Using Prefabricated Unit Patents (Class 52/745.18)
  • Patent number: 11971013
    Abstract: Provided is a tool arrangement for unloading a tower or a tower segment from a transportation vehicle and/or for storing the tower or the tower segment, including a bottom tool device with an attachment to removably attach the bottom tool device to a bottom mounting section of the tower or the tower segment, wherein the tool arrangement further includes a top tool device with an attachment to removably attach the top tool device to a top mounting section of the tower or the tower segment, wherein the bottom tool device and the top tool device each include a lift to lift the tower or the tower segment, when the tower or the tower segment is in a non-erected position and attached to the respective tool device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Christopher Weiss
  • Patent number: 11808091
    Abstract: A modular rig system assembled without use of a crane includes a platform and a mast. The platform has pin retaining structure. The mast is separable from the platform and has a transport foundation, a tower, an alignment actuator, a pin, and a piston arm. The tower has pin retaining structure and is movable relative to the transport foundation between transport and use configurations. The alignment actuator is operably coupled to the transport foundation to adjust positioning of the tower while the tower is at the transport configuration such that the platform pin retaining structure and the tower pin retaining structure are aligned. The pin selectively passes through the platform pin retaining structure and the tower pin retaining structure to couple the platform to the tower, and the piston arm is pivotably coupled to the transport foundation and the tower for moving the tower between the transport and use configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lasso Drilling, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Walter Van Ee
  • Patent number: 11713586
    Abstract: Provided is a tool arrangement for pivoting a tower or a tower segment from a non-erected position to an erected position, including a bottom tool device with a first device section with an attachment to removably attach the first device section to a bottom mounting section, and with a second device section adapted to be arranged on the ground and being attachable or attached to the first device section, wherein the bottom tool device includes a pivot axis at least when the first and the second device sections are attached to each other, wherein the tower or the tower segment, when fixed to the bottom tool device, is pivotable around the pivot axis when being erected, wherein, when the tower or the tower segment is fixed to the bottom tool device, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower or the tower segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Christopher Weiss
  • Patent number: 11578465
    Abstract: A temporary support system for a road bridge pre-fabricated small box girder-type concealed bent cap, and a method of constructing same. The support system comprises a main beam, a main pier support system, and a lateral pier support system; the main beam is arranged on the transverse side of road bridge piers; the main pier support system is disposed on the transverse side of a main pier area and is located under the main beam; the lower end of the main pier support system is fixed to a main pier bearing platform, whereas the upper end is fixed to the main beam; the lateral pier support system is disposed on the transverse side of a lateral pier area and is located below the main beam; and the lower end of the lateral pier support system is fixed to a lateral pier bearing platform, whereas the upper end is fixed to the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ningbo Municipal Engineering Construction Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shengliang Xu, Jufeng Chen
  • Patent number: 11560875
    Abstract: A method of assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing a lifting arrangement comprising a gantry disposed over and/or directly above a rail, and lifting means coupled to the gantry. The method further comprises stacking portions of the structure by: conveyably disposing a first portion of the structure relative to the rail; lifting a second portion of the structure using the lifting means; disposing the first portion underneath the second portion by conveying the first portion along the rail; and lowering the second portion onto the first portion. Also disclosed is a corresponding system for assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, and corresponding clamping and/or gripping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: W3G MARINE LIMITED
    Inventors: John Giles, Charles Whyte, Alan West
  • Patent number: 11542923
    Abstract: A wind turbine system able to withstand up to 150 mph winds, comprising the electricity generating components moved from the nacelle to the top of the tower, positioned vertically, and comprising: a main-shaft bearing; a gearbox; a brake assembly; a high-speed shaft; a generator; and an electrical control cabinet. The purpose of positioning in the tower is to protect the components from high winds, tornados, etc. and to regulate the rotation of the propellers to make more electricity. The turbine can be easily repaired onsite by removing covers on the upper tower; and with snap in replacement parts. Drone, which are stored in the top horizontal housing, can surveil and protect the turbine and the surrounding area. And, solar panels on the sides and/or cover of the top horizontal housing provide energy to the turbine in low and no wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Samuel Messinger
  • Patent number: 11512680
