Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing lateral support to a post includes a cage-like structure comprised of one or more modular cage units which are installed about the post. A plurality of guy wires are attached to the cage-like structure and anchored to the floor, ground, or the like, for providing lateral support to the post. Each cage unit includes a pair of main components with each main component including a pair of elongate generally parallel bar members. A lower connection bracket is attached to the bottom of each main component and includes a bolt hole for connecting the main component to a loading fame or other cage units. An upper connection bracket is attached to the top of each main component, and includes a bolt hole for connecting one main component to another main component placed on top thereof. The upper bracket also includes a pair of rod holes located near the free ends of the upper bracket for attaching a pivotable guy wire attachment fixture between two main components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for elevating a house, building, or other structure. The apparatus of the system includes a plurality of beam elements. The beam elements include a space-frame structure and include mateable ends whereby a first beam element may be connected to a second beam element in an end-to-end fashion for forming an elongate unitary consolidated beam. Thus, any number of beam elements may be connected to one-another for forming a consolidated beam of any desired length. The beam elements are provided in several lengths, and are light enough so that one or two individuals may lift and carry the beam elements by hand for installation in a structure and removal from a structure. The system may further include additional equipment to enable use of the system without the necessity of significantly damaging the exterior walls of the structure. A plurality of consolidated beams are constructed within a structure's interior and fastened to the structure for forming a lifting grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of block-like building elements which may be bolted to each other to form a variety of support structures without the use of heavy hoisting equipment. Some of the building elements have a generally U-shaped appearance when viewed in plan, i.e., the building elements are open or slotted on one side so that a hydraulic cylinder or other lifting device may be inserted into the interior of the building element, or into a post formed from a stack of connected building elements. The lifting device may be used to preload the support structure. Advantageously, the lifting device may be used to progressively lift a load to a higher elevation by elevating the load a sufficient distance to enable the addition of an additional building element. The lifting device may then be repositioned within the structure for further elevating the load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a modular structural support and elevating system for constructing temporary support structures. The system includes providing a plurality of generally identical building elements or cribs. The cribs are generally box shaped, and a first crib may be mated to a second crib for forming elongate support structures. The cribs also have an opening on each non-mating side able to receive various mounting components. The cribs further include connecting hardware for releasably connecting the cribs to one another. A hydraulic jacking system may be used with the cribs for progressively elevating or lowering a structure.

Abstract: A construction system incorporating the formation of a plurality of building components, such as but not limited to concrete slabs used for floors, wherein the slabs are formed about a plurality of supporting columns of a predetermined height depending upon the intended height of the building under construction. The subject system includes a plurality of lifting assemblies secured to the slabs, and structured to travel along the length of the columns carrying the slabs as they travel. A control assembly is provided to insure a level orientation of the slabs and a consistent rate of travel and lifting force being exerted on the slabs uniformly so as to maintain such slabs, during lifting, in a level orientation to prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jacking system for use in the construction of buildings or other structures in which accurate control and synchronization of lifting points is required. The system is mainly used in lift-slab and lift-plate construction with permanent or removable columns and features an arrangement of converging control wires which activate sensing apparatus. The sensing apparatus controls hydraulic pumps placed at each or plural lifting points.

Abstract: A method for constructing concrete enclosures by means of casting two or three or more concrete plates one on top of the other, raising them o permanent or temporary structural posts and using the lifting motion of the plates to pour concrete in bottomless sideforms thus forming the walls.