Abstract: A device. The device includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The device also includes a connector attached to the first end of the shaft. The device also includes a rod connected to the shaft. The rod comprises a third end and a fourth end. The third end is connected to the second end of the shaft. The rod is about parallel to the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a spring surrounding the rod. The spring is compressible or extendable along the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a stop connected to the rod at a position distal to the spring. The stop resists longitudinal compression or extension of the spring.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The device also includes a connector attached to the first end of the shaft. The device also includes a rod connected to the shaft. The rod comprises a third end and a fourth end. The third end is connected to the second end of the shaft. The rod is about parallel to the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a spring surrounding the rod. The spring is compressible or extendable along the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a stop connected to the rod at a position distal to the spring. The stop resists longitudinal compression or extension of the spring.

Abstract: A method including placing on a surface a first beam having a first end with a first clevis component opposing a second clevis component. A second beam, including a second end having a third clevis component opposing a fourth clevis component, is placed adjacent the first end on the surface. The first clevis component is connected to the third clevis component. A lifter is connected to the first end and the second end, which are lifted simultaneously from the surface while rotating the first beam and the second beam about the connector until the second clevis component engages the fourth clevis component. Connection between the second clevis component and the fourth clevis component then may be completed.

Abstract: A method including placing on a surface a first beam having a first end with a first clevis component opposing a second clevis component. A second beam, including a second end having a third clevis component opposing a fourth clevis component, is placed adjacent the first end on the surface. The first clevis component is connected to the third clevis component. A lifter is connected to the first end and the second end, which are lifted simultaneously from the surface while rotating the first beam and the second beam about the connector until the second clevis component engages the fourth clevis component. Connection between the second clevis component and the fourth clevis component then may be completed.

Abstract: A beam system and method of erecting a supporting arch enables large roofed structures to be erected quickly and economically. The method includes aligning a plurality of structural elements longitudinally; connecting upper corners of the structural elements to upper corners of adjacent structural elements, wherein adjacent lower corners of the structural elements remain unconnected; elevating first and second structural elements in a middle of the supporting arch; connecting lower corners of the first and second structural elements together; elevating third and fourth structural elements adjacent the first and second structural elements, respectively; and connecting lower corners of the third and fourth structural elements to lower corners of the first and second structural elements, respectively.