Patents by Inventor James E. Conkel

James E. Conkel 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: 6827527
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wall that is easy to construct and is able to utilize the long-term design strength of a geosynthetic reinforcement connection or anchor. In accordance with one or more of the embodiments, the wall comprises a multifaceted rotatable locking bar in contact with one end of a geosynthetic reinforcement; a lower block with an edgeless surface section adjacent a receiving channel which accepts the locking bar and geosynthetic reinforcement; and, an upper block with a receiving channel which also accepts the locking bar and geosynthetic reinforcement. A force applied to an opposite end of the geosynthetic reinforcement is transferred, via the geosynthetic reinforcement, to the locking bar causing the bar to rotate and engage the geosynthetic reinforcement with at least one side of a receiving channel. In this manner, the reinforcement is engaged with the stacked blocks and the stacked blocks are united with the adjacent support or backfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The New Castle Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Conkel, Richard J. Valentine
  • Publication number: 20040022587
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wall that is easy to construct and is able to utilize the long-term design strength of a geosynthetic reinforcement connection or anchor. In accordance with one or more of the embodiments, the wall comprises a multifaceted rotatable locking bar in contact with one end of a geosynthetic reinforcement; a lower block with an edgeless surface section adjacent a receiving channel which accepts the locking bar and geosynthetic reinforcement; and, an upper block with a receiving channel which also accepts the locking bar and geosynthetic reinforcement. A force applied to an opposite end of the geosynthetic reinforcement is transferred, via the geosynthetic reinforcement, to the locking bar causing the bar to rotate and engage the geosynthetic reinforcement with at least one side of a receiving channel. In this manner, the reinforcement is engaged with the stacked blocks and the stacked blocks are united with the adjacent support or backfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: James E. Conkel, Richard J. Valentine