Longitudinally Extensible By Flexible Drive Or Hoist Patents (Class 52/121)
  • Patent number: 11926512
    Abstract: This work machine comprises: a telescoping actuator that moves a first boom with respect to a second boom; an electrical drive source that is disposed in a movable portion of the telescoping actuator; a first biasing mechanism that maintains the connection state between the telescoping actuator and the first boom; a first connection mechanism that switches the connection state between the telescoping actuator and the first boom on the basis of the power of the electrical drive source; a second biasing mechanism that maintains the connection state between the first boom and the second boom; a second connection mechanism that switches the connection state between the first boom and the second boom on the basis of the power of the electrical drive source; and a clutch that discretionally intermittently transmits the power of the electrical drive source to the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Manato Shirai, Kazu Nagahama, Masahide Zushi
  • Patent number: 11624199
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a telescopic mast. In some embodiment, the telescopic mast includes at least two telescope members with parallel walls. One of the at least two telescopic members including at least two adjoining telescopic sections, with one of the at least two adjoining telescope sections being thinner than the others of the at least two adjoining telescope sections, so that a telescope section can be passed respectively into and out of a telescope section positioned round it in a telescope member. This telescope section positioned round it can be passed into and out of a further telescope section in a further telescope member. The telescopic mast further including elastic elements/actuators fitted between the adjacent telescopic sections, the elastic elements/actuators equalize and bear the dead weight and the useful load on the telescopic mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Falck-Schmidt ApS
    Inventor: Jan Falck-Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11139549
    Abstract: Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Taylor, Philip J. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11001356
    Abstract: A rollable mast system couplable to an undersea vehicle includes a mast made of a bi-stable composite material configured to roll onto itself in a first state and to stiffen into an elongated stable shape in a second state, and a head structure coupled to a distal end of the mast. The rollable mast system further includes a spool configured to support at least a portion of the bi-stable composite material in its first state and a roller in contact with the bi-stable composite material and configured to pay out the bi-stable composite material from the spool in a direction away from a hull of the undersea vehicle. The bi-stable composite material is in the first state as it passes from the spool to the roller, and the bi-stable composite material is in the second state after it passes the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Van Valkenburgh, Ronald Carvalho, Robert J. Nation, Charles P. Wason, Jr., Ross J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 10550596
    Abstract: A support tower, particularly for a wind turbine. The support tower has at least a first elongated component which is internally hollow and at least a second elongated component which is slidably coupled to the at least a first elongated component and movable relative to the at least a first elongated component at least between a retracted position. The second elongated component is at least partially inserted in the at least a first elongated component, and an extracted position, where the at least a second elongated component is substantially extracted from the at least a first elongated component. A moving device for moving the second elongated component from the retracted position to the extracted position, and vice versa, and a blocking device configured to allow the at least a second elongated component to be blocked in the extracted position, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: MICOPERI ENERGIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Romeo Santucci
  • Patent number: 10030405
    Abstract: A pushing-out apparatus for an extendible mast includes a mast storing unit, a mast pushing-out unit and a mast pushing-out driving unit. The storing unit stores an extendible mast including stages of foldable trusses in a state that the stages are folded. The pushing-out unit is stored in the storing unit around the stage-folded mast stored in the storing unit. The driving unit moves the pushing-out unit to a projecting position in an outside of the storing unit while the stages of the mast are folded, sequentially extend out the folded stages of the mast stored in the storing unit by the pushing-out unit from the storing unit and push out the extended stages from the pushing-out unit of the projecting position in a side of the pushing-out unit opposing to the storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Jun Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9764857
    Abstract: A deployable mast with spontaneous autonomous deployment comprises at least one elementary structural block with a longitudinal axis of deployment X, the elementary structural block comprising two, respectively lower and upper platforms parallel to a plane YZ orthogonal to axis X, and N stages stacked on one another parallel to axis X, where N is more than 1, and where i is between 1 and N?1. Each stage comprises at least six flexible longitudinal connection arms which are articulated by tape springs, which arms are, in the deployed position, on planes parallel to axis X and are inclined relative to axis X, the N stages being secured to one another in pairs by means of connection platforms parallel to the plane YZ; two adjacent lower and upper stages are offset angularly relative to one another by rotation around the axis of deployment X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Yannick Baudasse, Stéphane Vezain, Robin Lacroix, François Guinot
  • Patent number: 9737149
    Abstract: A height adjustable bed framework 12 includes a base frame 24, an elevatable frame 30, a lift chain 50 and a power module 52. The lift chain is connected to the base frame or the elevatable frame and the power module is connected to the other frame. The power module includes an energy converter such as an electric motor 90, a planetary gear train 110 driven by the energy converter and a chain driver, such as a sprocket 160, engaged with the lift chain and driven by the planetary gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Heidlage, David W. Hornbach, Stephen Hutchison
  • Patent number: 9272884
    Abstract: A telescopic boom (10) suitable for a material handling vehicle is provided. The boom comprises two telescopic sections. One end (12a) of an inner tube element (12) is telescopically slideable in one end (14a) of an outer tube element (14) so that a majority length of the inner tube element can be received therein. An intermediate element (16) is also provided, a first end (16a) of which resides within, and is slideable in, the outer tube element (14). A second end (16b) of the intermediate element is telescopically slideable in the end (12a) of the inner tube element (12) that resides inside the outer tube element. A first stop (20) serves to limit withdrawal of the first end (16a) of the intermediate element from the outer tube element (14), whilst a second stop (18) serves to limit withdrawal of the second end (16b) of the intermediate element from the inner tube element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Geoffroy Husson, Pierre Dupire
  • Patent number: 8950125
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David George Kensinger, Steven George Kensinger, Eric T. Ohme, Dale A. Ohme
  • Patent number: 8910432
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate a method and apparatus for a tower structure. In one embodiment, the tower structure comprises a first base plate comprising a first hinge device, a first structural section having a first side and a second side, the first structural section coupled to a second base plate comprising a second hinge device, a second structural section coupled to the first structural section, and an aerial component coupled to the second structural section, wherein the first structural section is rotatable relative to the first base plate in a first rotational axis, the second structural section is rotatable relative to the first structural section in a second rotational axis, and at least a portion of the second structural section is received in a channel formed in the first side of the first structural section when the first structural section and the second structural section are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electro Mechanical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fallon M. Egan, Claudio J. Gutierrez, Christoval Sanchez, Patrick M. Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 8904722
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8887450
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: Paul Bradford Blackwelder
  • Patent number: 8875470
    Abstract: An assembly rig for assembling a wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower sections is provided. The assembly rig includes a platform assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms which are connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a platform or a personnel basket. The assembly rig also includes a radial segment supporting assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a segment holding device at its distal end. The assembly rig further includes a surface, for supporting and levelling the platform assembly and the radial segment supporting assembly. In one embodiment, the surface may be a ground support boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Andresen Towers A/S
    Inventors: Lars Heltoft, Henning Kjaer, Arne Kryger, Bent Juul Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140318040
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SOLARIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Edwards, Jose Manuel Villasenor
  • Publication number: 20140311057
    Abstract: A telescoping mast for deploying, retracting and securing a payload of equipment. The mast is formulated using advantaged geometry and comprises interlocking support legs and relatively lightweight skins mounted between the support legs as its base structure. In addition, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide a secure channel through the mast for cables necessary for the operation of equipment mounted in a payload. Still further, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide a wire rope and pulley system to raise and lower the mast and include structural flexibility to enable the telescoping mast to be used at various intermediate heights in between full extension and fully retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: News Sports Microwave Rental Inc, dba NSM Surveillance
    Inventors: John Michael Puetz, Jesse Richard Gililland, VI, Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Patent number: 8839570
    Abstract: A method includes accommodating a first mast section of a mast on a mast cart below a floor of a platform, the mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and elevating, using actuators located on the mast cart, the first mast section through an opening in the platform. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the platform using a plurality of holding locks located on the platform, accommodating a second mast section on the mast cart below the floor of the platform, and elevating the second mast section to the first mast section using the actuators. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, detaching the first mast section from the platform, elevating the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening using the actuators, and attaching the second mast section to the platform using the holding locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Petrello, Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta, Sean M. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20140259987
