Bradley Corporation

Donald H Mullett

John Michael Gagas

Thomas G Barnum

William A Smart, Jr

A structure according to the invention comprises a series of interconnected structural members. The structural members, such as panels, are made of a composition comprising as its first essential ingredient a cured (cross-linked) resin having sufficient strength when filled as described below to support weights up to about 700 pounds without significant buckling, but which has sufficient resilience to flex and rebound from impacts such as low speed collisions with small boats or dropping of heavy human-carried objects without cracking or breaking. The cured resin matrix contains a first filler consisting essentially of inorganic particles effective to improve the impact resistance and flame resistance of the structure, and an amount of a second filler consisting essentially of fibers effective to enhance the rigidity of the structure and reduce crack propagation therein. An optional third filler consisting essentially of plastic microspheres may be added in an amount effective to reduce the weight of the panel by at least 10 % without significantly affecting the other essential properties of the cross-linked resin and first and second fillers, namely flexural strength, flame resistance, impact resistance, rigidity, resistance to crack propagation, and resistance to outdoor environments, particularly marine environments. Piers and docks made from panels of the composite of the invention provide superior performance as compared to conventional materials used to build such structures.

Composite structural components for outdoor use

An improved flood level sensor has an upstanding, vented tube extending above and outside a receptacle while maintaining fluid communication with an enclosed rim of the receptacle. A partial vacuum is communicated to an orifice which is located within the tube at a height related to a limit on the level of fluid in the receptacle. The level of fluid in the tube depends upon the fluid pressure in the enclosed rim and therefore upon the fluid level in the receptacle. When the fluid level in the receptacle is below flood level, the orifice is able to relieve any partial vacuum communicated to it. However, when the level of fluid in the receptacle rises to the flood level, the fluid level in the tube rises to partially seal the orifice and prevent relief of the partial vacuum which then actuates a valve lockout device.

Growing community of inventors

Hartland, WI, United States of America

Donald H Mullett