Anchorage (e.g., End) Patents (Class 52/223.13)
  • Patent number: 8276334
    Abstract: A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Mathews, Stan Landry, Robert K. Van Noord
  • Patent number: 8272173
    Abstract: An anchoring assembly part for a wind turbine tower, which part is in a ring- or ring segment shape and prefabricated from a concrete material, and which has at least one projecting reinforcement element for the connection with a lower tower portion made of a concrete material, and at least one bore for receiving an anchor bolt for the detachable connection with an upper tower portion made of steel, an anchor sleeve with an internal thread for screwing in the anchor bolt being arranged in said bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 8251344
    Abstract: A pocketformer for use with an anchor body in post-tensioning concrete has a body having a first side and a second side and a first end and a second end and an interior, a front face formed adjacent the first end, and a tubular member formed in the interior of the body. The first side tapers from the second end to the first end. The second side tapers from the second end to the first end. The first side has an angle of taper greater than an angle of taper of the second side. The body has a generally hollow interior. The tubular member extends from the first end to the second end within the interior of the body. The angle of taper of the first side is approximately 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 8245816
    Abstract: This system includes support pieces (1, 1a) intended to be permanently fixed to the structure of the construction, interchangeable supports (30) fitted with a fixing device (4) for attachment to any of the support pieces (1, 1a) and with means of attachment for safety devices or load-bearing devices, intermediate supports (5, 14, 18) that can be coupled to the interchangeable supports and safety elements that can be coupled to the intermediate supports and/or the interchangeable supports. These protective elements include: head pieces (6) of lifelines, modular masts, angled brackets for attaching safety nets (9), protective canopies, safety guard masts (15), telescopic baseboards (16), extendible railings (17) and auxiliary railings (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jose Ramon Guinart Pallares
  • Patent number: 8240096
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bracket structure for increasing strength of a concrete structure and enabling easy construction. The bracket structure includes an affixing bracket and a pre-stressing steel plate. The affixing bracket comprises a holding member connected to a bottom of the concrete structure using an anchor bolt, and a support member connected to the holding member and forming a channel to increase the moment of inertia of area of the concrete structure. The pre-stressing steel plate is connected to the support member of the affixing bracket, and applies stress to the concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University
    Inventor: Sang-hyo Kim
  • Patent number: 8220212
    Abstract: A concrete tower is provided. The concrete tower may be a concrete tower for a wind turbine. The compressive strength of the concrete is changed in dependency of the height of the tower. The concrete tower includes a number of tendons that are arranged to pre-stress the concrete tower. Each tendon is anchored with the concrete tower at a first end of the tendon and at a second end of the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 8220214
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for support of a structure attached to a foundation by a structure base flange. A weight distribution element may have a cross-section form that may be generally a trapezoid with an upper surface a lower surface, an outer side surface and an inner side surface. The outer side surface, and inner side surface may be inclined toward a centerline of the cross-section form transitioning from the bottom surface to the top surface. The weight distribution element may be formed of a material that may be moldable to a solid form having multiple bolt through-holes positioned for the weight distribution element to be disposed on bolts to be positioned adjacent a bolt support plate. The material may have a compression and strength composition sufficient to support a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Charles L. Purdy
  • Patent number: 8146306
    Abstract: An anchor for a post tension reinforcement includes an anchor base having at least one wedge receiving bore therein and reinforcing ribs extending from an exterior of the receiving bore. A longitudinal length of the wedge receiving bore, a position of a midpoint of an axial length of the wedge receiving bore with respect to a load bearing basal surface of the anchor base, and a lateral extension and height of the ribs are selected such that a specific weight of the anchor base is at most 0.1 pounds per square inch of load bearing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hayes Specialty Machining, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norris O. Hayes, Randy Draginis
  • Patent number: 8136318
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas M Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8112955
    Abstract: A building comprises first and second floors and respective first and second ceilings; a foundation; and a stud wall extending between the second floor and the second ceiling. A cross member is operably attached within the stud wall. A tie rod anchor is anchored in the foundation. A series of interconnected tie rods has one end secured to the tie rod anchor and an end portion extending through the cross member, the interconnected tie rods extending within the stud wall through the second floor. A nut is secured to the end portion of the interconnected tie rods. A loaded spring is disposed between the nut and the cross member to maintain the interconnected tie rods under tension when a slack develops on the interconnected tie rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8104246
    Abstract: The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Nieto, Christian Tourneur
  • Publication number: 20120011788
    Abstract: The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Nieto, Christian Tourneur
