Process Patents (Class 404/72)
  • Publication number: 20090060653
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include a detectable warning tile having a top side with a plurality of protuberances forming a pattern or array and a second tile member disposed perpendicular to an edge of the detectable warning tile. The bottom side of both the detectable warning tile and the second tile member have at least one anchoring member embedded within a concavity in the bottom side, making the tile and tile member especially durable on platform edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: StrongGo LLC
    Inventors: Georg R. Becker, Jeremiah A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090052984
    Abstract: A method of reconstructing a road by selecting a bituminous mixture for repairing a paved surface and re-paving the surface using a hot in-place recycling process. Selection includes adding and mixing various types and amounts of bitumens with a reclaimed sample of the paved surface to form mixtures, compacting the mixtures to form test specimens with air voids within about 1-3% of the air voids of the paved surface or density within 10-20% of the density of the paved surface, and measuring the rheology of the specimens, preferably by a tensile strength procedure. Selecting bitumen content based on the rheology of the tested specimens. Re-paving the surface by milling the surface to a depth of about 1.5-8 inches, mixing the selected bitumen with the milled surface, and paving the surface with the paving mixture thus formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Arlis Kadrmas
  • Publication number: 20090028641
    Abstract: A method of establishing a desired grade of an uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface includes providing a wheeled apparatus having a wheeled support and a plow assembly, which may include a plow member for establishing the desired grade and/or a vibrating member for vibrating and smoothing the concrete. The down pressure of the plow assembly may be adjusted when the wheeled support is moved in a rearward direction. The elevation of the plow member may be controlled when a direction signal is indicative of the wheeled support stopping and/or moving in the forward direction. The rearward speed of the wheeled support may be reduced in response to a detection of a surface irregularity of the subgrade, and the frame portion and/or the plow assembly may be controlled to substantially maintain the plow assembly at a desired orientation when the wheel engages the detected surface irregularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Philip D. Halonen, Russ E. Stein, Mark A. Pietila, Michael R. Keranen, Carl B. Kieranen
  • Publication number: 20090028638
    Abstract: An anti-ram bollard assembly (1) and an installation of the same to arrest impacts are provided. The bollard assembly includes a base assembly (20), a bollard member (10) attached to the base assembly and at least one reinforcement member (32) attached to the base assembly. The base assembly may include an I-beam arrangement to provide increased strength of the base assembly. Several bollard assemblies may be connected to form a cohesive installation to achieve a high impact rating. To this purpose, rebars (104) may be provided to connect the base assemblies of adjacent bollard assemblies. Further, the bollard member may be provided as a hollow member and may be subsequently filled with a high-strength material to prevent failure of the bollard member when it is being struck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: John Edwin Crawford, Shengrui Lan, Chunlin Liu
  • Publication number: 20090022546
    Abstract: A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7476053
    Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off has a rigid straightedge assembly and a support coupled to one end of the straightedge assembly. The straightedge assembly includes a grate coupled to the bottom edge of a support bar. The grate extends away from the support bar with a top surface of the grate defining a plane on at least one side of the support bar. In use, a portion of the straightedge assembly defines a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Laser Strike, LLC
    Inventors: S. Allen Face, III, Albert D. Frankeny, II
  • Patent number: 7455475
    Abstract: An environmentally sound method for applying or fixing elements (2) to constructed objects used for road traffic. The element (2), which is at least partially made of a material that can be liquefied by mechanical energy, is positioned on the surface, is pressed against the surface, and is simultaneously subjected to a local mechanical stimulation to liquefy the liquefiable material, and the element (2) binds with the surface upon re-solidifying. A mobile device (1) for applying elements (2) of this type, includes device that can travel via rolls or rollers (4, 5) and that is provided with at least one oscillating unit (10) including a sonotrode (6), a converter (7) and of an amplifier (8), and with a generator (9). The element (2) may be a marking or signaling element to be applied to roads or tunnel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Plasonig, Christoph Niederhauser
  • Publication number: 20080267701
    Abstract: A paving system comprises an upper paving layer (1) permeable to liquid, and a substrate layer (7) of load bearing particulate material. Particles (10) of a non-load bearing, non-degradable porous foamed polymeric material are distributed in the interstitial spaces between particles (9) of the load bearing particulate material. The porous material may be an open celled phenolyic foam such as foamed phenol formaldehyde resin. The porous material absorbs water and also serves to retain microorganisms to break down pollutants. The system can be in fluid communication with the surrounding soil. Elements of the porous material may be used in lumps, which crumble under load into particles, which settle into the substrate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: COVENTRY UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Timothy Robert Lowe
