Shaft Encompassed By Base Patents (Class 52/297)
  • Patent number: 8407956
    Abstract: A wall module for a modular wall structure integrates a wall panel portion with a post portion having top or upper and bottom or lower extensions and at least one groove for receiving a distal end of a wall panel portion of an adjacent module. The bottom/lower extension is set within an exposed portion of a reinforcing cage of a caisson or pier extending below grade and encapsulated with a material such as concrete to integrate the caisson or pier with the bottom/lower post extension. Integration of the caisson or pier with the module provides numerous economies of transportation, construction and repair and improved safety. The top/upper post extension is of a length to accommodate the full height of the wall panel portion of an adjacent module to improve strength and stability of the modular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney Smith
  • Patent number: 8365485
    Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Willy Reyneveld
  • Patent number: 8359798
    Abstract: A foundation, particularly a foundation of a wind turbine, is provided. The foundation includes a central foundation member and a plurality of foundation segments which are segments of a circular, ring shaped or polygonal foundation element and which are connected to the central foundation member using a plurality of locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Achim Armbrecht, André Frank
  • Patent number: 8347571
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 8347584
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Publication number: 20130000236
    Abstract: Footing used for the foundation of a wind turbine tower characterized because it provides a stable horizontal platform (1) located at the surface, upon which the tower sections and the heavy elements that are subsequently mounted, viz., gearbox, generator, hub and blades, can be set without sinking. The footing is characterized by its inverted truncated cone shape, and by the savings in material estimated at 20%, as well as for its union with the tower (4) through a pedestal (3) and its corresponding embedded tensioning elements in the footing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Rodrigo Gallardo Hernandez, Francisco Javier Gonzalez Santamarta, Naiara Doblas Tellechea, Ignacio Ruiz Urien
  • Patent number: 8341906
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monopole tower having a tower supporting structure in which the outer dimension of a tower shell is the maximum dimension by eliminating a base plate which extends toward the outside of the tower shell. In a monopole tower provided upright on a foundation B, a lower end side of the tower 2 comprised a tower-side coupling member in a range equal to or less than outside diameter of a tower shell 21. In a space comprising a foundation-side coupling member provided on the foundation B, the foundation-side coupling member and the tower-side coupling member are coupled by welding, a bolt using a splice plate, or a rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Publication number: 20120324813
    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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Anders Moller Andersen
  • Publication number: 20120311948
    Abstract: A concrete tower construction has a foundation and a plurality of prefabricated concrete tower elements, each having an outside, an inside, a material thickness provided there between, and top and bottom surfaces. The tower elements have hollow centers and are arranged one tower element on top of another, forming a column on top of the foundation. Plural tendons arranged in the hollow center apply tension force to the column. An upper force distribution element is arranged on top of the column, and a lower force distribution element is arranged in the foundation. Each tendon is connected to the upper force distribution element and the lower force distribution element by cooperating attachments. Methods of erecting the tower construction, tower elements and a foundation are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CONELTO APS
    Inventor: Jørgen Hangel
  • Publication number: 20120291380
    Abstract: A self-leveling grout provides a level surface for the disposition of a wind turbine base. The self-leveling grout is placed within the foundation grout trough as an initial slurry having a viscosity at ambient temperature approximately the same as the viscosity of known grout slurries utilized in turbine foundations. After placement in the grout trough, elevated temperature is applied to the grout slurry, which lowers the viscosity of the slurry such that the slurry becomes self-leveling and the top surface assumes a nearly perfectly level surface. Additional elevated temperature is applied which initiates the curing of the grout to the required compressive strength for supporting the turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Norman Tooman
  • Patent number: 8281531
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 8261502
    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: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Anders Moller Andersen
  • Patent number: 8240097
    Abstract: A post anchoring foot is configured for use in securing a post to a surface. The foot includes a body dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the post, with the body including a generally horizontal base portion and a generally vertical side wall that cooperatively present a laterally enclosed post-receiving area. The base portion defines a lowermost surface-engaging anchoring face and an elevated supporting face configured to engage an end of the post, with the supporting face being disposed above the anchoring face. The base portion further defines a plurality of anchor-receiving apertures extending therethrough, with each aperture being configured to receive an anchor therein to securely couple the foot to the surface. The side wall defines a fastener-receiving hole extending therethrough, with the hole being configured to selectively receive a fastener therein to securely couple the foot to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8146323
    Abstract: In a foundation for a wind turbine, the foundation has a large number of anchor bolts which are axially placed within the bore hole for mounting a tower flange of the wind turbine. In contrast to the practiced method, the present invention utilizes the fabrication of separate bolt packages, in which the bolts of each bolt package are configured to have an inner arc of bolts and outer arc of bolts, where each bolt in the bolt package is retained, by position retention means, in a fixed position with respect to the position of the other anchor bolts in the pre-assembled package. The present invention describes the position retention means for forming each pre-assembled package and a method of using the position retentions for constructing a foundation for a wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Norman L. Tooman
  • Patent number: 8109057
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Stark
  • Patent number: 8087211
    Abstract: A post-construction composite anchor bolt is provided having great resistance to a bending moment, even when the reinforcement covering margin is small, and reduces the transformation force caused by the bending moment acting on the joining point between the connecting part and the second anchor bolt, even if the size of the anchor bolt is increased. A post construction anchor bolt in the concrete frame comprising: a first anchor bolt installed projecting outside of a concrete frame; and a second anchor bolt which is eccentrically positioned to the axis of said first anchor bolt and is installed embedded in the concrete frame, and a connecting part which links said first anchor bolt and said second anchor bolt, and is installed embedded in the concrete frame together with said second anchor bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Suehiro-System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Morio Suehiro, Hirokazu Suehiro
  • Publication number: 20110278850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monopole tower having a tower supporting structure in which the outer dimension of a tower shell is the maximum dimension by eliminating a base plate which extends toward the outside of the tower shell. In a monopole tower provided upright on a foundation B, a lower end side of the tower 2 comprised a tower-side coupling member in a range equal to or less than outside diameter of a tower shell 21. In a space comprising a foundation-side coupling member provided on the foundation B, the foundation-side coupling member and the tower-side coupling member are coupled by welding, a bolt using a splice plate, or a rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8037651
    Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Clifford Dent
  • Patent number: 8011149
    Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7993079
    Abstract: A device for reinforcing a pylon foundation against being pulled out, said foundation comprising at least one block (10) which is buried in the ground of the site of the foundation and that presents a portion (12) of greatest section in a horizontal plane, the device comprising a slab (20) buried in the ground and disposed around said block (10) between said portion (12) and the surface (T) of the ground, said slab extending beyond the vertical projection of the periphery of said portion (12). The slab (20) may be made from a mixture comprising materials extracted from the site or materials brought in from elsewhere (such as a treated gravel mix) or a mixture of both, together with at least one binder. Advantageously, the total proportion of binder in said mixture lies in the range 3% to 15% by weight. The device is used to compensate for a deficit in resistance to being pulled out presented by an existing shallow foundation for a pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Societe Centrale d'Etudes et de Realisations Routieres Scetauroute
    Inventors: François Depardon, Michel Deniot, Bruno Mazare
  • Patent number: 7987640
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foundation for a wind turbine. The foundation includes a section which is partly embedded in a concrete section and a cover which is arranged across an intersection between the embedded section and the concrete section. In that way, intrusion of water between the sections can be prevented effectively, and the lifetime of the foundation can be increased and/or the maintenance costs can be reduced. A method of making a foundation for a wind turbine and a wind turbine with the foundation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Børge Øllgaard, Søren Poul Jensen
  • Patent number: 7980034
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 7921616
    Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Willy Reyneveld
  • Publication number: 20110061321
    Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outwardly from the pedestal and a three-dimensional network 500 of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity that is intended to reduces 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ahmed Phuly
  • Patent number: 7886492
    Abstract: A pole system comprises a shaft that includes tracks for mounting luminaires, street signs, bicycle racks, decorative signage, banners, traffic signals, pedestrian signals, or other items. In one embodiment, a pole system includes a shaft with two or more vertical tracks. Each track may have a dovetail shape and may be configured to receive mounting nuts for mounting items to the shaft. One or more vertical raceways separate from a center opening of the shaft may also be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Rick M. Kelly, David A. Baum
  • Patent number: 7877944
    Abstract: A tower, in particular for a wind energy turbine, comprises a first tower segment (18) having a wall (20) comprising concrete material and a second tower segment (26) having a wall (28) comprising steel. The wall (28) of the second tower segment (26) comprises an end portion (30) embedded in an embedent portion (32) of the wall (20) of the first tower segment (18). The second tower segment (26) within its embedded end portion (30) comprises at least one anchoring element (38, 40, 52) projecting radially from an inner or an outer surface (42, 44) or both inner and outer surfaces (42, 44) of the wall (28) of the second tower segment (26), the anchoring elements (38, 40, 52) being arranged along an axial direction of the second tower segment (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Marc Seidel
  • Patent number: 7827747
    Abstract: A footing form for supporting posts or other upright structural members of buildings and the like includes a primary web, and a plurality of structural webs extending upwardly from the primary web. The webs include structural webs that extend radially outward from a center portion of the base web, and a plurality of ring-like concentric webs that provide additional structural support. The webs form a plurality of upwardly-opening pockets, and apertures through the base web provide for drainage of water and the like from the upwardly-opening pockets. The footing form may have a one-piece molded construction. The footing form provides sufficient support to thereby eliminate the need for concrete or the like to support the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Glen R. George, Gerald J. Eckhoff
  • Patent number: 7823348
    Abstract: A system and method which positions and orients a wall post or column during positioning and supports the post after it has been positioned. The system embodying the principles of the present invention is set and contacts surfaces of the post. The system includes two monolithic one-piece anchor blocks located on a level surface to have top faces thereof located co-level with each other and tie and cross rods each of which has a surface that is vertically oriented when in use and which abuttingly engages a corresponding surface of the post when in use. At least one tie rod is connected to the anchor block top faces and the cross rod is attached to the tie rod. The tie rod is located at a desired position relative to a reference plane and the cross rod is located at a desired location relative to a reference location. The post is located between the two anchor blocks and in abutting contact with the vertically oriented surfaces of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Leiva
  • Patent number: 7805895
    Abstract: A foundation for enabling anchoring of a wind turbine tower thereto by means of replaceable through-bolts includes a foundation sole with a set of through-holes for accommodating the through-bolts, wherein the through-holes extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the foundation sole; a workspace arranged beneath the foundation sole for enabling access to lower ends the through-bolts when arranged in the through-holes; and a passage allowing access to the workspace from a location outside an area of the foundation sole to be covered by the tower. A method for providing such a foundation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jonas Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7779588
    Abstract: A concrete foundation is described which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged thereagainst to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Bruning
  • Publication number: 20100170166
    Abstract: Spot footing designed especially for securing a precast concrete or timber column to a foundation and/or for extending such a column, said spot footing comprising a base plate (3) provided with a mounting hole (7), and a substantially cylindrical, rigid protective casing consisting of a top plate (2) and a side wall part (4, 6) having an opening (5), an anchor bar being secured to said top plate (2). The spot footing comprises two or more anchor bars (1) secured to the top plate (2) and specifically so disposed in the top plate that the anchor bars are located substantially around the hole (7) of the base plate (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Kari Viljakainen
  • Publication number: 20100146890
    Abstract: A foundation for enabling anchoring of a wind turbine tower thereto by means of replaceable through-bolts includes a foundation sole with a set of through-holes for accommodating the through-bolts, wherein the through-holes extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the foundation sole; a workspace arranged beneath the foundation sole for enabling access to lower ends the through-bolts when arranged in the through-holes; and a passage allowing access to the workspace from a location outside an area of the foundation sole to be covered by the tower. A method for providing such a foundation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jonas Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7722014
    Abstract: A surface mount includes a base for receiving a hollow object that is to be secured with the mount to another surface. The interior area includes a movable anchor than can be advanced toward the wall that defines a hollow object receiving area, so that a hollow object is pinched or compressed between the anchor and its respective wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Jerith Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Godwin
  • Patent number: 7721494
    Abstract: Provided is a strengthening device to increase the strength of a grout layer. In the strengthening device, clamp members are interconnected and clamped to surround a grout layer on a concrete base, on which an upper structure is installed, so as to increase the strength of the grout layer. Connection members are provided to edges of the clamp members to connect the clamp members. Fastening means is fastened between the connection members in order to enable the clamp members to clamp the grout layer. This strengthening device acts as a mold to facilitate easy construction when grout is placed, and surrounds the grout layer to increase the strength of the grout layer after grout is cured, thereby effectively preventing and minimizing failure of the grout layer caused by loads transferred from an upper structure such as a column member or a bridge bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventor: Dae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 7694487
    Abstract: A tubular post for a light or other electrical device is mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil, to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore, to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Gary L. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7677000
    Abstract: A post system for a railing, the post system including a railing post, an insert and a post base. The railing post includes an elongated tubular body with first and second ends. The insert may snugly be insertable within the first end of the railing post. The post base may be connectable to the first end of the railing post and may have an inner member and an outer member substantially encasing the inner member. The inner member may be constructed from a first material, while the outer member may be constructed of a second material. The post base may include a base member and a housing member connected to and extending from the base member. The housing member may be adapted to engage the railing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Peak Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Walker
  • Publication number: 20100043318
    Abstract: A foundation, particularly a foundation of a wind turbine, is provided. The foundation includes a central foundation member and a plurality of foundation segments which are segments of a circular, ring shaped or polygonal foundation element and which are connected to the central foundation member using a plurality of locking elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Achim Armbrecht, Andre Frank
  • Patent number: 7665250
    Abstract: A structure assembled from a combination of stackable modules, each module assembled from multiple prefabricated, transportable blocks. The blocks are typically reinforced cast concrete formed in reusable molds. Module framing blocks may include arched corner blocks, key blocks that interlock with a pair of corner blocks, and optional center blocks. Other structural elements include roof, floor, and wall components that interlock with the framing modules. Modules may be stacked or nested to form structures including buildings, elevated roadways, and parking garages. Utilities may be provided through optional conduits formed in the corner elements. The framing supports raised floor modules for ease in mechanical system installation and modification. The roof elements support usable terraces and rainwater collection. The blocks are demountable and reusable. The modules are self-supporting during erection, and may be assembled without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Powell
  • Patent number: 7663263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a wind energy plant and to a wind energy plant as such. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for constructing wind energy plants at lower expenses and more rapidly. According to one embodiment, a method for constructing a wind energy plant that comprises a tower that is based on a foundation and an electrical power module, the power module is mounted on the tower foundation before the tower itself is constructed. The power module includes a transformer and may optionally an inverter and/or other electrical installations, such as for example switch cabinets, that are provided for controlling the wind energy plant and/or for guiding the electrical power that is provided by the generator of the wind energy plant and that is fed to a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20100024335
    Abstract: A protective barrier assembly is especially adapted for service tower installations. A pair of pre-cast quasi-U-shaped shells, mate to form a vertically extending enclosure. A pair of caps bridges the shells. A retention rim of the caps extends around the periphery of the enclosure at the upper end. A post for the service tower projects through an opening in the caps. The shells are substantially identical reinforced concrete structures. The caps may also be identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: James S. Bianco
  • Patent number: 7640703
    Abstract: A demountable and reusable canopy is provided comprising a number of vertical supports, located along an area to be covered, each including a footer which mounts an insert tube below the finish grade of the ground and a post having a hollow interior shaped to receive an exposed portion of the insert tube. A beam is secured to the vertical supports by self-tapping screws which extend into screw cases formed in the posts, and adjacent beams mount decking sections to form the completed canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: David Freyman, Lee M. Walker, Celestin Xavier Pierre
  • Publication number: 20090320396
    Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20090300996
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Tim Jones
  • Patent number: 7604436
    Abstract: A system and method of repairing or reinforcing an existing structure using a reaction force of pressurizing means are provided. In a state in which structure supporting means, such as a steel pile, is pressed fit into the ground located under an existing structure to reach a predetermined rigid bearing layer, and the existing structure is lifted by the structure supporting means, a target portion for repair or reinforcement can be repaired or reinforced, irrespective of the construction site or space, without causing any harmful environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Hang Yong Byun
  • Patent number: 7591110
    Abstract: A building foundation is provided. The building foundation includes a footing and a foundation wall supported by the footing. The foundation wall has a plurality of cells arranged to define a set of aligned cell cavities. The plurality of cells are arranged to define a top row of cells. At least some of the cells of the top row of cells have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as at least some of the cells of a lower row of cells of the foundation wall. A sill anchor is at least partially located in the set of aligned cell cavities of the foundation wall. Grout is disposed in the set of aligned cell cavities between the sill anchor and the footing. The sill anchor is configured for attachment to a sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Building Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Jody B. Lane
  • Publication number: 20090211178
    Abstract: A system for forming a movable slab foundation comprises a support sleeve encased within a slab foundation. The support sleeve surrounds a support member that rests upon a support surface. The support sleeve is capable of moving axially along the length of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Frederick S. Marshall, David A. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7574841
    Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Morton Buildings
    Inventors: Wayne A. Knepp, Tim Wetterhus, Don Ferguson, Dave Fehr, Paul Remmele, John Gleason
  • Patent number: 7562502
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for creating a footing for a structure includes a reinforcing member having a base extending a first direction, and a leg extending in a second direction. The device also includes a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving the leg, a portion of the fence post, and an anchoring material for securing the leg to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Strata Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Calle
  • Publication number: 20090178353
    Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Willy Reyneveld
  • Patent number: 7549259
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for creating a footing for a structure includes a reinforcing member having a base extending a first direction, and a leg extending in a second direction. The device also includes a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving the leg, a portion of the fence post, and an anchoring material for securing the leg to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Strata Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Calle