990m. The bridge will be the longest suspension bridge in the world. Since the bridge is much longer than the present longest bridge, the aerodynamic characteristics of the bridge was evaluated through wind tunnel test using full bridge model as well as section model. This report outlines a study concerning the wind tunnel study using full bridge model in smooth flow and turbulent flow. The characteristics of flutter and gust responses observed in the wind tunnel test were shown and discussed.

Abstract: A study was undertaken to evaluate the methodology used for the structural design of three-sided culverts with arched top slabs. An 11 -m span by 3.4-m rise bridge was instrumented and monitored during installation, under an HS-25 + 30 percent live load and at 6-month intervals for 2 years after installation. The bridge consisted of ten 1.6-m-wide precast segments. Three of the interior segments were instrumented with soil stress cells mounted on the legs of the bridge and with anchor pins for use with a tape extensometer to determine change in shape of the bridge. Survey data were taken on the same three segments and the two adjacent segments. Visual observations were also made to monitor cracking. The live load test was conducted with 0.3 m of cover. Final cover was 0.9 m. The bridge showed less movement under the live load than under the 0.9 m of earth load. The 2-year data show that the shape of the bridge and the soil stresses at the sides of the bridge cycle on an annual basis and that the spans hav...

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To contrive safe execution on a bridge of a deteriorated weight-bearing capacity by disposing an intermediate part bent between bridge beam supports, transferring a reinforcing truss, tightening a hanging steel bar, preparing and cutting a core- removed PC steel wire, and removing a beam by a crane after the cut beam is temporarily received on the bent. SOLUTION: As preparatory works, a median strip of a road is improved and concrete is placed, and core boring operation is performed to make a hole for setting a hanging yoke or passing a wire through hole. Furthermore, the cutting part of a bridge beam 1 is subjected to continuous core-boring work in advance, and a steel- made intermediate part bent 4 is set on the improvement part of the median strip at the center part between supports. Next, reloading is performed by the hydraulic jack of the intermediate part bent 4, a reinforcing truss 5 is transferred from the side span side a suspended steel bar is tightened and beam load is transferred to the reinforcing truss 5. Successively, a PC steel wire is cut to reinforce a center span of the bridge beam 1 by the reinforcing truss 5. Removal of an illumination facility, the bridge beam 1, the median strip bent 4 and vertical member is performed, the influence caused by and wording of construction applied to the road below a bridge is decreased, and execution can be safely performed on the bridge.

Abstract: Marine installation for drilling and/or exploiting a group of oil wells, comprising a floating structure with one bridge (23) with a span open above and below, several risers each connected to one of the oil wells and extending from the seabed to the bridge, several riser supports each supporting the top end of the riser in a horizontal position in the span, and a tower fixed to the bridge above part of the span and equipped to carry out drilling, completion and reconditioning of shafts The top ends of the risers are fixed at intervals by their supports, to a movable table which can be displaced relative to the bridge to allow them to be vertically aligned in turn with the tower

Abstract: The second State Expressway System (SES) in Bangkok, Thailand includes about 32km of elevated roadway. The precast concrete segmental part of this roadway consists of about 1130 box girder spans of lengths 24.9m to 48.8m. Because of the large investment involved, it was cost-effective to produce a prototype test span, to confirm the adequacy of the design. This paper compares the full-scale destructive test of the span with an analytical analysis of its performance. The test span was designed according to the 1983 AASHTO Standard Specifications and the 1989 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Segmental Bridges. A live load was used, with an overload provision of 27.8t trucks at 11.15m spacing occupying one lane. The span corresponded to the SES standard two-lane ramp; it was 45.25m long, with a 14-segment 10.2m wide deck. Its longitudinal tendons were external, and deviated at three locations within the span. Steel billets were used to induce test loading. Before the test span's ultimate loading, a computer program was run to estimate the span's ultimate behaviour. The paper describes the girder behaviour and the flexural strength analysis. The unbonded computer model adequately predicted the test span's ultimate capacity, and made various other predictions about the span's failure.

Abstract: A technological method for manufacturing pre-bent non-bond prestressed concrete beam includes prefabricating non-bond reinforced concrete beam, pre-applying longitudinal load to the beam, filling preserved notch, and discharging the pre-applied load The prefabricated prestressed concrete beam has very high cracking strength and bending rigidity and wider span Compared with post-tensioned one, its construction period is shortened by 20-50%

Abstract: A roof for a built structure is proposed, which is designed in the form of a hollow body structure. It possesses interconnected walls (18 and 19) of flexible and at least substantially air-impermeable material. These walls (18 and 19) constitute elongated chambers (22), which are arranged side by side in sequence and are alternatingly designed as vacuum chambers (24) and gage pressure chambers (23). It is in this manner that an extremely strong, free span roof is created.

Abstract: The invention (Figure 5) provides for a data shifting capability that permits sorting the data in addition to searching for obtaining real-time performance in color, with high quality imagery through a simple search of a spatial database based on a rectangularly shaped search region or range search (see figure 13) A Sorting Magnitude Comparison Content Addressable Memory (SMCCAM) performs a range search, introducing a conservative approximation of the ideal Occluding Region, and provides an MCCAM wherein the data words stored in the fields is shifted to corresponding fields in an adjacent word, based on the magnitude comparisons (see figure 7) The 3D graphics method stores the parameters of a polygon span in a spatial database (804-814) and a query operation is performed on the database to determine which of those spans, or portions of spans, are visible (816 and 818), and applies a rule for comparing new span portion to an old span portion on a subspan-by-subspan basis, thereby providing additional polygon edge information within a raster line, providing antialiasing