Abstract: A reversible structural component for use as a portion of a vertical frame in a modular wall system includes an elongate body extending between a first end and a second end thereof, a plurality of countersunk through-holes extending through the structural component, and a plurality of threaded through-holes extending through the structural component. The countersunk through-holes and the threaded through-holes are disposed on the elongate body between the first end and the second end so that the countersunk through-holes of the structural component are aligned with the threaded through-holes of a separate identical structural component when back sides of the structural component and the separate identical structural component are brought together 180-degrees relative to one another during use.

Abstract: A system for distributing a fracking proppant at a well site using a support frame to position a series of storage containers above a conveyor. The support frame receives a plurality of storage container and aligns the storage containers with hoppers formed on the conveyor. The support frame can include outriggers that extend to increase the stability and the amount of supported weight. The support frame includes a series of cross supports that extend across the conveyor belts to support the storage containers. The cross supports can include load cells to monitor the weight of the storage containers and stored proppant. The width of the cross supports can be adjusted and the support frame can include an extension frame to expand the width of the support frame. A control panel is included to display the status of the containers (full/empty/partially full) and control and monitoring the discharge rate of the plurality of containers.

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 system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

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: 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 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 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 silo storage unit is created to enable an owner to conveniently store and dispense any number of materials. In one implementation, the storage silo is configured to store and dispense a heating fuel material. The silo storage unit may be implemented as a temporary installation or a year-round installation. Also, the silo storage unit includes a storage chamber configured with at least one outlet aperture, an inlet aperture. The storage chamber is formed with at least one attachment point configured to secure a facade cover to the silo storage unit. The facade cover may be formed from a cloth material, plastic material or any other number of materials. Further the facade cover may be configured as a holiday implementation, a housing element implementation, or a non-intrusive implementation. In the non-intrusive implementation, the facade cover may be configured to with artificial branches or leaves.

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: An elevated water tank utilizing an integrated field erected and bolted panels, such as, by way of example, steel rolled tapered panels (RTP) having epoxy powder-coated construction. The outer bolted steel reinforced panels are integral and co-linear with the preferably cylindrically shaped exterior reservoir walls thereabove providing reservoir perimeter structural support. The bolted steel reinforced panels are to provide support of a reinforced interstitial steel floor to grade, and either both or only one of an inner support pedestal of a transverse dimension less than that of the reservoir, or an outer support pedestal having substantially the same cross sectional configuration and size as the reservoir thereabove, may be so constructed. The reservoir and pedestal structure preferably use factory epoxy coated steel construction and are most preferably field installed utilizing synchronized hydraulic screw jack or traditional elevated field construction techniques.

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 grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

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: A method of forming a wall unit having a veneer face is disclosed. Initially, a pair of side wall panels and a pair of end panels are mounted substantially upright. Stones or other suitable material are set sequentially in a horizontally disposed course using at least one of the panels. Additional courses of stones or other material may then be stacked upon the initial layer until the desired height is attained. The interior volume of the apparatus is left substantially empty, and is then filled with a binding material. The binding material binds the courses' components together and integrates the individual courses into a single cohesive unit. The wall and end panels are removed and the unit is removed for subsequent installation.

Abstract: An advantageous surge bin designed and constructed for the receiving, containing and discharging of bulk materials in which are arranged cooperating circular upper, octagonal intermediate and transitional lower interior wall structures with a discharge opening adapted for closure and discharge and having vertical support and horizontal connecting members so arranged and constructed to beneficially enable an overall structural weight saving of 10% to 15% over conventional designs and to facilitate the relocation of the surge bin by wheeled or other carrier means.

Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out system for rapid and accurate loading-out of large volumes of treated biosolids from a wastewater dewatering plant, said system includes a plurality of hoppers 12, 14 supported by a main structure 16 having a plurality of vertical support members 20, each resting on a load cell 28, a sludge inlet at the tip of each hopper, and hydraulically controlled metering gates 40 at the bottom. A PLC 70 controls delivery of sludge from a dewatering facility, including e.g. a dewatering centrifuge 56, into the hoppers and then controls load-out of the sludge to a container truck by providing real-time monitoring of net sludge load-out and tight control of metering gates.

Abstract: An elevated water storage tank comprises a reservoir supported by a pedestal with a concrete bell portion supporting a cylindrical shaft section that is no more than one quarter the width of the reservoir. The bell portion has a polygonal cross-section with sloping sides and is constructed of a series of upstanding segments having relatively long lower edges, relatively short upper edges, and converging side edges. The cylindrical shaft section is situated on top of the bell portion with the reservoir situated atop the cylindrical shaft. The cylindrical shaft formed of a plurality of sections extending from the bell portion to the reservoir.

