Patent ID: 7877934

Claim:
An apparatus for lifting a wind turbine assembly to the top of a high-elevation structural tower, comprising: a support frame connected to the tower approximate the uppermost portion of the tower; wherein the tower is a space frame tower having a plurality of legs interconnected by support members; wherein said support frame is configured to be removably attached to at least two legs of the space frame tower in order to dissipate loading among a plurality of legs; a first lifting truss pivotally connected to the support frame wherein said support frame is configured to be placed at a single location on the tower during its use; the first lifting truss having a distal end extending away from the support frame; a rigging assembly connected proximate the distal end and configured for hoisting a turbine to the upper end of the tower; and an hydraulic ram having a first end connected to the support frame and a second end connected to the first lifting truss.