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine including a tower, a transition piece and a lifting apparatus for operating a lift inside the wind turbine is provided. The tower includes an inner platform at the bottom end of the tower. The transition piece includes a hang-off platform. The lifting apparatus includes a plurality of wires, a plurality of tensioners, one or more brackets attached to the inner platform and movable between at least a first operative configuration in which the plurality of tensioners are attached to the one or more brackets and the lift is movable from the first station at the inner platform towards the upper end of the tower, a second retracted configuration in which one or more brackets allows the lift to move between the first and the second station, the plurality of tensioners being attached to the hang-off platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: Hans Kjaer Blaabjerg, Amandeep Gagein, Thomas Smedegaard
  • Patent number: 11215164
    Abstract: A green wind turbine system that provides continuous rotation of a propeller, to prevent stopping or critical slowing of the propeller to, which causes damage to the bearing and gear assembly, and shortens of the turbine life. The propeller includes at least two opposing hollow blades, each having a pair of reservoirs positioned with one at the tip and stem, and connected by a fluid line; a wireless hydraulic pump with a rechargeable battery, and a wireless control unit configured between the reservoirs to pump fluid that is heated and/or with anti-freeze between the reservoirs; and a nacelle with: a motion sensor, anemometer, heated reserve tank. The propeller is made with biodegradable materials; and the turbine is able to manipulate the reservoir fluids to create an imbalance within the propeller to prevent it from stopping in low or no wind conditions; and to slow down in high wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel Messinger, Hisham A Abdel-aal
  • Patent number: 10975842
    Abstract: A wind turbine system that provides continuous rotation of a propeller, to prevent stopping or critical slowing of the propeller to, which causes damage to the bearing and gear assembly, and shortens of the turbine life. The wind turbine propeller includes at least one hollow blade having a pair of reservoirs at the top and bottom of at least one blade; a hydraulic pump and a wireless control unit configured between the reservoirs; a motion sensor, aneunometer, and heater and/or pump battery (optional). The wireless control unit commands the hydraulic pump: 1) to manipulate the fluid present within the reservoirs to create an imbalance within the hollow propeller to prevent it from stopping in low or no wind conditions; and 2) to slow down in high wind conditions. One embodiment comprises two short hollow blades with the pump, reservoirs, and control unit, and two normal long blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Samuel Messinger
  • Patent number: 10900467
    Abstract: A floating structure for supporting a marine wind turbine comprising an emerged tower (21) defined by a tower wall (31), a submerged float (23) defined by a float wall (33) and a float lower end closing wall (34) and a transition element (22) placed in-between and defined by a transition wall (32), wherein the tower wall (31), the float wall (33) and the transition wall (32) have axisymmetric outer surfaces about a central axis (5) respectively defined by a tower generatrix, a float generatrix and a curved concave transition generatrix which is tangent to the tower generatrix, and wherein the axisymmetric outer surface of the float wall (33) has a float upper diameter (D2) equal to the axisymmetric outer surface of the transition wall (32) and bigger than the axisymmetric outer surface of the tower wall (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Climent Molins Borrell, Alexis Campos Hortigüela
  • Patent number: 10808371
    Abstract: A method for constructing a building on a water-body. The method includes piling a plurality of piles on a bed of the water-body for laying a foundation for the building. The method further includes marking a reference-mark on each of the plurality of piles at a predefined-distance from a surface of the water-body. The method also includes cutting each of the plurality of piles along the reference-mark. The method further comprises installing a first pile-cap, having a plurality of guiding elements extending therefrom, over a first set of piles of the plurality of piles. The method also comprises installing a second pile-cap over a second set of piles of the plurality of piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Admares Group Oy
    Inventor: Mikael Hedberg
  • Publication number: 20150143759
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drill rig having two master skids. Wherein prior to assembly of the drill rig, the master skids include a base box structure and a supported box structure arranged in a nested relationship. Additionally, the base box structures house hydraulic components and support components necessary to raise and support the supported box structure at an operational position. Further, the base box structures includes hydraulic components necessary to raise the drill rig mast to an operational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Sparkman, Charles Vora, Aaron Chang
  • Publication number: 20150143769
    Abstract: A steel-frame building, which is installed permanently next to a stand-alone heavy structure and which can reduce a construction cost, a plant including the steel-frame building, and a method for assembling a steel-frame building are provided. The steel-frame building is installed permanently next to a stand-alone heavy structure, and includes a gantry frame which is used for pulling the whole of the stand-alone heavy structure to stand up. The gantry frame may be used for carrying in other devices to be housed in the steel-frame building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Naoshige YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20150135607
    Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (2) and method associated therewith is able to shift between a first assembly operating configuration and a second use operating configuration. The apparatus (2) includes a sub-structure (21), which supports the apparatus (2), a mast (23), which is pivoted to the sub-structure (21), around which it rotates to shift between the assembly operating configuration, which is substantially horizontal, and the use operating configuration. A drill floor (22) is liftable and connected to the mast (23). An actuating device (3) allows the drilling apparatus (2) to shift between the two operating configurations. The actuating device (3) is hydraulic and directly connected to the mast (23). The drill floor (22) includes a first portion (22a), projects with respect to the mast (23), and a second portion (22b) constrained to and rotating with the mast (23. A draw-works (58) is permanently installed on the sub-structure (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Stefano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 9032689
    Abstract: A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventors: Joe Yustus, Marcus Jones
  • Patent number: 9021757
    Abstract: A concrete tower construction has a foundation and a plurality of prefabricated concrete tower elements, each having an outside, an inside, a material thickness provided there between, and top and bottom surfaces. The tower elements have hollow centers and are arranged one tower element on top of another, forming a column on top of the foundation. Plural tendons arranged in the hollow center apply tension force to the column. An upper force distribution element is arranged on top of the column, and a lower force distribution element is arranged in the foundation. Each tendon is connected to the upper force distribution element and the lower force distribution element by cooperating attachments. Methods of erecting the tower construction, tower elements and a foundation are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Conelto ApS
    Inventor: Jørgen Hangel
  • Patent number: 9016004
    Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dewayne G. Vogt
  • Patent number: 9016029
    Abstract: A method of erecting, and a method of servicing or dismantling, a wind energy plant with a hub height of at least 140 meters makes provision that a heavy-duty lifting device is temporarily disposed on a tower top for any installing, exchanging, or disassembling purposes, and subsequently is dismantled immediately, with all these operations being carried out without using an external crane. A light-duty lifting device attached to the tower serves for erecting the tower, so that no external large-scale cranes are required. For disassembling or exchanging the large components, an auxiliary lifting device is able to transport the heavy-duty lifting device to the top of the tower and is also capable of lowering the heavy-duty lifting device from there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: X-Tower Constructions GmbH
    Inventor: Philipp Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150096240
    Abstract: It allows simplificating the assembling of a wind turbine (1). The dowels (4) comprise: a) an upper surface (5); b) a lower surface (6); c) an inner side surface (7); d) an outer side surface (8); e) at least an intermediate fixing surface (12), located in one of the outer (8) or inner (7) side surfaces, between the upper (5) and lower (6) surfaces; and f) at least a first grooved housing (13) made in that of the side surfaces (7, 8) comprising the intermediate fixing surface (12), where the first grooved housing (13) communicates the intermediate fixing surface (12) with one of the upper (5) and lower (6) surfaces and is configured to accommodate joining cables (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: ACCIONA WINDPOWER, S.A.
    Inventors: Teresa ARLABÁN GABEIRAS, José Miguel GARCÍA SAYÉS, Miguel NUÑEZ POLO, Alfonso Ruiz Aldama, Francisco Javier Sanz Corretge
  • Publication number: 20150096254
    Abstract: A pillar slab system using precast concrete pillar slabs for constructing a pillar, pergola or other stone structure comprises a body comprising at least four sides. Each exterior side surface comprises at least one simulated stone face. At least first and second side surfaces also have at least one simulated joint defining a visual separation between simulated stone faces. The simulated joints in the side surfaces are disposed at different horizontal positions, so that when one pillar slab is stacked on an identical pillar slab in a different orientation, the simulated joints in adjacent surfaces are vertically staggered relative to one another to avoid obvious repeating patterns and provide the appearance of a natural stone construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Risi Stone Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler Matys
  • Patent number: 8984842
    Abstract: A method and structure for assembling field erected cooling. A first cell or cell portion is assembled at the opposite end of the cooling basin from its final location and used as a scaffold from which the rest of the structure is assembled. This first “assembly” section is fitted with temporary walkways, safety railings and enclosed ladders and workers assemble each new section of the cooling tower frame from the scaffold affixed to the first section. After assembly of each section or bay of the cooling tower frame is completed, the assembly section is advanced away from the newly constructed section to make room for the assembly of a new section. To advance the assembly section, movable lifts are positioned under the bottom transverse beams of the section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Muder
  • Publication number: 20150075089
    Abstract: An antenna tower is provided having one or more antennae at the removed end thereof, which tower is configured for ease of maintenance of the antenna by a serviceman standing on the ground and servicing the antenna. Applicants' antenna tower includes a fixed vertical base or mast tube, fixed to the ground and having a removed end. At or near the removed end of the base tube, a swing tube is pivotally attached. The swing tube has a first end removably coupled to a near end of the base tube, and a removed end extending beyond the removed end of the base tube. Attached to the removed end of the swing tube is a pivotally mounted configured member or pivot tube. The pivotally mounted elongated member receives an antenna thereupon. The pivot tube is removably coupled to the swing tube to allow the pivot tube to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Wilbur L. Anderson, Inc. d/b/a Western Towers
    Inventors: Charles Anderson, Daniel Anderson, Grady Roe
  • Publication number: 20150068150
    Abstract: A flange assembly for a tower segment is provided. The flange assembly includes a number of flange portions each with a first interface to the tower segment and a second interface to connect to another flange portion. A production method for a flange is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: SOEREN OESTERGAARD MATHIASEN
  • Patent number: 8959874
    Abstract: A portable drilling rig apparatus includes a rig floor having a pedestal structure thereon, the pedestal structure comprising a lower pivot point and a lower attachment point and wherein the pedestal structure is configured to be rotated to a vertical position about the lower pivot point. The drilling rig further includes a mast structure having a mast pivot point at a lower end of the mast structure wherein the mast pivot point is configured to be pinned to an upper pivot point of the pedestal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Drilling Equipment Company, LLC
    Inventor: Philip Wasterval
  • Publication number: 20150047270
    Abstract: A wind turbine with a tower, a nacelle and a yaw bearing, wherein the yaw bearing is arranged and prepared for rotating the nacelle relative to the tower around a yaw axis is provided. The yaw bearing has a first yaw bearing component which is fixed to the tower, a second yaw bearing component which is fixed to the nacelle, and at least one sliding component which is located between the first yaw bearing component and the second yaw bearing component. The wind turbine is prepared and arranged for housing at least one lifting device for lifting the nacelle relative to the tower such that the sliding component can be removed. Furthermore, a method of lifting the nacelle relative to the tower is provided. Thus, the sliding component may be removed and the removed sliding component may be replaced by a re-placement sliding component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Andreas Gotfredsen
  • Publication number: 20150047908
    Abstract: A substructure of a drilling rig is positioned above a first wellbore at a first wellbore location, a drilling rig mast is pivotably attached to the substructure and raised from a first mast position wherein an upper end of the drilling rig mast is oriented in a first direction toward a first side of the substructure to a first raised drilling position, after which a first drilling operation is performed on the first wellbore. The substructure is moved to a second wellbore location and positioned above a second wellbore, the drilling rig mast is pivotably attached to the substructure and raised from a second mast position wherein an upper end of the drilling rig mast is oriented in a second direction toward a second side of the substructure to a second raised drilling position, after which a second drilling operation is performed on the second wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Xilin Liu
  • Publication number: 20150047290
    Abstract: A transportable drilling rig having a self-elevating drill floor includes a base structure comprising multiple base towers that can be transported to a wellsite and positioned around an intended wellbore location. A horizontal base frame is installed between lower regions of the towers to form a stable rig base structure, and a drill floor can then be constructed over the base frame and between the base towers. A suitable rig mast can then be erected on the drill floor. Floor-lifting cables are anchored to upper regions of the base towers and disposable around corresponding sheave assemblies associated with the drill floor. The free ends of the floor-lifting cables can be engaged by the traveling block in the rig mast, whereupon the rig's drawworks can be actuated to elevate the drill floor and mast as required and then locked to the base towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kameron Wayne KONDUC, Donald Leonard BURLET
  • Patent number: 8950158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Chadwick J. Walton
  • Patent number: 8950150
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for maintaining the orientation of a tower-mounted device in use with a tower structure. The apparatus includes an adjustable vertical mount member positioned within a tower structure. Several adjustable rods move the vertical adjustable vertical mount member by adjusting their position relative to the tower. Movement of the adjustable vertical mount member in one direction causes an extended section of the adjustable vertical mount member to move in the opposite direction. This has the effect of adjusting the orientation of any device attached to the extended section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Ray Pecor
  • Publication number: 20150027068
    Abstract: A pre-assembled tower base assembly for a wind turbine configured for transportation to a wind turbine site is disclosed. The tower base assembly includes a tubular side wall defining an internal volume, a first flange portion at a first end of the tubular side wall, a second flange portion at a second end opposite the first end, and a down-tower electrical assembly installed within the internal volume of the tubular side wall. The first flange portion is configured to couple to a foundation. The second flange portion is configured to couple to a tower section. Further, the first and second flanges define a maximum longitudinal extension therebetween. The maximum longitudinal extension is a maximum height permitted for rail or truck transport. As such, the tower base assembly is configured for transportation in an upright position to a wind turbine site with the down-tower electrical assembly pre-assembled within the internal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Colwyn Mark Sayers, William Francis Gevers
  • Patent number: 8938931
    Abstract: A method of mounting elements in a wind turbine tower, whereby the elements are partly or completely attached to the wind turbine tower by means of magnetic attraction forces. Wind turbine suspension units may be attached to the wind turbine tower, preferably completely or partly to the inner wall by means of magnetic attraction forces, which present structure-weakening attachments to the tower or part of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Borge Ollgaard
  • Publication number: 20150020467
    Abstract: Precast segment for wind turbine tower especially designed to be used in wind turbine towers installed in cold climates, and which comprises joint flanges showing a configuration intended to establish the boundaries for forming the joints between said precast segment and an adjacent precast segment and which comprises conduits provided with an inlet and an outlet, situated in the proximity of the joint flanges of the precast segment intended to house some heating cables that generate heat. The method comprises the use of the described precast segment and the stages of introducing heating cables in the conduits of the precast segment, applying current to said cables and removing the cables when a filler material used in the joint between precast segments has set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Sara FERNÁNDEZ FALCES, Iván GARCÍA MAESTRE, Imanol OTERO LANDA, Teresa ARLABÁN GABEIRAS, José Luis ARÍSTEGUI LANTERO, Ricardo ROYO GARCÍA, Jose Miguel GARCÍA SAYÉS, Miguel NÚÑEZ POLO
  • Publication number: 20150013242
    Abstract: A tower section storage device for storing a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The device comprises a central body frame defining a center point, at least three feet, and at least three tower section receiving areas (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) connected to the central body frame. All of the feet are connected to the central body frame such that they are moved away from and/or towards the center point. A method for storing a tower section, in particular of a wind turbine tower by means of such device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: BIRGER ANDERSEN
  • Publication number: 20140345209
    Abstract: The invention concerns a support for offshore foundation structures, in particular for tripods, having a bearing surface for receiving gravitational force, a base surface for applying gravitational force to the ground, and a supporting structure for the transfer of force from the bearing surface to the base surface. The invention concerns in particular such a support having two separate frame elements which respectively have a bearing sub-surface and a base sub-surface, as well as a bridge member which can be coupled to the frame elements in the region of the bearing sub-surfaces for the transfer of force between the frame elements in a substantially horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Thorsten Hebestreit, Carsten Rogge
  • Publication number: 20140345225
    Abstract: A framing structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core. The elements include a hollow-interior column having an opening in a wall that allows access to the interior and a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material. The beam is positioned with respect to the column such that the cavity is aligned with the opening. Flooring sections are supported by the beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Housh Rahimzadeh, Marc Rahimzadeh
  • Patent number: 8875470
    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 levelling the platform assembly and the radial segment supporting assembly. In one embodiment, the surface may be a ground support boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Andresen Towers A/S
    Inventors: Lars Heltoft, Henning Kjaer, Arne Kryger, Bent Juul Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140318033
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pylon base section for arrangement and fixing on a foundation and for the erection of a pylon of a wind power installation thereon including an outer lower annular flange for placement on the foundation and for fixing to the foundation, an inner upper annular flange for placement and fixing of a pylon segment with a corresponding lower pylon flange thereon, an inner lower support flange for placement on the foundation, and inner support elements, in particular support struts, for supporting the upper annular flange relative to the lower support flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Coordes
  • Publication number: 20140311085
    Abstract: Assembly process of a telescopic tower (100) including at least one prefabricated concrete section, comprising the following steps: providing sections (2,4,6,8,10) in an initial position wherein superimposed sections are disposed coaxially within a base section (10); providing assembly means (14,16,18); providing operator support means (20) on the external surface of said base section (10) essentially vertically in correspondence with the upper edge of said base section (10); lifting the innermost superimposed section (2,4,6,8) radially from those that are in the initial position forming a joint between the lower end portion of said superimposed section (2,4,6,8) which is being lifted and the upper end portion of the radially external and immediately adjacent section (4,6,8,10); providing in said joint anchoring devices for immobilizing at least provisionally the corresponding sections (2,4,6,8,10) between one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: SEA WIND TOWERS, S.L.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Fernandez Gomez, Jose Emilio Jimeno Chueca
  • Patent number: 8863449
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Xilin Liu
  • Patent number: 8860238
    Abstract: A method for handling busbars on wind power plants in which a power connection between a generator device disposed in an upper region of the wind power plant and a substation located at a base area of the wind power plant consists of a plurality of busbar subregions each comprising a certain number of mutually interconnected busbars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: FLYTEG GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joerg Wiechers
  • Publication number: 20140298735
    Abstract: A method of folding a mast or derrick and a folding mast apparatus having a back face and a pair of opposed sides with each of the opposed sides having a front leg and a back leg. The apparatus includes at least one spreader beam assembly extending across the back face and connecting the back legs of the pair of opposed sides. At least one pair of telescoping braces extends between the at least one spreader beam assembly and the back legs. A pair of mast folding cylinders, each of the cylinders extending between one back leg and the back face, moves the pair of opposed sides between an open, use position and a closed, transportation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: WOOLSLAYER COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140260076
    Abstract: A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KONECRANES PLC
    Inventors: Joe Yustus, Marcus Jones
  • Publication number: 20140259985
    Abstract: A method includes accommodating a first mast section of a mast on a mast cart below a floor of a platform, the mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and elevating, using actuators located on the mast cart, the first mast section through an opening in the platform. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the platform using a plurality of holding locks located on the platform, accommodating a second mast section on the mast cart below the floor of the platform, and elevating the second mast section to the first mast section using the actuators. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, detaching the first mast section from the platform, elevating the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening using the actuators, and attaching the second mast section to the platform using the holding locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Nabors Drilling International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Petrello, Padira Reddy, Ashish Gupta, Sean M. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20140237932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower assembly system, a method of assembling a wind turbine tower and a wind turbine thereof. Three or more guidance devices may be mounted to a mounting flange in the upper end of a lower tower section and/or in the lower end of an upper tower section. The guidance device comprises a contact surface for contacting a mating contact surface on the opposite tower section. The guidance device comprises a mounting flange for mounting the device to the mounting flange of the tower section using fastening means. This allows the guidance devices to catch and guide the free hanging tower section into the correct position on the stationary tower section. This enables the assembly time to be reduced with up to 50% compared with the present assembly methods. The guidance devices allow the workers to guide the free hanging tower section into position from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApS
    Inventors: Henning MOESTRUP, Jan WESTERGAARD
  • Publication number: 20140237908
    Abstract: A method of building a foundation, a foundation element (2), and a foundation for an antenna mast of a wireless communication system are provided. The foundation comprises at least three foundation elements (2). Each foundation element (2) comprises an elongated body (4). The elongated body (4) comprising a first end (6). At least one bar (16) extends from the elongated body (4) at the first end (6). An attachment arrangement (18) for the antenna mast is provided on the foundation element (2). The at least three foundation elements (2) are arranged to extend substantially symmetrically from a central portion (24) of the foundation (30). A central concrete portion is cast in the central portion (24) of the foundation (30) to join the at least one bar (16) of each of the three foundation elements (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventor: Arvind Kumar Gupta
  • Publication number: 20140237911
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140223856
    Abstract: A method and system for extending a vertical structural member supporting a structure, where a sleeve is coupled to the vertical structural member such that a portion of the sleeve extending from a first end of the sleeve is about the structural member, a cap is coupled to a second end of the sleeve opposite the first end, and a structure attachment device is coupled to the cap to attach the system to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Composite Structural Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Gable, James D. Ralph, III, Thomas N. Troxell, Gary S. Smrtic
  • Patent number: 8801331
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Norman Perner, Wolfgang Maier, Alexander Sauer, Benjamin Holstein
  • Patent number: 8782966
    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: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Allan Zavitz, Kevin Lee Kirkley
  • Publication number: 20140190115
    Abstract: There is provided a wind power installation pylon comprising a plurality of pylon segments which respectively have an upper and a lower horizontal flange. At least one of the plurality of the pylon segments has at least two longitudinal flanges. Each longitudinal flange has a first side for bearing against a first side of a further longitudinal flange and a second side to which the peripheral surface is welded, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Brenner, Rene Mertens, Panos Papadopoulos, Roy Kersten