Patent ID: 6868646
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: E04H,F03D,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A wind energy tower erecting device for erecting tower sections upon a base tower section extending upwardly from a foundation, comprising in combination: a power source; a main winch powered by said power source and having a hoisting cable extending therefrom; a tower section staging platform; said tower section staging platform adapted to successively support a vertically disposed tower section thereon; a lower cage adapted to be initially positioned at least partially around the base tower section; a lower block secured to said lower cage adapted to receive the hoisting cable therearound; an upper cage spaced above said lower cage; a supporting frame structure interconnecting said lower and upper cages; an upper block initially attached to said base tower section adjacent the upper end thereof and adapted to be successively attached to the upper ends of tower sections as they are erected upon the base tower section; said hoisting cable also extending around said upper block; a bridge assembly mounted on said upper cage and having a tower section connector movably mounted thereon; said lower cage, supporting frame structure, upper cage and bridge assembly being movable by said hoisting cable of said main winch between said upper and lower positions with respect to the erected tower sections; said tower section connector being selectively movable in X, Y and Z directions; said tower section connector being selectively connectable to the upper end of a tower section positioned on said tower section staging platform when said lower cage, supporting frame structure, upper cage and bridge assembly are in their said lower position; said bridge assembly being connected to said tower section connector so that said tower section connector may be selectively moved, in either the X, Y and Z directions, with respect to said upper cage to position the tower section, connected to said tower section connector, upon an erected tower section.