Patents Examined by Raymond Addie
  • Patent number: 7252454
    Abstract: An expansion joint system for roadway constructions is provided incorporating dampers that are designed to protect the roadway constructions from the effects of disturbances caused by seismic events and vehicular traffic by absorbing and dissipating mechanical vibration energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, David Kent Fugard
  • Patent number: 7249909
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a vehicle restraining system that includes a truss assembly. A rotateable drum is repositionable on the truss assembly. A gravitationally deployable vehicle restraining device is removably attachable to the drum and to the truss assembly. At least one cable is disengageably connectable to the drum and to the truss assembly. A plurality of guide rods is installed on the truss assembly in opposing spaced-apart pairs, and a boom is provided that is repositionable on the plurality of guide rods. At least one motor is mountable on the boom for both repositioning the boom on the plurality of guide rods and for rotating the drum to enfold the gravitationally deployable vehicle restraining device on the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Van Bibber
  • Patent number: 7249911
    Abstract: A novel small quasi-hemispherical truncated-dome modular-dot like device, which can be readily affixed to pavement in a Federally-mandated pattern via a special hole/matrix-stencil;—the resulting demarkations thereby serving to alert the Legally-blind (as well as Guide-dogs, persons in wheelchairs, and otherwise pre-occupied non-handicapped individuals) their pedestrian-pathway is entering into a potentially dangerous transition area typically crossed by a motor-vehicle pathway. The individual so called DW-DOTS™ are resilient circular low-profile devices having an annular-ramp configuration, and thus standing out only sufficiently above a foot-surface as to enable foot-tactile detection, yet not pose the potential tripping hazzard known to embedded-mats. This novel safety-button offers a desired permanent contrasting-color, plus has a definition and rugged permanency not known to poured-dot installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher A. Hyams
  • Patent number: 7249914
    Abstract: A scraper apparatus including a cart and a scraping arrangement located at a front of the cart. The scraping arrangement includes blades that are driven along a joint or crack by the cart to remove excess filling material deposited in the joint or crack of a working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph E. Due
  • Patent number: 7246969
    Abstract: A storm drain inlet for a below-grade collection box including front, rear and side walls and a top. The inlet includes a pair of side columns, which connect to the collection box side walls. An upper crosspiece extends between the side columns and is attached to the collection box top. A lower crosspiece comprising a back plate extends between the side walls and provides a form for the rear edge of a concrete apron poured in front of the collection box. The side columns, upper crosspiece and concrete apron define an inlet throat open to the collection box interior. A roadway or parking lot structure can include curbs, which can be poured adjacent to the collection box into proximity with the inlet side columns. The curbs are preferably not rigidly connected to the inlet in order to accommodate relative movement therebetween. The inlet can be adapted for both poured-in-place and precast collection boxes. It can be scaled to accommodate various widths and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Carl E. Orser
  • Patent number: 7240388
    Abstract: A modular portable wheel chair ramp comprising a plurality of mechanically interconnected modular ramp sections. Ramp sections are supported by adjustable post assemblies on ramp section sides. A rail panel comprising upper and lower rails extend between said outer post on one end and a second post matching in complement the outer post on an opposite end wherein said second post of a first rail panel removably connects to an outer post of an adjacent rail panel therein connecting said rail panels together. Slats connecting between upper and lower rails form a rail panel. An inner rail is also secured between the posts, interlocking with an extended lug on an inner rail section end fitting into a matching hole in an adjacent inner rail section end to make a continuous inner section rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Larry Eugene Warford
  • Patent number: 7240387
    Abstract: An ornamental bridge kit includes a frame having a first and second side beams (10, 12) of a length that may fit within a shipping container. The frame further includes a plurality of transverse braces (16) spanning between the internal surface of the first side beam (10) and the internal surface of the second side beam (12). The frame also includes a plurality of lateral stiffeners (18) and at least one longitudinal stiffener (20) secured to the plurality of transverse braces (16). A plurality of boards or planks (52) may further be arranged transversely and extending from the first side beam (10) to the second side beam (12) and secured to the top edge of the first side beam (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: John A. Berggren
  • Patent number: 7237294
    Abstract: The tri-folding ramp is a portable, collapsible device that includes three sections which define an upper surface of the ramp as having an arc-shaped profile. The arc-shaped profile of the ramp can reduce the loading angle between the distal end of the ramp and an upper loading surface, thereby inhibiting contact between the vehicle's undercarriage and the ramp's upper surface and/or the upper loading surface as the vehicle is entering or exiting the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry P. Lensing
  • Patent number: 7234893
    Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly by forming at least a pair of bottom sheet membranes and at least one top sheet membrane, wherein the bottom sheet membranes are adapted to attach to and cover respective pavement sections of a roadway, and constructing each top sheet membrane with a track, wherein each track receives edges of a corresponding pair of the bottom sheet membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Canada, Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7226237
    Abstract: Road barrier comprising a plurality of modules consisting at least of an upright, or vertical component, fixed in the ground, and a first longitudinal element, or horizontal component, made with tubular profiles. The upright is arranged through inside the first longitudinal element, so that the latter can be moved vertically and selectively clamped at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Gildo Ceccarelli
  • Patent number: 7225493
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: 4 Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey, Michael M. Meichtry
  • Patent number: 7223049
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for directionally degrading a paved surface. A substantially cylindrical rotary tool may include cutting inserts embedded within its cylindrical surface. The tool may be rotated about a rotational axis extending from a top end of the tool to its cutting head and may contact a paved surface such that the tool degrades the surface in a direction substantially normal thereto. The tool may be mounted to a motorized vehicle and adapted for independent movement to limit degradation to an isolated area, extend degradation beyond the width of the motorized vehicle, and/or avoid obstacles in the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott R. Little, David Wahlquist, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7220077
    Abstract: A crashworthy traffic noise barrier system for use alongside a path of traffic, the crashworthy traffic noise barrier system comprises a crashworthy longitudinal barrier extending substantially parallel to the path of traffic and a crashworthy traffic noise barrier wall supported by the longitudinal barrier. The crashworthy traffic noise barrier wall includes a plurality of upstanding posts attached to the traffic noise barrier wall, at least one panel supported between each adjacent pair of posts in the plurality of upstanding posts, and at least one longitudinal beam spaced above a top surface of the longitudinal barrier and extending across the plurality of upstanding posts for redirecting a portion of an errant vehicle away from the at least one panel. The longitudinal beams redirect energy of the errant vehicle away from the panels such that the panels and any fragments of the panels, remain attached to the traffic noise barrier wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignees: CYRO Industries, Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Eric C. Humphries, Stephen D. Barratt, Ronald K. Faller, Keith J. Kurz, Dean L. Sicking
  • Patent number: 7220076
    Abstract: A vehicle stopping apparatus for stopping a target vehicle has a capture loop large enough to loop over a vehicle tire, attachment means provided over a portion of the capture loop to attach the portion of the capture loop to the vehicle tire, and a tether coupled to the capture loop. The vehicle stopping apparatus may have an anchoring device coupled to the tether, the anchoring device adapted to apply a resistive force on the tether. Furthermore, the vehicle stopping apparatus may have a deployment mechanism adapted to transfer the capture loop from a set position wherein said capture loop is folded in a bundle, to a deployed position wherein said capture loop is extended across the path of said vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Boltek Corporation
    Inventor: William Robert Boll
  • Patent number: 7216392
    Abstract: A dock leveler including a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. Also, a dock leveler including a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In addition, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp. The method includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, David C. Saliger
  • Patent number: 7216391
    Abstract: A dock leveling system adapted to be disposed in a pit is disclosed. A hinge member with a hinge pin receiving area and a hinge pin disposed in the hinge member defines a center of rotation. A deck that is rotatable about the hinge pin includes a curved portion with a constant radius and a center of curvature substantially similar to the center of the hinge pin. The curved portion defines an elevation that remains constant as the deck rotates about the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Muhl, Lisa Bender, legal representative, Mike Jehn, Pamela Pietrangelo, Michael Mitchell, Matthew Tourdot, Brian Bender, deceased
  • Patent number: 7213285
    Abstract: A dock leveler includes a lip that not only pivots between an extended operative position and a pendant position relative to a deck but also translates in its pendant position between blocking and non-blocking positions. A fastener connects the lip to a hinge in such a way as to minimize the stress between the fastener and the lip. The hinge includes a lip-facing surface into which the fastener is anchored, wherein the fastener is tilted out of perpendicularity to the lip-facing surface. The head of the fastener is held parallel to the lip even though an angled gap may exist between the lip and the lip-facing surface of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7214000
    Abstract: An unobtrusive on-grade barrier. One embodiment comprises a concrete-lined trench over which a biased hinged plate is affixed to an end wall of the trench. The biased hinge holds the free end of the plate against a tab affixed to the other end wall, assuring the plate does not rise above grade. The plate is supported for vehicle passage by a sliding mechanism energized by an actuator controlled by a controller that may be automated or operated by security personnel. The barrier may be configured so that vehicles may approach from either end. Upon authorizing access to the driver, the vehicle is permitted to pass over the supported plate. If the driver is not authorized access, the support is slid out of the way and any vehicle attempting to pass slides into the trench. Embodiments may include means for clearing the trench of a trapped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles P. Marsh, Julie L. Webster, Gordon L. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7214001
    Abstract: An insertion device configured for connecting to a frame of a concrete paving machine. The insertion device including a housing, a guide tube extending from the housing, and an ejection device positioned in the housing and cooperating with the guide tube to individually eject dowels stored by the housing through the guide tube. According to one embodiment, the housing includes an alignment system for aligning the dowels in the housing in a predetermined orientation. In another embodiment, the housing has a parting feature that extends along a forward external side of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the guide tube includes a resilient element provided at an outlet portion that is arranged to seal the outlet portion of the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Drion Constructie, besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakeliikheid
    Inventor: François Joseph Casters
  • Patent number: 7207079
    Abstract: Bridges decks or panels for bridge decks made of a metal-plastic-metal sandwich with the plastic bonded to the metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween. The sandwich plates may be constructed with either a solid plastic core or a composite core consisting of plastic, metal plates or structural shapes and forms within or without a frame of girders. Sandwich plate bridge panels without peripheral metal frames are held together only by the adhesion of the plastic to the metal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Intelligent Engineering (Bahamas) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Kennedy