Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for removing a gliding pad of a gliding yaw bearing of a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises selecting a gliding pad to be removed, rotating a nacelle to a removal position and removing the selected gliding pad. In a further aspect, a gliding yaw bearing for a wind turbine is provided. The gliding yaw bearing comprises a first bearing component configured to be coupled to a tower of a wind turbine and a second bearing component configured to be coupled to a nacelle of a wind turbine. The first bearing component is configured to rotate with respect to the second bearing component. The gliding yaw bearing further comprises one or more axial gliding pads arranged between the first and the second bearing components. In yet a further aspect, a wind turbine comprising examples of yaw bearings according to any of the examples herein disclosed is provided.

Abstract: A curved brace is described herein. In some embodiments, the curved brace includes a base plate that has a proximal segment with one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a vertical post, a distal segment located distal to the proximal segment that includes one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a lateral beam and a curved middle segment located between the proximal and distal segments. A support plate with a curved base as well as a curved free edge may be attached to the base plate. The curved middle segment of the base plate may have an apex facing the apex angle formed at the connection of the lateral beam to the support beam. Methods of using and manufacturing the curved brace are also described.

Abstract: A self-building tower comprising a plurality of tower sections adapted to be connected in a sequence to form a modular tower, and a tower feeding system having a feeder sleeve block. The feeder sleeve block is elevated above a horizontal surface by a support column, and has a feeder aperture which allows tower sections to be positioned between the feeder aperture to be fed upwardly through the feeder sleeve block. The feeder sleeve block supports the modular tower in a position perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The tower feeding system has a hoist mechanism for raising each tower section through the feeder aperture, allowing additional tower sections to be attached to the lowermost tower section in the sequence.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pole setting device to assist in setting a utility pole in a base while maintaining electrical isolation between the utility pole and a worker, the device having: a non-electrically conductive elongate member having a handle end and an opposite pole end, and having a length between the handle end and the opposite pole end; a bracket adapted to contact to an exterior surface of the pole and to the pole end of the non-electrically conductive elongate member.

Abstract: This application relates to tower segment handling methods and apparatus, and in particular to methods and apparatus for handling segments of steel wind turbine towers. The wind turbine tower comprises a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections, which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another. The vertical section of the tower has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments have vertical and horizontal edges and combine to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges. Adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments. The tower segments are combined into a tower section using a flat roller bed on which the segments can be assembled. A method of assembling a tower section is discussed.

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: Disclosed is a drill rig having two master skids. Wherein prior to assembly of the drill rig, the master skids include a base box structure and a supported box structure arranged in a nested relationship. Additionally, the base box structures house hydraulic components and support components necessary to raise and support the supported box structure at an operational position. Further, the base box structures includes hydraulic components necessary to raise the drill rig mast to an operational position.

Abstract: A system comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically extending members arranged to define a mast channel, the support structure attached to a platform having a rig floor and the support structure positioned above an opening in the rig floor; a first mast section that is attached to the support structure; a second mast section that is attached to the support structure and the first mast section; and a third mast section; wherein the system has a first arrangement in which the third mast section is located below the rig floor in a vertical position and is vertically spaced from the second mast; and wherein the system has a second arrangement in which the third mast section is attached to the second mast section and at least a portion of the third mast extends within the opening of the rig floor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate a method and apparatus for a tower structure. In one embodiment, the tower structure includes a base support plate, a plurality of articulating mast structures coupled to the base support plate and pivotable from a position parallel to the ground to an upright position, and a frame structure movably coupled to a track coupled to one of the articulating mast structures, the track disposed along a length of the one of the articulating mast structures to raise and lower the frame structure along the track.

Abstract: A method including arranging a plurality of actuators into an operating position, arranging a first upper frame and a second upper frame proximate the actuators, attaching a support to the first upper frame and the second upper frame, wherein the support is located above the actuators, and extending the actuators to engage the support. The method also includes extending the actuators to raise the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a first position, arranging a first middle frame below the first upper frame and a second middle frame below the second upper frame, retracting the actuators to lower the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a second position, and attaching the first upper frame to the first middle frame and attaching the second upper frame to the second middle frame.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a tower, a nacelle and a yaw bearing, wherein the yaw bearing is arranged and prepared for rotating the nacelle relative to the tower around a yaw axis is provided. The yaw bearing has a first yaw bearing component which is fixed to the tower, a second yaw bearing component which is fixed to the nacelle, and at least one sliding component which is located between the first yaw bearing component and the second yaw bearing component. The wind turbine is prepared and arranged for housing at least one lifting device for lifting the nacelle relative to the tower such that the sliding component can be removed. Furthermore, a method of lifting the nacelle relative to the tower is provided. Thus, the sliding component may be removed and the removed sliding component may be replaced by a re-placement sliding component.

