Apparatus For Moving Material To A Position In The Erection Or Repair Of A Building Patents (Class 414/10)
  • Patent number: 11834314
    Abstract: A vertical manipulator for large size tyres which includes a platform and mechanisms for holding, raising, and rotating tyres, for the safe working of maintenance workers. The vertical manipulator works on all types of terrain and its movements include those of conventional manipulators, in addition to others specific to the invention, rendering its features superior. The vertical manipulator includes a main transverse body from which are suspended two sets of parallel arms that open and close according to the size of the tyre. To each set of parallel arms is added a support arm, which holds a pivoting arm, equipped with a gripping plate, securing side rollers and a lower roller, the pivoting arm operating supported by a lifting jack, and a work platform being disposed on the parallel arms and supported by the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: FMA INDUSTRIAL CHILE S.A.
    Inventors: Héctor Córdova Opazo, Elías Sanhueza Sánchez
  • Patent number: 11674321
    Abstract: A robotic system having a movable gantry robot (10) for conducting construction operations. The gantry may have an expandable bridge (20) and articulated gantry support legs (34) as well as a support track system (60) holding a gantry robot (800) which may hold one or more implements and peripheral devices (806). The device can be moved by propulsion mechanisms, a controller, and one or more geo-positioned control devices to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of work sites (700). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (236). The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the construction implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Kent Douglas Pearson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10753110
    Abstract: This invention discloses a rack structure for an in-field 3D construction printer, which comprises the vertical supporting posts consisting of connected standard vertical supporting post segments in two rows with symmetrical arrangement, a printing platform, a power and material storage platform, and lifting mechanism; said two rows of the vertical supporting posts are symmetrically arranged and fixed on the ground; the printing platform, and the power supply and material storage platform are fixed on the vertical supporting post through their respective cavities, and then the printing platform and the power and material storage platform are bolted on the vertical supporting post; the steel wire rope runs through a lifting drum, to a pulley block on the side of the power supply and material storage platform, and then from the intermediate pulley block to the pulley block on the side of the printing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Yingchuang Building Technique (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yihe Ma
  • Patent number: 10654689
    Abstract: A structure installation system which maintains one or more walls in a desired position and orientation during installation of the one or more walls. The structure installation system generally includes a vehicle which is adapted to traverse a ground surface. The vehicle includes an arm having an arm coupler to which a support is connected. One or more walls adapted to be installed in the ground surface may be removably connected to the support, such as by securing the walls to adjustable hangers that are removably connected to the support. By adjusting the positioning of the hangers, the orientation and position of the walls may be adjusted. Once put in position, the vehicle and support will retain the walls in the desired position and orientation while concrete is poured and allowed to cure to form a unitary structure such as a bollard wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: TGR Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Fisher, Gregory L. Schafer
  • Patent number: 10427916
    Abstract: A structure installation system which maintains one or more walls in a desired position and orientation during installation of the one or more walls. The structure installation system generally includes a vehicle which is adapted to traverse a ground surface. The vehicle includes an arm having an arm coupler to which a support is connected. One or more walls adapted to be installed in the ground surface may be removably connected to the support, such as by securing the walls to adjustable hangers that are removably connected to the support. By adjusting the positioning of the hangers, the orientation and position of the walls may be adjusted. Once put in position, the vehicle and support will retain the walls in the desired position and orientation while concrete is poured and allowed to cure to form a unitary structure such as a bollard wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: TGR Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Fisher, Gregory L. Schafer
  • Patent number: 10407243
    Abstract: A support apparatus or sled for receiving an operations device operated in connection with an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is presented herein. The apparatus includes a body with two parallel receiving channels for receiving forks or prongs of an ASRS lift module. The apparatus further includes a receiving area defined on a top surface of the body that is structured to receive and at least partially support a robotic operations device therein. The operations device of at least one embodiment may be configured to perform one or more various tasks or functions in connection with the ASRS. One or more ports or connections may be included as part of the support apparatus in order to directly or indirectly connect the operations device to a main controller, computer, or to provide power to the operations device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew Prout
