With Additional Enclosure Structure; E.g., Manhole Patents (Class 52/20)
  • Patent number: 6682258
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the elevation of a structure such as a manhole or a catch basin to be surrounded by pavement. A one-piece is formed to be inserted between a base rim and a cover of the structure. A lower member of the adapter is received in the base rim to be supported on an internal shoulder. An upper member extends outwardly of the lower member to receive the cover and upwardly to engage the upper end of the base rim and form an upward extension of the rim. The elevation of the structure may be increased by inserting the adapter between the base rim shoulder and the cover and decreased by removing the adapter from between the base rim shoulder and the cover. Additional adapters of identical construction may be inserted to further increase the elevation of the structure, all the adapters being nestable within one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Anchor Tool & Die Company
    Inventor: P. Dennis McNeely
  • Patent number: 6679651
    Abstract: Method of replacing a blind flange manhole cover of the type including a bolted on blind flange mounted on a bolting flange of a negative pressure storage tank manway with a manhole cover having a hinged door assembly includes the step of removing the blind flange manhole cover from the bolting flange of a tank-installed manway. The manhole cover may be attached to the bolting flange of the existing manway. A seal may be provided for creating a leakproof joint between the cover and a cover receiving surface when the hingedly attached manhole cover is in a closed position. A manway having a hingedly attached manhole cover may be provided with a hinge frame. A locking assembly may be provided adjacent the cover that includes a locking and sealing element for engaging the cover with a seal for locking and sealing the manway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Stebbins Engineering and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Mark D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6676332
    Abstract: This highway device includes a frame and an element (14) for covering the frame, the frame (12) including a peripheral border with two walls delimiting a groove and the covering element being equipped with a projecting peripheral lip (32) engaging in the groove in the frame-covering position. The covering element (14) includes at least one ramp (44) extending between the lip (32) and the internal surface of the element, the ramp or ramps being intended to bear on the end edge of the peripheral border of the frame and thus guiding the covering element during the displacement of the latter with respect to the frame, under the action of a force exerted on the element in a zone opposite the ramp or ramps (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Hauer, Jean-Paul Pietrzak
  • Patent number: 6655093
    Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a tapered end and a channel end, a removable anchor tab and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface which fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position a cover with attached riser section on a concrete form wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 6651391
    Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Melvin Travis Nale
  • Patent number: 6644342
    Abstract: A modular well for a wastewater lift station includes multiple well sections. Each of the well sections has at least one mating feature allowing it to be joined to at least one other well section and to form a liquid tight seal. The well is formed by vertically mating the well sections together. One of the well sections has an inlet opening, and the same or a different well section has at least one outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Romtec Utilities, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Bogan, Mark Sheldon, David B. Bogan, Sarah B. Bogan
  • Patent number: 6613228
    Abstract: A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has subsided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: John G. Petersen, William C. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20030145527
    Abstract: An integrally formed riser pan member for use as a modular component within an access passageway for an on-site waste disposal system, such as a septic tank, to receivably retain a secondary cover member within, the riser pan member including a cylindrical body having an upper portion having a vertical wall member adapted to receive another modular passageway component thereon, and a lower portion which includes an integral pan portion to seatably receive a secondary cover member. The riser pan member further includes an annular ring between the upper and lower portions. The riser pan member can be employed as a lowermost, a highermost, or as an intermediate component in, for example, an access passageway formed of multiple stackable riser members. In addition, the riser pan member may be formed integrally with a stackable riser member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 6601347
    Abstract: A method for making a catch-pit, such as the catch-pits often associated with underground pipeline junctions, manholes, or the like, where it is desirable to join a horizontal pipe with a larger-diameter, vertical, hollow, cylindrical works by means of a cottering or sleeve joint. The method includes the use of a removable profile component at the time the wall element of the pit or manhole is manufactured, to create a specially contoured opening in the wall to receive a correspondingly-shaped sleeve joint, which in turn receives the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Waco-Liesbosch Beton B.V., Ubo Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Johan Van Den Tol
  • Patent number: 6595717
    Abstract: A road gully or inspection cover assembly comprises an outer frame having an upstanding outer wall and integrally formed support structure extending inwardly of the lower regions of the outer wall over part at least of the peripheral extent of the outer wall, a first temporary inner frame for location within the outer frame, the outer frame and the first temporary inner frame co-operating to support a cover for the assembly in a first, lowermost position associated with the base course level of the road, and a second inner frame which, on removal of the first inner frame from within the outer frame, can be located within the outer frame to support the cover at a higher position associated with the wearing course level of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick George Newman
