Abstract: An induced draft cooling tower having an annular outer support structure for the dispersion section and the inner support structure for the ventilation section. The inner support structure is essentially constructed of precast reinforced concrete elements and comprises a first plurality of columns supporting a circumferential beam, a second plurality of columns arranged around a hexagonal central tower in a hexagonal network with beams extending between and supported in slotted capitals of the second plurality of beams. The diffusers which are precast reinforced concrete shells include a toroidal base element which bears on three beams supported on a column of the second plurality coaxial to the diffuser. Stacks of annular elements rise from the upper edges of the base elements. The lower edges of the base elements are polygonal and substantially meet the lower edges of adjacent base elements. Slabs cover openings between lower edge segments of base elements and in the peripheral area beyond the diffusers.

Abstract: An improved annular support structure for the dispersion section including the hot water basin of a cooling tower. The annular outer structure comprises a plurality of sector-shaped independent, self-supporting and self-stabilized towers each comprising a pair of radial sides formed by a stack of superposed precast reinforced concrete portal frames and precast reinforced concrete right triangular bracing members extending between and supported on the uprights of spaced pairs of portal frames. Cantilevers extending from the outer uprights of the portal frames support precast concrete louvers. The hot water basin has part annular sections supported on beams aligned with the radial sides and spaced from one another by expansion joints.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining reeving of a pulley system including head pulleys on a jib or boom of a crane and reeving pulleys opposite the head pulleys. There is provided a sensor which may be electrically, mechanically, optically or pneumatically operable at some of the pulleys of the pulley system for sensing the presence or absence of the rope at its associated pulley. Each sensor provides a signal which is fed into a decoder module which may be connected to a display unit for displaying the information or a control device for enabling or inhibiting operation of the associated lifting equipment.

Abstract: A scaffolding assembly is made up of independent units each of which is fitted with inside and outside shuttering panels. The assembly is particularly suitable for in situ casting of walls in reinforced concrete, in successive layers which may vary in their inclination to the vertical. Each unit includes a support frame which is attached to one surface of the wall in progress and is fitted with one shuttering panel and a first assembly of catwalks. At its upper end it has a cantilever which overhangs the top of the wall, from which is suspended a movable frame substantially parallel to the support frame. The position of the movable frame on the cantilever is adjustable, to vary its distance from the support frame. The movable frame is fitted with the other shuttering panel and with a second catwalk assembly. A lifting system on the support frame co-operates with attachments on the wall to raise the unit.