Abstract: A mast (10) which includes an elongate post (12) with a first end (14) and a second end (16), the first end (14) being pivotally secured to a ground-engaging support base, at least a first mechanism (22) to restrict pivotal movement of the post (12), a winch (26) which is attached to the post (12), and a cable (28) which is engaged with the winch (26) and which is secured at one end to an anchor (30), wherein the winch (26) is actuable to allow the post (12) to pivot, from an elevated position, in a first direction (54) which lowers the post (12) against the action of the movement restricting first mechanism (22), and which is actuable to pivot the post (12) in a second direction (56) which opposes the first direction (54) to elevate the post (12).

Abstract: A multi-function retaining structure for excavation and drainage operations during construction process and a method for excavation and implementation of a multi-function retaining structure at a target location. The multi-function retaining structure includes a first I-beam, a second I-beam, a third I-beam, a first inclined stiffener plate, and a second inclined stiffener plate. The method includes positioning the multi-function retaining structure above the target location, driving the multi-function retaining structure into the target location by pushing the bottom edge of the third web into the target location, softening soils in the target location by jetting water to the soils utilizing a first water jet tube and a second water jet tube, extracting the first water jet tube and the second water jet tube from the rectangular chamber, and draining water from the rectangular chamber by utilizing a water drainage pump and through a drainage tube.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a tilt over mast that is easy to construct from the ground and permits azimuthal adjustments from the ground with the mast elevated to working heights. The system used for calibrating a directional antenna and includes two or more mast sections, namely a base member, a mid member, and a top member. The mid member may be pivotally coupled about the base member at a number of positions. The top member is coupled to an opposing end of the mid member and supports the desired equipment. A method of constructing and operating the system is described.

Abstract: A laminated lumber constructed volumetric modular unit constructed at a modular unit factory and shipped assembled to a modular building project site is disclosed. The laminated lumber constructed volumetric modular unit includes a floor structure and ceiling structure interconnected by opposing side wall structures and opposing end wall structures, a plurality of floor trusses disposed within the floor structure, a plurality of ceiling trusses disposed within the ceiling structure, a plurality of wall studs disposed within the opposing side wall structures and opposing end wall structures, one or more rim joists attached to the ceiling structure, and one or more multiple laminated lumbers attached to the floor structure and extending between the opposing end wall structures for carrying the load of the modular unit.

Abstract: A building is provided, which includes a plurality of towers including a central tower and a plurality of peripheral towers, a plurality of connections and at least one intermediate body including a surface extension sufficient to contain at least one or more floors of the central tower and the floors of the peripheral towers at the same height.

Abstract: A concrete wall pre fabrication for the easy assembly of walls for residential and commercial buildings. More specifically, there is an apparatus and method for enabling the outer form of a concrete wall to be more precisely assembled off site and then transported to the work site and assembled the wall in the proper place with appropriate rebar before filling the forms with cement or concrete material as disclosed in the specification and drawings of the invention and the related claims. Additionally, there is a need for a form spacer that efficiently attaches between the form walls with a more precise use of glue and stronger attachment to the form walls.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure system includes an equipment enclosure mounted through a hole in a roof and a chassis supporting the mechanical equipment and which is moveable between a lowered position within the enclosure and a raised position relative to the enclosure to provide access to said equipment. A cover mounted on chassis advances into covering relationship over the enclosure when the chassis is retracted.

Abstract: A shelter system is disclosed which comprises three central elements. A rotatable barrier element provides protection from incoming ballistic threats. The barrier functions on the principle of detonating, absorbing, and deflecting incoming threats away from a designated area of the shelter. A protective envelope element utilizes a compartmentalized vessel, two containment components, and a strata of alternating compacted fill and interstitial plate layers; the strata is enclosed within the vessel and two containment components. The interstitial plates serve a dual role in providing a compaction surface in the fill method and layering for the mitigation of ballistic threats. The design of the vessel permits each vessel to be filled while positioned flat on the ground surface; once filled and sealed, multiple vessels may be re-positioned in vertical, horizontal, sloped, or spanning arrangements.

Abstract: A system for erecting a drilling rig mast includes a substructure having an open area that is defined therein by two laterally spaced-apart substructure sides and a first mast section that is adapted to be positioned at least partially within the open area of the substructure after the first mast section has been removably connected to the substructure. The system further includes, among other things, a second mast section that is adapted to be removably connected to the first mast section the said first mast section has been removably connected to the substructure, and a mast connection apparatus that is adapted to removably connect the second mast section to the first mast section when an upper end of the first mast section is raised relative to a lower end of the second mast section.

Abstract: Fire-barriers systems, including pre-assembled intersecting and straight-line fire-barriers having either all male-, all female-, or both types of coupling ends eliminate on-site cutting and construction of barriers required for intersection-spaces and provide easy, rapid, and safe one-step, drop-in installation and coupling. All male/female ended fire-barriers are constructed as single-piece units. All adjacent laid-flat layers are continuously connected having no gaps or folds. Straight-line and L-shaped barriers are certified according to the criteria mandated by both the ASTM E 1399-97 (Reapproved 2005), Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems and the UL 2079 Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems Test for air leakage (Revised and relocated as 1.14 Mar. 10, 2006).

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 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: A system for handling various structural building components including a pick and stack-registry lug which is anchorable to the top of a building component for handling that component in either one, or both sequentially, of its two, pick and stack-registry functional modes, (b) a clamshell-style, releasably lockable clasp adapted to receive and close capturingly upon the lug under operational circumstances with the lug anchored to the top of a building component, and ready to function in its pick category of component-handling behavior, and (c) a guide socket includable in the base of a building component functional for camming, guided reception of a lug with the lug then functioning in its stack-registry mode of behavior to facilitate overhead stack registering of two building components in relation to the lowering of an overhead component onto the top of an underlying component whose top also has a lug anchored to it.

Abstract: When constructing a unit building having a middle scale or more such as especially an apartment house, a long and large size building unit capable of reducing construction period while increasing construction efficiency and being economically provided can be achieved. Detachable temporary reinforcing members 2 are provided on both of the short side surfaces of the building unit body 1A, respectively. The temporary reinforcing member 2 has lower end portion on which a projecting portion 3 is downwardly projected.

Abstract: A connection between a hoist and a wall is provided wherein a clip connects a sling of the hoist to the wall, and the clip includes a plate portion having an eye opening receiving the sling. The clip also includes a tongue portion extending from the plate portion, the plate portion lying in registration with the outer side surface of the wall, and the clip also includes an extension flange, extending from and connected to the plate portion at an angle thereto and at an angle to the tongue portion. The extension flange is disposed in registration with the top surface of the wall. Fasteners connect the tongue portion of the clip to the outer side surface of the wall and connect the extension flange to the top surface of the wall.

Abstract: Resin-based structures for use in corrosive environments. The resin-based structures may include a mixture of resin and aggregate. The resin-based structures may be formed in a mold by placing aggregate and resin into the mold. The resin-based structures may have thin wall design with high compression and tension strength.

Abstract: An anchor for embedment in a concrete slab to provide for the lifting of the slab comprises first and second elongate plates adapted to be arranged in facing relationship for form a composite anchor. Each of the first and second plates has a distal end and a proximate end and at one hole between the distal and proximate ends. The proximate end of each plate has a flange bent outwardly of the outer planer face thereof. The distal end of each plate has laterally projecting feet that are bent laterally of a planar face. The side edges of each of the plates have converging side edges that extend downwardly to the feet.

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: Construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway are provided. The construction apparatus include a span member having a first end and a second end. A sill attachment is connected to the first end of the span member and configured to seat against a building sill. A support member is connected to the second end of the span member and configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway, wherein the second side of the elevator hoistway is opposite the building sill. A plurality of apertures is arranged on the span member and configured to allow a connection to a hoist device. The span member is configured to rotate about the sill attachment.

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: 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 connection between a hoist and a wall is provided wherein a clip connects a sling of the hoist to the wall, and the clip includes a plate portion having an eye opening receiving the sling. The clip also includes a tongue portion extending from the plate portion, the plate portion lying in registration with the outer side surface of the wall, and the clip also includes an extension flange, extending from and connected to the plate portion at an angle thereto and at an angle to the tongue portion. The extension flange is disposed in registration with the top surface of the wall. Fasteners connect the tongue portion of the clip to the outer side surface of the wall and connect the extension flange to the top surface of the wall.

Abstract: An edge lift anchor for a concrete product, the anchor having a head portion for coupling to lifting equipment and an anchoring portion, and a separate member mounted on the anchor and having integral legs extending to each side of the anchoring portion to increase the lifting capacity of the anchor. Alternatively or in addition, the separate member may provide a mounting for a tension bar to increase the lifting capacity. The invention also provides a support chair for retaining the edge lift anchor, together with an associated shear bar and tension bar if present.

Abstract: A handling anchor for lifting, raising, turning over, transporting, and laying building elements, such as precast blocks or panels, essentially made of concrete and to be connected to a building element. The anchor includes a connecting head for connecting the building element to a handling machine, and a body portion including active parts that, when the anchor is connected to the construction element, ensure the adhesion of the anchor to the material of the building element. The body includes at least one land including at least one face.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.

Abstract: A relocatable concrete armory includes an outer vestibule and an inner vault separated by a dividing wall. A vestibule door provides entry to the concrete vestibule. A steel vault door and a security daygate are mounted to the dividing wall and provide entry to the concrete vault. The interior surface of the armory includes insulation panels embedded in concrete. The armory can be integrally lifted via removable lifting cams attached to concrete side walls. The concrete has a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi.

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 wall mount for mounting a flat display panel on a wall enables an attached panel to be user-movable within predetermined limits in a curved travel path including an upper limit location with the panel in proximity to the wall, and a lower working location with the panel spaced out from the wall at a predetermined distance. A parallelogram type support structure with four double-hinged coupling arms enables the required movability while holding the panel level and vertically oriented. In a powered embodiment, an electric motor/winch assembly is controlled by a local and/or remote, wireless, wired and/or Wi-Fi control unit enabling a user to relocate the panel to any desired location in the travel path and to lock the panel in place for viewing.

Abstract: At least one blade of the wind-turbine is attached firm but detachable with the tower by a fixture. The tower and the attached blade are transported to a planned site. The tower and the attached blade are brought together into an upright position in a single lift-action. A hub and a nacelle of the wind-turbine are mounted on the top of the tower. A wire of a winch, which is located inside the nacelle or the hub, is connected with a root of the blade. The blade is detached from the tower by unlocking the fixture. The blade is lift up to the hub for its attachment there.

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: The installation of a foundation at a selected location enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure and the foundation assembly can be elongated lengthwise relative to their lateral dimensions, and the superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.

Abstract: A lifting device (110) for concrete elements such as bridge beam and deck elements, panels and the like up to and beyond 1,000 tonnes (t) is described. The lifting device may be suitable for face and edge lifting of concrete elements that have a suitable cavity formed within or through them. The lifting device (110) may include a lifting eye (116) connected to an elongate member/shank (114) that has a flared end (122). A sleeve (126) about the shank (114) may be used to raise and lower the moveably attached wedges (124) to and from the flared end (122). In use the wedges (124) upon the flared end (122) prevent the withdrawal of the lifting device (110) from the cavity of the concrete element. A cavity former is also described that may be used in the casting of the concrete element to form a suitable cavity.

Abstract: A connection bracket, which is provided to connect a connection means, such as a shackle, hook or ring, to a flange, includes two fixing sections arranged at a distance from each other and each having a support surface for laying the connection bracket against the flange and a connection section. The connection section is formed from two supporting sections each firmly connected to one of the fixing sections and standing thereon, and a centre section carried by these supporting sections and firmly connected to them, such that the connection section bridges the distance between the fixing sections at a distance from the plane of the support surface. In a top view seen from the side of the connection bracket remote from the support surface, the centre line of the centre section of the connection section is arranged outside the envelope of the fixing sections.

Abstract: A panel comprising one or more decking members is arranged such that a settable material can be supported thereon to form a composite panel. The panel further comprises one or more elongate strengthening elements, each element being arranged to connect to the one or more decking members in a manner such that the one or more elements increase panel strength.

Abstract: A relocatable concrete armory includes an outer vestibule and an inner vault separated by a dividing wall. A vestibule door provides entry to the concrete vestibule. A steel vault door and a security daygate are mounted to the dividing wall and provide entry to the concrete vault. The interior surface of the armory includes insulation panels embedded in concrete. The armory can be integrally lifted via removable lifting cams attached to concrete side walls. The concrete has a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi.

Abstract: A concrete panel lifting insert assembly that includes an X-shaped foot and an insert, which is generally pear-shaped or triangular-shaped, having a bottom side which is elongated. The insert's bottom side is secured to a cross-member of the X-shaped foot such that the insert stands in a vertical orientation. The other cross-member of the X-shaped foot is in a transverse tangential orientation to that of an opening formed by the pear-shaped or triangular-shaped insert. This other cross-member optionally includes elevated C-shaped clips for engaging rebar material to provide additional strength.

Abstract: A support stand for a lifting anchor to be incorporated into a concrete component during casting thereof is formed from two identical components of bent wire assembled together to form an upper support frame and legs projecting downwardly from the frame. The two components are connected by only two welds, each at one of two zones of intersection of the two components.

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 prefabricated building structure having a collapsible roof and adapted to be transported by a road carrier vehicle is described. The prefabricated building structure is provided with at least opposed parallel load bearing side walls. A roof section having a plurality of spaced roof rafters is pivotally connected by one or more pivot connections to a respective one of a top plate of each of the load bearing side walls. The roof sections are interconnectable to one another when the roof sections are disposed angularly upwards to form a raised pitch roof structure. A leverage beam is connectable to one of the rafters of each roof section and is securable to a cable which is secured to a pulley whereby to permit the roof sections to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining system for securing a first building element (1) relative to a second build element (2), where a first part (10) comprises a box element (100) adapted to be cast in one of the building elements (1, 2). According to the invention a lifting element (110) is secured to the box element (100), which lifting element (110) comprises an attachment portion (111) adapted for cooperation with lifting equipment, which attachment portion (111) during an installation phase of the joining system is located relatively outside an outer side (3) of one of the building elements (1, 2) comprising the box element (100).

Abstract: A method for erecting a pre-stressed sectionalized and segmented concrete tower for wind power or heliostatic generator or chimney comprising the steps of (a) building a tower foundation; (b) fabricating a plurality of concrete segments having internal ducts for introducing pre-stressing tendons; (c) fabricating a plurality of assembling supports and lifting harnesses for proving a support to the concrete segments when assembled in tower sections; (d) installing, with a crane the concrete segments to conform the concrete tower section; (e) engaging a lifting harness to the concrete tower section, lift the whole section of tower, mount such concrete section on the foundation and disengage the lifting harness and/or the assembling support; (f) assembling the following concrete tower sections though the use of assembling supports and mounting such tower sections through the use of lifting harnesses; and (g) joining the concrete sections through prestressing tendons to provide a rigid tower.

Abstract: A structural configuration for rapidly assembling walls and linings of insulating firebricks and prefabricated insulating modules that aligns the bricks or modules during assembly with grooves and inserts, minimizes the amount of through joints in the completed structure, and allows the full height of each brick or module to be utilized in the completed structure is provided.

Abstract: A modular roof like enclosed structure has attachments suitable for handling by lifting machinery to be placed on a landfill site and a perimeter strip extension which abuts or overlaps an adjoining module on the site. The modular structure is vented to allow ventilation of the landfill and the vent contains a filter to extract harmful gasses and odors. The structure also contains a liquid spray system to spray insecticide and deodorant onto the landfill and a fire retardant system which is activated automatically when smoke is detected.

Abstract: A portable ground anchor system comprises base plate members having a hinge pin passage formed therethrough and each base plate member having a multiplicity of holes formed therethrough for interaction with ground spikes; central triangular shaped plate members having circular openings formed therethrough at a triangular apex thereof; a spacer member adapted to provide an engagement for a cable, said spacer member interconnected between said central triangular shaped plate members; a cylindrical pin for pivotally joining the base plate members and the central triangular members.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building in a typically flood prone area employs a pre-cast concrete chain wall that can be set on an optional foundation or footing.

Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it may also be constructed as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus mounted inside buildings where people currently live and spend their activities and in regions with high seismic potential includes a rescue cabin with a reinforcing frame, covered on an exterior side with corrugated iron and on an interior side with plastic fire-resistant and with low grade of softness material. The cabin has compartments, in which there is a chair with head support, a backrest, a safety harness, and a crash helmet. For damping vertical shocks, under each chair is a damper spring. Access into the cabin is accomplished by two doors with contradiction opening and vertical rotation axles solidly with the two central doors of the furniture part by a lever device and open together therewith. Each door has a locking mechanism driven from inside or outside the cabin. An upper part of the cabin has windows for ventilation, each equipped with a screen filter for dust.

Abstract: A portable structure from which hunters and wildlife observers can command elevated views of wildlife habitat. Commonly called a blind, it can be constructed as a stand-alone structure and transported intact to habitat sites on, for example a flat-bed truck. It can also be constructed as a trailer, or as a permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a motorized vehicle. The blind offers powered erection, powered access to and from the observation position, and wheelchair accessibility.