Modules Or Blocks (preformed) Patents (Class 404/34)
  • Patent number: 8490359
    Abstract: An assembly of blocks for use in yard and garden environments includes a plurality of discrete blocks each having a body portion and a joining portion, the joining portion having a plurality of angled teeth. The teeth of a first one of the plurality of blocks interlock with the teeth of a second one of the plurality of blocks such that the first and second blocks are connected together and arranged perpendicular relative to one another so that the plurality of blocks has an L-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Joan M. Perotti, Mark C. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130183091
    Abstract: Especially designed for the location of electrical, electronic, radiofrequency, communication, sensor, telephony and/or energy-storage components for their application in both civil and military purposes, the element of the invention takes the form of a slab, a paving stone, a kerbstone or the like, made from a suitable material, wherein the underside is provided with a cavity having a depth smaller than the thickness of the element, the contour of the cavity being smaller than the contour of the element wherein it is made, such that said cavity can house any type of component not part of the paving, such as said electrical, electronic components, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: VIA INTELIGENTE, S.L.
    Inventor: Felix Navarro Buitrago
  • Patent number: 8479592
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hong Zou, Andrea L. Manning, Graham Kent Thompson, Yijian Shi
  • Patent number: 8403593
    Abstract: A rig mat is formed by rectangular panels fastened end to end by cooperating connectors. In one arrangement the first connector is C-shaped shaped to form a slot and the second T-shaped shaped with a flange of the T wider than the mouth inserted through the mouth. In a second arrangement two L shaped connectors are interengaged with an additional flat plate which defines a slot with an end of one of the L-shaped connectors. The panels are composite and formed from a honeycomb core panel with a foam material filling the tubular cells and a fibrous reinforcing cover sheets extending over the top and bottom of the panel. The cover sheets are filled with a set resin material which extends into the porous fibrous material of the walls of the core panel so as to form an integral structure of the resin extending between the walls and the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rhinokore Composites Manufacturing Partnership
    Inventor: Paul J. Dagesse
  • Patent number: 8382393
    Abstract: A temporary roadway with a static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats which connect without tools or fasteners having a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats can have static charge conduction conduit through the mat and the mats can be made from 100 percent recycled rust proof, non-absorbing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: HB Green Resources, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8366343
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ECS Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas J. Buch
  • Patent number: 8337116
    Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Marcel Thomassen
  • Patent number: 8336146
    Abstract: A forced air heated mat including a parallelepiped central pad connected to a ramp, a first side ramp, and a second side ramp, through which pad heated air is directed via a latticework of air channels to a plurality of vent holes to melt accumulated snow and ice around a home or building. The present forced air heated mat is configured to interconnect with a heating exhaust or drier vent on the exterior of a home or building to direct waste heat to perform useful work in melting accumulated snow and ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Khaled M. Berbash
  • Patent number: 8337115
    Abstract: The paving stone (1) which can degrade environmental pollutant elements or gases, comprising a body provided with two layers, a first surface layer (2) and a second base layer (3) which are solidly overlapped, where said surface layer (2) comprises a solidified paste including cement, silica sand, titanium dioxide, zeolite and ferric oxides or FeO2, marble pebbles and recycled materials, while the base layer (3) comprises a solidified paste including cement, preferably grey, aggregate particles and recycled materials, and a method for producing said stone (1) in a continuous process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Pavimentos de Tudela, S.L.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Moracho Amigot, Angel Moracho Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20120275858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ADA compliant detectable warning or guidance tile for pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks and the like having a detectable warning surface containing raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and being provided with one or more additional means on the top surface of the tile to provide visual or tactile information to sighted and visually impaired pedestrians.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Astra Capital Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Szekely, William Crookes
  • Patent number: 8282311
    Abstract: A hollow paving block comprises a substantially planar member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface of the planar member is a textured surface which functions as a top of the paving block. A side wall extends along and away from a periphery of the second surface of the planar member to define a cavity in the paving block. The side wall has a bevelled edge which extends about a mouth of the cavity. At least one protrusion extends along the second surface of the planar member. The paving block is formed in part from crumb rubber and polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Inpress Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Clark Chow
  • Patent number: 8251607
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ECS Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas J. Buch
  • Publication number: 20120213583
    Abstract: A paving block is provided that includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The side surface includes a recess extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the recess has a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottom opening is larger in area than the top opening. The side surface also has at least a portion that extends inwardly into the paving block. In some cases, the side surface comprises a top side surface section and a bottom side surface section, wherein the bottom side surface section extends inwardly into the paving block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: STUDIO5051, LLC
    Inventor: Howard Merriam
  • Publication number: 20120213582
    Abstract: A paving block system is provided that includes a plurality of paving blocks arranged together to form a surface. Each paving block includes a recess located on a side surface and the paving blocks are arranged so that each recess abuts another recess so as to form drainage holes in the surface. The drainage holes have a top opening and a bottom opening and the bottom opening is larger in area than the top opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: STUDIO5051, LLC
    Inventor: Howard Merriam
  • Patent number: 8226323
    Abstract: A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Sébastien Bouchard, Marc-André Lacas
  • Publication number: 20120163909
    Abstract: Rubber pavers of recycled vehicle tires are gaining popularity with consumers because they are “green” (friendly to our planet Earth) and they have other special features such as noise and impact absorbing, slip and frost resistance, and ease of maintenance. However, there is a major problem with rubber pavers, i.e., the corners of a rubber paver curl up for non-glued-down installation. The corner curling becomes worse and worse as paver's thickness decreases. This invention invented Corner-Interlocking designs to prevent corner curling. This Corner-Interlocking invention prevents corners from curling and interlocks rubber pavers (especially for thin rubber pavers) in place for non-glue-down installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Benjamin Dengfa Liu
  • Publication number: 20120114415
    Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent paving stone in the form of an artificial stone or a natural stone, having at least one self-sufficient luminescent element (22) and a stone body (20). The stone body (20) comprises at least one recess (24) extending from a top side (54) to a bottom side (56) and designed for receiving a luminescent element (22). The luminescent element (22) receives electrical components (36), in particular a photovoltaic cell (38), a charge store (40), a control device (42), and a luminous element (44), and has a length no greater than the depth of the recess (24). The recess (24) has a perforated wall, and a peripheral gap (58) is formed between the perforated wall and the side wall, in which an adhesive mass (26) is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: RECYFOAM S.A.
    Inventors: Wilfried Blocken, Danny Windmolders
  • Patent number: 8132981
    Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational image
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Marcel Thomassen
  • Patent number: 8127490
    Abstract: A block (30) useful in creating, for example, a landscape edging, a patio framing for a patio is L-shaped and includes a first member (32) and a second member (34). The block (30) is adapted to be arranged in an interlocking or interfitting fashion with other similarly configured blocks (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Joan M. Perotti
  • Publication number: 20120034030
    Abstract: A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate, the first and second grid substrates form a paver support surface. At least the first grid substrate includes an integrated boundary ridge extending along the first paver support surface. The first grid substrate is interlocked with the second grid substrate with a first paver piece bridging the first and second grid substrates to form a paver linkage. Movement of at least the first paver piece is arrested beyond the integrated boundary ridge by directly or indirectly engaging at least the first paver piece against the integrated boundary ridge. In another example, movement of the first paver piece is arrested by anchoring at least the first paver piece on the first and second paver support surfaces through distribution of forces incident on at least the first paver piece through the paver linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Steven George Smith, Troy Achterkirch, Steven John Thorkelson
  • Publication number: 20120020730
    Abstract: A hollow paving block comprises a substantially planar member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface of the planar member is a textured surface which functions as a top of the paving block. A side wall extends along and away from a periphery of the second surface of the planar member to define a cavity in the paving block. The side wall has a bevelled edge which extends about a mouth of the cavity. At least one protrusion extends along the second surface of the planar member. The paving block is formed in part from crumb rubber and polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Clark Chow
  • Patent number: 8088210
    Abstract: A bituminous composition including, based on total weight of the bituminous composition, (a) hard bitumen in an amount of 0.5% to 7.5% by weight, the hard bitumen being characterized by a penetration number of 100 dmm or less at 25° C. as determined according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Method T49; (b) emulsifier in an amount of 0.0005% to 0.2% by weight, wherein the emulsifier has a Hildebrand solubility parameter of at least 19 (MPa)1/2; (c) water; and (d) aggregate in an amount of 90% to 99% by weight, the aggregate having an aggregate surface that is wetted with the hard bitumen, wherein the bituminous composition is at a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 140° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Everett Crews, Tom Girardeau, Iain Jack
  • Patent number: 8061929
    Abstract: A rig mat is formed by rectangular panels fastened end to end by cooperating connectors. In one arrangement the first connector is C-shaped shaped to form a slot and the second T-shaped shaped with a flange of the T wider than the mouth inserted through the mouth. In a second arrangement two L shaped connectors are interengaged with an additional flat plate which defines a slot with an end of one of the L-shaped connectors. The panels are composite and formed from a honeycomb core panel with a foam material filling the tubular cells and a fibrous reinforcing cover sheets extending over the top and bottom of the panel. The cover sheets are filled with a set resin material which extends into the porous fibrous material of the walls of the core panel so as to form an integral structure of the resin extending between the walls and the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Paul J. Dagesse
  • Patent number: 8061927
    Abstract: A component mat combines with similar mats to form a vehicle tracking pad assemblage, with juxtaposed ends joined by mechanical interlock. Optional turnout mats are interlocked to sides of the component mat. A top mat surface carries a finish formed of an array of upstanding mud removal elements of effective height. Mud removal element heights may be uniform among spaced apart elements or may vary among juxtaposed elements. The intermat interlock may carry the top finish to establish continuity over the junction. Suitable mud removal elements include cylinders, pyramids, ribs, and simulated rock patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin L. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20110250013
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas J. Buch
  • Publication number: 20110243660
    Abstract: A molded brick, in particular made from concrete, for laying ground coverings (10, 30), the molded brick (11, 12, 31, 32, 33) having an upper side (13) which is delimited in the transition to upright side faces (15, 16, 17, 18) by a side edge (20) which frames the upper side (13). The course of the side edge (20) of the molded brick is of curved configuration at least in regions and to correspond to a mathematical function, the course of the side edge (20) preferably corresponding at least in regions to the function ƒ(x)=a*ln(x)+b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan Steffen
  • Patent number: 8021074
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Silvia C. Valentini, Graham Kent Thompson, Jr., Yijian Shi, Hugh Kenneth Delong, III, Randall Craig Ohneck, Richard David Angley
  • Patent number: 8021075
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Silvia C. Valentini, Graham Kent Thompson, Jr., Yijian Shi, Hugh Kenneth DeLong, III, Randall Craig Ohneck, Richard David Angley
  • Patent number: 8002494
    Abstract: A concrete cast stone resembling a flagstone for use with other ones of the concrete cast stones for covering a surface. The concrete cast stone comprising a body having a peripheral contour of non-repetitive jagged shape for interlocking engagement of a plurality of the concrete cast stone. The peripheral contour defining a distinguishable orientation with interlocking side sections and part-interlocking side sections such that said concrete cast stones placed side-by-side interlock by one or a combination of (1) matching the interlocking side sections in a linear arrangement of the concrete cast stones, and (2) matching the part-interlocking side sections in a herringbone arrangement. A method for assembling the concrete cast stone is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Techo-Bloc Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Ciccarello
  • Patent number: 7988382
    Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational image
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Marcel Thomassen
  • Patent number: 7972429
    Abstract: This invention relates to bituminous compositions and methods of producing the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the production of bituminous compositions formulated with performance-graded bitumen-containing solvent-free bitumen emulsions which exhibit controllable, temperature-dependent interfacial rheology. When employed in paving applications, these bituminous compositions develop adhesive strength and load-bearing strength properties at rates comparable to traditional hot mix paving compositions and at rates faster than traditional cold mix paving compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Everett Crews, Tom Girardeau, Iain Jack
  • Patent number: 7960042
    Abstract: Paving blocks for photocatalytic paving comprising at least a base layer in cementitious material and a surface layer based on a cementitious composition comprising: at least a hydraulic binder, a photocatalyst capable of oxidizing organic and inorganic polluting substances present in the environment in the presence of environmental light, air and humidity, at least an aggregate, water and, optionally, a water reducing additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Italcementi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Cassar, Roberto Cucitore, Carmine Pepe
  • Patent number: 7951857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bituminous compositions suitable for use in paving applications containing water-in-oil bitumen dispersion of paving grade bitumen such as penetration-graded, viscosity-graded and/or penetration-graded varieties that is substantially free of volatile solvents and made by controlling temperature-dependent interfacial rheology through the use of selected surfactants. The invention paving compositions are suitable for use in the construction of load-bearing, high-traffic pavements at a temperature range lower than that required for conventional hot-mix bituminous paving compositions, yet with similar or superior compaction to densities property and at least equal cure rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Everett Crews, Tom Girardeau, Iain Jack
  • Patent number: 7950873
    Abstract: A set of concrete pavers is formed by a plurality of pavers being arranged in a paver row, and a plurality of paver rows being arranged to form a row. A number of parallel, adjacent rows form linear or meandering joints in the end-paver region of the rows when the rows are laid together. At least one section of the upper delimiting surface of the pavers is convexly cambered towards the outside, and projections on the side faces of the pavers form support elements for the adjacent pavers. The support elements, in combination with projections on adjacent pavers, create spaces that act as water-drainage openings in the joint regions. The pavers in each set include not only paving blocks with a length-to-height ratio of less than or equal to 4 but also at least one paving slab with a length-to-height ratio greater than 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Geiger
  • Patent number: 7950191
    Abstract: A surface support structure is provided with at least one cell having a plurality of upright walls. A first wall of the plurality of upright walls has a recessed portion forming at least a portion to allow extension and contraction in multiple directions of the at least one cell. The plurality of upright walls of the at least one cell define a perimeter such that the recessed portion extends towards a second wall of the plurality of upright walls and is within the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics LLC
    Inventor: Henricus Brouwers
  • Publication number: 20110091275
    Abstract: A construction article including a compacted mixture that includes soil and a crop plant biomass microorganism-expressed enzyme composition. A method of stabilizing soil including: (i) mixing together soil, water and a crop plant biomass microorganism-expressed enzyme composition to form a mixture; (ii) causing the mixture to be shaped into a selected structure; and (iii) causing the structure to be compacted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: TerraFusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Leigh L. Lindenbaum
  • Patent number: 7914228
    Abstract: This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for enclosing the module compartments. In one embodiment the cover may be coupled to the module in two different orientations. In one of the orientations connectors may be coupled to an outer surface of the cover. The connectors are useful for joining separate modules together and for providing the assembly with enhanced structural integrity, for example to support heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Rapaz
  • Patent number: 7874035
    Abstract: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporated Collaboration
    Inventors: Sun-Kyu Park, Sung-Oh Kim, Sung-Nam Hong, Tae-Wan Kim, Kyoung Bong Han
  • Patent number: 7874761
    Abstract: The inventive support structure for a soft ground consists of at least two elements which comprise a plate [1], on the lower supporting surface of which three anchoring projections in the form of hooks are made or secured, one of these projections [9] being located near the end face [5] and two other [8, 10] being located near side faces [6, 7], and a curved anchoring element [11], the side surfaces [12] of which are inclined with respect to the horizontal surface of the plate and have three arc-like segments [13, 14, 15] projected outside the contour of the plate base. The invention is characterized in that the side faces [6, 7] of the plate [1] consist of two parts [16, 19] which are inclined in the opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal section, in that the end faces [4, 5] of the plate [1] are inclined in the same direction and in that stops [20, 21] are provided in the area where the differently directed parts of the side faces are conjugated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Alexey Victorovich Prokhorenkov, Victor Dmitrievich Prokhorenkov
  • Publication number: 20100322709
    Abstract: A concrete cast stone resembling a flagstone for use with other ones of the concrete cast stones for covering a surface. The concrete cast stone comprising a body having a peripheral contour of non-repetitive jagged shape for interlocking engagement of a plurality of the concrete cast stone. The peripheral contour defining a distinguishable orientation with interlocking side sections and part-interlocking side sections such that said concrete cast stones placed side-by-side interlock by one or a combination of (1) matching the interlocking side sections in a linear arrangement of the concrete cast stones, and (2) matching the part-interlocking side sections in a herringbone arrangement. A method for assembling the concrete cast stone is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Charles CICCARELLO
  • Patent number: 7850394
    Abstract: A polygonal paving stone has a plurality of substantially planar sides extending perpendicularly between parallel upper and lower faces of the stone. A row of substantially identical and outwardly projecting narrow coupling members of a predetermined member width on each of the sides are separated by spaces of a predetermined space width. These narrow members are positioned on the respective sides such that when a plurality of the paving stones are fitted together with their upper faces generally coplanar the narrow coupling members of confronting sides of adjacent paving stones fit between one another A single wide coupling member on each of the sides has a width a greater than that of the member width of the narrow members and smaller than the space width so it can fit between two of the narrow members of a confronting side of an adjacent paving stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Harald Schröder
  • Patent number: 7850393
    Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block for use in a structure comprising a plurality of concrete blocks. The dry-cast concrete block comprises three convex sides and three concave sides alternating with the three convex sides. The dry-cast concrete block also comprises a surface located between the three convex sides and the three concave sides and comprising at least one portion having a cast texture with a natural stone appearance. Each of the three convex sides is adapted to register with either one of three concave sides of an adjacent one of the concrete blocks to enable positioning of the dry-cast concrete block in different positions relative to the adjacent one of the concrete blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Transpavé Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Hamel
  • Patent number: 7823358
    Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: BuffaloStone, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. McStay
  • Patent number: 7819607
    Abstract: A paving block that closely resembles a used mined cobblestone. The blocks are manufactured by a bi-layer concept that is subjected to processes that cause the layers to structurally integrate. The process and composition permit the mass production of blocks having independent top topographies that emulate the surfaces of original cobblestones and with a comparable strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Efraín Carreras-Maldonado, Javier E. Molinari
  • Publication number: 20100254762
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Silvia C. Valentini, Graham Kent Thompson, JR., Yijian Shi, Hugh Kenneth Delong, III, Randall Craig Ohneck, Richard David Angley
  • Patent number: 7771684
    Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Terence C. Holland
  • Patent number: 7704011
    Abstract: A sub-base layer for use in construction, comprises a plurality of connected substantially cuboid modules each having spaced-apart, substantially parallel top and bottom walls joined by a peripheral sidewall defining an enclosed volume. The connection between the modules is effected by a plurality of tie members which prevent lateral movement of the modules relative to one another. The layer is particularly useful as a lightweight replacement for aggregate sub-base layers in foundations, roadways, pavement, carparks, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Permavoid Ltd
    Inventor: Richard Granville Marshall
  • Patent number: 7632036
    Abstract: A paving stone unit and a method for creating paving assemblies therewith, comprising a plurality of regular paving stone units and of notched paving stone units laid one adjacent the other, separated by lines of joint, the notched paving stone units breaking the continuity of the lines of joint, the regular paving stone units and the notched paving stone units being randomly installed from mixed skids thereof, the paving assembly having a randomized layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rocvale Produits De Beton Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno Dupuis
  • Patent number: 7597502
    Abstract: A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft (or other vehicle) overrunning a runway (or other surface). Relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material, such as a foam layer, positioned under the frangible material may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A fastening configuration at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit. Arresting units may also include a bottom layer of material stronger than the block of compressible material and a sealant coating with water resistant properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Allen, Richard D. Angley, John L. Gordon, Peter T. Mahal, Silvia C. Valentini
  • Patent number: 7575392
    Abstract: An essentially quadrate paving stone having a corresponding base block (21) is provided on all four side surfaces (25, 26) with flange-like, upright spacers (22) which are spaced apart from each other at intervals corresponding approximately to the width of the spacers, making it possible for them to make an interlocking connection with adjacent shaped paving stones of the same type. Furthermore, the bottom side (24) of the paving stone features a number of transverse, gutter-like depressions resulting in the formation of ribs between these depressions. This creates an additional dentification, or anchoring, in the bed surface of the installed paving stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: SF-Kooperation GmbH Beton-Konzepte
    Inventor: Gerhard Hagenah