Abstract: A mandrel for forming a cavity at a target location. The mandrel includes a base part positioned at a top end of the mandrel, a first middle part, a second middle part, a third middle part, a first plurality of diamond-shaped crushing blades, a second plurality of diamond-shaped crushing blades, and a bore head positioned at a bottom end of the mandrel. The first plurality of diamond-shaped crushing blades are attached around the first middle part and the second middle part. The second plurality of diamond-shaped crushing blades are attached around the third middle part and the bore head.

Abstract: A support for installing a porch post comprises a body. The body includes a ground end and a post end opposite of the ground end. A base is disposed on the ground end of the body. Two or more sidewalls extend from the base toward the post end. One or more open cross-members extend between the two or more sidewalls. The ground end may include a ground surface comprising grippers or stanchions extending away from the ground surface for securing the support with the ground.

Abstract: A winch anchoring assembly includes rack has an anchor portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has a first engagement that is attachable to a winch line of a vehicle. A plurality of spikes is coupled to and extends downwardly from a respective one of the anchor portion and the attachment portion of the rack. Each of the spikes is oriented to angle forwardly toward the first engagement on the attachment portion. In this way the spikes sink into the ground when the winch line pulls on the first engagement thereby facilitating the rack to resist being pulled out of the ground when the winch line is pulling the vehicle. A second engagement is coupled to the anchor portion of the rack and an anchoring line can attached to the second engagement thereby inhibiting movement of the rack when the which line pulls on the rack.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to fence bracing apparatus having a tension adjusting module(s) to diagonally brace a fence post(s) and/or adaptive fence bracket(s) for flexibly bracing the fence post(s) for various fence configurations. In an illustrative example, a fence tensioning module may include a tension regulation module coupled to a tension adjusting link. For example, the fence tensioning module may adjust a position of the tension adjusting link relative to the fence tensioning module so that a tension of the tension adjusting link is adjusted. The adaptive fence bracket, for example, may include a butterfly clamp and an adaptive C-bracket having two sidearms configured to couple, for example, to fence rails and/or other tension members to form various fence bracing configurations. The butterfly clamp, for example, may include a ridge portion to engage a blade of the fence post. Various implementations may advantageously provide adaptive and secure fence construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a retainer apparatus that includes a scoop having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a central opening and a predetermined length. A retention device has a base with a length greater than the length of the central opening of the scoop and a flange portion extends upwardly from the base portion and contains at least one opening.

Abstract: A weldment support for holding a weldment plate in a precast concrete form is provided. The weldment support holds the weldment plate at a predetermined position so that the weldment plate is exposed on one side of the finished precast concrete panel. Weldment plates have one or more studs extending into the form to anchor the plate in the precast concrete panel. The weldment support has multiple adjustment features to secure the weldment support to different sizes of studs and to set the weldment plate at different positions within the form. In some embodiments, one adjustment feature is a plurality of deflectable fingers that engage the stud of the weldment plate, and another adjustment feature is a plurality of segments that can be broken off of the support to set the position of the weldment plate in the form.

Abstract: A support for installing a porch post comprises a body. The body includes a ground end and a post end opposite of the ground end. A base is disposed on the ground end of the body. Two or more sidewalls extend from the base toward the post end. One or more open cross-members extend between the two or more sidewalls. The ground end may include a ground surface comprising grippers or stanchions extending away from the ground surface for securing the support with the ground.

Abstract: A barbed micropile for soil reinforcement at a target location and a method for soil reinforcement at a target location. The barbed micropile includes a conical-head pipe which comprises a hollow rod, a conical head, and a first plurality of T-shaped elements mounted around an outer surface of the hollow rod. The method may include generating a cavity at the target location, filling the cavity with grout, generating a well at the target location by inserting a barbed micropile into the ground at the target location, filling a space between the barbed micropile and the well's wall with grout, and filling an inner chamber of the hollow rod.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a channel hitch lock. The channel hitch lock includes a first corner assembly configured to engage with a first side of a channel hitch and cover at least a portion of the channel hitch, the first corner assembly having a bottom projection configured to encapsulate a bottom recess of the channel hitch; and a second corner assembly configured to couple with the first corner assembly and together encapsulate at least an entire front portion of the channel hitch, wherein the second corner assembly is further configured to engage with a second side of the channel hitch and cover a second portion of the channel hitch, the second corner assembly having a top projection configured to encapsulate a top recess of the channel hitch.

