A multi-story boxed wall frame system for reinforcement of multi-story structures includes first and second boxed wall frames disposed one on top of the other and connected together. Each boxed wall frame includes first and second columns, and first and second panel zones attached to the respective first and second columns at their top ends. Each of the panel zones includes yielding members and reinforcing structure at least partially bounding the yielding members. The reinforcing structure is configured to concentrate stresses to within the yielding member. A beam extends between the first and second panel zones in each of the boxed wall frames. The boxed wall frame is configured to resolve external forces into shear force in the yielding member such that the yielding members will yield prior to yielding of the beam and the columns.

Unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In certain embodiments, the current invention includes unit cell bistable elements, and particular arrangements and uses thereof, that can transform or morph a structure from one shape to another. In an embodiment, the current invention provides a method/ability to transform any four-bar compliant mechanism into a bistable compliant mechanism. It is an object of the current invention to facilitate structures morphing from one specific shape to another specific shape using unit cell bistable elements.

A fitting for channel framing includes a coupling component and a washer secured to the coupling component. At least a portion of the coupling component has a generally dovetail cross-sectional shape configured for reception in an external fitting groove of the channel framing. The washer engages outside surfaces of a second side of the channel framing at opposite sides of the external fitting groove when the coupling component is received in the external fitting groove.

A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.

A fitting for channel framing includes a first clip arm configured to extend into a first external fitting groove of the channel framing and clip onto the channel framing, and a second clip arm configured to extend into a second external fitting groove of the channel framing and clip onto the channel framing. An outer portion connected to and extending between the first and second clip arms is configured to span across the continuous slot when the first and second clip arms extend into the respective first and second external fitting grooves and are clipped onto the channel framing.

A deck system includes a baluster actuator device that moves balusters from an open position to a closed position. The movable balusters are positioned in the open position to at least partially open the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters, and the movable balusters are positioned in the closed position to close the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters. The balusters further include one or more functional modules secured to module inserts defined in the balusters.

A connection is formed between a held member and a holding member with the use of a connector and one or more fasteners. In one aspect, the connector has a main body that has integral nail prong fasteners. In one aspect, the main body of the connector is attached to the held and holding members by means of double-shear fastening. In one aspect, the main body is formed with a bendable end flange to attach the connector to the holding member. In one aspect, the main body is formed with a nail guide for directing the fastener at an angle to the main body.

A collapsible truss and method that is particularly suitable for staging and lighting, for shows, performances and other events. This evolved and novel modular truss can be collapsed to a significantly smaller size (i.e. increased density), and consequently requires significantly less space for storage and transportation. Further, in addition to the advantage of rapid assembly from collapsed parts to a full truss, the modular construction of the truss provides cost effective repair of this truss over traditional rigid welded trusses by simple replacement of damaged parts.

A rotary joint includes a socket rod having a socket rod flange with a basically spheroid con-cave bearing surface at a first end, a housing nut encircling the socket rod and having a threaded wrenching head, a ball rod having a basically spheroid convex bearing surface and threaded side walls around the convex bearing surface, and a joint actuator configured to actuate relative movement of the socket rod flange and the ball rod. A diameter of the threaded side walls of the ball rod corresponds to a diameter of the threaded wrenching head of the housing nut.

A collapsible truss and method that is particularly suitable for staging and lighting, for shows, performances and other events. This evolved and novel modular truss can be collapsed to a significantly smaller size (i.e. increased density), and consequently requires significantly less space for storage and transportation. Further, in addition to the advantage of rapid assembly from collapsed parts to a full truss, the modular construction of the truss provides cost effective repair of this truss over traditional rigid welded trusses by simple replacement of damaged parts.