Vault Cover-closure Patents (Class 404/25)
  • Patent number: 11817857
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a key press comprising a circuit substrate, to a key module with a key cap and a movement mechanism, and to a device for detecting the movement of the key cap, wherein this device comprises an electrical resonance circuit with a primary coil and a secondary coil with a short-circuited winding, which secondary coil is moved with the key cap, wherein the primary coil and the secondary coil are inductively coupled to one another, and the strength of the inductive coupling between the primary coil and secondary coil and thus at least one physical variable of the resonance circuit change during the movement of the key cap. The invention also relates to a keyboard comprising one or more such apparatuses and to a method for detecting a key press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cherry Europe GMBH
    Inventor: Eduard Ruff
  • Patent number: 11811399
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a key press comprising a circuit substrate, a key module with a key cap and a movement mechanism, and a device for detecting the movement of the key cap, wherein the movement mechanism has at least one movement element wherein this device comprises an electrical resonance circuit with at least one capacitor and with a primary coil and comprises a secondary coil wherein the device for detecting the movement of the key cap comprises a measuring device for detecting and/or processing at least one physical variable of the electrical resonance circuit, which variable changes during the movement of the key cap, and outputs at least one electrical signal that is dependent on the change in the physical variable. The invention also relates to a keyboard comprising one or more such apparatuses and to a method for detecting a key press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cherry Europe GMBH
    Inventor: Eduard Ruff
  • Patent number: 11773606
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates systems and methods involving movable/adjustable platforms and/or guardrails. An example system includes a bracket configured to be coupled to a fixed structure having a walking surface. The system also includes a flip door portion rotatably coupled to the bracket and a guardrail portion rotatably coupled to the flip door portion. The system includes a linkage further coupling the flip door portion to the guardrail portion. The system yet further includes an actuator configured to controllably adjust a configuration of the flip door portion, the linkage, and the guardrail portion between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration with respect to the walking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Tuan-Vu T. Phan
  • Patent number: 11613867
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided for a cover. The cover is a substantially rigid cover configured to close off an opening to a void, said void bounded by a side wall. The cover defines a top side and an opposed underside. The locking assembly includes a mounting arrangement mountable to the underside. A link is pivotally connected to the mounting arrangement. The link defines a first end and a second, free end. A locking member is carried by the second, free end of the link. The locking member frictionally engages the side wall of the void in a locking position, in use. An actuating member connects to the link and is accessible via the top side. The actuating member displaces the link relative to the mounting arrangement to cause the locking member to frictionally disengage from the side wall of the void to a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Denys Visser, Aaron Robert Christopher, Andrew Raymond White
  • Patent number: 11466423
    Abstract: A cover for an underground enclosure may include an upper surface and may include a pattern of bosses, and a first slot and a second slot each disposed on the upper surface. The cover may also include a lower surface opposite the upper surface. A first rib or reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface. The first slot may extend into the first rib or reinforcement member. A second rib or reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface and aligned with the first rib or reinforcement member. The second slot may extend into the second rib or reinforcement member. The cover may be configured to be lifted by the first slot and the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Hsi Jen Wang, Cauley Sean Price, Jerry Dale Goolsby, Lemuel David Fagan
  • Patent number: 11390430
    Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a lid and latch assembly configured for one-handed operation. The apparatus also includes a hinge assembly that separates when over-rotated but that reengages upon closing of the lid onto the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Livingston Miller, Arjen David Kat
  • Patent number: 11015331
    Abstract: A drainage grating includes a grating disposed on a drain, a moving panel disposed at an upper portion of the grating and configured to discharge water to the drain based on moving up and down according to a hydraulic pressure of water. The moving panel is configured to block introduction of foreign substances into the drain and facilitate cleaning or management of the drainage grating. The drainage grating is configured to be at least partially removed from a support installed at the drain to provide a sufficient drainage space in a rainy season or in heavy rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Seungho Kang
  • Patent number: 11008728
    Abstract: A manhole device and corresponding system including a manhole is described. The manhole device comprises a main body having an upper portion, a lower portion and a securing means. The securing means is engageable with the manhole such that when secured to the manhole, the upper portion protrudes above a surface level and the lower portion is retained below the surface level in the manhole. The main body provides means for alignment for construction around the manhole while providing a barrier to prevent access to vehicles, people and debris during the construction process. A method of construction is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Caswick Limited
    Inventor: Alan James Turner
  • Patent number: 10947690
    Abstract: A monolithic manhole is formed in a levee without trenching, to provide access to drain pipes within the levee for maintenance and repair of the pipes. The manhole is formed by first forcing an outer tube downwardly into the earth and levee and removing soil from within the outer tube to expose the pipe. An inner tube is lowered into the outer tube, with an annular space maintained between the tubes. The annular space is filled with concrete, which hardens to form a monolithic vertical wall. A concrete floor may be poured at the bottom of the wall and a cover attached to the top of the wall. A hole is cut in the pipe inside the wall to provide internal access to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Hydro-Klean, LLC
    Inventors: Matt Huston, Michael Ingham
  • Patent number: 10900194
    Abstract: A safety grill or grate for use with a camera and the like during maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HP Agency Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul Harazim
  • Patent number: 10851516
    Abstract: A manhole cover for manholes, sewer accesses or drainage channels, including a reinforcing element and a body made of plastic which is connected to the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element may be constructed from intersecting, vertically aligned elements. Corrugations may be formed in the reinforcing element. The reinforcing elements may be arched and may include an outer encircling strip and a central plate, which are each connected to the body made of plastic. The reinforcing element rests on a bearing surface on the manhole, sewer access or drainage channel when the manhole, sewer access or drainage channel is closed by means of the manhole cover. The body made of plastic includes ribs, which extend perpendicularly or at an angle of more than 45° to the surface surrounding the manhole cover, sewer access or drainage channel when the manhole, sewer or drainage channel is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Torsten Hensel, Patrick Frey, Helge Weiler-Schlecker, Andreas Wuest, Kay Michael Brockmueller, Milan Kopecek, Andre Schaefer, Joaquin Perez
  • Patent number: 10550539
    Abstract: A safety railing system for an underground utility enclosure includes a utility hatch frame for the underground utility enclosure or a utility hatch cover for the utility hatch frame, and a folding safety railing. The folding safety railing includes a first panel pivotally connected to the utility hatch frame or the utility hatch cover, and a second panel pivotally connected to the first panel. The folding safety railing unfolds so the first and the second panels stand vertically along one or more edges of the utility hatch frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: MADRUGA IRON WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Madruga, Chad W. Crocker, Brian T. McAnulty, Raymond M. Madruga, Vincent L. Tortorelli
  • Patent number: 10508405
    Abstract: A temporary manhole cover includes a hinge to permit a portion of the cover to be pivoted open and closed. And a roller for use with a hose or rope facilitates cleaning and inspection of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: HP Agency Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul Harazim
  • Patent number: 10388844
    Abstract: There is provided a sensor system capable of being used semi-permanently in a maintenance-free state without exchanging batteries as well as being installed in an already-existing manhole lid by a simple work on the spot, and having a measurement unit, a power source unit, and a communication unit, and installed in a manhole lid, wherein the power source unit includes a thermoelectric power generation module configured to generate electric power by a difference in temperature between a first heat transfer unit thermally connected to the manhole lid and a second heat transfer unit thermally connected to a heat radiating unit within a manhole, and the measurement unit and the communication unit are driven by electric power generated by the thermoelectric power generation module and measurement data of the measurement unit is transmitted to the outside via the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kurihara, Norinao Kouma
  • Patent number: 10344447
    Abstract: A cap assembly can include a cap holder device with a plug member and a cap holder. The cap holder device is positionable in an end of a conduit positioned along a roadway. The cap holder is carried by the plug member and includes a magnetic element and a connector. The connector is connectable to the magnetic element to the plug member such that the magnetic element is movable relative to the plug member so as to position the magnetic element for releasably holding a cap that covers the end of the conduit when the plug member is positioned in the conduit. The cap assembly can be a debris cap insertable in a conduit, an end of a pipe, or other opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: TiteLids, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Sauve, Kevin Richardson
  • Patent number: 10340112
    Abstract: A manhole base liner (1), in particular for a wastewater manhole, has a base body (2) which comprises a tread surface (3) and at least one pipe connection opening (5). The base body (2) is produced in one piece from flexible material with a wall thickness, with which it can be bent together substantially arbitrarily in at least partial regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Predl GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Predl
  • Patent number: 10267013
    Abstract: A closure, particularly for closing construction and technological apertures, the principle of which consists in that on the bottom side of the cover of the closing hole a rocker arm is pivotally mounted, the functional part of which in the closed position of the cover rests on the opposite element, which is anchored in the closing hole. The rocker arm is pivotally attached on a pin that is anchored by means of brackets to the bottom part of the cover. The axis of the pin, on which the rocker arm is mounted, may be either parallel to the longitudinal axis of the closing hole or perpendicular to it. The rocker arm and the rocker lug are balanced relative to the pin so that the closure is maintained in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: BERNDORF BADERBAU S.R.O.
    Inventor: Rudolf Cieslar
  • Patent number: 10202238
    Abstract: A locking device for a container is provided. The locking device contains a weighted mechanism having a mounting block and at least one paddle mounted on the mounting block. The weighted mechanism is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The at least one paddle having two opposing ends. A first end is mounted to the mounting block by a rotatable coupling to allow the paddle to pivot thereon. A second end of the paddle is detachably mounted to a surface of the mounting block, such that a sudden jerking or jarring motion, such as by impact with the ground, causes the second end to detach from the mounting block to block the weighted mechanism from moving from the locked position to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Serio-Us Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reeb, James L. Martin, II
  • Patent number: 10012524
    Abstract: A meter box and lid unit has a meter box. The meter box has end walls and opposing side walls, an interior cavity and an opening. A lip extends along the walls. The lip has notches therein. The lid has a first portion and a separate second portion, the first and second portions covering the opening when the lid bears the lip. The first portion has a receptacle for receiving a transmitter. The first portion has retainers depending therefrom. The first portion is capable of moving from a first position to a second position, wherein when the first portion in the first position, the retainer and the notch are aligned and the first portion can be removed from the box. With the first portion in the second position, the retainer cooperates with the lip to retain the first portion on the lip. With the first portion in the second position, the second portion can be removed from the box while the first portion is retained thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9963851
    Abstract: An underground access cover includes a substantially non-metallic base having a diameter. The underground access cover also includes a substantially non-metallic cap coupled to the base. The cap has a diameter that is longer than the diameter of the base such that the cap extends radially outward from the base to define a flange of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel Boyd Francovich, Jr., Raymond Michael Pezonella
  • Patent number: 9890513
    Abstract: A locatable slab assembly for overlying a manhole cover located beneath a lowermost surface of a pavement. The locatable slab assembly includes a slab body, a tubular member, a protective plug, and an electronic marker. The slab body is deposed to permit a central line of the slab body in line with a center line of the manhole cover. The electronic marker is configured to permit a region of the pavement in alignment with the center line of the manhole cover to be located. The locatable slab assembly together with the pavement thereon can be lifted to permit access of the manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Long Time Win Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Hsien Wu, Cheng-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 9816247
    Abstract: An inner peripheral portion of a receiving frame and an outer peripheral portion of a lid body each include first and second surface parts. In the closed-lid state, the first surface part of the lid body is supported by the first surface part of the frame, each of which include a gentle gradient. The second surface parts of the lid body and the receiving frame are pressed against each other by a force caused by elastic deformation of at least one of the outer peripheral portion of the lid body and the inner peripheral portion of the receiving frame. The second surface part of the receiving frame includes a steeper gradient than the first surface part of the receiving frame by reducing its diameter toward a downward direction of the receiving frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HINODE, LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Saeki, Norio Shinohara, Takefumi Andou
  • Patent number: 9617070
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a water impenetrable barrier between an underground duct and an access opening. The apparatus is particularly well suited to cover a secondary opening in a containment sump of an underground storage tank or the manway of a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system. The apparatus includes a lid, inflatable seal and pressurized tank contained within the lid to inflate the seal. When sealed to the access opening, the lid restricts the inflow of water or other debris into the interior of the underground duct and restricts removal of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: David D. Russell, Robert Russell
  • Patent number: 9605399
    Abstract: A trench-shoring sheeting panel includes a rectangular-shaped polyethylene sheet having opposing primary surfaces and four corners, a planar support structure embedded in the polyethylene sheet, a plurality of hand hold apertures formed in the polyethylene sheet, a plurality of corner holes positioned adjacent to the four corners, and a plurality of protrusions positioned on at least one of the primary surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GROUND PROTECTION, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur L. Price
  • Patent number: 9435098
