Column, Mast, Etc. Patents (Class 52/651.07)
  • Publication number: 20110314750
    Abstract: A method for erecting an off-shore wind turbine includes providing a wind turbine tower socket segment that includes a basin positioned at one end of the wind turbine tower socket segment. The basin is filled with water. A wind turbine tower plug segment, which has a closed surface at one end of the wind turbine tower plug segment, is brought in connection with the wind turbine tower socket segment. Further, a wind turbine tower socket segment for off-shore wind turbines is provided that includes a basin adapted for receiving water on one side of the segment. The socket segment is adapted for receiving a wind turbine tower plug segment. Further, a wind turbine tower plug segment adapted for being plugged into a wind turbine tower socket segment is provided. The wind turbine tower plug segment includes a closed surface at one end of the segment. Further, a wind turbine is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob Johannes NIES
  • Publication number: 20110278850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monopole tower having a tower supporting structure in which the outer dimension of a tower shell is the maximum dimension by eliminating a base plate which extends toward the outside of the tower shell. In a monopole tower provided upright on a foundation B, a lower end side of the tower 2 comprised a tower-side coupling member in a range equal to or less than outside diameter of a tower shell 21. In a space comprising a foundation-side coupling member provided on the foundation B, the foundation-side coupling member and the tower-side coupling member are coupled by welding, a bolt using a splice plate, or a rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8056297
    Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manu Mathai, Ronald R. Cairo, Sujith Sathian
  • Patent number: 8056296
    Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Ralph Cairo
  • Publication number: 20110271608
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate a method and apparatus for a tower structure. In one embodiment, the tower structure comprises a first base plate comprising a first hinge device, a first structural section having a first side and a second side, the first structural section coupled to a second base plate comprising a second hinge device, a second structural section coupled to the first structural section, and an aerial component coupled to the second structural section, wherein the first structural section is rotatable relative to the first base plate in a first rotational axis, the second structural section is rotatable relative to the first structural section in a second rotational axis, and at least a portion of the second structural section is received in a channel formed in the first side of the first structural section when the first structural section and the second structural section are substantially parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Electro Mechanical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fallon M. Egan, Claudio J. Gutierrez, Christoval Sanchez, Patrick M. Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 8046970
    Abstract: A telescoping tower comprises a plurality of telescoping tower sections, each tower section having a pressure member that engages with a respective pressure member on a respective tower section when the tower sections are moved from a nesting condition to an extended position, the engagement of the pressure members occurring at the overlap of the tower sections to increase stability of the telescoping tower and reduce unwanted play at the overlap regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Aluma Tower Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Diniz, Craig A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110254277
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower in which a horizontal force received by an upper part of the tower is dispersed to a lower part of the tower or to a base so as to reduce the load acting on a tower shell and suppress deformation of the tower caused by an external force is provided. A monotype-type wind turbine tower 2 in which mainly a tower shell 21 is configured to bear load includes a platform 22 connected to an inner wall of the tower shell 21 and dividing an internal space of the tower in the vertical direction; an elastic bearing 30 attached by fixing one end thereof to the platform 22; and a load transmission member 23 disposed in the internal space of the tower and connecting another end of the elastic bearing 30 to the platform 22 located at a position facing the elastic bearing 30 or to a base B so as to transmit a horizontal force from the elastic bearing 30 to the tower shell 21 or the base B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8024908
    Abstract: A pultruded utility structure is presented. The pultruded utility structure are pultruded or extruded in a pre-determined shape, in plural colors, is environmentally safe, aesthetic pleasing and resistant to damage from weather, animals, insects and resistant to corrosion. The pultruded utility structure includes utility pole, a lighting pole, a structural support, an architectural design element (interior or exterior), a marine dock element or a fencing element, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Donald S. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110226548
    Abstract: Deployable fall protection systems and components are disclosed for protecting against worker falls in cargo handling operations. Workers wearing harnesses are attached to a lifeline supported from overhead, the support being attached to ground-standing mast assemblies stabilized by the weight of a vehicle parked on a foot portion of the mast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: AKER SOLUTIONS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Mark WITLAM, Chad ALESSI
  • Patent number: 7997876
    Abstract: A wind turbine, tower and method for making same are provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more blades and a rotor radius distance approximately equal to the distance measured from a centerline of the rotor to a tip of one of the blades. The tower has one or more tower sections, including a first tower section having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The first tower section has at least one first diameter. A reduced diameter tower section is connected to the first tower section, and has a waist portion with at least one second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. At least a portion of the reduced diameter tower section having the second diameter is located about one rotor radius distance from the centerline of the rotor, and the reduced diameter section provides increased static clearance to the tip of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacob Johannes Nies, Tahir Hassan Malik
  • Publication number: 20110146201
    Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: John Louis Vanker, Michael J. Lastowski
  • Publication number: 20110138721
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower assembly includes a tubular section having a first longitudinal axis and a base section assembly including a plurality of legs. The base section assembly is configured to be assembled into a base section having the legs coupled together at an interface such that the base section has a second longitudinal axis and such that the legs are obliquely oriented relative to the second longitudinal axis at the interface, wherein the base section is configured to support the tubular section on the legs and in substantially coaxial alignment with the base section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Bharat Sampathkumaran Bagepalli, Roman Kolar
  • Publication number: 20110120043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: WOOLSLAYER COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Dewayne G. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20110061332
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a selected structure using composite materials is disclosed, which method in form includes providing a plurality of members each comprising a composite material, wherein each member is configured to be coupled to at least one other member in the plurality of members along a longitudinal side; coupling onsite the plurality of members along their longitudinal sides to form a base enclosed structure; and reinforcing onsite the base enclosed structure to form the selected structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Steven A. Hettick
  • Publication number: 20110041438
    Abstract: A wind power plant with a tubular tower, wherein the tubular tower will be or is arranged above a foundation body, preferably arranged in the ground, and the tubular tower has a tower foot flange, which is or will be connected with the foundation body by means of a flange connection, on its bottom side. The wind power plant is characterized in that at least one injection hose is or will be arranged in the area of the top side of the foundation body facing the tower foot flange, in particular on the top side of the foundation body, or at least one injection hose is or will be arranged on the top side between the tower foot flange and the top side of the foundation body facing the tower foot flange or a connection part is provided in the foundation Body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: REPOWER SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Bernd Frost
  • Publication number: 20100313497
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two adjacent metal tower plates. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, the tower plates are connected by one or more fish joints. The invention further relates to a wind turbine and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jesper Kofoed Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100307097
    Abstract: A structural flange connection system and method that utilizes structural flanges having a standard bolted connection and a mechanical bond to effectively manage and assist the retention of bolt preloads and substantially eliminate movement between the flange faces due to a reduction in the need for friction load being generated by the bolt clamping force in the flange connection. The structural flanges of the structural flange connection system and method each include an outer rim and a flange lip having a face and a shoulder. The structural flange connection system and method may be utilized in the manufacture and installation of a wind turbine tower, which may be made up of one or more tower sections, and each tower section may terminate in structural flanges of the structural flange connection system and method. When properly aligned, the structural flanges may be bolted together. When each tower section is properly aligned and bolted, the mechanical bond of the structural flanges is also joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Nott Word, III, Cecil Leon Hartman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100293880
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mast arrangement having at least two single masts and at least one beam connecting the single masts, wherein at least one shear connector provided with anchor pins engaging the anchor pins in the an exterior side of the beam and/or the single mast to connect the beam to one of the single masts. Said mast arrangement is easily statically calculated, so that it can be designed appropriately for the load at a low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: INDUO GESELLSCHAFT ZUR VERWERTUNG VON SCHUTZRECHTEN MBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Paul Reichartz
  • Patent number: 7802412
    Abstract: In order to transport large size windmill towers, the invention suggests a steel tower (1) for a windmill, comprising a number of cylindrical or tapered tower sections (2), at least the wider sections (2) of which being subdivided into two or more elongated shell segments (3), which combine into a complete tower section (2) by means of vertical flanges (6) tightened together, e.g., by bolts (10), said shells being also provided with upper and lower horizontal flanges (4), respectively, to allow interconnection of tower sections (2) one on top of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Søren P. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100236161
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: WIND TOWER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Livingston, James Goldhardt, Terry Schrader, James Lott, David Oliphant, Harry Daugherty
  • Patent number: 7762037
    Abstract: The segment for a tower of a wind energy turbine comprises a tubular section having a longitudinal axis and inner and outer sides, and at least one group of supporting elements arranged at the inner side of the tubular section. The segment further comprises at least one platform supportable by the supporting elements of the at least one group of supporting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Meiners
  • Patent number: 7754046
    Abstract: A process for the production of a hollow structural column or rod in polymers includes the steps of assembling two or more elongated modules, each one provided with male-female truncated cone-shaped terminal parts. The inner surface of the ‘female’ terminal part has a taper angle that is identical to the taper angle of the outer surface of the ‘male’ terminal part. The process also includes the following steps: aligning the hollow modules; preparing the male and female terminal parts for adhesive bonding and insertion in the terminal part of the adjacent, aligned module; applying, preferably at the ends, an axial compression device, so that on compression of the ends of the rod made up of the modules, each external male tapering surface adheres to and exerts a suitable pressure on the internal female tapering surface of the adjacent module; and curing the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Exit Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bottacin
  • Patent number: 7735290
    Abstract: A method for constructing a tower having a length along a longitudinal axis defined by the tower includes assembling a first tower section including three first legs. Each first leg diverges from the longitudinal axis along a length of the first leg. A second tower section is assembled. The second tower section includes three second legs each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The three second legs at least partially define a passage through the second tower section. The second tower section is coupled to the first tower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Florin Arsene
  • Publication number: 20100071301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mast (10) for a wind turbine, which mast tapers towards the top and comprises at least two superposed annular mast sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every annular mast section consists of a plurality of prefabricated wall parts (A, B, C, D, E, F), wherein at least a part of which has a curved section, at least the curved sections of prefabricated wall parts in different annular mast sections having at least identical cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: MECAL APPLIED MECHANICS B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Herrius de Roest
  • Publication number: 20090282763
    Abstract: A structural building component, such as a column, bracket, trellis, railing, beam or the like, has a construction defined by a rigid aluminum, metal, steel, iron or structural composite member having an exterior surface substantially overmolded with a decorative preferred Thermo-Set Polyaspartic Aliphatic Polyurea polymer composition to form an overmolding devoid of visible seams and fasteners with no post finishing required. The overmolding has exceptional adhesion to the underlined aluminum, metal, steel, iron or structural composite member. The overmolding method incorporates a resilient mold apparatus enabling the formation of a cladding layer having a decorative outer surface imparting the authentic appearance and texture of a non-polymeric, naturally occurring wood, stone, metal, or other desired finishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel Joseph Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7616170
    Abstract: A multi-trunk antenna structure that includes a main trunk and a plurality of upper trunks. The upper trunks extend upwardly at a desired angle from the main trunk and provide a desired girth of the structure near the top. A plurality of antennas are attached to desired upper trunks at a desired height above ground level. The antennas can be adjusted to a desire azimuth. The antenna structure can include branches so that it resembles a Eucalyptus tree, an Oak tree, or other type of tree. The trunks of the structure can provide raceways for antenna cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Solar Communications International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Renfro, Rodger Smith
  • Publication number: 20090223164
    Abstract: A tower according to embodiments of the present invention includes a monopole shell having a vertical axis, the vertical axis substantially aligned with a gravitational force, wherein at least a portion of the monopole shell has an aerodynamic shape, wherein an outer perimeter of the aerodynamic shape comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein a chord between the leading edge and the trailing edge is shorter than a distance along the outer perimeter between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and wherein a maximum dimension of the outer perimeter measured orthogonally to the chord and the vertical axis is shorter than the chord; and a base, wherein the monopole shell rotates about the vertical axis with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS LLC
    Inventors: Bradley J. Cook, Dan J. Welch
  • Patent number: 7464513
    Abstract: A fitting is provided for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower or electricity pylon. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tower Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Rioux
  • Publication number: 20080209842
    Abstract: Prefabricated modular tower of the kind used as a support for wind generators and other applications, characterised in that it uses reduced-thickness prefabricated elements, reinforced with an internal structure of horizontal and vertical stiffeners, preferably made of reinforced concrete; said elements being tensioned both horizontally and vertically by means of flexible metal cables. The main advantages of the invention presented are that it enables fast construction of very high towers using a limited number of elements and that these elements are not heavy and are easy to transport, all of which leads to savings in manufacturing, transport and installation costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jesus Montaner Fraguet, Antonio Ricardo Mari Bernat
  • Patent number: 7392624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Dwight Eric Kinzer
  • Publication number: 20080053032
    Abstract: An Emergency Isolation and Treatment Shelter (EITS) rigid wall system is modular and includes two support columns and a rigid wall assembly therebetween. Each support column is a tubular generally rectilinear member in cross-section having a center opening and a wall receipt slot on each side thereof. Intermediate each wall receipt slot is an auxiliary area which permits running of conduits for electrical wiring, plumbing conduits as well as junction boxes, switch boxes or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hockemeyer, Kenneth Staten, John York, O. David Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080041009
    Abstract: A flangeless assembly for connecting tubular sections of a tubular support structure. A flangeless finger plate assembly connects adjacent tubular sections of a tubular support strucure. The finger plate assembly includes an outer finger plate, an inner finger plate, and corresponding ends of the adjacent tubular section butted at a point. Throughhole arrays are provided on each finger plate such that one throughhole array connects to a matching throughhole array on the corresponding end of the adjacent tubular section. Fastening means are provided to connect the inner and outer finger plates to the adjacent tubular sections according to the throughhole array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald R. Cairo, Sujith Sathian
  • Publication number: 20040148901
    Abstract: A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: David P. Cadogan, Stephen E. Scarborough, John K. H. Lin, George H. Sapna
  • Publication number: 20040139682
    Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6745539
    Abstract: A lattice tower consisting of first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third webs, each web having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the webs being fixedly attached to the first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the poles, the first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates being arranged in substantially identical vertically extending patterns; fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the distal ends of the webs, the fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates being arranged in vertically extending patterns substantially identical to those of the first, second, and third eye plates; and first, second, and third pluralities of eye plate fasteners respectively interconnecting the first and fifth, the second and sixth, and the third and fourth eye plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Fred F. Heim
  • Patent number: 6658797
    Abstract: An antenna support structure has the outward appearance of a palm tree. The antenna support structure has a vertical support pole with an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is of a color and texture to resemble the trunk of a palm tree. Disposed outwardly from the intermediate portion is a plurality of antenna receptor members appropriately configured to receive desired electromagnetic signal waves. At the top of the support pole is a plurality of green members having the appearance of new palm fronds. Below the green members are a plurality of drooping members disposed downwardly about the intermediate portion of the support pole and covering the antenna receptor members. The drooping members have colors and textures to resemble a palm tree skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Absolute Stealth Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Jones
  • Patent number: 6612088
    Abstract: An antenna support for a power transmission tower having a vertically disposed mast extending upwardly through the tower with the antenna support being mounted on the upper end of the mast. The weight of antenna support is transferred to the legs of the tower rather than to the mast through the use of support bracing extending between the elongated pipe and the tower. An antenna platform is mounted on the upper end of the mast with the weight thereof being supported by the elongated pipe. The platform is comprised of three triangular-shaped platform sections having mounting rings at the inner ends thereof which are slipped over the upper end of the mast with the lowermost mounting ring resting upon the upper end of the elongated pipe. The antenna support may be mounted on a cellular transmitting/receiving tower or on a guy-wired mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand A. Damiano
  • Patent number: 6578339
    Abstract: A tower and a method of constructing a tower. The tower has three first support members which are made up of sections. Each section has an outside leg and two inside legs, laced together in a triangular cross section. The upper end of each inside leg is attached to the upper end of one of the other inside legs. Sections are joined together to form support members. Second support members are joined on top of the first support members. The desired height of the tower is achieved by adding other support members on top of the second support members. The last member to be placed on top is the upper member. An upper member, having three legs, laced together to form a triangular cross section, is erected on top of the support members, so that the legs of the upper member extend upward from the outside legs of the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Henry J. McGinnis
  • Patent number: 6560942
    Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members each having a curved cross section forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends and flattens by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Warren, Jason D. Hinkle
  • Patent number: 6523320
    Abstract: A hoisting device for big loads, comprising at least one hoisting mast, a foot arranged on the underside and hoisting means connected at least to the top. The hoisting device is assembled from mast parts which are mutually connectable by means of connecting means and the largest of which has dimensions which do not exceed those of a usual container. Each mast part is constructed as a framework structure consisting of angle bars and cross bars mutually connecting the angle bars. The angle bars consist of two parts with a set-square-shaped cross section of different dimensions and wherein the outer ends of the legs of the smaller lie against the legs of the larger and the larger part lies on the outer periphery of the mast part, so that mast parts are provided of the greatest possible strength and stiffness within the dimensions of typical containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mammoet Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Maria Stoof
