A mount for a shade structure, in particular a collapsible pavilion. The mount has a base and a cover. The base has a space formed therein configured to receive a ground support of a shade structure. The cover has a top surface and a bottom surface to be secured to the base. A groove is formed in the mount and is configured to pivotably receive a rib. The groove is disposed between opposed walls of the mount. A pin retention recess is disposed on each side of the opposed walls in one of the cover and the base. A plurality of projections are provided that each have a first end fixed to one of the cover and the base in which the pin retention recess is not formed and a second end disposed away from the fixed end. One of the projections is configured to enclose a portion of the retention recess when the cover and the base are secured together.

A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

The invention relates to a locking device designed to lock objects to tubes or other elongated elements. The locking device generally comprises one or more lock plates and lock housings. In one exemplary embodiment, when assembling the locking device to a tube, two lock housings are put together with open sides against each other around a tube with a dimension corresponding to approximately half of a recess which is found on the lock housing's sides and are oriented in the tube's axial direction. The two lock housings form a closed geometry around the tube. Lock plates are used to connect the two lock housings together. By applying a screw in a threaded hole in one of the lock housings' cover, the through tube is pressed against an opposite lock housing at substantially the same time as the lock plates hold the lock housings together.

A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.

A mount for a shade structure, in particular a collapsible pavilion. The mount has a base and a cover. The base has a space formed therein configured to receive a ground support of a shade structure. The cover has a top surface and a bottom surface to be secured to the base. A groove is formed in the mount and is configured to pivotably receive a rib. The groove is disposed between opposed walls of the mount. A pin retention recess is disposed on each side of the opposed walls in one of the cover and the base. A plurality of projections are provided that each have a first end fixed to one of the cover and the base in which the pin retention recess is not formed and a second end disposed away from the fixed end. One of the projections is configured to enclose a portion of the retention recess when the cover and the base are secured together.

Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame having the steps of placing an aluminum billet having a diameter of less than 13 inches into a die. There is the step of extruding the billet through the die so an extrusion is formed having an elongate portion to which a structural element is attached, and a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the elongate portion, the elongate portion and the fin having a circle diameter of less than 12 inches; and cutting the extrusion to form the node.

A construction for a boom such as a dragline boom provides a spade plate that connects lacing members to a main chord at a cluster. The spade plate is curved. One edge of the spade plate has tabs attached to the lacing members. Another edge of the spade plate is attached to the main chord. The spade plate may be applied for new construction or repair.