  • Patent number: 8091317
    Abstract: A wire bolt comprising an elongated section of wire rope with a section of threaded stud attached to each end is disclosed for use in reinforcing concrete structures. Part of the wire rope portion is coated with a substance to prevent that portion from bonding with the concrete. The threaded rod portion can be attached within the concrete by epoxy or attached to the concrete by appropriate mechanical means. The wire bolt can be attached to a concrete building structure during initial construction of a structure or retrofit into existing structures. Wire bolts should be installed in areas susceptible to shear or bending failure and serve to prevent the concrete sections from separating in a seismic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Charles T. Brackett
  • Publication number: 20120000153
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bracket structure for increasing strength of a concrete structure and enabling easy construction. The bracket structure includes an affixing bracket and a pre-stressing steel plate. The affixing bracket comprises a holding member connected to a bottom of the concrete structure using an anchor bolt, and a support member connected to the holding member and forming a channel to increase the moment of inertia of area of the concrete structure. The pre-stressing steel plate is connected to the support member of the affixing bracket, and applies stress to the concrete structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: URBAN FRAME ENGINEERING, INC., INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COORPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Sang-hyo KIM
  • Patent number: 8087204
    Abstract: A sealing cap for an anchor of a post-tension anchorage system has a tubular body, a flange formed on an end of the tubular body, and a seal positioned adjacent an interior wall of the tubular body. The flange has a connector formed on a circumferential surface thereof for detachably engaging the flange with a tubular section of the anchor. The seal is positioned against the interior wall of the tubular body. The seal has a tubular shape so as to extend entirely around the interior wall. The seal is positioned in liquid-tight relation between the interior wall of the tubular body and a sheathed portion of a tendon extending from the anchor. The seal is inserted between the sheathed portion and the interior wall of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 8074404
    Abstract: A double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure and an edge structure, a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts and a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts provided between the two structures, each set of first diagonal struts being arranged alternately with one set of second diagonal struts. Or a plurality of sets of diagonal struts are provided between the two structures, each of which including a plurality of first diagonal struts and second diagonal struts joined together node to node, each first diagonal strut being arranged alternately with one second diagonal strut The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered, or may be constituted by a plurality of structural units, which is adapted for spanning large areas devised for a wide range of building shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 8069624
    Abstract: A pocketformer apparatus for post-tension construction has an anchor member with an interior passageway, a tubular member extending into the interior passageway, a cup member with an interior opening in which the tubular member extends through the interior opening, and a securement member affixed adjacent the opposite end of the tubular member from the anchor body. The interior passageway has a threaded portion. The tubular member has a first end retained in the threaded portion. The tubular member has the second end extending outwardly of a side of the anchor body opposite the threaded portion. The cup member is interposed between the securement member and the anchor member. A form board is interposed between the cup member and the securement member. The threaded portion is an internal thread formed on an non-tapered portion of the interior passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 8065845
    Abstract: A post-tension apparatus has an anchor member having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending through the cavity of the anchor member the has an unsheathed portion and a sheathed portion, an encapsulation affixed to the anchor member and extending thereover that has a trumpet formed at one end of the anchor member, a sheathing lock positioned in the cavity and engaged with the sheathed portion of the tendon, a seal affixed within the trumpet so as to reside in liquid-tight sealing relation with the sheathed portion of the tendon, and wedges recessed in the cavity of the anchor member. The pair of wedges is engaged with the unsheathed portion of the tendon. The sheathing lock is positioned adjacent an end of the pair of wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 8061482
    Abstract: An energy absorption device for a safety line, includes two sections (1, 2) capable of being set in relative motion with friction so that it absorbs energy. This energy absorption device is designed so that one of the sections has at least two parallel cable portions (6a, 6b), each capable of being displaced between a pair of jaws (4a, 4b) formed on the other section. A tensioner for a safety line incorporating such a device is disclosed. Application to the installations for working under difficult conditions with the installation of safety lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Capital Safety Group EMEA
    Inventor: Pascal Lara
  • Patent number: 8051615
    Abstract: A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Mathews, Stan Landry, Robert K. Van Noord
  • Publication number: 20110239563
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wind generator tower and a process for assembly thereof. A truncated conical tower assembled from reinforced concrete modules disposes of a tensioning system which provides greater resistance to the same and, in turn, the joints defined between the modules which form the tower are sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ACCIONA WINDPOWER, S.A.
