Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for replacing a fixed roof of a storage tank. An embodiment of a method includes pre-assembling a roof on a floor of a tank basin in the form of modules, assembling the modules on a top of the tank, and welding the modules together to form the roof of the tank. An embodiment of a system for replacing the fixed roof of a storage tank includes a template, a coil support, a plurality of roof modules, a plurality of eyelets, a walking beam, and a hauler.

Abstract: Systems and methods of positioning a flag on a flagpole, including a movement mechanism attached to the flagpole, a power source configured to provide power to the movement mechanism, a halyard mechanism coupled to the flag and the movement mechanism to move the flag along the flagpole, and a control unit configured to selectively actuate the movement mechanism to position the flag at a predetermined location of the flagpole according to instructions communicated to the control unit from a centralized controller.

Abstract: A pole gin including a first portion having a first strap attachment configured to secure the pole gin to a utility pole at a first location and a second portion having a second strap attachment configured to secure the pole gin to the utility pole at a second location spaced from the first location. The first portion and the second portion can be adjustable relative to one another to vary a distance between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A mobile tower for transportation to and rapid deployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engaged with the ground, the mobile tower including an extendable and retractable tower secured to a mobile support structure including a frame having a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers, wherein the tower includes three series of pivotally interconnected tower sections or segments, sections or segments of which engage with segments of each of the other series when the tower is assembled; the mobile tower including a plurality of guy wires secured between the extendable and retractable tower and the respective outriggers to stabilize the tower after the tower is assembled. The guy wires are preferably secured to the extendable and retractable tower at first and second connecting positions that are displaced from one another about an outer perimeter. Methods of deploying the mobile tower are also disclosed.

Abstract: Combined solar power generation and agricultural material dispersion system having at least one system module comprising a solar power generation panel having a solar energy collection surface disposed opposite a base surface; a barrier panel; at least two coupling elements extending between and coupled to the base surface of the solar power generation panel and a first surface of the barrier panel for forming a cavity between the solar power generation panel and the barrier panel to enable at least one electrical cable to be disposed therein; and at least one liquid conduit coupled to a second surface of barrier panel. The at least one liquid conduit for conveying agricultural dispersion material. The barrier panel providing a waterproof barrier between the conduit and electrical cables disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: An agricultural photovoltaic structure (1) is described comprising at least one support structure (2), photovoltaic panels (3) and glass (4) supported by the support structure (2), irrigation means (7) for an underlying agricultural land (6), lighting means (5) of the underlying agricultural land (6), and control means. The support structure (2) comprises at least one frame (23) able to support, side by side, both the photovoltaic panels (3) and the glasses (4), implementing a cover over the agricultural land (6) partly suitable for diffusing light over the underlying agricultural land (6) by the glass (4), The irrigation means (7) include nozzles able to wet the lower part of the photovoltaic panels (3) thus cooling them, the water then falling by gravity onto the agricultural land (6). The control means are able to activate the irrigation means (7) and the lighting means (5) on the basis of sensors.

Abstract: A single anchor terminal is provided for a roadside wire rope barrier. The single anchor terminal includes a release post, a brace, and an anchor base. The brace supports the release post in an upright position and extends from the release post to the anchor base. The brace has a first portion attached to the release post and a second portion coupled to the first portion with a release component. The anchor base includes a main post that supports the release post and a brace anchor that is coupled to the main post.

Abstract: Method for producing a ballast weight for damping vibrations of a structure, the ballast weight being formed from ballast components comprising a part of a ballast cable, the method comprising: connecting the ballast cable to a conveying device, by the conveying device, moving successive portions of the ballast cable from a low point to a high point, and forming the ballast weight from a part of the successive portions of the ballast cable which have been conveyed to the high point.

Abstract: A shed and modular playset accessory system and a kit are provided. The storage shed can include a roof and a removeable platform is capable of being operatively arranged with the storage shed above the roof. The system can include a plurality of playset accessories that are capable of being releasably secured to the removeable platform. The system provides an outdoor structure for storage while also conserving yard space for modular playset accessories that can be periodically interchanged, upgraded, and removed after being outgrown by the household's children.

Abstract: A mine prop includes a first pipe having a first end and a second end, a second pipe having a first end and a second end, and a yield member secured to the second pipe. The second pipe is slidably received in the first pipe. The yield member is configured to yield before the first and second pipes when the mine prop is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an anchored support to buttress a column, comprising at least one rigid member configured to be coupled to at least one section of a column; and at least an additional rigid member configured to be detachably coupled to the at least one rigid member and configured to be positioned at least partially within a supportive medium, wherein the at least an additional rigid member comprises a structure configured to prevent rotation of the at least an additional member.

Abstract: A reservoir with a foundation formed from ground-engaging segments which surround a base, interengaged vertical wall elements which are mounted to the segments, fasteners which fix the elements to the segments, and a liner which extends over the base and opposed inner surfaces of the elements.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.

Abstract: A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

Abstract: A tower with exterior cable support preferably includes a tower structure, a base plate, a middle support structure, a top plate and at least three cables. The tower structure may be a tapered monopole tower, a step mono tower or a lattice tower. The base plate is attached to a base of the tower. The middle support structure is attached to substantially a midway height of the tower. The top plate is secured to substantially a top of the tower. One end of the at least three cables are secured to the base plate, a perimeter of the at least three cables are supported by the middle support structure and the other end of the at least three cables are secured to the top plate. The modular base preferably includes at least four foundation base members, a tower base member, a perimeter wall base and at least four wall members.

Abstract: An integrated railroad signal bungalow assembly where a railroad signal bungalow is surrounded by an external frame, which supports a walkway structure assembly. The walkway structure assembly, in turn, supports one or more solar panels and a wind turbine. The solar panels and wind turbine supply power to equipment in the railroad signal bungalow.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts. Simplified support systems with a minimum number of structural elements can be used to create effective support for solar panel arrays of varying size and shapes. These simplified systems minimize material requirements and labor for installation of the systems.

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 reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.

Abstract: A bracket for a post comprises a body adapted for being located at the post and at least one projection extending out from the body. The projection is adapted for retaining thereat at least one of a ground securing pin and an end of a tensioning rod. A post securement system comprises the bracket and at least one of the ground securing pin and tensioning rod. A method employing the bracket locates the post in ground, locates the bracket along the post and positions at least one of the ground securing pin and tensioning rod to be retained at the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. The embodiments comprise various combinations of cables, support columns, and pod constructions in which to support solar panels. The solar panels can incorporate single or dual tracking capabilities to enhance sunlight capture. The embodiments encourage dual land use in which installation of the systems minimizes disruption of the underlying ground. Supplemental power may be provided by vertical axis windmills integrated with the columns. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structures such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: A post holder for holding a safety post on a horizontal structure of a building is provided. The post holder has an elongate post reception portion an elongate central support portion, protruding from the post reception portion and perpendicular to the post reception portion, and first and second elongate side support portions protruding from the post reception portion laterally of the central support portion and in opposite directions. The central support portion comprises a fastening seat, which is arranged to receive a fastening member for fastening of the post holder to a base. Each one of said support portions comprises a support protrusion, which constitutes a fraction of the support portion at a bottom side thereof and protrudes at a bottom side thereof, thereby forming a lower most support surface of the support portion. The lower most support surfaces of the support portions are triangularly positioned.

Abstract: A parabolic trough solar collector system has a parabolic reflector used with an independently supported collector tube. The parabolic reflector has a reflective surface formed on a reflective surface support structure, supported by a circular support beam. This assembly rests on a plurality of support and drive rollers supported by a roller support arm, supported by a roller support column. The parabolic reflector assembly rotates against the rollers along a single axis to maintain a focus line of the parabolic reflector surface at the same location as the center of the circle described by the outer edge of the circular support beam. Located at this same focus line is the independently supported collector tube not attached to the parabolic trough reflector. The collector tube is supported on pipe roller hangers, which in turn are supported by a wire catenary system connected to support towers which straddle the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a nacelle mounted atop a tower, with a support system configured around a base portion of the tower. The support system includes a plurality of support fins spaced radially around the base portion. Each of the support fins has a continuous header member secured to the tower and a continuous face member extending radially outward and downward from the header member towards ground. The support fins include a web extending between the header member and face member. The support fins extend from the tower with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.

Abstract: A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.

Abstract: A fall restraint system includes a central support positioned over an apex of a container structure such as a domed roof storage tank. Cable receiving members are connected to the central support. Outer support members are secured to a side of the container structure. A structural support cable is connected to each of the outer support members. Each structural support cable is also connected to the central support. A tie-off structure including a cable and a harness is connected to the central support so that the harness may move around the central support. The system also may include support brackets that secure the outer support members to the side of the container structure. Each such support bracket may include a receptacle to receive one of the outer support members. The system is removably attached to the container structure, without any welding.

Abstract: A concrete tower is provided. The concrete tower may be a concrete tower for a wind turbine. The compressive strength of the concrete is changed in dependency of the height of the tower. The concrete tower includes a number of tendons that are arranged to pre-stress the concrete tower. Each tendon is anchored with the concrete tower at a first end of the tendon and at a second end of the tendon.

Abstract: There is provided a construction element comprising a frame (5) and a plurality of cellulose bales (20), characterised in that the construction element further comprises at least one stabilising element (30) and in that the plurality of cellulose bales (20) is compressed. There is further provided a method of manufacture of such a construction element.

Abstract: An adjustable bracing system is provided for a vertical wall structure that includes a vertical member having keyed openings and a generally Z-shaped cross-section. The bracing system further includes an extension member and an outrigger bracket that have cleats for removable engagement with the keyed openings of the vertical member and an adjustable strut that is pivotally secured to the bracket member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for erecting a lightweight, tall (60 to 80 meters or more) tower that may be temporary and re-usable as a mount for meteorological instruments is described including guys balancing lateral and transverse forces while maintaining the tower in tension. Forces on all guy lines maintain the tower stable from a substantially horizontal assembly position to a vertical operational position. A system of gin poles and pivots help maintain registration and alignment while pulling the assembled tower erect.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: A boot assembly for securing a bracing strap to a wall in a light steel frame building. The boot assembly includes an elongated channel-shaped strap connector and a stud connector. The stud connector is adapted such that a stud may be connected thereto. The strap connector includes a seat for receiving a base of the stud connector and a pair of stops. One or more stops is disposed on each of two end portions of the strap connector. Each stop includes a stop surface to abut a portion of the base and to prevent or limit fore-and-aft movement of the base relative to the strap connector. The strap connector is adapted to be secured with the stud connector and a track, included in the wall, to an underlying support. The strap connector includes a flange adapted such that an end portion of a bracing strap can be connected thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an aerial service wire includes a mast capable of attachment to an aerial service wire. The mast may be extendable between at least a first position and a second position and connected to a clamp capable of attachment to a support structure. A method for supporting an aerial service wire includes attaching an extendable aerial service wire mast to a support structure, attaching an aerial wire to the extendable aerial service wire mast, and adjusting the height of the extendable aerial service wire mast.

Abstract: A network of straps is placed over a framed structure and roof decking and secured to the foundation. A tensional force is applied to the straps. The tensioned straps are then secured at strap crossing points, the roof decking, roof structural members and wall structural members. The method also provides special treatment for straps crossing apex ridges or valleys of the structure's roof. Additional framing blocks are included under the roof decking to accommodate fastening the straps to the primary structural members. The runner straps pass through slits cut into roof decking near where the sidewalls attach to the roof joists and rafters. An added framing member or supporting structural device is also installed above the top plate of the stud wall to support the roof decking as tension is applied to the straps. The method calls for determining standard strap spacing based on the design resistance required to counter external forces that could be encountered at the construction location.

Abstract: A wall bracing apparatus for mounting between a wall and the floor during construction. The wall bracing apparatus includes a tube that is mounted to a wall-mounted device and a floor-mounted device. The wall-mounted device has a backing plate and a front plate on opposite sides of the wall. A t-bar having a head at one end and a shaft through which a hole is formed extends through aligned central apertures in the plates and a wedge is inserted in the hole near the front plate end of the t-bar. A pair of ears on the front plate has aligned holes through which a pin extends that is also inserted through the tube. A duplicate of the front plate can be mounted to the floor and the opposite end of the tube can pivotably mount to the ears thereof.

Abstract: A grate panel with upright brace structures is provided and characterized by: a plurality of upright brace structures vertically aligned and centrally disposed inside a plurality of side panels of the grate panel, and transversely spaced apart from one another at an appropriate distance; a plurality of reinforcing panels disposed between, and welded to, the upright brace structures; and the plurality of side panels configured to surround the upright brace structures and the reinforcing panels by being welded thereto. Thus, the grate panel is equipped with corrugated upright brace structures to provide such advantages as high-strength support, ease of construction, and low production costs.

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.