  • Publication number: 20080267705
    Abstract: A roller for compacting a subsurface, in particular for road building, comprising a roller body with a central axis. The roller body is made up of a plurality of compartments (2), the compartments (2) being provided distributed in the circumferential direction around the central axis. In particular, each compartment (2) comprises at least one fluid chamber (3). More particularly, the fluid chambers (3) in the compartments (2) are in flow communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: BUYSMAN HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Buijsman
  • Publication number: 20080267702
    Abstract: An apparatus that automatically levels a manhole upon placement of the manhole in the road. The preferred embodiment includes a support beam, two clamping units and two carrying handles. The clamping units contact the top of the manhole and clamp the manhole to the bottom of the support beam. The carrying handles assist in placing the manhole in the road and aligning the support beam on top of the road. The road surface forces the bottom of the support beam to align with the road. Since the top of the manhole is clamped to the bottom of the support beam, the manhole is also forced to align with the new road surface. The present manhole leveler works on roads with steep inclines and banking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20080226392
    Abstract: A process and device for the recycling of asphalt including at least one preheater unit. The preheater having a heater, scarifying rakes, and a bin to dispense aggregate. Also include is a recycling machine having a heater, scarifying rakes, a plurality of extension mills, a main mill, as well as a pug mill having first and second downwardly rotating rotors, the pug mill mixes asphalt and liquid additives together to form a homogenous mix; and at least one screed for laying the homogeneously mixed asphalt to grade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Enviro-Pave Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20080219764
    Abstract: Measuring the unevenness of a pavement surface. A frame carrying an array of sensors is transported above the pavement surface. At a first position, the distance of each sensor is measured from respective first points on the pavement surface. The measurements are repeated for subsequent positions. Calculations from the measurements determine any change in tilt. The measurements and calculations are used to derive a measure of the unevenness of the pavement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: MECHANICAL SYSTEM DYNAMICS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Hans Prem
  • Publication number: 20080213042
    Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: John C. Metzger
  • Patent number: 7419326
    Abstract: A roadway upon which a wheeled vehicle travels is provided. The roadway including a movable surface extending in a direction of the vehicle's travel and a potential energy transfer arrangement operatively connected to the movable surface for transferring a stored potential energy associated with the movable surface into kinetic energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby propelling the vehicle. A method for accelerating a vehicle upon a roadway is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Qiaode Jeffrey Ge
  • Patent number: 7419327
    Abstract: A method for fabricating and forming a continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, employing vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVEā„¢, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers are installed in a bottom layer to form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Charles A. Weiss, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080199255
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method of placing visible advertising on the upper surface of a road (1). This method includes determining the location of any traffic control signs that are applied to the surface of the road, such as the location of signs (22, 25). Following from this, two exclusion zones (31, 32) are defined. These zones extend from the respective signs (22, 25) and terminate at a predetermined minimum distance from the signs. Advertising is then applied to the surface such that it overlies neither the signs nor the exclusion zones. Particularly, the advertising has been placed in the areas bounded by rectangles (33, 34), which are respectively disposed within lanes (7, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: RHINO ADVERTISING PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Caleb Myers
  • Patent number: 7401371
    Abstract: A method and installation for constructing highways. The object is to extend operational capabilities of a mobile installation for constructing a highway in a space-limited environment without reducing the traffic intensity and construct the highway above an existing main traffic motorway. The method includes constructing the highway in the form of an elevated road passing at least by the part thereof over the existing motorway and also includes a portal type mobile self-propelled installation. The moveable legs of the installation are disposed within the land allocation of the existing motorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Arkady Alekseevich Kornatsky
  • Publication number: 20080166181
