Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming vertical structures.

Abstract: A tower segment, a tower, a segmentation method, and a wind turbine. The tower segment includes an annular body having two opposite end faces along the axial direction thereof, the annular body being formed by assembling a plurality of tower pieces; and a connecting member configured for connecting the two adjacent tower pieces, the connecting member including a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece that can be detachably connected to each other, wherein the side of the first connecting piece away from the second connecting piece is fixedly connected to an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface of one of the two adjacent tower pieces, and the side of the second connecting piece away from the first connecting piece is fixedly connected to the inner annular surface and the outer annular surface of the other of the two adjacent tower pieces.

Abstract: A tower segment of a tower of a wind turbine, a tower portion of a wind turbine, a tower of a wind turbine, a wind turbine, a method of producing a tower segment of a wind turbine and a method of connecting tower segments of a wind turbine. The tower segment includes a compression element and a tension element, wherein the tension element is arranged with its main direction of extent substantially horizontally in the installation state and is spaced from the tower segment in a direction in orthogonal relationship with its main direction of extent and is connected to the compression element by way of an intermediate element.

Abstract: In an LNG tank, a dike is formed by arranging precast blocks in the circumferential direction and layering the precast blocks in the vertical direction. Each of the precast blocks has loop joints on the top, bottom, left, and right side faces, and concrete is deposited between each two precast blocks adjacent in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction, whereby masonry joints are formed in the vertical direction and the circumferential direction. Prestress is imparted to the dike by PC steel members. The PC steel members are provided in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction of the dike, and are arranged so as to avoid the masonry joints in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to construct the dike in a short time, and it is possible to provide a tank or the like that can reduce the construction period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower crane comprising a tower of at least one tower element, in particular a lattice piece, and a structural guying device having at least one guying rod for the horizontal anchorage of the tower at a structure. In accordance with the invention, the tower has a vertically adjustable guide frame, wherein at least one positioning rope is adjustably fastened to the guide frame. The invention furthermore relates to a method of mounting a wind turbine rotor blade.

Abstract: It is described an assembly for lifting pre-stressing cables for a pre-stressed concrete structure having ducts for pre-stressing cables, to be arranged on top of the concrete structure, comprising: (a) a rail 22 on which a hoist or pulley 30 is arranged, which has wheels, which allow hoist 30 to move along the rail 22; (b) a supporting structure 12, attached to rail 22; (c) a plurality of columns 14, which supports the supporting structure 12 of the rail 22, arranged at a certain distance from the rail; and (d) an hoists 30 having a chain 34 which is inserted into the vertical ducts 52 for the pre-stressing cables of the concrete structure, and uploads the wires to the top of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the assembly of frustoconical concrete towers comprising a step of placing and positioning of at least one subset of a tower section formed by at least two segments in an area close to the base of the tower, a step of assembling the subset of the tower section by attaching at least two segments, so that the assembled subset is freestanding and a step of stacking the assembled subset onto an immediately lower tower section.

Abstract: The modular bins of the present in some embodiments may include a plurality of central junction areas, where each central junction area may be formed of a plurality of central or interior junction members. The modular bins may also include a plurality of side junction areas which may be formed of a plurality of central or interior junction members and at least one side junction member. The modular bins may further include a plurality of corner junction areas which may be formed of at least one central or interior junction member and at least one corner junction member. A plurality of exterior wall panels are engaged to the side junction members and the corner junction members. A plurality of inner wall panels are engaged to the plurality of central or interior junction members to form the modular bins.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a plurality of roof trusses each including an inner chord. A plurality of panels is attached to the roof structure. Each of the panels extends between and is attached to adjacently positioned ones of the inner chords. Each of the panels is elongated and has a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. An upper bend is positioned adjacent to the upper edge and defines an upper flange including the upper edge. A lower bend is positioned adjacent to the lower edge and defines lower flange including the lower edge. A primary bend is positioned between the upper and lower bends. The upper and lower flanges are attached to the inner chord. The primary bend is spaced further from the inner chord than the upper and lower bends.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank has a tower section. A tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A reinforced ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area that withstands the downward force of the liquid. The ringbeam has at least one supporting face that resists downward forces. A dome sits on the supporting face and essentially covers the internal area. The dome is made of a series of laterally adjacent dome where each dome segment has an inner end that is positioned above an outer end.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tower is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of tower segments, wherein at least one tower segment includes an inner surface that defines a first cross-sectional area of the tower segment and a second cross-sectional area of the tower segment that is different from the first cross-sectional area. The method also comprises providing a platform including a plurality of mounting assemblies configured to mount the platform within the at least one tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, coupling the platform to the inner surface of the tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, and coupling the plurality of tower segments.

