Abstract: A telescopic wind turbine tower includes a base, a telescopic tubular tower, a wind turbine assembly, and one or more jacking systems. The telescopic tubular tower is configured with a bottom section and one or more upper sections. The bottom section is concentrically mounted onto the base. The upper section or sections are slidably engaged to the bottom section through one or more jacking systems. The wind turbine assembly is mounted onto a top section from the upper sections and as the telescopic tubular tower is positioned between the base and the wind turbine assembly.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method is presented for manufacturing support structures for offshore wind turbines. In some implementations, the method includes constructing a plurality of modular sections that assemble to define the support structure. One or more of the plurality of modular sections are configured to anchor to an underwater floor. At least one of the plurality of modular sections is constructed by operations that include forming a wall along a perimeter to bound a volume, filling the volume with a castable material, and hardening the castable material. In some instances, forming the wall includes depositing layers of printable material successively on top of each other. The method also includes joining the plurality of modular sections to assemble the support structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for attaching girts, rails, cladding, and/or other cladding components to an exterior wall portion (e.g., an insulated exterior wall portion) or other substructure of a building are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, cladding component attachment devices disclosed herein can include a unitary body formed from a workpiece having a rectangular cross-section. Other embodiments of cladding component attachment devices disclosed herein can include a support arm (e.g., a tubular member) that can be adjustably attached to a base.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method is presented for manufacturing support structures for offshore wind turbines. In some implementations, the method includes constructing a plurality of modular sections that assemble to define the support structure. One or more of the plurality of modular sections are configured to anchor to an underwater floor. At least one of the plurality of modular sections is constructed by operations that include forming a wall along a perimeter to bound a volume, filling the volume with a castable material, and hardening the castable material. In some instances, forming the wall includes depositing layers of printable material successively on top of each other. The method also includes joining the plurality of modular sections to assemble the support structure.

Abstract: A lighting tower system is provided. The lighting tower system includes a tower positioned in an upright orientation within a bed of a vehicle. The tower includes a base tube section and an upper tube section. The base and upper tube sections include a common longitudinal axis and are arranged to slide relative to one another in a telescoping relationship to move each tower between a retracted position and a fully extended position. The lighting tower system includes a light assembly coupled to and extending from the upper tube section of the tower. The light assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the common longitudinal axis and to tilt with respect to an axis perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis. The lighting tower system includes a mounting configuration configured to attach and detach the tower to the bed of the vehicle in the upright orientation.

Abstract: An inverted telescoping mast configured to be mounted to a ceiling or other structure within a building for supporting a payload at a range of heights within the building. The mast can include cable management for routing of cables external the mast for supplying/exchanging power, control signals, data etc. to the payload. An internal spring retains the mast in the retracted position. A tension control system restricts extension and/or retraction of the mast when actuating cable tension is above or below respective tension thresholds.

Abstract: A holding device for use with a telescopically extensible crane boom (57) in order to keep a load handling tool (4) in a given parking position in relation to the crane boom. The holding device (1) comprises: an attachment (10) to be fixed to an end of a telescopic crane boom section of the crane boom; a tool holder (15), which is detachably mountable to the attachment (10) and configured for engagement with the tool in order to support it against the crane boom and keep it in the parking position, the tool holder being provided with a sliding member (28), through which the tool holder is configured to slidably rest against an external surface on the crane boom; and a locking mechanism (16) for locking the tool holder and the attachment to each other when the tool holder is mounted to the attachment.

Abstract: Telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include zero dead band telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods. Embodiments in general include hard stop preloading mechanisms for telescoping booms with multiple tube segments. Some embodiments provide components that facilitate the deployment sequencing of the multiple tube segments along with facilitating preloading of the multiple tube segments of a telescoping boom. The tools and techniques provided may be integrated into the multiple tube segments rather than being provided as a separate system. Some embodiments allow for precise deployment of the multiple tube segments of the telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods.

Abstract: A crane, in particular a mobile crane, includes a crane jib which can be moved about a substantially horizontal luffing axis, and a tensioning device for the crane jib. The tensioning device includes two pendants which run from the jib tip to the jib base of the crane jib and tensioning posts each tensioning a respective one of the pendants relative to the crane jib in a triangular configuration. In order to operate the crane, a luffing angle of the crane jib about the luffing axis is measured or recorded, and a spread angle between the tensioning posts while the crane jib is being used is modified depending on the luffing angle.