    Abstract: An anchoring system for securing traffic control lines to a roadway. The anchoring system includes an anchoring device that is a substantially planar member that includes at least one through hole. An adhesive is applied to the device or roadway that then secures the anchoring device to the roadway. The anchoring device is positioned over a traffic control line formed by an adhesive tape for securing and retaining the tape in a proper location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Pilate
  • Patent number: 7396085
    Abstract: An apparatus for degrading a paved surface includes two or more pavement degradation tools, each rotating about an axis. The pavement degradation tools are adapted to degrade a paved surface substantially normal to their axes of rotation. A linking mechanism links the rotation of the pavement degradation tools such that rotation of one causes the rotation of the other. In selected embodiments, this linking mechanism includes gears operably connected to the pavement degradation tools that rotate with the pavement degradation tool about their axes of rotation. These gears directly engage one another causing the gears, and their corresponding pavement degradation tools, to rotate in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20080159811
    Abstract: A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extent through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20080159809
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for safely capturing a moving vehicle are disclosed. The method includes biasing a portion of a loop of cable against the rear portion of one or more tires of a target vehicle, such that the cable is carried over the tire and engages the rear axle, or another portion, of the target vehicle. The loop of cable can be connected to a stationary or mobile structure that can then provide a force to the cable to safely slow down and stop the target vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Costa
  • Publication number: 20080129103
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for removing a layer of a paved surface includes a vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface in a selected direction. A milling drum attached to the vehicle may be adapted to rotate around an axle substantially normal the selected direction of the vehicle. A moldboard may be positioned rearward of the milling drum and also connected to the vehicle. The moldboard may comprise an end that is adapted to push aggregate removed from the paved surface in the selected direction. A plurality of nozzles may be disposed proximate the end of the moldboard which may also be in communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahiquist, Timothy C. Duke, Joe Fox, Tyson J. Wilde
  • Publication number: 20080063475
    Abstract: A method to form a multi-course paver from two independent pavers, namely a lower base paver (10) and an upper paver (11) saddled thereon using the piggyback principle. Both the base paver (10) and the upper paver (11) can be used as stand-alone pavers for producing single-layer road surfaces. Therefore, the invention does not require any costly add-on devices, which can be used only for multi-course paving, for paving the second course of the road surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald Utterodt, Hermann Schade
  • Patent number: 7332118
    Abstract: The vibration damping system, especially for use in the damping of vibrations e.g. from trains, tramcars, other traffic and damping of ground borne vibrations in general, comprises an anti-vibration plate in the form of a plate having a first and a second major surface. The anti-vibration plate comprises mineral fibers, a non-foamed polymeric material and/or a polymeric foam. The anti-vibration plate can further be provided with one or more hollow spaces, i.e. cavities. The anti-vibration plate is obtainable by a method comprising the step of subjecting an area of the opposite surface of the plate to a compression treatment in one or more steps, which compression treatment is sufficient to reduce the static and/or dynamic stiffness of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: John Asmussen
  • Patent number: 7322772
    Abstract: A method and a surface seeded exposed aggregate concrete product are provided that precisely simulate the appearance and qualities of various types of natural quarried stone, such as granite, marble, rhinestone, bluestone, and brownstone, to name a few. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface of poured concrete, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. Subsequently, a surface retarder and finishing steps are performed to produce the concrete product which assimilates the characteristics and colors of natural quarried stone, such as speckles, inclusions, flecks, graining, fractures, joints, knots, crystallization patterns, streaks, weathering, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Shaw, Lee A. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7297720
    Abstract: Composite mixture materials made of recycled plastic, glass and rubber, and optionally, sand, gravel, coal combustion by-product and metal, and containing no petroleum distillates (unless a fire retardant or recycled asphalt pavement is used) are disclosed. Methods of using the composite mixture materials include making expansion joints in pavement, filling manhole cover recesses, filling potholes in pavement, making new pavements, and making panels, walls, blocks, impact protection walls, and other such structures. Methods of making the composite mixture materials include heating the components of the material in an inert gas environmentally friendly manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ace Tire & Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Meyers, III, John H. Swartz, Nathaniel G. Kurczewski, Matthew J. Kurczewski
  • Patent number: 7281878
