Abstract: A coupler or connector for joining bars, for example reinforcing bars, including an elongate rod member adapted to be inserted into a tubular sleeve member. The rod and sleeve members each have one or more transverse holes which align when the rod member is inserted into the sleeve member. In operational use, the rod and sleeve members are attached to the free ends of the bars to be connected. One or more transverse pins are then driven into the holes which are aligned in order to lock the rod and sleeve member together thereby connecting the bars. The pins can be spring loaded. There can be a plastic sleeve adapted to retain the pins in position. The plastic sleeve is slid off during assembly to allow the pins to engage the holes in the sleeve member(s).

Abstract: A lifting device for brittle elements such as bridge beam and deck elements, panels and the like up to and beyond 1,000 tonnes is described. The lifting device may be suitable for face and edge lifting of brittle elements that have a suitable cavity formed within or through them. The lifting device may include a lifting eye connected to an elongate member/shank that has a flared end. A sleeve about the shank may be used to raise and lower the moveably attached wedges to and from the flared end. In use the wedges upon the flared end prevent the withdrawal of the lifting device from the cavity of the brittle element. A cavity former is also described that may be used in the casting of the brittle element to form a suitable cavity.

Abstract: A lifting device (110) for concrete elements such as bridge beam and deck elements, panels and the like up to and beyond 1,000 tons (t) is described. The lifting device may be suitable for face and edge lifting of concrete elements that have a suitable cavity formed within or through them. The lifting device (110) may include a lifting eye (116) connected to an elongate member/shank (114) that has a flared end (122). A sleeve (126) about the shank (114) may be used to raise and lower the moveably attached wedges (124) to and from the flared end (122). In use the wedges (124) upon the flared end (122) prevent the withdrawal of the lifting device (110) from the cavity of the concrete element. A cavity former is also described that may be used in the casting of the concrete element to form a suitable cavity.

Abstract: A re-useable void former for forming voids in concrete structures adapted to be positioned in wet concrete being of a flexible and elastic material to allow the void former to pucker inwardly when unsupported; a retainer adapted to support and maintain the outer shape as the concrete sets; a remover adapted to engage the void former on withdrawing the retainer wherein the unsupported void former is able to pucker and be pulled from the void thus formed for reuse. A method of use of the invention.

Abstract: A coupler or connector for joining bars, for example reinforcing bars, comprising an elongate rod member adapted to be inserted into a tubular sleeve member. The rod and sleeve members each have one or more transverse holes which align when the rod member is inserted into the sleeve member. In operational use, the rod and sleeve members are attached to the free ends of the bars to be connected. One or more transverse pins are then driven into the holes which are aligned in order to lock the rod and sleeve member together thereby connecting the bars. In another example of the invention, the pins can be spring loaded and/or the elongate rod member is adapted to be inserted into a pair of opposed sleeve members. In yet another example of the invention, there can be a plastic sleeve adapted to retain the pins in position thereby locking in place the sleeve and rod members.

Abstract: A lifting device (110) for concrete elements such as bridge beam and deck elements, panels and the like up to and beyond 1,000 tonnes (t) is described. The lifting device may be suitable for face and edge lifting of concrete elements that have a suitable cavity formed within or through them. The lifting device (110) may include a lifting eye (116) connected to an elongate member/shank (114) that has a flared end (122). A sleeve (126) about the shank (114) may be used to raise and lower the moveably attached wedges (124) to and from the flared end (122). In use the wedges (124) upon the flared end (122) prevent the withdrawal of the lifting device (110) from the cavity of the concrete element. A cavity former is also described that may be used in the casting of the concrete element to form a suitable cavity.