Patents Assigned to DURAFUSE FRAMES, LLC
  • Patent number: 12416176
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to base connections, structures including base connections, kits for forming the base connections and/or structures, and method of repairing yielded base connections. In an embodiment, a base connection includes a base plate including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top surface is configured to be adjacent to a terminal end of a column and the bottom surface adjacent to a foundation. The connection also includes one or more anchor rods attached to the base plate. The anchor rods are configured to secure the base plate to the foundation. The connection includes at least one structural fuse configured to be attached to the column and attached to the base plate. The fuse includes a plate with at least one cutout formed therein. The cutout is configured to form one or more yield regions that are configured to preferentially yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Durafuse Frames, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Williams Richards
  • Patent number: 12410604
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to structural fuses, structures including the same, and methods of using and forming the same. In an embodiment, a structural fuse is disclosed. The structural fuse includes a first attachment region defining one or more first bolt holes, a second attachment region defining one or more second bolt holes, and a yielding region between the first attachment region and the second attachment region. The yielding region defines one or more slots exhibiting an elongated shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Durafuse Frames, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Williams Richards
  • Patent number: 12410603
    Abstract: Column-to-beam connection systems are disclosed herein, along with moment-resisting frames including the same and methods of repairing the same. An example column-to-beam connection system includes a shear component. The shear component includes a base plate that is connected to a column flange. The shear component also includes at least one vertical web extending from the base plate. The vertical web is connected to with a beam flange. The vertical web also defines one or more openings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: DURAFUSE FRAMES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul William Richards
  • Patent number: 12359420
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to structural fuses and connection systems including the same. An example structural fuse includes at least one plate. The structural fuse includes a plurality of cutouts formed in the plate. The cutouts are configured to cause at least one first yield region of the plate to yield when a first load is applied to the plate. Optionally, the plurality of cutouts are configured to cause at least one second yield region to yield when a second load is applied to the plate. At least a portion of the first yield region is distinct from at least a portion of the second yield region and the first load is different than the second load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Durafuse Frames, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Williams Richards
  • Patent number: 10760261
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DURAFUSE FRAMES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Williams Richards
  • Patent number: 10689876
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DURAFUSE FRAMES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul William Richards
  • Patent number: 10584477
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to moment-resisting frames, kits for assembling such moment-resisting frames, and methods of repairing such moment-resisting frames. In an embodiment, a moment-resisting frame includes a beam connected to a column using a moment-resisting connection. The moment-resisting connection may include at least one exterior doubler plate (“EDP”) that is connected to the column and two or more connectors that are connected to both the beam and the EDP. In some embodiments, the moment-resisting frame may require less welding than conventional beam-to-column connections. Additionally or alternatively, such a moment-resisting frame may eliminate the need for components typically used in conventional beam-to-column connections (e.g., continuity plates).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: DURAFUSE FRAMES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul William Richards