Abstract: A barrel assembly for a composite structure includes a barrel of composite material, a first end ring, and a mid support. The barrel of composite material has a first end, an interior surface and an outer surface, and the first end ring is removably attached to the first end. The first end ring has a perimeter that is substantially congruent with the first end, and is configured to maintain a shape of the barrel. The mid support is removably disposed within the barrel, and has a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from a central hub to contact the interior surface, to maintain a shape of the barrel.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a transport apparatus for transporting a rotor blade of a wind power installation on a transport vehicle comprising a plurality of successively arranged and pivotably interconnected wagon elements. The transport apparatus may include a blade root carrier adapted to attach to a first wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade root thereof on the first wagon element, a central carrier adapted to attach to a second wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a central region thereof on the second wagon element, and a blade tip damper for making an elastic connection between a third wagon element and the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade tip thereof for damping oscillations of the rotor blade tip.

Abstract: A combine header transport trailer for transporting a combine header. The trailer includes mechanical jacks for raising and lowering the header bar thereon and for moving the header bar inwardly and outwardly with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A combine header transport trailer for transporting a combine header. The trailer includes electrically operated jacks or screw actuators for raising and lowering the header bar thereon and for moving the header bar inwardly and outwardly with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A system for transporting an airfoil over a railroad utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second railcar. The system includes a root bracket that supports a root end of the airfoil on the first railcar, and is oriented to align a tip end of the airfoil toward the second railcar. A blade support is fixed to the second railcar and is disposed to support the airfoil along its midsection. A weight is hung from a tension member on the second railcar such that the force of gravity induces tension forces along the tension member. An urging member is disposed on the second railcar and oriented to engage the airfoil between the blade support and the tip end of the airfoil. The urging member is coupled to the tension member such that the tension forces are transferred to the urging member to induce lateral forces against the airfoil.

Abstract: A fixture to be connected to an end of a large member, such as wind turbine blade and wind turbine tower sections is provided. The fixture allows for a high degree of flexibility with regard to size of the end and arrangement of holes in the flange of the member.

Abstract: Interchangeable packing apparatus (4) for aerogenerator blades (1) particularly versatile for different blade sizes and designs, and to meet the different legal requirements of various countries, but still having a low manufacturing cost and high capacity of supporting the heavy loads. The packing apparatus (4) comprises an external frame (9) and an internal frame (8) wherein the internal frame (8) comprises an structural mounting and at least damper member (10) for receiving one side of at least a portion of the aerogenerator blade (1) and wherein said internal frame (8) substantially supports the load of at least said portion of the aerogenerator blade (1) and wherein the internal frame (8) is selectively positionable relative to the external frame in at least two positions in order to receive different portions of the aerogenerator blade (1) relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting large items wherein the large items comprise at least three through going holes and said system comprises a frame to support the items. Said frame has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises two parallel longitudinal beams connected by two parallel transverse beams and further comprises at least two transverse support bars to support the items, which transverse support bars are located between the two parallel transverse beams. The transport system further comprises a first and a second rod to be mounted in two through going holes in the items where each end of the first and second rod can be connected to the longitudinal beams to secure the items to the frame in such a way that no part of the large items extends over the rectangle defined by the two parallel longitudinal beams and the two parallel transverse beams.

Abstract: A support saddle (20, 24) for supporting a load (14) having a taper profile along an axial length of the load (14). The support saddle (20, 24) comprises a lower surface (20A, 24A) for resting on a surface (10A) of a transportation vehicle load bed (10) and an upper surface (20B, 24B) defining a taper to substantially match the taper profile of the load (10) in a region of the load contacting the upper surface (20B, 24B), the upper surface (20B, 24B) for receiving the load (10). In other embodiments the support saddles (20, 24) are used with inserts (64, 65) and/or cushions (45). One or more of the support saddles (20, 24), the inserts (64, 65) and the cushions (45) may comprise a tapered upper surface to match the taper profile of the load (14).

Abstract: A transport system for a wind turbine blade is provided. The transport system is configured for increasing a curvature of the wind turbine blade in response to an obstacle during transport of the wind turbine blade. Further, a method for transporting a wind turbine blade in order to avoid obstacles is provided.

Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed for transporting a rotor blade having a first end and a second end defining a rotor blade length. The transportation system includes a truck configured to transport the rotor blade, the truck including a bed having a forward end and a distal end defining a bed length. The transportation system further includes a first fixture configured on the bed, the first fixture comprising a generally arcuate guide member and a support frame slidable along the guide member, the support frame configured to support the rotor blade. The transportation system further includes a second fixture configured on the bed for one of slidable support or rotatable support of the rotor blade. Movement of at least one of the first fixture or the second fixture rotates the rotor blade within a plane defined by the bed.

Abstract: A transportation system for a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The transportation system includes a root fixture adapted to receive the root end of the wind turbine rotor blade, and a tip end fixture adapted to receive a tip end of the wind turbine rotor blade. The root fixture and the tip end fixture are provided as separate transportable units.

Abstract: A three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) packing system for transporting, handling and storing of aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3). The prior art does not provide for cost-effective packing systems for sets of three blades. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of packing three aerogenerator blades (1, 2, 3) and other aspect is directed to a packing system comprising a root frame (4) and a binding frame (5), wherein the blades (1, 2, 3) are in a edgewise position.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus for transporting a harvest header has a main beam on wheels. A bed assembly is pivotally attached to the main beam above the main beam such that when one side of the bed assembly moves up, an opposite side moves down. The bed assembly is supported at a desired tilt angle by adjustable tilt. The bed assembly includes a movable side extension along one side that is movable through a range from an extended position to a retracted position and can be releasably locked in the range. The tilt angle can be adjusted independently of the position of the side extension. A middle portion of the main beam and bed assembly can be laterally offset to form a recess to accommodate lift arms of a self propelled swather when the swather header is loaded on the bed assembly.

Abstract: A shipping fixture and method for transporting a rotor blade are disclosed. The shipping fixture is configured for stacking thereon of an adjacent shipping fixture. The shipping fixture includes a first frame comprising a first support member and a first nesting feature. The first frame is further configured for stacking thereon of the adjacent shipping fixture. The shipping fixture further includes a second frame comprising a second support member, a second nesting feature, and a mounting feature. The second nesting feature mates with the first nesting feature to removably nest the second frame to the first frame at least partially within the first frame. The mounting feature is configured for mounting of the rotor blade thereon.

Abstract: A system for supporting a blade for a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine blade having a curved portion is described. The system includes a first support arrangement with (a) a root support element adapted to support a root portion of the blade such that the root portion is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the blade, and (b) a root elevation element adapted to adjust a vertical position of the root support element. Further, a transport vehicle for transporting a blade for a wind turbine is provided. The transport vehicle includes (a) a front platform, (b) a rear platform, and (c) a system as described above, wherein the first support arrangement is mounted at the front platform and the second support arrangement is mounted at the rear platform. Furthermore, a method of transporting a wind turbine blade having a curved portion is described.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. At least one integrated attachment bore is configured in each of the suction side and pressure side between the leading edge and trailing edge. The attachment bores are structurally configured for receipt of a handling mechanism therein for supporting the blade during a transportation, installation, or maintenance procedure.

Abstract: The presented embodiments provide a system (10) for transporting a load (12) via multiple conveyance types. The system (10) includes a supporting member (22, 23) configured for attachment to the load (12), including a vehicle interface portion (40, 42), a first supporting member interface portion for attachment to the first vehicle of a first conveyance type, and a second supporting member interface portion for attachment to the second vehicle of a second conveyance type. The vehicle interface portion and the first and second supporting member interface portions are cooperatively configured such that when the load (12) is attached to the supporting member (22, 23) it can be moved between the first and second vehicles by a vertical lift and place move selectively parting and joining the vehicle interface portion with the first and second supporting member interface portions without the necessity of joining or separating a fastener.

Abstract: A system for transporting a tower on deck of a railcar includes a locating assembly, with a key assembly fixed to the deck and disengageably coupled to a foot-stop assembly fixed to the tower adjacent to a first end, for locating the tower above the deck, and a saddle assembly and a saddle spacer disposed between the saddle assembly and the tower, where the saddles spacer conforms to the shaped of the elongated portion of the tower, and supports the tower above the deck.

Abstract: A shipping fixture and method for transporting a rotor blade are disclosed. The shipping fixture is configured for stacking thereon of an adjacent shipping fixture. The shipping fixture includes a first frame comprising a first support member and a first nesting feature. The first frame is further configured for stacking thereon of the adjacent shipping fixture. The shipping fixture further includes a second frame comprising a second support member, a second nesting feature, and a mounting feature. The second nesting feature mates with the first nesting feature to removably nest the second frame to the first frame at least partially within the first frame. The mounting feature is configured for mounting of the rotor blade thereon.

Abstract: A transporting tool for tower transporting sections of wind turbine tower by railway, road and sea transport vehicles that includes a lower module, with bottom clamps and an upper module, with upper clamps, chocks mounted to the tower module, and fastening elements that combined allow anchoring the tower section, for transport.

Abstract: A system for transporting tower with a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion, using a railcar with a deck for carrying a load. The system includes a first support means for disposition between the railcar and the tower at a first location, and that is adapted to support the tower above the deck. The system also includes a first saddle assembly with a base for resting upon the deck of the railcar, and a saddle that conforms to the shape of a large tower. The saddle assembly is adapted to support the tower above the deck. The system also includes a plastic spacer assembly, for disposition between the saddle of the first saddle assembly and a second location along the elongated portion of the tower, and that has a saddle rest that conforms to the shaped of the saddle, and that has a spacer saddle that conforms to the shape of the elongated portion of the tower at the second location.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting a rotor of a wind turbine at sea is provided. The arrangement includes a vessel having a deck. Moreover, the arrangement includes at least one rotor including a hub and at least one blade affixed to the hub. The hub is positioned on the deck in such a way that the at least one blade is at least partially located above the sea surface and that the center axis of the hub is tilted in relation to the deck so as to increase the distance between the at least one blade and the sea surface. Furthermore, a method for transporting a wind turbine rotor at sea on a vessel having a deck is also provided.

Abstract: A support saddle (20, 24) for supporting a load (14) having a taper profile along an axial length of the load (14). The support saddle (20, 24) comprises a lower surface (20A, 24A) for resting on a surface (10A) of a transportation vehicle load bed (10) and an upper surface (20B, 24B) defining a taper to substantially match the taper profile of the load (10) in a region of the load contacting the upper surface (20B, 24B), the upper surface (20B, 24B) for receiving the load (10). In other embodiments the support saddles (20, 24) are used with inserts (64, 65) and/or cushions (45). One or more of the support saddles (20, 24), the inserts (64, 65) and the cushions (45) may comprise a tapered upper surface to match the taper profile of the load (14).

Abstract: There is provided a transport vehicle for transporting wind power installation rotor blades and/or pylon segments. The transport vehicle has a transport support structure having a main frame, a receiving frame fixedly connected to the main frame at a first angle, and a rotary displacement unit which is fixed with one end to the receiving frame and which at its second end has a blade adaptor for receiving a rotor blade or a pylon segment. The main frame spans a main plane. The rotary displacement unit has at least one first rotary mounting, wherein there is provided a second angle between the second rotary plane of the second rotary mounting.

Abstract: Described are structures, such as wind turbine structures for offshore sites, comprising transport elements configured for complementary mating with engagement elements of a clamp, which allow for transporting of the structures using that clamp. Generally, the transport element is provided at an attachment region of a tower, or the like, where the tower would attach to a support, such as a jacket. There is also described apparatus for allowing for transport of a wind turbine structure, comprising a clamp. In some cases, the apparatus is also configured so as to modify the effective centre of gravity of an associated structure, and/or the effective centre of inertia of an associated structure.

Abstract: A mounting bracket device and method for mounting a blade of a wind turbine to a transportation device are disclosed. The mounting bracket device includes a clamping device for holding the blade, an adjustment system, and a connecting system adapted for being removably connected to the transportation device. The connecting system removably connects the clamping device and the adjustment system to the transportation device. The adjustment system is adapted to align the clamping device with respect to the transportation device around the first rotary axis and around a second rotary axis.

Abstract: A system for transporting a load of plural flange assemblies using a railcar that has open top over a load-area. The system includes a structural frame configured for positioning at least partially about the load area of the railcar. The structural frame includes a first and second incline that are opposingly oriented to define a load trough, which is accessible for insertion of at least a portion of the load thereinto from above the open top of the railcar. A railcar engagement member is disposed to fixedly couple the structural frame to the railcar. Incline dunnage is positioned on the first and second incline so as to engage and support the load, and so as to prevent direct contact between the load and the railcar. A first movable stop is coupled to the structural frame, and has an adjustment for selectively positioning it to engage and maintain the load against tipping forces.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting at least one blade or spar for a wind turbine. The blade or spar has a root end and a tip end. The transport system comprises a root frame structure for holding the root end and a fixation device adapted to fixate and support the blade or spar between the root end and tip end.

Abstract: A transportation system and a method for transporting a rotor blade under a height-restricting obstacle defining a clearance height are disclosed. The method includes transporting a first end of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle. A transportation vehicle is configured to transport the rotor blade, the transportation vehicle including a bed on which the rotor blade is disposed. The method further includes moving a second end of the rotor blade from a raised position to a lowered position relative to the bed, the second end in the lowered position having a height less than or equal to the clearance height, and transporting the second end of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a packing device for logistics of groups of wind turbine rotor blades, preferably of pairs of blades, including at least two structures, each one having a peripheral frame. For guaranteeing the proper conditions for the logistics, said blades are supported and fastened to the structures by flexible belts stressed by ratchets, being said blade profile partially or entirely enveloped by said flexible belts. And alternatively, the device for logistics of groups of wind turbine rotor blades may include tip protection cover, blades fastening device, such as belts, ropes or chains, and protecting devices on areas of contact between the blades to prevent the friction.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a wind turbine blade. The vehicle comprises a blade connection device for connecting a first end of the blade to the vehicle, wherein the blade connection device comprise a tilting device for elevating an opposite end of the blade and wherein a tip end of the blade is orientated in a forward direction of the vehicle. A control system for controlling the tilting device of a vehicle and a method for transporting a wind turbine blade are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Method of mounting a wind turbine at a mounting location, said method comprising the steps of mounting two rotor blades to a pre-assembly of hub and nacelle; lifting the assembly of nacelle, hub and two blades by means of an installation crane on top of a frame in which a third rotor blade is held in vertical position with a flange pointing up; manipulating the third rotor blade towards the hub of the assembly resting on the said frame, allowing the third rotor blade to be mounted to the assembly of hub and nacelle and two blades; lifting the completed wind turbine assembly of nacelle, hub and three blades on top of a pre-installed wind turbine foundation tower.

Abstract: A green transport system includes a bogie system having forwardly disposed and rearwardly disposed bogies in which the rearwardy disposed bogie includes a front bogie and a rear bogie interconnected to the front bogie by a telescopic beam assembly for selective incremental retractable extension so that the bogies are disposed in a plurality of transport modes for load bearing exceptionally high tonnage heavy-duty tracked equipment, particularly crushers without disassembly of the crusher; the exceptionally high tonnage crusher being transported as a single unit, with resultant fuel and energy conservation and greenhouse gas emission reduction, and the elimination of a pre-crushing operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting a rotor of a wind turbine at sea is provided. The arrangement includes a vessel having a deck. Moreover, the arrangement includes at least one rotor including a hub and at least one blade affixed to the hub. The hub is positioned on the deck in such a way that the at least one blade is at least partially located above the sea surface and that the center axis of the hub is tilted in relation to the deck so as to increase the distance between the at least one blade and the sea surface. Furthermore, a method for transporting a wind turbine rotor at sea on a vessel having a deck is also provided.

Abstract: In a system and method for transporting wind turbine tower sections on a shipping vessel a pair of support members is secured to a first wind turbine tower section generally at opposite ends of the first tower section. Another pair of support members is secured to a second wind turbine tower section generally at opposite ends of the second tower section. A pair of elongate mounting members is secured on a support surface of the shipping vessel in spaced relationship with each other. One of the support members of the first tower section and one of the support members of the second tower section are secured to one of the elongate mounting members. The other one of the support members of the first tower section and the other one of the support members of the second tower section are secured to the other one of the elongate mounting members.

Abstract: A system for arranging wind turbine blades includes first and second root cradles and a first support proximate to the second root cradle. A first tip cradle is rotatably connected to the first support, and a second tip cradle is proximate to the first root cradle. A method for arranging wind turbine blades includes transferring a first wind turbine blade proximate to a first root cradle and rotating the first wind turbine blade at least 90 degrees so that the first wind turbine blade is angled approximately 20 to 90 degrees with respect to a horizon. The method further includes transferring a second wind turbine blade proximate to a second root cradle and nesting the second wind turbine blade with the first wind turbine blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a transport apparatus for transporting a rotor blade of a wind power installation on a transport vehicle comprising a plurality of successively arranged and pivotably interconnected wagon elements. The transport apparatus may include a blade root carrier adapted to attach to a first wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade root thereof on the first wagon element, a central carrier adapted to attach to a second wagon element for carrying the rotor blade in a central region thereof on the second wagon element, and a blade tip damper for making an elastic connection between a third wagon element and the rotor blade in a region of a rotor blade tip thereof for damping oscillations of the rotor blade tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to facilitate transporting and aligning a multiple piece wind turbine rotor blade including a root piece and a tip piece. The apparatus includes a first portion configured to support a first end portion of the root piece and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion. The second portion is configured to support a first end portion of the tip piece.

Abstract: A system for transporting tower with a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion, using a railcar with a deck for carrying a load. The system includes a first support means for disposition between the railcar and the tower at a first location, and that is adapted to support the tower above the deck. The system also includes a first saddle assembly with a base for resting upon the deck of the railcar, and a saddle that conforms to the shape of a large tower. The saddle assembly is adapted to support the tower above the deck. The system also includes a spacer assembly, for disposition between the saddle of the first saddle assembly and a second location along the elongated portion of the tower, and that has a saddle rest that conforms to the shaped of the saddle, and that has a spacer saddle that conforms to the shape of the elongated portion of the tower at the second location.

Abstract: A rail freight train is configured for transporting long welded rails. The train has a device for anchoring the rails disposed on the end of the rail freight train and composed of a number of insertion devices, each provided for anchoring an individual rail. A first clamping jaw is securely connected to the device, while a second clamping jaw is adjustable by way of a clamping wedge displaceable in the longitudinal rail direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support system for a wind turbine component with a rigid structure such as a wind turbine nacelle or a section of a wind turbine tower. The support system comprises a plurality of engagement mechanisms (6, 7, 8, 9) defining at least three corners, possibly at least four corners, of a surface. The surface, in case of the support system comprising at least four engagement mechanisms, is capable of forming a curved surface, and the surface, in case of the support system comprising at least three engagement mechanisms, is at least capable of being tilted in relation to e.g. a vertical orientation. Further, the invention includes a method for operating the support system by simultaneously operating the lower and upper telescopic actuator on each of the support systems, so that the wind turbine component can be lifted or lowered.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to carry elongate cargo includes, but is not limited to, a body having a cargo support surface having a first opening. A first support member is housed within the first opening and is configured to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening. A first restraining member is connected to the first support member and oriented generally transversely thereto. The first restraining member is configured to move towards and away from the cargo support surface as the first support member moves inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening, and to compress the elongate cargo against the cargo support surface. The body is configured to engage the first support member and to inhibit the first support member from moving away from the body. The first restraining member and the cargo support surface cooperate to restrain the elongate cargo.

Abstract: A method for management of conventional decking beams incorporates unique racks with special features facilitating the organization, storage, protection, and shipping of decking beams when the decking beams are not in use supporting shipments of cargo. Additional features facilitate stacking of racks when loaded with beams; and for stacking of empty racks themselves in minimal space for their storage or transportation when not in use. Identification of beams and of racks for wireless location-tracking is included.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a transport vehicle with a tractor and a trailer that are connected to one another during the transport of cargo by the cargo itself. The invention has the problem of making a transport vehicle available that also makes possible the transport on highways of very bulky material, especially such material that exceeds the usual profile height of underpasses and bridges (freeway bridges, etc.). A transport vehicle for a rotor blade of a wind power system with a tractor and a trailer that are connected to one another during the transport of the rotor blade by the rotor blade and that respectively comprise a holding device and/or receiving device for the rotor blade which holding device and/or receiving device is/are designed in such a manner that it/they permit(s) a rotation of the rotor blade about its longitudinal axis and that a drive for rotating the rotor blade is provided on the tractor and/or the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus for transporting a harvest header has a main beam on wheels. A bed assembly is pivotally attached to the main beam above the main beam such that when one side of the bed assembly moves up, an opposite side moves down. The bed assembly is supported at a desired tilt angle by adjustable tilt. The bed assembly includes a movable side extension along one side that is movable through a range from an extended position to a retracted position and can be releasably locked in the range. The tilt angle can be adjusted independently of the position of the side extension. A middle portion of the main beam and bed assembly can be laterally offset to form a recess to accommodate lift arms of a self propelled swather when the swather header is loaded on the bed assembly.

Abstract: A transportation tooling of the type that borders the blade at its root and at an intermediate point. This tooling is used in combination with platforms placed on the transportation elements and the platforms can move transversely and turn or rotate with respect to the devices of transportation without affecting blade integrity. Also a method for blade transportation with the tip of one blade facing the tip of the adjacent blade so as to use the minimum space on the devices of transportation. The rail tooling takes into account the maximum corner radius that the train will encounter while absorbing the bending and torsion stress acting on the blades.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. At least one integrated attachment bore is configured in each of the suction side and pressure side between the leading edge and trailing edge. The attachment bores are structurally configured for receipt of a handling mechanism therein for supporting the blade during a transportation, installation, or maintenance procedure.

Abstract: A system for arranging wind turbine blades includes first and second root cradles and a first support proximate to the second root cradle. A first tip cradle is rotatably connected to the first support, and a second tip cradle is proximate to the first root cradle. A method for arranging wind turbine blades includes transferring a first wind turbine blade proximate to a first root cradle and rotating the first wind turbine blade at least 90 degrees so that the first wind turbine blade is angled approximately 20 to 90 degrees with respect to a horizon. The method further includes transferring a second wind turbine blade proximate to a second root cradle and nesting the second wind turbine blade with the first wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for supporting multiple elongate rails in a rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.