  • Patent number: 9199827
    Abstract: An overhead travelling crane system includes a conveyor device, and two clamping devices connected with the conveyor device. The conveyor device includes two lifting units and a traversing unit connected with the lifting units. When in use, each of the clamping devices is moved upward or downward by operation of each of the lifting units of the conveyor device, and is moved leftward or rightward by operation of the traversing unit of the conveyor device. In addition, each of the clamping devices is extended outward to clamp the wheel rim or retracted inward to loosen the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Falcon Machine Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Che Ku, Tzu-Lin Chen
  • Publication number: 20150132082
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-assembly of interior casework components for a wall space of a dwelling unit employs a container box formed as a rigid container shell in a quadrangular shape sized to fit through a standard minimum door opening of a dwelling unit. The container shell is formed by a bottom panel, upright side panels, top panel, rear panel, and removable front cover panel joined together by fastener members. The container box is mounted on roller wheels for delivery in a dwelling unit. A plurality of casework components are pre-assembled in the container shell and are installed in place when the container box is positioned in the dwelling unit. The container box may be formed as a half-height system of upper or lower casework components, and may be combined with other container box systems modularly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Michael N. Goshi, Wai T. Kwok, Alan Ho, Vernon D. Inoshita
  • Patent number: 8978343
    Abstract: A method for transporting cast panels is disclosed including providing a cast panel having a body with a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, the body defining a first recess disposed on the first side and defining a second recess disposed on the second side. A first hook-like member is inserted into the first recess to couple the first hook-like member with the body, the first hook-like member operably coupled to a lifting assembly. Thereafter, a second hook-like member is inserted into the second recess to couple the second hook-like member with the body, the second hook-like member operably coupled to the lifting assembly. Finally, the cast panel is transported by applying a lifting force, through the lifting assembly, to the first and second hook-like members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Frederick J Sandor
  • Patent number: 8944737
    Abstract: A construction system, method and apparatus for erecting buildings and the like is disclosed. The construction system comprises a plurality of lifting rams (20) operatively coupled to a power source and a controller operatively coupled to the power source to control the lifting rams. A plurality of elongate, telescopic lifting rails (28) extending beneath a construction element or part thereof, such as conventional roof members (18), are also provided. Each lifting rail is coupled to at least one lifting ram of the plurality of lifting rams to elevate the construction element to a prescribed height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory John Black
  • Patent number: 8899599
    Abstract: This patent is for a clamping mechanism for a two wheel panel dolly which is operated by turning a handle attached to the wheel axle. A threaded section of the axle is engaged with a threaded base clamp so that axle rotation drives the clamp along the axle to firmly grip a panel between the driven clamp and a the face of second clamp. Clamps are configured with different spacing between faces on opposite sides of the axle so that a wide range of panel widths can be accommodated with a relatively short clamping travel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Joseph Whitefield
  • Patent number: 8899900
    Abstract: A construction system for building a home independently is provided that assists a sole home builder so that a modern home can be built without the use of heavy machinery or reliance on professionals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Harvey Hiatt
  • Patent number: 8869336
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are proposed for incremental casting of concrete cantilever bridge sections. The main trusses which form the load-bearing frames of the apparatus are angularly splayed so that they are positioned outwards of the main load bearing webs of the to-be-constructed section of the bridge, while still being supported on the webs of the already-constructed section of the bridge. In this way, the region above and below the construction space is kept free for improved access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventor: Max Ernst Meyer
  • Patent number: 8844085
    Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Bruckner, Troy N. James, Jr., Butch Lunsford
  • Patent number: 8740188