  • Publication number: 20020184833
    Abstract: An antenna support structure has the outward appearance of a palm tree. The antenna support structure has a vertical support pole with an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is of a color and texture to resemble the trunk of a palm tree. Disposed outwardly from the intermediate portion is a plurality of antenna receptor members appropriately configured to receive desired electromagnetic signal waves. At the top of the support pole is a plurality of green members having the appearance of new palm fronds. Below the green members are a plurality of drooping members disposed downwardly about the intermediate portion of the support pole and covering the antenna receptor members. The drooping members have colors and textures to resemble a palm tree skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas Jones
  • Patent number: 6434889
    Abstract: An antenna support structure has the outward appearance of a palm tree. The antenna support structure has a vertical support pole with an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is of a color and texture to resemble the trunk of a palm tree. Disposed outwardly from the intermediate portion is a plurality of antenna receptor members appropriately configured to receive desired electromagnetic signal waves. At the top of the support pole is a plurality of green members having the appearance of new palm fronds. Below the green members are a plurality of drooping members disposed downwardly about the intermediate portion of the support pole and covering the antenna receptor members. The drooping members have colors and textures to resemble a palm tree skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Absolute Stealth Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Jones
  • Publication number: 20020050112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic column with one outer and at least one inner rod element capable of telescoping relative to each other, where at least the outer rod element surrounds at least one ball arrangement with at least one ball, which acts as a rolling bearing between the outer and inner rod elements during telescoping movement. In order to create a telescopic column which, while having a low weight and low manufacturing costs, displays high lateral stability, the at least one inner rod element is provided with a longitudinal groove, which surrounds part of the circumference of at least one ball of the ball arrangement and serves as a ball guide. The longitudinal groove can provide two or more laterally separated running surfaces for the at least one ball. An area with a larger radial distance can be provided on at least one rod element between adjacent running tracks for an assigned ball, this being able to act as an abutment for the ball in the manner of an overload protector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: OKIN Gesselschaft fur Antriebstechnik mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Koch, Andreas Jacobus Louis Nijsen
  • Patent number: 6345482
    Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Warren
  • Patent number: 6343440
    Abstract: A monopole tower with antennas mounted near the top thereof is configured as either a tree such as a palm, or a pine, or other variety of tree having foliage that emulates that of natural trees so that the tower blends inconspicuously into the local surroundings. In the palm tree embodiment, one or more frond mounting assemblies encircle the monopole tree trunk, and include a plurality of receivers for holding palm fronds that are oriented at different angles relative to the monopole trunk. Individual fronds are made up of frond leaflets that are positioned along a frond spine member to closely emulate the appearance of a natural palm frond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Rienk Ayers
  • Patent number: 6341456
    Abstract: A long-span structure formed in-situ and extending between supporting structures includes at least two form supports extending between the supporting structures. Each end of the form support includes a bearing plate coupled to the adjacent supporting structure. A plurality of form hangers frictionally engage the form supports, wherein each form hanger has upwardly extending hooks. A beam form is carried by the plurality of form hangers and extends the length of each form support. Each beam form has opposed side walls connected by a bottom to form a cavity. Each sidewall has a downwardly extending hook mating with the upwardly extending hooks. A deck is supported by the beam forms with the cavities remaining open. The concrete is receivable at least in the cavities to form the long-span structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Majnaric Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton B. Majnaric, William M. Bjerke
  • Publication number: 20020005021
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tian Khoo
  • Patent number: 6167670
    Abstract: A system for building shaft casing for dumb-waiters in a building structure with prefabricated assemblies that are readily stackable over each other. One lower, middle and top assemblies constitute the minimum combination typically used in going from one floor to the next. However, the middle and upper assemblies can be repeated depending on the structure where the system is installed. The assemblies include each four elongated corner members with respective ends that receive connecting pin members that permit the structurally stable stacking up of the assemblies. A central and continuous passage is defined. The lower assembly includes two apertures with adjacent compartments within the central passage one to have access to the dumbwaiter and the other one to access the motor and control means. The top assembly has an aperture to provide access to the sprocket mechanism used with the chain that suspends the dumbwaiter within the shaft casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: John Reite, John David Reite