Abstract: The invention relates to a connector assembly (20) for joining a main tower (102) to a base structure (104) where the axial alignment of the tower to the base structure needs to be adjustable, and to a method of using such a connector assembly to assemble a tower structure.

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

Abstract: An MLP assembly and method for supporting and providing access to railroad signals. The MLP assembly may comprise a mast, one or more platform assemblies attached to the mast, and one or more ladders attachable to the mast and/or the platform assemblies. The MLP assembly may also comprise F-brackets and ladder supports for supporting the ladders relative to the mast. The MLP assembly may be placed in a folded configuration for transport thereof or an unfolded configuration for installation. The ladder supports and/or elements of the platform assemblies may rotate toward the mast into the folded configuration and may rotate away from the mast into the unfolded configuration. The MLP assembly may also comprise a plurality of stacking brackets configured for stacking a plurality of MLP assemblies on top of each other for transport to an installation site.

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to, among other things, systems and methods for making up pivotably pinned structural connections that may be used for erecting drilling rig masts. One illustrative system includes a drilling rig mast having at least one support leg, a drilling rig mast support having at least one mast support shoe, and a pinned connection between the at least one support leg and the at least one mast support shoe. Additionally, the pinned connection of the disclosed system includes a pin, an oversized hole having at least a first hole portion, and a removable plug that is adapted to be inserted into the oversized hole, wherein the removable plug has at least a first plug surface portion, and wherein the first hole portion and the first plug surface portion define at least part of a pin hole that is adapted to receive the pin.

Abstract: A modular tower structure is described herein. The modular tower uses a cost-effective, efficient design that reduces the amount of steel necessary for tower structures for wind turbines. The modular tower is constructed from sections. The sections are constructed from panels. The panels comprise a curved or arcuate shape. The panels include vertical edges and horizontal edges. A vertical connection connects or secures the panels at the vertical edges of the panels and forms the sections. The sections have a generally circular shape. The vertical connection includes an interior vertical friction plate positioned over a seam or gap between adjacent panels and an exterior vertical friction plate positioned over the seam or gap between adjacent panels. A horizontal connection connects or secures the sections at the horizontal edges of the panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rig assembly and for erecting a mast of a rig and such systems with roller apparatus to facilitate movement of a mast section from a mover. In a first embodiment, the method includes erecting a rig mast section on a substructure, the substructure including a first substructure box spaced-apart from a second substructure box, the first substructure box comprising a first upper box above a first lower box and the second substructure box comprising a second upper box above a second lower box.

Abstract: A tower assembly for use with a modular tower is provided. The tower assembly includes a plurality of assembly panels each including a pair of opposing circumferential edges, and, a plurality of connectors for use in coupling adjacent assembly panels of the plurality of assembly panels to one another, each connector of the plurality of connectors including an outer flange, an inner flange, and a spacer extending therebetween, the outer flange is spaced a distance from the inner flange such that a first slot and a second slot are defined between the outer and inner flanges, each of the first and the second slots is sized to receive one of the assembly panel circumferential edges therein to enable the adjacent assembly panels to be coupled to one another.

Abstract: The pre-cast concrete structure of the present invention comprises a lower unit structure 110 having the lowest stage unit structure 111, the middle stage unit structure 112, and the highest stage unit structure 113 which are vertically orderly piled on another and wedged from each other; a middle unit structure 130 having the lowest stage unit structure 131, the middle stage unit structure 132, and the highest stage unit structure 133 which are vertically orderly piled on another and wedged from each other; and a upper unit structure 150 having the lowest stage unit structure 151, the middle stage unit structure 152, and the highest stage unit structure 153 which are vertically orderly piled on another and wedged from each other.

