ROBERT NICHOLLS
Engineers in Newark, DE
License number
Pennsylvania PE004636E
Category
Engineers
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
2
Newark, DE 19711
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Professional information
Air-Inflated Fabric-Reinforced Concrete Shells
US Patent:
4446083, May 1, 1984
Filed:
Aug 3, 1981
Appl. No.:
6/289469
Inventors:
Robert L. Nicholls - Newark DE
International Classification:
E04B 116
US Classification:
264 32
Abstract:
A technique for constructing inflated shell enclosures in which (1) cementing matrix and reinforcing material components are placed on an inflatable membrane before inflation except that one component, which is required for hardening the cementing matrix, is sprayed on after inflation, (2) the reinforcing material is a textile fabric, interbedded with the cementing matrix to form a laminate, and (3) the hardened shell can be lifted to a raised position for permanent support by removing anchorages at its perimeter used during inflation for hardening, and inflating the space between the hardened shell and the membrane, which reacts against a supporting base surface to lift the shell.
The fabric stretches slightly under inflation pressure so that shells having circular and polygonal perimeters, with center rises from one tenth to one fifth of the span, can be constructed with flat (untailored) fabrics. By tailoring the outer fabric and overlapping inner fabric layers anchored at one side only, rise/span ratios of about 1/3 are obtained without appreciable loss of uniformity in shell thickness.
Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Sheet-Like Structures And Their Production
US Patent:
4778718, Oct 18, 1988
Filed:
Mar 26, 1987
Appl. No.:
7/030410
Inventors:
Robert L. Nicholls - Newark DE
Assignee:
University of Delaware - Newark DE
International Classification:
B32B 2734, B28B 300
US Classification:
428287
Abstract:
A bendable thin, sheet-like structure having a cementitious matrix reinforced with a three-dimensional fabric of an organic fiber uniformly distributed throughout the thickness of the structure and a continuous process for its production.
Fold And Bond For Constructing Cement Laminate Structural Shapes
US Patent:
4894270, Jan 16, 1990
Filed:
Dec 7, 1987
Appl. No.:
7/131255
Inventors:
Robert L. Nicholls - Newark DE
International Classification:
B05D 136, B05D 500, B32B 304, B32B 1300
US Classification:
428125
Abstract:
An article formed by stiffening the folds of the folded plate structure by applying a low viscosity penetrant along the folds which reacts with the cement to harden it where it has been weakened due to folding. Applications include sandwich panel roof and floor decking and siding for buildings, cylindrical sandwich panels for arch roofs and large pipes or culverts, box beams and girders, and dome roofs.
Process For Cooling Water In An Inflated Fabric Cooling Dome
US Patent:
5030390, Jul 9, 1991
Filed:
Jul 20, 1989
Appl. No.:
7/382461
Inventors:
Robert L. Nicholls - Newark DE
Efstathios Michaelides - Newark DE
Efstathios Michaelides - Newark DE
Assignee:
University of Delaware - Newark DE
International Classification:
B01F 304
US Classification:
261100
Abstract:
A relatively low first cost process for cooling a warm liquid usually water, with a gas, usually air, comprises inflating a fabric dome through which inflating gas passes, while warm liquid is passed over the dome thus causing intimate mixing of liquid and gas in and on the fabric and consequent efficient cooling.