    Inventors: Ivan Garcia Maestre, Eduardo Azanza Ladron, Jose Miguel Garcia Sayes, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Patent number: 8015774
    Abstract: A method for forming a sheathing retaining anchor of a post-tension anchor system includes the steps of: forming an anchor having a bore where the bore has a tapered portion and a constant diameter portion, inserting an end of a tendon through the bore of the anchor so that the end of the tendon extends outwardly of tapered portion of the bore of the anchor, positioning a sheathing lock on the end of the sheathed portion or a tendon, placing a pair of wedges on the unsheathed portion of the tendon, and moving the sheathing lock and the pair of wedges into the bore of the anchor so that the sheathing lock affixes the end of the sheathed portion within the bore and so that the pair of wedges affixes the unsheathed portion within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20110203195
    Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length, a first relative end, and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam and curving upward from the first relative end, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Hillman, Michael A. Zicko
  • Patent number: 7980033
    Abstract: Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Optional connector strips tie together door and window frames to prevent separation from wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Fyfe Co. LLC
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe
  • Publication number: 20110162294
    Abstract: A double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure and an edge structure, a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts and a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts provided between the two structures, each set of first diagonal struts being arranged alternately with one set of second diagonal struts. Or a plurality of sets of diagonal struts are provided between the two structures, each of which including a plurality of first diagonal struts and second diagonal struts joined together node to node, each first diagonal strut being arranged alternately with one second diagonal strut The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered, or may be constituted by a plurality of structural units, which is adapted for spanning large areas devised for a wide range of building shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Zhang Li
  • Patent number: 7967532
    Abstract: A ground anchor or rock anchor is provided that includes an anchor tension member composed of one or more individual elements, such as steel bars, steel wires, or steel wire strands. While the anchor tension member is intended to be introduced into a drilled hole and anchored there, the anchoring of the anchor tension member at the exposed end of the drilled hole is achieved with the aid of anchor head. To this end, the anchor head comprises a support element to bear directly or indirectly against the underlying rock or substratum, and an anchoring component for tensioning the individual elements, which can be brought into a frictional connection with the individual elements while bearing against the support element. In addition, a cap, which extends around the anchoring component and the ends of the individual elements, protects the exposed end of the anchor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Otmar Langwadt
  • Patent number: 7963078
    Abstract: A cap for an anchorage of a post-tension anchor system has an outer tubular portion having an inner wall and an outer wall, an inner tubular portion having an inner wall and an outer wall, an end wall extending between the outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion, and a sheathing lock affixed to the inner wall of the inner tubular portion. The inner wall of the outer tubular portion is in spaced relation to the outer wall of the inner tubular portion. The outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion are concentric with each other. The sheathing lock has a body having locking ribs extending radially inwardly therefrom. The locking ribs extend in parallel relationship to each other. The outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion and the end wall are integrally formed of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20110138707
    Abstract: A tower is provided having a foundation, at least one concrete tower section located above the foundation and one or more upper tower sections. An adapter section is located between the concrete tower section and one of the upper tower sections. The adapter section is connected to one of the upper tower sections by a fastening system and to the foundation by a plurality of tensioning cables, which are configured to induce a compressive force on the concrete tower section. The fastening system and the plurality of tensioning cables are substantially vertically aligned so that tower loads are transmitted from the upper tower sections to the plurality of tensioning cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Bharat Sampathkumaran Bagepalli
  • Patent number: 7950197
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body that has a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity that has a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and has a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is of a generally constant thickness and has an end adjacent the pair of wedges. The second portion has a first end and a second end, the second portion being of a decreasing thickness from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7950196
    Abstract: An anchorage for post-tension system has an anchor body with an interior passageway, a polymeric encapsulation extending over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly on one side of the anchor body, and an annular seal formed so as to extend inwardly relative to a wall of the trumpet. The annular seal is in liquid-tight sealing relation with an outer surface of a tendon extending through the interior passageway. A fixing element is formed within the interior passageway so as to fix a position of the sheathing on the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7930863
    Abstract: Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing first beam 111A Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fyfe Co., L.L.C.
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe
  • Publication number: 20110072745
    Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running therethrough or therealong. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that, when closed, exert a radial clamping force on a reinforcement member in the axial bore. A tensioning and anchoring system may include one or more tensioners integrally connected to an anchor block. At least one sleeve may be secured to the anchor block and cooperate with a bolt that displaces the anchor block to place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement member and impart a compressive force on the static structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Chris P. Pantelides, Lawrence D. Reaveley, Clayton A. Burningham
  • Patent number: 7874124
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Posey Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Bobby R. Posey
  • Publication number: 20110000155
    Abstract: A cable end anchorage for fastening at least one cable at a supporting structure includes at least one first connecting element for connection with the supporting structure, at least one second connecting element for connection with the cable and at least one coupling element for connection of the two connecting elements in a force-transmitting manner. In the region of the coupling element, an overload device designed as a predetermined breaking point of the coupling element is provided for unfastening the connection between the two connecting elements when a critical load has been exceeded. A stop device is provided for limiting the relative motion of the connecting elements after unfastening of the connection when a critical load has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Wellershoff
  • Publication number: 20100325986
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for joining a gondola to the concrete tower of an aerogenerator, wherein the concrete tower is formed by a lower annular section, one or several intermediate annular sections and an upper annular section, including a flat annular support which is inserted between an upper surface of the upper annular section of the tower and the lower surface of a yaw bearing that supports the gondola, the flat annular support comprising orifices wherethrough a plurality of joining means pass, each of which is fixed to the bottom of the upper annular section of the tower and to the bottom of the yaw bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Iván GARCÍA MAESTRE, Eduardo AZANZA LADRÓN, José Miguel GARCÍA SAYÉS, Miguel NUÑEZ POLO
  • Patent number: 7856774
    Abstract: A sheathing-retaining article for use with a post-tension anchorage system has a wedge with a tendon-retaining portion and a sheathing-retaining portion. The tendon-retaining portion has a channel extending longitudinally therealong. The channel is suitable for retaining the tendon therein. The tendon-retaining portion has a tapering outer surface with a wide end at one end of the wedge and a narrow end spaced therefrom. The sheathing-retaining portion extends outwardly from the narrow end of the tendon-retaining portion. The sheathing-retaining portion engages a sheathing of a tendon extending through the channel of the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20100313505
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light-weight load-bearing structure (1) with optimized compression zone (2), where along one or more compression zones (2) in the structure (1) to be cast a core (3) of strong concrete is provided, which core (3) is surrounded by concrete of less strength (4) compared to the core (3) of strong concrete. The invention also relates to a method of casting of light-weight load-bearing structures (1) with optimized compression zone (2) where one or more channels, grooves, ducts, pipes and/or hoses (5) formed in the load-bearing structure (1) serves as moulds for moulding one or more cores (3) of strong concrete in the light-weight load-bearing structure (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventor: Kristian Hertz
  • Patent number: 7841140
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body with a cavity formed therein, a tendon extending into the cavity, a fixing element engaged with the sheathing of the tendon for fixing a position of the sheathing on the tendon, and a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of tendon within the anchor body. The fixing element is positioned within the cavity. The fixing element can either be a wedge member interposed between the sheathing and the tendon so as to frictionally engage the tendon or a clip member engaged with the sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7841061
    Abstract: A method of forming a dead-end anchorage of a post-tension anchor system includes the steps of positioning a tendon within a cavity of an anchor body such that an unsheathed end of the tendon extends outwardly of the cavity such that a sheathed portion of the tendon is positioned within the cavity, mechanically inserting a fixing element into the cavity, mechanically inserting wedges into the cavity between the unsheathed end of the tendon and a wall of the cavity, and applying pressure onto an end of the tendon such that the fixing element engages the sheathed portion and such that the tendon and the wedges are in interference-fit relationship within the cavity. The fixing element includes a pair of fixing members positioned adjacent an end of the wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7823345
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity and having a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and having a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges engaged with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and a wedge member engaged with the sheathing of the sheathed portion. The wedge member is a unitary piece having a longitudinal split extending from an end of the piece to an opposite end of the piece. The wedge member substantially encircles an interior or an exterior of the sheathing of the sheathed portion of the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7823344
    Abstract: A tension member for use in an anchor method, in which both ends of the tension member are held by anchors, is released by cutting all or some of the wires in the tension member and then hitting at least one of the cut wires to release the tension member. The anchor includes an anchor head having a wedge-receiving space, a wedge unit seated in the wedge-receiving space, and three wedges assembled together to form a hole at the center of the wedge unit, through which the tension member is inserted. A support plate is inserted into a groove formed at an upper portion of the first hole and an O-shaped ring is provided around the wedges so that the wedges are expanded around the support plate. A spring is positioned on the wedge unit for constantly biasing the wedge unit against the wedge-receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Daeyoung PC. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jong-Duck Shin
  • Patent number: 7818849
    Abstract: A termination anchor having a neck region, a mid region, and a distal region. An expanding passage through the anchor from the neck region to the distal region is bounded by an internal surface. Exposed strands on a cable are trapped within this expanding passage by infusing them with liquid potting compound (either before or after the strands are placed within the passage). This liquid potting compound solidifies while the strands are within the anchor to form a solidified potted region. The present invention optimizes the profile of the internal surface in order to transfer stress occurring in the neck region to the mid region and the distal region. By transferring some of this stress, a more uniform stress distribution and a lower peak stress are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Richard V. Campbell, Kevin J. Barefield, John Wiley Horton
  • Patent number: 7819388
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping smooth and/or deformed cylindrical or multiple stranded tendons (rods) commonly used in the Art of Construction, the apparatus comprising a housing (barrel), a plurality of jaws (wedges) within the housing, a tightening device to align the jaws (wedges) and to cause engagement of the jaws (wedges) to the tendon (rod), a tensioning device to properly position the apparatus. The tendon (rod) gripping apparatus includes a first aperture and a second aperture that facilitate passage of a tendon (rod) through the apparatus. The jaw (wedge) cluster comprises a plurality of elongated members, that surround the tendon (rod), are generally wedge shaped and complementary to an inner tapered wall of the housing (barrel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: James P. McCallion
  • Patent number: 7797895
    Abstract: A device for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity having a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and having a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a wide end and a narrow end, the wide end being adjacent to the pair of wedges. The wedge member has a decreasing thickness from the wide end to the narrow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7797894
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing shrinkage of a sheathing of a tendon has an anchor body having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity, a fixing element engaged with the sheathing for fixing a position of the sheathed portion on the tendon, and a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of tendon in the cavity of the anchor body. The fixing element is positioned away from the cavity of the anchor body. An encapsulation is formed over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly from one side of the anchor body. A clamp is engaged with the sheathed portion of the tendon within the trumpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7793473
    Abstract: An article for engaging a sheathing of a sheathed portion of a tendon has a tubular body having an inner surface and outer surface and a first end and a second end, fins extending radially outwardly from the outer surface, a longitudinal split extending through a wall of the tubular body and extending from the first end to the second end, locking ribs extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular body, and a collar formed adjacent the second end of said tubular body. Each of the locking ribs extends parallel to the other locking ribs. The locking ribs are equally spaced along the inner surface of the tubular body. Each of the fins extends parallel to the other fins. Each of the fins have a height increasing from the first end to the second end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7779499
    Abstract: A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Benoit Lecinq, Sebastien Petit, Francois Bignon, Jerome Stubler
  • Patent number: 7770265
    Abstract: An anchor having an internal passage defined by a revolved wall profile. The anchor is conceptually divided into four regions: a neck region, a transition region, a mid region, and a distal region. Each of these regions has its own design considerations. A portion of a parabola is used to define at least part of the revolved wall profile. The parabolic portion is preferably used in at least the neck and mid regions. In order to create a tangency condition proximate the neck anchor boundary, the parabola used to create the wall profile is angularly offset from the wall profile's axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bright Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Vest Campbell, John Wiley Horton
  • Patent number: 7765764
    Abstract: A device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements, particularly for prefabricated concrete structural elements, comprising a bracket, which forms, when installed, by means of its upper face, a support for the beam, and a first connection for connecting to the pillar the end of the bracket that is designed to be directed toward the pillar, the device further comprising a second connection for connecting a region of the bracket, spaced from the end directed toward the pillar, to a region of the pillar located above the bracket and arranged on the side of the pillar that lies opposite with respect to the side that bears the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
  • Patent number: 7765752
    Abstract: An anchor system for a tendon includes a load transfer device having at least one wedge receiving bore therein. The wedge receiving bore has a tapered interior surface. The anchor system also includes a wedge configured to be affixed to an exterior surface of a tendon. The wedge has a tapered exterior surface configured to cooperate with the tapered interior surface of the wedge receiving bore to laterally compress the wedge against a tendon when the wedge is moved longitudinally into the bore. Taper angle of the wedge and a taper angle of the wedge receiving bore are selected such that longitudinal compressive force exerted by the wedge is substantially evenly longitudinally distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hayes Specialty Machining, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norris O. Hayes, Randy Draginis