Patents by Inventor Zi Li Fang

Zi Li Fang 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: 9879436
    Abstract: An existing concrete structure is repaired by covering at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Standoff retainers (each comprising an elongated member, fastener-receiving features and standoff-engaging curves) are mounted to the existing structure. Fasteners extend through the one or more fastener-receiving features and into the existing structure. Standoffs are coupled to the standoff retainers and extend away from the existing structure by extending the elongated members through apertures in the standoffs and locating each of the standoffs at a location of one of the standoff-engaging curves. Panels are coupled to the standoffs at locations spaced apart from the existing structure. Curable material is introduced to the space between the panels and the existing structure. The panels act as a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded by the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9790681
    Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9784005
    Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9783991
    Abstract: A cladding kit is provided for a structure cladding, the structure cladding comprising a first panel that extends away from a structure location along a first surface portion of the structure and a second panel that extends away from the structure location along a second surface portion of the structure. The cladding kit comprises a base piece couplable to the structure at the structure location, the base piece comprising a base connector, and a trim piece comprising first and second wings and a trim connector shaped to make a connection with the base connector to thereby couple the trim piece to the base piece. The first wing is shaped to contact, and be deformed by, the first panel when a connection is made. The second wing is shaped to contact, and be deformed by, the second panel when the connection is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9745763
    Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20160376799
    Abstract: A tool is used for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete, the form-work comprising first and second elongate panels having first and second edge components and connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The tool comprises: a first arm having a first handle, the first arm terminating at a first tool head; and a second arm having a second handle, the second arm terminating at a second tool head and pivotally attached to the first arm by a pivot joint. The first tool head comprises a first protrusion for engaging the first edge component. The second tool head comprises a second protrusion for engaging the second edge component; the first and second handles are moveable toward one another in a manner which forces the first and second tool heads toward one another thereby forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: George David RICHARDSON, Semion KRIVULIN, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20160348364
    Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: George David RICHARDSON, Semion KRIVULIN, Zi Li FANG
  • Publication number: 20160305130
    Abstract: A cladding kit is provided for a structure cladding, the structure cladding comprising a first panel that extends away from a structure location along a first surface portion of the structure and a second panel that extends away from the structure location along a second surface portion of the structure. The cladding kit comprises a base piece couplable to the structure at the structure location, the base piece comprising a base connector, and a trim piece comprising first and second wings and a trim connector shaped to make a connection with the base connector to thereby couple the trim piece to the base piece. The first wing is shaped to contact, and be deformed by, the first panel when a connection is made. The second wing is shaped to contact, and be deformed by, the second panel when the connection is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: George David RICHARDSON, Semion KRIVULIN, Zi Li FANG
  • Publication number: 20160305139
    Abstract: An existing concrete structure is repaired by covering at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Standoff retainers (each comprising an elongated member, fastener-receiving features and standoff-engaging curves) are mounted to the existing structure. Fasteners extend through the one or more fastener-receiving features and into the existing structure. Standoffs are coupled to the standoff retainers and extend away from the existing structure by extending the elongated members through apertures in the standoffs and locating each of the standoffs at a location of one of the standoff-engaging curves. Panels are coupled to the standoffs at locations spaced apart from the existing structure. Curable material is introduced to the space between the panels and the existing structure. The panels act as a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded by the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9453345
    Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9441365
    Abstract: A formwork apparatus for forming a concrete structure comprises a plurality of elongated panels comprising connector components at their transverse edges for connecting to one another in edge-adjacent relationship. Each one of the elongated panels comprises an outer surface that extends between its transverse edges and an inner surface that extends between its transverse edges at a location inwardly spaced apart from the outer surface. The inner surface comprises one or more inwardly projecting convexities that extend between the transverse edges. The inwardly projecting convexities may comprise arcuate-shaped surfaces. The inwardly projecting convexities may comprise a plurality of transversely adjacent convexities. There may be brace elements that extend part way between or all the way between the outer and inner surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20160186452
    Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: George David RICHARDSON, Semion KRIVULIN, Zi Li FANG
  • Patent number: 9359780
    Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9315987
    Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs 10 connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a 1 connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9273479
    Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9206614
    Abstract: An apparatus for a formwork assembly comprises a plurality of elongated panels connectable to one another in edge-adjacent relationship. The plurality of panels comprise first and second edge-adjacent panels connectable to one another at a connection between a male connector component of the first panel and a female connector component of the second panel. The female connector component comprises a female engagement portion which defines a principal receptacle and the male connector component comprises a male engagement portion which is received in the principal receptacle to form the connection. The female connector component comprises a first abutment portion and the male connector component comprising a second abutment portion which abuts against the first abutment portion to form the connection. The first and second abutment portions are located outside of the principal receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20150191924
    Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20150135635
    Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs 10 connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a 1 connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 8943774
    Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Jorge Ricardo Rosas-Gracida, Zi Li Fang
  • Publication number: 20140360121
    Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang