Abstract: A lip assembly for a dock leveler comprises a substantially flat plate forming a lip, and an integral hinge extending for substantially the width of the lip. The integral hinge in a first embodiment is formed by shaping a plate into an arcuate configuration. The integral hinge has a series of slots to engage the hinge lugs and the hinge is welded to said lip along two edges thereof. In a second preferred embodiment the lip assembly for a dock leveler comprises a substantially flat plate forming a lip, a series of hinge lugs attached to on surface of the plate in a spaced arrangement, and an integral gusset extends for substantially the width of the lip. The integral gusset is coupled to each hinge lug and is welded to the lip along a continuous edge thereof.

Abstract: A lifting system for massive constructions provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved lifting system for massive constructions includes at least one of a plurality of lifting devices, each of which comprises at least one of a plurality of main hydraulic jacks, the major jacks, the auxiliary jacks, the supports and the lifting sectional tape comprising the removable sections having the apertures for the fixing of the appropriate section in its position by the locking fingers. Each lifting device also includes a sling-traverse, a pivoting stand and a bearing respectively coupled to each other.

Abstract: A method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of providing a pile, providing a drill bit at an end of the pile rotatable relative to the pile; engaging the ground with the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit relative to the ground and the pile generating a hole into which the pile is received.

Abstract: A system for laying a pipeline from a floating vessel onto the ocean floor in relatively deep ocean water which provides jacking mechanisms which can be used to gimbal the tower which incorporate the ability to be independently raised in height, have horizontal slide planes to overcome the sinusoidal differences in distances in attachment points when tilting supported objects, and provide a gimbaling device to allow for the attachment to supported objects which are tilted in the raising process.

Abstract: A device for laying flexible pipes from the moon pool of a laying vessel comprises an inclinable tower arranged in and essentially a great height above the level of the moon pool, designed to place therein a certain length of pipe to be laid, and two members with clamping jaws mounted on moving carriages capable of travelling the height of the tower.

Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting and replacing gas, water, sewer or other underground utility pipes. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is characterized by a specially-designed rod-pulling device which is situated typically in a manhole or excavation, at one end of the pipe to be replaced. A rod is extended from the rod-pulling device through the pipe and is attached to a stored energy head disposed in a tapered bursting head which initially engages the opposite end of the pipe. A pneumatic hammer is typically seated in the stored energy head and a replacement pipe is removably attached to the bursting head. In typical operation, the rod-pulling device pus the stored energy head against the bursting head and thus, the bursting head against the pipe as the pneumatic hammer repeatedly strikes the stored energy head against the bursting head.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for constructing a soil reinforced earthen retaining wall wherein successive soil reinforcing mats embedded within an earthen formation have bent-up face elements which are slidably engaged to enable the earthen formation to settle without bulging the face elements. Backing mats are disposed behind the face elements for movement relative thereto in generally vertical planes. The backing mats serve to support the successive soil reinforcing mats and permit the mats to more toward one another to accommodate settling of the formation without bulging of the face elements.

Abstract: A powered rotary screed provides a powered strike tube that rotates to provide a finish to wet concrete during screeding and a drive tube that provides motive power to the screed to assist with the difficult task of removing excess concrete from a poured pad, or other horizontal concrete surface. No framework or other supporting structure extends between ends of the screed thereby making the screed more portable than comparable screeds having a structure that supports the roller tubes and extends the length of the screed. Handles are pivotally coupled to plates at each end of the screed to maneuver and control the screed during operation. Because the handles are pivotally mounted, they can be pivoted outward to permit the screed to maneuver close to obstacles located near the pad.

Abstract: A dolly for transporting a heavy object has a frame, a lifting element, and a pair of wheels. The lifting element engages a lifting point of the heavy object to enable the dolly to support the heavy object for wheeled movement. The frame is shaped to fit around the heavy object when the lifting element is removably attached to the lifting point of the heavy object. The lifting element is preferably rotatably connected to the frame to facilitate lifting the heavy object onto the dolly. Each of the pair of wheels is operably attached to the frame and aligned along an axis to support the heavy object between the pair of wheels such that the center of gravity of the heavy object is located approximately on the axis when the lifting element is attached to the lifting point of the heavy object.

