Abstract: A method of saturating porous aggregate material includes: (a) filling an interior of a vacuum vessel with porous aggregate material; (b) applying a vacuum to the vessel interior until a desired vacuum level is reached; (c) drawing water into the vessel under vacuum until substantially all of said aggregate material is covered; and (d) pumping unabsorbed water from the vacuum vessel. A system for saturating porous aggregate materials includes: (a) a vacuum vessel; (b) a vacuum line fluidly connected to a top portion of the vessel, whereby opening the vacuum line using a valve imparts negative pressure to the vacuum vessel; (c) a water delivery conduit fluidly connected at one end to a water source and at its other end to the vessel interior; and (d) a water removal conduit fluidly connected at one end to the vessel interior and at its other end to a pump.

Abstract: An apparatus orients to a vertical position a precast wall panel formed in a horizontal position. The panel has holes formed in opposite sides thereof. The apparatus includes an overhead crane having a pair of suspended hooks and a lifting beam assembly suspended from the crane hooks. The lifting beam assembly includes a pair of oppositely facing pin carriages each having a pin adapted to be received in one of the panel holes. The lifting beam assembly further includes a motorized drive mechanism for displacing the pin carriages toward and away from each other along the length of the lifting beam. Displacing the pin carriages toward each other along the length of the lifting beam allows the pins to align with and engage the panel holes. Raising the crane hooks orients the wall panel in a vertical position.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism adjusts the height between first and second walls of a building panel. The walls are typically formed from poured concrete. The mechanism includes a tubular base with an interior threaded surface and extending arms for embedding the base within the first wall when cured. A cap is removable from the base upon curing of the first wall material to expose the base interior threaded surface. A cylindrical torpedo screw is translatable vertically upon rotation of the torpedo screw about its longitudinal axis within the base. The torpedo screw distal end is immersible within the second wall material before curing. In operation, removal of the cap from the base exposes the torpedo screw proximal end such that rotation of the torpedo screw at its proximal end adjusts vertical orientation of the first wall with respect to the second wall.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting one or more vertically-oriented panels includes a frame having front and rear sections, a first set of lower crossbeams extending laterally across the front section of the frame, and a second set of lower crossbeams extending laterally across the rear section of the frame. The crossbeams provide vertical support for the panel(s). A hitch extending from the front section of the frame is attachable to a towing vehicle. A set of front vertical members extend upwardly from either the hitch or the frame. A set of front crossbeams extend laterally between the front vertical members and a set of rear crossbeams extend laterally between the rear vertical members. The front and rear crossbeams impede longitudinal movement of the panel(s). A set of wheels axially mounted on struts extend laterally from oppositely facing sides of the rear section of the frame.

Abstract: A trailer rack assembly stores and transports vertically-oriented panels that are fragile to impacts directed upon their major planar surfaces. The trailer rack assembly includes a bottom frame for supporting the panel in a vertical position, a top frame for containing the panel while being supported on the bottom frame, and a plurality of struts interconnecting the bottom and top frames. The struts are capable of absorbing and distributing lateral forces imposed upon the top frame, the bottom frame and/or the supported panel. One or more attachment projections extend from the rearward portions of the top frame, the bottom frame and/or an interconnecting strut. The attachment projection(s) are attachable to a rear tandem assembly having wheels mounted on one or more axles, the rear tandem assembly, and to a movable front assembly, which supporting the attached trailer rack assembly above the ground surface.

Abstract: A trailer rack assembly stores and transports vertically-oriented panels that are fragile to impacts directed upon their major planar surfaces. The trailer rack assembly includes a bottom frame for supporting the panel in a vertical position, a top frame for containing the panel while being supported on the bottom frame, and a plurality of struts interconnecting the bottom and top frames. The struts are capable of absorbing and distributing lateral forces imposed upon the top frame, the bottom frame and/or the supported panel. One or more attachment projections extend from the rearward portions of the top frame, the bottom frame and/or an interconnecting strut. The attachment projection(s) are attachable to a rear tandem assembly having wheels mounted on one or more axles, the rear tandem assembly, and to a movable front assembly, which supporting the attached trailer rack assembly above the ground surface.