    Abstract: A lifting and supporting device includes elongated supports. One support has a handle attached thereto. A base section has rectilinear support arms attached thereto. The arms are arranged in parallel transverse to a longitudinal length of the base section. The base section is secured to the lower end portions of the supports. Side panels are secured to the upper end portions of the supports. A moveable section is disposed medially of the side panels. A pulley mechanism lifts the movable section in a vertical direction between raised and lowered positions. The pulley mechanism is partially disposed within the cavity and is anchored to the moveable section and the side panels. The pulley mechanism includes at least five pulleys for to decrease the applied force for lifting a cabinet on the movable section. A pressure plate is used to maintain the movable section in a static position during non-operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Roy Foster
  • Patent number: 8727690
    Abstract: A handler for handling at least one component of a windmill is provided. The handler is provided with at least one grip and a bracing. The grip(s) are for releasably receiving the component(s) of the windmill. The grip has at least one foot positionable on a base for supporting the component(s) of the windmill on a surface thereof. The bracing is operatively connectable to the grip(s), and is receivable by a carrier for transport thereby whereby the component(s) is/are transportable by the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean Allen Bennett
  • Patent number: 8708350
    Abstract: The wheeled structure includes two connected sub-assemblies articulated relative to each other, with conversion capability between three wheels in a single plane for ground running operations, two main wheels for conveyance like a hand truck, or two secondary wheels for transverse positioning when fitting panels vertically. The first sub-assembly accommodates main wheels and secondary wheels and the second sub-assembly accommodates a pole, telescopic column assembly and support frame for the plates. The two sub-assemblies are rigidly connected by an assembly unit having an arm ending in a caster. The sub-assemblies, depending on their relative angular position, fulfill various vertical and horizontal panel fitting functions. The pole is mobile vertically relative to the main wheels, to the rear thereof when running on the ground, and to the fore thereof when fitting the panels vertically by lifting action on the first sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: M.B.H. Development
    Inventor: Marc Bottazzi
  • Patent number: 8662815
    Abstract: A gripping organ for load-moving vehicles comprises a support structure (7), removably engageable to a support arm (4) of a load-moving vehicle (2); at least gripping pliers (8), operatively engaged to the support structure (7) and predisposed to engage at least an object (P) to be moved, the gripping pliers (8) comprising at least a pair of gripping elements (16) which are mobile between an operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) engage the object (P), and a non-operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) are disengaged from the object (P); the pliers (8) being translatable along a translating direction (A) and rotatable about a rotation axis (B) which is perpendicular to the translating direction (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Manitou Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Magni
  • Patent number: 8621697
    Abstract: A lifting device is configured to support a bridge cap when lifting the cap onto columns under a bridge deck. The lifting device includes an upper bracket arm configured to extend over an upper surface of the deck, and a lower bracket arm configured to extend under a bottom surface of the deck, and to selectively engage the cap at opposite ends of the cap. A side bracket portion connects the lower and upper arms, and is configured to transmit a force associated with a weight of the cap to the upper arm. The upper and lower arms and the side bracket portion are configured to define an open space extending from free ends of the upper and lower arms to the side bracket portion. The space is configured to receive the deck when the lifting device is supporting the cap as the cap is being lifted onto the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Bruckner, Troy N. James, Jr., Butch Lunsford
  • Patent number: 8595879
    Abstract: Beam placement during bridge construction by a carriage moving across an abutment or pier, supporting the end of a beam or pipe to position and align it on the abutment. A lift assembly lowers the end and the carriage is disengaged and moved to receive another beam, placing multiple parallel beams, without requiring a large crane. A carriage formed in sections separates to return to a new position. A screw jack or hydraulic unit moves the lift assembly, and deposits the beam on a load plate, and opposed separately-operated lift plates connected by a hinged cross-bar may form a beam-receiving basket assembly. Carriage rollers bear against a channel iron that protects underlying concrete structure from damage. A first set of rollers may bear against a horizontal surface and a second set of rollers bear against a vertical face of the abutment, aligning the carriage and beam along orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SPS New England, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne P. Capolupo
  • Publication number: 20130259609
