Patents Assigned to Cretex Companies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8689502
    Abstract: A duct bank assembly may include an elongate extending conduit with a length for receiving and passing through a cable or wire and an encasing body encasing the conduit along its longitudinal extent between a first mating end and an opposed second mating end of the body. Each mating end has a shear transfer mechanism associated therewith for engagement with a corresponding shear transfer mechanism of an adjacent duct bank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard James Langguth, Adam Michael Stenberg
  • Patent number: 7735700
    Abstract: An assembly for controlling delivery of material from a bin opening includes a movable bin gate for closing the bin opening and providing a high flow rate of material when the movable gate is open, wherein a low flow aperture is formed in the bin gate to provide a low flow rate of material when the bin gate is positioned such that only the low flow aperture is open. A two-stage flow enhancer within the bin includes a first stage for impelling material in the direction of the low flow aperture and a second stage for impelling material to exit through the low flow aperture. A controller controls operation of the bin gate to adjust a flow rate of material from the bin opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anders M. Ruikka, Paul D. Gill, Richard A. Johnson, Dale A. Kratochwill
  • Patent number: 7481609
    Abstract: A method of reducing the effective width of cargo, such as a concrete double-tee. The method comprises positioning the arm in a first position in which the arm is substantially horizontal, the arm being pivotally biased toward the first position, lowering the double-tee onto the arm such that the first leg of the double-tee is received by the first bracket and the second leg of the double-tee is received by the second bracket, and pivoting the arm and double-tee to a second position in which the second end of the arm contacts the base to support the arm, the arm being biased toward the second position when the arm supports the double-tee. The concrete double-tee includes a deck, a first leg and a second leg. The support structure includes a base, a stanchion extending upwardly from the base, an arm pivotally connected to the stanchion and extending between a first and second end. The arm includes a first bracket disposed near the first end and a second bracket disposed near the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Abel, Alan J. Mackey, John G. Nanna, Thomas A. Holmes, Douglas E. Colclasure
  • Patent number: 7326013
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scott Heuvel, Douglas E. Colclasure, Robert J. Hassey, Thomas A. Holmes, Ordean F. Johnson, John G. Nanna, Craig R. Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20070177955
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: THE CRETEX COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20070166118
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: THE CRETEX COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20070166119
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: THE CRETEX COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20070140804
    Abstract: A method of reducing the effective width of cargo, such as a concrete double-tee. The method comprises positioning the arm in a first position in which the arm is substantially horizontal, the arm being pivotally biased toward the first position, lowering the double-tee onto the arm such that the first leg of the double-tee is received by the first bracket and the second leg of the double-tee is received by the second bracket, and pivoting the arm and double-tee to a second position in which the second end of the arm contacts the base to support the arm, the arm being biased toward the second position when the arm supports the double-tee. The concrete double-tee includes a deck, a first leg and a second leg. The support structure includes a base, a stanchion extending upwardly from the base, an arm pivotally connected to the stanchion and extending between a first and second end. The arm includes a first bracket disposed near the first end and a second bracket disposed near the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: THE CRETEX COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: William Abel, Alan Mackey, John Nanna, Thomas Holmes, Douglas Colclasure
  • Patent number: 7204665
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scott Heuvel, Douglas E. Colclasure, Robert J. Hassey, Thomas A. Holmes, Ordean F. Johnson, John G. Nanna, Craig R. Wagenbach
  • Patent number: 7144211
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. A rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the stanchion to pivot about a pivot axis. The arm includes a first and second end disposed opposite one another. The arm has a center of gravity disposed between the first end and the pivot axis and that biases the arm to pivot in a first pivotal direction. First and second brackets are positioned near the first and second ends of the arm for receiving the cargo. The cargo has a center of gravity disposed between the pivot axis and the second end that causes the arm to pivot in a second pivotal direction opposite the first pivotal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Abel, Alan J. Mackey, John G. Nanna, Thomas A. Holmes, Douglas E. Colclasure
  • Publication number: 20060067802
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. A rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the stanchion to pivot about a pivot axis. The arm includes a first and second end disposed opposite one another. The arm has a center of gravity disposed between the first end and the pivot axis and that biases the arm to pivot in a first pivotal direction. First and second brackets are positioned near the first and second ends of the arm for receiving the cargo. The cargo has a center of gravity disposed between the pivot axis and the second end that causes the arm to pivot in a second pivotal direction opposite the first pivotal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Abel, Alan Mackey, John Nanna, Thomas Holmes, Douglas Colclasure
  • Publication number: 20050220558
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting and tilting an oversized cargo to reduce the effective width of the cargo. The structure comprises a bolster frame having a base and a stanchion connected to the base. The stanchion extends upwardly from a lower end connected to the base to an upper end opposite the lower end. A cylindrical roller supported is by the upper end of the stanchion for rotational movement relative to the stanchion about a rotational axis. The cylindrical roller is also supported by the stanchion for pivotal movement relative to the stanchion such that the rotational axis pivots relative to the stanchion. The bolster frame also includes a bearing pad connected to the base. The cylindrical roller and the bearing pad at least partially support the oversized cargo. The support structure may be mounted on a trailer for transporting oversized cargo, such as concrete double-tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Applicant: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20050204671
    Abstract: First and second concrete sections connected to one another. The first concrete section has a first side and a first edge at least partially embedded in the first side. The second concrete section has a second and a second edge at least partially embedded in the second side. The first and second concrete sections are positioned adjacent one another with the first and second edges being elongated and relatively straight and extending adjacent one another. The first and second edges are substantially evenly spaced from one another along the sections. The first and second edges are formed from a plastic material. A continuous weld is formed between the first and second edges and extends along the length of the edges and connects the first section to the second section. The weld is formed from a semi-flexible plastic material and resists materials from passing between the edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Publication number: 20050183357
    Abstract: A pre-formed concrete section comprising a deck and first and second legs extending from the deck. The deck includes a first side, a second, and a width extending between the first and second sides. The deck also includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The distance from the first leg to the second leg is more than two times greater than the distance from the first side to the first leg. The width of the deck is more than four times greater than the distance from the first side to the first leg. The thickness of the deck decreases as the deck extends outwardly from the first leg toward the first side. The thickness of the deck decreases as deck extends outwardly from the second leg toward the second side. A platform including multiple sections includes unevenly spaced legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Applicant: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Heuvel, Douglas Colclasure, Robert Hassey, Thomas Holmes, Ordean Johnson, John Nanna, Craig Wagenbach
  • Patent number: 5496128
    Abstract: An internal fastening band for an internal manhold chimney seal is disclosed, as well as a means for expanding the band and a means for removing the band. One end of the band is narrower than the other end so that when overlapped the ends of the band nest into one another to form a continuous expansion band. The first end portion has a plurality of apertures longitudinally spaced along the fastening band, and a plurality of slots spaced between the apertures and an end of the fastening band. The second end portion also has a aperture along a tab for engaging one of the slots to connect the first end portion to the second end portion with the particular slot being selected to adjust the continuous circular fastening band to a desired diameter. A tool is described for engaging an aperture in each end portion to increase the diameter of the circular expansion band and force the resilient sleeve against the inside surface of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Odill
  • Patent number: 5209601
    Abstract: A manhole grade adjusting ring has an adjustable diameter with a V-shaped expansion lock bridging the ends of the ring. The expansion lock has radial flanges which are adjustably pinned in slots in the ends of the ring after the ring is expanded or contracted to fit a particular manhole frame using an expansion/contraction tool. The "V" is then hammered to expand the diameter of the ring so as to form a tight friction fit between the ring and the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Odill, Ronald E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4475845
    Abstract: A cylindrical elastomeric seal is disclosed for externally sealing a manhole assembly against surface water infiltration between the manhole casting and the supporting structure and through the supporting structure. The seal has a first sealing section adapted to receive the edge of the flange of a manhole casting, a second sealing section adapted to be received by the external surface of the manhole chimney or cone, and an intermediate section, joining the two sealing sections, that spans the vertical distance between the casting and the chimney or cone. Sealing means hold the two sealing sections in place against the casting and chimney or cone, creating watertight seals. An extension skirt increases the area the seal can cover, allowing the entire supporting structure to be sealed in the case where the chimney height is too great to be spanned by the intermediate section of the seal alone. The seal can be used on old or new construction and does not interfere with normal use of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Odill, David E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4469467
    Abstract: An internal seal is disclosed between a manhole casting and mating manhole components such as concrete adjusting rings, the concrete manhole cone, or masonry structure of a similar configuration, to prevent water infiltration at this interface. The seal is formed by a continuous elastomeric ring. The ring is held in place by two stainless steel retaining bands. The elastomeric ring is pleated to allow an upward movement or lateral movement of the casting without impairing the sealing ability of the ring. The gasket can be installed either during construction or at any time after construction that there is found to be a problem with infiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Odill, David E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4360041
    Abstract: A cleanout fitting for use in the construction industry in conjunction with a lateral sewer line to bring the sewer line up to floor level at various locations to facilitate cleaning of the same. The fitting includes a pipe section with internal threads, a plug member with external threads adapted for engagement with the internal threads of the pipe section, a cover plate positionable on top of the pipe section and a connection member for connecting the cover plate with the plug member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: The Cretex Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hagan, Larry Swanson, David E. Anderson