    Abstract: A derrick is disclosed. The derrick has a bottom section and a bottom-mid section. The derrick further may include a top-mid section and a top section, wherein a crown is disposed atop the top section and a travelling block is operatively coupled to the crown. The bottom section is separable into two split sections and the two split sections are configured so as to be disposed around the top-mid section such that the two split sections encompass the top-mid section. A hydraulic cylinder and plate mechanism (“locking dog mechanism”) is disposed on bottom section, wherein the mechanism is configured to hold the top-mid section when actuated. The bottom-mid section is sized to be moved into a space defined within the bottom section after the top-mid section has been raised above the bottom section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Nabors Drilling USA
    Inventor: Saringkarl Suksumake
  • Patent number: 8720127
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8683755
    Abstract: A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deployable Space Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R Spence, Stephen F White
  • Patent number: 8534004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Wasson, Michael James Kardohely
  • Patent number: 8522511
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Matthew D. Thoren, Joseph C. DiMare, Cameron B. Goddard
  • Patent number: 8443571
    Abstract: In one example, we describe a method of construction and assembly for a very large wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit), for sea, coast line, or in-land installment. In other examples, we describe the improvements on components of a wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit). In one example, we describe a method of avoiding or minimizing problems with the weather forecasts or military radar interferences, for large wind mills or wind farms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: BTPatent LLC
    Inventor: Saied Tadayon
  • Patent number: 8365471
    Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aluma Tower Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Diniz, Lowell Malo, Steve Fuhrman, Craig A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8353141
    Abstract: 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. An auxiliary mast of modular construction is erected parallel to and laterally of the structure to be erected, wherein the length of an auxiliary mast module approximately corresponds to the length of a structural module. A respective auxiliary mast module is previously detachably connected to a respective structural module to form an overall module, such that the auxiliary mast module can accept the weight of the structural module. The overall modules that are each formed from one auxiliary mast module and one structural module are moved by means of the lifting gondola in an upward direction along the auxiliary mast of previously erected structural modules to the level of the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mario Berg
    Inventor: Mario Berg
  • Patent number: 8347563
    Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ed Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120279144
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8245456
    Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes a pair of roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Ed Anderson
  • Patent number: 8225559
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20120110927
    Abstract: An extensible payload system including mounting equipment and a mast system removably coupled to the mounting equipment. The mast system includes a plurality of nested mast sections, at least one cable, and a pull block assembly. The plurality of nested mast sections include a first mast section and a second mast section nested within the first mast section. At least one cable is rollably coupled to the first mast section. The pull block assembly is coupled to an end of the second mast section. The pull block assembly has a cable receiving opening. The cable is routed into the cable receiving opening and is coupled to the pull block assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Liestenfeltz, Kurt Liestenfeltz, Brian D. Gibson, Phillip D. Gibson
  • Patent number: 8156693
    Abstract: A wildlife deterrent for a utility support structure member between two conductors includes a bracket for attachment to the supporting member, a center support piece with a variable height arm connector, and two adjustable arms pivotally attached to the arm connector. No tools are required for the adjustments or attachments. Since the effective lengths of the support and arms are adjustable, either by elongation or using different length parts, the same angle of the arms can be achieved no matter what the separation between the conductors, and the gap between the arms and the conductor can be optimal for both deterrence and flashover prevention. The different pieces forming the deterrent can be selected by the lineman to quickly build an optimal deterrent in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8042305
    Abstract: A deployable structural assembly is provided along with associated deployment mechanisms and associated methods of forming and deploying the structural assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the structural assembly includes a plurality of structural side elements formed from furlable truss structures. The truss structures may include spaced apart longitudinal members, members extending substantially transversely between the longitudinal members, and diagonal members extending between the longitudinal members at an acute angle relative thereto. A plurality of interlocking elements are located along the edges of the longitudinal members and are configured to engage interlocking elements of an adjacent structural side element. In one embodiment the truss structures may be formed to include at least one material layer having the longitudinal members, the cross-members and the diagonals formed as an integral structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Pryor, Jeremy O. Newlin
  • Patent number: 7966777
    Abstract: A telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of nesting cylinders. The telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of telescoping cylinders and a plurality of straps. The plurality of cylinders is extendable from a base. Each strap extends from near a bottom of an outer cylinder, around an upper roller near a top of the outer cylinder, and is attached near a bottom of an inner cylinder. The plurality of straps and the plurality of telescoping cylinders intercouples in series with alternating straps and cylinders. The plurality of cylinders is extended by retracting a first strap from the outer cylinder, which raises an intermediate cylinder, which retracts the intermediate strap from the intermediate cylinder, which raises the second intermediate cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Douglas, Daniel C. Kennedy, II, Randy A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7967540
    Abstract: A vertical off-line stand building system includes a mast having a basal portion and an upper portion. An upper pipe elevator is mounted in the upper portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable first hoist between upper raised and lowered positions. A lower pipe elevator is mounted in the basal portion of the mast and is selectively translatable by a selecting actuable second hoist between basal raised and lowered positions. A horizontal pipe support table is positioned adjacent the base of the mast. A horizontal pipe translator is mounted in the table for translating a pipe single longitudinally along the table so as to engage a first end of the pipe single with the lower pipe elevator when in its basal lowered position. The lower pipe elevator draws the first pipe into the mast through a front opening in the mast. The upper pipe elevator takes the first pipe and elevates it to the top of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford Canada Partnership
    Inventors: Monte Neil Wright, George (Guo Qiang) Hu
  • Patent number: 7921611
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20110061314
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting at least one line in a tower of a wind power plant, the line is provided in the tower before its erection in shortened, preferably folded or wound-up form. The tower also includes a means for extending the line, after erection of the tower so that the lower end of the line is lowered in a controlled manner to the bottom of the tower and can be attached there to a connector and the upper end is extended to a connector at the top of the tower if not already connected to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Markus MÜHLHÄUSER
  • Patent number: 7895795
    Abstract: An elastic space-deployable boom of carbon fiber reinforced plastic or other resilient material having an open substantially triangular cross-section when deployed and stowed with a flattened cross-section about a circular hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Thomas W. Murphey, Jeremy Banik
  • Patent number: 7849641
    Abstract: A telescopic undercarriage for raising and lowering a frame. The undercarriage includes a base section having a pair of parallel base legs extending from a first end to a second end of the base section, the base section including a first plurality of braces extending between respective upper surfaces of the base legs and a second plurality of braces extending between respective lower surfaces of the base legs, the base legs, first plurality of braces and second plurality of braces collectively providing an elongate central base section passage. The undercarriage also includes an extendable section slidably disposed within the base section passage and having opposed legs, a drive system for extending and retracting the extendable section relative to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thorkil J. Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20100251634
    Abstract: A telescoping tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tower sections, each tower section having a pressure member that engages with a respective pressure member on a respective tower section when the tower sections are moved from a nesting condition to an extended position, the engagement of the pressure members occurring at the overlap of the tower sections to increase stability of the telescoping tower and reduce unwanted play at the overlap regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: ALUMA TOWER COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Diniz, Craig A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7774994
    Abstract: A mast section for a telescoping tower system is made by aligning press brake tools along the length of the metal sheet at spaced width locations and forming the corners of the tube. After forming of the last corner, an opening remains along the length of the tube. The press brake male tool axis is offset sufficiently to permit the tool to apply forming force to the last corner of the tube through the opening, and is sized to remove the tool from the opening. At least three mast sections are nested to form the tower system. Pulleys for a cable extension system are mounted near the upper and lower ends of a wall of an intermediate mast section, with one of the pulleys being oriented at an acute angle to the mast section wall to permit routing of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent P. Battaglia
