Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a tower and a method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where one embodiment of apparatus includes a foundation, a plurality of lower staves located on the foundation, and a plurality of upper staves located above the lower staves, the upper staves having a poured in place concrete or grout joint between each adjacent upper stave.

Abstract: A drive through bin door having a curved bottom I-beam connected to an inner and outer door frame. The door frames have a curved top member connected to a pair of posts by a plurality of nuts and bolts. A door panel is hingedly connected to one of the door frames.

Abstract: A grain storage pit includes an open-top chamber configured to be substantially flush-mounted in a surface and a grain-receiving grate that covers at least a portion of the open-top chamber so that grain may be poured into the open-top chamber through the grate from a truck positioned over the pit. The grain storage pit may also include one or more unloading ports for facilitating removal of grain from the pit.

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 blending of geometrical shapes combine the best features of a pipe tank (standpipe) and a common multi-legged elevated tank. The bowl of an elevated tank has been designed as the top section of a standpipe or tube tank. This type design provides the near constant pressure and volume that a true elevated tank provides and a large volume of water for emergency purposes.

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. Column panels within a top horizontal array vertically aligning with column panels of a next lower horizontal array such that no discernible gap exists between top and bottom edges of column panels within the column. Seams, where top and bottom edges of column panels meet, preferably occur in different horizontal planes from each other throughout the column, thereby creating a stagger of column components in relationship to each other. Multiple layers of column components with the same, similar, or different configurations can be added to preferably cover seams of underlying column components to enhance structural integrity. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of jack-lifting.

Abstract: The discharge spout of a grain elevator is provided with an abrasion resistant liner formed of polyurethane. The liner is formed into cylindrical configuration from a rectangular blade of material and may be readily inserted into the discharge spout and rotated relative thereto to permit even wearing of the liner. The abrasion resistant liner may be readily removed from the discharge spout and replaced with another liner to thereby eliminate any wear to the inner surface of the discharge spout.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an access door assembly (10) comprised of a frame assembly (12) held in place by a plurality of hoop-shaped rods (14). A door (16) is hinged to frame assembly (12) using a pair of first hinge brackets (18) secured to frame assembly (12), a pair of second hinge brackets (20) secured to door (16) near its vertical centerline, and a connecting rod (22) acting as the hinge pin between the first and second hinge brackets (18, 20). A latch mechanism (24) engages a mid-step member (26) to secure door (16) tightly against a door frame structure (28). In doing so, flexible door (16) bends to conform generally to the curvature of cylindrical silo wall (30).Upper and lower step members (56, 58) are a part of frame assembly (12) and mid-step member (26) is supported by frame assembly (12). Hence the step members acting as ladder rungs are not supported by door (16), but rather by its frame.