Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices and methods for ventilating enclosed area such as shipping containers or structures erected to temporarily contain cargo items. A central element in such devices and methods is a ventilation stack assembly in which a vertically-oriented stack having an outlet is connected at its other end to a pipe leading to an inlet. A first housing having the dimensions (and preferably the fittings) of a standard shipping container is rigidly connected to the stack and pipes, and the assembly can be physically manipulated as if it were a standard shipping container. Gas (e.g., fumigant) provided to the pipe inlet passes through the pipe and into and through the stack, exiting at the outlet, which can be situated at an altitude whereat gas discharged therefrom is dispersed into the atmosphere at a location and concentration at which displeasure or hazard to humans can be reduced.

Abstract: A roof cover for a fish farm, in which solar cells may be arranged on the roof cover to collect solar energy, and where the roof cover is resistant to weather conditions, and where the roof cover provides a controlled environment for fish farming by protecting it from wind and weather.

Abstract: A network of fibers is attached to an antenna platform of a telecommunications tower to deter the nesting of raptors. The fibrous network does not extend the overall height of the tower and includes a plurality of angled fibers crossing the vertical space defined by the antenna platform. The fibers may be attached to the antenna masts or supporting elements of the platform.

Abstract: A barrier cable anchor for mechanically coupling a barrier cable to a barrier retaining structure comprises an anchor body comprising a mounting extension and an anchor body extension and including a radially extending mounting face, a retaining collar coupled to the anchor body extension and including a tapered inner surface, and one or more retaining wedges positioned within the retaining collar. The anchor body extension, mounting extension, and retaining collar may have bores therethrough. The retaining collar may include a threaded outer surface and the anchor body extension may include a threaded inner surface and the retaining collar may be threadedly coupled to the anchor body extension. The anchor may further comprise an anchor cap retained to the anchor body extension. The anchor cap may include a threaded inner surface and the retaining collar may be threadedly coupled to the anchor cap.

Abstract: An insulation system for portable buildings preferably includes a plurality of support struts, a plurality of cross tube clamps and a ceiling sheet. The support strut is preferably a tube having a length, which is substantially equal to a distance between two adjacent rafters. Three support struts are attached to bottom support tubes of two adjacent rafters with two cross tube clamps. The three support struts may also be attached to vertical support tubes of two adjacent rafters with two in-line cross tube clamps. Opposing edges of the ceiling sheet are attached to the bottom support tubes or the vertical support tubes of the two adjacent rafters with at least two sheet clamps. An insulation retention member is placed adjacent a top of the ceiling sheet to prevent insulation from sliding down the ceiling sheet. Two adjacent insulation retention members may be secured to each other with a joining device.

Abstract: This invention relates to lattice tower for actuate under high load conditions, more particularly to lattice towers utilized for wind turbines and other applications comprising three metallic legs arranged in a triangular configuration around a vertical axis of the lattice tower, wherein each metallic leg has a closed cross-section profile, a distance between the center of metallic legs in a bottom portion of the tower is greater than 4 meters, an angle of inclination of a central longitudinal axis of each metallic leg in relation to the vertical axis of the tower is between ?1.7 degree and +1.7 degrees, and the height of the lattice tower is greater than 60 meters, a plurality of bracing members and auxiliary bracing members and a support platform disposed at a top portion of the tower.

Abstract: An upright reinforcing rod connected to the ground with a mechanical anchor and to the monopole tower with a bracket at a top elevation. The rod is stabilized laterally by being disposed through vertically oriented openings in lateral supports at intermediate elevations. There may be a clearance fit between the rod and lateral supports. The rod may be inserted sideways into the supports. The connection between rod and support may be boltless and simple. The support may comprise spring loaded latch fingers for capturing the rod. The mechanical anchor and intermediate supports provide improved installation methods.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for controlling the tension of tensioning cables in precompressed towers are disclosed. The towers may comprise a tower section (5), a pair of flanges (15, 15?), a plurality of tensioning cables (10A-10D) and at least one tensioner (30AB, 30CD). The pair of flanges may be arranged around an upper and a lower part of the tower section. The at least one tensioner may be arranged between two of the plurality of tensioning cables (10A-10D). The tensioner may pull the tensioning cables in response to a load signal to increase the tension.

