Abstract: Described is an auxiliary device for realizing a bolt connection between connecting flanges, placed against each other, of a first and a second structure. The auxiliary device includes a support body provided with a number of receiving positions for a bolt. The receiving positions are aligned with corresponding bolt holes in the connecting flanges to be placed against each other. The auxiliary device further includes a moving mechanism with which the support body can be moved toward the connecting flanges which are arranged against each other so that a number of bolts arranged in the receiving positions are arranged substantially simultaneously through the bolt holes. Also described is a corresponding method.

Abstract: An elevator car door system is provided, the system including an elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) having a first retention member (510, 604, 720) and a suspension (504, 602, 706) having a second retention member (512, 606, 718) configured to releasably engage with the first retention member (510, 604, 720) to retain the elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) in a first position. The elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) is movable relative to the suspension (504, 602, 706) to a second position, wherein the second position is configured to enable the elevator car door panel (502, 600, 704) to be removed from the suspension (504, 602, 706).

Abstract: To prevent lateral soil migration beneath a slab foundation lifted over a ground surface, a plurality of skirts are placed in the ground surface to define a foundation perimeter. A slab foundation is formed within an interior space of the foundation perimeter. The plurality of skirts are secured to the slab foundation via one or more anchors protruding from a portion of each skirt toward the interior space of the foundation perimeter. The slab foundation is raised above the ground surface to create a void that permits vertical expansion of soil without subjecting the slab foundation varying forces associated with the dynamic nature of the soil. The plurality of skirts are raised along with the slab foundation and operate as a barrier that circumscribes the void space and resists lateral soil migration into the void from the exterior of the foundation perimeter.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism is configured to be disposed between inner and outer tubes of a lifting device, and includes two angularly space-apart abutment modules configured to be disposed on an inner wall surface of the outer tube and each of which has an abutment unit configured to abut against an outer wall surface of the inner tube, and an adjustment module including an adjustment seat, and a pressing unit and a drive member both disposed on the adjustment seat. The drive member is operable to drive movement of the adjustment seat relative to the outer tube so as to push the pressing unit against the outer wall surface of the inner tube to thereby abut the outer wall surface of the inner tube against the abutment units of the abutment modules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a trailer, a solar panel, a battery, a lamppost, a turret, a shackle, a horizontal position-adjusting unit and an orientation-retaining unit. The trailer includes a cage supported on a chassis. The solar panel is supported on the cage. The battery is supported on the chassis and electrically connected to the solar panel. The lamppost includes a lamp supported thereon and electrically connected to the battery. The turret rotationally connects the lamppost to the chassis. The shackle is provided around the lamppost. The horizontal position-adjusting unit movably connects the shackle to the cage. The orientation-retaining unit retains the lamppost in a desired orientation relative to the shackle.

Abstract: A method for transporting cast panels is disclosed including providing a cast panel having a body with a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, the body defining a first recess disposed on the first side and defining a second recess disposed on the second side. A first hook-like member is inserted into the first recess to couple the first hook-like member with the body, the first hook-like member operably coupled to a lifting assembly. Thereafter, a second hook-like member is inserted into the second recess to couple the second hook-like member with the body, the second hook-like member operably coupled to the lifting assembly. Finally, the cast panel is transported by applying a lifting force, through the lifting assembly, to the first and second hook-like members.

Abstract: A mobile elevated building assembly is configured to be compactly transportable in a transportation mode yet readily reconfigured to an installed mode after set-up with a building held many meters off of the ground by a tower supported off of the ground by outriggers. A flat-bed trailer is used to transport the assembly while in its transportation mode, and the trailer can optionally remain attached to the bottom of the tower in the installed mode. A foldable stairway and top-of-stairs platform can form a subassembly that can be pivotally attached where they connect to one-another, and this connection can be supported by a horizontal upper member of the tower. The platform can include one of at least two horizontal support members for holding the building on top of the tower. Methods are provided for reconfiguring the assembly and subassemblies between their transportation mode and their installed mode.

Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses an under tile base interstitial strap, which is connected to said under tile base, a shim shell cap configured to slip over the connecting tab. A bottom tile mating shim and a top shim.

