Abstract: A light antenna mast group (LAMG) provides antenna masts coupled to a vehicle cap structure which is disposed on the top of a light truck, which in one embodiment can be a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). The vehicle cap structure includes antenna mast deployment mechanisms, hinged rotator assemblies, an antenna storage system, and a plurality of spring loaded guide wire spools, all adapted to make deployment of the antenna masts rapid and simple.

Abstract: A telescopic jib for a crane, such as a vehicular crane, comprises an upper profile part and a lower profile part joined together. The lower profile part consists of several shell segments, each having an outwardly curved shape, and the upper profile part comprises several outwardly curved shell segments abutting each other at an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A telescoping rig with an upper mast telescopingly received within a lower mast. A torque carrier is formed of an upper part suspended within the upper mast and a lower part attached to the lower mast. The lower part may be secured to the upper part when the rig is in operational position, and is movable to allow the upper mast to move into a telescoped position within the lower mast. The rig is readied for transport by disconnecting upper and lower parts of a torque carrier, moving the lower torque carrier laterally within the lower mast to allow the upper mast to telescope within the lower mast; and telescoping the upper mast within the lower mast.

Abstract: A method of detecting damage to a structural member which is part of a working arm of a working apparatus, which arm is moveable relative to a body of the apparatus by an actuator. In use, the arm carries a load at another end thereof. The method including the steps of locating in or on the structural member in a position which is liable to damage, at least one filament. So long as the filament remains undamaged, a signal is transmitted along the length of the filament. In the event of an interruption of the transmitted signal, a fault signal is generated. The fault signal is used to disable operation of the actuator. The method is particularly useful for working arms made from light weight composite materials in the form of a matrix of fibers in a resin material which is susceptible to impact damage which may not be visible.

Abstract: A towable power plant is disclosed capable of supplying visible light for use at a worksite and at least on other power source. The power source may generate compressed air, electricity, or may pump water or a hydraulic fluid. The light tower may be coupled to the drawbar of an existing towable power plant.

Abstract: A support tower for large structures such as wind turbines generators, microwave structures, high voltage transmission lines or the like, constructed of telescopic sections with the lowermost section having an edge portion pivotally connected to a foundation to enable the tower sections to be transported to the site of installation. The tower sections are assembled at the installation site in a nested relationship, each within the adjacent lower tower section. The large load is mounted on the upper end of the uppermost tower section and the nested tower sections are then tilted upwardly to a vertical position. After the tower is tilted to its vertical position and securely connected to the foundation, the telescopic tower sections are vertically extended to position the load in a vertically elevated position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telescopic hoist comprising a series of telescopically arranged tubular sections wherein the tubular sections are made in nitrided steel.

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 telescoping lift arm assembly has an outer lift arm tube that is formed with a cross section configuration that has spaced side walls, and outwardly extending flange guide panels at the lower portions of the side walls. An inner lift arm tube is generally bell-shaped and fits into the outer lift arm tube and has outwardly flared flanges that are parallel to the flange guide panels of the outer lift arm tube. The inner lift arm tube is held in place with a cross support plate that is supported to the side walls of the outer lift arm tube, to hold the inner lift arm tube in place. There are linear bearings between the mating outwardly flared flanges and panels, as well as between the support plate and mating lower surfaces of the inner lift arm tube. Fasteners are provided to adjustably hold the support plate secured to the outer lift arm tube.

Abstract: At least one section of a jib of a crane, such as a mobile crane, includes a composite cross-section incorporating a layer of steel covered by one or more fiber composite layers. In a preferred embodiment, more than one fiber composite layer is included and the respective fiber layers are disposed in a criss-cross manner with respect to each other to enhance the overall strength of the telescopic part. Also, in a preferred embodiment the steel layer of the composite is on the interior of the telescopic part for minimizing thermal stresses due to temperature changes caused by sun loads. In another preferred embodiment, the composite fiber layers are disposed only in the zone of the cross-section of the telescopic part, which is subjected to tensile forces during use.

Abstract: A locking unit for a telescopic system of a hydraulically actuated telescopic jib of a crane, having a jib box frame and a plurality of telescopic sections which are guided inside one another and can be moved out of a starting position into in each case at least one extended position is provided with a drive for moving at least one driver bolt of a locking unit into and out of a section receptive driver bolt opening, and for moving a coupling device for displacement of at least one locking bolt into and out of a locking bolt receptive opening, the drive being arranged fixedly on the box frame of the jib, there being a mechanical drive connection between the drive and the locking unit.

Abstract: A telescopic crane, includes a substructure, a superstructure rotatably mounted onto the substructure, a counterweight and a telescoping boom structure which includes a main boom slewable about a luffing plane. The main boom has a boom base and at least one telescope section received in the boom base and displaceable between retracted and extended positions. At least one guy support is mounted to the boom structure and connected to a guy rope which extends substantially longitudinally in the direction of the boom structure. The guy support is oriented with respect to the luffing plane at an inclination which is so selected that a lateral load acting on the boom structure is partially or entirely received by the guying.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly having a ball drive actuator drive system. A telescoping mast section is housed within a base mast section mounted to a base plate. The base mast section pivots about a pivot axis between a lowered, horizontal position and an upright, vertical position and includes an upper elongate body disposed an upper side of the pivot axis and a bottom end disposed on an opposite side of the pivot axis. A ball actuator drive includes an electrically powered motor that drives a ball screw reciprocally inward and outward along a linear stroke path. A remote end of the ball screw is attached to the bottom end of the base mast section and, by pushing and pulling the bottom end of the base mast section, pivots and maintains the base mast section to alternative positions between the fully raised and the fully lowered positions. A telescoping mast section is housed within the base mast section and telescopes between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A telescopic boom arrangement of a vehicle is provided with a fixed, tubular outer boom and an inner boom which is mounted for sliding within the outer boom. Transmission lines for coupling various functions, carried at the end of the inner boom, with a power source/and or controls include an intermediate section mounted to the outer boom by a transmission line routing assembly which holds first ends of the intermediate section of the transmission lines at a fixed location and establishes a guide along which second ends of the section of transmission lines is moveable lengthwise of the outer boom. The intermediate section of the transmission lines is flexible and defines a bow which changes in length as the inner boom extends and retracts relative to the outer boom.

Abstract: Segments can be telescoped out of the base boom with boom guides of a telescopic boom of a crane, which in either their extended or retracted positions are locked by locking pins. After releasing the locking pin connections, the segments can be moved in and out with a single-stage hydraulic piston-cylinder unit, one end of which is attached to the boom guide through two strokes so that each segment to be moved in or out is coupled either to the inside or the outside end area of the movable part of the piston-cylinder unit. In order to obtain a simpler structure, a movable ring or a movable pipe with a coupling device to couple the segments is placed on the cylinder by the piston rod fastened to the boom guide piece, which can be locked to either the internal or the external end area of the cylinder.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for telescoping sections, in particular for a mobile crane boom, includes a linearly shiftable locking bolt for connecting and releasing an inner telescoping section with respect to an outer telescoping section, said locking bolt being maintain ed biased in its extended position. The locking bolt is shifted by means of a rotary actuator from its extended position into its retracted position.

Abstract: A column assembly preferably includes a tube member having a wall that defines an interior volume. The column assembly is preferably operable to convert external, axial compressive forces applied to the column assembly into at least tangential stresses within the wall of the tube member. In one embodiment, an external compressive force causes increased pressurization of a filler material located within the volume of the tube member. The pressurized filler material produces tangential, tensile stresses within the wall of the tube member rather than axial compressive forces within the wall of the tube member. In some embodiments, a reinforcing, tension member, e.g., a wire rope, may be helically wound around the outer surface of the tube member along at least a portion of its longitudinal length.

Abstract: An extendible mast assembly is disclosed comprising a base member (12); a base mast section (16) pivotally coupled thereto; and an extendible mast section (20) telescopically received within the base mast section (16). A first ball drive actuator (14) is mounted and coupled to pivotally drive the mast sections between a horizontal “down” position and a vertical “up” position, and a second ball drive actuator (18) is mounted within the base mast section to move the extendible mast section in and out of the base mast section. A wiring harness (106, 108) is routed from the base of the unit up through the base mast section and the extendible mast section for powering the ball drive actuators (14, 18) and any electrically powered device mounted to the distal end of the mast. The uppermost extendible mast section (20) is composed of non-conductive material to prevent the conductance of a charge down the mast to the vehicle to which the unit is attached.

Abstract: A telescoping boom crane having a multi-sectioned, telescopically extending boom and an extensible pendant support system. The extending boom includes boom sections that are extensibly receivable within the adjacent boom section. The boom sections are made of a sheet material. A releasable locking mechanism may be attached to the boom sections to secure the boom sections. The extensible pendant support system includes a plurality of pendants. The pendants are extensibly receivable within an adjacent pendant. The pendant support system at least partially supports the boom when a load is applied to the boom. Further, the support system may include a forestay length locking device functioning to prohibit extension of a subsequent pendant from an adjacent pendant once the former pendant achieves an extended position.

Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone tower comprises a self-propelled base and a tower connected to the base. The tower includes a base segment and at least a first extendable segment operatively connected to a second extendable segment. A winch is connected to the base, and a first cable is connected between the base segment and the first extendable segment to extend the first extendable segment. A second cable is connected between the winch and the second extendable segment to retract the second extendable segment. Cellular telephone network testing equipment mounted on the tower.

Abstract: A support tower for large structures such as wind turbines generators, microwave structures, high voltage transmission lines or the like, constructed of telescopic sections with the lowermost section having an edge portion pivotally connected to a foundation to enable the tower sections to be transported to the site of installation. The tower sections are assembled at the installation site in a nested relationship, each within the adjacent lower tower section. The large load is mounted on the upper end of the uppermost tower section and the nested tower sections are then tilted upwardly to a vertical position. After the tower is tilted to its vertical position and securely connected to the foundation, the telescopic tower sections are vertically extended to position the load in a vertically elevated position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting and removing a wafer into and from a plating apparatus, includes an elongated primary arm having a wafer seat for supporting the wafer, an elongated secondary arm for supporting the primary arm, and a mounting surface for supporting the secondary arm. The apparatus further includes a drive band mechanically coupled to the primary arm for causing the movement thereof. The drive band includes a portion wound around a drum that is driven by a motor. The motor, in rotating the drum, causes the drive band to move the primary arm along an axis between a retracted position wherein the primary arm, the secondary arm, and the mounting surface are in a stacked relationship, and an extended position wherein the secondary arm protrudes from the mounting surface along the axis, and the primary arm protrudes from the secondary arm along the axis.

Abstract: Method for erecting an emergency mast (1) for a power line comprising mast elements placed one on top of another, comprising the following steps: arranging a guide device (19) at the location where the emergency mast has to be placed; arranging a first mast element (5) adjacently of the guide device; raising the first mast element by means of the guide device to a height such that a following mast element can be placed under the first mast element; placing a following mast element under the first mast element and connecting the following mast element to the mast element situated thereabove; raising the thus obtained combination by means of the guide device to a height such that a following element can be placed under the combination; repeating the latter two steps until the mast has reached the required height; and removing the guide device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power system for extending and retracting a telescopic row seating system, comprising a drum operably anchored to a drum frame, wherein a drum has at least two drum shafts rotatably engaged thereto. Further, it includes a plurality of interconnected drive carriages adapted for connection to a telescopic seating system to extend and retract the telescopic seating system, drive carriages being configured to selectively mateably wind onto and off from the drum as the drum is rotated. The power mechanism comprises a motor, a motor frame, at least two motor shafts extending from each side of the motor. The drive shaft is connected by the plurality of coupling means, a drum shaft one side and a motor shaft on the other providing motion to rotate the drum.

Abstract: An improved pneumatically telescoping mast supported for pivotal movement in opposite directions is provided. The mast includes adjacent telescoping sections slidable relative to one another between retracted and extended positions. A pneumatic control system for displacing the mast sections between the retracted and extended positions is also provided, as is a mechanical arrangement for pivoting the mast between generally horizontal and vertical positions. The mechanical arrangement includes a drive mechanism operable independently from the pneumatic control system which is capable of securely maintaining the mast at any desired angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. The mast includes an AC powered light source mounted at the upper end of the mast.

Abstract: A mast mounting system for vehicles and shelters which utilizes at least two clamp bracket assemblies mounted to the vehicle or shelter such that during transit and storage the mast is positioned at an incline with its front end located just behind the front end of the vehicle or shelter. Each clamp bracket assembly includes a clamp having upper and lower members which wrap around the mast. The upper clamp member has an inside surface lined with a high friction material while the lower clamp member has an inside surface lined with a very low friction material which receives the mast and allows it to be easily slid backwards or forwards when the clamps are in open position. When the clamps are in closed position, the upper clamp member prevents relative movement of the mast and the clamp assembly. One of the clamp bracket assemblies is mounted for adjustable movement about horizontal and vertical axes.

Abstract: A conventional cargo or passenger-type van (typically about 14-24 feet in length) is fitted with a boom assembly that is readily transported with the van in a collapsed position and substantially parallel to the van roof, but can be elevated to a substantially vertical position, and quickly extended upwardly to full height. Where four booms are used, full height may be about 65 feet, or even more. A support frame is provided which substantially supports a main pedestal exteriorly of the roof and connected to the booms and an extension cylinder, to the van's main frame, including initially telescopic support posts disposed inside the van interior which do not impede access to the van interior from the side and rear doors, and which leave the center of the van interior essentially unobstructed. A pivotal connection for the first boom about which it moves from a transport to a substantially vertical position is mounted slightly to the rear of the centerline of the rear axle of the van.

Abstract: The invention provides for the management and protection of excess lengths of utility cables in extendable semi-trailers. Utility cables are affixed to the front and rear sections of an extendable semi-trailer and are threaded through a protective carrier that can bend in only one direction. This directionally restrained carrier rests within a channel that shields the carrier and the cables from wear and tear and which constrains the bending of the carrier to one trans-channel turn. As the trailer is extended, the front and rear sections of the trailer and therefore the ends of the cables and carrier will move relative to one another. The cables and carrier move within the channel from a generally “U”-shaped pattern to a generally “J”-shaped pattern as the trailer moves from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: A building stud having a slidable insert that provides the stud with an adjustable length. The stud includes an runner and a sleeve. The runner slides into the sleeve to form a stud having an adjustable length. Tabs can be utilized to nail the stud to a structure, or a frame member. The tabs can also be modified to allow the attachment of the stud to a segment of rebar, or set directly into an earthen grade or a concrete material. A siding material can be directly attached to the stud. The stud is especially useful as a framing member for skirting of manufactured homes. The stud is preferably manufactured from a heavy gauge of aluminum or alternatively from a galvanized sheet metal. The stud can include a staked end for insertion directly into soil surfaces or wet concrete. The stud can be installed on a heaving surface to provide a self adjusting siding system that does not buckle or gap, with small changes in the surface upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slide mount for telescopic parts, more particularly for crane jibs, including a slipper arranged between the sliding surface areas of the telescopic parts, the slipper being configured so that it is held in place by a wedge effect between the telescopic parts, and the slipper including on its inner and/or outer surface area longitudinal grooves receiving compensating, spacer elements, preferably, elongated strips.

Abstract: A telescopic boom section for a mobile crane including an upper inverted U-shaped longitudinal section and a lower convexo-concave longitudinal section. The upper section and the lower section are welded to each other along the seams formed by the longitudinal edges of the upper and the lower sections such that the concave surface of the lower section and the U-shaped wall of the upper section defines a cavity therewithin. The lower section includes a plurality of arcuate segments disposed sequentially across the concave surface and which are formed by a cold roll die.

Abstract: A jib bearing assembly for at least two relatively movable telescopic parts of a jib for a crane includes embossments formed on at least one of the telescopic parts and cooperating bearing surfaces on the other part. The bearing assemblies are disposed in high stress and load regions of the cross-sectional configuration of concentric telescoping sections of the jib.

Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage (20) includes stages decks (22) on a folding frame (24). Telescoping legs (26) extend from the frame (24) and include a spacer assembly (80). A spacer member (84) is engaged by a spreader member (82) to adjust the width of the spacer assembly (80). Rotatable wheels (88) are mounted on the spacer member (84) to engage the inner portion of an outer leg member of the telescoping legs (26). A spacing linkage (30) includes linkage members (52) and (54) with a stop member (58) mounted on the first linkage member (52) and engaging the top of the second spacing linkage (54). Stop member (58) is adjustably mounted to change the engagement point and the folding range of the folding linkage (28) and therefore, the alignment of the stage (20).

Abstract: A space-saving, single-cylinder, room extender, this invention consists of a hydraulic cylinder, electrically powered screw auger or other electrically powered means is nested within an inner structural member that is, in turn, telescopically nested within an central beam. Further, the nested structural members form an integral part of the structure of the expandable room being embedded within the floor of the room, or being embedded within the structural frame of an accessory within the room. Low friction shims hold the inner structural member within the central beam such that lateral motion is minimized while the telescopic motion of central beam relative to the inner structural member is smooth.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting an extendable frame that is telescopically mounted on a base frame. The support assembly includes a number of support rollers for supporting the extendable frame. The support rollers are supported by lever devices such that the load applied by the extendable frame on the support rollers is proportionately distributed over all of the support rollers. The lever device includes a pivot plate device pivotally mounted to the base frame to pivot about a primary pivot axis. At least two support rollers are connected to the pivot plate to rotate about rotational axes located on opposite sides of the primary pivot axis. Also provided is a telescopic conveyor system having such a support assembly.

Abstract: A telescoping tube assembly includes a first longitudinal tube section and a second longitudinal tube section disposed within the first longitudinal tube section and adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the first longitudinal tube section. A third longitudinal tube section is disposed within the second longitudinal tube section and is adapted for telescoping motion into and out of the second longitudinal tube section. A drive motor is joined to the second longitudinal tube section to move therewith and operates a first ball-screw assembly and a second ball-screw assembly. The first ball-screw assembly is operatively connected between the first longitudinal tube section and the second longitudinal tube section. The second ball-screw assembly is operatively connected between the second longitudinal tube section and the third longitudinal tube section.

Abstract: A telescopic jib includes a base part, and at least one telescopic part telescoped in the base part. A shift mechanism extends and retracts each telescopic part. The base part and each telescopic part includes an upper semi-box shaped section part, and at least one of the base part and the telescopic part includes a lower section part having shell segments adjoining each other. Each shell segment has an outwardly curved shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering devices such as an antenna including a multiple-stage cylinder system composed of a plurality of telescopically connected cylinder units each of which comprising an internal cylinder and an external cylinder that are connected at their lower ends so that the internal cylinders of the plurality of cylinder units form a sealed space so as to be filled with pressure oil used for extending and contracting the cylinder system. In addition, a fixture structure is provided on the lowest stage cylinder unit so that the cylinder system is held upright by the fixture structure at two points on the lowest stage cylinder unit in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An articulated telescopic boom assembly for a lifting device includes a first elongated boom having a central longitudinal axis and an opening in one end; a second elongated boom having a first end normally telescopically received by and extensible from the first boom opening, the first end having at least one elongated pivot guide slot therein having a central longitudinal axis with an open end remote from the first end and a closed end proximate to the first end; and a slide-through knuckle having a housing with an opening therein for receiving the second boom during extension and retraction thereof. The housing is pivotally connected to the first boom by a pair of opposing elongated pins which define a pivot axis. The central longitudinal axis of the pivot guide slot is offset from and perpendicular to the pivot axis such that when the closed end of the guide slot is registered with the pivot pins, the second boom is pivotable.

Abstract: A telescoping mast assembly having a plurality of interconnected mast sections nested within each other is provided. Mast sections move along an axis between retracted and extended positions. A single drive member having a circular shape within the mast sections and connected to one of the mast sections for displacing the sections in opposite directions along the axis is also provided. A contour forming mold for shaping the drive member is provided between the storage reel and the mast sections.

Abstract: In a family of collapsible structures, each collapsible structure has a collapsible beam. For each collapsible structure of the family of collapsible structures, the collapsible beam includes a plurality of curved strut pairs of the same length as the curved strut pairs as in every other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs. The struts of each curved strut pair are pivotally connected to each other at points closer to the one end of the struts than the other end of the struts. Different collapsible structures of the family of collapsible structures have a different number of curved strut pairs than any other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs.

Abstract: The telescopic column is provided for a portable stage used in outdoor or indoor events produced in front of audiences or the like and comprising a haulable chassis for overland transportation between events. The column bears a roof movable vertically above the chassis and comprises a plurality of C-shaped beams operatively fitted into each other and concentric with a central beam. A plurality of pairs of upper rollers, each operatively connected to an upper end of a corresponding C-shaped beam, are provided for engagement with the surface of an adjacent interior beam and for rolling thereon upon raising or lowering of the roof. The use of rollers prevents jamming of the C-shaped beams when moving the roof vertically.

Abstract: A telescopic rod composed of a plurality of tubular rod sections which are mounted so as to be slidable within each other includes a multistage piston-cylinder unit which is arranged within the telescopic rod and is connected to the outermost rod section of the telescopic rod and to the last inner rod section of the telescopic rod. Locking bars are provided in the areas of the inner end faces of individual sections, wherein the locking bars are displaceable in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of the rod sections and wherein the locking bars can be placed in operative engagement with the respectively adjacent outer rod section. When the rod sections of the telescopic rod are in the extended end position, the locking bar of each inner rod section engages in a positively locking manner in an opening of the respectively outer adjacent rod section. Spring-biased clamps are provided on the outer sides of the rod sections located between the outermost rod section and the innermost rod section.

Abstract: In an integrated telescoping mast-payload assembly, the payload forms the top telescoping section.

Abstract: A pneumatically telescoping mast adapted for mounting an electrical fixture is disclosed. The telescoping mast includes a pneumatic control system to extend the mast from a retracted position to an extended position. The mast is made up of adjacent telescopic sections, each section slidable relative to an adjacent section, each section slidable between the retracted position and the extended position. Mechanical arrangements are disclosed for pivoting the mast between a generally horizontal and a generally vertical position, including drive mechanisms operable independently of the pneumatic control system and adapted to securely maintain the mast at any desired angle between the horizontal and vertical positions.

Abstract: A power system is provided for extending and retracting telescopic seating. The power system includes a frame, a drum operably mounted on the frame for rotational and translational movement, and an extendable chain having a first end operably attached to the telescopic seating and a second end operably attached to the drum. A power mechanism is configured to rotate the drum to wrap the extendable chain onto the drum and further is configured to raise the drum as the extendable chain is wound onto the .drum and takes up space thereon. Still further, the power mechanism is configured to lower the drum as the extendable chain is unwound from the drum and takes up less space thereon. The extendable chain includes interconnected links with wheels that mateably nest adjacent each other in alternating positions as the chain is wound onto the drum.

Abstract: A power mast for the automatic vertical elevation and retraction of various devices, such as an antenna mounted on a communications vehicle. The mast is cable-driven, having a plurality of individual telescoping sections which allow for an overall collapsed height the same as or only slightly higher than the tallest such individual section. The cable is threaded around a series of pulleys, and is driven by a motor. Constant tension is maintained in the system, so that when in its operating or "up" position, the device is held in a stable condition until retracted.

Abstract: A telescopic flagpole comprises at least two concentrically disposed tubular segments that are axially movable with respect to each other. A locking device housed within an inner segment includes a pin that is biased to extend from the inner segment through a hole in the adjacent outer segment to prevent relative axial movement of the segments. Additionally, a screw mounted in a bushing at one end of an outer segment can be tightened against, passed into, or passed through a portion of the adjacent inner segment to inhibit relative axial movement of the juxtaposed segments. The screw can have an uncommon head configuration to reduce the possibility of unauthorized or unintentional loosening of the screw. Relative rotation of adjacent segments is inhibited by providing an outer segment with an inwardly projecting ridge that engages a notch in the adjacent inner segment. Alternatively, the ridge can engage a notch in a plug inserted into the end of the adjacent inner segment.

Abstract: A transportable broadcast antenna supported on a moveable carriage comprising a telescoping tower having plurality of nesting sections, including an outer section, and intermediate and inner sections, each section slidable relative to the adjacent exterior tower section between retracted, deployed and release positions, and latches to hold the section in the deployed position. The latches disengage when the section is further extended to the release position, and is prevented from locking when the tower is retracted. Radials join the tower and extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: In an integrated telescoping mast-payload assembly, the payload forms the top telescoping section.