Abstract: A self supporting implement apparatus includes an elongated handle having upper and lower end portions and a working tool end portion that is affixed to the lower end portion of the handle. The combination of handle and working tool end portion define an implement to be gripped and manipulated by a user. A sleeve provides a central longitudinal bore that is sized and shaped to receive the handle, the sleeve having a gripping surface and a lower end portion with a plurality of separate legs having slots there between, each leg having a foot. A fitting is attached to the handle above the tool end portion, the fitting having a plurality of passages, one passage for each leg. Each of the passages is shaped to divert a leg away from the central longitudinal axis of the handle so that the foot of each leg can define engage a floor surface at a position that is spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A method of driving composite timber pile sections provides a pair of timber pile sections, the first of which is driven into earth a distance leaving the butt of the pile exposed. A splice element is embedded into the remaining pile section and leveling material is added to the top of the first pile section. Upon assembly and during driving, the leveling material is laterally confined with the splice element while the respective mating surfaces of the two pile sections confine the leveling material vertically with the leveling material thus transferring compressive between the two pile sections. In the preferred embodiment the splice element is a cylindrical element having a hollow inner bore which during operation contains the leveling material. An initially displaceable but later setting, non-displaceable material such as mortar (a mixture of cement, sand and water) could be used as the leveling material.

Abstract: A load transfer apparatus for jackup barges provides a barge and at least three legs movably attached to the barge with a jacking mechanism associated respectively with each of the legs for vertically moving the legs with respect to the barge. A hydraulic pad is associated with each of the jacking mechanism and is placed between the jacking mechanism and the barge, forming a load transfer and load monitoring interface between the jacking mechanism and the barge. The pad includes preferably a hollow inflatable steel reinforced rubber pad which is pressurized during operation using suitable hydraulic fluid. The apparatus reduces impact load on the platform structure when the legs first touch bottom and might also be used to pre-load the legs using the hydraulic pads instead of ballast. The apparatus can be additionally used to monitor the load carried by each leg and to balance the loads among the legs, as well as to dampen vibrations.