Abstract: Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.

Abstract: Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.

Abstract: Wind turbine foundation (1) comprising an annular base plate (2) comprising a supporting surface (3) and defining a central hollow (4) by at least an inner lateral surface (6). The central hollow (4) further comprises a lower surface (5) arranged at a level lower than a level of the supporting surface (3). In particular, the central hollow (4) has a dimension (D), defined by the distance between at least an inner upper surface (10) and the lower surface (5), established such as to allocate additional equipment between both surfaces. A method of constructing said wind turbine foundation (1) is also described.

Abstract: A beach umbrella anchor with an integral shovel. The beach umbrella anchor has a central member with a handle at a first end and a shovel at a second end. An aperture is positioned in between the first end and the second end of the central member where a first end of a length of rope can be inserted and secured. A second end of the rope is then attached to a beach umbrella, which is planted in the ground. The shovel is used to dig a hole large enough to encompass the beach umbrella anchor, which is then buried within the hole. This securely anchors a beach umbrella such that it can stay in a desired position in windy conditions.

Abstract: A goal securement device includes a ground engagement system, a ground securement system, a goal securement system, and a goal securement monitoring system. In an embodiment, the systems work cooperatively to secure a goal to the ground and monitor the status of such securement. Embodiments of each system and embodiments of various components, aspects, or features of each system are described.

Abstract: A rebar set-up bar used to construct a rebar grid that provides reinforcement for a concrete wall or structure. The set-up bar is vertically positioned in the grid and includes a metal or steel rod having a plurality of supports. The supports are attached to the elongated rod at intervals and are adapted to receive horizontal rebars therein.

Abstract: A landscape edging stake includes a driving end, a penetration end and an edging engagement portion positioned between the driving end and the penetration end. The edging engagement portion includes a rib configured to engage an inner wall of an anchoring bore of an edging link. A ground engagement portion is positioned between the edging engagement portion and the penetration end and includes a helical groove or thread.

Abstract: A ground plug for stabilizing a dike, includes a plug front end suitable for being driven into a dike, and an elongate plug body, wherein the plug body is provided with a pressure distributing member arranged to prevent earth flow in a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the plug, and the plug front end includes a recess for receiving a drive member.

Abstract: A stake system and method configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes a flexible line and a stake member having an elongated portion and a distal portion. One end of the flexible line couples to the distal portion of the stake member. The distal portion of the stake member and the flexible line are driven into the loose material. The flexible line is moved to extend tautly from the distal portion and through the loose material at an angle such that an end of the flexible line above the loose material couples to the object.

Abstract: An impact sand anchor features a body and a plurality of cantilever beams. The cantilever beams define an interior volume between the cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the impact sand anchor in a first position. When the cantilever beams are driven into the sand, as by a trapped cylindrical hammer, the force of sand packed into the interior volume causes the cantilever beams to move radially away from the longitudinal axis to a second position. The movement of the cantilever beams to the second position wedges the impact sand anchor into the sand.

Abstract: A wound retractor (320) comprises a distal ring (3) for insertion through a wound opening (6), a proximal ring (4) for location externally of the wound opening (6), a valve (10) mounted to the proximal ring (4), and a sleeve (2) for retracting laterally the sides of the wound opening (6). The wound retractor (320) also comprises a flexible release member (81) for releasing the distal ring (3) from a retracting configuration for removal of the distal ring (3) from the wound opening (6). A first end (301) of the release member (81) is attached to the valve housing (102), the release member (81) loops around the distal ring (3), and a second end (302) of the release member (81) is movable relative to the proximal ring (4) to release the distal ring (3) from the retracting configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a pole erected relative to a ground surface and defining a pole axis; a first anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, parallel to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface; and a second anchor drive rod connected to the pole and extended, at a non zero angle to the pole axis, from the pole to below the ground surface. Methods of bracing and supporting the pole are also discussed.

