Supporting Shaft Patents (Class 52/296)
  • Patent number: 11365523
    Abstract: A tensionless concrete pier foundation for supporting a tower and a method of constructing the same is provided, the foundation having an outer CMP and an inner CMP with an annular space therebetween in which a plurality of sleeved tower anchor bolts are embedded, at least the outer CMP having an upper edge that is flush with the top of the foundation after the tower has been installed. A method of plumbing a tower anchor bolt cage using a bolt alignment ring is also provided that includes coupling the upper ends of the CMPs together with lateral spacing bolts that extend across the annular space. The tower anchor bolt cage is suspended from the lateral spacing bolts by the bolt alignment ring, and the lateral spacing bolts are shimmed on a low side as necessary for leveling the alignment ring and plumbing the bolt cage, before concrete pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC.
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11088654
    Abstract: A solar array support structure includes a first vertical pile extending from a ground to a first pile end, a second vertical pile extending from the ground to a second pile end, and a first pile cap attached to each of the first and second vertical piles, the first pile cap configured to account for a misalignment of at least one of the first vertical pile and the second vertical pile by providing for adjustable attachment locations for each of the first and second pile ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SOLAR FOUNDATIONS USA, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis
  • Patent number: 11028574
    Abstract: The column-base joint includes a prefabricated-reinforced-concrete column and a reinforced-concrete foundation, and further includes a coating-steel-plate sleeve that is integrally prefabricated with the concrete column and encloses an exterior of a column base. A gap is between a bottom end of the coating-steel-plate sleeve and an upper surface of the foundation. An outside of the gap is provided with a plugging material. The joint further includes an annular rib plate all of whose edges are horizontally and seamlessly connected to an inner wall of the coating-steel-plate sleeve and whose middle portion is provided with a rib-plate opening. The annular rib plate is provided with a sleeve opening that matches with the grouting sleeve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventors: Haishan Guo, Liming Li, Hu Qi, Xin Fan, Dongyan Wang, Jiao Geng, Lida Tian, Kang Liu, Ming Li, Tong Li, Yonglan Xie
  • Patent number: 11009425
    Abstract: A system for detecting the formation of a crack in a metal joint includes an electrochemical electrical current detection device. Carrier material surrounds the metal joint, at least partially, with conductive media having electrolyte therein. An auxiliary electrode is in electrical contact with the carrier material. The placement of the auxiliary electrode in electrical contact with carrier material forms a passive layer on the metal joint. The formation of a crack in the metal joint ruptures the passive layer to generate a current for detection by the electrochemical electrical current detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Mehrooz Zamanzadeh, Carolyn Tome, Aaron Ulmer
  • Patent number: 10641247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-assembly slab system for concrete wind turbine towers, wherein the pre-assembly slabs can be transported to the vicinity of the tower of another wind turbine in the same wind farm or in another wind farm and be reused for the assembly of this other tower. The invention further relates to a method for assembling the pre-assembly slab system for concrete wind turbine towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: NORDEX ENERGY SPAIN, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Asier Gomez Andueza, Vanesa Cerrillo Gomez, Ivan Garcia Maestre, Teresa Arlaban Gabeiras, Ander Gaston Lujambio, Jose Luis Aristegui Lantero, Jose Miguel Garcia Sayes, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Patent number: 10228089
    Abstract: A steel stand for supporting heavy structures such as road construction and excavating equipment, either with or without a jacking device, wherein the stand has a central tubular steel core member welded at its ends to parallel steel plates, and having a perimetrically positioned plurality of steel, vertical side members spaced substantially circumferentially around the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald M. Norris
  • Patent number: 10023696
    Abstract: Medium and high molecular weight long chain aliphatic nylons and methods of making the same. A method of making medium and high molecular weight nylons is described, which not only produces consistent products, but products with enhanced properties such as impact resistance and chemical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company, LLC
    Inventor: Saumitra Bhargava
  • Patent number: 10012005
    Abstract: A crane system includes a structural truss positioned within a central opening defined by an inside surface of an annular tower, a crane mast connected to an outside surface of the annular tower, and a jib arm connected to the crane mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Wind Tower Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James D. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9976315
    Abstract: An elongate member, reinforcement system and associated methods is disclosed. The system can include an elongate member, a structure associated with an end of the elongate member, a support member coupled to the structure and laterally offset from the elongate member extending about an end portion of the elongate member, a support layer surrounding the end portion of the elongate member such that at least a portion of the support member is between the support layer and the elongate member, and a structural filler disposed between the support layer and the elongate member. A load tending to cause relative movement of the end portion of the elongate member and the structure can be transferred through the structural filler and the support member to provide support for the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Chris P. Pantelides, Lawrence D. Reaveley
