Patents by Inventor Steven M. Akkala
Steven M. Akkala 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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Publication number: 20120311956Abstract: A grating system includes at least one pocket for supporting a decorative element within the grating system. The decorative element can be a brick and the pocket includes a size and shape configured to house the brick in close fitting relation while the upper surface of the brick is generally aligned with the upper surface of the grating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: 8292541Abstract: A frame for retaining a grate over a trench for directing storm water to subterranean basins includes a frame that is embedded in the concrete surrounding the trench. The frame includes a vertical support that is sized and dimensioned to abut the pavement wall of the trench, and a horizontal flange extending from the vertical support to support a grate. The horizontal flange and grate each include a plurality of apertures that are configured to be aligned to receive coupling devices for securing the grate to the frame. A chute is positioned beneath each aperture in the frame to direct debris from the aperture to the trench.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: 7744304Abstract: A manhole or hatch cover assembly includes a frame defining an opening and a cover having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter sized and dimensioned for receipt in the frame opening. The cover is coupled to the frame through a hinge connection and moveable between a closed positioned resting across the opening in the frame and an open position. A latch is pivotally coupled to the cover adjacent the hinge. The latch is selectively rotated onto the frame to retain the cover in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Timothy J. Law
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Patent number: 7695213Abstract: A manhole cover assembly including a frame defining an opening and a cover sized to engage the opening. A lift pin is retained by the frame, defining a first axis, and includes a bearing portion, and a top end connected to the cover. The lift pin is free to slide axially along the first axis. A spiral cam is retained to the frame by a torque shaft including an upper and lower end, defining a second axis offset from the first axis. The spiral cam includes a cam surface in selective engagement with the bearing portion of the lift pin so that rotation of the torque shaft about the second axis causes rotation of the spiral cam about the second axis and displacement of the lift pin along the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Randy P. Remme
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Patent number: 7637695Abstract: A frame for retaining a grate over a trench for directing storm water to subterranean basins includes a frame that is embedded in the concrete surrounding the trench. The frame includes a support member, including a vertical support that is sized and dimensioned to abut the wall of the trench, and a horizontal flange that is cantilevered over the trench to receive a grate member. The frame further includes a reinforcement member that runs parallel to the length of the support member, and a plurality of rib members that couple the reinforcement member to the support member. The reinforcement member and rib members are embedded in the pavement adjacent the trench, to provide a back structure for reinforcing the support of the grate.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Publication number: 20080193217Abstract: A frame for retaining a grate over a trench for directing storm water to subterranean basins includes a frame that is embedded in the concrete surrounding the trench. The frame includes a vertical support that is sized and dimensioned to abut the pavement wall of the trench, and a horizontal flange extending from the vertical support to support a grate. The horizontal flange and grate each include a plurality of apertures that are configured to be aligned to receive coupling devices for securing the grate to the frame. A chute is positioned beneath each aperture in the frame to direct debris from the aperture to the trench.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: 7216459Abstract: A hatch cover with spring assembly to assist in lifting open the hatch cover lid. The lid is hinged to a frame so it can be rotated about the hinge to an open position. A spring or a pair of springs are attached to the underside of the lid. Each spring is a torsion spring having one arm selectively attached to the lid, and another arm in sliding contact with the frame. For ease of repair or replacement, the spring is attached only to the lid. In addition, attaching the spring to the lid allows the spring to retract when the lid is opened. The method for assembling the hatch includes the step of selectively attaching the spring to the lid underside. This step may be performed when the lid is detached from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Elizabeth L. Remme
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Patent number: 7108447Abstract: A joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. A ball head located on a lid fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the ball head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Timothy J. Law
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Patent number: 7094000Abstract: A joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. An enlarged head located on a cover fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Timothy J. Law
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Patent number: 5443327Abstract: A reusable support structure for installing a trench liner in a trench formed in the ground, and a method for doing so. The support structure includes a crossbar having two ends and spanning the trench. The top end of a threaded rod is adjustably connected to the crossbar by a nut threaded onto the rod above the crossbar. The bottom end of the threaded rod is connected to the bottom or floor portion of the liner by a nut threaded onto the rod below the bottom floor portion of the liner, the threaded rod thus passing through the liner floor. A plurality of these trench liners are installed in the trench, and are connected together by one or more tabs at one end of each trench liner that coact with the opposite end of the next adjacent trench liner to connect the two trench liners together. The top nut then rests on the crossbar, supporting the rod, and in turn the trench liner, at the proper height in the trench, the height being adjustable by turning the nut.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventors: Steven M. Akkala, Andy Aylward, Tim J. Koller
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Patent number: D622421Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D667962Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D673690Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D682444Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D682445Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D687970Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala
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Patent number: D687971Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Neenah Foundry CompanyInventor: Steven M. Akkala