Abstract: A concrete container for introducing concrete into formworks includes an upwardly open vessel with a downwardly narrowing bottom portion with an outlet opening and a flexible pipe connected to the outlet opening for distributing the concrete. Underneath the outlet opening of the concrete container, an essentially horizontally extending crossbeam is arranged, wherein the crossbeam is arranged so as to be displaceable transversely of the freely suspended flexible pipe. The two ends of the crossbeam, whose length corresponds at least to the diameter of the flexible pipe, are suspended from the concrete container by connecting members. Tension springs are attached in an articulated manner to the two ends of the crossbeam, wherein the other ends of the tension springs are fastened to the support frame, wherein the tension springs are tensioned when the crossbeam is located laterally of the outlet opening in a position releasing the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A bulk hopper tank assembly which has a bulk hopper tank containing an opening at the top end thereof wherein a lid assembly selectively covers the opening. The lid assembly includes a lid, a generally vertical arm extending along the exterior side of the bulk hopper tank, and a generally horizontal arm connecting the lid and the vertical arm. A lifter connects to the vertical arm and is moveable between a down position in which the lid covers the opening in the bulk hopper tank and an up position in which the lid is vertically above the opening in the bulk hopper tank. A handle connects to the vertical arm and is moveable to a plurality of positions between a first position in which the lid is in the vertical volume of the opening and a second position in which the lid is outside of the vertical volume of the opening.

Abstract: An agricultural grain storage or feed tank including a body with a roof having an upper inlet opening is provided with a roof cap assembly which includes an elongated and vertically extending control rod which is vertically and pivotably movable with respect to the body of the tank whereby a cap connected to the control rod may be selectively moved remotely from the opening by raising the control rod and thereafter swinging the cap relative to the opening. The opening is reinforced by a reinforcing centering ring which is selectively mounted to the exterior of the roof of the tank and which includes a plurality of support rods on which the cap is normally seated so as to create an air passageway into the inlet opening. In the preferred embodiment, the body of the tank is corrugated and is supported by legs having corrugated sections which interfit with the body of the tank.

Abstract: A method for and a product resulting from the use of the method for elevating livestock feed storage bins having multiple supporting legs that avoids the need to lift the entire storage bin by crane or other elevating devices, the method including the steps of affixing a lifter engaging member to one of the multiple supporting legs, positioning a lifter proximate the leg and contiguous with the lifter engaging member, and actuating the lifter to elevate the leg to a preselected height sufficient to install data processing monitoring equipment thereunder to elevate the supported bin to a location greater than the height of the installed equipment. The balance of the multiple supporting legs are fitted and engaged sequentially in the same manner to enable the installation of other cooperative components of the data processing equipment whereby the feed storage bin, upon the total installation, resides at a higher elevation consistent with the height of the data processing equipment.

Abstract: Silo for diverse products in bulk, particularly plastic bottles, characterized by a hull (2) constituting its walls, and being formed of thin plates (3) suspended from, or attached to respective horizontal (4) and vertical plates (5) carrying profiles constituting an external framework.This invention will primarily be of interest to constructors of stockage material for bulk products.

Abstract: A hazardous liquid, such as a flammable liquid or an explosive liquid, is stored by constructing off-site a transportable module comprising a liquid storage tank mounted within a leak-tight prefabricated, reinforced, concrete vessel. The module is transported to an installation site and supported on a foundation. The space between the storage tank and the vessel is filled with a fire retardant, and then conduits, pumps, etc. are connected to the tank to provide the liquids to, and remove the liquids from, the storage tank.

Abstract: A hazardous liquid, such as a flammable liquid or an explosive liquid, is stored in a module including a liquid storage tank mounted within a leak-tight prefabricated, reinforced, concrete vessel. The module is supported on a foundation. A fire retardant fills the space between the storage tank and the vessel, and conduits, pumps, etc. are connected to the tank to provide the liquids to, and remove the liquids from, the storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved deck device which is elevated with respect to associated structure. The device includes an elevated platform having sidewalls angled with respect to the horizontal. The sidewalls may be covered with a reflective covering designed to reflect the sun's rays in the direction of the center of the deck to facilitate tanning of individuals seated or lying thereon.

Abstract: A housing for an industrial baghouse constructed of a plurality of panels having a stiffening element integral with the wall. Each panel is similarily constructed in the shape of an elongated "U". The panels are arranged upright in juxtaposition to, and in an alternating manner with, each adjoining panel. A channel is formed between two adjoining panels by overlapping the ends of each panel with the next adjoining panel. This channel creates a stiffening element to give structural rigidity to the housing wall. A housing wall so constructed can withstand the internal pressure associated with a baghouse.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

Abstract: A large container, especially a silo, having a unitary, or one-piece material holding main part. A generally conically shaped unloading hopper is secured to the base of the main part by means of relatively thick, solid flange means which provides exceptional load-bearing properties at critical areas at the juncture of the main part to the unloading hopper. The container can be stacked in nested relation with other containers thereby making storage and shipment of the container more economical.