    Abstract: A floating manhole cover system to be installed on a manhole shaft and a road base. The system comprising a precast ring having an inner diameter sized to align with the inner diameter of the manhole shaft; an outer diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the manhole shaft; a top surface to engage with the road top finish (asphalt or concrete); a bottom surface to engage with the road base through cast in place concrete and to allow the precast-ring to move with a heave action of the road base and road. The system further having a manhole cover receiving means casted in to receive a manhole cover, and a leveling means casted in to engage with the manhole shaft to level said precast-ring with the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Esmaeil Esrafili
  • Patent number: 9376831
    Abstract: A device for mounting of a charging pole (1) has a foundation member (9) configured to be installed below ground level (6), and anchoring means (10) by which the charging pole (1) is mountable to the foundation member (9). The anchoring means (10) has a detachable adapter element (11) configured to fit a charging pole (1) to the foundation member (9). Such a mounting device (7) promotes deployment of infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles by providing a low-cost, future-proof platform for fitting charging poles (1) from any supplier using virtually any charging technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: UNIMI SOLUTIONS AB
    Inventor: Mathias Hökfelt
  • Patent number: 9303381
    Abstract: An anti-theft insert capable of preventing unauthorized access to a handhole and manhole and preventing the theft of the internal components of the handhole and manhole, the anti-theft insert comprises a cap, the cap including a chamfer and a top surface, a post member, the post member including a keyway, and at least one anchor point. The post member is configured to support the cap. An outer diameter of the cap is sized to fit within an inner diameter of the handhole and manhole. The weight of the anti-theft device is of a sufficient amount so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the anti-theft device from the handhole and manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: John E Balogh
  • Patent number: 9228690
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing an existing spill containment manhole operably associated with an underground fuel storage tank. The apparatus includes a containment vessel for containing fuel spilled during filling of the underground fuel storage tank. A major portion of the containment vessel is adapted to be inserted into an existing spill containment manhole. Preferably, the containment vessel includes an upper annular flange that extends over and surrounds a portion of an existing cover rim of an existing spill containment manhole thereby isolating an upper portion of the containment vessel from an upper portion on the existing spill containment manhole when the containment vessel is installed. Optionally, a replacement cover is provided to replace an existing cover of the existing spill containment manhole. The replacement cover may include at least one sealing member that engages the inner surface of the at least one wall of the containment vessel when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton Retail Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9157213
    Abstract: A frame for a cover for an inlet of one of a catch basin and a manhole is provided. The inlet has an inlet passageway having a first cross-sectional shape having an axis of symmetry. A hollow body of the frame defines a frame passageway and has a second cross-sectional shape having first and second sides opposite to one another. When the frame is installed, the hollow body has a lower end extending partially within at least one of the inlet passageway and a head portion reducing a surface area of the inlet passageway. The second cross-sectional shape is inscribed within the first cross-sectional shape, and a distance of the first side of the second cross-sectional shape to the axis of symmetry of the first cross-sectional shape is different from distance of the second side of the second cross-sectional shape to the axis of symmetry of the first cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: CANADA PIPE COMPANY ULC
    Inventor: Pierre-Laurent Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 9021842
    Abstract: A lockable utility box lid includes at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener. The locking mechanism preferably includes a utility box engagement member coupled to the underside of the utility box lid. The locking mechanism is movable between a locked and unlocked position. A fastener extends through the opening in the utility box lid and engages the locking mechanism. Rotating the fastener in a first direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a first, locked position. Rotating the fastener in a second direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a second, unlocked position. In the locked position the utility box engagement member is engaged with an interior surface of the utility box lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Zachary Daniel Rix
  • Patent number: 9022685
    Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a manhole structure, a manhole frame carried by the manhole structure and a manhole frame grout cementing the manhole frame to the manhole structure. The manhole frame grout includes a grout mixture having an epoxy resin, a curing agent and an aggregate. The epoxy resin and the aggregate are present in the grout mixture in an epoxy resin:aggregate weight ratio of about 0.09. A removable manhole cover is carried by the manhole frame. A manhole cover assembly fabrication method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: David L. Neathery, Rober Forlong
  • Publication number: 20150104253
