Hub System for Geodesic Dome Homes

This is an excerpt of the press release for Blair Wolfram‘s newly patented geodesic dome hub design. Blair is an expert geodesic dome builder located in Minnesota.

PATENT AWARDED ON CONNECTOR FOR GEODESIC DOME STRUCTURES

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent #7,802,404 Connector for Geodesic Dome Structures to Blair F. Wolfram. 17 claims are allowed for this invention. This patent is a key structural element in the Hurricane Series Geodesic Dome System manufactured by Dome Inc.

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The dome connector is a star shaped cast aluminum hub which clamps 2”x12” lumber in geodesic dome buildings. The connector was developed to improve dome structural integrity, allow increased r-values and allow a ventilated dome insulation space.

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Dome, Inc. uses this part in manufacturing structurally superior, energy efficient dome buildings for residential, recreational and commercial applications using geodesic design principles. This offering is in strong alignment to the rising demand in green and sustainable structures. This patent application for a hurricane engineered connector positions Dome, Inc. to expand in markets facing extreme wind and weather conditions.

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“Geodesic domes not only have unique appearances but also have numerous structural advantages over conventional buildings” claims Wolfram, founder of Dome Inc. a Minnesota Corporation. “Since domes use less surface area to enclose a space, they are more efficient at insulating the space. The vaulted ceilings in dome buildings allows for excellent air circulation and heat recovery. Domes exhibit a tremendous ability to support snow loads. The shape of the dome resists the effects of extreme weather conditions and the dome’s aerodynamic shape reduces the effects of high winds, allowing gale force winds to slip by. The even distribution of weight in a dome provides the dome with a low center of gravity that resists the toppling effects of the earth quakes.”

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In addition to selling, manufacturing and building over 475 domes, the inventor Wolfram has built a solid reputation for delivering a variety of unique geodesic dome solutions, notably the Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Imagine Room” at its year 2000 Grand Opening; a soap opera and music celebrity’s rooftop sun cabana in South Beach Miami; and NEEM Camp, an arctic polar ice drilling research station for Copenhagen University in Northern Greenland. Wolfram currently has three domes on two University campuses and two domes using this patented element for the Easthampton, NJ Elementary School. Recent media events include NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams covering NEEM; MTV Teen Cribs episode 213 featuring 9 domes at Wolfram’s MN residence; and the Southern Illinois University School of Design building a dome on campus.