Abstract: The present specification relates generally to modular construction and more specifically to a sacrificial concrete void form and method of modular construction therewith. The concrete void form includes a steel frame having a top face, a bottom face, and four side faces, wherein at least one of the four side faces and the top face are covered with at least one sheet of corrugated steel decking. The method of modular construction includes constructing at least one concrete void form, the at least one concrete void form comprising a steel frame having a top face, bottom face and four side faces, wherein at least one of the four side faces and the top face are covered with at least one sheet of corrugated steel decking, installing the at least one concrete void form at a construction site, and pouring concrete over or adjacent to the at least one concrete void form.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wind turbine, the method includes the steps of: a) manufacturing a bottom module, the bottom module including at least one first platform; b) manufacturing a top module, the top module includes at least one second platform; and c) assembling the bottom module and the top module to form a platform assembly is provided. Manufacturing the platform assembly from two separate modules allows to manufacture a higher platform assembly.

Abstract: A storage facility. The facility comprises a plurality of load-bearing containers located at a single facility. The facility further comprises a climate controlled enclosure comprising a skin and providing a volume around the plurality of load-bearing containers. The climate controlled enclosure further comprises a ceiling above and positioned to shield an uppermost level of the plurality of load-bearing containers from outdoor environmental exposure.

Abstract: Tower erection systems and methods utilizing a load-sharing support member (LS support member) are disclosed. The LS support member can have a first end coupled to a crane tower and a second end configured to repeatably couple to the upper-most tower section of a partially assembled tower stack during assembly. During lifting, a portion of the vertical load is transferred to the partially assembled tower stack.

Abstract: A multi-family building structure using light weight prefabricated parallel modular living units is provided. The structure comprises at least first plurality of parallel modular living units and a second plurality of parallel modular living units. Each living unit in the first plurality of living units comprises a first outer and inner modules and a first synthetic residential module between the first outer module and the first inner module. Each living unit in the first plurality of living units comprises a second outer and outer modules and a second synthetic residential module between the second outer module and the second inner module. The structure further comprises a synthetic corridor module formed between the first inner module of the each living unit in the first plurality of living units and the second inner module in the second plurality of living units.

Abstract: Block construction of prefabricated buildings is disclosed. A building is constructed by the following steps. A plurality of structural units are assembled into a plurality of volumetric blocks. The structural units fabricated separately prior to assembly into the volumetric blocks. The volumetric blocks are assembled into a building frame. At least one non-structural module is inserted into the building frame. The non-structural module is affixed to one or more of the volumetric blocks.

Abstract: A method (and structure) of at least one of implementing, for deploying, an enterprise application, includes, for the set of instructions defining the enterprise application, a mechanism that allows the enterprise application to autonomously exercise at least one of a node differentiation and a task specialization.

Abstract: A portable processing plant for processing granular material is provided. The portable plant includes a plurality of portable processing modules configured to be stacked vertically to allow for a vertically downward progression of the generally granular material through the portable processing plant. Each portable processing module includes a self-supporting independent frame structure and has at least one processing component affixed to the self-supporting independent frame structure. The self-supporting independent frame structures of the plurality of portable processing modules combine to define a structural skeleton of the portable processing plant. Each self-supporting independent frame structure can be removed from the structural skeleton substantially fully assembled while the at least one processing component carried by the self-supporting. Methods of assembling and disassembling the portable processing plant are also provided.

Abstract: A method including arranging a plurality of actuators into an operating position, arranging a first upper frame and a second upper frame proximate the actuators, attaching a support to the first upper frame and the second upper frame, wherein the support is located above the actuators, and extending the actuators to engage the support. The method also includes extending the actuators to raise the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a first position, arranging a first middle frame below the first upper frame and a second middle frame below the second upper frame, retracting the actuators to lower the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a second position, and attaching the first upper frame to the first middle frame and attaching the second upper frame to the second middle frame.

