Abstract:
A valve provides automatic switchover from a plurality of fluid pressure sources to a common outlet. The valve includes first and second spools respectively in first and second spool chambers, and each spool includes at least one sealing member carried thereon for selective sealing engagement with said first and second spool chambers. Fluid passageways transfer spool controlled fluid pressures between the first and second spool chambers. Each of said first and second spools are resiliently biased towards an open position, and fluid-biased towards a closed position. In an open position, the first and second spools are adapted to deliver pressurized fluid from an associated inlet port to an end chamber of the opposite spool chamber. In a closed position, the first and second spools are adapted via the at least one sealing member to inhibit delivery of pressurized fluid. A manifold assembly provides fluid communication to the common outlet.
Abstract:
A wall forming structure is disclosed, where very large panels may be formed having sheathing placed against a plurality of studs which are, in turn, secured to at least a pair of strongbacks where the strongbacks comprise a pair of channel-shaped members in spaced back-to-back relationship. The panels are placed in opposed relationship to form a cavity into which concrete is placed to form a wall, and the panels may each be moved as a single unit -- depending upon their overall size. Indeed, using suitable spacers, the entire wall form may be constructed away from the place where a wall is to be formed, and be lifted or moved into place using suitable handling equipment such as cranes. Each strongback comprises a pair of channel-shaped members where there is an outwardly facing T-shaped slot formed in each side wall of each channel, and a pluraity of plates each having an opening through its thickness is secured to each pair of channel-shaped members at each place where a tie will extend between the panels. Generally, the channel-shaped members of the strongback and the studs which are secured to the strongbacks and to which the sheathing is secured, are extruded aluminum.
Abstract:
A structural member for use in concrete forming structures and the like is disclosed. The member comprises a pair of spaced parallel tubular members interconnected by means of opposed webs. The combination defines an enclosure extending the length of the tubular members. Each of the webs attaches to a side of the tubular member opposite the enclosure. The outer surface of each web includes opposed flanges, which in combination with the web, define an open bolt slot that extends the length of the structural member. This structural member is particularly useful as an upright in concrete shoring.
Abstract:
A lifting device for use in association with concrete forming structures is provided. The lifting device has a pair of jaws, mounted on an axle, with a lifting lug associated with one of the jaws and a handle associated with the other of the jaws so that the other jaw may be hingedly moved relative to the first jaw. A spring loaded locking pin is provided to lock the second jaw in either an open or closed position, relative to the first position. The locking pin and the handle are each operable from above the lifting device. The inner ends of each of the hook-like jaws are rounded so as to specifically match the root configuration between the web and top flange of an upper chord of a truss, or other component of a concrete forming structure intended to be lifted using the lifting device of the present invention.
Abstract:
A frame for supporting vertical loads and an aluminum tubular leg for such frame is disclosed. The legs are joined by a brace arrangement and connectors are used for mechanically connecting the brace arrangement to the legs for stabilizing the legs when under load. Each of the legs has spaced portions which are substantially symmetrical about a plane containing the longitudinal axes of the frame legs and which provide areas for mechanical connection of the brace arrangement to the leg. Such mechanical connection of the frame provides a versatile frame which may be used in concrete forming work and which may be readily repaired.
Abstract:
In "flying forms" having a plurality of trusses -- usually two -- with a plurality of beams placed across the trusses and a deck placed on the beams, an extension leg for the truss is provided so that the working height of the truss may be nearly twice its flying height. The extension leg replaces a truss upright, and mounts using the same bolting arrangement therefor. The leg comprises inner and outer legs, where the outer leg is secured to the top and bottom chords of the truss, and the inner leg is telescopically engaged within the outer leg. The shape of the inner leg is such as to accommodate the bolts which secure the outer leg to the truss chords. Holes are formed in the inner and outer legs with predetermined spacings, and pairs of pins are used to lock the inner leg in any desired position with respect to the outer leg at substantially the desired height. A screw jack assembly is hingedly secured at the bottom of the inner leg, and may be locked in a downward position for pouring or locked in a swung-up position for flying.
