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

A remote command and control center for a longwall mining system that can be located away from the longwall face and belt line components such as the cutter, conveyor and roof supports is provided. The command and control center is comprised of two nested halves which allow for the height of the command and control module to be quickly and easily adjusted to allow the remote command and control module to be introduced into areas where clearance is an issue. The command and control center can be pressurized to push coal dust and other contaminants out of the command and control center to protect the operators from inhaling hazardous coal dust. A rack system for mounting video monitors within the command and control module is also provided.

A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

A collapsible modular building is constructed from at least two building modules that are joined together to form the building. Each building module is constructed to be configured in either a collapsed or erect position. In the collapsed position, each module is individually transported to a site by trailer. Once offloaded, the modules are joined together to form the building, this joining together of the modules can be done while the modules are in the collapsed position or in the erect position.

The invention relates to a telescopic shipping container transformable between a reduced configuration having reduced height and an erected configuration, the container including a top segment and a bottom segment. The container bottom segment includes a rigid base panel having four corner fittings and the container top segment includes a rigid roof panel having four corner fittings. The container includes four corner posts each extending between a roof corner fitting and a base corner fitting and including a top element rigidly connected to the roof panel and a bottom element rigidly connected to the base panel, each corner post having a retractable/extendable configuration. The container is characterized in that the container includes a front-end panel having at least one hinged door leaf. The door leaf includes a top section pivotably connected to the top element of the adjacent corner post, a bottom section pivotably connected to the bottom element of the adjacent corner post, and an intermediate section that is in telescopic engagement with the top section of the door leaf and with the bottom section of the door leaf. The intermediate section interconnects the top section and the bottom section.

A customizable workstation panel is provided. The panel includes a screen portion, a lifting mechanism, a base portion, and a control unit. The control unit receives input from a user and controls the lifting mechanism to move the dynamic portion between a retracted position and a deployed position in accordance with the user input.

An extendable two story building is packaged within the standard dimensions of an intermodal container. An upper floor is supported above a lower floor. A five-sided lid is raised and locked to provide a second story. The lid is lowered and locked on a base in a down position. The lowered lid is fully enclosed so that no door is accessible and the interior of the building is secure during storage and transportation.

The invention relates to the field of satisfaction of vital human needs. A transformable platform, which is intended for creation of installations arranged both horizontally and vertically or slantwise, represents the unidirectionally oriented rod-shaped elements with a flat end face each, located close to each other in the form of cells, which form the flat horizontal platform in the initial position due to the flat end faces located at the same level. Each rod-shaped element is equipped with an individual drive to move linearly and lift the flat end face above the level of the surface of the transformable platform or lower the flat end face below this level.

A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

A mobile tower for transportation to and rapid deployment at remote sites where the mobile tower can be engaged with the ground, the mobile tower including an extendable and retractable tower secured to a mobile support structure including a frame having a plurality of rapidly deployable outriggers, wherein the tower includes three series of pivotally interconnected tower sections or segments, sections or segments of which engage with segments of each of the other series when the tower is assembled; the mobile tower including a plurality of guy wires secured between the extendable and retractable tower and the respective outriggers to stabilize the tower after the tower is assembled. The guy wires are preferably secured to the extendable and retractable tower at first and second connecting positions that are displaced from one another about an outer perimeter. Methods of deploying the mobile tower are also disclosed.