Abstract: A telescoping mast having a latch assembly includes a latch body mountable to a first tube section, a latch mechanism supported by the latch body, a toggle mechanism operatively connected to the latch mechanism, and a latch plate mountable to a second tube section. The latch mechanism includes a pawl member pivotably between an engaged position for interlocking with a corresponding recess in the latch plate to thereby restrict axial movement between the first and second tube sections, and a disengaged position allowing relative axial movement between the first and second tube sections. The toggle mechanism is movable between an over-center locked configuration corresponding to the engaged position of the latch mechanism and an unlocked configuration corresponding to the disengaged position of the latch member.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: An automatic locking system is provided that is driven by the normal extension and retraction of the mast, reduces the inherent rotation and deflection of the mast due to clearances, and operates more smoothly and quietly than conventional locking systems. The locking system also fits reasonably within the existing footprint of a typical mechanical mast.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated telescoping mast assembly has a mast axis and comprises a plurality of telescopically interengaged mast tubes having axially opposite ends and being axially slidable relative to one another along the mast axis between retracted and extended positions. Axially adjacent mast tubes include a stop collar held on one of the ends of each tube by a snap ring. The radially inner mast tube, of two adjacent mast tubes, includes a double wrap snap ring thereon for engaging the stop collar on the radially outer mast tube to limit relative axial displacement therebetween. The radially inner mast tube further includes a guide collar with a gasket slidably engaging the inner side of the radially outer mast tube. The mast assembly also includes an internal support collar for displacing and supporting the internal wiring used to supply power to the top of the mast assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated telescoping mast assembly has a mast axis and comprises a plurality of telescopically interengaged mast tubes having axially opposite ends and being axially slidable relative to one another along the mast axis between retracted and extended positions. Axially adjacent mast tubes include a stop collar held on one of the ends of each tube by a snap ring. The radially inner mast tube, of two adjacent mast tubes, includes a double wrap snap ring thereon for engaging the stop collar on the radially outer mast tube to limit relative axial displacement therebetween. The radially inner mast tube further includes a guide collar with a gasket slidably engaging the inner side of the radially outer mast tube. The mast assembly also includes an internal support collar for displacing and supporting the internal wiring used to supply power to the top of the mast assembly.

Abstract: A fire resistant modular building adapted to house flammable and/or toxic materials is prefabricated of a box-like structure with exterior walls and a roof and partitions of stacked sheets of gypsum board with a skin of sheet metal secured thereto to define the interior walls and ceiling of the building.