Strut structure and rigid joint therefor
Patent 5568993 Issued on October 29, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date: 
December 21, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
December 21, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 1059313 2260283 3577659 3723995 Shelter frame couplings Kinematic truss Robotic devices Spherical bearing assembly Modular dexterous hand Pinned type connector means for lattice space structures InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 360963 filed on 12/21/1994US Classes:403/128, Composite ball403/90, Ball and socket403/161, Transverse pin or stud403/169, BRANCHED403/217THREE OR MORE MEMBERS CONNECTED AT SINGLE LOCUSExaminersPrimary: Knight, AnthonyAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesF16C 011/04F16M 011/14 AbstractA highly rigid structure is provided using six struts connected at three er and three lower nodes to upper and lower support structures. The joint assemblies are formed by half-spherical balls attached to the ends of each of the struts, and retained within cylindrical apertures, such that the center lines of the struts intersect at the nodes. Bending loads on the struts are thus eliminated, while the design and construction of the structure is substantially simplified.Field of SearchBy moving a reflective elementReflective element moved by deformable support Pivoting or moving in circular arc Rotating With support Three-dimensional space-defining Spacer-positioner Vertically oriented (e.g., tower, etc.) Having tubular member Coordinate movable probe or machine Adjustable vertically Including internal tie means Universal ball and socket Composite ball Transverse pin or stud Traverses interposed facing component Attached to or integral with one member Ball and socket BRANCHED Three or more radiating members THREE OR MORE MEMBERS CONNECTED AT SINGLE LOCUS | |
