Abstract: A prefabricated building structure having a collapsible roof and adapted to be transported by a road carrier vehicle is described. The prefabricated building structure is provided with at least opposed parallel load bearing side walls. A roof section having a plurality of spaced roof rafters is pivotally connected by one or more pivot connections to a respective one of a top plate of each of the load bearing side walls. The roof sections are interconnectable to one another when the roof sections are disposed angularly upwards to form a raised pitch roof structure. A leverage beam is connectable to one of the rafters of each roof section and is securable to a cable which is secured to a pulley whereby to permit the roof sections to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: A wind power machine including a mast that is articulated so as to adopt an upright position above a foundation anchored into the ground and a folded-up position close to the ground. The mast includes substantially straight parts articulated together so as to pivot to bring the mast into the upright position or into the folded-up position. The wind power machine further includes a locking device placed at least one of the articulations between two of these parts to lock the mast in the upright position. The locking device includes: a radially movable clamping ring, placed at the end of one of the two parts of the articulation inside the mast; and an actuation mechanism capable of moving the clamping ring radially so as to produce an intimate male/female-type connection between the two parts of the articulation.

Abstract: A climbing shoe (10) comprises a sliding shoe section (16) and wall shoe section (18). The sliding shoe section (16) is designed so that it can guide and hold a climbing rail. The wall shoe section (18) is connected to the sliding shoe section (16) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: A wet end of a paper or board machine has at least one vertical, self-supporting installation module (10a, 10b) to be positioned into connection with the machine which module is supported from its lower end by foundation structures of the machine construction and which extends at least to the height of a second maintenance platform (50b) of the machine, which installation module (10) includes at least valves (40) and pipes (30) related to the hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators of the machine.

Abstract: A handling anchor, for lifting, raising, turning over, transporting, and laying building elements, such as precast blocks or panels, essentially made of concrete and to be connected to a building element. The anchor includes a connecting head for connecting the building element to a handling machine, and a body portion including active parts that, when the anchor is connected to the construction element, ensure the adhesion of the anchor to the material of the building element. The body includes at least one land including at least one face.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a cable drop support system is provided including a base adapted for attachment to a surface; at least one segment connected to the base; and, a cable receptacle attached to a portion of the at least one segment, the cable receptacle being structured for receiving therein at least a portion of a cable.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building in a typically flood prone area employs a pre-cast concrete chain wall that can be set on an optional foundation or footing.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation having upper and lower walls with a height and a thickness, the ratio of wall height to wall thickness being equal to or greater than 3 to 1 and the wall height is at least three (3) feet; and a prefabricated building positioned upon the precast concrete chain wall foundation, wherein the prefabricated building has walls that rest upon the upper surface of the pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation.

Abstract: A connecting device (1) for the shear-force connection of concrete components (20), in particular prefabricated concrete components, comprises: an elongate protective box (2) for fitting in an end face (20?) of the components (20), which comprises a bottom (5) and at least two side walls (6) extending in a longitudinal direction of the bottom; at least one flexible reinforcing loop element (3) which can be accommodated in the protective box (2) and can be moved out of the latter; characterized in that the bottom (5) has a bottom profiling with groups of bottom projections (7) and bottom depressions (7?) alternating in the longitudinal direction, wherein each group has at least one bottom projection (7) or at least one bottom depression (7?).

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and lowering buildings includes first and second beam support frames. Each support frame includes a horizontal base adapted to rest on the ground, a vertical beam guide extending upward from the base, a beam support member engaged in the vertical beam guide such that the beam support member moves substantially vertically up and down in the beam guide, and a jack mechanism operative to move the beam support member up and down. A beam having a length selected for use to raise a selected building has a first end supported by a beam support member of the first support frame, and a second end supported by a beam support member of the second support frame.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.

Abstract: An edge beam construction including two vertical perforated rolled shapes with webs inverted toward the center of the beam, and a bottom track having a flange disposed in a vertical position against bottom lips of the vertical rolled shapes. The three basic components of the edge beam are positioned so as to provide access for press joining tools. A building module manufacturing method utilizes the light gauge steel rolled shapes that permit industrialized, automated manufacture of floor, roof and wall panels for modular housing and commercial structures with integrated mechanical and electrical systems and rigid framing for road transport without trailers. The module manufacturing method includes a novel method of constructing and positioning a gable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flood resistant building structures, and more particularly to building structures that are floatable such that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. The invention includes significant improvements for combining various necessary elements to resist floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, high winds, fire, and bullets while not impeding on architectural aesthetics. It utilizes novel approaches to structural hold down and controlled ascent and descent during flooding.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person. The device comprises an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support which can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the drywall once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install drywall on a stud wall at various heights. Advantageously, the device is lightweight, easily transportable and easy to use. The device's convenient design enables its utilization immediately upon reaching a construction site.

Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.

Abstract: A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor.

Abstract: A lift handle for building systems such as door assemblies and window assemblies. The handle comprising a flange and a channel disposed proximate the flange. The flange comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with the frame of the door or window assembly and the channel is adapted to be coupled with a nailing fin of the frame for moving the frame via the nailing fin.

Abstract: A sling-traverse device for lifting system for elevation of the massive objects (constructions) provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved sling-traverse device for massive construction lifting system includes an arched form traverse, a traverse connector, comprising a traverse flange, a lower portion of which is by a traverse hinge coupled with the traverse, and a sling flange, an upper portion of which is intended for coupling with the lifting system, and the opposite sides of the traverse flange and the sling flange are rigidly connected to each other. The traverse includes two pairs of levers on each of side of the arch, and each two appropriate levers are coupled to each other by the stiffener and resting girder in their frontal lower part. Also the improved sling-traverse device includes a pushing spiral springs with a directional fingers respectively coupled with the appropriate brackets connected to the appropriate shackles and levers.

Abstract: A stiffener device for use in moving a truss is disclosed. A crane lift cable is attached to a spreader bar. Two lines from the spreader bar attach to the truss to move the truss using a crane. A stiffener body attachable to the truss by brackets allows the stiffener body to hang on the bottom chord of the truss. The stiffener body provides a significantly increased resistance to bending along the length of the truss. This stiffening prevents bending and flexing of the truss which can reduce the numbers of damaged trusses that can occur when setting trusses to a building structure.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A device for repairing the foundation of a building comprising a base frame being defined by a front end and a rear end. The front end and rear end are supported by wheels. A plate member is transversely mounted upon the base frame proximately near the rear end. A crane assembly is supported by the plate member. The crane assembly further comprises a three hundred sixty degree swivel joint mounted upon the plate member, a vertically extending shaft being swivelly connected to the swivel joint, a horizontally extending arm being mounted on the top of the shaft, and a lifting mechanism connected to the arm such that the arm can be lowered and raised. A fifth wheel assembly is situated underneath the base frame and is pivotally connected to the wheels supporting the rear end. A steering mechanism is connected to the fifth wheel assembly for maneuvering the direction of the rear wheels. A drive stand is swivelly connected to the arm at its far end. The drive stand is adapted to contain a foundation pier assembly.

Abstract: A one piece assembly of a small production unit (23) for panels intended for building comprises an upper tray (2) a bottom tray of longer length (1) a collapsible crane (7) situated on the upper tray (2) supporting the crane structure (7) is horizontally mobile with rollers (11) supported on rail (12) positioned on the bottom tray (1) without requiring an external support lying on the ground. The vertical movement of the upper tray (2) is assured by an assembly of screw jacks (4), plates (18), guides (14) and runners (13). The compact assembly (23) of the production unit can be moved from site to site without heavy handling movement.

Abstract: The method and system for lifting of the massive constructions provide a possibility to lift the assembled at the ground level over size and over weight objects, such as a sport arena roof with the attached columns and/or bridge section with the attached piers. An improved method for massive constructions lifting includes steps providing lifting process by at least two of a plurality of lifting supports, each of which is formed by two vertically positioned H-girders connected by their lower parts to the supporting base and coupled each to the other along their length by a plurality of strengthening (stiffening) girders. Each support includes a sling-traverse, comprising a pivoting stand, a lifting tape, the rests, and the lifting device, including the hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for the mast on vehicles is adopted for use on an extendable mast mounted on a movable vehicle body to prevent the erected and extended mast from wobbling in the wind. The anchoring apparatus has a plurality of support posts located around the periphery of the vehicle body and equally spaced from the mast. The support post may include an upper support post and a lower support post. The lower support post may movably rest on the ground surface to support the vehicle body and have a bottom end linked tightly by a steel cable or rod to a neighboring bottom end. The upper support post may be movably extended outwards from the vehicle roof with an outer end linking to the top end of the mast by a steel cable. The outer end of the upper support post and the bottom end of the lower support post may be linked tightly by a steel cable under tension. Thereby the mast can be erected and anchored steadily.

Abstract: An infoboard having at least one board part intended for an imprint, the infoboard comprising a frame carrying the at least one board part, the frame near an underside being firmly connected with the base, which base has such a weight that the infoboard is only movable by means of a lifting crane.

Abstract: A storage structure or hangar designed primarily for housing a sailplane or other small aircraft has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated upper frame support anchored to the ground at several locations, a first set of frame members mounted immovably to the upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the sailplane to be placed into the storage structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing backing in walls which include a first, second and third upright U-shaped stud. A first backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The first backing member is disposed between the first and second studs. A second backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The second backing member is disposed between said second and third studs. A hinge is operatively attached to the first side of the first and second backing members for permitting the second backing member to pivot with respect the first backing member between a first position wherein the first side of each of the first and second backing members are substantially in the same plane and a second position whereby the first and second backing members are not in the same plane. This permits the first backing member to be placed between a first and second adjacent vertical stud.

Abstract: A modular tower assembly for use with blown film extrusion processes, where modular tower sections each having identical columns/foot prints can be stacked on top of one another. Each module can have rectangular type platforms with walk decks about a central rectangular void middle. Staircases can be built into the side of all decks modules up to the top deck. Each of the four vertical legs of the deck modules has flat plate bottoms to stack on the deck surface of the module beneath, and side cross bracing. Side extension platform deck wings with legs can be used when the central rectangular void is enlarged. The modules can be pre-formed and brought onsite to be erected in a rapid assembly manner by fasteners such as bolts, and be removable as compared to permanent type welded towers. The modular towers can include adjustable bracing components for further stiffening the modular towers to have reduced swaying, twisting and vibrations over time.

Abstract: A load-moment support for an attachment element to be secured one end of a longitudinal aluminum profile, includes a frame structure which embraces four outer sides at the end of the longitudinal aluminum profile in a without play manner. The frame structure has lower abutment surfaces to rest, respectively, against a first pair of opposite outer sides at a level with an end face of the longitudinal aluminum profile, and two tilting edges arranged, respectively, on a second pair of opposite outer sides and extending flush with the end side of the longitudinal aluminum profile. The attachment element arranged at the end face of the longitudinal aluminum profile abuts without play against the end face of the aluminum profile as well as against the tilting edges and the lower abutment surfaces of the frame structure and is secured at least to the abutment surfaces.

Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing backing in walls which include a first, second and third upright U-shaped stud. A first backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The first backing member is disposed between the first and second studs. A second backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The second backing member is disposed between said second and third studs. A hinge is operatively attached to the first side of the first and second backing members for permitting the second backing member to pivot with respect the first backing member between a first position wherein the first side of each of the first and second backing members are substantially in the same plane and a second position whereby the first and second backing members are not in the same plane. This permits the first backing member to be placed between a first and second adjacent vertical stud.

Abstract: A concrete block tong assembly which is designed to lift and transport a plurality of concrete blocks. The assembly is provided with three top tubes pivotally connected at one end thereof to one end of three bottom tubes. A lifting apparatus is operatively connected to the top three tubes whereupon upward movement of the top three tubes by the lifting mechanism will cause the top tubes to pivot with respect to the bottom tubes. A front plate is secured to one end of each of the top tubes for movement therewith and a back plate is longitudinally adjustably secured to each of the bottom tubes adjacent the other end thereof. A solenoid operated dead bolt is selectively movably mounted within each of the top tubes and is movable between extended and retracted positions. An upstanding support is provided on each of the bottom tubes adapted to receive the dead bolt of the associated top tube to lock the assembly in its open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a manufactured building to a desired location and securing it to a foundation. The apparatus includes elongate members extending through the exterior walls and secured to upper beams above the upper building plate and lower beams below the building lower plate. The elongate members are placed in tension compressing and holding together the wall plates and studs. An eyelet is secured to each upper beam and/or elongate member. The building is lifted using cables secured to the eyelets. The lower beam is selectively detachably attachable to the transporting trailer for rigidly securing the building thereto. After placing the building on a foundation, the lower beams are also selectively attachable to the foundation for securing the building thereto.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover is provided for a swimming pool which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor and can be then raised to a position above the pool and adjacent the ceiling. The cover is suspended from the ceiling by various wire ropes and associated winches.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of supporting a wall utilizes a multiple-featured support system. At least one support apparatus (200, 1000) is mounted to one or more walls (101), particularly foundation walls, in order to support the wall(s) and any load supported thereby, such as a building, statue, monument, bridge, and other structures. The support apparatus (200, 1000) may be mounted to the inside or outside of the wall. One version of support apparatus (1000) is mounted to two different walls, so that both walls may be lifted simultaneously with even stress on both. A channel (901) may be mounted between two adjacent support apparatus to provide a more structurally sound support system for different situations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device (102) and to a method for protecting an object (101) against mechanical damage as it is lifted up or lowered down a vertically extending structure (103), such as the wall of a building or a mast for instance, and also for protecting the structure along which said object is moved. There is placed around the object at least one protective device (102) which includes a first inflatable tube that is fastened to a second inflatable tube. The tubes are positioned so as to form two concentrical rings or spirals around the object (101), with the first tube located inwardly of the second tube. The first tube is filled with a suitable amount of gas, preferably air, such as to bring the first tube into contact with the object (101) and therewith firmly hold the protective device (102) to the object (101) through the medium of frictional forces.

Abstract: Provided is a plumbing device for plumbing and connection of a long member, at the time of installation vertically of the long member on an upper end of a lower member, which is used for plumbing the installed long member to connect with the lower member.

Abstract: A container pallet can be attached to a standard cargo container to facilitate movement, storage and retrieval of the cargo container by a fork lift truck. The container pallet comprises a rectangular base of rigid material for supporting a container comprising two opposing end members and two opposing side members. The container pallet further comprises at least one longitudinal member of rigid material that can be disposed in parallel to the side members between the two opposing end members. The container pallet further comprises a plurality of fork channels which are adapted to receive a respective fork-lift prong of the fork lift truck. The plurality of fork channels can be substantially parallel to each other and to the end members, and can be disposed between the side members. The container pallet and the container can have a length of twenty feet and greater.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover (10) is provided for a swimming pool (5) which can be lowered to cover portion of the room floor (2) and can be then raised to a position above the pool (5) and adjacent the ceiling (4). The cover (10) is suspended from the ceiling (4) by various wire ropes and associated winches.

Abstract: A concrete form suspension system has a form support projecting laterally from an upper portion of a vertically displaceable support structure and a hydraulic jack operable to raise the support structure along a vertically extending concrete structure. A support device can be secured to the concrete structure for supporting the jack and support brackets can be secured to the concrete structure for supporting the raised support structure from the concrete structure. By operation of the jack, the support structure can climb the concrete structure to allow concrete forms suspended from the form support to be located in position for use in upwardly extending the concrete structure.