Column, Mast, Etc., Construction Patents (Class 52/745.17)
  • Patent number: 8578679
    Abstract: Smokestacks are built by constructing a reinforced pad, a reinforced base on the pad, placing a preconstructed smokestack welded base element and the reinforced base. A smokestack constructing machine is positioned on the base with cross beams extending above the welded base. A preassembled top section is placed on the beams. In a lower work area, jacks connected to lower fixtures on the top section raise the top section. Transition sections are inserted laterally on the beams, and the top section is lowered, attached and welded to the transition sections. The jacks are disconnected, lowered and reconnected. The top section is attached and welded to the lower section, which is raised to laterally insert another section. The raising, inserting, lowering, attaching, welding and raising steps are repeated until the smokestack is complete. Ladders and wind screws attachments are attached in an upper work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Davor Petricio Yaksic
  • Publication number: 20130283726
    Abstract: A utility tower lifting apparatus and method for raising a lattice tower in addition to carried transmission cables without disturbing the tower foundation, disconnecting the cables, or requiring de-energization of the transmission lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: AMPJACK INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Luke Joseph Chaput, Douglas Corey Krokosz
  • Publication number: 20130276386
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a raisable substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second substructure boxes. The first and second substructure boxes of the raisable substructure each include, among other things an upper box and a lower box, wherein each of the upper boxes is adapted to be raised above a respective lower box. The disclosed raisable substructure also includes a movable center floor section that is adapted to be supported by the upper boxes of the first and second substructure boxes, wherein the movable center floor section is further adapted to be slidably moved between the upper boxes during assembly of the drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Xilin Liu
  • Patent number: 8555599
    Abstract: A method of construction of a civil engineering structure that includes first and second superimposed components is described. According to one embodiment of the method: the second component is positioned beneath a fixed lifting structure that includes a lifting device, the second component is lifted using the lifting device, the first component is positioned beneath the fixed lifting structure substantially below the second component, and the second component is substantially placed on the first component using the lifting device, while the second component remains substantially in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Freyssinet
    Inventors: Jerome Stubler, Jean-Daniel Lebon, Sebastien Petit
  • Patent number: 8549815
    Abstract: Methods for connection parts of a mast of a drilling rig without using a crane or other lifting machine are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods include moving parts of a mast to be assembled with trucks and positioning the parts with the trucks to facilitate their connection. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Stuart Arthur Lyall McCurdy, Xi Lin Liu, Hui Chun Sheng, Yan Yu
  • Patent number: 8544237
    Abstract: A lifting assembly for a solar power tower includes a track, a cable, and a winch. The track extends longitudinally from the tower top to the tower base. The winch is located at the tower top and anchors the cable that extends toward the tower bottom adjacent the track. A component attached to the track and to the cable is guided along the track by the winch spooling or unspooling the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne of DE, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Daniel P. Cap
  • Patent number: 8544227
    Abstract: A structural support system includes one or more generally vertically extending columns of curable material wherein each column defines an outer column periphery. A base of curable material is preferably monolithically formed with the column on its lower portion. In one embodiment, the base may have an outer periphery that increases or varies along the base and wherein a foundation of curable material is formed over at least a portion of the base whereby the column, the base, and the foundation are mechanically locked together to resist lateral, torsional, and/or upwardly directed vertical forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Jon Michael Gullette
  • Publication number: 20130234443
    Abstract: An auxiliary unit for a wind power turbine having a nacelle and a rotary electric machine; the auxiliary unit having a frame configured to connect the nacelle of the wind power turbine and defining an auxiliary chamber for housing at least one device for conditioning electric energy produced by the rotary electric machine; and a bridge crane for handling the device inside and outside the auxiliary chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WILIC S.AR.L.
    Inventor: Matteo Casazza
  • Patent number: 8528298
    Abstract: A reinforcement system made of steel members, (eg. steel reinforcing rods, threaded rods or functionally equivalent steel member), closely positioned with respect to, or positioned in contact with the exterior of straight tapered and/or pipe/stepped poles, such as wireless telecommunication poles. The method of use results in providing additional strength to the poles to enhance resistance against deflection caused by, for instance, wind forces and/or added weight resulting from mounting antennas thereto, thereby enabling the placement of, for instance, more antenna arrays and other communication antennas thereon is otherwise possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ATC IP LLC
    Inventors: Robert I. Semaan, Roger I. Semaan
  • Publication number: 20130219821
    Abstract: A method of assembling a tubular building structure 1 comprising a circumferential wall structure formed from a plurality of wall elements 2,20. The method comprises mutually assembling at least some of the wall elements 2,20 by use of screw sockets 4 mounted in holes in the wall elements 2,20 and bolts. The wall elements may be superposed tube sections 2 arranged on top of each other, and these tube sections 2_may be formed by interconnecting axially extending tube segments 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the screw sockets 4 are mounted at the manufacturing site, and the wall elements 2,20 are subsequently transported to the erection site of the tubular building structure 1. Preferably the mutual assembly of the wall elements 2,20 is performable solely by people working inside the tubular building structure 1 fastening the bolts 5 to the pre-mounted screw sockets 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Andresen Towers A/S
    Inventor: Tom Andresen
  • Patent number: 8516774
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Allan Zavitz, Kevin Lee Kirkley
  • Publication number: 20130212963
    Abstract: A wind tower erected on a foundation in which individual levels are formed by connecting a plurality of cast concrete panels along their vertical joints. Additional levels are installed on each prior level and secured with an all-thread post tensioning system and couplers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: FABCON, INC.
    Inventors: George E. Miks, Thomas M. Kuckhahn, Gregory J. Havlik
  • Publication number: 20130205711
    Abstract: An assembly rig for assembling a wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower sections is provided. The assembly rig includes a platform assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms which are connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a platform or a personnel basket. The assembly rig also includes a radial segment supporting assembly having a vertically oriented mast and one or more substantially horizontally oriented booms connected to the vertically oriented mast that has a segment holding device at its distal end. The assembly rig further includes a surface, for supporting and leveling the platform assembly and the radial segment supporting assembly. In one embodiment, the surface may be a ground support boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Lars Heltoft, Henning Kjaer, Arne Kryger, Bent Juul Larsen
  • Patent number: 8505265
    Abstract: An alignment jig uses steel alignment cross members and chords to align multiple load bearing member footing legs simultaneously with great accuracy, thereby greatly speeding construction footing installation times. Using preset adjustment stops, multiple footing patterns may be readily accommodated. The entire alignment jig may be readily assembled or prepared for transport by skilled workers in an hour or less. By using the alignment jig, the speed of footing construction may be greatly increased. In some cases, footings that would have previously required four days to a week to build were reduced to a single day, with consequent cost and time savings. Although one initial use of the alignment jig is for high voltage power line tower footings with four legs, it may be used with as few as two legs, and may be used with more than four legs, and in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: KV Structures
    Inventor: Robert McCollum
  • Patent number: 8499455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a land wind power generator by using lead rails, and the method includes the steps of: locating a lower support having an insertion protrusion, a horizontal stepped surface, and a ground anchor, under the ground; locating a pair of posts of a tower crane and a cage for each post at the horizontal stepped surface of the lower support, ascending a nacelle assembly and an overhead crane, and locating an intermediate support by means of an outside crane; and locating the lead rails along the ground and the front surface of the intermediate support and ascending an upper support along the lead rails by means of the overhead crane. Next, after a nacelle base, a support frame, the lead rails, and the tower crane are disassembled from the located positions, a plurality of propellers connected to rollers located inside a rotary part of the nacelle assembly are lifted by means of a winch and are inserted into a plurality of coupling grooves of the rotary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Dong Taek Suh
  • Publication number: 20130180186
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a collapsible substructure of a mobile drilling rig. In one illustrative embodiment, a drilling rig substructure is disclosed that includes a base having a fixed drill floor mounted thereon, wherein an upper surface of the fixed drill floor is positioned at an operating height above the base for performing drilling operations at a wellbore location of a drilling site. Furthermore, a raisable floor is also included that is adapted to be positioned in a lowered transportation position for transportation of the substructure to the drilling site and raised to an operating position adjacent to the fixed drill floor for performing drilling operations, wherein a height level of an upper surface of the raisable floor is lower than a height level of the upper surface of the fixed drill floor when the raisable floor is positioned in the lowered transportation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