Abstract: An grain silo lid including a frame surrounding a grain silo roof lid and having a slidegate member mounted within the frame that operationally engages an actuation mechanism within the frame and that slidingly engages a plurality of roller-element bearing assemblies disposed within the frame first and second sides upon activation of the actuation mechanism to cover a top end of a grain silo.

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a plurality of roof trusses each including an inner chord. A plurality of panels is attached to the roof structure. Each of the panels extends between and is attached to adjacently positioned ones of the inner chords. Each of the panels is elongated and has a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. An upper bend is positioned adjacent to the upper edge and defines an upper flange including the upper edge. A lower bend is positioned adjacent to the lower edge and defines lower flange including the lower edge. A primary bend is positioned between the upper and lower bends. The upper and lower flanges are attached to the inner chord. The primary bend is spaced further from the inner chord than the first and second ends.

Abstract: A support structure for conditioning systems, such as blowers and/or heaters, that are used with grain bins and a method for installing same. To aid in aligning the conditioning system and grain bin, one embodiment uses beams that are partially embedded in the grain bin's concrete foundation and extend from the foundation. By linking the grain bin's foundation with the support structure that carries the conditioning system, the grain bin and support structure are aligned with respect to each other. Any movement of the grain bin's foundation will cause concomitant movement of the support base to prevent misalignment between the grain bin and conditioning system as time goes on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising handling water-absorbing polymer particles in intermediate silos, storage silos and/or big bag filing stations that are connected with vent lines having a mitered joint.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for the roof of a grain bin includes plural units each having a plate having openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. Some of the openings align with openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the plate and rest upon the plate. Openings in the ring segments align with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to an upper face of the plate. A gusset extends upwardly from the ring segments, and the gusset and ring segments are attached together. A hand rail comprising a vertical post is attached at one end to the gusset, and a horizontal rail is attached to the post.

Abstract: A grain bin and deck assembly includes a generally cylindrical grain bin having an inclined roof and a substantially vertical cylindrical side wall the top of which is located adjacent to the bottom of the inclined roof, and a deck encircles at least a portion of the cylindrical side wall beneath the bottom of the inclined roof and the deck is positioned to permit access to vents on the roof. The deck is mounted to and supported on the exterior of the side wall and its side wall stiffeners which stiffeners are spaced from each other and extend substantially vertically over at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical side wall and adjacent the top of the cylindrical side wall. The deck is fastened to the stiffeners of the side wall by a support assembly which includes mounting plates having a width that extends across the width of the stiffeners, and the mounting plates have plural rows of holes which are arranged to overlie stiffeners of differing widths.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: A hopper bottom for a cylindrical grain bin includes a floor structure, an outer cylindrical wall extending up from the floor and upon which the bin is supported, and an inner wall having an inverted cone shape which tapers downwardly and inwardly to join the floor structure about a central area. A pair of spaced apart upright auger chute walls extend radially outward from the central area to an access opening in the outer wall to receive an auger for unloading. Screens are flush mounted in the inner wall such that ventilation air directed into a manifold space between the inner and outer walls is forced up through the screens into the grain bin. The floor structure includes a floor sheet, a perimeter member about the outer wall, and radial supports extending between the central area and the perimeter members.

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a first and second side walls each having an upper edge. A roof structure is attached to and extends between the first and second side walls. The roof structure includes roof trusses each having an inner chord. A plurality of curtain assemblies is attached to the roof structure to define an auxiliary storage capacity. At least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the first side wall and at least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the second side wall. Each of the curtain assemblies a flexible panel extending between and is attached to two inner chords. A top edge attached to the inner chords and bottom edge attached to one of the first or second side walls.

Abstract: A cylindrical structure includes a vertical wall (3) and a bottom wall (2), the bottom wall having a plurality of sectors (4) which are rotated images of each other, each sector including a plurality of adjacent rectangular elements (8), characterized by the fact that the bottom wall has the shape of a regular polygon whereof each side (6) corresponds to one of the sectors, the edges of the rectangular elements of one sector being respectively perpendicular and parallel to the side of the polygon corresponding to the sector.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: A storage bin support system for providing a leg structure to better support the storage bin and allow for easier access underneath. The storage bin support system generally includes a bin for holding the particulate material, wherein the bin includes a roof, sidewalls, and a base, and wherein the roof includes an inlet for filling the bin and wherein the base includes an outlet for emptying the bin, and a supporting framework for supporting the bin above a ground surface in an upright position, wherein supporting framework includes an outer framework and an inner framework interconnecting the outer framework with the base. The outer framework is spaced along an outer perimeter of the bin and the inner framework includes a plurality of upper angled supports comprising an upper end and optionally a plurality of lower angled supports comprising a lower end.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank has a tower section. A tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A reinforced ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area that withstands the downward force of the liquid. The ringbeam has at least one supporting face that resists downward forces. A dome sits on the supporting face and essentially covers the internal area. The dome is made of a series of laterally adjacent dome where each dome segment has an inner end that is positioned above an outer end.

Abstract: In order to improve a retentions force of a silo closure, patterns with protrusions and recesses are proposed at least on insides of a support profile in particular portions, preferably also on outsides of a support hose and/or at least on one of the outsides of a cover foil.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a foundational cistern. The present invention is an evolutionary panelized foundation system that uses known pre-casting technologies, functions structurally in similar ways to traditional systems, yet provides building designers with a multitude of new benefits in combination with the objectives of reduced construction time, energy, and water conservation. Stored rainwater in the cistern provides thermal mass for heating for a supported structure, and may be used for nonpotable uses. Given appropriate on-site water treatment, potable uses of stored rainwater may be contemplated as well. The foundational cistern of the present invention may be coupled to other foundational cisterns and structural elements of the supported structure. The present invention offers a multitude of advantages not currently known in the art of foundation products.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A silo includes a stuffing box forming for use with a reciprocating frame. A push-rod extends from a hydraulic cylinder through a stuffing box and a silo wall to actuate a reciprocating frame. The stuffing box forms a floating seal around the push-rod capable of moving with the push-rod to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: Storage bin hatches typically have an opening surrounded by a rim and a cover having a flange that fits around the hatch opening rim. The apparatus, for opening and closing a storage bin hatch includes an elongated lift member fixed to a hatch cover and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is pivotably mounted to the storage bin roof adjacent to the storage bin hatch. The pivot assembly is moved by a first cable from the ground so that when the cable is pulled, the pivot assembly pivots and contacts the lift member and lifts the hatch cover to a raised position. By means of a second cable, an operator can pull the hatch cover to open the hatch. With a third cable, the operator can pull the hatch cover in the opposite direction to close the hatch.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: A new conical roof building method provides flat plates having straight abutting edges and curved outer edges. The plates are placed horizontally edge to edge except for a sectoral opening. The plates are welded together to form a flat disc-shaped blank, leaving an open sector of the blank. Radial supports are welded to a top of the disc-shaped blank. A center of the disc-shaped blank is lifted, forming a conical-shaped structure, closing and abutting edges of the open sector and touching edges of the formerly open sector are welded together, completing the forming of the conical roof.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

Abstract: A self-cleaning grain bin roof configured to allow ventilation through the roof ribs which has a trapezoidal shaped inner rib with ventilation orifices therein and a spaced apart and partially covering outer rib configured to inhibit precipitation from falling through the orifices while permitting air to be blown from inside the grain bin outside. The trapezoidal shape providing for a self-cleaning ability in that if matter is blown to the orifices by positive pressure in the grain bin, it will, in the event of a loss of pressure, either fall outside of the orifices and slide down one of the slanted trapezoidal sides, or return to the grain bin. If debris blown by wind gathers on the roof, it will be blown out from under the outer rib by the airflow through the orifices.

Abstract: An improved building technique includes setting at least one wall for a building into a final position, and then subsequently match-casting a foundation or floor for the building, the foundation/floor being in contact with the base of the wall and helping to secure the wall.

Abstract: A storage building for the storage of corrosive materials. The storage building comprises a floor, a plurality of columns extending from the floor, a plurality of crossbeams with each beam connecting at least two of the columns, a plurality of substantially vertically oriented supports extending from the crossbeams, a plurality of rafters attached to the supports and at least one roof panel spanning between two of the rafters.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel. The support having an upper flange or rail that extends upwardly from an upper shelf and is interposed between notches. A plurality of columns that extend downwardly from the upper shelf to a base to provide added stability to the support. A bend in the support which allows the support to stand upright without the need for additional supports.