    Abstract: A truss lifter and stabilizer that allows a single individual to install, lift and secure trusses. The truss lifter and stabilizer is installed to an already secured truss. Then a new truss is attached to the truss lifter and stabilizer and lifted into place. The loose attachment of the first cleat allows the user to manipulate the truss while still attached to the truss lifter and stabilizer to correctly position the truss for installation. The truss is then secured to the structure. The process is repeated until all of the trusses have been lifted and secured to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce W. Creed
  • Publication number: 20130223958
    Abstract: An aerial lift (10) having a platform (12) surrounded by a kick plate (14) adjacent the platform with a pair of spaced apart cross members (22) supported on the kick plate and extending transversely of the platform, each cross member (22) being secured to the kick plate (14) by engaging with the kick plate on opposite sides of the platform (12) and having an upwardly projecting stop (26) at each end thereof for sideways location of material(s) D supported on the cross members (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Cummings
  • Patent number: 8517342
    Abstract: For lifting, aligning and holding a side-hinged door during its installation into a door frame, an improved hand tool, of the type having an elongated base with proximal and distal ends, a fulcrum attached to the base near its distal end, and a pivoting lever, has the improvements of: (a) a vertical guide extending from the base proximate its proximal end, and (b) a movable lifting member having side portions that have a configuration which is adapted to align and cooperate with the vertical guides so as to limit the movement of the lifting member to only vertical motions, and with this lifting member having a front surface that that is configured to allow it to be easily placed beneath the bottom surface of a door and to support the door over a sufficient part of its width so as to minimize the chance of the lateral tilting of the door when it is being installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Adrian Dunca
  • Publication number: 20130195582
    Abstract: A system is described for positioning a first structure relative to a second structure, the system including a suspension element securable to the second structure, and a moving device having a portion for supporting the first structure and a part for engaging the suspension element, wherein the part for engaging the suspension element is configured for effecting movement of the moving device relative to the suspension element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Azim Jasat
  • Patent number: 8496423
    Abstract: A conveyance system and method for delivering at least one component of a windmill to a location is provided. The system is provided with a transporter and a transfer system. The transporter is positionable adjacent a base at the location. The transfer system is provided with a plurality of rails, a support and at least one slider. The rails are positionable on the base and the transporter. The support has a first portion of the rails of the transporter thereon. The support is positionable along a second portion of the rails on a surface of the transporter, and slidably movable between a retracted and an extended position whereby the support is selectively positionable adjacent the base. The slider carries the component(s) of the windmill. The slider is slidably movable along the rails of the transporter and the base whereby the component(s) is/are slidably transferrable between the transporter and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean Allen Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130149074
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame with one or more wheels for transporting a structural member, and four individually controllable lifting devices connected to the body frame for repositioning (such as raising, lowering, tilting or rolling) of the structural member. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame being adapted to locate on a supporting surface, a lifting device connected to the body frame for raising or lowering a structural member, and a skid resting on the supporting surface underneath the body frame and being arranged to contact the body frame to distribute forces imparted by the structural member on the body frame across the supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence CARR, Symond Anthony Carr
  • Publication number: 20130081215
    Abstract: Beam placement during bridge construction by a carriage moving across an abutment or pier, supporting the end of a beam or pipe to position and align it on the abutment. A lift assembly lowers the end and the carriage is disengaged and moved to receive another beam, placing multiple parallel beams, without requiring a large crane. A carriage formed in sections separates to return to a new position. A screw jack or hydraulic unit moves the lift assembly, and deposits the beam on a load plate, and opposed separately-operated lift plates connected by a hinged cross-bar may form a beam-receiving basket assembly. Carriage rollers bear against a channel iron that protects underlying concrete structure from damage. A first set of rollers may bear against a horizontal surface and a second set of rollers bear against a vertical face of the abutment, aligning the carriage and beam along orthogonal axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SPS New England, Inc.
    Inventor: SPS New England, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120308338
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a lifting and positioning device (1) for moving at least one object (3) in the axial direction of a tower (2) or similar. The lifting device (1) includes at least one frame (5), intended to completely or partially encircle the tower's (2) circumference, at least one supporting device (7), with which the frame (5) is supported against the tower (2), and at least one positioning device (6) that can position the lifted object and at least one conveying device (8). The unique feature of the present lifting and positioning device (1) is that the frame (5) includes at least one first frame part (9) and at least one second frame part (10) which can be temporarily connected to each other around the tower (2) and the positioning device (6) is pivotally arranged around at least one axis and the conveying device (8), includes at least one supporting device (7) that supports the frame against the tower (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Patrik von Ahn
  • Publication number: 20120224938
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of rotating a metallic structure for construction in an X axis. The method of present invention allows rotating structures such as rebar or metallic structures like containers to create habitable structures such that each of the walls of the container or the rebar structure, are all at some point facing the floor. That is, each of the walls have a downwardly facing direction at some point of the rotation. The structures disclosed are mated to a bar with an arm, the bar being fastened to the container from an upper end of a first corner of the container to a lower end of a second corner opposite to the first corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Rodrigo GRAF
  • Patent number: 8192126
    Abstract: A mobile hoist system for preventing the application of an overloading input force or an overloading weight force from an elevated load. The mobile hoist system generally includes a frame removably connected to a support structure, a drive assembly connected to the frame and a driven assembly connected to the frame and mechanically connected to the drive assembly via a main elongated member. The drive assembly includes a winch and a brake unit connected to the winch. The brake unit is capable of preventing lowering of a load up to a first torque limit. The driven assembly includes a drum having a strap wound thereon and a slip clutch to brake the drum. The slip clutch prevents slippage up to a second torque limit. The second torque limit is less than the first torque limit to prevent damage to the brake unit by the load having an excessive weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Telpro, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry P. Young
  • Publication number: 20120036811
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are proposed for incremental casting of concrete cantilever bridge sections (7, 12). The main trusses which form the load-bearing frames (3) of the apparatus are angularly splayed so that they are positioned outwards of the main load bearing webs of the to-be-constructed section (7) of the bridge, while still being supported on the webs of the already-constructed section (12) of the bridge. In this way, the region above and below the construction space is kept free for improved access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: VSL International AG
    Inventor: Max Meyer
  • Patent number: 8109291
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for conveying concrete for the construction of multi-storey concrete buildings. The arrangement comprises a concrete-distributing mast which is height-adjustable on completed parts of the building, for example on storey floors (48?, 48?, 48??), the mast comprising a supporting column (10), a rotary unit (12) and an arm assembly (14) preferably designed as an articulated boom, and the mast being equipped with a conveying line (16) which is guided over the height of the supporting column (10) to the arm assembly (14) and which is supplied with liquid concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Fuegel, Martin Mayer
  • Patent number: 8002510
    Abstract: A door and panel dolly apparatus has a frame having a telescoping center frame member with a perpendicular wheel frame member on one end and a perpendicular panel support frame member on the other end. Both the wheeled frame member and the floor support frame member have a pair of generally perpendicular panel support post extending therefrom and a swinging door clamp attached thereto. Each swinging panel clamp is positioned to swing from an open position to a closed clamping position for clamping a panel between two clamps or against a perpendicular clamp post. The pair of swinging panel clamps are each attached to a clamp post and have a rod with a clamping surface on one end thereof for threadedly adjusting each of the swinging clamps to clamp a panel of different widths. Each swinging panel clamp is a toggling clamp mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: David L. Williams
  • Patent number: 7997845
    Abstract: A sheet handling device for handling large sheets of glass or other sheet material, the device comprising a wheeled trolley having an upright support shaft (2), a carriage movable along the shaft (2) into a selected position, and at least two vacuum grips mounted to the carriage to engage the sheet at positions displaced in the height direction of the sheet. In another embodiment the carriage is movable by operation of a winch. The trolley is normally used in conjunction with a second like trolley so that the vacuum grips of the two trolleys engage the sheet at spaced positions along the length of the sheet. The two trolleys are preferably interconnected by releasable bracing which can be stored on the trolleys for ease of transportation. In a further embodiment there is also disclosed a glass installation guide to facilitate guidance of a large glass sheet into a frame during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Quantum Workhealth Programmes Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ricardo Carlei
  • Publication number: 20110167752
