Including Joint Means Patents (Class 404/47)
  • Patent number: 7946784
    Abstract: A drainage system grate assembly for covering and allowing fluid passage into a watercourse includes: a crossbar having a plurality of spaced-apart upstanding knuckles defining a plurality of spaced-apart channels therebetween, each of the knuckles having a pin-receiving hole; a plurality of tread bars positioned in the channels between the knuckles of the crossbar, each tread bar having a pin-receiving hole axially aligned with the pin-receiving holes of the knuckles; and a pin positioned within pin-receiving holes in the knuckles and the tread bars, to secure the tread bars in the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Knak, Dean V. Balocca
  • Publication number: 20110044756
    Abstract: A pavement joint 101, 102 disposed between two contiguous pavement slabs 103, 104 and 105 incorporating a shear key (12, 13, 22 and 23) and at least one hinge (37, 38, 39 and 40). The shear key and the at least one hinge are operative when at least one of the slabs is subjected to out-of-plane action P with the shear key transferring shear between the slabs, and the at least one hinge accommodating angular displacement of the slabs relative to the joint axis in at least one direction. In one form, a joint member 10, 20, 40, 50 and 60 is disposed between the slabs to provide the shear key and hinge. A joint member and pavement slab for use in the joint is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: TRIPSTOP TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Peter Charles McLean, Christopher Raymond McClelland
  • Patent number: 7845140
    Abstract: Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 7845131
    Abstract: A crack inducer controls propagation of cracks in set concrete containing reinforcing bars. The crack inducer has an elongated, rigid core that is relatively narrow in a direction that is parallel to outer surfaces of the concrete. The core has a core width in a first plane that intersects the outer surfaces of the volume, that is at least 20% of the concrete volume width so that a crack in the volume of concrete is induced to propagate from the core and along the first plane. A plurality of spaced cross-plates are connected to the core and a water-stop may be included around part of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Engineered Devices Corporation
    Inventor: Reginald D. Hough
  • Patent number: 7806624
    Abstract: A pavement joint 101, 102 disposed between two contiguous pavement slabs 103, 104 and 105 incorporating a shear key (12, 13, 22 and 23) and at least one hinge (37, 38, 39 and 40). The shear key and the at least one hinge are operative when at least one of the slabs is subjected to out-of-plane action P with the shear key transferring shear between the slabs, and the at least one hinge accommodating angular displacement of the slabs relative to the joint axis in at least one direction. In one form, a joint member 10, 20, 40, 50 and 60 is disposed between the slabs to provide the shear key and hinge. A joint member and pavement slab for use in the joint is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tripstop Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Charles McLean, Christopher Raymond McClelland
  • Patent number: 7774991
    Abstract: A portable flooring system has one or more hinge members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, while also allowing fast disassembly and stacking for storage or transport. The hinge member(s) can comprise a living hinge element interfacing with a pair of female elements or a female element and a male element of adjoining flooring slats. In one embodiment, the hinge elements are welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward Bindon
  • Patent number: 7637689
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an on-grade joint-stability system for on-grade concrete slabs. Embodiments of the system may include: a first on-grade concrete-slab portion; a second on-grade concrete-slab portion that is separated from the first on-grade concrete-slab portion by a joint; a first on-grade plate having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the first on-grade plate being positioned underneath, and connected to, the first concrete-slab portion, and the second portion of the first on-grade plate being positioned underneath the second concrete-slab portion; and a second on-grade plate having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second on-grade plate being positioned underneath the first concrete-slab portion, and the second portion of the second on-grade plate being positioned underneath, and connected to, the second concrete-slab portion, such that height differentials across the joint are substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Russell Boxall, Nigel Parkes
  • Publication number: 20090297266
    Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: STRAD ENERGY SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: BRIAN MATTHEW STASIEWICH, JARED MICHAEL BATHELT
  • Publication number: 20090252553
    Abstract: Road surface maintenance material including a core of cold-applied rubberized asphalt and an outer shell of aggregate material surrounding the core. The core and outer shell are in the shape of either a ball form, a string form, or a ribbon form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Roger G. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7571581
    Abstract: A concrete slab where the maximum width value of the slab Dx is determined by the lower measure between the distance D1 of the front wheels of a model loading truck or by the mean, and the distance D2 of a rear running gear of the same truck or the mean; the maximum slab length L is determined by the distance between the truck axles or the mean; and the thickness E is determined by the concrete resistance value, in view of anticipated traffic loads, the kind and quality of the base, and the ground type. The design methodology of this concrete slab allows for only one wheel or only one running gear of the truck to touch and move over the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Inversiones Yuste S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Pablo Covarrubias
  • Patent number: 7547158
    Abstract: An expansion joint and the corresponding method of setting an expansion joint between adjacent slabs of poured concrete. To form the expansion joint a filler strip is provided. To protect the filler strip, a protective cap element is provided. The protective cap element has a top surface and opposing side surfaces. The structure of the protective cap element creates a long central groove. Pin corrals extend from the side surfaces of the protective cap element. The protective cap element is placed over the filler strip so that the filler strip is disposed within the groove. The protective cap element and the filler strip are anchored by driving anchor pins through at least some of the pin corrals. Concrete is then poured against the filler strip and the protective cap element, wherein the concrete envelops the pin corrals that are not engaging anchor pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: James Mucci
  • Publication number: 20090123228
    Abstract: A mat system includes a surface and at least first and second mat units. Each mat unit includes a respective plurality of blocks interlinked by respective cables that pass through the blocks. Each mat unit includes cable loops along at least one side section thereof. The first and second mat units are positioned on the surface in proximity to each other with cable loops of the first mat unit extending toward the second mat unit and cable loops of the second mat unit extending toward the first mat unit. A plurality of interconnecting blocks are positioned between the first mat unit and the second mat unit. Each interconnecting block includes an underside with downwardly open channels formed therein. The cable loops of the first and second mat units are positioned within the channels of the interconnecting blocks to cover the cable loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Contech Earth Stabilizations Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Lacroix, Joseph V. Salerno
  • Publication number: 20080184656
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a plurality of slab bolster elements, each including a bolster frame member having a male connector disposed on a first end and a female connector disposed on an opposite end, with the male connector including first and second outer prongs for engaging a complementary female connector and the female connector including first and second opposing side walls with first and second transverse slats extending between the side walls so as to form a socket, the male connector further including a flexible prong extending inwardly between the outer prongs, with the flexible prong including a free inward end and a wedge element configured to resiliently contact and lockingly engage the first transverse slat of another of the plurality of slab bolster elements. In a second aspect, a continuous slab bolster assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Lee, Clifford D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7395570
    Abstract: An expansion joint system which is provided to accommodate forces applied to highway construction during normal changes in ambient conditions, and which is also designed to withstand seismic forces and vehicular forces, which may be applied in transverse and longitudinal directions. The system includes spaced-apart transverse vehicle load bearing members which are placed in a gap defined between adjacent sections of highway construction, longitudinally extending support members positioned beneath the load bearing members, means embedded within the adjacent roadway sections that control longitudinal, transverse and vertical movement, and a mechanism for controlling the spacing between the transverse load bearing beams. Preferably, this mechanism maintains a substantially equal distance between the transverse load bearing beam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, Debra Steiger, David Kent Fugard, Charles Haas, Wayne Walter
  • Patent number: 7354219
    Abstract: A multi-seal waterproof expansion joint for roadways includes an L-shaped load-bearing member mounted to each end of adjacent roadway sections. The lower surface of the horizontal leg of each load-bearing member has a shaped end to receive an insert to provide a retention cavity accessible by an elongated groove. A primary seal has opposite sides captured in the cavities. Vertical leg of a support member is mounted to each of the load-bearing members. Horizontal legs of the support members are spaced from the horizontal leg of its respective load-bearing member to provide a pair of spaced chambers. A secondary seal has opposite sides captured in the chambers. Movement of the roadway sections due to temperature changes compresses and stretches the primary seal while the sides of the secondary seal slide in their respective chamber. The primary seal can be inserted and/or removed from above or below the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas E. Leonberg
  • Patent number: 7338230
    Abstract: A disc dowel system is interposed between adjacent first and second concrete pours defining a pour joint therebetween. The disc dowel system comprises a positioner bracket, a pocket former and an orthogonally shaped dowel plate. The positioner bracket has a vertically disposed base flange and a horizontally disposed plate portion extending therefrom. The base flange is rigidly attachable to a concrete form. The pocket former has a horizontally extending interior compartment with an open, generally straight side and a compartment perimeter. The straight side is aligned with the pour joint. The pocket former is positioned within the first pour by the positioner bracket. The dowel plate has an orthogonal shape with an embedded portion and a slidable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shaw & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7334963
    Abstract: A joint stabilizing apparatus having an expandable cylindrical housing is inserted into a circular hole drilled at a “loose joint” of a concrete slab that is to be stabilized against relative vertical displacement between adjacent slab sections. The hole is drilled downward into the concrete, centered on the plane of a lateral opening/joint in the concrete slab. The expandable housing comprises two rigid semi-circular housing halves, and the assembly is oriented inside of the circular hole such that the two housing halves are on opposite sides of the centerline of the lateral opening/joint. The housing halves are pushed apart by turning of a threaded bolt inside of the housing. Turning of the bolt causes two bi-laterally symmetric wedge blocks to draw towards each other, and pressing the bearing surfaces of the wedge blocks against inclined surfaces inside of the respective housing halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Surface Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Costa, Do Sun Im
  • Patent number: 7296317
    Abstract: An improved box beam bridge and a method of construction are disclosed. The box beam bridge comprises a plurality of box beams for each lane structure of the bridge. Each of these lane structures are separately secured together and post-tensioned by means of a composite material strand. The separate lane structures are then brought together to complete the bridge width, with an interstitial box beam placed between the separate lane structures. Once arranged together, the separate lane structures and integrated interstitial box beam are secured together and post-tensioned by a second composite material strand that runs the entire width of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lawrence Technological University
    Inventor: Nabil F. Grace
  • Patent number: 7252454
    Abstract: An expansion joint system for roadway constructions is provided incorporating dampers that are designed to protect the roadway constructions from the effects of disturbances caused by seismic events and vehicular traffic by absorbing and dissipating mechanical vibration energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, David Kent Fugard
  • Patent number: 7223046
    Abstract: A device to ensure that when the transverse contraction joint in a pavement and the like cracks, the crack extends through the middle of the dowel bar. A dowel is a smooth continuous bar that is embedded in a concrete pavement. It provides vertical shear resistance across a joint. Shortly after the concrete is place and sets, the concrete pavement starts to dry out. The drying out process produces a strain in the concrete pavement due to shrinkage causing the concrete to crack. In order to control the cracking, a saw cut is made in the pavement. The saw cut is centered in the middle of the embedded dowel bar. The saw cut provides a weaken plane in the pavement, thereby controlling the location of the crack. The saw cut and crack form the transverse contraction joint in the pavement. The crack extends from the bottom of the saw cut through the dowel bar to the bottom of the pavement. The crack does not always extend straight down to the bottom of the pavement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm K. Lim
  • Patent number: 7021858
    Abstract: A construction joint implement and method for its use in the construction of surface pavement (e.g., roads, highways, airports, and parking lots of concrete or asphalt) comprise a trapezoidal shaped reinforcing beam or a modified reinforcing beam made of a rigid material such as concrete and placed along the entire length of the joint and not bounded to either part of the slab. The beam supports both edges along the entire length of the joint and avoids the need for Dowel bars. The beam has a large base which distributes the load on large area, leading to decreasing pressure and reduced deformation on the base. Water stops may be built in on both sides of the beam to make the beam fully waterproof. Multiple beams divide the width of pavement into strips. Every strip can then be filled independently using smaller-sized paving machines (e.g., roller or vibro screeds).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Temenuzhka Bencheva Beloreshka, Nikolai Angelov Beloreshki
  • Patent number: 6997640
    Abstract: A backer rod adapted for insertion into a construction joint having a polymeric foam body of closed-cell construction and a foraminous skin with both open and closed cells. The backer rod, when compressively inserted into a construction joint, is impervious to hot and cold sealants alike and maintains the seal integrity during the extremes of expansion and contraction. The backer rod is usable over the temperature range of ?70 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The backer rod hereof is a continuously extruded closed-cell foam body that is degassed by a secondary extrusion. The skin portion is formed by heat treating the exterior of the polymeric foam body so as to create microperforations therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6931807
    Abstract: A bridging device for joint gaps (1) between building parts (2, 3) including bridge parts, with an expansion joint construction (4) bridging a joint gap (1). The expansion joint construction (4) permits position changes of the building parts (2, 3) with respect to one another. A safety construction (12, 15) is provided which permits a position change of the building parts (2, 3) with respect to one another without a separation destroying the function of the bridging device. The safety construction (12, 15) comprises at least two mutually firmly connected elements which upon exceeding of a defined threshold load are separated and movable with respect to one another. One element is firmly arranged on one of the building parts (2, 3) and the other element is part of the expansion joint construction (4) or receives the latter. The two connected element are defined by a rail (24)and a slide (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Maurer Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Braun
  • Patent number: 6912751
    Abstract: An expansion joint system which is provided to accommodate forces applied to highway construction during normal changes in ambient conditions, and which is also designed to withstand seismic forces and vehicular forces, which may be applied in transverse and longitudinal directions. The system includes spaced-apart transverse vehicle load bearing members which are placed in a gap defined between adjacent sections of highway construction, longitudinally extending support members positioned beneath the load bearing members, means embedded within the adjacent roadway sections that control longitudinal, transverse and vertical movement, and a mechanism for controlling the spacing between the transverse load bearing beams. Preferably, this mechanism maintains a substantially equal distance between the transverse load bearing beam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Debra Steiger, Paul Bradford, David Kent Fugard, Charles Haas, Wayne Walter
  • Patent number: 6899489
    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: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6893187
    Abstract: An expansion joint structure to be placed between adjacent concrete slabs in a concrete slab system comprises a first profile element to be attached to an edge of a first concrete slab, and a second profile element to be attached to an edge of a second concrete slab, the profile elements being joined together by removable connecting strips such that there is a gap between the profile elements. The profile elements and connecting strips constitute a single continuous entity of extruded aluminum profile. The connecting strips are attached by outer edges to the profile elements through very thin neck portions that keep the elements together during the pouring of the slab. The expansion joint structure is positioned on the concreting base at the correct height prior to the pouring of the concrete slabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Valisuomen Imubetoni Oy
    Inventors: Tapio Lehto, Pekka Kuusela
  • Publication number: 20040107661
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device intended to establish a connection between two adjacent slabs, preferably concrete slabs, by equipping the expansion joint between said slabs, wherein said device is constituted by an assembly of two modules derived from sheets, each of the modules comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre Michiels
  • Publication number: 20040062605
    Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion joint structure (1) to be placed between adjacent concrete slabs (66a,66b) in a concrete slab system. The structure comprises a first profile element (10) to be attached to an edge of a first concrete slab, and a second profile element (12) to be attached to an edge of a second concrete slab, said profile elements being joined together by removable connecting trips (28) such that there is a gap (26) between the profile elements. In an expansion joint structure according to the invention the profile elements and connecting strips constitute a single continuous entity of extruded aluminium profile. The connecting strips are attached by their edges to the profile elements through very thin necks that keep the elements together during the pouring of the slab. An expansion joint structure according to the invention is positioned on the concreting base at the correct height prior to the pouring of the concrete slabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Tapio Lehto, Pekka Kuusela
  • Patent number: 6709192
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6682260
    Abstract: A roller compacted concrete paving sealing method which includes the steps of paving a first area with roller compacted concrete paving, paving a second area with roller compacted concrete paving adjacent to the first paved area, forming a cold joint between the first area and the second area, rolling the cold joint, allowing the rolled cold joint to cure, milling the cold joint and removing any milled material, applying primer to the milled cold joint, filling the milled joint with hot poured filler and finishing the filled joint. The method is done with asphalt paving equipment and specialty milling and hot poured filler equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald L. Peltz
  • Patent number: 6681540
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary resilient insert member for filing an expansion joint gap formed between adjacent concrete slabs, floor tiles, or the like wherein the insert member consisting essentially of a preassembled wedge shape form. Also disclosed is a method for sealing the gap located between adjacent flooring or structural members by filling the said gap with a sealing material insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: E. Wayne Richardson
  • Patent number: 6598364
    Abstract: A concrete contraction and expansion joint with a mechanism providing adjustable height, enabling fast, efficient pouring of concrete over layout surfaces, achieving accurate thickness and desired slope of the concrete slab. In a preferred embodiment, the concrete section joint assembly (35) is pre-formed by using longitudinal sections having a channel (37) for holding elastomeric material (42), with the section supported from its underside by shaped support units, each mounted on two threaded studs (24). A specially designed nut (28) threaded on each stud (24) provides height adjustability and by rotation raises or lowers the height of support unit sides. The height adjustment, provided from above the assembly, can be performed before concrete pouring is completed and an upper edge portion of the elastomeric material or the upper edges of the channel are visible with the concrete surface, providing a reference height and slope for the concrete surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Diuk Energy
    Inventor: Gideon Pelles
  • Patent number: 6592289
    Abstract: To make a concrete roadway; a continuous section of concrete is poured and cut at an angle of between 5 degrees and 45 degrees downwardly in the direction of traffic flow, to form an angled cut with an overlying surface that can be pressed downwardly by a vehicle to reduce movement of the concrete with respect to the sections on either side of a joint in the pavement. With this cut, vehicles will press a top layer downwardly against a bottom layer. A rotary saw blade mounted at an angle to the roadway is used to cut the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard A. Weander
  • Patent number: 6561728
    Abstract: The joint is installed between two sections of roadway respectively supported by two contiguous structural elements. A driving surface is formed by a surface covering applied on top of the elements and interrupted above the gap separating them to form a trench. A closure member is placed in the base of the trench covering the gap, after which granulates and a binder which form a flexible material on curing are poured in. Before pouring in the granulates and binder, reinforcements are laid in the trench which are attached to the two structural elements at either end of the closure member. These reinforcements are perforated to allow the granulates to pass through. They therefore provide reinforcement for the joint in areas where there is a risk of tearing due to traction forces which tend to move the elements apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventor: Jacky Seantier
  • Patent number: 6532708
    Abstract: A seismic/expansion joint seal and cover comprises a cover plate, and a central spine extending downwardly from said cover plate. At least one layer of a resilient compressible foam sealant is provided on each side of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Konrad Baerveldt
  • Publication number: 20030033778
    Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Permaban North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Boxall, Nigel A. Parkes, Patrick Harrison
  • Patent number: 6517277
    Abstract: An expansion or crack joint assembly (32) utilizes a coupler (20) with or without a bottom sheet (34) to join adjacent roadway concrete slabs (86, 90) formed separately initially or continuously cast and later separated by a saw cut, which induces cracking to form a crack joint. The coupler (20) includes a casing (22), an internal component (24,25,62,65), and outer sleeve (26), and end caps (28,30). The casing (22) defines an internal chamber (40) which receives the internal component (24,25,62,65) therein. The sleeve (26) and end caps (28,30) fit over the casing (22). The casing (22) and sleeve (26) transmit loads between the concrete slabs (86,90) while the sleeve (26) and end caps (86,90) operate to reduce stress concentrations. The bottom sheet (34) inhibits water from entering the expansion or crack joint assembly (32) from below, if used, and prevents pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kuo-Kuang Hu, Philip G. Kirmser
  • Patent number: 6491468
    Abstract: A foam backed precured joint seal comprising a strip of precured elastomer wider than the joint to be sealed, the strip centrally adhered along its length to an elongated foam backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sealex, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hagen
  • Publication number: 20020157338
    Abstract: A cover assembly includes an elongated resilient cover for bridging a gap between horizontal structural members. The upper face surface of the resilient cover has spaced apart ribs extending transverse to the flow of traffic and an opposite surface formed with load bearing edge portions engaged for support with opposite lateral margins to the expansion joint. Between the load bearing edge portions the cover supports at least one rigid metal plate. In one embodiment, a central plate bridges the gap between two structural members and the at least two additional plates serve to urge the opposite lateral edges of the cover into supporting engagement with structural members. The cover has a thickness and sufficient elasticity to elastically deform for establishing supporting contact between the marginal support areas and underlying horizontal structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Jesko
  • Patent number: 6471441
    Abstract: A shear-load chuck which is mounted between two members and has a multi-layer structure for transmitting dynamic loads. The multi-layer shear-load chuck is mounted on one surface of a junction like in the traditional bushing of a shear load chuck. A support basket is arranged correspondingly on both sides of the junction and has an end plate as well as at least one strap-like loop. The end plate forms together with the at least one strap-like loop a closed load system. The support basket is attached to the shear-load chuck on one surface of the junction, while it is attached to the bushing on the other surface of the junction. It is further possible to change the cross-sectional shape of the multi-layer shear-load chuck as well as the structural shape of the strap-like loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Pecon AG
    Inventor: Erich Müller
  • Publication number: 20020124504
    Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Alabama Metal Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Joseph Maylon, Gary James Chenier, Micheal Wade Goodwin, Melvin J. Kurpinski
  • Patent number: 6435765
    Abstract: An athletic track having a post-tensioned concrete slab supporting a resilient surface. The athletic track has opposed, parallel rectangular side areas and opposed semi-circular end areas connecting the side areas. The concrete slab is cast in place without requiring expansion joints between segments. Cables are cast into the slab for providing a tension load in the concrete slab. A first set of cables is tilted away from the perpendicular in a first direction while a second set of cables is parallel to the edges of the rectangular areas such that members of the second set of cables cross members of the first set of cables. A third set of circumferential cables is provided in the semi-circular end areas. A fourth set of cables intersecting the circumferential cables is non-radially disposed. The slab has a relatively flat lower surface. Pour strips situated along a line of symmetry are provided between adjacent quadrants of the end areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Brad L. Crane, Robin Melton
  • Patent number: 6354760
    Abstract: A load plate for transferring loads between a first cast-in-place slab and a second cast-in-place slab separated by a joint. The load plate having a substantially tapered end having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces adapted to protrude into and engage the first slab, and the load plate being adapted to transfer between the first and second slabs a load directed substantially perpendicular to the intended upper surface of the first slab. A blockout sheath embedded within the first slab could also be included. The block out sheath could have a substantially planar top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface substantially parallel to the upper surface of the first slab. The top and bottom surfaces of the blockout sheath could each have a width, measured parallel to an intersection between the joint surface and the upper surface of the first slab, that substantially decreases away from the joint surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Russell Boxall, Nigel K. Parkes
  • Patent number: 6354053
    Abstract: The joint includes at least two profile elements having such a shape as to enable mutual engagement thereof as a male part and at least a female part, each being integral with one of the edges of two adjacent slabs. One edge of the slab is provided with a substantially L-shaped female profile, whose vertical stem extends all along the edge up to the sharp edge of the upper surface of the slab, and whose base stem extends towards the inner part of the slab and is downwardly folded to form a further stem, extending parallel to the base stem and forming a small space therebetween, for possible engagement of a part of the male profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Eurosteel S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Raymond Kerrels
  • Patent number: 6341919
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a side bar having a bar portion and a flanged end in a side face of a concrete slab formed by a slip form paver is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a side bar receiving chamber defining a travel path. A slide pin is extendable through at least a portion of the side bar receiving chamber so as to engage the side bar and cause the side bar to be driven from the side bar receiving chamber along the travel path. A guide member is connected to the frame and movable between a first position wherein the guide member is positioned to vertically support the bar portion of the side bar in a selected relationship with respect to the side face of the concrete slab and a second position wherein the guide member is retracted from the travel path of the side bar to permit the flanged end of the side bar to travel past the guide member along the travel path unimpeded by the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent F. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6270284
    Abstract: A pavement joint and joint making process are provided. A pavement edger used to make the joint is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Transtech Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Sovik
  • Patent number: 6164618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining method and a joining structure as well as a form for concrete products. A protruding portion provided at the front end of a seal member of elastic material attached to one concrete product is inserted through an opening formed in a joining face of the other concrete product into an attachment hole of enlarged diameter provided at a depth of the opening, while bringing a closing press contact portion of the seal member into press contact with inner surfaces of the opening to achieve an airtight condition inside the attachment hole, followed by filling grout into a space defined between inner surfaces of the attachment hole and the protruding portion and setting the grout there to join the concrete products together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Yamax Corporation
    Inventor: Masatsugu Yonemura
  • Patent number: 6052960
    Abstract: In order to join concrete products to be joined together each having an joining face, an opening formed in the joining face, and an attachment hole communicating with the opening, a junction member body has on its at least one end a swelled protruding portion which is inserted through the opening into the attachment hole. The junction member body further has a plurality of spaces for cleavage extending along the direction of thickness of the junction member body, each of the spaces for cleavage being cleaved open by an external force caused by an earthquake or the like, to present satisfactory extensibility and collapsibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Yamax Corp.
    Inventor: Masatsugu Yonemura
  • Patent number: 6039503
    Abstract: A method to produce an expansion joint for adjacent roadway slabs having an expansion gap therebetween. A recess is cut or formed into the surface of each adjacent roadway slab to create a pair of recesses parallel to and adjacent the expansion gap. The recesses are cleaned to a sound, dust-free and rust-free surface. A temporary form is inserted in the expansion gap between the adjacent roadway slabs. A mortar mixture of a slightly resilient polymer and aggregate is installed in each recess to form a pair of parallel nosings adjacent the expansion gap. High-strength filler blocks are encapsulated within the mortar mixture to reduce the volume of the mortar mixture and to thereby reduce the cost of the nosings. A temporary backing is inserted in the expansion gap between the nosings. An initially liquid sealant is installed between the nosings and on top of the temporary backing which will cure to form a flexible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Silicone Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Ray Cathey
  • Patent number: 6036402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to paving and systems in respect of laying pavers, and devices to aid methods of laying pavers. The apparatus of this invention is referred to as a compensating member because it compensates for spaces between adjacent pavers as well as it compensates for any expansion of the pavers once they are in situ. The compensating member (2) is fabricated so that a portion of said compensating member is compressible and most preferably is made from at least one limb which has at least one compressible formation formed thereon or as a part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Perma-Fit PTY Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Meldrum, Stephen John Linnertson