Abstract: A tiltable telescoping support structure positioning system includes a frame having first and second opposed vertical sections. A telescoping support structure is disposed between the first and second opposed vertical sections, the telescoping support structure having a plurality of telescoping sections extendable from a base section along a longitudinal axis thereof. The base section of the telescoping support structure is tiltably coupled to the first and second opposed vertical sections to permit the base section to tilt along a first tilt path towards either of the first and second opposed vertical sections of the frame. A tilting mechanism is coupled between the base section of the telescoping support structure so as to tilt the telescoping support structure about a second tilt path aligned perpendicular to the tilt path between the first and second opposed vertical sections of the frame.

Abstract: A tiltable telescoping support structure positioning system includes a frame having first and second opposed vertical sections. A telescoping support structure is disposed between the first and second opposed vertical sections, the telescoping support structure having a plurality of telescoping sections extendable from a base section along a longitudinal axis thereof. The base section of the telescoping support structure is tiltably coupled to the first and second opposed vertical sections to permit the base section to tilt along a first tilt path towards either of the first and second opposed vertical sections of the frame. A tilting mechanism is coupled between the base section of the telescoping support structure so as to tilt the telescoping support structure about a second tilt path aligned perpendicular to the tilt path between the first and second opposed vertical sections of the frame.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A multi-axial mast positioning system includes a frame having two opposed vertical sections, an axle coupled to the frame and rotatable around a first axis passing through the opposed vertical sections of the frame, and a mast coupled to the axle and rotatable about a second axis aligned with and perpendicular to the first axis. Level sensors measure the orientation of the mast along the first and second axes.

Abstract: An extruded mast section for a telescoping tower includes a hollow extrusion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the mast section. A telescoping tower assembly includes a first extruded mast section having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the first mast section along the interior surface. A second extruded mast section disposed within the first mast section has a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the second mast section along the interior surface. Support collars are disposed at the top and bottom ends of the second mast section each having keyways disposed around its outer perimeter and aligned with a different one of the screw bosses of the first extruded mast section.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: A multi-axial mast positioning system includes a frame having two opposed vertical sections, an axle coupled to the frame and rotatable around a first axis passing through the opposed vertical sections of the frame, and a mast coupled to the axle and rotatable about a second axis aligned with and perpendicular to the first axis. Level sensors measure the orientation of the mast along the first and second axes.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: An extruded mast section for a telescoping tower includes a hollow extrusion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the mast section. A telescoping tower assembly includes a first extruded mast section having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the first mast section along the interior surface. A second extruded mast section disposed within the first mast section has a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the second mast section along the interior surface. Support collars are disposed at the top and bottom ends of the second mast section each having keyways disposed around its outer perimeter and aligned with a different one of the screw bosses of the first extruded mast section.

Abstract: A multi-axial mast positioning system includes a frame having two opposed vertical sections, an axle coupled to the frame and rotatable around a first axis passing through the opposed vertical sections of the frame, and a mast coupled to the axle and rotatable about a second axis aligned with and perpendicular to the first axis. Level sensors measure the orientation of the mast along the first and second axes.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to telescoping mast assemblies (telescoping “towers”), polygonal sided masts for use in such assemblies, methods of fabricating polygonal sided masts, methods and apparatus for sequentially actuating and deactuating hold-down and locking mechanisms in telescoping towers, and such other aspects as will be understood from the present descriptions and drawings. Telescopic towers are usable for supporting and raising to a height any type of communications payload, including, for example, radio antennas, television antennas, any type of surveillance and/or sensor payloads, including, for example, microphones, cameras, flood lights, and the like.