Abstract: A method comprising attaching a first mast section to a support structure using a first plurality of fasteners located on the support structure, wherein a lower portion of the support structure is connected to and located above an opening in the platform comprising a platform floor, and wherein the first mast section has a line, a hook, and a pulley, with the line operably coupled to the pulley and connected to a hoist attached to the platform. The method also comprises lowering the hook, using the hoist, in a downward direction away from the pulley and through the opening, attaching the hook to a second mast section located below the platform floor, raising the hook and the second mast section, using the hoist, in an upward direction towards the pulley and through the opening, and connecting the first mast section to the second mast section.

Abstract: A tower section storage device for storing a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The device comprises a central body frame defining a center point, at least three feet, and at least three tower section receiving areas (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) connected to the central body frame. All of the feet are connected to the central body frame such that they are moved away from and/or towards the center point. A method for storing a tower section, in particular of a wind turbine tower by means of such device is also provided.

Abstract: A method includes attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening, attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support, and operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and wherein the first mast section is located above the opening. The method also includes arranging a second mast section below the first mast section, lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening.

Abstract: A method of constructing a tower structure by assembling a set of coaxial telescopic sections 2, 3a, 3b in position on site and then raising the assembled sections using hydraulic crawler jacks 8 and tendons 5. The telescopic sections are assembled or constructed in situ, starting with the inner section and then each subsequent section around the outside of the previously constructed sections. Each individual tower section may be cast in situ or assembled from multiple pre-fabricated segments. This method permits the construction of very tall structures while obviating the need for very large cranes. It also removes the design constraints on the height of the individual telescopic sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a tower structure and erection thereof include, in one embodiment, a tower structure comprising a base support member, a mast structure pivotally coupled to the base support member, and a motion control device coupled between the base support member and the mast structure for controlling movement therebetween.

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: 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.

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 mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a raisable substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second substructure boxes. The first and second substructure boxes of the raisable substructure each include, among other things an upper box and a lower box, wherein each of the upper boxes is adapted to be raised above a respective lower box. The disclosed raisable substructure also includes a movable center floor section that is adapted to be supported by the upper boxes of the first and second substructure boxes, wherein the movable center floor section is further adapted to be slidably moved between the upper boxes during assembly of the drilling rig.

Abstract: A telescoping tower includes a plurality of nested tower sections extendable in a telescoping direction, each of the plurality of nested tower sections having a plurality of legs that define respective heights of the plurality of nested tower sections in the telescoping direction, each of the plurality of legs slidably engaging at least one leg of at least one adjacent one of the plurality of nested tower sections along an overlap in the respective heights thereof.

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 liquid-resistant control systems enclosure may include a shell, a shaft and at least one shell anchoring member. The shell may include a top, a shell wall connected to and extending downwardly from a perimeter of the top, and a sleeve. The shaft may extend upwardly through a surface pad and may be adapted to pass through the sleeve. The sleeve may include a sleeve wall extending downwardly from an inner perimeter of an opening in the top. The sleeve may matingly engage the shaft to move the shell between a raised position and a lowered position. The shell may be moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The shell may be adapted to be positioned in the latched position when the shell is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a rig floor and a subfloor. The rig floor and subfloor are generally horizontal, with the subfloor positioned a selected distance below the rig floor. The subfloor extends at least partially below the rig floor. At least one access point is positioned to allow access to the subfloor from the rig floor. In some embodiments, the access point includes a hatch. The hatch is openable to allow access to the subfloor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a tower segment of a concrete tower of a wind energy installation, comprising the steps: providing a segment mold having at least one formwork for defining a mold of the tower segment that is to be produced and for filling with concrete; filling the segment mold with concrete in order to form the tower segment by the subsequent hardening of the concrete; measuring the tower segment thus hardened for creating a three-dimensional, virtual actual model of said tower segment; producing said three-dimensional actual model; comparing the three-dimensional actual model with a predefined mold, in particular a stored three-dimensional, virtual target model; and determining a deviation between both virtual models and changing the segment mold, in particular changing the at least one formwork when the deviation exceeds a first predefined threshold value.

