Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame and between the skeletal frame and the base on which it sits. Further cost savings may be realized by using separable parts made of wood instead of fiber reinforced material. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The moment-transferring connections between the frame and the base are made by bonding the frame members and the base to footings. A method of constructing such a cooling tower is also disclosed. Diagonal bracing may be provided at preselected joints.

Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be held in place by mechanical fasteners that bear construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and mechanical fasteners define construction joints that are capable of bearing construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and cured bonding material define post-construction joints that are capable of transferring moments from the beam to the columns and are capable of bearing post-construction loads on the joints.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural assembly that includes at least four vertically extending columns which form corners of the structural assembly. Wall panels extend between adjacent columns, with at least two wall panels vertically stacked and connected to each other, to form a structural wall assembly between adjacent columns. The ends of each of the wall panels are attached to flanges that extend from each of the columns. A structural column is provided in the center of the structure and braces extend from each of the corner columns to the riser. Beams also extend from the central riser outwardly to certain of the wall panels, usually connecting to the wall panels at a location equidistant between the columns. A roof structure is provided, the edges of which are received in spaces in certain of the top wall panels. In a cooling tower application of the present invention, a fan assembly is supported on the top of the central column water inlet riser and includes a fan shroud supported by the roof.

Abstract: A structural column has a generally cruciform cross section. The column includes a generally rectangular core section formed by four orthogonally related walls and four flange portions. Each flange portion is provided by a pair of spaced-apart parallel flanges which are extensions of a pair of parallel walls. The column is particularly suited for a cooling tower which includes at least four vertically extending columns. A horizontal beam extends between each pair of adjacent columns, and the ends of each beam are inserted between the parallel flanges of the columns. A side panel is supported by each beam, and a cover is supported by the side panels and the columns.

Abstract: A structural column has a generally cruciform cross section. The column includes a generally rectangular core section formed by four orthogonally related walls and four flange portions. Each flange portion is provided by a pair of spaced-apart parallel flanges which are extensions of a pair of parallel walls. The column is particularly suited for a cooling tower which includes at least four vertically extending columns. A horizontal beam extends between each pair of adjacent columns, and the ends of each beam are inserted between the parallel flanges of the columns. A side panel is supported by each beam, and a cover is supported by the side panels and the columns.

Abstract: A lightweight water cooling tower is formed by a fiberglass reinforced basin and fiberglass reinforced side panels. A liquid distribution system in the cooling tower is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending liquid supply pipe, and a fan is supported by the liquid supply pipe.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler having a molded plastic base and a molded plastic top cap includes molded plastic legs on the base and molded recesses in the top cap for permitting a plurality of coolers to be stacked. Adjustable leg extensions can be attached to the legs for mounting the cooler on a sloping roof. Latches are pivotally mounted on the corners of the base and the top cap for holding the side panels of the cooler together.

Abstract: A cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin structural components including a basin, vertically extending columns, vertical side panels, and a cover. The fill material for heat/mass exchange is supported directly by the basin to eliminate the weight of a separate support system and to reduce the load on the columns and panels. A fan is mounted on the cover, and the weight of the fan is supported by the cover and the columns. The panels do not have to support the weight of the cover and the fan, and the panels can be formed of relatively thin, lightweight material. The columns do not have to support the weight of the fill material and can also be relatively lightweight.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower includes precast concrete support legs and cross beams and fiberglass reinforced polyester resin side and top panels. A liquid distribution system is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending main pipe, and a fan and fan motor are supported by the main pipe.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin panels, a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin liquid basin, and a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin top assembly which includes a fan and a water distribution pipe. One or more cross beams extend between two opposed side panels for supporting a porous heat and mass transfer section. The panels are formed so that the weight of the tower and the fill material is distributed to, and supported by, the corners and inlet columns of the tower.