Abstract:
A regulator and fill valve assembly for filling a fluid pressure tank and for regulating the flow of pressurized fluid from the tank includes a regulator portion having a valve body with a piston chamber. A pressure flow passageway extends from an inlet end to a first end of the piston chamber and an outlet port communicates with the piston chamber. A piston is movable in the piston chamber. A first spring at a second opposite end of the piston chamber urges the piston toward the first end of the piston chamber. A handle is provided for manually controlling the force of the first spring acting on the piston. A check valve assembly is located in the passageway and includes a seat, a valve member, a valve guide and a second spring biasing the valve member and guide towards the seat. The valve member is movable in a direction towards a closed position against the seat by fluid pressure in the passageway and the biasing force of the second spring. A valve check actuator is located between the piston and the valve check. Movement of the piston toward the first end of the chamber tends to move the valve member to an open position. The assembly also includes a fill valve portion having valve body member with a through passageway including another valve chamber open at one end. A restricted flow passage is at the other end of the valve chamber. An outlet opening is connected to the flow passage. The valve body member is connected to the valve body so that a pressure port in the valve body communicates with the open end of the valve chamber. A valving member is slidable in the valve chamber and has a nose that opens and closes the restricted flow passage. A head of the valving member is located in the open end of the valve chamber. Portions establish fluid flow through the fill valve when the restricted flow passage is open. A spring acts on the valving member to urge it toward an open position. Fluid pressure in the pressure port acts on the head and holds the valving member closed until the force of the fluid pressure is overcome by the spring force. The spring holds the valving member open to permit the tank to be evacuated and charged with pressurized fluid.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a new concrete forming system and components therefor, particularly adapted for forming of vaulted ceilings and for use in buildings wherein the floors at the edges thereof have upwardly extending sills and/or wherein the ceilings have been dropped by a similar ledge or sill thereby significantly reducing the clear area through which a truss can be removed. The truss comprises a top chord and a bottom chord interconnected by upright members and diagonal bracing members. A number of adjustable extension legs are associated with the upright members and are telescopically received within an upright member such that a leg extending to the upper side of the truss can overlap with a leg extending to the lower side of the truss, whereby the legs extending above the truss can be adjusted and maintained independent of the legs extending below the truss. In contrast to the prior art practice of having the upper chord of the truss at the lowest level of the ceiling with "packing" thereabove to define and support the concrete forming surface. The present system provides load collecting support beams adjustably secured above the upper chord of the truss by extendable legs whereby the position of the support beam can vary relative to the top chord of the truss. The height of the truss is used to accommodate the extendable legs which position the truss above the floor as well as the extendable legs supporting the load collecting beam, whereby the amount of packing and the time required to initially set up the system for a given building are reduced. Therefore, the present invention relates to improvements in flying forms and components thereof and in particular to a system which is more flexible and adjustable for the forming of vaulted ceilings.
Abstract:
A valve provides automatic switchover from a plurality of fluid pressure sources to a common outlet. The valve includes first and second spools respectively in first and second spool chambers, and each spool includes at least one sealing member carried thereon for selective sealing engagement with said first and second spool chambers. Fluid passageways transfer spool controlled fluid pressures between the first and second spool chambers. Each of said first and second spools are resiliently biased towards an open position, and fluid-biased towards a closed position. In an open position, the first and second spools are adapted to deliver pressurized fluid from an associated inlet port to an end chamber of the opposite spool chamber. In a closed position, the first and second spools are adapted via the at least one sealing member to inhibit delivery of pressurized fluid. A manifold assembly provides fluid communication to the common outlet.
Abstract:
A clamp arrangement for use in interconnecting structural members such as those used in scaffolding and shoring framework comprises two clamps which can be interconnected for either rotation between the clamps or fixed positioning of the clamps in at least one predetermined position. The clamps in the area of interconnection have portions which are adapted to be secured to position the clamps in the corresponding predetermined fixed relative position. A securing device cooperates with the clamp portions for securing them to fix the clamps in the corresponding predetermined relative position.