Abstract: A water collection system blocks down-pipes to collect water from a roof. A down-pipe (27) is located adjacent a rain water diversion unit (31). The unit comprises a box (36) with the down-pipe (27) fitted to an opening (37) in bottom (38) of the box (36). The gutter (14) has two side-by-side openings (39 and 40), the opening (40) has an overflow in the form of upstanding wall (41) while the opening (39) has a valve plate (42) hinged to the front edge at (43). A pneumatic actuator (44) is used to move the valve plate (42) to the closed position. When the valve is closed, the opening (40) and the upstanding wall (41) serve as an overflow back to the stormwater via the box (36). The tank pipe (17) also has an opening (45) with an upstanding wall (46) which has its upper edge (47) set lower than the upper edge (48) of the wall (41) of the overflow. All down-pipes are fitted with diversion units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.

Abstract: A silo includes a stuffing box forming for use with a reciprocating frame. A push-rod extends from a hydraulic cylinder through a stuffing box and a silo wall to actuate a reciprocating frame. The stuffing box forms a floating seal around the push-rod capable of moving with the push-rod to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: A practical method of manufacturing, assembling, and constructing a single silo or building or a cluster of polygonal storage silos using a column comprising horizontally-arrayed structural column panels. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of lifting. In addition, three or more of these structural columns can be connected together with wall panels or beams to fashion a polygonal compartment or multiple polygonal compartments, to serve as structural support for heavy loads, as a process tower for supporting equipment, a multi-story building for human occupancy (such as an apartment complex), or as bulk storage silo(s). The column can join standard and customized beams and wall panels. Columns can be attached to wall panels of round structures, to serve as stiffeners, or to the sides of polygonal structures, to serve as side-wall supports.

Abstract: A storage building is provided. The building includes an exoskeleton with an interior cover. The exoskeleton is formed from horizontal rings connected by trusses. The building typically stores particulate material, including grain and other crops. The exoskeleton bears the load of the stored material, and allows for storage of greater amounts of material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for storing materials on a well site are disclosed. A self erecting storage system includes a trailer and storage bin. A first latching mechanism is coupled to the trailer. A movable arm with a second latching mechanism is also coupled to the trailer. The storage bin has a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be coupled to the first latching mechanism and the second pin may be coupled to the second latching mechanism.

Abstract: A cylindrical structure includes a vertical wall (3) and a bottom wall (2), the bottom wall having a plurality of sectors (4) which are rotated images of each other, each sector including a plurality of adjacent rectangular elements (8), characterized by the fact that the bottom wall has the shape of a regular polygon whereof each side (6) corresponds to one of the sectors, the edges of the rectangular elements of one sector being respectively perpendicular and parallel to the side of the polygon corresponding to the sector.

Abstract: A grain bin roof ring mounting bracket having a mounting plate secured to a roof bin, a clip portion extending vertically from the mounting plate, and a back portion that extends outwardly from the clip portion.

Abstract: The disclosed liquid storage tank has a concrete tower section. A steel tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A concrete ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area between the ringbeam and an access tube that extends from within the tank volume into an interior of the tower section. The ringbeam has an integral upper wall above a ring-shaped, upwardly-facing supporting face that is at least about 4? inches wide and resists downward forces. A series of laterally adjacent concrete dome segments creates a dome that has a vaulted upper surface and essentially covers the internal area. Each of the dome segments has an outer end that sits on the supporting face of the ringbeam, and an inner end that is positioned above the outer end. Lateral sides on each segment define a segment angle, and the sum of the segment angles of the adjacent segments is less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.

Abstract: A floor grommet for use in building and office structures supplied with air conditioning via under floor plenum. Directed flow of conditioned air is optimized by limiting the escape of air from the plenum into the space above the floor by leakage through floor openings provided for power cables, data cables and the like. Specialized floor grommets installed in the cable openings are comprised of a surrounding frame mounting sealing elements comprised of thin, flexible elements which are anchored at one end in the grommet frame and extend toward the center of the opening, from each side, to effectively close the opening against significant flow of conditioned air from the plenum below. Cables passing through the grommet opening cause minimal deflection of the flexible elements to limit the escape of conditioned air. Preferably, the resilient, flexible elements are filamentary in nature.