Having Preformed Element Layer Patents (Class 404/28)
  • Patent number: 11939729
    Abstract: Method of forming a cement-based material pad (3) comprising a plurality of drainage holes and forms for use in such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Imperial College Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Alalea Kia, Hong S. Wong, Christopher R. Cheeseman
  • Patent number: 10543628
    Abstract: A molded foam is provided in which even when a force in a sliding direction is applied to another member in contact with its surface, the occurrence of a shift in position relative to the other member can effectively be prevented and the occurrence of unusual noise due to rubbing between its surface and the other member can effectively be prevented. The molded foam is formed by heating expandable resin particles filled into a foaming mold. The molded foam has a plurality of first ridges arranged in one direction and a plurality of second ridges arranged in another direction and disposed so as to intersect the first ridges, the first and second ridges being provided on the surface of the molded foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Mori, Yushi Sakakibara, Masamitsu Kondo, Motokazu Yoshii
  • Patent number: 10494777
    Abstract: A road structure, an asphalt layer of which is peeled off by electromagnetic induction heating, includes a non-thermoplastic base layer, an asphalt layer located above the base layer, a conductive sheet between the base layer and the asphalt layer, a first bonding layer that bonds the conductive sheet and the base layer; and a second bonding layer that bonds the conductive sheet and the asphalt layer. The conductive sheet is configured to generate heat based on electromagnetic induction. At least the first bonding layer is a thermoplastic bonding layer configured to be softened by the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: GREEN ARM CO., LTD., TOYO ALMINIUM K.K.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kanzaki, Kazuo Kijima, Atsuki Gomi, Kenji Kihara, Toshio Kunimatsu, Yuya Terasawa, Tomonobu Sekiguchi, Kazunori Yamada, Hiroyuki Nishikawa, Hiroshi Oe, Kouichi Sugimoto, Mayo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10415260
    Abstract: Structural cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product. In one embodiment a structural cell assembly is described comprising a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a first frame end, the frame linking the legs together and the frame defining a generally flat plane with the legs extending substantially orthogonally away from the first frame end about the frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and a separate plate engaging the legs, the separate plate comprising linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg terminal end; and/or linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg frame ends or a part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: STRATA INNOVATIONS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Benjamin Douglas Gooden
  • Patent number: 9834893
    Abstract: A paver locking system. The paver locking system may include; a paver assembly, including a paver; and straps attached to a back portion of the paver. The paver locking system may further include a paver spacer; and a securing mechanism for securing paver straps to the paver spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Bret Lynch
  • Patent number: 9790645
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 9567714
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BROCK USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 9394651
    Abstract: An underlayment panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of projections define drainage channels. A plurality of drain holes arranged through the panel provide fluid communication between the top surface and the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20150078821
    Abstract: A road system comprising a finished road surface and a geofoam positioned below the road surface, where the geofoam includes a foam core and a facer including a fibrous mat and an interfacial region disposed between said foam core and said fibrous mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy D. TACKETT, Greg ORTWEIN
  • Patent number: 8967905
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8967906
    Abstract: An underlayment panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of projections define drainage channels. A plurality of drain holes arranged through the panel provide fluid communication between the top surface and the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8827590
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Brock USA
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8807876
    Abstract: A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Liiban Affi
  • Publication number: 20140219717
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BROCK USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8790036
    Abstract: Disclosed are geotechnical structures formed from a geosynthetic article and an encapsulated granular material dispersed within or upon the geosynthetic article. In particular embodiments, a geocell is used as the geosynthetic article. Among other things, the geotechnical structures can be used for forming roads, parking lots, paved surfaces, as well as road beds and foundations for highways or railroads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: PRS Mediterranean Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhar Halahmi, Oded Erez, Adi Erez
  • Patent number: 8770886
    Abstract: A modular flooring system is provided to convert uneven terrain into a substantially horizontal flat surface. The modular flooring system may include a frame defining the area desired for the substantially horizontal flat surface, a plurality of malleable support members that may be used as a single layer or multiple layers, where the malleable support members may be loosely filled sand-filled bags. The system may also include a plurality of flat rigid panels larger than the malleable support members to bridge the gaps between adjacent malleable support members, thus transforming a generally level layer of malleable support members into a substantially flat flooring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Kotler
  • Publication number: 20140186112
