Patents by Inventor Paul Apostolopoulos

Paul Apostolopoulos has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11421432
    Abstract: A temporary shield erected between two flanged structural members of a bridge or other structure, and a method for erection of the shield. A plurality of length-adjustable beams have end portions which are rested on flanges respectively of the structural members in a manner so that they are not fixed thereto. Decking is attached to the beams. At least one elongate member is cantileverly extended from at least one of the beams to underlie a structural member flange to prevent wind lift-up of the shield. A shield is also erected by adjusting the lengths of and hanging the end portions of each of a multitude of beams from the structure with the beams lying side-by-side. Decking is attached to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 11401668
    Abstract: A platform and method for erecting a platform of support beams to which decking is applied so that it is suspended from at least one main cable of a bridge. Spaced slings are applied to the main cable so that each extends around the main cable. Ends of each of the slings are attached to a respective one of the support beams respectively. One end of a guy in the form of a cable is attached to at least one of the slings intermediate ends thereof. The guy is extended between the sling and an anchor point to restrain the sling from slippage along the length of the main cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 11261610
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension assembly for suspending a lower structure such as a platform from an upper structure such as a portion of a bridge. A chain, which is attachable at one end to the upper structure or to an end of a cable which is attachable at its other end to the upper structure, is attached at its other end to a device. The device, which is attachable to the lower structure, has a pair of aligned apertures in its side walls for receiving pins. The pins are spaced to receive a thickness of a chain link but not to receive a width of the link, whereby a selected link to achieve a desired lower structure height may be cinched between the pins. When the chain is attached to a cable, the cable has an eyelet formed by folding an end portion of the cable back over the cable and swaging the cable end portion to the cable. The chain is attached to said eyelet by receiving the end portion of the cable in one of the chain links before the cable end portion is swaged to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: PAUL KRISTEN, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 11072897
    Abstract: A platform and method for configuring and erecting a platform of support beams to which decking is applied so that it is suspended from and disposed below a main cable of a bridge. In one embodiment, a plurality of main cable clamps are spaced along and grippingly attached to the main cable. A pair of elongate members are each attached at one end to a respective one of the main cable clamps and at an other end to the respective support beam. In another embodiment, spaced slings are applied to the main cable so that each extends around the main cable. Ends of each of the slings are attached to a respective one of the support beams respectively. One end of a cable is attached to a sling intermediate ends thereof. The cable is extended between the sling and an anchor point and substantially parallel to the main cable there along to restrain the sling from slippage along the length of the main cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 11002026
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension assembly for suspending a lower structure such as a platform from an upper structure such as a portion of a bridge. A sling, which is attachable at one end to the upper structure, is attached at its other end to one end of a chain. A device, which is attachable to the lower structure, has a pair of aligned apertures in its side walls for receiving pins. The pins are spaced to receive a thickness of a chain link but not to receive a width of the link, whereby a selected link to achieve a desired lower structure height may be cinched between the pins. The other end of the sling, which comprises a cable, has an eyelet formed by folding an end portion of the cable back over the cable and swaging the cable end portion to the cable. The chain is attached to said eyelet by receiving the end portion of the cable in one of the chain links before the cable end portion is swaged to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 10968644
    Abstract: A kit for erecting a platform. The kit comprises a plurality of quad-chord trusses. Each truss is attachable to others of the truss by eyelets on the ends of the chords. When the chords are spaced horizontally, the eyelet apertures are vertical for receiving pins, which allows a single pin to be inserted in eyelet apertures on one side of the truss so that one truss is swingable horizontally into position for rigid attachment end-to-end by inserting another pin in eyelet apertures on the other side of the truss. Each truss comprises a plurality of connector members for attachment to the trusses along their lengths. The kit further comprises a plurality of cross beams having connector members at their ends to mate with and attach to the truss connector members, and a plurality of tie-up mechanisms attachable to the trusses and to which a supporting line from an overhead structure is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10738423
    Abstract: A platform disposed below at least one bridge main cable and method of erection thereof. The platform comprises a plurality of elongate decking support beams extending cross-wise of and disposed below the main cable and decking applied thereto. In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of slings are spaced longitudinally of the main cable, and each extends around the main cable and is attached at its ends to a respective one of the support beams. A guy is attached to at least one of the slings for restraining the sling from slippage along the length of the main cable. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of main cable clamps are grippingly attached to the main cable and are spaced longitudinally of the main cable. At least one pair of elongate members sre each attached at one end to a respective one of the main cable clamps and at an other end to the respective support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 10640993
    Abstract: A method utilizing an assembly of a sling detachably attached to an adjustment device for suspending one structure relative to another structure. The adjustment device comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart plates which are attached to each other and to a hook, for attachment to one of the structures, at the first end portion. Each plate has a plurality of pairs of longitudinally spaced aligned holes for receiving a pin for connecting one end of a sling to the adjustment device at a selected incremental one of the plurality of pairs of holes. The other end of the sling is connected to the other structure to adjust the distance over which the one structure is suspended relative to the other structure. To allow greater adjustability, two or more of the adjustment devices are joined end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Publication number: 20200123791
    Abstract: A kit for erecting a platform. The kit comprises a plurality of quad-chord trusses. Each truss is attachable to others of the truss by eyelets on the ends of the chords. When the chords are spaced horizontally, the eyelet apertures are vertical for receiving pins, which allows a single pin to be inserted in eyelet apertures on one side of the truss so that one truss is swingable horizontally into position for rigid attachment end-to-end by inserting another pin in eyelet apertures on the other side of the truss. Each truss comprises a plurality of connector members for attachment to the trusses along their lengths. The kit further comprises a plurality of cross beams having connector members at their ends to mate with and attach to the truss connector members, and a plurality of tie-up mechanisms attachable to the trusses and to which a a supporting line from an overhead structure is attachable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10604901
    Abstract: A connector comprises first and second parts having first and second plates respectively. The plates can abut to cover a panel opening and have slots in their abutting edges. The second part has a portion which extends in the second plate slot and which extends beyond the second plate edge a distance defining a neck. An arcuate portion extends from an end of the neck to receive the cable and has a threaded terminal end portion. In a first orientation of the second part, the neck extends vertically below the first plate to allow ease of manipulation of the second part to receive the cable between the arcuate portion and the panel. In a second orientation thereof, the neck extends horizontally within the first plate slot when the second part is in a closed position with the terminal end portion received in an aperture in the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 10465396
    Abstract: A platform and a kit therefor. The platform and the kit comprises quad-chord trusses attachable end-to-end and having connector members intermediate thereof, and further comprising beams attachable at their ends to the connector members so that a beam attaches two parallel trusses. A truss comprises first and second pairs of chords which are foldable for storage and transport and unfoldable to use for erection of the platform. A track lies between the upper chords to allow movement of bolts along the track into position to attach for insertion into decking apertures for attachment of the decking. The kit also includes a sturdy and reliable and easy to use tie-up mechanism and railing along the platform perimeter which is quickly and easily attachable and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10280635
    Abstract: A temporary shield erected between two flanged structural members of a bridge or other structure, a kit therefor, and a method for erection of the shield. A plurality of length-adjustable beams have end portions which are rested on flanges respectively of the structural members. Decking is attached to the beams. At least one elongate member is cantileverly extended from at least one of the beams to underlie a structural member flange to prevent wind lift up of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 10266998
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a panel of a bridge platform or other scaffolding to an underlying cable for supporting the panel. First and second plates are hingedly joined. A member is attached to and extends from the first plate to a free end portion, wherein the member is adapted to be passed downwardly through a panel and cradle a cable passing below the panel then to be passed upwardly back through the opening then through an aperture in the second plate. A wedge is slidably receivable between ledges on the free end portion and the second plate for wedgedly retaining the member in the aperture. A member is attached to the second plate in a position such that it retains the wedge inseparable from the plates. The plates and wedge are inseparable from each other in each of latched and unlatched states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Publication number: 20180135316
    Abstract: A platform and a kit therefor. The platform and the kit comprises quad-chord trusses attachable end-to-end and having connector members intermediate thereof, and further comprising beams attachable at their ends to the connector members so that a beam attaches two parallel trusses. A truss comprises first and second pairs of chords which are foldable for storage and transport and unfoldable to use for erection of the platform. A track lies between the upper chords to allow movement of bolts along the track into position to attach for insertion into decking apertures for attachment of the decking. The kit also includes a sturdy and reliable and easy to use tie-up mechanism and railing along the platform perimeter which is quickly and easily attachable and reliable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Publication number: 20180030744
    Abstract: A method utilizing an assembly of a sling detachably attached to an adjustment device for suspending one structure relative to another structure. The adjustment device comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart plates which are attached to each other and to a hook, for attachment to one of the structures, at the first end portion. Each plate has a plurality of pairs of longitudinally spaced aligned holes for receiving a pin for connecting one end of a sling to the adjustment device at a selected incremental one of the plurality of pairs of holes. The other end of the sling is connected to the other structure to adjust the distance over which the one structure is suspended relative to the other structure. To allow greater adjustability, two or more of the adjustment devices are joined end-to-end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Patent number: 9784001
    Abstract: An assembly of a sling detachably attached to an adjustment device for suspending one structure relative to another structure. The adjustment device comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart plates which are attached to each other and to a hook, for attachment to one of the structures, at the first end portion. Each plate has a plurality of pairs of longitudinally spaced aligned holes for receiving a pin for connecting one end of a sling to the adjustment device at a selected incremental one of the plurality of pairs of holes. The other end of the sling is connected to the other structure to adjust the distance over which the one structure is suspended relative to the other structure. To allow greater adjustability, two or more of the adjustment devices are joined end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc
    Inventor: Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Publication number: 20160186393
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a panel of a bridge platform or other scaffolding to an underlying cable for supporting the panel. First and second plates are hingedly joined. A member is attached to and extends from the first plate to a free end portion, wherein the member is adapted to be passed downwardly through a panel and cradle a cable passing below the panel then to be passed upwardly back through the opening then through an aperture in the second plate. A wedge is slidably receivable between ledges on the free end portion and the second plate for wedgedly retaining the member in the aperture. A member is attached to the second plate in a position such that it retains the wedge inseparable from the plates. The plates and wedge are inseparable from each other in each of latched and unlatched states. In another connector, the free end portion has a plurality of spaced grooves engageable by mating structure on the second plate for achieving the latched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 9309633
    Abstract: A connector for covering an opening in and connecting a scaffolding panel to an underlying cable. One plate has a portion pivotally attached to another plate for movement within a slot thereof, an arcuate portion to cradle the cable and extend back through a slot in the other plate for securing, and a neck therebetween which suspends the arcuate portion at a distance below the other plate to ease receiving the cable. The plates alternatively abut. Alternatively, the plates are hingedly joined with one having an arcuate cable-receiving portion which extends back through a slot in the other plate for securing with a wedge which is inseparable from the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci
  • Patent number: 9217451
    Abstract: A scaffolding connector. A first part includes a first plate, a first rod portion extending downwardly therefrom then upwardly to define a cradle, and a second rod portion extending upwardly therefrom then downwardly into close proximity therewith. A second part includes a second plate inseparable from the second rod portion. The first and second plates are positionable to together overlie an opening in a panel with an underlying cable received in the cradle. The terminal end portion is receivable in an aperture in the second plate so that a nut can be applied thereto for connecting the cable to the panel to define an attached state between the first and second parts and wherein a detached state between the first and second parts is defined when the terminal end portion is not received in the aperture. The first and second parts are inseparable in each of the attached and detached states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140328619
    Abstract: A scaffolding connector. A first part includes a first plate, a first rod portion extending downwardly therefrom then upwardly to define a cradle, and a second rod portion extending upwardly therefrom then downwardly into close proximity therewith. A second part includes a second plate inseparable from the second rod portion. The first and second plates are positionable to together overlie an opening in a panel with an underlying cable received in the cradle. The terminal end portion is receivable in an aperture in the second plate so that a nut can be applied thereto for connecting the cable to the panel to define an attached state between the first and second parts and wherein a detached state between the first and second parts is defined when the terminal end portion is not received in the aperture. The first and second parts are inseparable in each of the attached and detached states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: PAUL KRISTEN, INC.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos