Patents by Inventor Frank M. Locotos

Frank M. Locotos 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).

  • Publication number: 20230374904
    Abstract: A component and method for evaluating load at a mine roof. An embossed bearing plate and a reinforcing washer are combined to thereby form a bearing system, wherein the bearing plate is a grade 2 plate (“x?1”), the bearing plate including a back surface which is adapted to contact a mine roof, an opposite surface and an aperture through which a shaft portion of a bolt can extend, the reinforcing washer including a rigid member having a first surface shaped to contact and complement the opposite surface of the bearing plate, a second opposing surface and a washer hole for alignment with the aperture through which the shaft can extend; driving a bolt with the shaft through the bearing system into a location of the mine roof, and, inspecting a curl of the grade 2 plate, wherein the curl and uniformity thereof is indicative of a load of around 20,000 pounds at the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Frank M. Locotos, Robert G. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20230160148
    Abstract: A ground-disposed foundation mat. A pre-drilled, wooden block has a thru-hole, the thru-hole defined by a thru-hole inner surface and a hole diameter, the wooden block having an outer surface; a rod is power-driven through the thru-hole, the rod having a head top surface and a smooth outer surface, the rod having a lead end, the rod having an outer diameter equal to or slightly greater than the hole diameter of each of the thru holes, wherein each rod is held in place by significant friction between the thru-hole inner surface and the smooth outer surface of the rod. As such, the rod is adapted to remain held in place within the block even when subjected to a pull force of at least 3 tons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 11408284
    Abstract: A mining bolt system to anchor mining roofs. A bearing plate has a top bearing surface, a bottom bearing surface and a central hole. An L-shaped angle bracket having an upstanding portion and an upper portion has further defined therein a pair of bracket holes. A bolt including a rod portion and a bolt head passes through the central hole and into a mine roof. A threaded staff is then adapted to pass through one of the bracket holes underneath the bottom bearing surface, wherein, in combination, the bearing plate, angle bracket and threaded staff can be tensioned to provide a lifting force against the mine roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Square Cut Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Locotos, David J. Nardo
  • Patent number: 11292702
    Abstract: A nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Axion Structural Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20210381376
    Abstract: A mining bolt system to anchor mining roofs. A bearing plate has a top bearing surface, a bottom bearing surface and a central hole. An L-shaped angle bracket having an upstanding portion and an upper portion has further defined therein a pair of bracket holes. A bolt including a rod portion and a bolt head passes through the central hole and into a mine roof. A threaded staff is then adapted to pass through one of the bracket holes underneath the bottom bearing surface, wherein, in combination, the bearing plate, angle bracket and threaded staff can be tensioned to provide a lifting force against the mine roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Frank M. Locotos, David J. Nardo
  • Patent number: 11105199
    Abstract: A cuttable, sinkable mining bolt system for use in supporting the sidewall or rib in a coal mine. A bearing plate has a plurality of hollow cores defined transaxially therein and a central hole defined axially therethrough, the bearing plate made of modified recycled, rigid PVC compound. A fiberglass bolt is adapted to be inserted through the central hole of bearing plate. Bolt is one-piece consisting of glass fiber reinforced plastic. Head component includes a square head and integral, beveled washer for self-centering in the bearing plate as rod component is driven into rib. Bearing plates are adapted to sink into a refuse stream. Hollow cores of bearing plate reduce the material and thus the weight and expense of the bearing plate while still allowing the bearing plates to sink. Optionally, rod components can be inserted transaxially through the hollow cores to increase the strength and coverage of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Square Cut Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Locotos, David J. Nardo
  • Publication number: 20210071526
    Abstract: A cuttable, sinkable mining bolt system for use in supporting the sidewall or rib in a coal mine. A bearing plate has a plurality of hollow cores defined transaxially therein and a central hole defined axially therethrough, the bearing plate made of modified recycled, rigid PVC compound. A fiberglass bolt is adapted to be inserted through the central hole of bearing plate. Bolt is one-piece consisting of glass fiber reinforced plastic. Head component includes a square head and integral, beveled washer for self-centering in the bearing plate as rod component is driven into rib. Bearing plates are adapted to sink into a refuse stream. Hollow cores of bearing plate reduce the material and thus the weight and expense of the bearing plate while still allowing the bearing plates to sink. Optionally, rod components can be inserted transaxially through the hollow cores to increase the strength and coverage of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Frank M. Locotos, David J. Nardo
  • Publication number: 20200369496
    Abstract: A nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 10773933
    Abstract: A nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Axion Structural Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20190382246
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: JOSEPH E. BRYAN, FRANK M. LOCOTOS
  • Patent number: 10392234
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Axion Structural Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20170175341
    Abstract: An assembly method and resulting temporary foundation mat for equipment such as a crane, including the steps of driving a fastener through plastic either with a hydraulic force or pneumatic (air), mechanical, or by any other power assisted means, shown through experimentation to result in the plastic surrounding the bolt within itself, tightly giving added strength to the system. The fastener can have a head at the driven end and a threaded end at the lead end. When a threaded end exists exterior to the joined pieces of plank, the plastic around the threaded end can be power-wire brushed to expose the threads to a nut which then tightens the system. The penetration rate of the fastener into and through the plastic pieces can be increased by pre-heating the lead end of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 9435097
    Abstract: An assembly method and resulting temporary foundation mat for equipment such as a crane, including the steps of driving a fastener through plastic either with a hydraulic force or pneumatic (air), mechanical, or by any other power assisted means, shown through experimentation to result in the plastic surrounding the bolt within itself, tightly giving added strength to the system. The fastener can have a head at the driven end and a threaded end at the lead end. When a threaded end exists exterior to the joined pieces of plank, the plastic around the threaded end can be power-wire brushed to expose the threads to a nut which then tightens the system. The penetration rate of the fastener into and through the plastic pieces can be increased by pre-heating the lead end of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: F.M. Locotos Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20160177531
    Abstract: An assembly method and resulting temporary foundation mat for equipment such as a crane, including the steps of driving a fastener through plastic either with a hydraulic force or pneumatic (air), mechanical, or by any other power assisted means, shown through experimentation to result in the plastic surrounding the bolt within itself, tightly giving added strength to the system. The fastener can have a head at the driven end and a threaded end at the lead end. When a threaded end exists exterior to the joined pieces of plank, the plastic around the threaded end can be power-wire brushed to expose the threads to a nut which then tightens the system. The penetration rate of the fastener into and through the plastic pieces can be increased by pre-heating the lead end of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20150308269
    Abstract: This new system can utilize a threaded bolt head on one end of a roof bolt and an anchoring device on the other end of the bolt. The roof bolt is designed in such a manner to allow the bolt head to drive the bolt for anchoring purposes and to allow the bolt head to also serve as the attachment mechanism for ancillary appendages. This system can be utilized as the primary roof bolting system, or, as an ancillary system in conjunction with existing primary roof bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MATLOK, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20140341649
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MatLok, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 8790044
    Abstract: A bolt includes a tube, at least a portion of which is hollow, having a top and the bottom and at least one dimple. The bolt includes an insert fixed to the interior of the tube in proximity to the dimple with the dimple disposed between the insert and bottom of the tube. A method for a bolt includes the steps of inserting a resin cartridge into a hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: F. M. Locotos Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20110033246
    Abstract: A bolt includes a tube, at least a portion of which is hollow, having a top and the bottom and at least one dimple. The bolt includes an insert fixed to the interior of the tube in proximity to the dimple with the dimple disposed between the insert and bottom of the tube. A method for a bolt includes the steps of inserting a resin cartridge into a hole. There is the step of inserting the bolt into the hole. There is the step of placing a top end of a installation tool into a hollow tube of the bolt. There is the step of moving the tool up, which pushes the tube upwards, causing the resin cartridge to break. There is the step of rotating the top end of the tool, which causes the tube to rotate and mix the resin. There is the step of holding the top end of the installation tool inside the tube until the resin hardens and a resultant tension remains on the bolt. An installation tool. A method for forming an installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20080298904
    Abstract: A metal coupling used to join a strand cable with a threaded metal mine roof bolt includes a first portion having a first opening that is threaded to receive an engage with the bolt. The coupling includes a second portion having a second opening to receive and engage with the cable. A mine roof support includes a strand cable. The support includes a threaded metal mine roof bolt. The support includes a metal coupling which joins the strand cable with the threaded metal mine roof bolt that supports at least 1 ton of load from a mine roof when disposed in the mine roof. A method for forming a mine roof support includes the steps of screwing a threaded metal mine roof bolt into a first opening that is threaded of a metal coupling. There is the step of inserting a strand cable into a second opening of the metal coupling. There is the step of swagging the cable inside the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Frank M. Locotos
  • Publication number: 20040161305
    Abstract: A mine roof bolt for a grouted bore hole in a roof of a mine. The mine roof bolt includes an elongated member having a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the bore hole, a first end, and a second end. The elongated member has deformations such that axial tension on the bolt results in axial movement between the elongated member and the grout and results in confined compression of the grout between the bore hole and the elongated member surface to facilitate anchorage of the elongated member with grout to the mine rock in which the bore hole is disposed. The mine roof bolt includes a flange disposed adjacent to the second end. A method for supporting a mine roof. A method of making a mine roof bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicants: F.M. Locotos Co., Inc., Terrasimco, Inc., Copperweld Marketing and Sales Company, Maverick Tube Corporation
    Inventors: Walter J. Simmons, Walter N. Simmons, Frank M. Locotos, James Kevin Staffler, Robert T. Macaul