Abstract: A system for collecting oil on water comprises an oil boom (1) and a floating collection container (2), which is connected to an opening (4) in the boom by a pumping hose (3). The pumping hose (3) is flexible so that it can follow the wave motions of the water and is provided with non-return valves, making the flow (18) in the pumping hose unidirectional. The distance between the opening (4) in the boom and the collection container (2) is adjustable by tension members (8) in order for the excess length or slack in the pumping hose (3) to be adjusted to the prevailing wave height or length conditions.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A portable pollution control apparatus designed to span a creek or other small waterway. The apparatus includes an adjustable length boom which extends across the creek; an elongated, hydrocarbon-absorbent sock which is suspended from the boom and extends within the creek downstream from the boom; and a sheet of water-porous fabric connectable to the boom and extending upstream therefrom to function as a sediment trap. The fabric sheet in preferably deployed on the creekbed and banks to form a settling pond immediately upstream from said boom to permit settling of sediment.

Abstract: A pit type dock leveler having a frame adapted to be fixedly mounted at a dock with a deck, pivotedly mounted to the frame at one end thereof, and having a pivotable lip at the other end. A spring is mounted to the deck and the frame to support and raise the deck the deck. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the deck and to a pivotable linkage member that is mounted to the frame. In a powered mode, the hydraulic unit acts as a power assist for the springs to move the deck from a generally horizontal stored position into an operative position. A control circuit is employed for controlling operation of the hydraulic actuator. In a manual mode, the linkage and the hydraulic unit act a pivoting follower to deck movement without any extension of the hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tunnel (10) or shaft lining or pipeline of segments (12), wherein each segment (12) comprises a concrete body (11) having an extrados (13) surface, an intrados (14) surface and first and second ends (15, 16) and first and second sides (17, 18), the ends (15, 16) and sides (17, 18) providing edge portions, the segments (12) being adapted to be connected to further similar segments (12) with edge portions adjacent edge portions of adjacent segments (12), the method being characterized in that the method includes enveloping the ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) of at least a pair of segments (12) in a reinforcing material as the concrete is cast, and once the concrete has cured, connecting the segments (12) together with one of each of their enveloped ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) adjacent, and sealing between the enveloped ends or sides.

Abstract: A low-profile watercraft lift having first and second cantilever arms pivotally mounted to a base at offset pivot points for use in shallow water. The lift includes an actuator connected to the first and second cantilever arms and operable to move the first and second cantilever arms between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration with uniform application of force and a minimum amount of travel of actuator components. The lift further includes a universal plate affixed to bunk support rails for pivotally attaching hull support bunks to the support rails and to accommodate attachment of accessories including guide posts and a motor stop.

Abstract: An energy efficient deck framing system and method is disclosed. In a deck framing system having structural framing members that support a deck panel structure, individual deck panels are inserted between pairs of the framing members. Supporting rods extend downward through the top of the framing members and are provided with a support nut that is sized to maintain the framing member in a supported fashion. An insulating subassembly is provided having an insulating washer interposed between a conventional washer or a secondary nut and the top of the framing member, and an insulating retainer clip received in the lower portion of the top of the framing member and the support nut. The insulating retainer clip is constructed and arranged to be securably received within the contours of the framing member.

Abstract: System and method for coupling of a bottom based pipeline to an adjacent riser pipe or another pipeline, of the kind wherein is utilized a bottom based coupling frame. The underside of the frame (2) is designed in order to undergo displaceable movements along the sea bottom or on a fundament thereon both during and subsequent to coupling of the pipelines to the frame. On the frame are mounted coupling members for one importing and one exporting pipeline, and a pipe connection between the pipe couplings, optionally including a valve and other equipment. In accordance with the method, a tool including a winch and a pulling wire, is mounted on the frame whereby the frame, including the pipeline, can be pulled together in order to accomplish the coupling operations.

Abstract: A manhole for a storm sewage system comprising a structure having at least two outwardly extending substantially vertical flat panels projecting outwardly from the exterior surface a predetermined distance on opposite sides of the base portion of the manhole.

Abstract: A first road marking unit with a first base plate is provided with a first light source, and a second road-marking unit with a second base plate is provided with a second light source. A view angle of 0.1≦&agr;≦8° is formed between an interconnecting line, which interconnects the first and the second light sources, and an intersecting line which intersects the interconnecting line. In a view section where the view angle is 0.1≦&agr;≦8°, light beams originating from the first and the second light sources demonstrate a uniform overlap in the view section at a distance a≧40 m from the first light source. Preferably, the distance d between the first light source and the second light source lies in the range from 10 ≦d≦25 cm. The first and the second base plate of the road-marking units are integrated so as to form a base module.