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).

  • Patent number: 7828498
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel R. Sorheim, Dan J. Hotek
  • Publication number: 20090252561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. Sorheim, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 6336773
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 6050748
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5951209
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5947643
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5807030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Reinforced Earth Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5730559
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5707184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5642968
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5624211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Civile Des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5622455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5586841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5577866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile Des Brevets Henri Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5507599
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5494379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: The Reinforced Earth Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5487623
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5474405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: D347070
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: D362511
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Societ Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek