Patent ID: 8839570

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: a base adapted to accommodate a first mast section of a mast configure to attach to a platform: a plurality of actuators extending in a vertical direction from the base, the actuators adapted to apply a force in the vertical direction and being extendable and retractable along a vertical axis; and a coupling located on a corresponding actuator from the plurality of actuators, the coupling arranged to temporarily engage the first mast section and to convey the force from the corresponding actuator to move the first mast section along the vertical axis in connection with extension of the actuators; wherein the actuators are extendable to a first height corresponding to a first position at which a lower section of the first mast section may be attached to the platform; and wherein the actuators are retractable to a second height corresponding to a second position at which the couplings disengage from the first mast section that is attached to the platform.