Foundation Patents (Class 405/229)
  • Patent number: 11828076
    Abstract: A hydraulic lift caisson for buildings including an outer rigid pipe, an inner rigid lifting post and a plurality of threaded lifting rods surrounding the inner rigid lifting post. Also included is a base lifting plate disposed within a bottom end of the outer rigid pipe and connected to a bottom end of the inner rigid lifting post and threaded rods, an anchor plate fixed to a first end of the inner rigid pipe and including a plurality of holes extending therethrough to receive the threaded lifting rods therethrough and a jacking plate disposed above the anchor plate and also including a plurality of holes extending therethrough to receive the threaded lifting rods therethrough, and at least one hydraulic jack disposed between the anchor plate and a jacking plate to lift the jacking plate, lifting post and building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony J Mazzo
  • Patent number: 11746490
    Abstract: A pier bracket comprises a seat including a base plate and an upper plate extending orthogonally from the base plate wherein, when the base plate is positioned for supporting a structure, the upper plate is adjacent to the structure for securing the upper plate to the structure. A tubular member is mounted to the seat and adapted to slidably receive structural piers. A planar support plate is distally spaced from and parallel to the base plate. Each of a pair of side plates extend between an opposite side edge of the base plate and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Independence Materials Group, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Gantt
  • Patent number: 11668066
    Abstract: A system for retaining a flowable and curable building material to form a portion of a foundation includes side walls disposed in a predetermined configuration having a first side wall and a second side wall, and at least one component having an interior cavity disposed in one of the side walls. A bracket assembly includes an outwardly bounding reinforcement post for each of the side walls, a separator bar having a plurality of apertures sized to receive and retain each of the reinforcement posts at locations corresponding to nominal widths of the at least one component. A barrier is disposed between the outwardly bounding posts. The barrier and the component in the side wall is retained in the foundation after the building material cures. The barrier prevents backfill from filling a volume between the outwardly bounding posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: DRFF, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Moyher
  • Patent number: 11585066
    Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of aluninosilicate Pozzolan mineral and granular material such as sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Aquadation LLC
    Inventors: Bassam Marawi, Omar Besim Hakim
  • Patent number: 11255066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component, such as a structural member, free of toe pressure, including the steps of: introducing a soluble material into soil and introducing a component into the soil on the soluble material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: KELLER HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Michal Bubenicek
  • Patent number: 11105061
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a high-performance liquefaction mitigation method forstone columns for protecting the existing buildings during earthquakes. Specifically, a small equipment is used to dig trenches in the soil around the existing building. Then, a spiral driller is used to drill a series of boreholes in the trenches according to the optimized borehole design. Next, two or three layers of optimized gravel material with high permeability are filled into the boreholes to work as the inverted layer. Finally, geotextile is arranged around the trench and the trench is filled with the optimized gravel. Compared with current liquefaction mitigation methods for existing buildings, the disclosure is suitable for liquefaction mitigation in large cities, and has the advantages of low disturbance to the overlaid building, simple construction process, high construction efficiency, low construction cost, long service life and the construction material could be easily obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yanguo Zhou, Kai Liu, Qiang Ma, Xinhui Zhou
  • Patent number: 11028550
    Abstract: A pier bracket comprises a seat including a base plate and an upper plate extending orthogonally from the base plate wherein, when the base plate is positioned for supporting a structure, the upper plate is adjacent to the structure for securing the upper plate to the structure. A tubular member is mounted to the seat and adapted to slidably receive structural piers. A planar support plate is distally spaced from and parallel to the base plate. Each of a pair of side plates extend between an opposite side edge of the base plate and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Independence Materials Group, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Gantt
  • Patent number: 10711478
    Abstract: A self-adjusting floating environment (SAFE) system is described. The SAFE system can include a construction platform which floats on a buffer medium and a vertical motion isolation system. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage. The vertical motion isolation system can reduce the vertical motion of the construction platform induced from vertical ground movements during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ARX FAX LABS, INC.
    Inventor: D. Gregory Henderson
  • Patent number: 10519618
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to construction of subsurface structural elements that are configured to redirect soil forces. For instance, a form may be used to construct a subsurface structural element such that the subsurface structural element redirects soil forces to vertically displace a foundation rather than have the soil forces crack or otherwise damage the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: V-Forms, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Conner, DeWayne Krawl, Omar Besim Hakim
  • Patent number: 10138615
    Abstract: Disclosed is a base body of an electric transmission tower using a micropile. The base body of the electric transmission tower using the micropile includes an anchor member coupled to a main pole member of the electric transmission tower, a foundation member coupled to the anchor member and including a plurality of foundations, and the micropile configured to fix the foundation member to the ground and compress the foundation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dae Hong Kim, Won Sam Pyo, Jang Goon Kim, Dae Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 10094107
    Abstract: A system for retaining a flowable and curable building material to form a portion of a foundation includes side walls disposed in a predetermined configuration having a first side wall and a second side wall, and at least one component having an interior cavity disposed in one of the side walls. A bracket assembly includes at least one inwardly bounding reinforcement post and at least one outwardly bounding reinforcement post, a separator bar having a plurality of apertures sized to receive and retain each of the reinforcement posts at locations corresponding to nominal widths of the at least one component. A barrier is disposed between the outwardly bounding and inwardly bounding posts. The component in the side wall is retained in the foundation after the building material cures. The barrier prevents backfill from filling a volume between the outwardly bounding and inwardly bounding posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DRFF, LLC
    Inventor: Charles S. Moyher
  • Patent number: 10087594
    Abstract: A removable pile cap is disclosed for use with a pile that is driven into the ground. The removable pile cap comprises a top member and at least one pile member positionable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The top member and the at least one pile member are connected together. When the at least one pile member is in the first orientation it is mountable over the pile's upper end. When the at least one pile member is in the second orientation it maintains frictional engagement with at least part of the pile's above-ground portion. The top member may be supported by the pile's upper end and is capable of accepting one or more structural foundation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ross Krill
  • Patent number: 10081962
    Abstract: A buoying system includes an anchor, a plurality of vertical supports, a plurality of support mounts, and at least one floatation device. The anchor is affixed to the ground, and the plurality of vertical supports are affixed to the anchor. The anchor may comprise a plurality of anchors. The plurality of support mounts is affixed to the housing structure and are constrained laterally by the plurality of vertical supports. The floatation device is configured to elevate the housing structure above the ground in response to water reaching a predetermined lever as a result of a flood event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas Sluss
  • Patent number: 10012079
    Abstract: Geocomposite articles that can provide a barrier against high conductivity water e.g., ocean water, are described and their method of manufacture, for waterproofing surfaces that contact high conductivity water. The geocomposite article mat includes a woven or non-woven geotextile sheet or mat containing a powdered or granular partially cross-linked acrylamide/acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular copolymer has an unexpectedly high free-swell when hydrated with High Conductivity water, such as ocean water. A liquid-impermeable cover sheet is adhered to the upper major surfaces of the filled copolymer-carrying geotextile to provide a primary high conductivity water barrier layer that, if ruptured, is sealed by the swell of an underlying layer of water-insoluble, partially cross-linked acrylamide/acrylic acid copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: AMCOL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas W. Beihoffer, Nataliya V. Larionova, Marek R. Mosiewicz
  • Patent number: 9803329
    Abstract: The expansive soil resistant foundation system includes a foundation frame having footings forming a grid pattern. The grid pattern contains a plurality of spaces within the pattern. Each space defines a main swell duct. Each main swell duct may be provided with one or more sub-swell ducts. The swell ducts permit free expansion and contraction of the expansive soil. A vent extends from each swell duct to expel trapped air. A drainage system is distributed throughout the foundation frame to eliminate accumulation of underground water. The swell ducts, vents, and the drainage system alleviate potential pressures that can be exerted on the foundation from the expansion and contraction of the expansive soil, which can lead to cracks and structural failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Refat Ahmed Ibrahim El-Sheikhy, Mosleh Ali Al-Shamrani
  • Patent number: 9598834
    Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of aluninosilicate Pozzolan mineral and granular material such as sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: AQUADATION, LLC
    Inventors: Bassam Marawi, Omar Besim Hakim
  • Patent number: 9471721