  • Patent number: 6595716
    Abstract: A sealable manhole system having a weld ring, a cover with a gasket shaped to engage the weld ring, and a cam lever assembly. The cam lever assembly comprising includes a cam lever having a cam surface and a pivot aperture. A pivot pin is sized to engage the pivot aperture and has a screw aperture formed there through. A connector operatively attached to the weld ring and an adjustment screw passes through the screw aperture and engages the connector. The cover further includes a gasket channel with a neck and an internal shoulder formed above the neck. The internal shoulder further has a dimension wider than the neck and is oriented at an angle to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan VanDeVyvere, Henry Knaack, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6588810
    Abstract: A closing device with selective locking for closing a frame includes a roughly flat lid selectively applied to the frame, a lock connected with the lid, and a key which has a socket and an arm, one end of the arm carrying the socket. The lid has an opening for access to the lock by the key, the lock has a latch which cooperates with a catch of the frame, and the key selectively assumes, with respect to an opening, a locking position which the key can leave freely and in which the latch is trapped by the catch, and an unlocking position in which the key is trapped in the opening and in which the latch is disengaged from the catch. The arm and the socket of the key are roughly perpendicular to one another, and the arm is roughly perpendicular to the lid when the key is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Norinco
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Monneret
  • Publication number: 20030121216
    Abstract: A shroud for use in combination with a septic tank having an access opening and an access cover. The shroud surrounds the access opening and facilitates removal of the access cover covering the access opening and providing access to the septic tank. The shroud comprises a contiguous sidewall opened at first and second opposed ends thereof with an access passageway extending therebetween. A first open end of the shroud has an annular surface for abutting engagement with a top surface of a septic tank. A retaining member retains the annular surface, at the first end of the shroud, in abutting engagement with the top surface of the septic tank. A removable shroud cover seals the second open end of the shroud and the shroud cover, when removed from the second end of the shroud, facilitates access an interior cavity of the septic tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Melvin Travis Nale
  • Patent number: 6584734
    Abstract: A locking ground hole cover is disclosed comprising a cover plate with a scissor-type apparatus suspended therefrom which apparatus can be actuated from above the cover plate. The apparatus allows for the locking of a hole by pulling the cover plate down into a sealed locked position with the hole mouth. Variations on the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Larry Mihalicz, Orest Boyachek
  • Patent number: 6581940
    Abstract: An integrated connection for a manhole having a wall opening defining a peripheral surface and a ring shaped elastomeric body cast in place on the peripheral surface. The elastomeric body includes a foot region cast within the wall thickness of the manhole and connected to a leg region. The leg region terminates in a primary sealing surface. A reinforcing element passes through the ring shaped elastomeric body at one circumferential location which, when viewed in cross section, appears below the peripheral surface of the wall opening once the gasket is cast in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio Dittel
  • Publication number: 20030101666
    Abstract: An assembly of a milk tank and a measuring probe, the milk tank being provided with a space for containing milk and with a wall having a manhole portion defining a manhole, which manhole comprises a rim that extends in a direction away from the space, the measuring probe being located at least partially in the space of the milk tank, the assembly comprising a fastening device for fastening the measuring probe to at least a part of the manhole portion, and the fastening device being provided with at least one radial protrusion that comprises a recess for receiving, in the assembled position of fastening device and milk tank, at least a part of the rim of the manhole portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Lely Enterprises A.G., a Swiss Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Aalze Veenstra
  • Patent number: 6539684
    Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Block Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Graham
  • Publication number: 20030046877
    Abstract: A device prevents water from leaking into a manhole. The device includes a body having first and second portions that are integrally formed. The first portion extends along and above a periphery of the opening of the manhole and the second portion extends upwardly from the first portion and provides access to the opening of the manhole. Preferably, the first portion includes a downwardly extending lip disposed along an outer vertical surface of the manhole. In addition, a cap is positionable on the second portion to prevent water entering the manhole from the manhole's opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Strike Tool
    Inventor: Robert S. Banks
  • Patent number: 6527476
    Abstract: A manhole assembly for below ground liquid storage tanks, such as fuel storage tanks, that includes securing the upper region of the below-grade manhole to the at-grade manhole so that lowering of the below-grade manhole bottom due to tank settling or stepping on the hatch cover will not lower the below-grade rim relative to the at-grade ring. Riser pipe extenders can be added without interfering with hatch cover closure and sealing of the below-grade manhole. One embodiment includes adjustable length bolts tying the at-grade ring to the below-grade ring. The assembly can be factory assembled, delivered to the site, and installed on the riser pipe then height adjusted before pea gravel, backfill, and concrete are poured. Bellows and bucket manholes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tycom (US) Inc.
    Inventor: Martin C. Pettesch
  • Patent number: 6514008
    Abstract: A kit for connecting and sealing a manhole cover frame to the upper surface of a chimney and a method of using the kit. The kit contains a spacer which may be cut to the proper length and to make allowances for any grade in the surface, a top flange which holds the top of the spacer to the manhole cover frame, and a bottom flange which holds the spacer to the upper surface of the chimney. The surfaces of the flanges which contact the lower surface manhole cover frame and the upper surface of the chimney contain coaxial recesses for holding butyl rubber sealant material in rope form. Watertight seals may be made with the use of light pressure. Additionally, the lower flange may be connected to the chimney with bolts. The surfaces of the flanges contacting the spacer contain a plurality of coaxial protrusions. The ends of the spacer are fitted with gaskets and sealed into the spaces between the protrusions on the top and bottom flanges to form watertight seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Smolnik
  • Publication number: 20030019163
    Abstract: An integrated connection for a manhole having a wall opening defining a peripheral surface and a ring shaped elastomeric body cast in place on the peripheral surface. The elastomeric body includes a foot region cast within the wall thickness of the manhole and connected to a leg region. The leg region terminates in a primary sealing surface. A reinforcing element passes through the ring shaped elastomeric body at one circumferential location which, when viewed in cross section, appears below the peripheral surface of the wall opening once the gasket is cast in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Claudio Dittel
  • Patent number: 6488444
    Abstract: A protective mat for the pavement area surrounding an open manhole comprises a bottom layer of petroleum and contamination impervious preferably polyethylene sheet material laminated to an upper fibrous mat sheet layer preferably comprising cotton fibers bonded together to form a porous liquid absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Joseph Licata
  • Patent number: 6484451
    Abstract: A stackable riser having a substantially smooth outer surface has a first open end defined by an edge and a second open end defined by a pair of adjacent channels, so that the edge defining the first open end of a first riser can mate with one of the channels defining the second open end of a second riser. A detachable anchor tab extends radially from the outer surface about the circumference of the riser. A plurality of risers can be stacked one on top of another, with, for example, the bottommost riser embedded in concrete and the risers above it embedded in soil. Preferably, the anchor tab of the bottommost riser remains attached to the riser and the anchor tab of the risers above it is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: United Concrete Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Gavin
  • Publication number: 20020166291
    Abstract: A debris cap apparatus and method, which provides a secure and debris resistant seating of a debris cap within a valve box. The debris cap has two outwardly projecting annuli—a debris seal located near the top of the cap and a retention gasket located distal from the top of the cap. The debris seal blocks debris from entering the valve box when the debris cap is in position. The retention gasket is designed to be pushed down past an inwardly projecting flange within the valve box, to deform as it passes the flange, and then to resume its original shape when past the flange so as to preclude accidental dislodging of the debris cap from the valve box. Where the debris cap is to be used within a pre-existing valve box, an adapter may be provided. It is further preferred to provide a removal tool so as to permit ready removal of the debris cap from the valve box or valve box adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Lucky Campbell, Rodger Calder
  • Patent number: 6467230
    Abstract: A structural interconnection device for attachment of an elongate member to a rigid frame includes at least one flange portion adapted for attachment to the rigid frame and a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a locking mechanism for selectively releasably securing thereto an end portion of an elongate member. The flange portion has a location surface for bearing against the rigid frame. The location surface lies, in use, in a plane which is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of an end portion of an elongate member secured to the receiving portion. The plane of the location surface lies, in use, in a plane displaced from the longitudinal axis of the end portion of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Kee Klamp Limited
    Inventors: Simon Perkins, Peter Ralyea
  • Patent number: 6464425
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided to divert liquids that would otherwise infiltrate utility manholes or other hatchways, while allowing gases to vent to the atmosphere. Preferred embodiments of the assemblies comprise a cover support frame, a sheet of water-repellent gas-permable material occluding the central opening of the support frame and a cover mated to the frame. Preferably, a stiffening ring or other means of providing structural rigidity to the venting structure is provided. The assemblies are lightweight and are simple to install, and can be fabricated from materials that are readily available. Moreover, the assemblies can be easily modified to accommodate field conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Robert F. Closkey