    Abstract: The teachings are generally directed to a construction system that includes a three-dimensional, load-bearing cell that can be modular, releasably connectable with other construction components, reinforced with bracing for higher strength, and exceed industry size limits, for use in a building or non-building structure. The load-bearing cell can be constructed on-site and can have a dimension that exceeds size standards set for transporting construction materials to a construction site as compared to pre-fabricated cellular structures. These construction cells are a novel, technical contribution for at least the reason that they overcome the technical industry size limitations that add cost and complexity to construction. The teachings provide (i) an ability to save on the complexities and amounts of materials, equipment, and labor needed in a construction project, (ii) a reduction in costs, and (iii) a novel, simplified, and bid-winning approach to the art of construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Iyad Mohamad Adnan Daadoush
  • Publication number: 20110120048
    Abstract: A rebar installation system that uses rebar drive stations to secure rebar against the inner surface of a coil for securing thereto. The system may increase the ease and speed with which the rebar can be attached while reducing the amount of manpower necessary to complete the project.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Perry
  • Publication number: 20110097180
    Abstract: A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Bastone
  • Publication number: 20110008135
    Abstract: A construction system, method and apparatus for erecting buildings and the like is disclosed. The construction system comprises a plurality of lifting rams (20) operatively coupled to a power source and a controller operatively coupled to the power source to control the lifting rams. A plurality of elongate, telescopic lifting rails (28) extending beneath a construction element or part thereof, such as conventional roof members (18), are also provided. Each lifting rail is coupled to at least one lifting ram of the plurality of lifting rams to elevate the construction element to a prescribed height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory John Black
  • Publication number: 20110002756
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame with one or more wheels for transporting a structural member, and four individually controllable lifting devices connected to the body frame for repositioning (such as raising, lowering, tilting or rolling) of the structural member. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame being adapted to locate on a supporting surface, a lifting device connected to the body frame for raising or lowering a structural member, and a skid resting on the supporting surface underneath the body frame and being arranged to contact the body frame to distribute forces imparted by the structural member on the body frame across the supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Laurence Carr, Symond Anthony Carr
  • Publication number: 20100236188
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transport and installation system that serves the purpose of convenient moving doors from the delivery to the place of installation, positioning doors for ease of hinge installation and providing for horizontal, straight vertical and angular position of the doors with the door jam for installation of the hinge mountings. The new and unique air actuator utilizes a base, stationery vertical guides and removable attachment to a hand cart to solve the problem of handling these heavy unwieldly objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Charles Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100189531
    Abstract: Lifting device for the assembly of a wind turbine of which the top part of the tower (21) is fixed to the supporting structure (32) located above the upper platform (31) of the lifting device (3). The sections (221) of the lower part (22) of the tower are then installed, in such a way that the lifting device (3) is embedded in the anchoring beams (225) of the lower part (22). 10.In order to lift the upper part (21) of the tower, the upper platform (31) is separated from the lower platform (33) using cylinders (34) between said platforms, the upper platform (31) is fixed to the anchoring beams (225), the lower platform (33) is freed from the anchoring beams (225), the platforms (31, 33) are brought closer together and the lower platform (33) is anchored to said beams (225). Continuing successively until the flanges (211, 222) of the parts (21, 22) of the tower make contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.
    Inventor: Mogens Christensen
  • Publication number: 20100178134
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting surface components having an attachment and installed within a surface. In one embodiment, a tool includes a cross member located between a lifting device and a lift plate having an engagement for engaging the attachment. A lift member extends from the lift plate extending through the cross member so as to engage the lifting device so that the lift member is mounted for tilting displacement with respect to the cross member. In another embodiment, a tool for extracting a surface component includes a cross member engaged by supports extending to the surface, for supporting the ends of the cross member above the surface while supporting the cross member against rotation with respect to the surface. Methods are also disclosed for extracting surface components above a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: John Dimoff, Martin Halm
  • Publication number: 20100150684
    Abstract: Mounting device for mounting or demounting a wind turbine blade (14) to or from a hub which is located on a nacelle at the top of a wind turbine tower (12). The mounting device comprises a sledge which comprises a support structure and a gripping structure. The support structure is adapted to releasably grip the wind turbine tower and adapted to guide the sledge along an outer surface of the wind turbine tower between a bottom end position and a top end position of the tower. The gripping structure is adapted to provide a releasable fixation of the wind turbine blade in a fixed orientation relative to the gripping structure. The sledge is adapted to be moved along the tower by a combination of the support structure and a cable connection to the top end. A tilt device (17) is arranged between the support structure and the gripping structure to facilitate tilting of the gripping structure relative to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS, A/S
    Inventors: Gunnar Kamp Storgaard Pedersen, Anders Greve Bervang
  • Publication number: 20100119336
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic system for the construction of buildings, which uses a supporting structure (1) mounted on displacement rails (2), covering a space holding the building to be made, the construction taking place floor by floor, in such a way that all the parts of the construction are made in the installation itself, thereby defining a rigidly secured constructive assembly, based on reinforced concrete, in the building of each floor; for this purpose a number of platforms (4, 5) move in vertical displacement mode on the supporting structure (1), on which the construction operations are performed at the level of each floor, and include stores (3) in which the elements used for the construction are held, with a gantry crane (10) in the upper part for moving the construction elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Navarra Intelligent Concrete System S L
    Inventor: Virgilio Echauri Senosiain
  • Patent number: 7708916
    Abstract: A floor table (1) of a concrete mould for producing a concrete floor (2), comprising at least one front (18, 19) and one rear holder (23) for fixing at least one front (11) and at least one rear ligament (12) of a crane harness (9), characterized in that when the floor table (1) is in a disengaged and retracted state underneath a recently hardened concrete floor (2), it is possible to have access to the holders (18, 18 23) which are used to fix the ligaments (11, 12). The inventive floor table can be drawn out from the floor and displaced with less danger to the workers and requiring less effort in comparison with conventional floor tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: PERI GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Schwoerer
  • Publication number: 20100068005
    Abstract: Construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway are provided. The construction apparatus include a span member having a first end and a second end. A sill attachment is connected to the first end of the span member and configured to seat against a building sill. A support member is connected to the second end of the span member and configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway, wherein the second side of the elevator hoistway is opposite the building sill. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span member and configured to allow a connection to a hoist device. The span member is configured to rotate about the sill attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Steven P. Wurth
  • Publication number: 20100057242
    Abstract: A device for constructing an assembly of building components includes an articulating arm unit and a gripper/nailer mounted on an end of the articulating arm unit. The gripper/nailer includes a gripping unit for grasping building components and positioning them in a predetermined arrangement and a nailing unit for inserting a fastener to secure the building components together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Siroberto Scerbo
  • Patent number: 7672755
    Abstract: There is provided a library device which can be restored to working order quickly and reliably even when a control board containing information necessary for the operation of the library device is replaced. The library device includes a cell array which consists of an array of multiple cells each of which contains one cartridge containing a magnetic tape, magnetic tape drives in which the cartridges are removably mounted and which access the storage medium contained in the cartridges, a robot which transfers the cartridges between the cell array and the magnetic tape drives, a main control board which controls the operation of the entire library device, a barcode label which represents ID information for identification of the library device, and cell flags which are marks used to recognize the locations of the cells composing the cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shinobu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7634890
    Abstract: A tower segment erection tool having a frame with a first side, a second side showing in the opposite direction than the first side and a holding mechanism for holding the frame with its first side at the bottom of a tower segment to be erected. A first support element adjoins the frame's second side such that it is located substantially under a section of the tower segment's peripheral wall when the tool is attached to the tower segment to be erected. The first support element has a curved surface allowing a rolling motion of the tower segment erection tool A second support element adjoins the frame's second side and has a foot that is spaced from the curved surface of the first support element such that it is located substantially in the tower segment's centre axis and that it is further away from the tower segment's bottom in a direction parallel to the tower segment's centre axis than the curved surface when the tower segment erection tool is attached to the tower segment to be erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Aage Maj, Poul Skjærbæk
  • Publication number: 20090282776
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method and a device for assembling a structure that is formed from several modules that are disposed on top of each other, e.g. a wind power plant, wherein a first module of the structure is initially erected and at least one further structural module is subsequently disposed onto the first structural module or the previously erected structural modules by moving at least the at least one further structural module by means of a lifting gondola in an upward direction to the level of its assembly position such that contact between the lifting gondola and the previously erected structural module(s) is prevented at least during movement of the lifting gondola.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mario Berg