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for making a foundation system for a platform. In an embodiment, the process includes obtaining design data relating to load and soil characteristics; performing modal tests on a pile member installed in soil to determine natural frequency of the pile member; performing vibration tests on a pile member to determine stiffness; forming a model of using data obtained; testing, in silico, how the model responds to frequencies in a range of the equipment; adjusting, in silico, the model to satisfy design criteria; forming, in silico, a plan of a foundation system based on the adjusted model; installing the foundation system based on the plan; performing vibration tests on the installed foundation system, and measuring vibration levels; and adjusting the foundation system to avoid resonance at a natural frequency by one of stiffen vibrations or dampen vibrations. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Bernard J. Gochis
  • Patent number: 9238920
    Abstract: A liftable building system includes a building structure. A foundation is configured for supporting the building structure. A substructure is disposable between the foundation and the building structure. At least one guide post is in communication with the building structure, the substructure and the foundation. The liftable building system includes a lifting system including a first end and a second end. The first end is in communication with the substructure and the second end is in communication with the foundation so that actuating the lifting system applies a force to axially displace in a substantially up and down direction the substructure with the building structure along or with the at least one guidepost relative to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: FLOOD LIFT SYSTEM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herman Carlinsky, Anthony L. Cioffi, Paul Pellicani
  • Publication number: 20150139739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation structure vertically installed on the ground, and comprising: an upper support layer 10 formed on the ground in the vertical direction; and a lower support layer 20 formed so as to extend downward from the upper support layer 10 and such that the width thereof is less than that of the upper support layer 10. The disclosed upper support layer 10 and the lower support layer 20 are structures formed from soil solidified by means of feeding and mixing an earth and soil-solidifying agent therein, and therefore are efficient and prevent overload due to boring equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Yong Song
  • Publication number: 20150098766
    Abstract: A bracing system to brace a foundation pile that is or is to be located into and extend from ground below or adjacent a building. The bracing system utilises formwork to allow an in-situe concrete block to be cast, the concrete block being supported by the ground adjacent to where the pile is located and at least substantially surrounds the pile. The concrete block is operatively connected to the foundation pile at a location of the pile that is above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Saunders
  • Patent number: 8974152
    Abstract: A polymer grouting method for constructing a vertical supporting system, includes following steps of: (1) structuring an integrated polymer water-blocking panel; (2) constructing a polymer coping of a polymer vertical supporting system; (3) constructing polymer anchors on the integrated polymer water-blocking panel; (4) processing constructing connection of the polymer anchors; and (5) excavating vertically by layer in turn, wherein step (3) and step (4) is repeated until a construction of the polymer vertical supporting system reaches a projected depth, and then the construction of the polymer vertical supporting system is completed. The polymer vertical supporting system constructed according to the present invention has advantages, such as convenience, lightness, high tenacity, economy, and lasting long. The slots of foundation pits, side slopes, municipal pipelines, etc. can be excavated vertically fast by adopting the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SAFEKEY Engineering Technology(Zhengzhou), Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Mingsheng Shi, Bei Zhang, Chengchao Guo, Yanhui Pan
  • Patent number: 8926227
    Abstract: A method of raising a building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); the method including the steps of: forming a mat (7) having a number of through holes (12), each surrounded by a number of upward-projecting ties (16); inserting a foundation pile (9) through each hole (12); attaching to each foundation pile (9) a lifting device (11), which on one side rests on the top end of the foundation pile (9), and on the other side is secured to the corresponding ties (16) which act as reaction members; exerting thrust on the foundation piles (9) by means of the lifting devices (11) to lift the building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); dividing lift of the building structure (1) into a succession of lift steps; establishing a predetermined lift value for each lift step; and, at each lift step, operating each lifting device (11) to expand the lifting device (11) by exactly the predetermined lift step value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: SO.L.E.S.—Societa' Lavori Edili E Serbatoi S.p.A., Mattioli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Zago, Lamberto Zambianchi, Gioacchino Marabello, Stefano Scuttari
  • Patent number: 8888413
    Abstract: An improved transition coupling for a helical soil pile assembly transfers a compression load between two coupled shaft segments with little or no compression loading on the bolts that fasten the parts together. The coupling body has a shaft-receiving socket that extends axially into the body from one end to a socket bottom that axially abuts the end of one of the shafts. The body also has at least one shoulder between its ends that extends laterally outward and faces toward the end remote from the socket. A cylindrical portion of the body, which fits closely within the hollow end of the other shaft, extends axially toward the socket end up to the shoulder, which is adapted to abut the end of that shaft. At least one pair of aligned transverse holes in the body is adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary L. Seider, Shawn D. Downey, Jacob C. Atchley, Kelly S. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20140314494
    Abstract: A polymer grouting method for constructing a vertical supporting system, includes following steps of: (1) structuring an integrated polymer water-blocking panel; (2) constructing a polymer coping of a polymer vertical supporting system; (3) constructing polymer anchors on the integrated polymer water-blocking panel; (4) processing constructing connection of the polymer anchors; and (5) excavating vertically by layer in turn, wherein step (3) and step (4) is repeated until a construction of the polymer vertical supporting system reaches a projected depth, and then the construction of the polymer vertical supporting system is completed. The polymer vertical supporting system constructed according to the present invention has advantages, such as convenience, lightness, high tenacity, economy, and lasting long. The slots of foundation pits, side slopes, municipal pipelines, etc. can be excavated vertically fast by adopting the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Henan Polytech Infrastructure Rehabilitation LTD.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Mingsheng Shi, Bei Zhang, Chengchao Guo, Yanhui Pan
  • Patent number: 8857131
    Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon of a wind power installation is provided. The method includes providing a foundation and placing a plurality of height adjusting units on the foundation. The height adjusting units are made substantially from a plastic material. A load distribution ring is placed on the plurality of height adjusting units. The load distribution ring is straightened and leveled by adjustment of the height adjusting units. A gap between the foundation and the load distribution ring is filled with a grouting material. A pylon segment is placed on the load distribution ring after the grouting material has reached a predetermined strength. The height adjusting units are configured to jointly bear the weight of the load distribution ring, and are configured to yield under a selected load that is greater that a weight of the load distribution ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aloys Wobben
    Inventors: Markus Vogel, Jens Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8845235
    Abstract: A method of installing a structure on a bed of a sea, estuary or river from a floating installation vessel is described. In such a method a plurality of attachment piles and corresponding installation rigs are attached to the structure prior to deployment of the structure. In addition, respective umbilical control cables are connected to the installation rigs prior to deployment of the structure. The structure is deployed from a floating vessel to a bed of a sea, estuary or river, such that, when the structure is located on the bed, the umbilical control cables do not support the structure or installation rigs. A single installation operation for each attachment pile is performed, in which operation an installation rig is activated so as to install fully the corresponding attachment pile in the bed, without removal of the umbilical control cable or the installation rig therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tidal Generation Limited
    Inventor: George James Gibberd
  • Publication number: 20140261049
    Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for installing a turntable in a foundation. A foundation module having a base with a plurality of holes therein is used for installing the turntable. A first one of the plurality of holes is adapted to receive a foundation material there through for pouring a first section of the foundation and plurality of frame members are adapted to affix to the base. A form having an outer surface is adapted to secure to at least one of the plurality of frame members. The outer surface of the form is adapted retain a portion of the foundation material for pouring a second section of the foundation and the second section of the foundation defines a wall. Part of the turntable is adapted to rotate within the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20140270979
    Abstract: A U-shaped strut is sized and configured to be driven into a substrate as a pile. The strut includes a U-shape cross-section with two open arms. Each arm terminating in an annular 270° configuration with respect to the axis of the arm. Preferably, a plurality of struts used as piles are used to support a two dimensional support rack holding a solar panel array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Brian M. Flood
  • Publication number: 20140270978
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting machinery and a method for installing the same is disclosed. A frame module including: a base with at least one attachment location, the attachment location for receiving the machinery; and a plurality of frame members affixed to the base, wherein at least one of the frame members defines a plane corresponding to a wall. A foundation has first and second sections and is disposed around the frame module. A portion of the frame module is at least partially submerged within the foundation. The machinery has at least one flange for affixing the machinery to the foundation at the attachment location. The first section of the foundation is disposed below an outside surface of the base and the second section of the foundation defines the wall of the foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8807876
    Abstract: A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Liiban Affi
  • Patent number: 8801335
    Abstract: There is provided a wind power installation foundation having a reinforcement comprising a plurality of steel bars and radial steel bars and a lower pylon segment having a plurality of holes in the wall of the pylon segment for receiving the bars or radial bars. In addition there is provided a concrete body which covers the reinforcement and the lower portion of the pylon segment. The foundation has a plurality of holders for holding the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The holder has an upper bracket for fixing to the pylon segment and a lower foot for receiving the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The length of the holder is adapted to be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Meik Schacknies, Markus Schade
  • Publication number: 20140215959
    Abstract: A method for forming a cementitious retaining wall is described. The method includes the step of defining on an earth surface an outline of the wall to be formed. The outline delimits an area of earth to be excavated. The method also includes the step of compacting the area. After compaction, the earth underneath and adjacent to the area is densified, which provides stability to the earth during excavation and after the wall is formed. The method also includes the step of excavating the earth from the area compacted to an initial depth, thereby creating a wall cavity. The method further includes the step of compacting the bottom surface of the wall cavity and subsequently excavating the earth from the compacted bottom surface. This step can be repeated as much as required, under a final depth of the wall cavity is reached. Once the final depth is reached, the wall cavity can be filled at least partially a cementitious material so as to form the retaining wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Maurice Garzon, Lavih Garzon
  • Patent number: 8790043
    Abstract: A foundation for structures, with a combination of pile-like support elements (11) and a load distribution layer (12) which is arranged above the support elements and has an incorporated three-dimensional honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Soiltec GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Tietjen
  • Publication number: 20140205384
    Abstract: Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to lying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections, and can then be arranged on-site to form the segmented base support structure. The transportability of the segments of the disclosed segmented base support structure enables offsite manufacturing to be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: French Development Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: William L. French, SR.
  • Patent number: 8777519
    Abstract: A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Arx Pax, LLC
    Inventor: D. Gregory Henderson
  • Patent number: 8777520
    Abstract: A piling is provided with a pipe provided with a generally cylindrical shape, a first end, and a second end. A first end fitting is located at the first end of the pipe and a second end fitting is located at the second end of the pipe. The first end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque and is dimensioned so that at least a portion fits within the second end fitting, and the second end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque with at least a portion that fits about a portion of the first end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: MacLean Fogg Company
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Lin
  • Publication number: 20140161539
    Abstract: The present invitation relates to a soil anchor footing supporting system within the ground surface to support steel or concrete column, brick or block wall, light post, sign post, substation equipment, pre-cast panel, retaining wall etc. It comprises of a footing slab (2) made of concrete; plurality of deformed steel bars (1) or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars embedded in the lower surface of the concrete slab (2) and plurality of anchor bolts (4) or reinforcing starter bars which are embedded into upper surface of concrete slab (2) to suit steel or concrete column. The bars, which act as mini piles, are configured for ground penetration and a concrete slab is cast on top to encase all the bars and is capable of holding desired loads. These footings can be cast-in-situ type where the bars are pushed into ground (3) individually or in groups and concrete is cast on top, or it can be pre-cast type where, the whole footing is pushed into ground using pile driving equipment or mobile press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: ANOOP KUMAR ARYA
  • Patent number: 8720139
    Abstract: A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes are coupled to a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8714881
    Abstract: Low environmental impact, surface installed, multiple pile foundation locking systems providing stable connection between above ground structures and the earth, having a plurality of driving holes in an engineered component through which piles may be driven into the surrounding soil and locked in a predetermined position to create, in differing configurations, the necessary resistances to any combination or relative proportions of bearing, uplift and lateral loads associated with such structures. The piles are driven at predetermined angles relative to the supported structure, consistent with its loading characteristics, and are locked in the driving holes through which they pass, further binding in their configuration under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Richard J. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 8684631
    Abstract: A method for creating an elevated containment structure at a site for providing telecommunications services. The elevated containment structure defines a containment field that is substantially surrounded by at least one wall of the elevated containment structure. The creation of the elevated containment structure further comprises forming the at least one wall, disposing a fill material within the containment field, positioning an equipment pad on the fill material, positioning telecommunications equipment on the equipment pad, receiving a signal at the telecommunications equipment from either end user and a service provider, communicating the signal from the equipment to the other of the end user and the service provider. Forming the at least one wall comprises positioning a plurality of forms to create a gap between at least two of the forms and disposing a second fill material in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Wade Bolotte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8678712
    Abstract: A system for forming a movable slab foundation has a slab foundation, at least one support surface, at least one lifting member, at least one support sleeve, and an engagement device carried by the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve is encased within the slab foundation and its lower end is positioned in abutting contact with the at least one support surface. The at least one lifting member is inserted through the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation are moved upward axially along the length of the at least one lifting member. The engagement device is engaged with the at least one lifting member, thereby securing the slab foundation and the at least one support sleeve at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8671627
    Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the axis of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least One support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8662792
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a seat portion structure for a ground-based hydraulic turbine engine. The seat portion structure includes a base plate. A first bearing element is connected to the base plate and contacts the ground. At least three arms are connected to the base plate by a pivoting link. The arms are adapted for pivoting relative to the base plate between a first position, in which the arms are placed near each other, and a second position, in which the arms radially extend from the base plate. A second bearing element is connected to one end of each arm and contacts the ground. A positioning device is adapted for changing the distance between the end of at least one arm and the associated second element. The structure includes, for each arm, a device for locking the arm in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Thomas Jaquier, Didier Imbault
  • Publication number: 20130322970
    Abstract: The metal foundations of the present invention are comprised of integrated fins which allows for the metal foundations to be manually assembled and fastened by any mechanical means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: James E. Tappe
  • Patent number: 8596921
    Abstract: A ballast system is provided for use with least partially buried pre-formed chamber, the system having at least one ring formed of a plurality of interlocking ballast block ring segments; each ring segment being configured with at least one male interconnect and at least one female interconnect, each said female interconnect being configured to receive a corresponding male interconnect, each ring segment comprising a containment form shell and cast mass; and corrosion resistant locking pins whereby each female interconnect is secured to a corresponding male interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Henry S. Albro
  • Publication number: 20130309022
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Unimi Solutions AB
    Inventor: Mattias Hokfelt
  • Patent number: 8585327
    Abstract: An apparatus for placing foundation devices and/or pipes and/or augers in the ground, as an attachment to be attached to the boom of a construction vehicle, including a mounting hinged to a coupling point of the boom, and a drive head, which is rigidly connected to the mounting and configured as a rotational driving and/or drilling and/or impact drilling and/or pile-driving drive and to which the foundation device/pipe/auger for placement in the ground can be coupled. The coupling point can be displaced with respect to the drive head in at least one first direction which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the foundation device/pipe/auger, and optionally in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction. The mounting can be a universal joint in which a first joint axis extends so that a first and a second joint part can be displaced thereon, relative to each other, in the first direction, so as to displace the coupling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 8529158
    Abstract: Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: William W. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20130184090
    Abstract: A method is disclosed, including providing a first mixture of cement and particulate stone material; mixing the first mixture with a predetermined amount of water for forming a second mixture; applying a layer of the second mixture to a surface located at the place where the sports area is intended to be situated; curing/setting the layer of the second mixture applied to the surface, wherein the cured layer is porous and allows water to flow through the cured layer; and applying a layer of a particle size fraction onto the cured layer after the step of curing. A mixture is also disclosed including cement and particulate stone material, wherein the mixture comprises ca. 15-40% by dry weight cement and 60-85% by dry weight particulate stone material, and wherein at least 75% of the particles of the particulate stone material are of sizes within the range 0.1-10 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Sternberg
  • Patent number: 8458984
    Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the axis of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall