A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

An extendable structure which may be used in space-based applications, for example forming the body of a telescope. The structure is movable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises a plurality of walls arranged to give a polygonal cross-section in the extended configuration. Each wall comprises a plurality of repeating units which are connected by a plurality of hinges. Each repeating unit itself comprises a plurality of sections connected by pluralities of first and second hinges, and in the extended configuration, each of the first hinges lies between two second hinges with the second hinges having axes which are inclined with respect to the first hinge axis.

An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections of the linked chains engage individual sections of adjacent linked chains to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections of the linked chains disengage from the individual section of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up for compact storage.

A motorized high mast pole inspection device that is self-powered and autonomous with respect to the internal lever of a high mast pole. The inspection device provides a means for mechanically climbing a vertical, cylindrical, tubular high mast light pole. Video monitoring and recording equipment may be deployed on the device for inspecting high mast light poles.

A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

The present invention relates to a method for the assembly of frustoconical concrete towers comprising a step of placing and positioning of at least one subset of a tower section formed by at least two segments in an area close to the base of the tower, a step of assembling the subset of the tower section by attaching at least two segments, so that the assembled subset is freestanding and a step of stacking the assembled subset onto an immediately lower tower section.

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 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.

This application relates to tower segment handling methods and apparatus, and in particular to methods and apparatus for handling segments of steel wind turbine towers. The wind turbine tower comprises a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections, which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another. The vertical section of the tower has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments have vertical and horizontal edges and combine to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges. Adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments. The tower segments are combined into a tower section using a flat roller bed on which the segments can be assembled. A method of assembling a tower section is discussed.

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.