Patents Examined by Beverly E. Hjorth
  • Patent number: 4484834
    Abstract: A paver embodying a vibrating pan for spreading concrete and smoothing and compacting the same on a sloping surface is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Bid-Well Corporation
    Inventors: Murray A. Rowe, Ewald R. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 4483640
    Abstract: A portable erosion control device for filtering run-off water. Two substantially vertically disposed side members are arranged substantially orthogonally with respect to two vertically disposed end members. The side members and end members form a box-like framework. The side members include a plurality of openings large enough to permit a flow of water therethrough. Said side members are substantially impervious to the flow of water therethrough. Partition members extend between the end walls of the box-like framework and are spaced with respect to each other to form a plurality of compartments within the box-like framework. Gripping members are positioned on the end members for facilitating the lifting and subsequent positioning of the box-like framework relative to ground level. Filtering material is positioned between the partition members and the side members. The box-like framework includes an open bottom and open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventors: Robert C. Berger, James W. Smack
  • Patent number: 4483567
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning supply connections such as cables or connecting hoses into operative association with a mining extractor machine which is movable against a working space along a mining longwall by a longwall conveyor and in a mine between adjacent adits and to the stowage side comprises a connection winding and unwinding drum positionable in an adit and having a supply connection thereon which is unwindable from the drum guided to a supply connection conveyor which moves along the longwall with the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: M.A.N. Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl H. Schwarting
  • Patent number: 4480348
    Abstract: A tension-band bridge having one or more main openings (2) and possibly subsidiary openings (3), comprises a tension band (4) gripped between abutments (5) and possibly taken over supporting pillars (6). The traffic route over the bridge is disposed on a saddling (7), which bends in the longitudinal direction of the bridge, in the region of the main openings (2), while the tension band (4) can be travelled over directly in the region of any subsidiary openings (3) which may be present. The saddling which bends in the longitudinal direction of the bridge preferably consists of a latticework construction (10, 11, 12) which is rigid in the transverse direction of the tension band (4) and which is connected, in the longitudinal direction of the bridge, by means of diagonal struts (13) in each of which shock absorbers (14) are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: Ulrich Finsterwalder
  • Patent number: 4479739
    Abstract: A road construction machine for paving road surfaces with road stones or the like is disclosed which moves over the paved surface which has already been laid, without the use of guide rails. The machine carries a supply of road stones supported on a lift table. Each uppermost road stone slab is removed from the supply stack and inserted into a semi-circularly shaped transfer chute positioned at the forward end of the paving machine. The road stones are conducted through the chute and deposited onto the subgrade surface so as to be pressed sequentially against a previously laid pavement stone. As the road construction machine moves forwardly along the paved surface in the direction of the paving operation, hydraulic ram means serve to firmly press and flatten the laid stones into paving condition on the subgrade surface, utilizing the weight of the slab stack carried in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Otfried W. Schweikert
  • Patent number: 4477119
    Abstract: A mining apparatus comprises a planing device which is movable along a longwall to the drift and has a longwall conveyor which extends alongside it and is deflected into the drift for the removal of the cutaway material. A cutter is operable in the transition between the longwall and the drift and includes a rotatable shaft which is rotatable on a conveyor in the transition between the longwall and the drift and includes an outer arm which carries a rotatable cutting wheel which is moved by the swivel arm through the cutting zone at the transition between the longwall and the drift. The swivel arm is pivotable on a bearing shaft which carries a chain wheel which is driven from a chain drive which operates a plane cutter which is movable along the longwall. The chain drive includes a chain wheel which is rotatable with the bearing shaft and is connected by a separate cutter chain drive which extends through the swivel arm to a chain wheel affixed to the shaft of the cutter wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Halbach & Braun Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gert Braun, Ernst Braun, Walthorst Herwig
  • 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: 4475844
    Abstract: A tubular drain vertically positioned within the ground beneath the ground level in the vicinity of surface water and having a tubular drain cover-support member anchored in the surface ground layer with a tubular part of the drain cover-support means extending down into the tubular drain, so as to be axially movable relative thereto as a separately movable support element in annular disc form placed around the tubular part of the drain cover-support member so as to be axially movable relative to the drain while being guided by the upper part with it being anchored in the surrounding ground layer in a manner so as to be able to exert a downwardly pressing force from the underlying drain when relative movement is obtained between the drain and the supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventors: Oscar S. Arntyr, Thord I. Engstrom
  • Patent number: 4474503
    Abstract: Traffic control apparatus employs an elongated barrier separating adjacent lanes of a highway. The barrier consists of a series of barrier sections hingedly secured together. A self propelled vehicle engages the barrier sections seriatim, elevates them and guides them within the vehicle along a generally sinusoidal path from one lane divider to another and discharges them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Inventors: William L. Booth, Leslie S. Stone
  • Patent number: 4473915
    Abstract: In an anchored tension member individual elements, such as steel rods or the like, extend between a pair of anchoring discs each of which is secured on a support. One support is spaced horizontally and vertically from the other so that the tension member extends at an acute angle to the horizontal. In assembling and installing the tension member, first one individual element is placed through a tubular casing resting on the support of a support structure which incorporates one of the supports. Next, the individual element is tensioned between and anchored to the anchoring discs. During this operation, the tubular casing is lifted off the surface and extends rectilinearly between and is spaced from both of the anchoring discs. In turn, the remaining individual elements are placed through the tubular casing, tensioned and then anchored to the anchoring discs. As a result, the tension member can be installed in position without additional auxiliary apparatus, such as lifting devices and scaffolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klemens Finsterwalder
  • Patent number: 4473319
    Abstract: A method of resurfacing a road or the like wherein existing surface profile is first measured as a function of distance over the road surface. A desired profile is then identified as a function of measured road profile by simulating travel of a vehicle over the road surface and observing the quality of vehicle ride and/or pavement dynamic load while the spatial wavelength characteristics of measured profile are progressively attenuated. When ride quality and/or dynamic load of desired preselected standard is obtained, a resurface control signal is obtained as a conjoint function of distance along the road surface and the difference between measured profile and spatially attenuated profile. Road resurfacing equipment is also disclosed for selective removal of pavement surface material or selective deposition of paving material as a function of the control signal so obtained to achieve the desired resurfaced road profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Surface Dynamics Inc.
    Inventor: Elson B. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4471998
    Abstract: A cutter drum assembly for longwall mining machines incorporating means for spraying trickle water onto the face area being mined as the cutter drum rotates. This requires valving for supplying high-pressure liquid to only those nozzles adjacent the face area as the drum rotates. In accordance with the invention, the valving takes the form of individual valves spaced around the drum, the valves being actuated by a relatively low-pressure control medium (i.e., a liquid) which obviates the necessity for the close tolerances and rigid sealing requirements of prior art devices where high-pressure liquid valve assemblies were built into the rotary connection between a support shaft and the drum which rotates about it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Gebr. Eickhoff Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei m.b.H.
    Inventor: Karl Hotger
  • Patent number: 4470719
    Abstract: A method is provided for repairing or preventing the faulting phenomenon in unreinforced concrete highways. Flowable, foamable, curable compositions are injected into the transverse joint between concrete slabs to fill any voids that exist between or under the slabs, and to fix loose incompressible "fines" which are forced beneath the slabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John J. Dziark, Robert L. Nelson, Alfred G. Sanford
  • 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: 4469468
    Abstract: An apparatus (2 or 3) for jumping a moving object (10) from one place to another. Fields of application include protection of submarine installations such as pipelines (1) and cables, from damage due to dragging anchors (10) and fishing gear. The apparatus comprises a plate-like device (2 or 3) that is unstable with regard to a horizontal force over a certain strength. The deformation of the device (2 or 3) caused by such horizontal force results in a steeper direction of the resultant (14) acting on the edge (6). The frictional resistance combined with the passive soil pressure (7) thereby become able to withstand the horizontal force from the moving object (10). Subsequently the device (2 or 3) carrying the object (10) will turn around the edge (6) and thereby lift the object (10) over the installation (1). Several alternative designs of the device (2 or 3) and a method of installing it are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Ole F. Larsen
  • Patent number: 4465397
    Abstract: To lay a running track, a resilient particulate material is spread over a substrate of a given width. Pressure is applied individually downwardly on the material over a plurality of respective segments of the width, as the material is smeared over and amongst the segments to form a bonded layer of said material which exhibits a continuous and even upper surface across said width. This is accomplished by means of a machine that includes an elongated frame of a length sufficient to span a plurality of lanes of a running track. A plurality of successively-hinged individually-articulatable platens depend from and are distributed along the frame. Each platen has a length corresponding generally to the width of respective ones of the lanes. Means included with respect to each of the platens enables the application of pressure on the material toward the underlying substrate of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Inventors: Edmund D. Hollon, Blake D. Hollon
  • Patent number: 4464803
    Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Inventor: Samuel G. Bonasso
  • Patent number: 4463989
    Abstract: A device for cutting a receptacle in pavement to receive a reflector designed to reflect automobile lights, which reflector is contained in a housing so that it is protected from a snowplow mold board during normal plowing operations. Such reflectors are becoming standard in separating traffic lanes and are embedded in the pavement in epoxy. The device simultaneously cuts a receptacle of a shape such that the reflector and its protective cast iron housing may be readily inserted in the pavement. The device enables the receptacle to be cut at right angles to a tangent to the curved portion of the crown of the road, permits rapid exact positioning of the receptacle location and enables the receptacle to be formed in approximately five seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Inventor: Ralph Kennedy
  • Patent number: 4461597
    Abstract: A cover capable of being both locked in position within a valve box or manhole cover and lifted upwards to assist in its removal, having a rotating bolt therein which maneuvers a lever base upwards or downwards which lever base causes the rotation of a lock lift lever extending through a slot in the side of the cover and which, when moved downwards, causes the lock member portion of the lock lift lever to tighten against the valve box and which when raised, rotates a lift member portion against the seat of the valve box thereby jacking the cover upwards so that it can be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Gerard F. Laurin
  • Patent number: 4460291
    Abstract: A reinforcing track for soft ground comprises two rows of pressed sheet metal rib members 1. The inner ends of corresponding rib members 1 in the two rows are articulated to connecting rods 5 near their lower, pointed edges. Longitudinal ties 2 and 8 and transverse ties 3 all of spring steel strip reinforce a plastics sheet covering 7 which together with the ties 2 and 3 are sandwiched between track plates 9 and flanges on the rib members 1. The track is flexible and can be reeled onto, and unreeled from a reel on a vehicle for recovery of and laying the track. The reel is carried by a frame supported on a turntable bearing on the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Andre Lamendour