Abstract: A concrete insert for casting in a concrete wall panel, having a housing having an elongate center portion and two opposing longitudinal sides, and two opposing longitudinal flanges. The elongate center portion is bounded by opposing outer longitudinal bend lines, the elongate center portion defining a longitudinally oriented nut access slot. The opposing longitudinal sides depend inwardly from the opposing outer longitudinal bend lines to opposing inner longitudinal bend lines. The opposing longitudinal flanges depend from opposing inner longitudinal bend lines transversely to the opposing longitudinal sides and extend in mutually divergent relation. The housing and the nut box insert comprise a nut box. The nut box insert comprises at least one resilient layer having resilient end walls compressed against the housing by the compression plate for substantially preventing wet cement from entering the nut box. In another approach, end walls substantially prevent wet cement from entering the nut box.

Abstract: A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

Abstract: A modular building system for constructing a multi-story building includes pre-fabricated modular units. Each modular unit includes a horizontal slab for forming a floor/ceiling of the building, a joist extending horizontally along a first edge of the slab, the joist extending below the slab and extending horizontally beyond the first edge of the slab to form a receiving lip, columns positioned on top of the slab along the first edge, and connectors installed in cavities formed in the unit. A floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the slab of a first modular unit is positioned on the receiving lip of a second modular unit. An additional floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the joist portion of an upper modular unit is positioned on the columns of a lower modular unit.

Abstract: A lift anchor assembly is characterized by a lift anchor defining a longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical lift plate, an opening through the lift plate bisected by the longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical embedment portion spaced away from and coupled with the lift plate, and a pair of elongate legs, each coupled with the embedment portion and with the lift plate parallel to the longitudinal axis. A recess insert is characterized by a pair of pivotably coupled concave insert shells defining a chamber and a longitudinal plane of symmetry. An elongate rod-like shear bar is characterized by a U-shaped bend. The recess insert is engageable with the lift anchor by coupling the insert shells on either side of the lift anchor through the opening. The shear bar is engageable with the lift anchor and recess insert by positioning the U-shaped bend over the lift plate and the opening.

Abstract: A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method.

Abstract: An assembly rig for assembling a wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower sections is provided. The assembly rig includes a platform assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms which are connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a platform or a personnel basket. The assembly rig also includes a radial segment supporting assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a segment holding device at its distal end. The assembly rig further includes a surface, for supporting and levelling the platform assembly and the radial segment supporting assembly. In one embodiment, the surface may be a ground support boom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are proposed for incremental casting of concrete cantilever bridge sections. The main trusses which form the load-bearing frames of the apparatus are angularly splayed so that they are positioned outwards of the main load bearing webs of the to-be-constructed section of the bridge, while still being supported on the webs of the already-constructed section of the bridge. In this way, the region above and below the construction space is kept free for improved access.

Abstract: A main work construction method for reinforced concrete building and a building construction machine are provided. The construction method involves constructing a top story framework on a lifting mechanisms (21) and a lifting platform (22); raising the top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); resetting the lifting platform (22) to an original position; constructing a second top story framework on the lifting mechanisms (21) and the lifting platform (22); permanently connecting the top story framework with the second top story framework; raising the top story framework and the second top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); and constructing repeatedly till the ground story framework is accomplished so as to complete the reverse story-by-story construction from the top story to the ground story.

Abstract: A method for lifting an asymmetric integral construction is provided, including the steps of determining proper lifting points on a construction to be lifted according to the position relationship between the construction and a base supporter, setting a dragging point on the bottom of the construction, the dragging point being located on the extension line of the connection between the gravity center of construction and the centroid of the lifting points, determining a projection point of the dragging point on the ground, arranging a dragging device between the dragging point and the projection point, installing a lifting system at a proper position, conducting lifting operation by means of the lifting system cooperated with the dragging device, and rectifying and fixing the construction after it is in place.

Abstract: A mobile elevated building assembly is configured to be compactly transportable in a transportation mode yet readily reconfigured to an installed mode after set-up with a building held many meters off of the ground by a tower supported off of the ground by outriggers. A flat-bed trailer is used to transport the assembly while in its transportation mode, and the trailer can optionally remain attached to the bottom of the tower in the installed mode. A foldable stairway and top-of-stairs platform can form a subassembly that can be pivotally attached where they connect to one-another, and this connection can be supported by a horizontal upper member of the tower. The platform can include one of at least two horizontal support members for holding the building on top of the tower. Methods are provided for reconfiguring the assembly and subassemblies between their transportation mode and their installed mode.

Abstract: A climbing screen support system comprising a support rail fixable to a surface adjacent an edge of a structure; a mounting arm slidably securable to the rail so as to confine movement of the mounting arm in a linear direction along the support rail; and a climbing shoe attachable to an end of the mounting arm, wherein the support system is configured such that the mounting arm may be securely mounted to the support rail remote from the edge of the structure and subsequently slideable along the support rail such that the climbing shoe protrudes from the edge of the structure by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A foundation system includes a security boot selectively coupled to a pier having a notched upper end. The security boot includes first, second, and third portions complementary to the pier upper end. The security boot third portion includes a configuration complementary to a foundation sill plate and is selectively coupled thereto. The foundation system includes a sleeve configured to be received on a pier, the security boot configured to surround the sleeve and be slidable therealong. The system includes at least one lifting device having a base member and rod configured to engage the sill plate and is movable between a retracted configuration not urging movement of the sill plate and an extended configuration urging the sill plate upwardly. In a method of using the foundation system, the lifting devices may be actuated to lift an entire foundation upwardly from the piers, the security sliding upwardly along an associated sleeve.

Abstract: A building panel comprises 2 parallel slabs separated by a layer of insulation. Each of a pair of planar plate-like lift wings has a 1st and a 2nd lift wing portion. Each of the 1st lift wing portions is penetrated by at least one through opening. A planar plate-like lift head defines a plane of symmetry orthogonal thereto. 1st and 2nd lift head portions are symmetrically disposed on either side of the plane of symmetry. Each lift head portion is penetrated by at least one through opening symmetrically disposed relative to the plane of symmetry. Each lift head portion is penetrated by at least one through opening symmetrically disposed relative to the plane of symmetry. The lift head is attachable to both lift wings when the 1st lift wing portions are orthogonal to the plane of symmetry. The lift head is detachable from both lift wings to eliminate thermal conductivity between the lift wings.

Abstract: A collapsible temporary housing system including a base, four walls being connected along each respective edge extending between at least two of the four corners, the walls being pivotally connected along the edges of the base so that when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration each wall is laid upon a previously collapsed wall creating a nearly horizontal surface extending across a top surface area of the base, and a flat roof, the flat roof being detached from the four walls while the four walls are pivoted into an erected position, secured to the walls once the walls are erected, and set upon the nearly horizontal surface when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration, wherein a plurality of other temporary housing systems may be stacked where a lean of the stacked housing systems which could result in the stacked housing systems falling over is not present.

Abstract: A wall panel of a moveable and demountable frameless wall panel system that is secured between a floor of a room and a ceiling rail secured to a ceiling of the room. The wall panel includes a frameless panel, an upper clamp assembly, a ceiling track configured to be removably inserted into the ceiling rail, a lower clamp assembly, a first height adjustment mechanism secured to the lower clamp assembly, a second height adjustment mechanism, and a bottom floor channel receiving the first height and second height adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: A method is proposed for constructing mufti-story concrete structures using a rail-guided self-climbing formwork system. A climbing rail is thereby displaced in a vertical direction within lower and upper climbing shoes and a lower extension piece is positioned to extend vertically in a downward direction below a lower end of the climbing rail. The lower extension piece has a length which is less than the length of the climbing rail. The climbing rail is then displaced in the vertical direction until the lower extension piece is captured within the lower climbing shoe. The method simplifies construction of the lower stories of concrete structures.

Abstract: A scaffold wall system for erecting temporary insulated facilities using a scaffold structure for support is disclosed. The system comprises a floor supported by the scaffold structure, a plurality of walls supported by the floor, and a ceiling supported by the walls. The floor comprises a plurality of support beams laid across the scaffold structure, and floor boards laid across the support beams. The walls comprise a plurality of wall panels placed into customized tracks secured to the floor. Insulative sleeves are placed between the wall panels. The ceiling also comprises a plurality of panels with insulative sleeves. The system allows for multiple levels of temporary insulated facilities to be erected within a scaffold.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have sleeves for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position. The sleeves are plastically deformable before bending and surround the bent portions of the cable sections, but the material of the sleeves is such that the sleeves break under return deformation.

Abstract: A multi-floor building construction system for progressively constructing floors on load-bearing means of a foundation as the occupational need to do so arises and while sub-floors can be occupied. A permanent roof structure is displaceably supported over an uppermost floor of at least an upper one of one or more occupational floor spaces. Extensible load support means is secured in the roof structure until the completion of the mufti-floor building. The extensible load support means rests upon the uppermost floor to support the total load of the permanent roof structure. The extensible load support means is extendible downwardly to push against the uppermost floor to raise the permanent roof structure. Adjustable hoisting means is secured inside the permanent roof structure for lifting floor sub-assemblies fabricated in the construction zone using the extensible load support means while simultaneously raising the permanent roof structure.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for a solar power tower includes a track, a cable, and a winch. The track extends longitudinally from the tower top to the tower base. The winch is located at the tower top and anchors the cable that extends toward the tower bottom adjacent the track. A component attached to the track and to the cable is guided along the track by the winch spooling or unspooling the cable.

Abstract: Embodiments of prefabricated compound masonry units in lieu of build site-constructed elements are provided, as well as methods of producing the same. One embodiment comprises a first course comprising hollow blocks laid end to end with adjacent ends adhered with mortar, the hollow blocks positioned such that the first course has a hollow core; at least one channel formed in a top surface of the first course, the channel having a length; and provisional reinforcement provided along at least a portion of the length of the channel and held within the channel with a bonding material different from the mortar. The provisional reinforcement provides tensile strength to the first course for transportation and handling of the first course from a fabrication location to a build location where the first course is configured to receive permanent structural masonry reinforcement in the hollow core at the build location.

Abstract: A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the length of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have elements for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position, the elements are cable cores which lie within the cable sections of the cable loop and which are plastically deformable.

Abstract: A block system includes a main block that has the lift and alignment devices positioned to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the main block, and has a defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front surface of the main block. The block system further includes extended blocks that each has the lift and alignment devices positioned not to overlie a longitudinal axis that intersects a center of gravity of the extended block, but has the same defined distance from the lift and alignment devices to a front face of the extended block that exists on the main block. The recessed portions of the block may be larger than the lift and alignment devices, thereby allowing the blocks to be stacked in either a vertical wall or in a setback wall.

Abstract: A system for assembling a building surface and a building surface assembly that include surface tiles and stability members disposed between the surface tiles to restrict relative movement therebetween. The stability members may advantageously be placed between outer edge segments of the building surface tiles to restrict relative movement of adjacent surface tiles, such as due to seismic activity, vibrations, or high winds. The building surface tiles may include structures such as engagement channels for receiving and engaging the stability members.

Abstract: A telescopic mast system includes a telescopic mast comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections and a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic mast sections. The drive mechanism includes a rigid chain having one end connected to a last one of the telescopic mast sections to move the telescopic mast sections and a plurality of guide plates cooperating with the telescopic mast sections to prevent buckling of the rigid chain.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a high rise modular structure having a truss structure. The truss structure has four corner columns wherein the columns carrying the load of the building. The columns are adapted to have lifting arms for assembling the structure and plugs for snap fitting the modular units into one another. Once assembled, the modular units are tied to one another using a steel plate/blind rivet system. The modular structure is also capable of having an advanced weather protecting system for when the modular structure is on-site and not yet assembled.

Abstract: A double floor structure capable of being adapted to the conditions of construction and the needs of users at low cost. A double floor structure (K) provided with support legs (1) which are provided on a lower floor and rows of beams which form an upper floor. The support legs (1) are each provided with an upper member (14) which supports a beam from the lower side, an intermediate member (13) which supports the upper member (14) from the lower side, and a lower member (12) which supports the intermediate member (13) from the lower side. The upper member (14), the intermediate member (13), and the lower member (12) consist of metallic, extruded shape material and are disposed in such a manner that the direction of the extrusion is aligned with the top-bottom direction.

Abstract: A modular building system for constructing a multi-story building includes pre-fabricated modular units. Each modular unit includes a horizontal slab for forming a floor/ceiling of the building, a joist extending horizontally along a first edge of the slab, the joist extending below the slab and extending horizontally beyond the first edge of the slab to form a receiving lip, columns positioned on top of the slab along the first edge, and connectors installed in cavities formed in the unit. A floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the slab of a first modular unit is positioned on the receiving lip of a second modular unit. An additional floor of the multi-story building is formed by arranging the modular units so that the joist portion of an upper modular unit is positioned on the columns of a lower modular unit.

Abstract: A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.

Abstract: A cable support system has a base that adhesively adheres to an attachment surface. Telescopic segments connect to the base and extend and retract in length. A cable receptacle attaches to an end portion of a final segment of the telescopic segments. A control system wirelessly receives instructions from a portable communication device, and at least one mechanical drive mechanism connects to the final segment of the telescopic segments and responds to the control system to extend and retract at least the final segment.

Abstract: A system for hanging items from a modular building panel is disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a modular building panel with a hole in the panel, a hanging member, with a load distribution plate, and an attachment shaft, and an attachment means at the end of the attachment shaft. Several embodiments of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A main work construction method for reinforced concrete building and a building construction machine are provided. The construction method involves constructing a top story framework on a lifting mechanisms (21) and a lifting platform (22); raising the top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); resetting the lifting platform (22) to an original position; constructing a second top story framework on the lifting mechanisms (21) and the lifting platform (22); permanently connecting the top story framework with the second top story framework; raising the top story framework and the second top story framework by the lifting mechanisms (21); and constructing repeatedly till the ground story framework is accomplished so as to complete the reverse story-by-story construction from the top story to the ground story.

Abstract: A climbing screen support system comprising a support rail fixable to a surface adjacent an edge of a structure; a mounting arm slidably securable to the rail so as to confine movement of the mounting arm in a linear direction along the support rail; and a climbing shoe attachable to an end of the mounting arm, wherein the support system is configured such that the mounting arm may be securely mounted to the support rail remote from the edge of the structure and subsequently slideable along the support rail such that the climbing shoe protrudes from the edge of the structure by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A multi-floor building construction system and method for progressively constructing floors on the building, as the occupational need to do so arises and while some floors can be occupied, is described. A permanent roof structure is displaceably supported over at least an occupational first floor space constructed on the foundation. Extensible load support elements are secured in the roof structure and adapted to rest upon the load-bearing means to support a total load of the permanent roof structure. The extensible load support means are operated in synchronization. Extensible occupants elevators service the occupational floor space. A wall enclosure is secured inside and about the permanent roof structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate a method and apparatus for a tower structure. In one embodiment, the tower structure comprises a first base plate comprising a first hinge device, a first structural section having a first side and a second side, the first structural section coupled to a second base plate comprising a second hinge device, a second structural section coupled to the first structural section, and an aerial component coupled to the second structural section, wherein the first structural section is rotatable relative to the first base plate in a first rotational axis, the second structural section is rotatable relative to the first structural section in a second rotational axis, and at least a portion of the second structural section is received in a channel formed in the first side of the first structural section when the first structural section and the second structural section are substantially parallel.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for erecting a tower. The method comprises assembling proximate to the ground a base section, top section, and one or more intermediate sections of the tower into an assembled tower lying in a substantially horizontal first plane, the assembled tower comprising a top end including the top section and a bottom end including the base section. The method also includes orienting the attitude of the assembled tower using a lift initiator to lie in a second plane defining an acute angle to the first plane, so that the top end of the tower is higher in elevation than the bottom end. The method also includes lifting the assembled tower from the second plane to a vertical plane with a primary lift assembly and coupling the assembled tower to the foundation. The primary lift assembly may comprise a pulley having a continuous loop of cable connected to a counter-balanced tackle-block system.

Abstract: A telescopic mast system includes a telescopic mast comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections and a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic mast sections. The drive mechanism includes a rigid chain having one end connected to a last one of the telescopic mast sections to move the telescopic mast sections and a plurality of guide plates cooperating with the telescopic mast sections to prevent buckling of the rigid chain.

Abstract: A volumetric module that can have all of its exterior claddings, windows, doors, interior finishes, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing installed and completed in the factory minimizing work to be completed in the field, and a method to protect the fully finished building module during transport with a series of demountable transport panels. The finished and protected building module is transported to a site utilizing the intermodal shipping network or by different modes of shipping and transportation. At the building site, the finished building module is placed on a foundation or other form of support, the transport panels are removed from the module revealing a fully finished building module suitable for use as a habitable building both in it singular use as well as the creation of a larger habitable building by joining finished building modules at the building site.

Abstract: A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights.