Patents by Inventor Dan J. Hotek
Dan J. Hotek 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).
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Patent number: 7828498Abstract: A block assembly includes integral connection mechanisms specifically designed for incorporation into engineered retaining walls. These connection mechanisms specifically accommodate the use of reinforcing grids in the formation of a retaining wall which, when used, will stabilize the retaining wall and provide additional strength. The connection mechanism is formed prior to fabrication of the block itself, and thus can be integrally incorporated during casting/fabrication of the block itself. The connection mechanism defines a connection slot usable during retaining wall fabrication (by allowing easy connection to the reinforcing grid) while also accommodating holding and lifting of the block assembly. Due to the fabrication method, the configuration of the connection mechanisms inserted into the block can be uniquely designed to provide desired physical coupling once the concrete is hardened.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventors: Daniel R. Sorheim, Dan J. Hotek
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Publication number: 20090252561Abstract: A block assembly includes integral connection mechanisms specifically designed for incorporation into engineered retaining walls. These connection mechanisms specifically accommodate the use of reinforcing grids in the formation of a retaining wall which, when used, will stabilize the retaining wall and provide additional strength. The connection mechanism is formed prior to fabrication of the block itself, and thus can be integrally incorporated during casting/fabrication of the block itself. The connection mechanism defines a connection slot usable during retaining wall fabrication (by allowing easy connection to the reinforcing grid) while also accommodating holding and lifting of the block assembly. Due to the fabrication method, the configuration of the connection mechanisms inserted into the block can be uniquely designed to provide desired physical coupling once the concrete is hardened.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Daniel R. Sorheim, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 6336773Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. Alternative stabilizing element designs may be used with the modular wall blocks and other types of facing elements in a mechanically stabilized earth structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 6050748Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. Alternative stabilizing element designs may be used with the modular wall blocks and other types of facing elements in a mechanically stabilized earth structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5951209Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5947643Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector. A handle bar connector is used for connecting a cast in place front wall to the front panels and bulk form.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5807030Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. Alternative stabilizing element designs may be used with the modular wall blocks and other types of facing elements in a mechanically stabilized earth structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: The Reinforced Earth CompanyInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5730559Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5707184Abstract: A retaining wall construction comprises modular facing blocks connected by fasteners to anchoring blocks positioned behind the facing blocks. The facing blocks are arranged in courses which overlap one another. The facing blocks, as well as the anchor blocks, have hollow, vertical throughbores. This enables interconnection of the back wall of the facing block with the anchor block by means of various types of fasteners. The retaining wall construction is especially useful in the construction of low height, gravity type walls.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5642968Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks from counterbores or slots in the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5624211Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Societe Civile Des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5622455Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector. A handle bar connector is used for connecting a cast in place front wall to the front panels and bulk form.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5586841Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. The soil stabilizing elements may also comprise hollow core precast blocks connected to the facing blocks.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5577866Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Societe Civile Des Brevets Henri VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5507599Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks from counterbores or slots in the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1993Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5494379Abstract: An earthen work bulk form construction has a wire mesh facing and granular compactable fill with stabilizing members projecting horizontally into the fill from the front facing. The front facing is comprised of modular shaped panels which form a mosaic pattern that enables construction of the wall with non-adjacent panels serving to facilitate and support adjacent panels. Connection of the stabilizing members to the front panels is effected through a quick engagement and locking handle bar connector. A version of a handle bar connector is disclosed for connecting a cast in place front wall to the front panels and bulk form.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: The Reinforced Earth CompanyInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5487623Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1993Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: 5474405Abstract: A retaining wall construction comprises modular facing blocks connected by fasteners to anchoring blocks positioned behind the facing blocks. The facing blocks are arranged in courses which overlap one another. The facing blocks, as well as the anchor blocks, have hollow, vertical throughbores. This enables interconnection of the back wall of the facing block with the anchor block by means of various types of fasteners. The retaining wall construction is especially useful in the construction of low height, gravity type walls.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: D347070Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
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Patent number: D362511Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Societ Civile des Brevets Henri C. VidalInventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek