On Shaft Or Tower Patents (Class 52/40)
  • Patent number: 8037646
    Abstract: An annular preform is constructed of predeterminable width and height and filled with a predeterminable quantity of a fluid grouting material. After setting of the grouting material and removal of the formwork a ring is placed on the surface of the set grouting material and a lower pylon segment is placed on the ring and connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20110223031
    Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine comprises a first free end and a second end attachable a wind turbine shaft, a first surface joining a second surface along a first side edge and a second side edge, the first and second surfaces defining an airfoil section. At the first end, a first portion of the airfoil section extending from the first side edge to the longitudinal axis is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis with a second portion of the airfoil section extending from the second side edge to the longitudinal axis. There is also disclosed a wind turbine comprising an even number of blades, the even number being four or more. In addition, there is disclosed a method of processing a radar signal reflected from a wind turbine having an even number of blades to reduce an amplitude of a clutter signal generated by the wind turbine, as well as a tower for a wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Philip Charles Bond
  • Patent number: 8018395
    Abstract: An antenna tower structure comprising an essentially vertical elongated tower body with an internal installation shaft provided therein. One or more radio base stations are arranged in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas at the top of the tower body. The installation shaft is formed to allow personnel access to the radio base station. There is also provided an elevator arrangement for an antenna tower structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Peter Häger
  • Patent number: 7997876
    Abstract: A wind turbine, tower and method for making same are provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more blades and a rotor radius distance approximately equal to the distance measured from a centerline of the rotor to a tip of one of the blades. The tower has one or more tower sections, including a first tower section having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The first tower section has at least one first diameter. A reduced diameter tower section is connected to the first tower section, and has a waist portion with at least one second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. At least a portion of the reduced diameter tower section having the second diameter is located about one rotor radius distance from the centerline of the rotor, and the reduced diameter section provides increased static clearance to the tip of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacob Johannes Nies, Tahir Hassan Malik
  • Patent number: 7992350
    Abstract: A column borne building construction according to the present invention comprises a building and one substantially vertical column for bearing the load of said building construction. The building has a polyhedron shape, this polyhedron shape having a top face defining a polygon shape by means of N1 top edges and N1 top vertices. The polyhedron shape comprises additional faces other than said top face, which additional faces are defined by additional edges and additional vertices. The top face is substantially perpendicular to the column and encircling the column. Each of the N1 top vertices join two top edges and at least one additional edge of the polyhedron. The column has a top coupling point and at least 3 of the N1 top vertices are connected to the column by means of a tension member. The extensions of these tension members coincide in the top coupling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Four Elements N.V.
    Inventor: Luc Vriens
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110177844
    Abstract: The Cellular Mobile Radiotelephone Tower Wind Turbine (CMRTTWT) specifically is an innovative method of harvesting available wind power around CMRT towers. The CMRTTWT addresses the base station power needs of the Cellular Mobile Radiotelephone (CMRT or Cell Phone) industry, providing clean on-site power generation for reduced environmental impact and for improved availability during disasters (natural or man-made). This invention extends the design of the CMRT tower to include a wind turbine and the associated structural and electrical modifications to accommodate that wind turbine. This wind turbine is designed to provide approximately the daily power demands for the CMRT tower system; thus the turbine would be small enough to be mounted on the tower without interfering with the operations of the antennas. By using the turbine as a constant power source, clean electricity is directly harvested from suitable velocity winds at the higher altitudes of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Frank Lowas, III
  • Patent number: 7966772
    Abstract: A tubular insert sleeve for an excavated hole and a safety cover fitted to cover an operatively upper end of the insert sleeve are provided to maintain the integrity of an excavated hole and limit access to the hole in order to improve the safety of the public. The sleeve is made of cooperating segments which can easily be separated and which a form a sleeve when assembled. The operatively upper end of the assembled sleeve forms an outwardly extending bell-shaped end of greater outer diameter to define an outwardly extending flange which is more easily grasped for removal of the sleeve from an excavated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Super Sucker Hydro Vac Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard George Bartels, Darren Bernard Bartels, Marc Beaudry, Darren Van Buuren
  • Publication number: 20110138699
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rescue kit for a wind turbine, the rescue kit including at least one flame resistant descent device including at least one flame resistant rope. Further, the present disclosure relates to a wall for a wind turbine, the wall having a first side adapted to be directed to a first space and a second side adapted to be directed to a second space different from the first space, wherein the wall includes at least one box for a rescue kit. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a compartment portion of the wind turbine, the portion of the wind turbine including a rescue kit, including at least one flame resistant descent device, including at least one flame resistant rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Niehues, Ralf Bernd Huelsing
  • Patent number: 7954289
    Abstract: An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Nok Lok Licensing Limited
    Inventor: Dean Richard Evans
  • Patent number: 7956817
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an antenna tower structure (10) comprising an essentially vertical elongated tower body (20) with an internal installation shaft (30) provided therein. The tower is arranged to house a radio base station (40) in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas (50) at the top of the tower body. The tower body is comprised of two or more modular segments (S1, S2 . . . ). There is also provided a modular antenna tower segment (S1, S2 . . . ), a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, and a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Peter Häger
  • Publication number: 20110088331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Borge Olgaard
  • Patent number: 7900406
    Abstract: A foundation for a structure comprises a plurality of segments. To build the foundation, a foundation bed is excavated, and a stable, substantially level and horizontal subbase is built in the foundation bed. A foundation segment of the structure is set down on the subbase, such that at least three vertically adjustable support poles fixedly attached to the foundation segment contact reinforced points of support on the subbase. A remainder of the foundation bed is then filled with foundation mass to a level above a bottom rim of the foundation segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • 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: 7877935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Borge Ollgaard
  • Patent number: 7877934
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is utilized for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. The invention generally includes a frame or truss that is pivotally secured to the top bay assembly of the tower. A transverse beam is connected to the frame or truss and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wind Tower Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Livingston, Terry Schrader, James Goldhardt, James Lott
  • Patent number: 7877933
    Abstract: Offshore structures such as wind turbines, wave machines and tidal stream turbines are mounted in a previously located foundation including a socket. The foundation includes an upper body with a conical inner surface which acts as a guide for inserting a leading end of the structure into the socket. The conical surface also provides a reaction surface for setting the vertical alignment of the structure when inserted in the socket. Clamps are provided supported by an A frame for controlled lowering of the structure into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: IHC Engineering Business Limited
    Inventor: Michael John Watchorn
  • Patent number: 7866121
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Manitoba
    Inventors: Dimos Polyzois, Nibong Ungkurapinan
  • Publication number: 20100281786
    Abstract: An embeddable breakaway utility pole comprises separate upper and lower aluminum pole pieces, wherein the lower pole piece is to be embedded below ground surface. The upper and lower pole pieces are interconnected by a weld which defines a breakaway zone enabling the upper pole piece to break off the lower pole piece in response to vehicular impact. The weld can be connected to a backer ring which provides a guide surface that axially aligns the pole pieces. Alternatively, the pole can be formed of a single pole piece which is welded between its ends to form a weakened region that defines the breakaway zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: KEARNEY-NATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bowman, Greg D. Mercier
  • Patent number: 7814725
    Abstract: A method of replacing a concrete utility pole for the overhead distribution line without interrupting service is developed by adopting a pole clamp and pole crusher, whereby work stability is excellent and utility pole replacement work can be carried out quickly and effectively. The method is comprised of a process for connecting a pole clamp to the end portion of the boom of an auger crane, mounting the pole clamp onto the outer circumference of the old concrete utility pole to be replaced; mounting a pole crusher to the old utility pole below the pole clamp using a hot-line bucket truck, crushing the concrete of the old utility pole, cutting the reinforcing bars of the old utility pole, removing the lower portion of the old utility pole, erecting and installing a new utility pole, and relocating the arms and wires to the new utility pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Daewoo Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Sae Won Kwon
  • Patent number: 7805893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a preassembled tower section of a wind power plant and a method of transporting a tower section of a wind power plant, the method comprising the steps providing the tower section at a preassembly site, preassembling at least one electronic subsystem of the wind power plant onto the tower section, transporting the preassembled tower section from the preassembly site to an installation site. In effect transport thereof is considerably simplified and a higher degree of modular design and preassembly is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20100231434
    Abstract: A structure, and a method for modifying the design of a structure, are provided such that the structure includes features designed to reduce and preferably minimize the radar cross-section of the structure over one or more predetermined frequency ranges. A structure is provided having an inclined surface, wherein the angle of inclination is selected for which the level of radar cross section is below a local maximum in the sidelobes in each of the scattering patterns of incident electromagnetic radiation at frequencies within one or more predetermined frequency ranges. In the particular case of a tower, for example of a wind turbine, the radar cross-section of the tower may be minimized for two or more radar bands by appropriate selection of the angle of inclination of a frusto-conical portion of the tower. Ideally, the tower is constructed entirely in the form of a cone frustum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Pinto, James Christopher Gordon Matthews
  • Patent number: 7786612
    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: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7775773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member for manufacturing a tower of a wind power system having a delimitation surface forming a portion of the outer surface of the tower and comprising a through opening provided for accommodating a door, whereby at least a region of the structural member (30) comprising the through opening (20) is at least partially formed as a cast part consisting of a preferably weldable casting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jens-Thomas Wernicke, Huub Gierveld
  • Publication number: 20100170163
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Tarbell, Christine Concho, Soren Jensen, Zack Ardell-Smith
  • Publication number: 20100170164
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind-power unit having a turbine having a vertical turbine shaft (3), an electrical generator (6) connected to the turbine and a vertical hollow supporting pillar (2) supporting the turbine. According to the invention the material of the supporting pillar is in all essentials wood. The invention also relates to a supporting pillar for such a wind-power unit, an electric mains connected to the wind-power unit, a use of the wind-power unit and a method for the manufacture of such a supporting pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Mats Leijon, Hans Bernhoff
  • Publication number: 20100132269
    Abstract: A tower is provided having a plurality of axial substantially tubular sections with an outer diameter no greater than a designated maximum diameter. At least one of the sections includes at least one reverse taper portion located near a base of the tower. The reverse taper portion has a first end, located near the base, having a first diameter. The reverse taper portion has a second end, opposed to the first end, having a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Bharat S. Bagepalli, Hueseyin Karaca, Ingo Paura, Nathaniel S. Dean
  • Publication number: 20100126079
    Abstract: A wind power plant includes a tower, the tower including at least one tower section provided with at least one flange and forming at least part of the wall of the tower. The power plant further includes an element provided with at least one flange and adapted to be installed adjacent the tower section. The tower section and the element have abutting flanges, the flanges being releasably interconnected by sets of bolts and nuts. At least one surface associated with each set of bolt and nut and facing away from the flanges is provided with a plurality of recesses for receiving projections of a tightening device. A method of joining a tower section and an adjacent element is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Jonas Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7717055
    Abstract: A flagpole assembly comprising a flagpole body having an aperture disposed in the side thereof, one or two internal fastening plates, disposed within the flagpole body, an external fastening plate and door assembly and a set of threaded fasteners securing the flagpole assembly together. A cleat or winch mount may be secured to the internal fastening plate, having a winch secured thereto for securement of a flag halyard inside the flagpole body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Concord Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Scott Somers
  • Publication number: 20100115856
    Abstract: An improvement for an aluminum lattice sector frame of the type used for supporting wireless communications antennas and designed to be mounted on a communication tower, is provided. Mating extruded components are used to provide fixed connections which restrict relative rotation and translation between connected parts while presenting a round tubular outside cross-sectional profile thereby reducing the effective projected wind load area of the frame. The fixed component connections greatly reduce the overall deflection of the frame under applied combined dead, wind and ice loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Donald C. Carlisle, Guy L. Faries
  • Publication number: 20100102557
    Abstract: A wind-driven electric plant includes a mast with a windwheel and a generator, a shielding chamber with a base, walls and a cover. According to one embodiment, said mast is attached to the shielding chamber base by a fastening-lifting device attached to a mast transfer mechanism for stowing the mast into the chamber or placing the mast into operating position. The mast comprises a set of pivotally connected sections, with the ability to fold and spread, preferably under the control of an automatic control device. In a second embodiment, the mast comprises a set of telescoping sections attached to a post, rigidly fastened to the base of the chamber, with the ability of the mast vertical movement therein. Both embodiments preferably comprise both manual control and automatic remote control. Also, both embodiments preferably comprise a mechanism for opening and closing the shielding chamber cover connected to an automatic control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Iakov Ulanovskiy
  • Patent number: 7685791
    Abstract: A structural member and method with an improved arm connection is provided that allows quick connection of an arm to the structural member. Bolts are inserted through aligned apertures in first and second thru-vangs, as well as an abutting arm bracket. A securement member is inserted through an aperture in the bolts that is transverse to the bolts. Last, an arm is secured to the arm bracket for support of electrical conductors strung thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Nahlen, Michael R. Gall
  • Publication number: 20100071275
    Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Manu Mathai, Ronald R. Cairo, Sujith Sathian
  • Publication number: 20100064598
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power transmission tower, which includes a tower body; first through sixth main insulation arms connected by one end thereof to the tower body with an angle with the tower body, respectively, and arranged radially and symmetrically about the tower body in a longitudinal direction; and first through eighth auxiliary insulation arms for selectively connecting the other end of the first through sixth main insulation arms and the tower body so that each of the auxiliary insulation arms constitutes each side of an octagon. Since the insulation arms are octagonally arranged, it is possible to reinforce a mechanical strength and enhance electric properties of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Won-Kyo Lee, Dong-Il Lee, Koo-Yong Shin, In-Hyuk Choi
  • Publication number: 20100058673
    Abstract: The production process is shortened and the manufacturing costs are reduced. The present invention is a tubular-member flange coupling (8) in which a top or bottom end of a circumferential portion is mated to a bottom or top end of a tubular member (7) to couple the tubular members (7) to each other. A recess (16) having a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided around a circumferential direction in a surface to be connected to the tubular member (7) at a position radially inward of a surface to be mated to the tubular member (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
    Inventor: Tomohiro Numajiri
  • Patent number: 7665273
    Abstract: The method for generating a substantially uninterrupted connection of the peripheral wall portions of two adjacent tubular segments each provided with flanges having holes therein, of a tower, in particular for a wind energy turbine, comprises the steps of: arranging a first tubular segment (18) and a second tubular segment (20) with said flanges (26, 28) thereof facing each other and said holes (34, 36) in said flanges (26, 28) aligned with each other; connecting said tubular segments (18, 20) by prefastening screws (38) extending through said aligned holes (34, 36) in said flanges (26, 28); forming into the side (50) of the tubular segments (18, 20) opposite to the flanges (26, 28) a notch (52) of a predetermined width at least at a location of said contacting flanges (26, 28) where a gap (48) having a width greater than a minimum width exists; inserting into said notch (52) at least one insert part (60) having a width substantially equal to the width of said notch (52); and completely fastening said screws
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fuellhaas, Holger Lühn
  • Publication number: 20100024311
    Abstract: A wind turbine assembly is configured for standing on a foundation. The wind turbine assembly includes a wind turbine generator, and a tower having an upper end and a lower end. The tower is configured to support the wind turbine generator generally adjacent the upper end of the tower. The wind turbine assembly also includes a tower mount for supporting the tower. The tower mount has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower mount is connectable with the lower end of the tower and the lower end of the tower mount is mountable on the foundation to secure the wind turbine assembly on the foundation. The tower mount is tubular and has a height and an outer transverse cross-sectional dimension that is substantially greater than the height of the tower mount. The tower mount includes a plurality of circumferential segments that are connectable in generally end-to-end relationship to form the tubular tower mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Dustin Jon Wambeke, Mark Allen Schakel
  • Publication number: 20100005731
    Abstract: A tower and wind turbine supporting structure which at least partially envelops the tower. The tower is of uniform cross sectional configuration throughout and has a plurality of outriggers. The outriggers are connected with the tower after the wind turbines and their supporting structure have been positioned at the base of the tower, raised to their point of attachment and secured in place. Individual foundation members for each vertical tower member and for each outrigger are in the form of micro piles. Another aspect of the method of the invention involves providing a tower of uniform cross section, positioning wind turbines and their supporting structures sequentially at the base of the tower, raising them and mounting them on the tower sequentially, and thereafter providing a plurality of outriggers and their foundations and attaching them to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Russel H. Marvin, Bert Thomas Sleicher
  • Publication number: 20100007149
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed that includes a spaceframe mounted atop a support structure. The spaceframe houses and is integrated with a wind turbine drivetrain. The spaceframe transfers primary rotor loads and drivetrain torque to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Lawrence Donald WILLEY
  • Publication number: 20100007153
    Abstract: A wind power installation comprising a pylon comprising a pylon, a generator supported by the pylon and rotor blades coupled to the generator. The wind power installation further includes a first door to allow entrance into and exit from the interior of the pylon, a first level disposed in the interior of the pylon and directly accessible via the first door, the first level having a lock space including living quarters or sanitary equipment disposed therein. In addition, the wind power installation includes a second door disposed between the lock space and other portions of the interior of the pylon, wherein the second door is moisture-tight, a second level, disposed in the interior of the pylon and accessible via the second door, and a power module including a transformer housed in a moisture-tight container and electrically coupled to the generator, wherein the power module is disposed in the other portions of the interior of the pylon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20100006710
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a tower having at least one joint; at least one cable extending across the at least one joint; and a cable bridge for supporting the at least one cable over the at least one joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas E. Lyness, S. Senthil Kumar, Kharyl E.G. Stephens, Wolfgang Faust
  • Patent number: 7637075
    Abstract: A reinforced pole structure including a hollow pole with an interior surface and an access hand-hole therethrough near the bottom end and a base plate to which the bottom end of the pole is secured, the reinforced pole structure also including an elongate reinforcement device, preferably in the form of two elongate reinforcers, against the interior surface of the hollow pole, the lower edges of the reinforcers being welded to the pole at the bottom end and the hole-adjacent edge(s) of the reinforcers being welded to the lip of the hand-hole. Preferably, the reinforcers have a far-side pair of edges which, at least in positions opposite the hand-hole, are welded to the interior surface of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: James Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090319235
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a composite cross arm for use with a utility structure and a program for selecting a cross arm. The cross arm includes a composite member, a hardware plate, and a mounting bracket. The program includes a data subroutine where the user selects the type of cross arm and inputs the required data. Thereafter, the program provides the appropriate cross-arm for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Lin, Alan Tse, Richard Patterson
  • Publication number: 20090313912
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a concrete post having metal insert members cast therein at desired locations. The metal insert members accommodate common specialty fasteners that interlock within the insert member and thereby provide a quick and easy means for attaching electrical boxes and the like to the concrete post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Edward Perry
  • Publication number: 20090313913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to towers for wind generators or other large structural applications and uses a new construction concept, based on polymeric concrete. Polymeric concrete is composed of thermosetting resin and aggregates such as sand or gravel. Polymeric concrete has low maintenance costs and exceptional high resistance to corrosion, thus justifying its main usage in non-structural applications. Additionally, polymeric concrete has been used as mortar in the rehabilitation of civil structures, especially retrofitting of bridges and heritage buildings. Its advantages for these applications are the adherence to the traditional materials, higher compressive strength than traditional concrete and low specific weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Alexandre Francisco Malheiro De Aragão, Ana Margarida Goncalves Terra, André Ferreira Vieira, Célia Maria Moreira Parente Novo, Paulo Manuel Ferreira Sobral, Daniel Da Fonseca Farias Rodrigues, Paulo Luis Cardoso Osswald
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090293372
    Abstract: A fixture is provided for locating wind turbine equipment on a foundation within an inner envelope for a wind turbine tower, prior to erecting the wind turbine tower. The fixture includes a mounting section, adapted to mate with guidepoints at predesignated locations on the wind turbine foundation; and a locating section, extending inward from the mounting section, adapted to locate the position for wind turbine equipment on the foundation for the wind turbine tower and within the inner envelope of the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas E. Lyness
  • Publication number: 20090284012
    Abstract: A handling system for a wind turbine nacelle in connection with self-loading or self-unloading of the nacelle to or from a vehicle. The system comprises two or more lifting apparatus, where the lifting apparatus are engaged with lifting areas of a load carrying structure of the nacelle. The lifting areas are a part of the load carrying structure or are integrated in the load carrying structure, and where the lifting apparatus lifts by applying linear force to the load carrying structure of the nacelle. The invention further relates to a method for vertical displacement of a wind turbine nacelle and a wind turbine nacelle prepared for self-loading or self-unloading to or from a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Henning Mortensen
  • Patent number: 7616170
    Abstract: A multi-trunk antenna structure that includes a main trunk and a plurality of upper trunks. The upper trunks extend upwardly at a desired angle from the main trunk and provide a desired girth of the structure near the top. A plurality of antennas are attached to desired upper trunks at a desired height above ground level. The antennas can be adjusted to a desire azimuth. The antenna structure can include branches so that it resembles a Eucalyptus tree, an Oak tree, or other type of tree. The trunks of the structure can provide raceways for antenna cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Solar Communications International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Renfro, Rodger Smith
  • Patent number: 7610723
    Abstract: A wind power installation comprising a pylon comprising a pylon, a generator supported by the pylon and rotor blades coupled to the generator. The wind power installation further includes a first door to allow entrance into and exit from the interior of the pylon, a first level disposed in the interior of the pylon and directly accessible via the first door, the first level having a lock space including living quarters or sanitary equipment disposed therein. In addition, the wind power installation includes a second door disposed between the lock space and other portions of the interior of the pylon, wherein the second door is moisture-tight, a second level, disposed in the interior of the pylon and accessible via the second door, and a power module including a transformer housed in a moisture-tight container and electrically coupled to the generator, wherein the power module is disposed in the other portions of the interior of the pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben