Abstract: A retaining wall assembly having a plurality of face plates, which interlock with tie-backs. The face blocks in one embodiment have a substantially cross-shaped front face and recesses along top, bottom, left and right-hand sides, which interlock with tie-back flanges. Each tie-back, through its interlocking flange, interlocks with four adjacent face plates. The tie-backs have anchors which provide stability and anti torsion, and comprise elongated rods joined to a key block at a forward end, which is further provided with a stiffener plate. The back feet, which are preferably rebars, are welded to the key block and extend rearwardly therefrom. A plurality of anchor plates are arranged at spaced (preferably equi-spaced) intervals therealong and are joined thereto preferably by welding. Tie-backs of a plurality of lengths N.times.K are provided where N is a real integer and K is a given length. In addition, tie-back extensions may be joined to a tie-back or another tie-back extension in the field.

Abstract: A retaining wall assembly having a plurality of face plates which interlock with tie-backs. In one preferred embodiment, the face blocks have a substantially cross-shaped front face and recesses along top, bottom, left and right-hand sides which interlock with tie-back flanges. Each tie-back, through its interlocking flanges, interlocks with four adjacent face blocks. The tie-backs have back feet or anchors providing features of stability and anti-torsion. The tie-backs may utilize elongated rods which are joined interlocking key blocks as well as one or more anchors arranged at spaced intervals along the rods. At least the interengaging portions of the tie-backs and face plates are cast of highly durable casting material such as concrete, which is non-corrosive.

Abstract: A gasket formed of an extruded elastomeric material which is joined at its ends to form a closed loop. The gasket has a cross-section defined by a T-shaped anchoring flange integrally joined to a substantially pear-shaped portion which tapers in the radially inward direction. An integral flange extends diagonally away from the radial direction and serves to significantly enhance the water-tight seal provided by the resilient gasket, as well as significantly increasing the range of pipe diameters capable of being accommodated by the gasket. Disc-shaped or cylindrical-shaped inserts insertable into cavities at angular intervals about the wall of the opening engage the gasket to center the pipe and to aid in reducing shearing forces.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming inverts in a manhole base comprising at least one adjustably positionable channel-forming member for forming an invert which communicates between associated sidewall openings of a manhole base. Flexible members join the ends of the invert form. The adjustability of the channel-forming assembly extends over a range of angles which are both greater than and less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A resilient gasket having an outer flange positioned within a manhole opening and held by a compression band. The gasket has a central opening with an enlarged beaded periphery to encircle a pipe. A tapered intermediate section is joined to the outer flange and the beaded periphery. The intermediate section folds after insertion and clamping in an opening to form diagonally aligned annular portions defining a V-shaped yieldable gasket to maintain a watertight seal between opening and pipe, even when misaligned. A strap encircling the gasket next to the beaded periphery enhances the watertight seal between gasket and pipe. The clamping band has grooves which cooperate with projections of a piston cylinder assembly. The clamping band is formed of material impervious to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: In a method for forming inverts in a manhole base using a two pour technique, the manhole base is initially formed. Thereafter, channel invert forms are aligned with sidewall openings by alignment members arranged within the manhole openings to assure precise alignment therebetween, wherein the invert formed within the manhole base by pouring the casting material into the base member is in precise alignment with associated sidewall openings. The apparatus for the two pour technique incorporates at least one adjustably positionable channel-forming assembly for forming an invert communicating between associated sidewall openings each having a central axis and whose intersecting central axes define an angle different from 180.degree.. In one arrangement, flexible members join the ends of the invert form.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing liners in manhole assemblies, which liner is comprised of a plurality of liner sections joined together to form the inner corrosion resistant surface of each manhole member. The liner section define the inner surface of the manhole member being molded. Cast material is poured into the mold and allowed to set. The liner surface engaging the cast material contains integral substantially T-shaped projections which anchor the liner sections to the cast member. The tops and bottoms of each liner section extend around the surface of the section engaging the next adjacent section joined thereto to prevent toxic materials from reaching a cast material. The liner sections are theroplastic vacuum formed whereby the sheet forming the liner section is drawn against substantially T-shaped strips arranged upon the mold member within the vacuum thermo-forming equipment to provide the aforementioned integral T-shaped anchoring projections.

Abstract: A hollow, flexible, bendable, cylindrical-shaped, hat-like sleeve is water-tightly joined with the upper end of the riser section of a manhole structure. The free end of the sleeve is trimmed so that its upper edge fits beneath the shoulder of the frame supporting the manhole cover to prevent subsurface water from entering into the manhole interior through the regions between the manhole cover supporting frame and the top of the riser section, which is usually fitted with adjustment rings to bring the manhole cover frame up to grade. The sleeve is easily cut to any height to accommodate either a greater or lesser number of height adjustment rings. The sleeve flange is cast into the riser section. The sleeve may be folded into itself to significantly lower its profile to expedite handling, transportation and assembly. A plastic clamping band may be placed into the interior of the sleeve to water-tightly join the upper end of the sleeve to the manhole cover support frame.

Abstract: A top concrete section for a manhole assembly is cast with a plurality of bolt slot inserts each insert having a substantially inverted T-shaped hollow interior for slideably receiving a nut which may be moved to any desired position along the base of the insert for threadedly engaging a threaded rod employed to rigidly secure a cast iron cover frame to the top section.The method for casting a manhole top section comprises the steps of releasably mounting each insert within the mould assembly by means of a retaining slide which itself is slideably received within a pair of holding brackets provided on each of the inner and outer mould members, the insert being substantially fully closed on all sides thereof and having a top surface formed of a thin web which is easily fractured or cut away after the top manhole section is cast. The fully enclosed insert prevents any concrete from entering into the interior thereof.

Abstract: A resilient gasket having an outer flange positioned within a manhole opening and held by a compression band. The gasket has a central opening with an enlarged beaded periphery to encircle a pipe. A tapered intermediate section is joined to the outer flange and the beaded periphery. The intermediate section folds after insertion and clamping in an opening to form diagonally aligned annular portions defining a V-shaped yieldable gasket to maintain a watertight seal between opening and pipe, even when misaligned. A strap encircling the gasket next to the beaded periphery enhances the watertight seal between gasket and pipe. The clamping band has free ends which cooperate with projections of a piston cylinder assembly. The clamping band is formed of material impervious to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming inverts in a manhole base using a single pour or double pour technique. In the single pour technique, the invert is formed simultaneously with the formation of the manhole base using a mold member having a channel-shaped projection defining the invert. Alignment members simply, and precisely, align the mold member having the channel-shaped projection with the members forming the base member sidewall openings to form a manhole base having an invert in precise alignment with associated sidewall openings. In the two pour technique, the manhole base is initially formed. Thereafter, channel invert forms are aligned with sidewall openings by alignment members arranged within the manhole openings to assure precise alignment therebetween, wherein the invert formed within the manhole base by pouring the casting material into the base member forms an invert which is in precise alignment with associated sidewall openings.

Abstract: A hollow, flexible, bendable, cylindrical-shaped, hat-like sleeve is water-tightly joined with the upper end of the riser section of a manhole structure. The free end of the sleeve is trimmed so that its upper edge fits beneath the shoulder of the frame supporting the manhole cover to prevent subsurface water from entering into the manhole interior through the regions between the manhole cover supporting frame and the top of the riser section, which is usually fitted with adjustment rings to bring the manhole cover frame up to grade. The sleeve is easily cut to any height to accommodate either a greater or lesser number of height adjustment rings. The sleeve flange is cast into the riser section. The sleeve may be folded into itself to significantly lower its profile to expedite handling, transportation and assembly. A plastic clamping band may be placed into the interior of the sleeve to water-tightly join the upper end of the sleeve to the manhole cover support frame.

Abstract: A top concrete section for a manhole assembly is cast with a plurality of bolt slot inserts each insert having a substantially inverted T-shaped hollow interior for slideably receiving a nut which may be moved to any desired position along the base of the insert for threadedly engaging a threaded rod employed to rigidly secure a cast iron cover frame to the top section.The method for casting a manhole top section comprises the steps of releasably mounting each insert within the mould assembly by means of a retaining slide which itself is slideably received within a pair of holding brackets provided on each of the inner and outer mould members, the insert being substantially fully closed on all sides thereof and having a top surface formed of a thin web which is easily fractured or cut away after the top manhole section is cast. The fully enclosed insert prevents any concrete from entering into the interior thereof.

Abstract: A system of modular precast encasement sections is provided to protect the outside drop of a manhole structure from damage due to weak ground support and to prevent leakage from said outside drop. Said precast encasement sections are stacked on top of a drop manhole base and on top of each other to a height sufficient to surround and support the outside drop tube. The stack of encasement sections is then capped off with a solid collar which has a circular opening of a diameter sufficient to receive the outside drop tube. This circular opening widens to form a shoulder which is adapted to receive and support thereon the lower most opening of a T-coupler for joining a supply line to the drop tube. The precast encasement sections, the solid collar, and the face of the manhole base which is to receive the stack of encasement sections are each provided with grooves on their upper faces and the solid collar and encasement sections are provided with coaligned projections along their lower faces.

Abstract: Concentric inner and outer molds define the walls of the manhole base to be cast. The top of the inner mold is provided with a stationary invert forming section and at least one swingable invert forming section swingably mounted upon a centrally located pivot pin. The invert forming mold member is provided with locating openings adapted to receive the pin within the swingable invert forming section to positively and accurately locate the swingable invert forming section. The open region between the fixed and movable sections is filled with a "knee" member in the form of a hollow curved shell which defines the central portion of the invert. The top of the inner mold may alternatively be provided with two or more swingably mounted invert forming sections.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical-shaped, hat-like sleeve is water-tightly joined with the upper end of the riser section of a manhole structure. The free end of the sleeve is trimmed so that its upper edge fits beneath the shoulder of the frame supporting the manhole cover to prevent subsurface water from entering into the manhole interior through the regions between the manhole cover supporting frame and the top of the riser section, which is usually fitted with adjustment rings to bring the manhole cover frame up to grade. The sleeve is easily cut to any height to accommodate either a greater or lesser number of height adjustment rings. The sleeve flange may be cast into the riser section, or alternatively be placed upon the riser section and water-tightly sealed in place by gaskets. The sleeve flange may be replaced by a gasket-like water stop arranged about the lower end of the sleeve and joined thereto by a suitable waterproof rubber adhesive.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming inverts in the manhole base of a manhole assembly using a single pour technique. In the single pour technique, the invert is formed simultaneously with the formation of the manhole base through the use of apparatus including a mold member having a channel-shaped projection for defining the invert. Means are provided for simply, and yet precisely, aligning the mold member having the channel-shaped projection with the members forming the openings in the base member sidewalls by forming a base member whose invert is in precise alignment with associated sidewall openings. The apparatus utilized incorporates at least one adjustably positionable channel-forming assembly for forming an invert for communicating between associated sidewall openings each having a central axis whose intersecting central axes define an angle different from 180.degree..

Abstract: A resilient gasket having an outer annular flange positioned within a manhole opening and maintained thereagainst under compression by means of a compression band. The gasket is provided with a central opening defined by an enlarged beaded periphery having an elasticity adapted to tightly encircle the outer periphery of the pipe. A folded intermediate section is arranged between and integrally joined to the outer flange and the beaded inner periphery, the intermediate section is comprised of first and second diagonally aligned annular portions integrally joined along a fold to define a V-shape which imparts a yieldability enabling the gasket to maintain a watertight seal between the manhole opening and the pipe, even in the presence of a significant misalignment therebetween. A strap is positioned about the intermediate section of the gasket adjacent the inner beaded periphery to enhance the watertight seal between the gasket and the pipe.