Abstract: A device for anchoring constructions in the ground, having a tubular support column or support element and having supporting plates arranged in a supporting plane, wherein the tubular support column is in the form of a continuous part which extends from the supporting plane to above the ground, the tubular support column, the supporting plates and the connecting webs consist of steel, the tubular support column or the support element, the supporting plates and the connecting webs are connected together by screw connections, and the supporting plates are connected to the tubular support column by connecting webs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.

Abstract: An integrated railroad signal bungalow assembly where a railroad signal bungalow is surrounded by an external frame, which supports a walkway structure assembly. The walkway structure assembly, in turn, supports one or more solar panels and a wind turbine. The solar panels and wind turbine supply power to equipment in the railroad signal bungalow.

Abstract: A guy wire control method provides a plurality of activation elements, and enables the plurality of activation elements to be coupled with at least a portion of a guy wire. The method activates at least one of the plurality of activation elements to assist the guy wire in at least one capacity.

Abstract: A support post structure includes: a ground plate mounted on a support post anchor driven into the ground or a concrete base; a support post; a universal joint for tiltably supporting a lower end of the post; a lower support plate placed on an upper end of the post; a spring; an upper support plate; a bolt inserted through the lower support plate, the spring, and the upper support plate; a nut threaded into the bolt; and a rope hanging between a mooring part of the bolt and a predetermined position near the lower end of the post. The support post is brought to a standing state when the rope is tightened by the nut and is tiltable in all directions when a guard fence receives a falling rock or the like, autonomously restoring to the initial standing state when the rock is removed.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A modular guy anchor includes an anchor head and an anchor shaft. The anchor head includes a tubular region for receiving the anchor shaft. The anchor shaft has one end that extends into or through the tubular region and is retained therein. The anchor shaft is preferably galvanized steel coated over at least a portion of its length with a corrosion-resistant material. The corrosion-resistant material is preferably applied over any portion of the anchor shaft that is exposed to soil during normal use. The modularity of the guy anchor facilitates stocking, shipping, and installation, while the corrosion resistance of the anchor shaft promotes longevity.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A ground anchor includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface; ground-piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, with the ground-piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface; ballast positioned on or in the body, with the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground-piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load; and means for securing an anchor line to the body. Ground-engaging means such as a ground-engaging blade member or flanges may be attached to the ground-piercing members to increase the surface area perpendicular to the line of force to provide additional resistance to movement.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.

Abstract: A ground anchor, including a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, ground piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, the ground piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface, ballast positioned on or in the body, the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load, and means for securing an anchor line to the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a mast system that includes a telescoping mast having first and second mast sections, the mast having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and a stabilization structure including a guy wire to stabilize the mast in the deployed configuration, wherein the guy wire is connected to the first mast section for manipulating the first mast section between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A modular guy anchor includes an anchor head and an anchor shaft. The anchor head includes a tubular region for receiving the anchor shaft. The anchor shaft has one end that extends into or through the tubular region and is retained therein. The anchor shaft is preferably galvanized steel coated over at least a portion of its length with a corrosion-resistant material. The corrosion-resistant material is preferably applied over any portion of the anchor shaft that is exposed to soil during normal use. The modularity of the guy anchor facilitates stocking, shipping, and installation, while the corrosion resistance of the anchor shaft promotes longevity.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.

Abstract: An extended length strand take up device is presented that may be used to repair damaged guy wires in the field. The invention comprises two connecting bodies connected by a single tension rod that extends continuously between the two connecting bodies. Each connecting body slides over opposite ends of the tension rod and is held in place by a stop member, such as threaded nuts screwed onto the respective ends of the tension rod. The connecting bodies may further include an inwardly-facing pull tab or tabs that can be used for pre-tensioning the guy wire. An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a single tension rod that is fixedly anchored to the ground and several connecting bodies that are fixedly mounted along the end of the guy wire at standard increments. The tension rod runs parallel to and overlaps the end of the guy wire. The connecting bodies slide along the length of the tension rod until the required tension and length is reached.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing a tower is disclosed. The system includes a number of vertically elongated primary support risers. Each riser is attached to the tower at a series of spaced apart locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for tying down an existing roof frame to resist windstorm uplift forces, in which an elongate connector is inserted slantingly upward through a hole through the roof frame, allowing an upper end of the connector to protrude from the roof frame to receive a head member which is detachably attached thereto in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upward relative to the connector under an uplift force. The lower end of the connector is secured to an underlying wall such that the connector applies a restraining force against wind uplift forces.

Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.

Abstract: A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.

Abstract: A wind cap for buildings serves to anchor a building structure securely to the underlying terrain. The wind cap is a series of base plates which are temporarily and removably placed upon the roof of a structure, with a corresponding series of tiedown straps secured over the plates and attached to ground anchors on opposite sides of the structure. Two of the base plate components may be hinged together along their common edges for placement over the ridge line of the roof. Single plates are placed along the eaves and at intermediate points of the roof span. Each plate includes at least one pair of roller support arms adjustably extending upwardly therefrom, with a roller installed between each arm pair. The rollers eliminate the drag of the tiedown strap passing thereover, thereby eliminating asymmetrical loads on the underlying plates and roof as the straps are tightened.

Abstract: The within invention concerns a telescopic boom of a crane with a pivot section, telescopic sections that can telescope out of the pivot section, and a guying that has at least one guy stand housed to pivot on one of the sections, and at least one guy cable supported by the guy stand, as well as erection mechanisms for raising the support stand out of folded transportation position into raised operating position. According to the invention, the telescopic boom is characterized by the fact that the erection mechanism consists of a tension rod that connects the guy stand with an internal telescopic section that can telescope outward opposite the section on which the guy stand is housed to pivot.

Abstract: An extended length strand take up device comprises at least two tension rods disposed in parallel spaced relationship to one another, and a first connecting body slidably mounted on the tension rods for connecting the extended length strand take up device to a guy wire, and a second a first connecting body slidably mounted on the tension rods for connecting the extended length strand take up device to a ground anchor. The first and second connecting bodies each include at least two side load tubes interconnected by a central web, each side load tube being slidably disposed on a respective one of said tension rods. A stop member at each end of said tension rods retains the first and second connecting bodies on the tension rods.

Abstract: A monopole system has a free standing monopole tower and at least one collar assembly positioned around the tower having a plurality of radially projecting arms with holes. A plurality of anchor assemblies, each coupled to the ground around the tower and including a bracket having an aperture. A plurality of guy cables coupling one leg of each collar assembly with an aperture of an associated bracket.

Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords) is disclosed. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Different configurations of guy arrangements may be described and claimed for each of the embodiments of this invention. Self Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested, or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS 's.

Abstract: A guyed tower is used to support wireless communication equipment and/or other types of loads. The guyed tower is fixedly attached to a foundation, and a pole tower is erected within a middle region of the guyed tower. This pole tower is also fixedly attached to the foundation. The pole tower supports the guyed tower by absorbing bending moments that are applied to the guyed tower. Thus, the presence of the pole tower within the middle region of the guyed tower enables the guyed tower to support additional wireless transmission equipment and/or other types of loads.

Abstract: Rapid deployment of a suspension cable is a supportive system to several high-rise building rescue methods. A cable is pre-attached in a peelable manner to the building side and rigidly attached to the building top. An emergency chase vehicle is dispatched to the building base, attaches to the lower end of the cable and then moves away from the building. The cable peels off the building and suspends from the building top to the ground at approximately a 45 degree angle. A high-rise building rescue method now utilizes this deployed suspension cable.

Abstract: This concerns a 1000 foot stainless-steel Cross. This is a multi-faceted building including an I-beam internal structure for the tower and the arms, a cable structure within and without the building, and stainless-steel panels as the external “skin” of the building.

Abstract: A method or the realisation and the maintenance of overhead line plants for telecommunications, in which the anchor or “mooring” device of the self-gripping two-way supports of the cables, is made integral with a movable structure free to move along the supporting post. The structure includes a chain allowing lowering of the line from span level to ground level, and its successive lifting to the predetermined operative height at the end of the maintenance intervention. The lowering of the line to the ground level is achieved by exploiting the gravity force acting on the line itself, and the successive lifting, by pulling this anchor chain. The movable structures are provided according to different configurations, depending on the characteristics of the posts where these structures are used.

Abstract: A connector (20) for quickly and easily connecting an anchor strap (50) having an upper end (52) and a lower end (56) to a sidewall bracket (73) of a manufactured home (70); the sidewall bracket 70 having an elongate horizonal slot (77). Connector (20) includes a central portion (22) including a cut (44) for connecting strap (50). An attachment portion (30), including a neck (31) and a head (34), is adapted to be maneuverable for easy attachment to slot (77). Attached connector (20) is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an attached tensioned strap (50). A connector assembly (10) includes strap (50) already attached to connector (20). The method of using connector assembly (10) includes attaching strap (50) to an anchor (80).

Abstract: A guyed tower is used to support wireless communication equipment and/or other types of loads. The guyed tower is fixedly attached to a foundation, and a pole tower is erected within a middle region of the guyed tower. This pole tower is fixedly attached both to the foundation and to the guyed tower. Bending moments are transferred from the guyed tower to the pole tower via the collar that is disposed about the guyed tower. Thus, the presence of the pole tower within the middle region of the guyed tower increases the load capacity and stability of the guyed tower.

Abstract: A stake assembly includes a spike having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis of the stake assembly. A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom and defines the upper end of the substantially inflexible portion of the stake assembly. A resilient fastening member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly therefrom and is resilient in both lateral and longitudinal directions. A controlling member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly and is connected to the second end of the resilient fastening member. A tether or leash may be fastened to the second end of the resilient fastening member.

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 frame clamp for an anchor strap assembly (10) for a manufactured home (70) having a frame member (74), such as an I-beam (75), and supported above ground (99), such as by piers (91). Anchor strap assembly (10) includes elongate anchor strap (30) connecting a ground anchor (20) to frame clamp (40). Ground anchor (20) includes head (22) fixed near ground (99) to the side of beam (75). Clamp (40) attaches top end (34) of strap (30) to beam (75) and comprises stationary jaw (42) and movable jaw (60) joined such that movable jaw (60) to which strap (30) is attached is pivotable about axis (58) perpendicular to the plane of strap (30) and such that movable jaw (60) is hinged such that tensioning strap (30) clamps beam (75) between jaws (42,61). Clamp (40) is easily attached and prevents strap breakage during home movement such as during an earthquake or storm.

Abstract: A connector 20 for quickly and easily connecting an anchor strap 50 having an upper end 52 and a lower end 56 to a sidewall bracket 73 of a manufactured home 70; the sidewall bracket 70 having an elongate horizonal slot 77. Connector 20 includes a central portion 22 including means 44 for connecting strap 50. An attachment portion 30, including a neck 31 and a head 34, is adapted to be maneuverable for easy attachment to slot 77. Attached connector 20 is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an attached tensioned strap 50. A connector assembly 10 includes strap 50 already attached to connector 20. The method of using connector assembly 10 includes attaching strap 50 to an anchor 80.

Abstract: A guyed tower is used to support wireless communication equipment and/or other types of loads. The guyed tower is fixedly attached to a foundation, and a pole tower is erected within a middle region of the guyed tower. This pole tower is fixedly attached both to the foundation and to the guyed tower. Bending moments are transferred from the guyed tower to the pole tower via the collar that is disposed about the guyed tower. Thus, the presence of the pole tower within the middle region of the guyed tower increases the load capacity and stability of the guyed tower.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A tower support structure for supporting communications equipment or other types of equipment above the ground is provided. The structure includes a foundation, a tower having a number of tower sections is supported by the foundation. The tower includes main bracing systems and sub-bracing systems extending between the tower columns. A cable support structure is anchored to the ground and is also connected to the tower.

Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords). Each strut is in pure compression (i.e. no bending or twisting forces) and each guy is in pure tension. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Three or four configurations of guy arrangements are described and claimed for each of the five embodiments of this invention. Self-Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested (overlapping) or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS's.

Abstract: A tree guy line system including a plurality of guy lines with each line having a first and second end and a limited extension spring assembly disposed between the ends to allow a limited extension of the lines to absorb large forces due to wind gusts, etc. A plurality of anchors are adapted to be inserted into the ground at spaced locations around the tree with the second end of each line being secured to a respective anchor. A line adjacent the first end thereof forming a collar for placement around the trunk or limb of a tree where the line extends from both ends of the collar. A tension bar has a line engaging end slidably mounted on the line below the collar and another end of the tension bar secured to the first end of the line so that the line engaging end can be moved along the line to remove slack and place the line in tension.