  • Patent number: 6457725
    Abstract: A flexible gasket connecting a plastic or fiberglass pipe in fluid communication with a plastic or fiberglass septic tank. The gasket is an integrally molded elastomer having an annular base with a flange and keeper portions extending radially outward from the base forming a continuous groove sealing around the periphery of an opening in the tank. The keeper portion is tapered axially to enable the gasket to be pushed into the tank opening and snap-fitted into position. A web portion extends inwardly from the middle of the base portion and terminates in a toroidal portion to provide a primary sealing function of the gasket, and the toroidal portion provides a secondary sealing. The added pressure produced by the toroidal portion significantly strengthens the total seal while retaining residual resilience to allow relative movement of the tank and pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hail Mary Rubber Company
    Inventor: William D. Jones
  • Patent number: 6449908
    Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve. A plurality of liquid infiltration prevention structures for preventing liquid infiltration into manhole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Gagas
  • Patent number: 6435764
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the elevation of a structure such as a manhole or a catch basin to be surrounded by pavement. A one-piece is formed to be inserted between a base rim and a cover of the structure. A lower member of the adapter is received in the base rim to be supported on an internal shoulder. An upper member extends outwardly of the lower member to receive the cover and upwardly to engage the upper end of the base rim and form an upward extension of the rim. The elevation of the structure may be increased by inserting the adapter between the base rim shoulder and the cover and decreased by removing the adapter from between the base rim shoulder and the cover. Additional adapters of identical construction may be inserted to further increase the elevation of the structure, all the adapters being nestable within one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: P. Dennis McNeely
  • Publication number: 20020108315
    Abstract: A roofing anchor plate secures a waterproof membrane to a surface of a roof structure. The roofing anchor plate includes a circumferential channel and radial channels. Air trapped between the anchor plate and a sealing tape is directed along the channels to vent holes positioned at inner ends of the radial channels. The trapped air passes through the vent holes into a cavity formed under the anchor plate between the plate and the waterproof membrane. The elimination of trapped air improves the strength and effectiveness of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc
    Inventors: William A. Wasitis, Daniel L. Barksdale
  • Patent number: 6431789
    Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Containment Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Schneider, Robert B. Sergent, Edgar C. Crosby
  • Publication number: 20020100225
    Abstract: A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker or trailer is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Pivotal locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 6419421
    Abstract: A plastic catch basin with grate on top, box shape design to drain a low area by gravity to a final drain area through plastic pipes, the catch basin to be assembled on site according to need by constructing with side plates with a choice of holes according to need and the catch basin is designed to be more solidly constructed to hold its shape over time and use, constructed to be modified by adding additional catch basins with the plastic pipes as need arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: William E. Whitfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6401409
    Abstract: An underground storm shelter comprising a bottom section, expander section and a top section bolted together to form the shelter. The base section has a closed bottom while the top section has an access hatch formed in the upper end thereof. The base section, expander section and top section are bolted together at the installation site. The walls of the base section and the top section are tapered to enable the base section and the top section to be nested during shipment. The expander section may be slipped over the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Michael C. Martin
  • Patent number: 6401400
    Abstract: This invention comprises reinforced industrial vaults with segmented knock-outs having a variety of shapes and orientations. The invention also comprises vaults having cast-in cable racks. The cable racks can be electrically connected to the reinforcing elements during manufacture, providing electrical grounding of electronic equipment placed in the vault. Cable channels can be installed at desired locations by selecting a knock-out, removing the knock-out and installing a terminator plate having cable conduits. Cable conduits can have diaphragms that can be removed to provide additional choices for locating cable channels. Cable channels can be provided in a vault in the field, even if the vault has been already installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: NewBasis, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Elliott
  • Patent number: 6401759
    Abstract: A liner bag for a manhole can have an improved durability after hardening with a fluid pressure barrier film left on the inner wall of a lined manhole, and a method of lining a manhole using the liner bag is capable of realizing a reduction in the number of steps involved in a manhole lining process to reduce a working time and a working cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., Oar Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6393771
    Abstract: A cover for closing a utility access opening disposed in a fabricated surface having a defined external appearance. The cover includes a cap member engageable within the opening and having a substantially full cross sectional cavity for receiving a selected material. When the selected material is situated within the cavity, the cap member provides an exposed exterior having an appearance substantially identical with the defined external appearance of the fabricated surface. The cap member preferably includes a plurality of holes for draining moisture from its cavity site, a plurality of hand engageable grips for lifting the cover from the opening, and a plurality of support posts disposed within the cavity for weight stabilization. The present invention additionally includes methodology for constructing a fabricated surface having at least one opening therethrough that is closeable with a cover whose appearance replicates that of the surrounding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Alan Stetson
  • Patent number: 6385913
    Abstract: A steel manhole is provided which includes a steel box having a hole having a bolt hole and formed at an upper portion of the same, a height control pipe having a vertical longitudinal hole inserted into an inner diameter portion of the hole, a multi-hole lid for covering an upper portion of the height control pipe, a male screw formed at left and right portions of the steel box and having a male screw portion, and a female screw having a thread portion for being threaded with the male screw pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Byung Moo Ahn
  • Patent number: 6371687
    Abstract: A manhole cover frame leveling clip, that attaches by a friction fit to the exterior peripheral flange of a manhole cover frame, and uses an adjustable bolt running through the clip, to manipulate the height and angle of the frame so that the frame is in the same plane or the correct elevation with the finished grade of the roadway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Marc S. Heintz, James L. Ableman
  • Patent number: 6371688
    Abstract: A manhole cover mounting structure includes an outer frame fastened to a manhole box by screw bolts, the outer frame having an upright guide rod in each of a plurality of hollow peripheral locating blocks thereof, an inner frame adjustably fastened to the inner frame to hold a cover plate in flush with the road surface. The inner frame has a plurality of female screws fastened to peripheral lugs thereof to hold a respective hollow screw rod for the mounting of through bolts; thereby securing to secure the inner frame to the upright guide rod in each locating block of the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Ya-Yun Yang, Chih-Cheng Yang, Chi-Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 6347781
    Abstract: A hole former assembly used to form a reusable hole former assembly used during the construction of a manhole base. The hole former assembly of the present invention aligns the center of the formed hole in the concrete manhole base sidewall with the center of an inlet or outlet opening of a canal bed liner embedded in the base of the manhole. The hole former assembly is suitable for use in either wet casting or dry casting the base of the manhole with the inlet and/or outlet of the invert embedded in a sidewall of the base of the manhole. Several of the component parts of the hole former assembly of the present invention may be molded as a single unit and thereafter separated, thereby reducing certain manufacturing costs of the component parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Trangsrud
  • Patent number: 6344137
    Abstract: A superimposed drain cover is provided. The drain cover includes a tubular seat secured to the top of a cement drain, an outer ring engaged on the top of the seat having a tapered outer periphery and a cobweb surfaced cover covering on the top of the seat inside the outer ring. It is characterized that further has a plurality of cushion pieces and the spare superimposed rings which can be added between the seat and the cover so as to keep the cover even with a road surface without causing a traffic accident or traffic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Feng-I Chiang
  • Patent number: 6341450
    Abstract: A light-weight door panel flush with the external surface of a wall structure in its closed position sealing an opening, is mounted for displacement to an open position by hinge linkage confined to its underside. In its closed position supported on the bulkhead of the door frame bordering the opening in the wall structure, the door panel compresses a sealing gasket bonded to the bulkhead. Such compression of the gasket by the door panel is established and maintained through selectively controlled rolling pins engaged with wedges resiliently held within corrosion resistant inserts bonded to the door panel at spaced peripheral locations therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aleksander B. Macander, Robert F. Charette
  • Patent number: 6340181
    Abstract: A bellmouth with a joint including a cylindrical-shaped portion having a first opening disposed at its one end so as to spread in a trumpet-like shape, a second opening disposed at the other end of the cylindrical-shaped portion, an inclined cylinder which is formed adjacent to the second opening which is larger in diameter on a deep side than on an end face thereof, a securing stepped portion formed on a rear surface of the inclined cylinder, and a plurality of projecting portions respectively provided at a rear portion of the inclined cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Amatsutsu
  • Patent number: 6321491
    Abstract: A bulkhead door seal is a sealing device that provides effective sealing of the interface between a bulkhead door assembly and a top of a concrete foundation wall to which it is attached. It prevents air and water from intruding into basement spaces around the bulkhead door assembly. The present invention is made of a flexible material that is very durable in all types of climates and will not break down over time. It is positioned between the bulkhead door assembly mounting flange and the top of the foundation wall. It may be configured with an inner vertical lip so that driving rain will not enter the interior of the door assembly, a flat mounting surface to accept a door assembly mounting flange, and a sloping exterior surface to shed water off the foundation wall. The device may be manufactured in strips that are cut on the building site to custom fit the bulkhead and door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald F. DiMauro
  • Publication number: 20010042354
    Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: William A. Schneider, Robert B. Sergent, Edgar C. Crosby
  • Patent number: 6315077
    Abstract: A frangible insert that is inserted in a pre-positioned bushing in the wall of a manhole form from the convex, easily reached side of the inner form wall. A key in the insert is received in a keyway in the bushing in the form wall so that the insert is properly oriented in the form. Concrete is then poured into the form, enveloping and affixing the insert within the man hole wall. A weakened, frangible region is provided on the insert in a position immediately adjacent to the form wall so that after the concrete is cured, the manhole and form can simply be separated, causing the portion of the insert embedded in the concrete to separate from the insert portion in the form bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: M. A. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobbie D. Peacock, Charles W. McInvale
  • Patent number: 6311433
    Abstract: An adjustable manhole/catch basin structure includes a mounting base, adjustable tube, and protection sleeve. The mounting base includes a mounting flange and an externally threaded tube which extends upward from the mounting flange. A plurality of mortar openings are formed through the mounting flange. The protection sleeve is mounted concentric with the externally threaded tube. The adjustable tube is internally threaded such that it may be threaded on to the externally threaded tube. The inner diameter of the protection sleeve is large enough to provide clearance for the outer diameter of the adjustment tube. Three notches are preferably formed in a top of the adjustment tube to allow an adjustment tool to rotate thereof to the desired height. The adjustment tool includes a body, three arms and a torque lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: David J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 6309139
    Abstract: A manhole for a storm sewage system comprising a structure having at least two outwardly extending substantially vertical flat panels projecting outwardly from the exterior surface a predetermined distance on opposite sides of the base portion of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Wilkinson Heavy Precast Limited
    Inventor: John Tran-Quoc-Nam
  • Publication number: 20010027624
    Abstract: An access hatch reinforcement module and a method of assembling an access hatch to an existing engine compartment hood of a vehicle. The access hatch reinforcement module includes a wall engagement component for engagement to the hood outer wall of the engine compartment hood. The access hatch reinforcement module further includes a door engagement component for engagement to a hatch door of the access hatch. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component of the access hatch reinforcement module are directly fixedly engaged to one another by temporary fixed engagements. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component are also indirectly engaged to one another through operational door connecting components such as a hinge component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Craig L. Randolph