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.

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.

A land drilling rig and associated methods are described that facilitate fast rig up of the drilling rig for drilling a well. In some embodiments, the drilling rig may include a rear trunk, a center trunk, and an alignment frame. The alignment frame may be coupled to an edge of the rear trunk and to an edge of the center trunk during unloading of one of the rear trunk and the center trunk from a trailer to align them during unloading. The drilling rig may be formed form a plurality of components, some of which may be dual purpose structures that store equipment during transit, testing, and rig up and that form a part of the support structure of the drilling rig. Further, base boxes may include moveable feet that can be controlled to walk the base boxes and the drilling rig to a selected location.

It includes at least one platform defining a plane, first and second sets of complementary coupling elements associated with the tower section and the platform respectively, and arranged in levels. In a first relative position of the sets of coupling elements, the platform is allowed to pass, in a substantially horizontal position, through different levels of sets of coupling elements and in a second relative position of the sets of coupling elements, the platform rests with its second set of coupling elements on a first set of coupling elements of one given level. A device for moving the platform may be provided for fitting it inside the tower section. The first or the second set of coupling elements in different levels are aligned along a longitudinal direction inside the tower section.

It includes at least one platform defining a plane, first and second sets of complementary coupling elements associated with the tower section and the platform respectively, and arranged in levels. In a first relative position of the sets of coupling elements, the platform is allowed to pass, in a substantially horizontal position, through different levels of sets of coupling elements and in a second relative position of the sets of coupling elements, the platform rests with its second set of coupling elements on a first set of coupling elements of one given level. A device for moving the platform may be provided for fitting it inside the tower section. The first or the second set of coupling elements in different levels are aligned along a longitudinal direction inside the tower section.

A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

A cylinder alignment monitoring system for a mast or derrick hingedly connected to a substructure wherein at least a pair of extending cylinders move the mast or derrick between a storage position and an upright use position. The monitoring system includes a distance measurement device to determine the extension distance of each of the extending cylinders. A comparison device compares the extension distances measured for each of the extending cylinders.

Method for installing a hollow concrete tower comprising the following steps: a) arranging a platform on a site; b) arranging on said platform at least one partial full-segment mould in a position such that the segment axis of the segment being cast in said mould is substantially vertical; c) pouring concrete inside said arranged partial mould(s); d) allowing the poured concrete to set to working strength, generating corresponding segment(s); e) removing the arranged mould(s) with concrete set to working strength, to leave the corresponding segment(s) exposed; f) assembling said corresponding exposed segment(s); and g) optionally, repeating steps b)-f) at least once.

An energy unit capable of being configured in a transportation configuration and in an operational configuration. The unit comprises a container having first and second ends opposing a longitudinally-extending central section. In the transportation configuration, the container's central section is positioned generally parallel with a supporting ground surface. In the operational configuration the container is configured to be positioned with the first end on the supporting ground surface such that the second end is set apart in an upward direction from the supporting ground surface. The energy unit additionally comprises a wind turbine for generating electrical energy. In the operational configuration, the wind turbine is configured to be received within the interior space of the container, while in the transportation configuration the wind turbine is configured to extend from the exterior surface of the container.