Abstract: The modular shelter related to temporary building for keeping goods or people. The modular shelter utilizes some standardized shells for constructing walls of the modular shelter. Each of the shells can have sidewalls or ribs for strengthening the shells' curvature and strength. These standardized shells can further be stacked such that they become compact for storage and transportation. Multiple number of the modular shelter can also be joined together for providing extended shelters.

Abstract: A method comprising attaching a first mast section to a support structure using a first plurality of fasteners located on the support structure, wherein a lower portion of the support structure is connected to and located above an opening in the platform comprising a platform floor, and wherein the first mast section has a line, a hook, and a pulley, with the line operably coupled to the pulley and connected to a hoist attached to the platform. The method also comprises lowering the hook, using the hoist, in a downward direction away from the pulley and through the opening, attaching the hook to a second mast section located below the platform floor, raising the hook and the second mast section, using the hoist, in an upward direction towards the pulley and through the opening, and connecting the first mast section to the second mast section.

Abstract: A method includes attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening, attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support, and operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and wherein the first mast section is located above the opening. The method also includes arranging a second mast section below the first mast section, lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening.

Abstract: An antenna tower structure for wireless communication antennas includes an antenna cupola mounted on a tower based on at least one standardized ISBU shipping container that has been modified and erected to stand upright on a foundation. The modifications may include longitudinal reinforcements along at least two longitudinal edges of the container, mounting hardware at the two ends of the container, an access door on a side of the container, an access hatch in the upper end of the container, a ladder extending longitudinally inside the container, and a floor extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The container provides a weather-protected climate-controlled interior space for sheltering electronics equipment. The cupola has antennas installed on at least one level, and may include shutters, a clock, a bell etc. to hide the antennas and disguise the tower. The exterior of the structure may be finished to match surrounding buildings.

Abstract: Elevator liner apparatuses are pre-fabricated corresponding to an amount of multiple floors of a building being constructed. Each elevator liner apparatus includes a liner frame sized to accommodate an elevator cab and elevator rails within the liner frame. Rail mounting brackets are mounted to interior walls of the liner frame. The rail mounting brackets have elevator rail sections affixed thereto and have mounting bracket studs mounting the rail mounting brackets to the liner frame and extending beyond exterior walls of the liner frame. Anchor spikes are mounted to the liner frame and extend beyond the exterior of the liner frame such that plywood forms configured to form concrete elevator shaft walls are coupleable to the anchor spikes. Concrete is pourable between the plywood forms and the exterior of the liner frame. The concrete when dried affixes the mounting bracket studs and the anchor spikes in the dried concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: We provide a method and apparatus for creation of temporary storage solutions. These may include, for example, one or more collapsible storage containers. These containers may be moved, optionally with many containers on a single transport unit, to a site in need of storage. The containers may be assembled on-site on an as-needed basis. Following assembly and use of the containers they may be disassembled and moved, optionally by single transport unit, to a new location in need of temporary water storage. Although not limited by the type of material that is stored, typical containers may store, for example, sand, water, gravel, carbon dust, or other solid or liquid substances.

Abstract: A multistory modular production plant (10) includes a vertical stack (12) of production modules (12-1 through 12-5) for supporting production equipment, and a vertical stack (14) of operator access modules (14-1 through 14-5) adjacently connected to the vertically stacked production modules to allow operator access to the production modules. The adjacently connected vertical stacks of production modules (12) and operator access modules (14) thereby establish multiple stories of the modular production plant. Stairs (30) and/or an elevator (40) may be provided in the vertical stack of operator access modules to allow an operator to ascent/descend between stories of the plant. In especially preferred embodiments, each production module (12) and operator access module (14) is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped which is sized so as to be accommodated within a standard shipping container. This configuration of modular units thus allows the plant to be more quickly shipped and constructed on site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a unit-wall structure for a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of a cylindrical wall of the storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to overlap one another. The unit-wall structure includes iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, wherein the unit-wall structure has an arc shape so that a plurality of unit-wall structures are stacked to form a cylindrical wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for erecting a tower. The subject system includes a tower, which may include a base portion and a plurality of tower sections. The subject system may further include a frame provided on the tower, a crane provided on the frame, and a self-hoist system for elevating and lowering the frame relative to the tower. Erection of the tower is facilitated through use of the self-hoist system to elevate the frame, and use of the crane to provide various tower sections on the base portion and an initial tower section or sections.

Abstract: A method to assemble a drilling rig includes providing a base structure of the drilling rig, stacking a rig floor including a derrick on the base structure, actuating lifting cylinders to lift the rig floor above the base structure, inserting at least one first upper box between the base structure and the rig floor, and retracting the lifting cylinders to set the rig floor atop the at least one first upper box.

Abstract: A method for erecting a pre-stressed sectionalized and segmented concrete tower for wind power or heliostatic generator or chimney is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of assembling supports and lifting harnesses in order to support to the concrete segments for assembling concrete section from the concrete segments using a small capacity crane, and installing, with a high capacity crane the assembled concrete sections to conform the concrete tower. The lifting harness provides safety scaffolds for personnel during prestressing.

Abstract: A composite reinforcing bar is formed by providing a reinforcing material supply of fiber strands rovings; a resin supply bath, and a puller for pulling the resin-impregnated reinforcing material through the resin bath. The material is wound on a holder, while the resin remains unset, rotated about its axis on a drive system so that the material is wrapped around a plurality of bars at spaced positions around the axis such that the fed length of the body is wrapped from one bar to the next to form bent portions of the body wrapped partly around each bar and straight portions between the bars. Each bar has angularly grooves which are shaped to mold the bent portions to a required bent shape. The holder is indexed along it axis and removed when full for curing the resin on the holder while the body remains wrapped thereon.

Abstract: A method of constructing a subterranean storage facility formed by an array of abutting shipping containers. The inner side panels and structural bars of adjoining containers are removed to form an interstitial space defined by the remaining outer side panels of the array. The removed panels and bars are repurposed in the construction to provide an external shell and enhanced structural support.

Abstract: A building is provided, comprising at least two shipping containers, said containers comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposed side walls, said containers being mounted to a foundation in a spaced-apart, parallel manner, wherein portions of the adjacent inner side walls of said containers are removed, and further wherein a roof is attached to the top walls of said containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of buildings, especially a reticulated stereo modular element that, combined with other identical elements, enables the construction of quadrangular enclosures suitable for the construction of rooms.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a high rise modular structure having a truss structure. The truss structure has four corner columns wherein the columns carrying the load of the building. The columns are adapted to have lifting arms for assembling the structure and plugs for snap fitting the modular units into one another. Once assembled, the modular units are tied to one another using a steel plate/blind rivet system. The modular structure is also capable of having an advanced weather protecting system for when the modular structure is on-site and not yet assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12. At least some of the tube sections 12 are provided with platform segments 28 that are hinge-connected and foldable from a collapsed position in which they are positioned close to the tube sections 12 to a position of use in which they extend radially inwardly into the tubular building structure 10 in the mounted position of the tube sections 12. In particular the invention relates to a tube segment 16 adapted to be interconnected with other tube segments 16 to 17 form a tubular building structure or tower 10 comprising superposed tube sections 12, each tube section being formed by interconnected axially extending tube segments 16.

Abstract: Elevator liner apparatuses are pre-fabricated corresponding to an amount of multiple floors of a building being constructed. Each elevator liner apparatus includes a liner frame sized to accommodate an elevator cab and elevator rails within the liner frame. Rail mounting brackets are mounted to interior walls of the liner frame. The rail mounting brackets have elevator rail sections affixed thereto and have mounting bracket studs mounting the rail mounting brackets to the liner frame and extending beyond exterior walls of the liner frame. Anchor spikes are mounted to the liner frame and extend beyond the exterior of the liner frame such that plywood forms configured to form concrete elevator shaft walls are coupleable to the anchor spikes. Concrete is pourable between the plywood forms and the exterior of the liner frame. The concrete when dried affixes the mounting bracket studs and the anchor spikes in the dried concrete.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.

Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.

Abstract: New and useful method of building a boiler frame significantly reduces the use of high load-lifting height crane and improves the operation efficiency despite bad weather. Multiple levels of steel supporting posts, which are established beforehand, are linked together with their top portion by beams and the 9th floor unit is fixed to the posts at an intermediate floor position temporarily. Suspension rods, which are suspended from lifting jacks, are then connected to the 8th floor unit and jacked up, while floor units made for lower than the 8th floor are connected on the ground to form a multi-floor unit. After connecting the multi-floor unit to the 9th floor unit the temporary fixation is released, the multi-floor unit is lifted up, and each floor unit is permanently fixed to the designated floor position repeatedly and respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated sealed room, which may comprise a plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms to form prefabricated sealed room assembly, stacked one above another or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities. The prefabricated sealed room can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room can be substantially sealed from the external environment.

Abstract: The floor, which became a block, can easily be attached to the designated floor position, so that the reduction of both the construction cost and the construction period are achieved. It is a method of building the plural floors on the part of the boiler cage part, and one floor 13A is built on a lifting frame 18 put on the ground, and the floor 13A and the lifting frame 18 are both jacked up by jacks 14. Subsequently the lifting frame 18 which separated the floor 13A is jacking down and returned to the ground. Plural floors are built for lower floor from upper floor one after another by repeating such a series of steps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

Abstract: A storage tank that stores sulphur with zero emissions uses reinforced EPS panels and an impermeable bottom. The reinforced EPS panels are reinforced with networks of horizontal and/or vertical galvanized or stainless steel wires that are interconnected by galvanized or stainless steel orthogonal wires. Both inner and outer walls of the reinforced EPS panels are plastered before sulphur is placed in the storage tank. Larger storage tanks may be assembled by vertically interconnecting one or more reinforced EPS panels. This interconnection is achieved by corrugating the reinforced EPS panels, or forming their edges in a Greek-key shape. The Greek-key shape prevents sulphur from escaping the storage tank.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.

Abstract: A strutless building module comprising a polygon having a plurality of inclined faces that converge at the module center, said module center having a center connector, said module further having sides that angle downwardly from their respective module faces and including a plurality of insertion holes passing entirely through the side, wherein adjoining modules may be connected by placing modules side-to-side and passing bolts through aligned insertion holes. The modules have an elevated center formed at the convergence of the inclined module faces.

Abstract: An architecture comprising an openwork of discrete, aerodynamic living units.

Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reinforcing and repairing hollow concrete block building foundation walls from the bucking caused by the pressure of the earth, water and/or tree roots.

Abstract: A structure and method of constructing a multistory concrete building formed entirely of poured in place concrete tunnels. The structure is constructed so that the substructure can be used as a parking garage and the superstructure as residential space. The unique use of concrete tunnels in both the substructure and superstructure combines the benefits of column and plate construction with concrete tunnel construction while eliminating the need for a traditional transfer deck between the superstructure and substructure.

Abstract: A horizontal floor or roof structure having a plurality of spaced parallel joists each joist having a vertical web with upper and lower flanges extending from the web. Each flange has a free edge with a tubular bead extending along each free edge and having an elliptical cross-section wherein the minor axis is at least 20% of the major axis. A floor or roof member is supported over said metal joist. A preferred method of forming a horizontal reinforced concrete wall structure for a building includes mounting a wire mesh material over the upper flanges of the joists, and pouring concrete in a flowing condition onto the concrete forms over the mesh material and over the upper flanges of the joists so that curing of the concrete provides a horizontal reinforced composite concrete wall structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reinforcing and repairing hollow concrete block building foundation walls from the bucking caused by the pressure of the earth, water and/or tree roots.

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.