Abstract: A grain bin floor support system is disclosed that uses short posts, each formed by appropriately bending a piece of sheet metal into a V-shape such that the legs of the post diverge from one another and can be gripped and resiliently bent toward one another as by hand. Notches, which are cut into the top edge of the diverging legs of the post are aligned and of such a width that the outer channel of a floor panel can be gripped and accommodated in a binding fit in the two notches. A plurality of these posts are attached to the floor panel and a series of these panel and post assemblies forms a grain bin floor.

Abstract: An elevated water storage facility includes a fluted pillar which is divided into a plurality of levels so the facility is multi-purpose. One embodiment of the facility includes an outer wall surrounding the pillar.

Abstract: An elevated liquid storage tank has a tubular concrete shaft on which is supported a metal tank body. The tank body has a unitary bottom wall having an endless horizontal plate bearing on the top of the concrete shaft, and inner and outer conical portions extending upwardly from the horizontal plate. A bed of cementitious grout or other shiffening means are disposed within the lower portion of the bottom wall to withstand compressive forces urging the outer margin of the inner conical portion and the inner margin of the outer conical portion toward one another. A construction method, comprising erecting the tank bottom wall on the shaft and raising the pre-fabricated tank side wall up the side of the shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-erecting silo assembly comprises a horizontally elongated trailer frame and a cylindrical paving mix bin that overlies the frame when in a horizontal transport position, with its front side lowermost and its top end near a front end of the frame. Rear legs on which the bin is supported when erected are rigidly connected to the bin; front legs have their upper ends pivoted to the bottom of the bin. A detachable bin connection between the bin and the frame defines a horizontal axis about which the bin is swung up from transport position to an inclined intermediate position at which detachable leg connections are made between the rear legs and the frame. The bin connection is then disconnected, the bin is swung up to upright position about the leg connections, and the bottom ends of the front legs are connected to the frame.

Abstract: A storage bin for bulk ice has upper and lower sections that completely enclose a space in which ice cubes are stored. These ice cubes are produced by an ice making machine and are delivered to the ice bin by a conveyor which is inclined upwardly away from the ice making machine. One of the walls on the upper section of the ice bin is inclined to accommodate the inclination of the conveyor and this wall has an opening through which the ice cubes are discharged into the enclosed space. The lower section of the bin has an opening through which the ice cubes are withdrawn for bagging, while the upper section has another opening that provides access to the interior of the bin for breaking up ice jams. Both of these openings are normally closed by doors. Refrigeration equipment extracts heat from the enclosed space of the bin, and the water line that leads to the ice making machine passes through the space so that the water is precooled, thus rendering the ice making machine considerably more efficient.

Abstract: A storage silo includes a support structure and a disassemblable container mounted on the support structure with its longitudinal axis extending vertically. The container includes a plurality of neighboring sections which conically diverge in the downward direction and have upper and lower end portions which overlap one another in assembled condition of the container. The sections fit into one another in disassembled condition to form a transportation package; a discharge hopper of downwardly converging conical configuration is also accommodated, in inverted condition, in the transportation package, as is a protective railing which, in the assembled condition, is mounted on the top of the container. The lower end portions of the upper sections may fittingly surround, or may be fittingly received within, the upper end portions of the respective downwardly adjacent sections in the assembled condition, and these cooperating end portions are connected to one another by screws, bolts, or similar connectors.

Abstract: A tower is disclosed for the elevated storage of water or other liquids. The tower includes a concrete cylindrical shell having an upper distal portion, and a steel tank mounted co-axially at the upper distal portion. The tank has a lower floor opening for the shell distal portion to pass therethrough. The shell distal portion has a plurality of peripheral openings adjacent to the tank floor opening. A continuous tank floor passes through the shell peripheral openings, and sealingly closes the tank floor opening. The tank floor supports the tank and liquid therein, and connects the tank to the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: Self-erecting apparatus for transporting and temporarily storing material such as asphalt; the apparatus includes a surge bin and a drag chute for transporting the asphalt material from a drum plant to the surge bin. The drag chute and the surge bin are pivotally attached to each other and to a flat bed trailer, permitting their simultaneous raising and lowering by means of a winch apparatus attached by means of cables to the support legs of the surge bin to provide ease of lowering the bin for transportation of the apparatus from one site to another and ease in erecting the bin at a new site. A foldable side panel of the surge bin permits the drag chute to nest in the surge bin thus providing a more compact arrangement of the apparatus when in the lowered configuration.

Abstract: A storage tank having a shell in the form of a body of revolution mounted on supporting uprights. The guides equispaced around the external surface of the shell, along its generatrix, accommodate flexible elements whose ends are attached to the tensioning devices located on the top and bottom of the shell. This tank is durable, retains its shape in service and is easily suited for transportation.

Abstract: A cluster of working bin modules resembling the cells of a honeycomb is used for storing tons of particulate commodities. This structure eliminates the need for corrugated sheet metal walls thereby reducing the explosion hazard. The bins share common smooth walls which are joined where they intersect by connectors which form hollow vertically-extending prisms. After the hexagonal modules have been erected and connected, the prisms are filled with concrete to form a watertight seal between adjacent bins and to permit the prisms to support heavy equipment mounted on top of the cluster. The hexagonal working bins are mounted on columns formed by concrete-filled vertical tubes. Each column is attached to the foundation by a ground anchor having a structure providing high shear strength to resist earthquake damage. Each column includes at its top a short hollow hexagonal prism; horizontal struts connect the hexagonal prisms of adjacent columns.

Abstract: A storage bin such as a silo or the like having a plurality of sections adapted to be superimposed one on the other. The respective sections increasing stepwise in external dimension, in axial succession from bottom to top of said bin, and being telescopingly nested together between a collapsed and an extended position.

Abstract: A transportable silo assembly is provided which includes a self-supporting structure with a platform with an opening in it, pillow blocks mounted on the platform, trunions journaled in the pillow blocks, a silo mounted on the trunions for pivotal movement between an erected position and a lowered transport position, a winch mounted on the structure, a cable so arranged as to move the silo between erected and transport position upon operation of the winch, and structures on the leading and trailing ends of the self-supporting structure by which wheels can be mounted and demounted, whereby the self-supporting structure can be transported.

Abstract: The system for handling a container comprises a vehicle on which the container may bear in the transporting position and which comprises at least one jack for raising or lowering the container by pivoting it about an axis of pivotal connection between the container and the vehicle, and a fixed installation for receiving the container in the position of use, which comprises a device for locking the vehicle, after the vehicle has moved rearwardly. The position of use of the container is an inclined position in which the lower end part of the container is set in position in a frame of the fixed installation. The axis of the pivotal connection between the container and the vehicle is embodied by two articulations, each of which articulations comprises a male element having a surface of revolution about a horizontal axis and connected to the container and a female element connected to the vehicle and comprising a conjugate surface of revolution to which surface of revolution there are connected divergent surfaces.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a chassis and intended for the transportation and spreading of materials, a combination comprises a chassis extension, a loading and unloading device mounted on the chassis by means of the chassis extension. It includes a hoist having at least one vertical branch with an upper end provided with a hook and a horizontal arm pivotably mounted around a pivoting axle parallel to the ground and transverse to the chassis so as to be able to pivot the hoist under the effect of a jack. A movable container is adjustable in height and includes a cradle provided at the front and at the rear with vertical posts in engaging relationship with sliders each having at least one hooking member to cooperate with said hook. The sliders are connected to a bridge including at least one longitudinal beam and a receptacle supported by the bridge.

Abstract: A vessel, particularly a silo, has an upright shell of circular outline wherein a median part supports an upper part and rests on a lower part. Each of the upper and median parts consists of four arcuate sections which are secured to each other by strips or bars and screws, and the lower portion of the lower part tapers downwardly toward the axis of the shell. The upper portion of the lower part is a collar including a ring of triangular cross section which supports the median part and rests on four ground-contacting supports. The collar consists of four arcuate sections which abut against each other in planes including the axis of the shell and are secured to each other by upright T-bulb-section bars each having two flanges which are secured to the outer sides of neighboring sections of the collar by vertical rows of screws and a bulb which is remote from the collar and is located between the respective rows of screws to afford access to such screws.

Abstract: A method for loading on a vehicle provided with a pivotable handling arm or for unloading from the vehicle, a storage apparatus, such as a silo or tank, which may be inclined between an operative position in which a reference plane of the apparatus is roughly vertical and in which the apparatus may have its own stability on the ground, and a transport position in which the apparatus rests on the vehicle. The apparatus includes front support means which bear on the ground in said operative position and which are withdrawn for loading the apparatus, so that the apparatus is then, under the effect of the force of gravity, able to bear on the end of the handling arm and is free to be inclined toward the vehicle under the action of the handling arm, while retaining, for an angle of inclination to the vertical of said reference plane less than a limit value .alpha., a supporting contact with the ground fixed support means. The apparatus is, for an angle of inclination exceeding .alpha.

Abstract: A dwelling for humans comprising a preferably prebuilt housing enclosure which maximizes living space approximately at the eye level of a person seated therewithin. The enclosure is supported above the ground in cradle-like support means which are partially buried and have cradle portions protruding above the ground. The enclosure may be trucked to an installation site since it includes at least one dimension within maximum size limitations for loads to be transported on public highways.