Abstract: An anchor system comprising an anchor set in a ground surface and a brace attached to a movable section of an irrigation system. The anchor includes a base configured to engage the ground surface so as to secure the anchor in the ground surface, a vertical member extending upwards from the base, and a head attached near the top of the vertical member and spaced from the ground surface when the anchor is secured in the ground surface. The brace is operable to engage the anchor and includes an open-ended central channel for receiving the head therein and an open-ended slot along a bottom side for receiving the vertical member therein. The slot is narrower than the head so as to prevent the head from passing vertically therethrough.

Abstract: A kayak mooring stake is positioned in a scupper hole or sleeve. A knob is provided on the stake, and the knob rests on a shelf or ledge around the inside surface of the scupper hole or sleeve. When the mooring stake is rotated, the knob is positioned over an essentially vertical slot interrupting the ledge or shelf, and the stake can be thrust through the scupper hole or sleeve into the mud/sand at the bottom of a bay, lake, stream or the like, thereby fixing the position of a small watercraft against wind and/or current.

Abstract: A fabricated stone apparatus is provided. A plurality of stone sheets are affixed together to form a fabricated stone structure having a substantially hollow interior portion, wherein each of the plurality of stone sheets is substantially planar, and wherein a side edge of one of the plurality of stone sheets engages with a side edge of another of the plurality of stone sheets. A cover plate is positioned at an end of the fabricated stone structure, wherein the cover plate is connected to a top edge of at least a portion of the plurality of stone sheets, wherein the top edge is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the side edges. At least one fastener is connected between at least two of the plurality of stone sheets, wherein the at least one fastener is positioned remotely from the cover plate.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for a mechanized irrigation system wherein remotely controlled augers are mounted on the drive units of the irrigation system which may be driven into the ground to anchor the drive unit to the ground.

Abstract: A catalyst for the metathesis of olefins in general and specifically for the production of propylene from ethylene and butylene has been developed. The catalyst comprises a tungsten metal compound, which contains at least one tungsten-fluoro bond, dispersed or grafted onto a support. A specific example of the catalyst is the compound WOF(CH2CMe3)3 grafted onto a silica support.

Abstract: A liquid-resistant control systems enclosure may include a shell, a shaft and at least one shell anchoring member. The shell may include a top, a shell wall connected to and extending downwardly from a perimeter of the top, and a sleeve. The shaft may extend upwardly through a surface pad and may be adapted to pass through the sleeve. The sleeve may include a sleeve wall extending downwardly from an inner perimeter of an opening in the top. The sleeve may matingly engage the shaft to move the shell between a raised position and a lowered position. The shell may be moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The shell may be adapted to be positioned in the latched position when the shell is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground pan having a planar surface received on a ground surface and a thermally insulative member disposed on the ground pan, which cooperatively define in situ a proximate thermally isolated ground column, with a foundation support connected to the ground pan and to the support beam, the thermally insulative member restricts communication of heat from the proximate thermally isolated ground column below the ground pan for resisting frost heaving. A method of resisting frost heave of a foundation is disclosed.

Abstract: Anti-theft protection systems and methods for portable devices, such as portable electronic devices, that are unattended during use. The anti-theft protection systems and methods use a combination of measures including mechanical aspects, such as tethering the device to an object that is difficult to move, and electronic aspects that detect unauthorized movement and or alarm the user or other responsible party if unauthorized movement occurs.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.

Abstract: A portable surface anchor is presented. Such portable surface anchor is able to be transported to various and difficult geographical areas, placed on the surface and able to provide support for vertically elevated objects.

Abstract: A ground anchor system shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment within a support surface. The ground anchor system includes a primary anchor body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a first end and a second end. A coupling member is associated with the first end of the anchor body. A fastening assembling extends from the second end of the anchor body, the fastening assembly being composed of a plurality of downwardly extending facets, wherein each facet includes a first end and a second end. The first end of each facet is secured to the second end of the anchor body and the second end extends away from the anchor body.

Abstract: A memorial foundation system includes a pair of vertical supports having screw threads on their bottom ends and first attachment structure at their upper ends. Support plates corresponding to the vertical supports have respective second attachment structures configured to mate with the first attachment structures. A block has a first end supported by one of the pair of support plates and one of the pair of vertical supports and a second opposite end supported by the other of the pair of support plates and the other of the pair of vertical supports. The block includes a plurality of pockets in a row, each of the pockets open to an upper side. Each of a plurality of markers is configured to be received by a corresponding one of the plurality of pockets in the block to arrange the plurality of markers in an aligned row with even height.

Abstract: A trailer security system for use with a trailer having a trailer coupling member, such as a trailer coupling channel. The trailer security system may include a security device joined to the trailer coupling member, a locking device to selectively lock the security device to trailer, and security elements attached to trailer. The security device may be a security box formed from walls that define a space for receiving flanges of the trailer coupler channel. The security box may include slots for receiving the trailer coupling member flanges and may be slid onto the trailer coupling member. The security device may include a post extending from the security box for anchoring the trailer to the ground. Access to lock may be restricted by the security elements and/or the configuration of the security box and post. The security system may include other features to increase the difficulty to tamper with or disable the system.

Abstract: An anchor apparatus, ground anchor system, and method of using a ground anchor system are provided. The anchor apparatus includes a base plate having a top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface, wherein the base plate has a plurality of picket-guide apertures formed therein between the top surface and the substantially planar bottom surface. At least one picket is removably positioned in at least a portion of the picket-guide apertures. An anchor portion is formed at a first end of the base plate, wherein the anchor portion has an anchor aperture formed through the first end of the base plate, the anchor portion further comprising a ground face surface proximate to the anchor aperture, wherein a distance between the top surface and the ground face surface is less than a distance between the top surface and the substantially planar bottom surface.

Abstract: A safety anchor post system mountable to a pre-set anchor embedded in concrete for protecting a user from falling while working in precarious areas is provided. The system comprises a tubular post having a first end and a second end with a coil rod extending from the tubular post. A first sleeve is mounted at the second end of the post. A second sleeve is mounted between the first sleeve and the first end of the post with at least one rail member receivable within each sleeve. A clamping mechanism tightens against the rail members to releasably maintain the at least one rail member within each sleeve. A tie off device is mounted to the post. Upon releasably securing the at least one rail member within each sleeve and tying off to the tie off device, a worker is inhibited from falling from the support structure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: A fabricated stone apparatus is provided. A plurality of stone sheets are affixed together to form a fabricated stone structure having a substantially hollow interior portion, wherein each of the plurality of stone sheets is substantially planar, and wherein a side edge of one of the plurality of stone sheets engages with a side edge of another of the plurality of stone sheets. A cover plate is positioned at an end of the fabricated stone structure, wherein the cover plate is connected to a top edge of at least a portion of the plurality of stone sheets, wherein the top edge is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the side edges. At least one fastener is connected between at least two of the plurality of stone sheets, wherein the at least one fastener is positioned remotely from the cover plate.

Abstract: A method and system for ground installation is disclosed. In one aspect, a method to secure a fixture on a ground includes steps of securing one or more anchors on a base plate; placing the base plate on the ground; applying force to one or more ground stakes into the ground through the base plate to secure the base plate on the ground; disposing the fixture on the base plate; and securing the fixture on the base plate. The entire ground installation system merely includes a base plate and a few ground stakes, and it is fairly easy to assemble and disassemble the installation system without special training and skills. Also, the ground installation system provides a stable and secure base for the fixtures thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for ground installation is disclosed. In one aspect, a method to secure a fixture on a ground includes steps of securing one or more anchors on a base plate; placing the base plate on the ground; applying force to one or more ground stakes into the ground through the base plate to secure the base plate on the ground; disposing the fixture on the base plate; and securing the fixture on the base plate. The entire ground installation system merely includes a base plate and a few ground stakes, and it is fairly easy to assemble and disassemble the installation system without special training and skills. Also, the ground installation system provides a stable and secure base for the fixtures thereon.

Abstract: A securing system for a portable basketball pole assembly is disclosed. The securing system includes ground screws which secure in the ground on either side of a base of the portable basketball pole assembly. A strap is extended from one ground member to the other over the base to hold the base securely to the ground and prevent tipping. Additional straps may be used to extend from the ground members to the pole to further secure the pole. In certain preferred embodiments, separate straps extend from the ground members to the pole. In other embodiments, a single strap is used. The straps are attached to the pole via a pole attachment member. The pole attachment member may conveniently be an after-market part which fits around an existing pole and provides a receiving element to receive the strap or straps. Buckles may be included to allow the straps to be tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system includes a vertically oriented wall offset from an earthen feature, backfill disposed between the wall and the earthen feature, and a plurality of anchor elements attached at one end to the wall and extending from the wall toward the earthen feature. The plurality of anchor elements are embedded within the backfill and include an elongated strap having an attachment end configured for attachment to the MSE wall and opposite surfaces along the length thereof. The anchor element further includes a plurality of punched openings along the length of the strap, each opening including a punched tab projecting outward from one of the opposite surfaces.

Abstract: A ground (G) anchoring system (100) for various objects (O), such as building structures, warranties great stability, strength to mechanical stress and simplicity of installation, although having a structure of easy and economical manufacturing and comprising at least two elongated tubular guiding members (2), having a closed cross section and that are apt to define a tilted inserting direction (I), and inside which an anchoring rod (5) is inserted. The elongated members (2) are formed as distinct bodies fixed to a substantially flat developing supporting surface (1, 11), to which the object (O) to be anchored to the ground is connected and they have a longitudinal extension at least equal to about the distance (D) between two adjoining inserting end (21).

Abstract: A ground anchor includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface; ground-piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, with the ground-piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface; ballast positioned on or in the body, with the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground-piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load; and means for securing an anchor line to the body. Ground-engaging means such as a ground-engaging blade member or flanges may be attached to the ground-piercing members to increase the surface area perpendicular to the line of force to provide additional resistance to movement.

Abstract: An anchor spike and a method of using it with landscape edging are provided. The anchor spike has a novel feature that causes the anchor spike to have a changing angle of entry as it is being driven into the ground or other landscape material. The anchor spike is comprised of an elongate shaft, a head located at a first end of the elongate shaft and a tip section located at a second end of the elongate shaft and arranged at an angle to the elongate shaft. The method of using the anchor spike to secure landscape edging to the ground includes arranging a landscape edging strip having a plurality of apertures in a desire location on the ground, providing the anchor spike, aligning the tip section of the anchor spike with an aperture on the landscape edging strip and driving the anchor spike into the ground.

Abstract: A cylindrical, protective housing and accompanying insertion tool for shielding an in-ground sprinkler head. The cylindrical housing is inserted into the ground surrounding an in-ground sprinkler head, protecting the sprinkler head and subterranean feed lines from damage resulting from yard work or other traffic. The cylindrical housing prevents inadvertently sprinkler head collisions with lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, golf carts, or similarly wheeled vehicles. The insertion tool is a male-fitting press tool that provides vertical loads on the cylindrical housing upper extent to force it into soil surrounding a sprinkler head.

Abstract: An adjustable ground anchor comprises an anchoring post for securement in ground, base plate fixed on the top of the anchoring post, and L-shaped brackets on the base plate. Slots in the base plate reside symmetrically in relation to the center of the base plate and extend along a line passing through the center of the base plate. Two L-shaped brackets lay on the base plate, each having a slot in the flange abutting the base plate. A through bolt is mounted through the slot in the base plate and the slot in the flange of the bracket above, wherein the slots allow the bracket to freely move on the base plate prior to tightening the through bolt. The brackets form a retaining portion for a post that is fixed between the upward pointing flanges of the brackets.

Abstract: A monopole support assembly includes at least two truss assemblies secured to an outer surface of a monopole. At least two helical piers or micropiles are secured to the at least two truss assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.