Abstract: The wind turbine assembly system of the present invention comprises a lifting structure comprising at least first structural support elements configured to transmit stresses to the wind turbine tower during the hoisting of a wind turbine component and a crane configured to displace the wind turbine component towards the tower axis, the system further comprising a displaceable climbing element with respect to the lifting structure by means of guiding mechanisms, the displaceable climbing element incorporating second structural support elements dimensioned to at least partly support the weight of the lifting structure, where the first structural support elements are displaceable so that their relative position can vary with respect to the lifting structure.

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: A drilling rig assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising a drilling rig skid and a derrick assembly having a derrick assembly pivot axis and being adapted to move relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly comprises a pair of derrick masts disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and comprising a rack, and a carriage assembly being substantially disposed between the pair of derrick masts, being adapted to move along the pair of derrick masts and comprising a pinion. The drilling rig assembly also comprises a means for moving the derrick assembly relative to the drilling rig skid, a pipe loader assembly having a pipe loader assembly pivot axis, and a means for moving the pipe loader assembly relative to the drilling rig skid. The derrick assembly pivot axis and the pipe loader assembly pivot axis are co-axial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12. At least some of the tube sections 12 are provided with platform segments 28 that are hinge-connected and foldable from a collapsed position in which they are positioned close to the tube sections 12 to a position of use in which they extend radially inwardly into the tubular building structure 10 in the mounted position of the tube sections 12. In particular the invention relates to a tube segment 16 adapted to be interconnected with other tube segments 16 to form a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12, each tube section being formed by interconnected axially extending tube segments 16.

Abstract: A wind turbine system erection apparatus may include a body portion having a window, a section handler secured to the body portion and extending through the window, the section handler adapted to pick, lift, axis-align, and set a mast section, and a movement mechanism secured to the body portion, the movement mechanism adapted to moveably reposition the body portion along the length of the mast of the wind turbine system. A method is also disclosed and may include positioning an erection apparatus near a base of a mast of the wind turbine system, the positioning including locating the erection apparatus substantially concentrically with the mast. The method may also include picking a mast section from near the base of the system with the erection apparatus, lifting the mast section along the length of the mast, and translating the mast section into the erection apparatus and into alignment with the mast.

Abstract: A drilling rig including a base structure, a lifting device attached to the base structure, and a rig floor comprising a derrick and drilling equipment disposed thereon, in which the lifting device is configured to lift the rig floor so that at least one box may be inserted between the base structure and the rig floor, the rig floor having load points attached thereto and configured to be aligned with the lifting device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for erecting a tower. The subject system includes a tower, which may include a base portion and a plurality of tower sections. The subject system may further include a frame provided on the tower, a crane provided on the frame, and a self-hoist system for elevating and lowering the frame relative to the tower. Erection of the tower is facilitated through use of the self-hoist system to elevate the frame, and use of the crane to provide various tower sections on the base portion and an initial tower section or sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a raisable substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second substructure boxes. The first and second substructure boxes of the raisable substructure each include, among other things an upper box and a lower box, wherein each of the upper boxes is adapted to be raised above a respective lower box. The disclosed raisable substructure also includes a movable center floor section that is adapted to be supported by the upper boxes of the first and second substructure boxes, wherein the movable center floor section is further adapted to be slidably moved between the upper boxes during assembly of the drilling rig.

Abstract: A portable frame assembly having a skid assembly for supporting a vertically oriented mast assembly is disclosed. The mast assembly is comprised of at least two column assemblies that may be extended or retracted vertically as desired. The mast assembly is translatable to slide horizontally on the skid assembly without the need for tracks or rollers by means of powered actuators to allow for a desired placement of the mast assembly. The portable frame assembly may be positioned adjacent a wellhead for the purpose of performing plug and abandon operations and may include a power swivel and other such hydraulic or mechanical tools for performing a variety of operations on a well including removing and plugging well casing strings, milling pipe strings, cement drilling, removing wellhead assemblies, or setting and pulling plugs from pipe strings.

Abstract: A method to assemble a drilling rig includes providing a base structure of the drilling rig, stacking a rig floor including a derrick on the base structure, actuating lifting cylinders to lift the rig floor above the base structure, inserting at least one first upper box between the base structure and the rig floor, and retracting the lifting cylinders to set the rig floor atop the at least one first upper box.

Abstract: A method for erecting a pre-stressed sectionalized and segmented concrete tower for wind power or heliostatic generator or chimney is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of assembling supports and lifting harnesses in order to support to the concrete segments for assembling concrete section from the concrete segments using a small capacity crane, and installing, with a high capacity crane the assembled concrete sections to conform the concrete tower. The lifting harness provides safety scaffolds for personnel during prestressing.

Abstract: A substructure of a drill rig includes, among other things, a base and an intermediate section that is adapted to be raised above the base, wherein the intermediate section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a first lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the intermediate section above the base. The substructure further includes a rig floor section that is adapted to be raised above the intermediate section, wherein the rig floor section is further adapted to be laterally moved in a second lateral direction relative to the base and maintained substantially parallel to the base during the raising of the rig floor section above the intermediate section, the second lateral direction being opposite to the first lateral direction.

Abstract: A method of construction of a civil engineering structure that includes first and second superimposed components is described. According to one embodiment of the method: the second component is positioned beneath a fixed lifting structure that includes a lifting device, the second component is lifted using the lifting device, the first component is positioned beneath the fixed lifting structure substantially below the second component, and the second component is substantially placed on the first component using the lifting device, while the second component remains substantially in place.

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 multi-floor building construction system for progressively constructing floors on load-bearing means of a foundation as the occupational need to do so arises and while sub-floors can be occupied. A permanent roof structure is displaceably supported over an uppermost floor of at least an upper one of one or more occupational floor spaces. Extensible load support means is secured in the roof structure until the completion of the mufti-floor building. The extensible load support means rests upon the uppermost floor to support the total load of the permanent roof structure. The extensible load support means is extendible downwardly to push against the uppermost floor to raise the permanent roof structure. Adjustable hoisting means is secured inside the permanent roof structure for lifting floor sub-assemblies fabricated in the construction zone using the extensible load support means while simultaneously raising the permanent roof structure.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for a solar power tower includes a track, a cable, and a winch. The track extends longitudinally from the tower top to the tower base. The winch is located at the tower top and anchors the cable that extends toward the tower bottom adjacent the track. A component attached to the track and to the cable is guided along the track by the winch spooling or unspooling the cable.

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.

Abstract: An auxiliary unit for a wind power turbine having a nacelle and a rotary electric machine; the auxiliary unit having a frame configured to connect the nacelle of the wind power turbine and defining an auxiliary chamber for housing at least one device for conditioning electric energy produced by the rotary electric machine; and a bridge crane for handling the device inside and outside the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: A support pole having a support member track portion and a support arm track portion is described that is configured to allow lateral and vertical displacement of the carrier device. In one or more implementations, the support pole includes a support member and a support arm extending outwardly from the support member. The support pole includes a support member track portion connected to the support member and a support arm track portion connected to the support arm. The support pole may also include a transition track portion disposed between the support member portion and the support arm portion. The track portions, collectively, are configured to allow a carrier device to transition between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Mobile drilling rigs and methods for moving drilling rigs are disclosed which, in one aspect, include wheel assemblies connected to a rig which wheel assemblies are selectively movable from a rig drilling position to a rig movement position. 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 reclosable mast (2) for drilling rig includes two opposed latticed structures (22), constrained at one end to the base structure (10) placed in the drilling site “P” and to each other, defining side faces (2b) of the mast (2). U-shaped structures, each include a rear bar (40), adapted to get compressed when closing the mast (2), and two side shoulders (41) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the an associated bar (40). The U-shaped structures are arranged at preset intervals between the two latticed structures (22), the rear bars defining the rear face or back (2a) of the mast (2). The mast (2) includes a diagonal members (3) located on the rear face 2a of the mast and constrained, between two superimposed U-shaped structures, the diagonal members (3) being adapted to split into at least two portions; reducing their longitudinal extension, and to allow reducing the dimension.

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: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for erecting a tower. The subject system includes a tower, which may include a base portion and a plurality of tower sections. The subject system may further include a frame provided on the tower, a crane provided on the frame, and a self-hoist system for elevating and lowering the frame relative to the tower. Erection of the tower is facilitated through use of the self-hoist system to elevate the frame, and use of the crane to provide various tower sections on the base portion and an initial tower section or sections.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the length of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.