    Abstract: A unitary safety surface tile. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. Each tile may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill. Each tile may be configured for receiving a covering of loose fill. Each tile may include a plurality of hollow pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least one other pocket along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of one or more of the edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other unitary safety surface tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Morris Hassan
  • Patent number: 8668403
    Abstract: An impact absorption panel is adapted for playground use and comprises a panel section and a plurality of projections. The panel section is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of projections extend from the bottom surface of the panel section. The plurality of projections have a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to collapse initially when subjected to an impact load. The second stage is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first stage. The panel section is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first and second stages. The first stage can also be distinguished from the second stage by virtue of having a comparatively smaller volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Lee Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8662787
    Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface and a recovery characteristic such that a deformation from a concentrated compressive load applied for a short duration returns the support surface to a generally planar condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8534953
    Abstract: A method for the production of a roadway structure, the method including: (i) applying a primer to a support structure; (ii) applying a plastic membrane to the support structure that is primed according to step (i); and then (iii) applying an adhesive composition that includes a) at least one solid epoxide resin, and b) at least one thermoplastic polymer that is solid at room temperature, and (iv) applying a bitumen-based support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventors: Hans Gantner, Raphael Teysseire, Herbert Ackermann
  • Patent number: 8282310
    Abstract: The paver installation system includes a grid having a plurality of mounting holes for selective installation of spacers, a flexible edging and a screed guide rail. The screed guide rail may be selectively installed on the grid via mounting pegs mounted in select mounting holes for screeding an intermediate layer of aggregate material between the grid and the pavers to be laid thereon. The flexible edging is attached to the grid in order to set the edges of the pavement to be laid, and the flexibility thereof easily accommodates curved edges by bending to conform to the curves. The spacers are laid onto user selected mounting holes in the grid in order to serve as guides for laying pavers in a desired pavement pattern and to maintain spacing between adjacent pavers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Charles R. White
  • Publication number: 20110064517
    Abstract: A pavement such as a road, driveway, sidewalk, parking lot or the like, formed with pervious concrete material and one or more basalt reinforcing members embedded in or positioned below the pervious concrete material. The one or more basalt reinforcing members add structural rigidity to the pervious concrete, making the pervious concrete capable or supporting loads as normally experienced on pavements. The one or more basalt reinforcing members may be basalt rebar rods, or basalt rebar rods having a Figure-Eight shape, or a mesh made of basalt strands. In one example, the pavement may also include a layer of filtration fabric positioned below the basalt reinforcing members. Various methods are described for forming pavements, roads, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots or the like. Such a pavement allows water or moisture to pass through the surface of the pavement and be filtered. Such a pavement reduces flooding and the need for complex storm drainage systems adjacent to the pavement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Dennis Sader
  • Publication number: 20090242731
    Abstract: A form into which concrete may be poured for the formation of grid pavement in situ is comprised of a sheet base having top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a plurality of hollow frusta projecting there from preferably in a uniform pattern and creating an interstitial space there between within which a first site material, namely concrete, is poured to create a grid with areas and a second site material, namely soil, sand or an aggregate, occupies the frusta and is in communication with the underlying subsoil. In order to prevent wet concrete from infiltrating the hollowed frusta during pouring of concrete into the interstitial space, lids of a preferably biodegradable substance such as compressed peat are inserted into or over the frusta openings. The lids may be easily broken into pieces which fall into the hollowed frusta after the concrete has cured so that the second site material can be added therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Davis Dinkins
  • Patent number: 7563052
    Abstract: A sports floor, comprises a substrate disposed on an underlying honeycomb structure placed on a support base. The honeycomb structure comprises a series of substantially identical cells arranged in rows. The cells include lateral cell walls adjoining each other according to an annular configuration, forming cell openings upon extension of the honeycomb structure. A mesh width of the cell openings ranges between 20 and 100 mm, a height of the cell walls ranges between 5 and 250 mm, and a ratio of the mesh width to the height of the cell walls ranges between 1:4 and 1:0.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tapijtfabriek H. Desseaux N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Van Reijen
  • Patent number: 7344334
    Abstract: A paver system comprising a plurality of paver pieces and at least one substrate. Each of the paver pieces has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the paver pieces is configured for mating with the upper surface of the substrate, whereby paver pieces coupled to the substrate are prevented from moving laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Vast Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Steven Thorkelson
  • Patent number: 7168884
    Abstract: A paving structure (11) of the type having an upper wear layer (12) and an underlying sub-base layer (15) of rigid insoluble hard particulate material forming voids for the collection of water permeating through the permeable surface where layer (12) has an intermediate reinforcing grid (16) located at an intermediate level of the sub-base layer (15) such that it is covered by an upper part of the sub-base layer (15U) which is of a thickness not less than 1½ times the dimension of the largest particles in that part of the sub-base layer. A reinforcing grid (26) at the base of the sub-base layer between this and the sub grade (18) may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Formpave Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Hart
  • Patent number: 7131788
    Abstract: A myriad of permutations of void-maintaining membrane laminates are provided. Laminates of the invention are particularly useful for providing high performance drainage within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots. Void-maintaining laminates of the invention comprise compression elements that are shaped, adapted and arranged to cooperate with base and upper layers such that superior flow capacities are attained through their void spaces, channels and paths, even under pressures in excess of 5,000 lbs per square inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Geotech Systems
    Inventors: Peter J. Ianniello, Aigen Zhao, Gary L. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7004674
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated warped pavement slab and a forming system for making the slabs. The forming system includes a plurality of forming sections which can be adjusted so as to form a warped-plane pavement slab. Also disclosed are methods for making the pavement slab and forming system. Also disclosed is a method for installing the warped pavement slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fort Miller Co., Inc.,
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6854935
    Abstract: A method of reducing ground disturbance during freeze-thaw cycles. The steps include excavating soil from an area affected by ground disturbance due to subsurface flow and subsequent freezing of water. A subsurface layer of thermal insulation is then laid over the affected area, thereby thermally insulating the affected area from freezing. The subsurface layer of thermal insulation has a top surface and a bottom surface. A subsurface layer of wick material capable of drawing water away from the affected area by capillary action is also laid parallel to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the subsurface layer of thermal insulation positioned in a path of the subsurface flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignees: Diamond J. Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Maxwell Andrews
  • Patent number: 6802669
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a synthetic drainable base course (“SDBC”), and paved structures that may advantageously include an SDBC, are provided. As a key advantage of SDBC's according to the invention, they are of sufficient capacities and structural strength to be used within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots, to provide drainage superior to that afforded by conventional means and methods involving the use of open graded base courses that are typically formed of natural soils and aggregate and are extremely expensive to install. The invention includes means and methods that use conventional heavy equipment for installing an SDBC during the construction of a roadway or other paved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Peter J. Ianniello, Giovanni Capra, Aigen Zhao
  • Patent number: 6705803
    Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Garry Kevin Callinan, Peter Chapman
  • Patent number: 6511258
    Abstract: There is described a method for controlling the amount of ionized gases and/or particles suspended in the air above roads, streets, open spaces or the like. This is done by establishing an electrical field between the top layer of a road, street, open space or the like, and the said ionized gases and/or particles. By means of controlling the electrical field we will be able to control the amount of ionized gases and/or particles. The invention also indicates how the electrical field can be established between surfaces in the immediate vicinity of a road, street, open space or the like, for example in tunnel walls. The electrical field is established by making at least the top layer of the surface concerned electrically conductive and connecting it to earth or to one pole of an electrical voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Plasma Physics AS
    Inventor: Torfinn Johnsen
  • Patent number: 6457912
    Abstract: A foundation and a method for constructing the foundation are provided using recycled automotive tires. A portion of the respective side walls of the tires are formed into flat annular members. The annular members are laid out on the ground in an overlapping arrangement to form a continuous substrate layer. The substrate layer is covered with an aggregate material for forming the foundation. The substrate layer prevents the aggregate material from penetrating into the soil while permitting drainage therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ashley Leibl
  • Patent number: 6227759
    Abstract: A plastic skating surface comprising at least two sheets of plastic welded together. The plurality of welded sheets of plastic form a continuous skating surface, wherein the effects of expansion and contraction due to temperature change is limited to the outer perimeter of the skating surface. An expansion plate overlaps the outer perimeter of the skating surface, thereby defining a fixed enclosure of the skating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: TecLink International Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Fricke, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 5967694
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a roadway for supporting vehicular traffic and which can be used over a wide variety of terrains comprises a network of interconnected modular components for supporting a road bed over which vehicles can travel and a plurality of prefabricated panels, overlaying the network of interconnected modular components, which form a road bed. The network of interconnected modular components includes a first layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the terrain to be traversed. The concrete cylinders are formed into a number of rows whose longitudinal axes are parallel to the direction of the road. The network further includes a second layer of interconnected, prefabricated concrete cylinders placed over the first layer and joined to the first layer by a number of intermediate support devices. The concrete cylinders in the second layer have their longitudinal axes extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Nelson Covarrubias, Pierre Miura, Jose Luis Mayor, Juan Federico Urich
  • Patent number: 5863148
    Abstract: A prefabricated highway with end supports. The end supports include a first elongated support member for transverse engagement of a longitudinal end of the prefabricated highway section and a second elongated support member parallel to the first support member and aligned with the first member along an orthogonal axis for abutting an earth support of the prefabricated highway. The end supports further include a connecting member joining the first and second elongated members in a rigid spaced-apart relationship.The support structure is used as part of a prefabricated highway system. The prefabricated highway system uses the support structures for support of individual lane sections. The prefabricated lane sections are fabricated out of prestressed concrete and are designed to be supported longitudinally in a direction of traffic flow at each end by an upper surface of the first elongated support member of each support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Mukundan Shivaram
  • Patent number: 5846021
    Abstract: A matrix for aggregate containment and drainage system for road-base construction, or reconstruction--provides by reuse of vehicle tires. Each tire (unit) has one sidewall removed and drain holes provided in the remaining sidewall. A plurality of these units are positioned and fastened together to form a matrix. Each unit open side up, lying flat then receives aggregate construction material. The matrix configuration provides an excellent base for construction, minimizing aggregate loss due to sinking, wash out or lateral movement. A major ecological advantage is the beneficial use of otherwise problem used tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Denzil C. Bailey, Janet A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5823706
    Abstract: A highway pavement has a multi-layer structure (20) interposed between the subbase (24) and the subgrade (22). The multi-layer structure is also suitable for use in railway pavements. The multi-layer structure (20) comprises upper and lower flexible sheet materials (14; 10) and an intermediate load-spreading layer formed of a multiplicity of load-spreading elements (12) held together in the desired preset relationship so that gaps are provided between adjacent elements (12) for passage of water. The upper flexible sheet material (14) is water permeable. The lower flexible sheet material (10) is either (a) substantially water impermeable but provided with perforations (16) or slits therethrough at locations which open into the gaps between the load-spreading elements (12), or (b) water vapour permeable but substantially impermeable to liquid water, or (c) substantially impermeable to liquid water and water vapour. In some embodiments the upper sheet material (14) may be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Birmingham
    Inventors: David J Hoare, Imad M Alobaidi, Gurmel Singh Ghataora
  • Patent number: 5730548
    Abstract: Deadening pavement for roads, comprising: an upper layer (10), formed by a wearing course of asphalt having an average granulometry, and a lower layer (12) supporting the wearing course (10), and which is made of cement, concrete, or similar materials, wherein in the lower layer (12) there is obtained a plurality of cavities (18), facing directly the upper layer (10),which act as Helmholtz resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignees: Autostrade-Concessioni E Costruzioni Autostrade S.p.A., IPSE s.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Battista Brero, Antonio Ostino, Germano Dealessandri
  • Patent number: 5707171
    Abstract: An electrically conductive paving mixture for use in a pavement system which prevents the accumulation of frozen precipitation on surfaces, for example, like that of an airport runway. The pavement system comprises a layer of electrically conductive paving mixture, a layer of insulative paving mixture, electrically resistive cables, an electrical power supply, sensors for measuring humidity and temperature, and a control and monitoring system. The electrically conductive paving mixture comprises a blend of naturally-occurring amorphous graphite and synthetic graphite/desulfurized petroleum coke. Preferably, the blend of naturally-occurring graphite to synthetic graphite/desulfurized produced coke is in the ratio of 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Peter L. Zaleski, David J. Derwin, Walter H. Flood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5482399
    Abstract: A method of forming cellular rigid pavement utilizing a planar orthogonal matrix of upwardly convex domed forms over which concrete is poured to create a corresponding matrix of voids within the concrete around which downward loads are distributed and which minimizes pavement warpage and concrete volume, and a panel of such domed forms used in practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: John K. Bright, Donald C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5419653
    Abstract: This invention relates to asphalt concrete paving systems and how they are structured. For more than the last sixty years, such systems have been one integrated structure consisting of (1) one or more "lower supporting courses" and (2) one or more "surface wearing courses". Such systems are integrated structures and, therefore, cracking starting from either the top or bottom will proceed through the entire structure. This invention provides a third type of course, a "separation course" between the "lower supporting courses" and the "surface wearing courses". The "separation course" prevents bonding of the "lower supporting courses" to the "surface wearing courses". This "separation course" is a barrier to stop the cracking at this point. It is also waterproof and will stop water from getting into the "lower support courses" and causing them to fail. The concept of a "separation course" is applicable to both roadways and running tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Edmund D. Hollon, Blake D. Hollon
  • Patent number: 5342141
    Abstract: A surface paving apparatus (10) and a method for using the apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus is comprised of a mesh material (12) having parallel ribs (14) attached, laid upon a surface to be paved. A paving material (16) with grooves (24) cut into its underside is then placed upon the mesh material (12) such that the ribs (14) on the mesh material (12) frictionally engage the grooves (24) on the paving material (16). The frictional engagement between the grooves (24) and ribs (14) is stable enough to render the paving surface laterally immovable from any direction. The surface paving apparatus (10) can also be disassembled and moved, should this be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Darrell R. Close
  • Patent number: 5183354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for in situ recycling of aggregate surfacing used in power substations. An unsuitable aggregate surfacing contains a mixture of coarse and fine aggregate which results in an undesirably low surface resistivity. The first step of the process is to remove the unsuitable surfacing to a depth of approximately four to eight inches, thereby exposing an area of subgrade. The fine aggregate is then separated from the coarse aggregate. Next, the fine aggregate is replaced on the exposed area of the subgrade and compressed. Finally, the coarse aggregate is replaced on the fine aggregate. The process efficiently recycles the aggregate surfacing while on site at the substation, thereby eliminating the high cost of purchasing and transporting new aggregate surfacing, and disposing of unsuitable aggregate surfacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: SCM Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Wright, Leon J. Lindbloom, Lewis C. Midlam
  • Patent number: 5123778
    Abstract: A method of paving and resurfacing, with paving materials consisting of a matrix of particulate materials and a binder, utilizes a mat including a fabric layer with a plurality of rigid, upstanding tubular members spaced in a uniform array of staggered rows. When asphalt paving materials are employed, a conventional base layer is first coated by an asphaltic binder material. The mat is then spread over the binder material. A top layer of asphaltic paving material is applied over the mat, to a level above the tubular members. The top layer is then compacted within and around the tubular members. The mat may be applied selectively in only high volume traffic lane portions to minimize paving costs. The mat inhibits subsequent migration of the asphalt due to high temperatures and heavy loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: William W. Bohnhoff
  • Patent number: 5082393
    Abstract: A method for forming load-bearing road and ground constructions on a ground bed having a low load-bearing capacity includes assembling rigid support elements on the ground bed, forming a wearing layer above the support elements and disposing a light material having a bulk density lower than the ground bed below the support elements. The support elements are designed to be rigid so that point loads are distributed over the supporting surface of the ground bed. Before positioning the support elements, the ground bed is excavated to a predetermined depth such that the weight of the excavated ground mass in the area in which the support element is to be positioned corresponds essentially to the weight of the support element itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventors: Bjorn Ringesten, Olay Berge, Leif Berntsson
  • Patent number: 5007764
    Abstract: An insulated trafficked surface having a first sheet of steel having corrugations, a second sheet of steel having corrugations attached perpendicular to and adjacent to the first sheet, a plurality of fasteners connecting the second sheet to the top of the first sheet, a heat insulating fill material filling the cavities of the corrugations of the first and second sheet, a covering layer of aggregate material formed on the top surface of the first and second sheets, and a surface layer of pavement formed over the top surface of the covering layer. The fasteners may be either rivets or screws. the aggregate material is a stabilized or unstabilized crushed aggregate. The surface layer is an asphalt pavement. The fill material is an expanded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Esko Pontynen
  • Patent number: 4909662
    Abstract: A roadway is shown as being formed of various strata or layers starting with a lowermost bed layer or stratum of compacted earth carrying a layer or stratum of compacted dry concrete mix; a layer of moisture impervious material covers the top of the stratum of dry concrete mix; a roadway pavement of wet concrete mix is carried atop the moisture impervious material; and air passages are formed through the roadway pavement as to be situated transversely thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Robert L. Baker
  • Patent number: 4856930
    Abstract: A pavement having one or more surface layers overlaying one or move base layers disposed on a subgrade with a rigid base layer interposed therebetween. The base layers are composed of paving material. The surface layers are composed of flexible paving material. The bearing member separates the surface layers from the base layers and has about the same longitudinal and transverse dimensions as the surface layers. The bearing member is composed of a substantially aggregate-free or aggregate free material. The bearing member is sufficiently rigid to at least generally prevent any surface layers from conforming, during the useful life of the base layers, to irregularities of the base layers and to move with the surface layers as a unit in response to movement of the base layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Gary R. Denning
  • Patent number: 4813811
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a prefabricated composite pavement device comprising a shaped pavement mixture portion bonded to a support portion and a method and apparatus for making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Simulators Limited, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur R. Adams