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the frame and a surrounding surface. An anchor on the cover plate, which may comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate, which may also comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9004810
    Abstract: A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs that are configured to enable a range of movement of a portion of the cover such that the cover can be unseated at an angle with respect to the frame to allow fluids to escape from the underground area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EJ USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean W. Reynolds, James R. Allen, Jeremy I. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9004809
    Abstract: A The manhole cover is described with a supporting structure device comprising force distribution ribs for supporting a top surface of the manhole cover which can be driven over, and a hollow force distribution cylinder arranged substantially centrally, in particular a circular force distribution cylinder, for supporting the force distribution ribs, characterised by a force distribution plate to relieve the load on the force distribution cylinder, wherein the force distribution plate at least substantially completely covers an underside of the force distribution cylinder in relation to the top surface, and wherein the force distribution ribs transform smoothly into the force distribution plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Arne Stoltenberg
  • Patent number: 8998528
    Abstract: The street ironwork according to the invention includes a frame (4), a manhole cover (6), a hinge (10) for pivotably connecting the covering element relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position, the hinge including a frame knuckle (20) and a covering element knuckle (22). The street ironwork includes a locking element (40) attached to the covering element knuckle and suitable for preventing the covering element knuckle from being released from the frame knuckle in at least one of the open positions of the covering element relative to the frame or in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jacky Boca, Yvan Morcel
  • Patent number: 8991226
    Abstract: A storm grate locking device and method of use with a lock body. The lock body has at least one hook arm engaged with a latch assembly, a security flange nut engaged with the latch assembly, and a deep well socket. When the lock body is placed into the recessed area of a storm grate; and the hook arm engaged with the latch assembly may be extended to extend under the storm grate thereby preventing removal of the storm grate by rotating the security flange nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Ron R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8979422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cast-iron cover fitted with at least one traffic-bearing surface which in turn comprises at least segment-wise a wear-resistant layer constituted by chilling the cast iron. Preferably the wear-resistant layer exhibits a Brinell hardness larger than 275 HBW but less than 350 HBW. A method of the invention furthermore relates to manufacturing a cast-iron cover, first manufacturing a shaped body. Then an activation layer is made within the shaped body. Cast iron is poured-in in a way to be at least partly chilled at a contact surface with the activation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: MeierGuss Limburg GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Künze, Stefan Weis, Peter Merkl
  • Patent number: 8979421
    Abstract: A manhole cover maintains a strength and weight the same as those of conventional manhole covers made of cast iron, eliminates the risk of theft, and achieves improved corrosion resistance and sealing properties. The manhole cover comprises: a base unit made of composite materials having compositions containing 12 to 18 wt % of glass fiber, 17 to 23 wt % of a polyester resin, with the remainder being calcium carbonate (CaCO3), wherein the base unit is mounted on the manhole such that an upper portion of the base unit is exposed aboveground; and a metal reinforcement unit which is uniformly distributed within the base unit to reinforce the base unit and increase weight and strength of the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jung Sik Jang
  • Patent number: 8976038
    Abstract: A security device for detecting the position of a manhole cover includes a pinger device, such as an acoustic pinger, that transmits a signal in the direction of the expected position of the manhole cover. The device takes energy samples to determine if the signal has been reflected back by the manhole cover. If the device determines the signal has not been reflected, it determines that the manhole cover has been moved from the expected position. In response, the device captures an image of an area around the expected position of the manhole cover. In addition, the device can notify a remote security station via a network that the manhole cover has been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert R. Miller, II, Edward G. Amoroso, Susan R. Bailey, Lusheng Ji, Harry R. Worstell, David M. Britz
  • Patent number: 8956073
    Abstract: A trench cover comprising a main body arranged to cover or partially cover a trench, in use, and retainer means operable to resist lateral movement of the cover, in use, the retainer means comprising a plurality of movable retainers, each being movable between a retracted position in which it projects beneath a lower surface of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Limited
