Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

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.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

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.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting various work tools, e.g., a backhoe, to a pair of parallel frame members (28) of a vehicle (20). A pair of parallel main beams (26) extend transversely across the frame members (28) and a telescoping stabilizing leg (24) extends downwardly from each end of each of the main beams (26). Four posts (48) extend from the main beams (26) for connecting the main beams (26) at spaced positions along the pair of parallel frame members (28). Each of the posts (48) is L-shaped in cross section with one flange thereof welded to the associated main beam (26) and the other flange attached to the vehicle (20) frame members (28). A pair of bearing blocks (50) are disposed on a first leg cross-beam (42) for pivotally supporting a and a pair of hydraulic cylinder-pistons (52) are attached to a main cross-beam (40) for pivoting the backhoe about the bearing blocks (50).

Abstract: A piling for use in building construction having an upper and a lower piling connected at a hinge. The hinge has a first and a second axis. The hinged connection allows an entire wall to be framed at ground level leaving one end of each upper piling connected to the lower piling, by a first pin on the first axis, and the upper end of each upper piling tilted onto the ground. A variety of framing pieces are used to connect the upper pilings together to frame a wall. Once framing of a wall is complete, the wall is hoisted into an upright position, about the first pins, bringing the entire hinge together. A second pin is inserted along the second axis in each of the hinges to secure the upper pilings in an upright position.