Abstract: The compressive strength of a fluid-pressurized structure is combined with the tensile strength of interior members to maintain the geometric shape of a structure used to provide support with very low mass. These compressed fluid building structures can be combined with other traditional construction materials in creating columns, beams and other structural support elements.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower assembly includes a tubular section having a first longitudinal axis and a base section assembly including a plurality of legs. The base section assembly is configured to be assembled into a base section having the legs coupled together at an interface such that the base section has a second longitudinal axis and such that the legs are obliquely oriented relative to the second longitudinal axis at the interface, wherein the base section is configured to support the tubular section on the legs and in substantially coaxial alignment with the base section.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower segment for wind turbines is provided that includes a wind turbine tower segment body having a longitudinal axis; and a first and a second end; wherein the surface of at least one of the first and the second end is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine tower segment. Further, a wind turbine having such a wind turbine tower segment is provided. The method includes providing a second wind turbine tower segment having a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end, wherein the surface of at least one of the first and the second end is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine tower segment; and mounting the second wind turbine tower segment to a first wind turbine tower segment.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive joint, a structural subassembly, and a joint construction. The method comprises telescopically assembling male and female tubular members having slightly different diameters to cooperatively define a narrow continuous open-end adhesive chamber between contiguous surfaces of the assembled members. Four (4) or more centering pins equally circumaxially spaced about the members are forcefully entered in the adhesive chambers to equalize spacing between the members throughout the chamber. A distributing device communicates with the adhesive chamber for the introduction of adhesive under pressure to the chamber, thus forming a secure joint. In a fabrication method for a structural subassembly at least three (3) tubular structural members are loosely assembled with three (3) joint members each having at least two cups. Centering pins are forcefully introduced between contiguous surfaces of the members and cups and a distribution device encloses the open end of the adhesive chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A number of pre-casted elements are stacked vertically to build the tower, while parts of the elements are forming the tower wall. Each element of the tower is fixed on its position and is connected with a tower foundation by a number of assigned post-tensioned cables. These cables are running inside the tower and they are pulled through the tower without embedding in dedicated channels. The post-tensioned-cables are fixed at certain points with the tower wall via damper-means to prevent their oscillation.

Abstract: A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a method of construction and assembly for a very large wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit), for sea, coast line, or in-land installment. In other examples, we describe the improvements on components of a wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit). In one example, we describe a method of avoiding or minimizing problems with the weather forecasts or military radar interferences, for large wind mills or wind farms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting at least one line in a tower of a wind power plant, the line is provided in the tower before its erection in shortened, preferably folded or wound-up form. The tower also includes a means for extending the line, after erection of the tower so that the lower end of the line is lowered in a controlled manner to the bottom of the tower and can be attached there to a connector and the upper end is extended to a connector at the top of the tower if not already connected to the connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a windmill are provided. The system has a hoisting platform and a carrier. The hoisting platform is operatively connectable to at least one platform leg extending a distance above a base. The hoisting platform is positionable along the platform leg(s). The carrier receives at least one component of the windmill, and is positionable about the hoisting platform and movable thereby whereby the component(s) of the windmill is/are positionable for installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for erecting a lightweight, tall (60 to 80 meters or more) tower that may be temporary and re-usable as a mount for meteorological instruments is described including guys balancing lateral and transverse forces while maintaining the tower in tension. Forces on all guy lines maintain the tower stable from a substantially horizontal assembly position to a vertical operational position. A system of gin poles and pivots help maintain registration and alignment while pulling the assembled tower erect.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for installing a wind turbine. A method may comprise the steps of establishing a substructure, said substructure comprising at least one pipe (1) extending upwards and said at least one pipe (1) being part of a primary structure of the substructure, establishing a support of a secondary structure (5) on the at least one pile (1), mounting of fittings to the secondary structure (5), said mounting of the fittings to the secondary structure (5) preferably being established by welding or bolting, and not mounting fittings to at least one of the at least one pile (1) being part of the primary structure. A method may alternatively comprise the steps of mounting a wind turbine tower to the at least one pile (1) being part of the primary structure, and the secondary structure (5) constituting an intermediate structure (5, 11) between the at least one pile (1) and the wind turbine tower (7).

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a hollow antenna tower structure for use in a wireless communications network. The tower comprises tubular tower sections made of concrete, and having a generally hollowed cross section. A movable base station unit, having at least one antenna and at least one micro wave link, is being disposed inside the tubular tower. The whole base station unit is movable up and down inside the tower by the aid of an elevator system. The tower further comprises at least one entrance into the tower and a climbing facility and/or a second elevator system, inside the tower, giving access to the base station unit.

Abstract: An adjustable lally column apparatus is described that has a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A cap plate has a first side and an opposed second side that is adapted to connect to a beam. The cap plate includes a selective retention mechanism. An adjustment mechanism connects to the second end portion of the column. The adjustment mechanism includes a base plate that is adapted to be positioned on a floor. The adjustable column has a first position wherein the cap plate is connected to the first end portion of the column and beam and the column is suspended from the beam. The adjustable column has a second position wherein the adjustment mechanism provides an adjustable load-bearing interface between the floor and a terminal end of the second end portion of the column. The adjustment mechanism adjusts to extend between the suspended column and the floor to place the column in a load bearing position between the beam and floor.

Abstract: Method for establishing a wind turbine (1) on a foundation (7) where at least a part of the wind turbine rotor (4) means is attached to a wind turbine tower (2) by attachment means. Further the method comprises the steps of positioning said wind turbine tower including said at least a part of the wind turbine rotor means on the foundation, elevating a wind turbine nacelle (3) to a use position on said tower, and directly or indirectly connecting said nacelle to said at least a part of the wind turbine rotor means. The invention also relates to transport of a wind turbine tower, and a vessel (10) suitable for transporting a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams 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 followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: At least one blade of the wind-turbine is attached firm but detachable with the tower by a fixture. The tower and the attached blade are transported to a planned site. The tower and the attached blade are brought together into an upright position in a single lift-action. A hub and a nacelle of the wind-turbine are mounted on the top of the tower. A wire of a winch, which is located inside the nacelle or the hub, is connected with a root of the blade. The blade is detached from the tower by unlocking the fixture. The blade is lift up to the hub for its attachment there.

Abstract: Structure and procedure for erecting concrete towers used in wind turbines in which said towers consist of sections, which in turn may each comprise a different number of segments or longitudinal sections. The procedure includes two differentiated cycles, which may take place alongside each other: the pre-assembly of each section of tower and their assembly. The sections may be pre-mounted on bases placed on the ground, with the segment in turn fitted with the help of struts and mechanical clamps. This procedure is extremely versatile in that it makes the best logistic use of the material, resources and requisite assembly times since the assembly procedures for each section can be developed alongside each other in the different wind farm towers, and also greater heights can be achieved than is traditionally possible.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hollow structural column or rod in polymers includes the steps of assembling two or more elongated modules, each one provided with male-female truncated cone-shaped terminal parts. The inner surface of the ‘female’ terminal part has a taper angle that is identical to the taper angle of the outer surface of the ‘male’ terminal part. The process also includes the following steps: aligning the hollow modules; preparing the male and female terminal parts for adhesive bonding and insertion in the terminal part of the adjacent, aligned module; applying, preferably at the ends, an axial compression device, so that on compression of the ends of the rod made up of the modules, each external male tapering surface adheres to and exerts a suitable pressure on the internal female tapering surface of the adjacent module; and curing the adhesive.

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.

Abstract: A freestanding space elevator tower for launching payloads, tourism, observation, scientific research and communications. The space elevator tower has a segmented elevator core structure, each segment being formed of at least one pneumatically pressurized cell. The pressure cells may be filled with air or another gas. Elevator cars may ascend or descend on the outer surface of the elevator core structure or in a shaft on the interior of the elevator core structure. A payload may be launched from a pod or deck at the upper end of the space elevator tower. The space elevator tower is stabilized by gyroscopic and active control machinery. The space elevator tower maintains a desired pressure level through gas compressor machinery. Methods of constructing the space elevator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.

Abstract: A wrap assembly for a structural column extending between a bottom support and an overhead support includes a pair of similar, mating, elongated, molded plastic shaft sections each section having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a pair of side edges extending between those surfaces and an integral flange projecting from the exterior surface at one end of that shaft section. The shaft sections are shaped and dimensioned so that when the sections are juxtaposed with their interior surfaces facing one another and their side edges in abutment, the sections form a substantially continuous tubular shaft with an integral fastening cleat, defined by the flanges, at one end of the shaft by which the shaft may be secured to one of the supports. An annular fastening cleat surrounds the other end of the shaft for fastening to the other support to fix the other end of the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tower for a wind turbine, comprising one or more tubular tower sections, having an outer jacket wall and an inward directed flange in its lower and upper ends, and at least one platform arranged inside the tower for facilitating access for maintenance and repairs to the inner of the tower and to the nacelle. The tower also comprises a support structure including at least three elongated tensile load carrying members, which each is attached in its upper end to the upper flange of the tower section and in its lower end to the lower flange of the tower section and which supports one or more platforms that are suspended by the tensile load carrying members while at least one ladder is attached to the platforms. The at least one ladder is stabilized in the horizontal direction by transversal tensile load carrying members extending from the ladder to the tensile load carrying members that are vertically arranged between the upper and lower flanges.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a decorative exterior on a standard signpost is disclosed. A first exterior shell is mounted on one side of the post, and a second exterior shell is mounted on the other. Discs halves are also provided which, when installed between the post and the shells, cause the shells to be securely fastened to the post. In another alternative system, a midsection of the post cover is installed as a tube that slides over two solid discs that are slid onto the post and supported by grommets.

Abstract: An impact absorbing pole 5 is disclosed. The pole is formed as a one-piece unit that includes an outer wall 7 and a hollow interior 9 and has a base section 11 for locating the pole below the ground and a pole section 13 for extending upwardly above the ground. The pole is formed so that, in use, the pole can deform above and below ground level when the pole is installed in the ground and is contacted by a vehicle.

Abstract: A split column includes two half sections with locating features for aligning the half sections. A whole column is formed and then split into half sections. The locating features are formed on the inner surfaces of the half sections after the column is split into half sections.

Abstract: A method of reinstating a pole standing upright in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve of a bridging beam against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the bridging beam penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the bridging beam projecting above the ground, arranging a plurality of locating members around the outer surface of the pole, and securing the bridging beam to the pole by strapping surrounding the pole held in place with respect to the pole by the locating members.

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.

Abstract: Among other things, a nacelle of a wind-driven electric generator is supported by a structure that includes at least three legs that define a lower tower that is relatively broad at its lower end and rises to a relatively narrow waist, and a nacelle support that is relatively narrow at its lower end where it is attached to the waist and relatively broader at its upper end where it supports the nacelle.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the construction of a civil engineering structure comprising first and second superimposed components. According to this method: the second component is positioned beneath a fixed lifting structure comprising lifting means, the second component is lifted using the lifting means, the first component is positioned beneath the fixed lifting structure substantially below the second component, and the second component is substantially placed on the first component using the lifting means.

Abstract: The invention provides a reusable formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete column using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. Hooping means are used to hoop the panels forming the cavity.

Abstract: A pre-stressed segmented concrete tower for wind power generators is described, and a method for its fabrication, wherein in a pyramidal structure is formed by prefabricated segments, the structure comprising three rounded walls formed with circular segments, and three flat walls, formed with flat segments between the circular walls. One standard curved mold is used for the circular walls, and the flat walls are fabricated horizontally, over templates.

Abstract: A method of modular pole construction an elongate modular pole structure is disclosed. A first step of the method involves providing hollow tapered pole section modules, each module having a first open end and an opposed second open end. A cross-section of the second end is less than a cross-section of the first end. The modules are stacked to form an elongated modular pole structure of a selected length by mating the second end of a first module with the first end of a second module. The first and second modules may have different structural properties, such that poles having desired structural properties can be constructed by selectively combining modules having differing structural properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a High-voltage mast for supporting a number of conductors, comprising an upright, one or more crossarms fixable to the upright for mounting thereon at least a part of the conductors, a number of first mounting members which can be fixed to the upright and/or crossarms for the purpose of mounting the conductors, wherein the upright and/or crossarms comprise at least one electrically insulating part at the position of the mounting height of the conductors.

Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.

Abstract: A modular column system and a method of constructing the same are constructed by stacking at least one precast unit between a foundation section and a coping section. The precast unit makes use of an internally confined hollow column unit fabricated in advance, and joint sections between the precast units are firmly formed. Thereby, the modular column system can realize a short construction period and economy because reinforcement bars and forms are not used, as well as high resistance to bending moment and reduction in cross section and self-weight of the precast unit, and thus the modular column system can provide easier and more economical assembly, and prevent brittle fracture of the joint section between the precast units.

Abstract: Structure and procedure for erecting concrete towers used in wind turbines in which said towers consist of sections, which in turn may each comprise a different number of segments or longitudinal sections. The procedure includes two differentiated cycles, which may take place alongside each other: the pre-assembly of each section of tower and their assembly. The sections may be pre-mounted on bases placed on the ground, with the segment in turn fitted with the help of struts and mechanical clamps. This procedure is extremely versatile in that it makes the best logistic use of the material, resources and requisite assembly times since the assembly procedures for each section can be developed alongside each other in the different wind farm towers, and also greater heights can be achieved than is traditionally possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a structural member for use in forming a frame for an architectural structure comprising a first portion of a beam having a first longitudinal section with a first pair of legs extending to one side of the first longitudinal section and a second portion of a beam having a second longitudinal section with a second pair of legs extending to one side of the second longitudinal section. A fastener is placed within a pair of projections that extend from a beam fastener to enable one to fasten the first pair of legs of the first longitudinal section to the second pair of legs of the second longitudinal section, whereby the pair of projections of the beam fastener prevent the over-tightening of the fastener.

Abstract: In a method for designing a multi-step tension prestressed girder, prestress is appropriately introduced with respect to a relationship between a load and stress, for each step of construction, so that the height of a profile of the girder can be reduced. In a method for fabricating a multi-step tension prestressed girder, prestress is appropriately introduced with respect to a relationship between a load and stress, for each step of construction, so that the height of a profile of the girder can be reduced.

Abstract: A pier-repairing and reinforcing panel is used in a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method includes the steps of: installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier. Impurities are removed from the pier's surface, and a plurality of panels are installed around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels. A plurality of reinforcing steel bars are arrayed in the gap between the pier and panels, and the panels are then affixed to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts. The gap between the pier and the panels are then filled with concrete. The pier is effectively repaired and reinforced while separating the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.