Abstract: A pallet rack upright column protection device for the use in preventing and reducing destructive levels of kinetic energy of motion from occurring to a pallet rack upright. The device is made from an assembly of multilateral polymer based elastomeric materials that has a primary external component, and with a synergistic less dense internal component. The device attaches directly to the front and lateral sides of the lower section of a rack upright.

Abstract: A protective cover for a wooden utility pole comprises a polymer envelope in which the bottom of the pole is placed. The envelope is sufficiently dimensioned to cover about 10 feet of the bottom of the pole. The envelope body is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole and PVC tape is used to secure the body to the pole. A hermetic seal is placed over the mouth of the envelope which is located above the grade level of the excavation in which the pole sits thereby sealing the envelope to the pole. A metallic band is placed around the seal to protect it.

Abstract: A split column includes two half sections with locating features for aligning the half sections. A whole column is formed and then split into half sections. The locating features are formed on the inner surfaces of the half sections after the column is split into half sections.

Abstract: An impact recovery assembly generally includes an object, an impact recovery device, and an adaptor for attaching the object to the impact recovery device. The adaptor includes a body having a first attachment portion configured for interfacing with the impact recovery assembly and a second attachment portion configured for interfacing with an object, wherein the first attachment portion is different at least in part from the second attachment portion.

Abstract: Top and bottom packing brackets for supporting respective smaller top and larger bottom ends of a tapered architectural column during shipment and storage. Each of the packing brackets includes a ring portion and a surrounding frame portion joined together by webbing extending therebetween. The ring portion of the respective top and bottom packing brackets are sized to closely receive the smaller top and larger bottom ends of the columns.

Abstract: A doorway for a tower of a wind turbine is disclosed. The doorway may generally comprise a doorway frame having a substantially rectangular shape and including an inner face and an outer face. An opening may be defined between the inner and outer faces and may be configured to provide access to an interior of the tower. Additionally, at least one of the inner face and the outer face may define a substantially planar surface along at least a portion of its width.

Abstract: A method of reinstating a pole standing upright in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve of a bridging beam against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the bridging beam penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the bridging beam projecting above the ground, arranging a plurality of locating members around the outer surface of the pole, and securing the bridging beam to the pole by strapping surrounding the pole held in place with respect to the pole by the locating members.

Abstract: An aesthetic cover assembly includes first mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of a building structure that is secured to the building structure. An alignment pin is secured on one of the first mounting portions and the building structure. The alignment pin supports a second mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of the building structure. A method of installing an aesthetic cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.

Abstract: A steel-concrete composite beam includes a long rectangular steel frame; concrete members installed at only both ends of the steel frame, excluding a center portion thereof; a prestressable reinforcement buried in the concrete member; and a stirrup reinforcement arranged to the concrete member with a regular gap thereto to surround a lower flange of the steel frame.

Abstract: An enclosure, such as a column for supporting a roof, is defined by plural, adjacent, beveled segments, including two outermost segments, folded and joined. An adhesive is used on the beveled edges to help hold the shape of the enclosure. In addition, the edges of the outermost segments are configured to interlock so that, with manual force and no tools, the outermost segments can be snapped together, thereby holding the enclosure while the adhesive cures. The configurations on the outermost edges are preferably made of interlocking projections and recesses, at least one of which projections is displaced slightly when the outermost segments are joined. The segments may be formed by milling a single panel while applying tape to the joints between segments to hold them in adjacent relationship. The tape may then be removed after the enclosure is formed. The preferred material for the enclosure is foamed plastic.

Abstract: Stairway balusters are described which includes baluster extensions for ease in use, adjustability and convenience during installation, replacement or remodeling. The various extensions illustrated all allow the baluster shaft to adjust longitudinally. If a single baluster is being replaced on site, the baluster can be shortened using the adjustable features while removing. Also, during retrofitting the described method allows a baluster to be shortened, positioned in place and then lengthened to the desired height without undue modification or effort by the installer. Various extension embodiments are demonstrated.

Abstract: A wall module for a modular wall structure integrates a wall panel portion with a post portion having top or upper and bottom or lower extensions and at least one groove for receiving for receiving a distal end portion of a wall panel portion of an adjacent module. The bottom/lower extension is set within an exposed portion of a reinforcing cage of a caisson or pier extending below grade and the reinforcing cage and bottom/lower extension are encapsulated with a material such as concrete to integrate the caisson or pier with the bottom/lower post extension. Integration of the caisson or pier with the module provides numerous economies of transportation and construction of the modular wall as well as increased safety and limitation of costs of repair. The top/upper post extension is of a length to accommodate the full height of the wall panel portion of an adjacent module to improve strength and stability of the modular mall.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: A protective cover for a wooden utility pole comprises a polymer envelope in which the bottom of the pole is placed. The envelope is sufficiently dimensioned to cover about 10 feet of the bottom of the pole. The envelope body is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole and PVC tape is used to secure the body to the pole. A hermetic seal is placed over the mouth of the envelope which is located above the grade level of the excavation in which the pole sits thereby sealing the envelope to the pole. A metallic band is placed around the seal to protect it.

Abstract: A splice tube assembly and corresponding system for connecting multiple fiber-reinforced polymer rebars include a polymeric tube that is externally covered by a reinforcing layer to control radial expansion of grout within the polymeric tube and of the polymeric tube itself, and the polymeric tube may be internally provided with locking structures for mechanically interlocking with the grout, ensuring that the splice tube assembly functions as a unit for transferring loads from a first rebar, extending from a first end of the polymeric tube, to a second rebar, extending from a second end of the polymeric tube.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.

Abstract: A column includes a foundation, a plurality of column segments mounted to the foundation and extending upwardly, and a cap mounted to at least one of the plurality of column segments. A yield plate connects adjacent column segments to one another. An elastic strip connects to an exterior surface of at least two of the plurality of column segments and is adapted to permit deformation between the plurality of column segments and also return the plurality of column segments to their original orientation. A banding strip is connected at a junction between adjacent column segments and is adapted to limit the movement of the adjacent column segments at the junction.

Abstract: A cover segment for an aesthetic cover assembly includes a cover wall and at least one joint element. An aesthetic cover assembly includes two or more cover segments. The joint elements of the cover segments have a common profile and are secured along the corresponding cover wall in an opposite facing relation. A method of assembling a cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: A concrete foundation is described which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged thereagainst to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a prefabricated column assembly comprising a column having an external wall and an internal wall defining a channel for receiving a mounting post, the mounting bracket configured to be received by the channel having a body defining a hole for receivingly engaging the mounting post and having a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge defining a slot for receiving an elongated support strip for providing a lateral support anchor for the column assembly.

Abstract: A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.

Abstract: To avoid the rotation of a sleeve, providing an enhanced joint force. A reinforcing bar joint 1 according to the present invention includes an elliptic-sectioned sleeve 2, a load transfer rod 3 to be inserted through the sleeve, and wedging means 4. The sleeve 2 is configured so that end portions of reinforcing bars 5a, 5b can be inserted into openings 6a, 6b formed in respective ends of the sleeve 2 so that the reinforcing bars are arranged in series along an identical line. The load transfer rod 3 can also be inserted therethrough in parallel with the end portions of the reinforcing bars 5a, 5b which are inserted into the sleeve 2.

Abstract: A method of reinstating a pole standing upright in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve of a bridging beam against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the bridging beam penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the bridging beam projecting above the ground, arranging a plurality of locating members around the outer surface of the pole, and securing the bridging beam to the pole by strapping surrounding the pole held in place with respect to the pole by the locating members.

Abstract: A protective barrier assembly is especially adapted for service tower installations. A pair of pre-cast quasi-U-shaped shells, mate to form a vertically extending enclosure. A pair of caps bridges the shells. A retention rim of the caps extends around the periphery of the enclosure at the upper end. A post for the service tower projects through an opening in the caps. The shells are substantially identical reinforced concrete structures. The caps may also be identical.

Abstract: The invention is a novel moment-resistant building column insert system for distributing lateral and vertical loads between the column-beam and column-foundation connections. Loads are distributed between the column and beam using a column insert, nut plates and beam end plates incorporated to beam-ends. The column insert is hollow and similar cross-section shape to the building column for inserting there to. The column, column insert, nut plates and endplates have patterns of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts tightened to nuts held by nut plates. Loads are distributed between the column and foundation using a base plate, column insert, and insert plates integrated with anchor bolts, nuts and washers in a concrete foundation. The base plate having mounting holes is incorporated to the building column bottom end to receive the plurality of anchor bolts there through for fixedly tightening as an exposed end of the column insert fits in the column.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar anchorage 1 in accordance with the present invention includes a sleeve 2 having an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape, an anchoring member 3, and a wedge member 6. The anchoring member 3 includes a steel plate 5 having a substantially circular plate-like body and a connection rod 4 provided upright on the steel plate. The connection rod 4 is formed from a straight steel rod having a circular cross-section. The sleeve 2 is configured such that the connection rod 4 and the reinforcing bar 11 can be inserted thereinto while the connection rod 4 and the reinforcing bar 11 can be parallel to each other so as to overlap each other by a predetermined length. Wedge insertion holes 9, 9 are formed in the sleeve 2 between the reinforcing bar 11 and the connection rod 4 so as to be opposed to each other. A wedge member 6 is designed to be inserted into the wedge insertion holes 9, 9 for press-fitting.

Abstract: A post has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and mounted on one end of the post is a protective sleeve. The sleeve provides a cylindrical sidewall within which one end of the post is engaged. A bottom cap closes the end of the sidewall sealing the end of the post. A rectangular elastomeric seal is engaged with the sidewall peripheral to the post. A pair of L-shaped moldings are mounted exterior to the elastomeric seal providing engagement within a groove of the elastomeric seal and exerting a sealing force against the elastomeric seal and the post.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that reduce wind loads on polygonal monopoles, such as antenna towers and other telecommunication structures, exposed to winds. A multiplicity of connected segmented truncated conical shrouds are attached along at least a portion of the length of a polygonal monopole (telecommunication structure or antenna tower) that surround it. The presence of the multiplicity of segmented conical shrouds changes the profile of the monopole from multi-sided or faceted polygonal to conical. Based on the specifications of the TIA/EIA-222-F which is the governing code for telecommunication structures, the reduction of the wind load on a 12-sided polygonal monopole is on the order of about 42 percent, on a 16-sided polygonal monopole is on the order of about 18 percent, and on a 18-sided polygonal monopole is on the order of about 9 percent.

Abstract: A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from structural concrete. The cover is in the shape of a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the receiving bar extending from the structural concrete and having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A post protector shaped such that any grass or weed cutting mechanism is deflected away from the post thereby avoiding superficial or serious damage to the post. In the preferred embodiment the post protector incorporates an indented center section having specific geometries that resist the cutting mechanism from passing over the top portion or below the bottom portion of the protector. The protector is formed of two detachable halves for ease in installation or removal.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower. The single pole tower has a pole anchored to a foundation and supports a first load. The support structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole. A first one of the sleeves is anchored to the foundation. A second load is attached to a second one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A structure of connected wood post is introduced for using outdoor facilities. The wood posts is comprised of: a lower post made of square or round hard wood and firmly installed in the ground; an upper post made of square or round soft wood and coupled with a dowel and socket to the lower post, respectively; a fastening band made of metal or synthetic resin and formed in a square or round shape, the band being fastened to the recessed area of the lower post so as to firmly connect the lower post to the upper post, respectively; an upper post protection cap made of metal or synthetic resin and securely fit around the upper end or top portion of the upper post; and a lower post protection cap made of metal or synthetic resin and securely fit around the lower end of the lower post.

Abstract: A construction connector designed to fit column framework members to rapidly construct multi-story buildings is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the connector has an elongated main body with two holes at each end. A leveling plate attaches transversely to the body. An angle support member having two ten-gauge steel arms is welded to the bottom portion of the connector. A process for building the multi-story framework is also disclosed. The resulting structure has greatly improved resistance to uplift forces and seismic effects.

Abstract: Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.

Abstract: Safety bar systems are disclosed comprising a first bar and a second bar selectively lockable to the first bar at a desired height and angle. The second bar may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of positions with respect to the bar or into one of a continuous plurality of positions with respect to the bar, based on the coupling mechanism coupling the second bar to the first bar. Several coupling mechanisms are disclosed. The safety bar system may be connected to a wall adjacent to a bathtub to facilitate a user entering and exiting the bathtub. The safety bar system may be used in other locations, as well. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for framing a lolly column, includes two U-shaped framing members adapted to be wrapped and secured tightly about a lolly column. Each framing member has a U-shaped profile and includes a center member, first and second legs in parallel, spaced apart relation, and a tab extending from an end of each leg in a direction transverse to a lengthwise direction of each leg. There are also four equi-angularly spaced wall members secured to outer surfaces of the framing members for securing elongated 4×4 inch wood framing members thereto such that the wood framing members extend in a direction parallel to the lolly column. Each wall member includes first and second walls forming an outwardly facing right angle therebetween and presenting outwardly facing planar surfaces to which an elongated wood framing member is adapted to be secured.