    Inventor: Christopher James Whiteley
  • Patent number: 8920072
    Abstract: A drainage channel includes a first sidewall provided with a first rail member extending along a longitudinal axis of the drainage channel. A second sidewall extends along the longitudinal axis of the drainage channel with the first and second sidewalls at least partially defining an interior area of the drainage channel. A first locking insert is at least partially positioned within a first rail opening of the first rail member, with the first locking insert including a first insert opening. Further examples include methods of making a drainage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ACO Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Humphries, James Allen McConnell
  • Patent number: 8905673
    Abstract: A manhole cover adapter system comprises an adapter assembly having a central passage and a wing structure which enables the system is to be embedded between pavement layers during installation. The manhole cover adapter further comprises an expansion joint assembly and, if required, an angular adjustment assembly for allowing uses in various construction scenarios upon various types of manholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nathan W. Kember
  • Patent number: 8887463
    Abstract: A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventors: James Derrigan, Chris Wierzbowski
  • Patent number: 8888400
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the frame and a surrounding surface. An anchor on the cover plate, which may comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate, which may also comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140334876
    Abstract: A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs that are configured to enable a range of movement of a portion of the cover such that the cover can be unseated at an angle with respect to the frame to allow fluids to escape from the underground area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Dean W. Reynolds, James R. Allen, Jeremy I. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8869452
    Abstract: A road device such as a telecommunications access hatch having a frame that delimits an opening, a cover, a first hinge provided with a first cam and a first cam follower, which are designed to guide the cover between a released open position and a closed position, a first securing member and a first counterpart securing member that prevent the cover from lifting when in the closed position; and a first support bracket added on the frame that bears the first cam and the first securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Royer, Vincent Rotharmel
  • Patent number: 8858114
    Abstract: A support apparatus for a frame of a utility access cover comprises an inner support member and an outer support member in telescopic engagement with the inner support member. The height and inclination of the support apparatus is adjustable by selectively positioning the first support member relative to the second support member and securing the first support member to the second support member with the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Chris Gaspar
  • Patent number: 8851791
    Abstract: A manhole cover venting and rain guarding device for a manhole cover having an exterior manhole cover surface and an interior manhole cover surface includes a device housing adapted for attachment to the manhole cover. The device housing includes manhole cover venting and precipitation guarding device includes a device housing adapted for attachment to the manhole cover, the device housing including a head portion having a head portion surface adapted to protrude beyond an entire plane of the exterior manhole cover surface and a device bore extending through the head portion and adapted to communicate with the interior manhole cover surface of the manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Putnam
  • Patent number: 8851789
    Abstract: A closure is adapted to limit damage from a gas explosion in an underground space. The closure includes a telescoping sleeve having a plurality of vents extending radially through the sleeve. The sleeve defines a manhole extending axially through the sleeve so a person can enter the underground space through the manhole. A manhole cover is moveable to a closed position in which the cover is supported on an upper end of the sleeve and covers the manhole. The sleeve can be received in an opening of a frame of a manhole installation so the sleeve is moveable by gas pressure to an extended position in which gas from the underground space can be vented through the sleeve to an aboveground space. If desired, the sleeve can be installed in an existing manhole installation to upgrade the installation to have an explosion mitigation capability without replacing the conventional manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ameren Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel D. Bax
  • Patent number: 8851790
    Abstract: A hatch useful for forming a portal to a sub-surface facility has a cover plate with a plurality of fasteners around its perimeter. These fasteners apply an adjustable compressive force on the cover plate. A compressible material is affixed to the cover plate inward from the perimeter adjacent to the fasteners. A first vertical portion of a rectangular channel has a first end penetrating the compressive material to form a water barrier with the penetration distance being determined by the compressive force. A mechanical stop determines a maximum penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Bilco Company
    Inventor: Roger F. Joyce