Abstract: A modular structure foundation system that requires no heavy equipment, minimal site preparation, bag concrete and crushed rock, and can be easily assembled by a small crew. The foundation consists of a number of box bar joists that are square units which are assembled based on a grid layout. The box bar joists are supported by foundation steel columns that are embedded into the ground. No forms or other complex structures are needed for the installation. Once the columns are installed, the box bar joists are installed using a unique leveling system. Once the box bar joists are level and secured to the columns, the foundation is complete. The use of the box bar joists also allows for expansion or contraction as additional box bar joists can easily be added or removed from the foundation. Once the box bar joists are in place, the foundation is ready for building.

Abstract: A building utilizing Panel construction that has a floor assembly, wall assemblies and a roof assembly. The assemblies are manufactured off site and delivered ready to install. After a foundation is prepared, the Floor Joist Assembly (FJA) system is installed. The walls have three main components—a Stationary Structural Wall (SSW) that is delivered assembled; a Removable Facade Wall (RFW) that is delivered assembled; and a Crawlspace Insulation Assembly (CIA) that is partially assembled on site. The Roof Assembly Material (RAM) has trusses, an exterior weatherproof cover; and a finished ceiling assembly. The system is designed to provide an easy assembly of a complete structure that meets all hurricane and other building code measures in an economical package. The Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical systems are installed with/as the floor and walls are installed. The lines are then connected after the structure is in place.

Abstract: A method of installing a modular structure foundation system that requires no heavy equipment, minimal site preparation, and can be easily assembled by a small crew. The foundation consists of a number of box bar joists that are square units which are assembled based on a grid layout. The box bar joists are supported by foundation steel columns that are embedded into the ground. No forms or other complex structures are needed for the installation. Once the columns are installed, the box bar joists are installed using a unique leveling system. Once the box bar joists are level and secured to the columns, the foundation is complete. The use of the box bar joists also allows for expansion or contraction as additional box bar joists can easily be added or removed from the foundation. Once the box bar joists are in place, the foundation is ready for building.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a drill rod (10) comprises an elongate hollow shaft (12) with a first shaft end and a second shaft end (22), the first shaft end having a first connector for connecting the drill rod (10) to a drive mechanism, the second shaft end (22) having a first female tread (24); and an adapter (30) with a first adapter end (32) and a second adapter end (34), the first adapter end (32) having a first male thread (42) cooperating with the first female tread (24) of the second shaft end (22), the second adapter end (34) having a second connector for connecting a drill bit (46) thereto. When a drill bit (46) is connected to the drill rod (10), the adapter (30) is sandwiched between the hollow shaft (12) and the drill bit (46). The above configuration of drill rod allows a great variety of drill bits to be used in conjunction with a single hollow shaft. There is hence no need to provide a different hollow shaft if a different drill bit is to be used.

Abstract: A coupling device for use in inserting a soaking bar into a clay plugged blast furnace tap hole with a rotary percussion tool, having a first axial aperture at a first end adapted to be fitted onto a driving post of a rotary percussion tool, and having a second axial aperture at a second end adapted to receive and retain an end of a soaking bar in axial alignment with the coupling. The second axial aperture further includes jaws for releasably engaging the end of the soaking bar, and an impact body for transferring axial impact loads from the rotary impact tool to the end of the soaking bar.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for drilling a worn and/or damaged tap hole refractory liner sleeve from a tap hole nozzle of an oxygen blown steelmaking vessel, the apparatus including an elongated, hollow boom structure with an elongated drill shaft rotatably disposed within the boom structure, motor means for rotating the drill shaft and moving it in both directions within the boom structure, and a clamp means at the outer end of the boom structure adapted to attach the outer end of the boom structure to the tap hole nozzle in an accurate, axially aligned position. A drill bit for use with the above drilling apparatus comprises a plurality of conventional rock drill bits attached to a base plate equally spaced in a pair of concentric circular arrangement around an axis of the base plate.