Patents by Inventor Brian J. Rachwitz

Brian J. Rachwitz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Municipal casting frame and method of manufacturing same
    Patent number: 7712515
    Abstract: A municipal casting frame is provided with cast nut retainers that allow the frame to be used with or without a bolt-down cover. The frame defines one or more bolt holes of sufficient dimension to allow free passage of the cover bolts. The undersurface of the frame defines a cast nut retainer adapted to securely receive a nut. In one embodiment, the nut retainer includes protrusions that permit the nut to be snap-fitted into the nut retainer. In another embodiment, the nut retainer is configured to frictionally receive the nut in a wedging interaction. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a frame with integral cast nut retainers. The method generally includes the steps of (a) providing a core corresponding in shape to the bolt hole and the cast nut retainer, the cast nut retainer being configured to receive and retain a nut, (b) casting a frame in a mold about the core, (c) removing the cast frame from the mold and (d) removing the core from the cast frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: East Jordan Iron Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon P. Sulak, Brian J. Rachwitz, Keith A. Gee, Paul F. Harm, Jeremy I. Johnson
  • LIFT-ASSISTED MANHOLE COVER
    Publication number: 20080138153
    Abstract: A lift-assisted manhole cover assembly with a flush surface and external pivot shaft. The cover includes a mounting tab that extends beyond the general periphery of the cover. The mounting tab may be connected to a shaft that is threadedly engaged with the frame. A spring may be mounted between the frame and the mounting tab, for example, in a sleeve, to provide a mechanical assist in lifting the cover. The sleeve may be disposed outside the manhole opening where it does not block access to the manhole opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: EAST JORDAN IRON WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy I. Johnson, Lee M. Veldboom, Scott B. Beal, Herbert Carl Barnum, William R. Austin, James F. Malpass, Todd C. Loviska, Brian J. Rachwitz, Rex A. Garringer, John H. Snyder
  • Lift-assisted manhole cover
    Patent number: 7341398
    Abstract: A lift-assisted manhole cover assembly with a flush surface and external pivot shaft. The cover includes a mounting tab that extends beyond the general periphery of the cover. The mounting tab may be connected to a shaft that is threadedly engaged with the frame. A spring may be mounted between the frame and the mounting tab, for example, in a sleeve, to provide a mechanical assist in lifting the cover. The sleeve may be disposed outside the manhole opening where it does not block access to the manhole opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: East Jordan Iron Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy I. Johnson, Lee M. Veldboom, Scott B. Beal, Herbert Carl Barnum, William R. Austin, James F. Malpass, Todd C. Loviska, Brian J. Rachwitz, Rex A. Garringer, John H. Snyder