Abstract: An articulated boom of a large manipulator includes a plurality of boom segments connected to one another via articulated joints. At least one of the boom segments has a welded assembly forming a box profile in which an upper belt and a lower belt are connected to one another via lateral web plates. At least one of the web plates, the upper belt, and/or the lower belt is formed at least by one sheet metal section, which has at least one bending running essentially in a longitudinal direction of the boom segment. The at least one bending ends at a distance from an end of the sheet metal section so that the end of the sheet metal section is unbent.

Abstract: One or more apparatuses are described for drilling, and related methods. The apparatus can include a mast articulation mechanism supported by a base structure, an elongated mast, and a mast positioning actuator comprising a mast actuator that may be supported by a removable mounting element when in a short mast configuration. The method for drilling can include drilling a borehole using the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a retractable lighting device for illuminating trailers and other areas. A retractable lighting device is configured to transition between collapsed and non-collapsed states where the retractable lighting device may include one or more light emitting components. A controller may be communicatively coupled to the driving mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a signal to the driving mechanism that causes the driving mechanism to transition the retractable lighting device from a collapsed state to a non-collapsed state and vice versa.

Abstract: A linear jack includes an outer tube, a high speed assembly comprising a first rotating member threadedly coupled to a first translating member, a low speed assembly comprising a second rotating member threadedly coupled to a second translating member, wherein the low speed assembly is coupled to and translates with the first translating member. At least a portion of the high speed assembly is slidable in the outer tube between a first position, wherein the high speed assembly is engaged with a shaft, and a second position, wherein the high speed assembly is disengaged from the shaft. A thread pitch of the high speed assembly is greater than a thread pitch of the low speed assembly.

Abstract: A drilling rig may include a right substructure, left substructure, and a drill floor. The drill floor may be pivotably coupled to lower boxes of the left and right substructure by struts. The substructures may include hydraulic cylinders positioned to raise the drill floor and a mast coupled to the drill floor into a raised position.

Abstract: A drill apparatus mounted to a vehicle; having a vehicle, a boom arm apparatus and a drilling apparatus, wherein a first end of the boom arm apparatus is attached to the vehicle and the drill apparatus is flex ably attached to a second end of the boom arm apparatus via a self aligning apparatus so that the drill apparatus is forced against a surface which is to be drilled via the boom arm apparatus, thus securing the stability of the drill apparatus against the drilling surface and the drill mast is self-aligned substantially perpendicular to the surface to be drilled.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of automated 3D printing of buildings or structures and method of its operation. A 3D printer having an extendable boom arm with an extruder for extruding a concrete-based chemical solution moves with translational and rotational motion in an XOY plane. The extendable boom arm is mounted such that it is capable of height adjustment in a XOZ plane. The invention also regards a method for automated 3D printing of a building or structure using the 3D printer.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a wireless communication network can include a plurality of renewable energy structures. Each renewable energy structure can include an electricity generation assembly, a telescoping support pole positioned to support the electricity generation assembly, and a wireless communication device configured to relay wireless communication signals between a host signal source and a client device. The electricity generation assembly can include a wind turbine assembly and/or a solar power structure. The wireless communication device can include a cellular telephone signal repeater and/or wireless internet equipment. Each structure can include a display, such as an advertisement, one or more benches, and/or a container. Each structure can optionally include a water purification system, one or more cameras, one or more lights, and/or one or more motion or voice sensors for activating or deactivating various components of the system. Each structure may be permanently installed or mobile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular drilling rig system comprising multiple components, which system is transfigurable between a transport mode and an operational mode, and comprises: a. a drilling rig mast which is positionable in a vertical orientation; b. a base structure adapted to be positioned on a surface near the well center to support the drilling rig mast thereon, wherein the base structure comprises two elongated members that are connected to each other by a cross beam; c. a displacement system to displace the drilling rig with respect to the surface in a horizontal direction; wherein the displacement system is configured to displace the two elongated members of the base structure together in order to displace the drilling rig, and is configured such that the two elongated members can be displaced with respect to each other when the two elongated members are not connected to each other.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a crane having a telescopic boom which has a coupling section, a telescopic cylinder supported therein and at least one telescopic section, wherein at least one telescopic section is transported to the site of deployment separately from the coupling section and the at least one separately moved telescopic section is drawn, in particular drawn slowly, into an outer section, in particular into the coupling section, in the assembly position by the telescopic cylinder by means of an auxiliary assembly head.

Abstract: A top drive torque track system includes a first elongate track with a male end. The male end includes a pin housing and a movable locking pin capable of being biased by a biasing member to extend out of the pin housing and to extend laterally from the male end. The torque track system includes a second elongate track having a female end configured to mate with the male end. The female end has a locking socket extending laterally within the female end. The locking socket is configured to receive the movable locking pin. The movable locking pin is configured to engage the locking socket to attach the first elongate track to the second elongate track when the male end of the first elongate track is inserted into the female end of the second elongate track.

Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that raise and lower an antenna. The invention can utilize an actuator to raise and lower an antenna.

Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated telescoping tower supporting an associated load at a height above an associated foundation includes a fluid barrier, first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, a fluid port configured to receive compressed fluid from an associated source into an interior space of the tower defined by the first and second tubular sections, and a fastening system for holding the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid received in the interior space of the tower and for mechanically connecting the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid exhausted from the interior space of the tower by the fluid port. A method of erecting a tower includes inflating nested first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, fastening the sections in an extended position, and depressurizing the tower. A method of collapsing uses a reversal of the erecting process.

Abstract: A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable tower having multiple sections including a base section and at least two slidable sections. The sections form a nested telescopic structure where each of the slidable sections is configured to move within another of the sections. The tower can also include a lifting system configured to extend the at least two slidable sections substantially simultaneously. Each section of the tower may also include multiple rollers configured to roll against at least one adjacent section of the tower.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bi-directionally raisable drilling rig mast system that includes a drilling rig mast having a bi-directional mast erection connection, a first erection connection positioned proximate a first side of a rig substructure, and a second erection connection positioned proximate a second side of the rig substructure, the second side being at an opposite side of the rig substructure from the first side. The system further includes at least one mast erection apparatus having an upper end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the bi-directional mast erection connection and a lower end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the first erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the first side of the substructure, the lower end being further adapted to be pivotably attached to the second erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the second side of the substructure.

Abstract: Structures with interlocking components include a plurality of interlocking structure sections, each of the interlocking structure sections including at least one tensioning component and a plurality of compression components carried by the at least one tensioning component. The at least one tensioning component secures alternating ones of the plurality of compression components in adjacent ones of the plurality of interlocking structure sections in end-to-end, interlocking compression with each other.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a mast assembly mounted to a sidewall of the vehicle. The mast is pivotally mounted and can be held in a first stowed position by way of a first clamp member. The mast is pivotal relative to the sidewall, to an essentially vertical and erect position, and held in the second position by way of a second clamp.

Abstract: A rigid support bearing for a rotating shaft has bearings arranged concentrically around the shaft instead of spaced axially and is used in a screw drive telescoping mast assembly. An axial drive screw is centrally located in the mast assembly for extending and retracting the tubular sections. A lower bearing assembly supports the drive screw and uses the concentric bearing arrangement to reduce the nested height of the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable tower having multiple sections including a base section and at least two slidable sections. The sections form a nested telescopic structure where each of the slidable sections is configured to move within another of the sections. The tower can also include a lifting system configured to extend the at least two slidable sections substantially simultaneously. Each section of the tower may also include multiple rollers configured to roll against at least one adjacent section of the tower.

Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to, among other things, systems and methods for making up pivotably pinned structural connections that may be used for erecting drilling rig masts. One illustrative system includes a drilling rig mast having at least one support leg, a drilling rig mast support having at least one mast support shoe, and a pinned connection between the at least one support leg and the at least one mast support shoe. Additionally, the pinned connection of the disclosed system includes a pin, an oversized hole having at least a first hole portion, and a removable plug that is adapted to be inserted into the oversized hole, wherein the removable plug has at least a first plug surface portion, and wherein the first hole portion and the first plug surface portion define at least part of a pin hole that is adapted to receive the pin.

Abstract: A boom assembly includes a first boom member and a second boom member slidable relative to the first member in a first direction. A stop member that at least partially defines a receptacle is attached to the first member. A closure member is attachable to the first member in a fixed position and movable away from the fixed position. A planar wearpad is insertable into the receptacle in the first direction when the closure member is moved away from the fixed position and the second member is positioned on the first member. The stop and closure members inhibit lateral movement of the wearpad in a direction parallel to the plane of the wearpad, and allow movement of the wearpad in a direction transverse to the plane, when the wearpad is positioned in the receptacle. The second member inhibits movement of the wearpad in the direction transverse to the plane.

Abstract: A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telescopic mast (2) including two or more cylindric telescoping sections (4) with parallel walls (6), where the distal one of two adjacent telescoping sections (4) is narrower than the proximal one of the two adjacent telescoping sections (4), so that the distal telescoping section (4) can be moved into and out of the proximal telescoping section (4), respectively. In the interspace (8) between two adjacent telescoping sections (4) there is provided at least one device (10) interacting with an actuator (16) and pressing the adjacent walls (6) away from each other. Hereby play is eliminated or minimized.

Abstract: A telescopic multi-mast system includes a plurality of telescopic masts, each of the telescopic masts having a plurality of telescopic mast sections. The telescopic multi-mast system also includes a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic masts. The telescopic, multi-mast system further includes a plurality of stabilisers disposed over the telescopic masts and connected to the mast sections of the telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection of the telescopic masts.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a telescopic mast which at least includes one or more telescoping joints, where a telescoping joint is formed of two telescoping sections dimensioned so that one section can be moved into another section, where between each of the two adjacent telescoping sections in a telescoping joint there is provided at least one actuator urging the adjacent telescoping sections away from each other, where these actuators are disposed internally of the telescoping joints and offset at the internal periphery. By disposing actuators offset at the inner periphery of the telescoping sections, several advantages are achieved. The actuators are provided at a protected location, and the actuators may be designed with lengths that overlap each other when the telescopic mast is collapsed.

Abstract: A support structure for a rostrum includes a first A-frame; and at least a second A-frame, nestable and retractable into the first A-frame. The support structure may have an open central area and the second A-frame may be substantially the same as, but smaller than, the open central area of the first A-frame. At least one support means is connected to each A-frame for supporting a load, wherein the support is connected to an upper portion of one A-frame. The support extends from the upper portion of the one A-frame and is co-operable with an upper portion of another A-frame. The support structure may be telescopic and configured to be expandable and retractable between a retracted, stored position, and an extended, in use position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a telescoping substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second telescoping substructure boxes. The first and second telescoping substructure boxes each include, among other things, a lower substructure box and an upper substructure box that is adapted to be telescopically raised and lowered relative to the lower substructure box. Furthermore, each telescoping substructure box also includes raising means for telescopically raising and lowering the upper substructure box relative to the lower substructure box between a collapsed configuration for transportation and a raised configuration for drilling operations, wherein each of the first and second telescoping substructure boxes are adapted to facilitate movement of the telescoping substructure in at least one of a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction over wellhead equipment positioned above a wellbore location when the upper substructure boxes are in the raised configuration.

Abstract: Methods for connection parts of a mast of a drilling rig without using a crane or other lifting machine are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods include moving parts of a mast to be assembled with trucks and positioning the parts with the trucks to facilitate their connection. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A rapid deployment and retraction telescoping mast system for controlling the height of a mast. A retraction mechanism including a resilient member, a retraction reel, a reel shaft, and a motor disposed about a frame. The resilient member extends from the retraction reel and is rigidly attached to a top tube of the mast through a sealed passage. The reel shaft rotates the retraction reel and winds the resilient member creating a retraction force on the top tube causing controlled retraction of the mast. A deployment mechanism including a compressor, storage tank, exhaust valve and isolation valve arranged about the frame and in communication with the mast. The compressor generates pressurized air to be communicated to the mast when the isolation valve is in the open position. The increase of pressure generated by the deployment mechanism provides a force within the mast thereby controlling its deployment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a mast system including a telescoping mast having first and second mast sections, the mast having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the first mast section including an inner surface having ribs disposed thereon, and, the second mast section including a coupling mechanism to engage the ribs on the first mast section for enabling axial movement of the second mast section with respect to the first mast section.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly fiberglass utility pole that comes in three sections that are telescoped one around the other to provide a strong, wind and bending resistant structure. Each of the three sections has alternating protruding and intruding surfaces that are slip fit together to provide maximum strength while conserving material. Additionally, each of the three sections preferably are different lengths such that maximum reinforcement is provided along the center of the length of the pole, without requiring excessive material (or weight) at the top end of the pole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Telescopic crane arm for a crane, in particular a mobile crane, with: at least one boom, and at least one boom extension that can be moved telescopically relative to the boom, and at least one hydraulic line arranged in the crane arm for an implement that can be attached to the crane arm and operated hydraulically, wherein the hydraulic line has at least one first tube and a second tube that is movable relative to the first tube, wherein a connection is formed from the first tube and/or the second tube to at least one oil compensation chamber arranged in the inside of the crane arm to compensate for effects of changing the length of the crane arm, wherein the first tube, the second tube and the oil compensation chamber are formed in the inside of the boom extension.