  • Publication number: 20100107516
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7654923
    Abstract: By providing a plurality of cylindrically shaped tube members nested together in coaxially aligned relationship, with each tube member being connected to a separate and independent control segment, with the control segments being constructed for raising and lowering the associated tube segment, an easily produced, reliable, dependable, and highly portable telescopically extendable and retractable multi-element system is realized. In the preferred embodiment, each control segment incorporates a separate endless loop drive belt which is cooperatively associated with a pair of pulleys mounted at opposed ends of the segment. Furthermore, each control segment is interconnected to the endless loop drive belt of an adjacent segment for causing all of the segments to move simultaneously in response to the initial movement of a first control segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: Damian P. Bianchi, Donald E. Barker
  • Patent number: 7624967
    Abstract: An opposed-rope driven telescoping mast assembly includes a stationary support and a longitudinal mast comprising a longitudinal section joined to move relative to the stationary support. A drive assembly drives the longitudinal mast and includes a frame and a rotatable drum assembly mounted to the frame. A first rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a first direction, while a second rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a second direction. A sensor is operably coupled to the drive assembly to sense overload tension in the first rope or the second rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Par Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Doebler, Thomas E. Jung, Albert J. Sturm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7621078
    Abstract: A telescoping mast for supporting and raising a load may be telescopically extended by a zipper-action chain extension system further comprising a system for the management of one or more cables, such as power or communication cables traversing the length of the mast, and is capable of being locked into a rigid formation along a range of telescopic lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Phelan, Michael Miller, Tom Ellington
  • Patent number: 7581360
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7574832
    Abstract: A portable telescoping tower assembly. The assembly includes a tower mounted on a trailer wherein the tower includes a plurality of telescoping sections that extend for use and retract and nest for storage and transportation. At least one cylindrical ram moves the tower between horizontal and vertical positions. A motor extends and retracts the plurality of sections. Each of the sections includes a plurality of external edges with each of the external edges including at least one protruding guide to mate with and receive an adjoining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Phillip L. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7568315
    Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone tower comprises a self-propelled base and a tower connected to the base. The tower includes a base segment and at least a first extendable segment operatively connected to a second extendable segment. A winch is connected to the base, and a first cable is connected between the base segment and the first extendable segment to extend the first extendable segment. A second cable is connected between the winch and the second extendable segment to retract the second extendable segment. Cellular telephone network testing equipment mounted on the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Rodney Earl Norwood
  • Publication number: 20090031644
    Abstract: A moving retail space system for buildings comprising a moving housing that operates within a building structure to allow multiple businesses to be at a street level. The moving housing comprises spaces A and A?, and the building structure comprises a basement. A lift assembly moves the moving housing from an initial to a second position, and vice versa. In the initial position a first business operating in space A is at the street level, and a second business operating in space A? is located one floor above the first business. In the second position, the first business operating in space A is in the basement, and the second business operating in space A? is at the street level. At least one locking mechanism laterally secures the moving housing in place. A sealing mechanism prevents objects from falling between the moving housing and the building structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Luis Salo Zwiebach
  • Publication number: 20080236060
    Abstract: A mast section for a telescoping tower system is made by aligning press brake tools along the length of the metal sheet at spaced width locations and forming the corners of the tube. After forming of the last corner, an opening remains along the length of the tube. The press brake male tool axis is offset sufficiently to permit the tool to apply forming force to the last corner of the tube through the opening, and is sized to remove the tool from the opening. At least three mast sections are nested to form the tower system. Pulleys for a cable extension system are mounted near the upper and lower ends of a wall of an intermediate mast section, with one of the pulleys being oriented at an acute angle to the mast section wall to permit routing of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent P. Battaglia
  • Patent number: 7416168
    Abstract: An electromechanical prize dispensing system is provided for a game used, for example, in the arcade, amusement, carnival, trailer, or group game industries. The invention includes a means of suspending and controlling the movement of prizes on an extensible and retractable telescopic lifting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Callahan