  • Patent number: 9976585
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection structure for a woodware part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Shengjun Tian
  • Patent number: 9869300
    Abstract: A foundation for wind turbine tower and a pre-assembly method for the tower, in which the tower comprises sections divided into shell segments, and where the foundation comprises a pile cap with an upper base, a lower base and a slanted surface, with the upper base having a smaller area than the lower base. The foundation comprises a set of support elements that extend above the slanted surface of the pile cap arranged so that free upper surfaces of these support elements provide a support surface for the shell segments for the pre-assembly of a section, and a set of slender connection elements that are connected to the pile cap and whose open end is configured connect to the shell segments of a section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: PACADAR S.A.U.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Martínez De Castañeda, Manuel Cidoncha Escobar
  • Patent number: 9422717
    Abstract: In a column structure, a steel column serving as a column member is joined to a base plate serving as a base member. The steel column is configured by a pair of flanges provided at each of two width direction ends of a web. One end side of the base plate is fixed by first anchor members. The other end side of the base plate is fixed by second anchor members, and the second anchor members are formed with higher tensile strength than the first anchor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Senqcia Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Tanaka, Hideaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9284710
    Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Nyce, Kelly Patterson, George Clinton Brookhart
  • Patent number: 9145682
    Abstract: In a column structure, a base member is fixed onto a foundation by mortar, serving as a fixing member. First and second anchor bolts are employed as anchor members for fixing the base member. A steel column, serving as a column member in which flanges are integrally formed at both sides in a width direction of a web, is joined to the upper side of the base member. A shear resistance member is provided to a lower portion of the web, so as to be buried at least in the mortar. The shear strength of the column structure is raised by the shear resistance member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals Techno, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Tanaka, Hideaki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20150143765
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between a tower (7) of a wind generator and its foundation established by an interface formed by flexible elements independent from one another which are formed by a series of tensioned cables (1). Each of these cables is located inside vertical housing means (4) which are embedded in the foundation. The invention also relates to a method of execution of the connection between a tower (7) of a wind generator and its foundation (8), comprising a series of stages, some of which vary depending on whether or not the foundation (8) has central lightweighting. It also generates variation in some aspect if the tower is made of metal or concrete and, in this case, if the tensioning cables of the tower are common to or independent of those of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: MS ENERTECH, S.L.
    Inventors: José Ramón Carril González, Alvaro Hernando Aragón, Enrique Martínez Camarero
  • Patent number: 9032674
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karsten Schibsbye
  • Patent number: 8991122
    Abstract: A precast pole foundation having an elongated concrete body having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least two parallel concrete bolts extend from the upper surface of the concrete body. At least one cavity is disposed along the body of the concrete body for receiving a conduit. The pole foundation is preferably cylindrical and can be used to support a light pole, a utility pole, a sign pole of any such structure. At least a portion of the concrete body is reinforced with at least one reinforcing bar embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jay Abbey
  • Patent number: 8959857
    Abstract: A post to foundation connection made with a connector that can be installed as a retrofit after the post is already in place, with fastener attachments that are made to either side of the post rather than under it. The connector can be slid into place below the post, between it and the foundation, after which it can be attached to the foundation and the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company
    Inventor: Jin-Jie Lin
  • Publication number: 20140373471
    Abstract: A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele, John Leesman
  • Patent number: 8898991
    Abstract: A tower base ring assembly is provided for securing a wind turbine tower to a foundation. A top ring is configured for securing to a wind turbine tower. A bottom ring has an open center and a plurality of radially oriented troughs spaced circumferentially about the open center, with each trough having an outer end. The top ring and the bottom ring are detachable from one another, and the tower base ring assembly is connectable to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ying Xia Cai, William Francis Gevers, Roman Kolar
  • Patent number: 8887461
    Abstract: Provided is a structure that may include a structural tube having at least one slot extending from an end thereof, an end plate attached to the end of the structural tube, and at least one cross member extending through the at least one slot, the at least one cross member including a first region outside of the structural tube and a second region inside the structural tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: CTB Midwest, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Jay Hemphill, Jake Bigelow, Jason Hoffman, Ross Robert Ingwersen, Christopher Alan Jacob, Ryan Oliver, Brandon Lee Schafer
  • Patent number: 8875469
    Abstract: A sleeve for protecting from deterioration and anchoring an embedded end of a post in the ground. The sleeve, molded from unperforated, resilient material, conforms to the exterior post dimensions and extends for at least the desired embedment distance. One or more inwardly projecting notches are cut into the post. The sleeve includes one or more reversible snap domes molded into the sleeve at locations coinciding with the post notches. The snap domes flex to an outwardly concave position as the post is being inserted into the sleeve and then snap to an inwardly concave position once the post is fully installed and the snap domes align with the notches. The inward concavity of the snap domes extends into and engages the post notches to prevent the sleeve from being removed from the post. When embedded into the ground, backfill material prevents the snap dome from being deflected into the outward concavity position, thus anchoring both post and sleeve in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: William R. Keller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8863455
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a unitized precast grillage foundation for supporting a structure comprising: a plurality of anchoring elements defining a grid for resting on an underlying surface; a base connected on the grid, the base comprising at least a first footing and a second footing spaced apart and at least one connecting member between and connected to the at least first footing and the second footing; and a beam-column projecting upwardly from the base, and a method of making same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lafarge Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Ignacio Cariaga, Don Zakariasen
  • Patent number: 8857131
    Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon of a wind power installation is provided. The method includes providing a foundation and placing a plurality of height adjusting units on the foundation. The height adjusting units are made substantially from a plastic material. A load distribution ring is placed on the plurality of height adjusting units. The load distribution ring is straightened and leveled by adjustment of the height adjusting units. A gap between the foundation and the load distribution ring is filled with a grouting material. A pylon segment is placed on the load distribution ring after the grouting material has reached a predetermined strength. The height adjusting units are configured to jointly bear the weight of the load distribution ring, and are configured to yield under a selected load that is greater that a weight of the load distribution ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aloys Wobben
    Inventors: Markus Vogel, Jens Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8850765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the anchoring in rigid ground such as decks or floors made of concrete, asphalt, rock etc., for support posts for safety barriers and parapets, by means of bolts partly embedded in the ground and fixed to same by chemical or mechanical means, whose emergent part successively traverses the anchor plate of the post of the barrier, one or more washers and closure nuts which are what fix the bolt to the anchor plate. The washers present the capacity to behave as fusible elements which, in the event of a vertical load due to traction greater than a defined value, are deformed and traversed by the closure nut which, once released from the washer, traverses the corresponding hole of the anchor plate, which is of a size greater than that of the closure nut, with the union between the plate and bolt thus becoming decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hierros y aplanaciones, S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Amengual Pericas
  • Publication number: 20140250806
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Karsten Schibsbye
  • Patent number: 8826614
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for joining a gondola to the concrete tower of an aerogenerator, wherein the concrete tower is formed by a lower annular section, one or several intermediate annular sections and an upper annular section, including a flat annular support which is inserted between an upper surface of the upper annular section of the tower and the lower surface of a yaw bearing that supports the gondola, the flat annular support comprising orifices wherethrough a plurality of joining means pass, each of which is fixed to the bottom of the upper annular section of the tower and to the bottom of the yaw bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Iván García Maestre, Eduardo Azanza Ladrón, José Miguel García Sayés, Miguel Nuñez Polo
  • Patent number: 8806821
    Abstract: A tower foundation (10) has a base slab (11), pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13), all of which are made of precast concrete structures. The pillar slab is formed with a unitary mold (40) with one continuous internal chamber (41) which includes multiple leg cavities (42) which have three sidewalls (43) that are all angled outwardly from the bottom of the mold to the top of the mold. The mold produces a pillar slab which has multiple legs (12?) wherein each of the three sidewall surface (46) of each leg is set at an angle a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin Brown
  • Patent number: 8800225
    Abstract: A tower foundation (10) has a base slab (11), pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13), all of which are made of precast concrete structures. The slabs are all retained in position by steel guide rods (15) that extend upwardly from the base slab. The guide rods have externally threaded ends (16) configured to receive internally threaded mounting nuts (17). The crown slab has guide rod mounting holes (22) through which the guide rods extend. The crown slab has a central passageway (18) with two semi-circular ancillary channels (19) which include an incoming conduit channel (20) and an outgoing conduit channel (21). The incoming conduit channel receives the incoming electrical conduit (24) while the outgoing conduit channel (21) receives the outgoing electrical conduit (24?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin Brown
  • Patent number: 8801331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal power plant, comprising a turbine, which rotates on a carrying element; a foundation structure, on which the carrying element is supported on at least one coupling device, an upper part of the coupling device that is part of the carrying element being detachably operatively connected to a lower part of the coupling device that is part of the foundation structure in the installed state, wherein the invention is characterized in that the carrying element is individually adapted to the orientation of the lower part of the coupling device existing after the foundation structure has been created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Norman Perner, Wolfgang Maier, Alexander Sauer, Benjamin Holstein
  • Publication number: 20140215943
    Abstract: A tower foundation (10) has a base slab (11), pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13), all of which are made of precast concrete structures. The pillar slab is formed with a unitary mold (40) with one continuous internal chamber (41) which includes multiple leg cavities (42) which have three sidewalls (43) that are all angled outwardly from the bottom of the mold to the top of the mold. The mold produces a pillar slab which has multiple legs (12?) wherein each of the three sidewall surface (46) of each leg is set at an angle a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Franklin Brown
  • Patent number: 8782966
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Allan Zavitz, Kevin Lee Kirkley
  • Patent number: 8782978
    Abstract: A post footing device facilitates replacement of broken posts. The device includes a tube having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper end and the lower end. A sleeve has a top end, a bottom end, and a peripheral wall extending between the top end and the bottom end. The sleeve is insertable into the tube and configured for receiving and laterally supporting a post. Each of a plurality of alignment bars extends between the tube and the sleeve wherein the sleeve is held in position within the tube. The alignment bars are spaced around the sleeve such that the alignment bars align the sleeve in the tube. A support is positioned in the sleeve between the top end and the bottom end wherein the support is configured for supporting the post in the sleeve above the bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Gerry Frenette, Richard Frenette
  • Patent number: 8782979
    Abstract: The invention relates to method and arrangement for attaching a tower-like structure to a foundation. In the invention, a circular element is anchored to the concrete forming the foundation. The circular element is fitted on the surface of the foundation such that the circular element remains partially inside the concrete. The lowest part of the tower-like structure is attached by a screw connection to the circular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Peikko Group Oy
    Inventor: Kari Tuominen
  • Patent number: 8776463
    Abstract: A vibration isolator of a wind turbine system installed between a wind tower and a concrete foundation includes a plurality of bearing units arranged along the periphery of a flange of the wind tower, each bearing unit having elastic material layers and rigid material layers stacked alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LS Cable & Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong-Suk Kim, Man-Eok Hur, Joon-Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 8776479
    Abstract: An anchoring device including an anchoring element suitable for being anchored an object of construction material with the aid of mechanical vibrations. The anchoring element includes a thermoplastic material and a tool. The thermoplastic material forms at least a part of a radially outer surface of the anchoring element, and the tool has a proximal portion and a broadening portion distally of the proximal portion. The broadening portion has an outer second cross-section, the second cross section being larger than the first cross section but being adapted to the first cross section so that the tool can be moved with respect to the anchoring element while the broadening portion is in the axially-extending opening and locally expands the anchoring element while thermoplastic material of the anchoring element that surrounds the broadening portion is in a solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Jorg Mayer
  • Patent number: 8770527
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vinylast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Leary, Benjamin Yin
  • Patent number: 8745942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower foundation system (30) comprising a foundation (32) for a bottom section (36) of a tower, which bottom section (36) is to be connected to the upper part of the foundation (32), wherein the bottom section (36) is cast into the foundation (32) with an ultra high performance grout (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Work, Inc.
    Inventor: Anders Møller Andersen
  • Patent number: 8733045
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Allan Zavitz, Kevin Lee Kirkley
  • Patent number: 8684631
    Abstract: A method for creating an elevated containment structure at a site for providing telecommunications services. The elevated containment structure defines a containment field that is substantially surrounded by at least one wall of the elevated containment structure. The creation of the elevated containment structure further comprises forming the at least one wall, disposing a fill material within the containment field, positioning an equipment pad on the fill material, positioning telecommunications equipment on the equipment pad, receiving a signal at the telecommunications equipment from either end user and a service provider, communicating the signal from the equipment to the other of the end user and the service provider. Forming the at least one wall comprises positioning a plurality of forms to create a gap between at least two of the forms and disposing a second fill material in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Wade Bolotte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8671627
    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 support sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the axis 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8661752
    Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmed Phuly
  • Patent number: 8661768
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing a concrete slab or balcony are disclosed. The systems and methods may include cutting a groove in a portion of the concrete slab and inserting a rod into the groove. The groove may then be filled with a resin. The rod may optionally be secured by other or additional methods. The integrity of the concrete slab or balcony may then be strengthened by the inclusion of the rod in the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Structural Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tarek Alkhrdaji, Jay Thomas
  • Patent number: 8637767
    Abstract: A first device useful as a support base for utility poles, which integrates an anti-theft security system directed to prevent theft of power supply wires used in underground power distribution systems. The security system includes a dual internal conduit system for housing the wires and at least two head bolts inserted in an individual lateral straight conduit. Similarly, a second device includes a mold having an inverted T-shaped housing for the wires and a head bolt inside the upright conduit section of said inverted T-shaped housing. In both devices, the wires are moved in an angled position and secured by tightening the corresponding bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Francisco Diaz-Vallellanes
  • Patent number: 8635833
    Abstract: An earth retention system constructed with a top-down process that can be used for permanent below-grade structures, similar to a “soldier beam and lagging wall,” consists of vertical soldier piles, drainage and waterproofing, and a finished, reinforced concrete facing. The concrete facing is placed pneumatically (i.e., using so-called shotcrete). The system is well-suited to constructing below-grade portions of buildings where excavation lay back is not practical or cost effective and can incorporate permanent lateral support from tieback anchors. The below-grade structure is constructed by excavating down part way, constructing a waterproof “lift” portion of the ultimate structure, excavating down another part way, constructing another waterproof lift portion in a manner to be tied in with the lift portion immediately above, and repeating these steps until the below-grade structure is constructed to the desired depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Roy Anderson
  • Patent number: 8615964
    Abstract: An improved mounting structure for the posts of hand rail systems including a mounting arm member positioned within a sleeve monolithically formed within the inner chamber of the post. The sleeve includes a slit that allows for the outflow of water, thereby limiting corrosion and degrading of the post and mounting structure. A series of nubbed projections create grooves within the surface of the sleeve, to secure the mounting arm into the sleeve in a strong manner. A secure fit limits the amount of liquid trapped within the sleeve reducing corrosion. The mounting arm has smaller dimensions, reducing the chances that the arm comes into contact with support rods embedded within the concrete during installation. By avoiding contact with the support rods, concrete spalling is dramatically reduced, adding to the lifetime of the rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Poma & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Poma, Jason F. Poma
  • Patent number: 8613178
    Abstract: An anchoring element that provides anchorage in an object, and is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Jörg Mayer
  • Patent number: 8607524
    Abstract: An anchoring device including an anchoring element suitable for being anchored an object of construction material with the aid of mechanical vibrations. The anchoring element includes a thermoplastic material and a tool. The thermoplastic material forms at least a part of a radially outer surface of the anchoring element, and the tool has a proximal portion and a broadening portion distally of the proximal portion. The broadening portion has an outer second cross-section, the second cross section being larger than the first cross section but being adapted to the first cross section so that the tool can be moved with respect to the anchoring element while the broadening portion is in the axially-extending opening and locally expands the anchoring element while thermoplastic material of the anchoring element that surrounds the broadening portion is in a solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Jörg Mayer
  • Patent number: 8607515
    Abstract: A connector comprising a container-like fastener holder (4) of finite depth with a front (6) and a rear plate and side walls (8) wherein the rear wall and substantially the whole depth of the holder can be cast into a concrete structure to form a space within the concrete structure, fastening means (12) which can assume a range of positions within the holder (4) and a move able connection part (16) or device which can be fastened to the front plate (6) by the fastening means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thomasons Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8579243
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a support block for use in securing a post mount includes a body having a first end and a second end and an adjustment mechanism formed integrally with the first end of the body, by which a vertical orientation of a post mount incorporating the support block can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Vinylast, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Leary, Benjamin Yin