  • Patent number: 8484930
    Abstract: A box-type frame member assembly, and a method for assembling the box-type frame member. A first section, having a web, a pair of flanges and a number of holes with locators, is placed onto a fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto pilots. A spacer is placed over each of the pilots and engaged with the locator of the respective hole in the first section. A second section, having a web, a pair of flanges, and a number of holes with locators, is then placed onto the fixture assembly with the holes fitting onto the pilots, and second end of each spacer is engaged with the locator associated with the web of the second section. Finally, the flanges of the first and second sections are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 8468753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Stuart Arthur Lyall McCurdy, Xi Lin Liu, Hui Chun Sheng, Yan Yu
  • Patent number: 8464491
    Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, William B. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8464497
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8458969
    Abstract: A stay-in-place buck for defining an opening in a cast concrete structure has a plurality of frame members arrangeable in an abutting relationship. Each of the frame members has a panel extending transversely between outer opposed panels of a stay-in-place form-work. Flanges extend from opposed edges of the frame member panel for abutment against outer surfaces of the outer opposed panels. Each flange has opposed mitered end edges for abutment against adjacent mitered end edges of flanges of adjacent frame members. The buck also includes fastener-receivers connectable to the panels of the frame members to form one or more fastener-receiving frames extending at least partially about a perimeter of the buck. Each fastener-receiver has mitered edge portions for abutment against adjacent mitered edge portions of adjacent fastener-receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jaret Breckenridge
  • Patent number: 8453414
    Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, for assembling a structural frame from elongate, tubular columns having plural sides, and a selected style of elongate beams, with respect to which, the method includes the steps of (a) pre-fitting the sides of such columns and the ends of such beams with attached, gravity-set, complementary interconnect structures (either collar-form or non-collar form in nature), including column-side-fitted interconnect structures and beam-end-fitted interconnect structures, (b) utilizing gravity, bringing interconnect-structure pre-fitted beams and columns into correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions relative to one another, and (c) through the performing of the bringing step alone, and on the resulting occurrence of the achievement of the mentioned correct, predetermined, relative design dispositions between a beam and a column, simultaneously and immediately thereby establishing (1) a full-moment load-bearing connection, and (2) a relatively positionally gravity-set-and-s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20130108465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tower for a wind energy plant having walls which are produced at least partially from individual wall sections made from a wooden material, the wall sections being connected to one another via connecting means, and to a method for erecting a tower of this type. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tower for a wind power plant, which tower makes a greater rotor blade length possible with an unchanged height of the tower of the wind power plant and with an unchanged projection of the rotor beyond the tower outer side as viewed from the tower center axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Gregor Prass
  • Patent number: 8430375
    Abstract: A foam filling member that can hold a foam sheet in a looped shape stably, without increasing the number of components, to provide improved vibration suppression and sound insulation. The strip-like foam sheet is formed in a looped shape by bending round it, so that both end portions of the foam sheet are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction thereof to form an overlapped portion therein. Then, insertion shafts of a clip are inserted through the overlapped portion, so that the overlapped portion is held in sandwich relation between a base portion and a head portion to form a foam filling member. Then, a supporting portion of the fixing portion of the clip is inserted in a fixing hole of an inner panel and fixed to the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kinpara, Shinji Muto, Shinpei Nishikawa, Takehiro Ul
  • Patent number: 8429877
    Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing concreted plates in the region of support elements with reinforcement elements, which are each composed of a longitudinally stable, bendable, strap-like base body with two loops. A bore is made in the concreted plate for each reinforcement element. The end region of the bore remote from the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate is drilled out and the one loop of the reinforcement element is pressed together and is led through the bore until this loop has reached the drilled-out hole and expands. The bore is filled with a mortar-type mass. The other loop of the reinforcement element is fixed with an anchor head, which supports itself on the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: F.J. Aschwanden AG
    Inventor: Thomas Keller
  • Patent number: 8413405
    Abstract: A method for erecting a tower of a wind power plant made of at least three tube-shaped tower segments. For this a tower segment is connected at its ends with another tower segment in each case: in which the tower segments are arranged in a predetermined sequence of the type tower segment A-tower segment B-tower segment C one upon the other, in which the first tower segment A is selected arbitrarily from a provided plurality i?2 of first tower segments Ai which are constructed in the same way among themselves and exchangeable one for the other, in which the second tower segment B is selected arbitrarily from a provided plurality m?2 of second tower segments Bm which are constructed in the same way among themselves and exchangeable one for the other, and in which the third tower segment C is selected arbitrarily from a provided plurality n?2 of third tower segments Cn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Repower Systems SE
    Inventor: Uwe Meesenburg
  • Publication number: 20130081337
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: TINDALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: TINDALL CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130067853
    Abstract: A method for erecting a facility includes the steps of constructing initial tower panels on a foundation. Work platforms and guys are installed so that additional tower panels may be installed on top of the existing tower panels. The work platforms with guys may then be raised, so that the process may be repeated until tower section height is reached. Tower sections are them completed by the addition of peripheral trusses and permanent guys, and additional tower sections are constructed by repeating the process to reach the desired facility height. Lifting units including truss and rail systems and rotatable modules with turbines in shrouds are assembled on the ground, then raised up the towers and operably mounted for generating electricity from wind. The erection process is sequenced to maintain structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Brookes H. Baker
  • Patent number: 8387331
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower which includes a number of sections, connected by bolted joints is disclosed. A bolted joint includes at least one connection of the bearing type and at least one connection of the slip resistant at serviceability type. In one aspect, the bearing type connection includes at least one non prestressed bolt and/or the connection of the slip resistant at serviceability type includes at least one prestressed bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Laursen
  • Patent number: 8381479
    Abstract: A pre-fabrication of a modular reinforcement cage for high-rise concrete construction is provided. The primary vertical bars, often referred to as the longitudinal bars, are held in formation by a set of templates that are manufactured to the design of the construction. These templates ensure accurate placement of the vertical bars and provides great rigidity for the module when being placed in the field. The main vertical bars can have thread-like deformations along the length of the bar, and are locked in place by use of compatible hardware against the templates. Multiple modules can then be stacked and coupled by use of mechanical couplings as construction continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Felix E. Ferrer
  • Patent number: 8381460
    Abstract: An extendable beam has compact slideable segments with angular extensions connected by cables which are tensioned to strengthen the beam when the beam is extended by sliding the segments. Restraining parts slide along tracks on neighboring segments. Short fixed length cables are connected between tips of extensions and diagonally between extension tips and segments are tensioned when hinged extensions are deployed. Other cables are paid out and tensioned, connecting tips of extensions on adjacent segments. Internal pulleys and beam extension cables simultaneously slide adjacent segments to extend the beam. An external crane and lock extend the beam serially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick P. McDermott
  • Patent number: 8375678
    Abstract: A pre-fabrication of a modular reinforcement cage for high-rise concrete construction is provided. The primary vertical bars, often referred to as the longitudinal bars, are held in formation by a set of templates that are manufactured to the design of the construction. These templates ensure accurate placement of the vertical bars and provides great rigidity for the module when being placed in the field. The main vertical bars can have thread-like deformations along the length of the bar, and are locked in place by use of compatible hardware against the templates. Multiple modules can then be stacked and coupled by use of mechanical couplings as construction continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Felix E. Ferrer
  • Patent number: 8371074
    Abstract: A mast assembly having a base, and a mast pivotally connected to the base for movement between a horizontal and an upright position. A linear actuator is connected between the base and the mast and is extensible to move mast about the pivot. A strut is selectively positioned between the mast and the base to inhibit pivotal movement toward the horizontal position during lifting of the mast. A plurality of abutments on the base permits selective connection between the actuator and the base. The strut position supports the mast while said actuator is moved between the abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ReDriven Power Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Bernard Grant
  • Patent number: 8365485
    Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Willy Reyneveld
  • Patent number: 8353132
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a sectional mast assembly for erection and disassembly of a rig. The sectional mast assembly includes a bottom section having at least a back and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having at least one pivoting ratchet support. A scoping dog assembly is moveable on a track on the bottom section. The scoping clog assembly includes wheels which engage the track and a pivoting ratchet support. A cylinder extends between the bottom section and the scoping dog assembly to move the scoping dog assembly on the track. The pivoting ratchet support of the scoping dog assembly engages each of the mast sections in sequence to raise the entire mast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dewayne G. Vogt, Paul Landis
  • Patent number: 8341918
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for erecting a tower. The method comprises assembling proximate to the ground a base section, top section, and one or more intermediate sections of the tower into an assembled tower lying in a substantially horizontal first plane, the assembled tower comprising a top end including the top section and a bottom end including the base section. The method also includes orienting the attitude of the assembled tower using a lift initiator to lie in a second plane defining an acute angle to the first plane, so that the top end of the tower is higher in elevation than the bottom end. The method also includes lifting the assembled tower from the second plane to a vertical plane with a primary lift assembly and coupling the assembled tower to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Jolly
  • Publication number: 20120304588
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind turbine (1) including at least one tower (2), at least one base foundation (3), at least one nacelle (10) and at least one propeller (4). The propeller via its rotation turns at least one essentially horizontal axel that drives at least one generator. The wind turbine's uniqueness comes from its tower (2), via at least one bearing (7), being pivotally arranged around an axis of rotation in the tower's (2) axial direction. The present invention also concerns a method for erecting the wind turbine's tower (2). Unique to the method for erecting the tower is that the tower is joined together by sections (11), comprised of at least one first mantle plate (12) and at least one second mantle plate (13), which are sequentially assembled at the erection site on the tower's lower end (6). When the mantle plates (12, 13) in a section (11) are joined together with each other, the section (11) is then united with previously joined sections (11) in the tower's lower end (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Patrik von Ahn
  • Patent number: 8316614
    Abstract: Method for establishing a wind turbine (1) on a foundation (7) where at least a part of the wind turbine rotor (4) is attached to a wind turbine tower (2). Further, the method comprises the steps of positioning the wind turbine tower including the attached wind turbine rotor on the foundation, elevating a wind turbine nacelle (3) to a use position on the tower, and directly or indirectly connecting the nacelle to the attached wind turbine rotor. The invention also relates to transport of a wind turbine tower, and a vessel (10) suitable for transporting a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Anders Soe-Jensen
  • Patent number: 8316615
    Abstract: A tower assembly for use with a modular tower is provided. The tower assembly includes a plurality of assembly panels each including a pair of opposing circumferential edges, and, a plurality of connectors for use in coupling adjacent assembly panels of the plurality of assembly panels to one another, each connector of the plurality of connectors including an outer flange, an inner flange, and a spacer extending therebetween, the outer flange is spaced a distance from the inner flange such that a first slot and a second slot are defined between the outer and inner flanges, each of the first and the second slots is sized to receive one of the assembly panel circumferential edges therein to enable the adjacent assembly panels to be coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Balaji Haridasu, Biao Fang, Danian Zheng
  • Publication number: 20120285118
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for erecting a tower. The method comprises assembling proximate to the ground a base section, top section, and one or more intermediate sections of the tower into an assembled tower lying in a substantially horizontal first plane, the assembled tower comprising a top end including the top section and a bottom end including the base section. The method also includes orienting the attitude of the assembled tower using a lift initiator to lie in a second plane defining an acute angle to the first plane, so that the top end of the tower is higher in elevation than the bottom end. The method also includes lifting the assembled tower from the second plane to a vertical plane with a primary lift assembly and coupling the assembled tower to the foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Tony Jolly
  • Patent number: 8302365
    Abstract: A partially self-erecting wind turbine tower and a method for carrying out the assembly thereof. A central extendable pylon is provided. This is placed in an upright position, with its base on a temporary foundation. A plurality of legs is then attached to the extendable pylon. The upper extreme of each of the plurality of legs is temporarily attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. With the pylon and legs thus secured, a nacelle is attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. A hub with attached blades is then affixed to the nacelle. The extendable pylon is then forced upward through the collar to extend the height of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony F. Gee
  • Publication number: 20120272614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal power plant, comprising a turbine, which rotates on a carrying element; a foundation structure, on which the carrying element is supported on at least one coupling device, an upper part of the coupling device that is part of the carrying element being detachably operatively connected to a lower part of the coupling device that is part of the foundation structure in the installed state, wherein the invention is characterized in that the carrying element is individually adapted to the orientation of the lower part of the coupling device existing after the foundation structure has been created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Norman Perner, Wolfgang Maier, Alexander Sauer, Benjamin Holstein
  • Patent number: 8297025
    Abstract: In the method of building a hybrid tower, a metal mast is erected and connected to a foundation and a concrete structure having a plurality of superimposed concrete segments is built around the metal mast by using the metal mast as a support. Afterwards, the metal mast is disconnected from the foundation and lifted by telescoping and guiding the metal mast along concrete structure. Finally, the lifted metal mast is connected to the concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Soletanche Freyssinet
    Inventors: Alain Huynh Tuong, Benoit Melen
  • Patent number: 8297026
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing synthetic construction elements that replaces lumber. A synthetic composition is provided containing cementitious material, synthetic fibers, and low-density particulate material. At least one polymer may be added to improve performance. The density of the synthetic composition is controlled by varying the volume of the low-density particulate material in the mix. Reinforcement elements are provided. The reinforcement elements are preferably pre-stressed or post-stressed in tension. The synthetic compound is molded around the reinforcement elements to form a construction element of a particular shape. The molding of the synthetic material around the reinforcement elements can be a two-step process. In the first step, a first synthetic compound of a high density is molded into a rough form around the reinforcement elements. A second synthetic compound of a lower density and strength is then molded around the rough form to complete the construction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Paul E. Bracegirdle
  • Patent number: 8281546
    Abstract: A wind turbine is formed of a concrete tower which is erected by slip forming. A primary lifting device is erected onto the tower by being lifted together with the slip form and being subsequently transferred onto the tower from the slip form after the tower has been formed. The nacelle, generator, and rotor of the turbine are then lifted onto the tower using the primary lifting device. A secondary lifting device supported on the tower is used to lower the primary lifting device to the ground after the nacelle, generator and rotor are assembled. The height of the tower is therefore not limited by the availability of suitable cranes so that a greater height of tower can be erected to take advantage of winds at greater elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8281545
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Kwang-Won Ind Co., Ltd., Eun Soo Choi
    Inventor: Eun Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8281547
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ershigs, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Hettick
  • Publication number: 20120248281
    Abstract: A monopole hollow strengthening tower is provided comprising stages that each comprise a pair of half-pipe sections that fit around the monopole. Each pair of sections is connected to the stage below and to each other. A first stage is connected to the footing of the monopole, a second stage is connected to the top of the first stage and includes cable ports. Subsequent stages extend above the second stage, finally there is a top stage which incorporates a clamping system to grip the monopole. This stage is the only stage above the footing where the monopole and the strengthening tower are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: CROWN CASTLE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Alan Samuel Bennett
  • Patent number: 8272181
    Abstract: A foundation for a tall vertical structure, such as a wind turbine installation, features anchor bolts having a grout cap slid over the anchor bolt, where the grout cap has a flared skirt which seals against the open annulus formed by the anchor bolt and its accompanying PVC sleeve, where the top of the PVC sleeve is generally flush with the bottom of the grout trough. The grout cap extends from its bottom which abuts the bottom of the grout trough, up and extending at least partially into a bolt hole in the tower flange. A method of protecting anchor bolts utilizing the grout cap is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Norman L. Tooman, Joseph W. Bruce
  • Patent number: 8250816
    Abstract: A method for installing rig structure (e.g. cabin, house, a doghouse) on a drilling rig, the method including: connecting support apparatus to a substructure of a drilling rig, supporting a drilling floor; moving a movement apparatus supporting a rig structure to position it adjacent the support apparatus, by moving movement apparatus on ground adjacent the substructure, moving the support apparatus into a connecting orientation with respect to the structure; connecting raising apparatus to the structure, the raising apparatus connected to the support apparatus; raising the structure up to the drill floor with the raising apparatus; and securing the structure to the support apparatus. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Stuart Arthur Lyall McCurdy, Xi Lin Liui, Hui Chun Sheng, Yan Yu, He Hui Chen