    Abstract: A method for reducing tire to road noise generated by vehicles on a road surface comprises generating a pseudorandom unique line pattern, providing said pattern as transverse grooves disposed in the road surface, said grooves being randomized according said line pattern as to one or more of position, frequency, and depth so as to spread the noise spectrum thereby reducing the amplitude or volume of noise generated at any single frequency and are capable of dramatic reductions in noise generated by high speed traffic on roadways. It can be implemented by conventional construction practice at little or no additional cost and eliminates the need for costly structures such as noise barrier fencing in residential areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Gary Schulz
  • Patent number: 7279035
    Abstract: A method of selecting a binder for a chipsealing process is provided. This method includes measuring the Adhesion Index of at least one binder and selecting a binder with a desirable Adhesion Index for the chipsealing process. The selected binder should have an Adhesion Index no greater than about 3.75 when calculated according to the most preferred method of the present invention. Preferably, the selected binder is applied to a surface and then aggregate is applied within the time parameters defined by the Adhesion Index of the binder to form a chipsealed surface. Preferably, substantially all of the aggregate bonds to the binder without the need for compacting the paved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Semmaterials, LP
    Inventor: James Barnat
  • Patent number: 7261490
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds constructed of cellular concrete at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units resistant to such effects and related methods are described. A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft overrunning a runway. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Allen, Richard D. Angley, John L. Gordon, Peter T. Mahal, Silvia C. Valentini
  • Patent number: 7244077
    Abstract: An auger/cut off assembly for a floating screed asphalt paver. The auger/cut off assembly consists of an auger mechanism with an axis of rotation and a cut off mechanism. The cut off mechanism has a concave cut off panel that rotates about the axis of the auger mechanism from an open strike off position to a closed cut off position. Because the concave cut off panel closely conforms to a portion of the circumference of the auger mechanism, the cut off mechanism provides for low ground clearance. The concave cut off panel serves the dual function of striking off the paving material when in the open strike off position and cutting off the deposit of paving material when in the closed cut off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: VT Leeboy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Lee, Eric Craig Lee
  • Patent number: 7234893
    Abstract: A method of making a membrane assembly by forming at least a pair of bottom sheet membranes and at least one top sheet membrane, wherein the bottom sheet membranes are adapted to attach to and cover respective pavement sections of a roadway, and constructing each top sheet membrane with a track, wherein each track receives edges of a corresponding pair of the bottom sheet membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Canada, Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7210875
    Abstract: An entrapment snare, consisting of two small but heavy weights connected by a flexible cable covered with spikes, is designed to be launched from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle at one of the rear tires of a fleeing vehicle. One heavy weight is attached to each end of the flexible cable. The weights are forcefully projected, at ground level, in a forward direction at one of the rear tires of the fleeing vehicle such that the weights bracket the tire. Initially, the two projectile weights have forward linear momentum and the cable connecting them is slack. The middle of the cable hits the target tire at or near where the rubber meets the road and the cable goes into tension. Very quickly, the two ends of the cable attached to the projectile weights pull tightly into place in front of the target tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Ya-May Christle, Michael C. Goodman
  • Patent number: 7198427
    Abstract: A method for installing an aesthetically pleasing artificial turf that retards birds and other animals and a sub-surface that supports the weight of an aircraft, enhances water drainage and enables the accessibility of airport vehicles to all parts of a runway or taxiway is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: AvTurf L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Carr, Dale L. Collett, William L. Schomburg, Thomas M Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7168885
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vibratory mechanism. The method includes sensing a vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism and determining a decoupling point of the vibratory mechanism. An output signal is generated based on the determination of the decoupling point for controlling the vibratory amplitude of the vibratory mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc
    Inventors: Federico Mauro John Rio, Dean Roger Potts, Kevin Lynn Mann
  • Patent number: 7114875
    Abstract: A method of laying hot blacktop paving material, the method comprising a spreading step during which the material is spread onto a surface for receiving it, and immediately prior to the spreading step, a step of adding water during which water plus wetting agent is mixed with the blacktop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: HTP EST
    Inventors: Alain Romier, Yves Martineau, Jacques David, Maurice Audeon
  • Patent number: 7101113
    Abstract: A self-guiding shopping cart collection, storage, and retrieval system is provided which is integrated into the parking lot construction. A collection channel is adjacent and parallel to a row of parking spaces which is formed as an inset trough configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart to a collection end. The collection channel has a generally planar floor and at least one inclined side bank with the floor being downwardly linearly inclined toward the collection end. Lateral feed channels intersect with the collection channel which are configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart from the parking lot into the collection channel. Thus, shopping carts from the parking lot are introduced into the lateral feed channels at the parking lot level and guided therethrough into the collection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Metra Hughes
  • Patent number: 7059800
    Abstract: In a method of reinforcing and waterproofing a paved surface, a layer of liquefied asphalt is applied on a paved surface. A reinforcement mat is then applied over the liquefied asphalt. The reinforcement mat includes a first layer comprising a nonwoven mat produced from fibers selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers, polymer fibers, and mixtures thereof. The reinforcement mat also includes a second layer of mineral fibers attached to the first layer. The liquefied asphalt penetrates and soaks the reinforcement mat to form a water barrier. A layer of paving material is then applied a over the reinforcement mat. The first layer and the second layer of the reinforcement mat are attached to each other by any one of sewing, knitting, needling, heat treating, and adhering with an adhesive, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Jones, Gregory S. Helwig
  • Patent number: 7052203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surfacing structure for traffic areas and for surfaces of structures, which has a substructure located on the base of the surfacing and has a superstructure, which covers the latter and is comprised, at least in part, of concrete, sepecially asphaltic concrete. The substructure comprises at least one lattice work extending along the surfacing and having a number of strips, which intersect while forming a mesh, consist of high strength fiber billets with different tensile E-moduli, and which are interconnected with material fit or in a non-positive manner. A thermally removable covering can be applied to at least one surface of the lattice work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Scherer
  • Patent number: 7048465
    Abstract: This invention relates to routing or directing at least a portion of traffic from a tract of land, and particularly to land adjacent a body of water. The method of routing of diverting traffic comprises first identifying a tract of land where a road is needed and identifying an area spaced from the tract of land suitable for supporting the road. The road is then located through the area to span the tract of land. In a preferred embodiment, the road is located offshore from the tract of land, and linked to the road at either end of the tract of land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin S. Walters
  • Patent number: 7048467
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Burns, Dennis Darling, Paul Hurlburt, Gary Ketner
  • Patent number: 7021859
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for stopping vehicles which depart from the side of a track, has a pool of liquid which extends along and to the side of the track. The pool increases in depth with increasing distance from the track up to a predetermined maximum depth. A crash barrier stops any vehicle which fails to be arrested by the liquid. The pool can be filled and emptied using a pump. A layer of gravel in the pool can be substituted as the vehicle arrest medium by pumping the pool empty. Different depth of liquid can be selected, using the pump. The liquid is preferred to be water, which can be found from rainwater runoff from the track. Such runoff can be pumped away. The invention can be used on both sides of a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Pentti Juhani Airikkala, Niko Juhani Airikkala
  • Patent number: 7008670
    Abstract: This composition sealant relates to rejuvenating, sealing, and preserving asphalt pavements and concrete surfaces. More specifically, the sealant composition includes soy products and other vegetable products. More specifically, the agricultural sealant composition is a combination of soybean oil, alkyl esters of soybean oil, and at least one of d-limonene or other terpine hydrocarbons. In another embodiment, the composition is a mixture of bitumen and soy product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Freisthler
  • Patent number: 6962463
    Abstract: A method of constructing an environmental and water-permeable paving, which includes the steps of connecting a plurality of frame units composed of water ducts and connecting meshes to form a great area of framework; burying the frame units into the soil, above the macadam stratum; pouring concrete onto the frame units and having the concrete solidified to form a concrete board; and applying a asphalt and macadam stratum onto the concrete board or other paving to complete a water and air permeable paving. Drainage belts are provided under the water ducts in predetermined positions, such that the accumulated rain can be led to the underground and collected in the reservoirs. Concluded above, the paving constructed according to the invention is an environmental and water-permeable paving, which can automatically regulate the temperature of the roadways, as well as the temperature and humidity of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jui Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 6905284
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming a serial array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs), which are disposed upon a single, common release liner, into a collated and nested array of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) such that the collated and nested array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) can be supplied to apparatus for dispensing and applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto pavement surfaces. In accordance with a first embodiment of the apparatus, the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) are formed from a single temporary raised pavement marker (TRPM) extrusion, the extrusion is cut, and subsequently, the markers are mounted upon the single, common release sheet or release liner which has a plurality of adhesive patches previously disposed thereon. The assembly, comprising the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) and the common release liner, is then formed into a collated and nested array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Patent number: 6890123
    Abstract: A system and method to allow a paving machine to form tight radii in continuous extrusions such as curbs and gutters is disclosed. A shift cylinder is used with the steering mechanism of a typical paving machine to allow sharp radius turns. The steering cylinder is used to pivot the track of the paving machine about its leg and the steering cylinder is used to pivot the leg relative to the frame of the paving machine. A hydraulic circuit is operator activated to allow fluid flow through a flow divider to ensure each cylinder operates in concert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: N. Piccoli Construction
    Inventor: Mario Piccoli
  • Publication number: 20040258476
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an automotive vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) is provided. A composite drainage material (20) is provided through which water drains. The composite drainage material (20) comprises a polymeric open mesh core (22) between first and second layers (24 and 26) of a non-woven geo-textile fabric. The land area (12) is covered with the material (20) by placing rolls (28) of the material adjacent one another. The rolls (28) are unrolled over the land area (12) so that longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) of adjacent rolls adjoin one another. A portion (34, 44) of the longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) are overlapped and secured to each other, and not to the land area (12), to create a gapless and continuous surface (84) of the material (20), with the majority of the land area (12) lying underneath the material. The first layer (24) of each of the rolls (28) contacts the land area (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Center West Enterprises
    Inventor: A. Basil Polivka
  • Patent number: 6832871
    Abstract: A collated array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs), having substantially L-shaped configurations, has the pavement markers disposed in a nested arrangement with portions of a release sheet folded between successive ones of the pavement markers such that when the folded portions of the release sheet are unfolded in conjunction with the dispensing of a leading one of the pavement markers, feather-edge boundary structure defined between the release sheet and the block of adhesive material upon the associated one of the pavement markers is effectively recombined with the primary mass of adhesive material upon the pavement marker such that the feather-edge structure is assimilated into the primary mass of adhesive material in order to readily permit the separation, peeling, and stripping of the release sheet from the pavement marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Chad M. Orthaus, Calice G. Courneya
  • Publication number: 20040244646
    Abstract: The invention describes a process for preparing a warm mix asphalt composition by mixing an aggregate grain material with a soft binder, and adding a hard binder to the mixed aggregate grain material. The hard binder is foamed in a foaming process before it is introduced to the mixed grained aggregate material. A system for preparing the warm mix asphalt composition comprising a drying drum for heating and drying the aggregate component, a mixing mill for mixing the asphalt components and a mix storage silo, where the system also includes foam production facilities for foaming the hard binder before introduction to the mixing mill, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: KOLO VEIDEKKE A.S.
    Inventors: Olle R. Larsen, Carl Robertus
  • Patent number: 6827522
    Abstract: A left-turn driving support system for supporting a driver of a vehicle waiting to make a left turn at an intersection where vehicles travel on the right side of a road. The system includes a light-reflecting material which reflects light from blinking signals of a turn signal of a second oncoming vehicle following a forefront oncoming vehicle, which are about to enter the intersection. The light-reflecting material is installed continuously along the centerline of the road and is sufficient long to detect a left-turn signal of the second oncoming vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kohichiro Kodama, Yoshihiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20040240938
    Abstract: A tractive box for producing a traffic stripe and method of producing a traffic stripe including a composition well with at least two gates. A comb gate for permitting compound to be released through a comb for a contoured or profiled stripe and a base gate for compound to be released for a standard or flat stripe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ron Hicks