Terminal Or Head Patents (Class 405/125)
  • Patent number: 11536017
    Abstract: A modular precast concrete structure system to form a modular precast concrete structure as a portion of a subsurface storage basin is provided, the system including a concrete slab having a first edge and opposite second edge, and a first concrete side wall having an outer surface extending from the first edge substantially perpendicularly to the concrete slab, and a second concrete side wall having an outer surface extending from the second edge substantially perpendicularly to the concrete slab, the outer surfaces of the first and second concrete side walls being configured to be substantially parallel, each of the first and second side walls being configured with canted inner surfaces such that the first and second side walls taper in thickness away from the slab, and a plurality of footings each configured with a footing groove along an upper surface thereof, the footing grooves configured to receive a bottom edge of at least one of the first and second side walls therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Envirokeeper, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff VanHoose, Don Atkins
  • Patent number: 11274406
    Abstract: A culvert to ditch transitioning device for lining a ditch proximate to an end of a culvert includes an end panel, which has an orifice positioned therein, and a pair of side panels. A terminal segment of the culvert, which extends into the ditch, can be inserted through the orifice so that a first face of the end panel is in substantial abutment with an end embankment of the ditch. Each side panel is coupled to a respective opposed end of the end panel and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The pair of the side panels lines side embankments of the ditch, proximate to the end embankment. The end embankment and the lined portions of the side embankments thus no longer require lawn care, such as mowing, trimming, and weeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Johnny Brown
  • Patent number: 11268256
    Abstract: A culvert system includes a flexible toe wall that connects to and extends down from the bottom of the culvert. The flexible toe wall is capable of readily conforming to various shapes of the trench conditions provided to receive the toe wall, before or as the trench is backfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Darrell J. Sanders, Brian N. Flint
  • Patent number: 11136185
    Abstract: This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Allied Steel
    Inventor: Patrick Southworth
  • Patent number: 10738920
    Abstract: A composite fluid conduit assembly with a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path is disclosed. The wall has an inner region and an outer region. The outer region includes a composite material having reinforcing elements within a matrix material and the inner region having a material which is substantially devoid of reinforcing elements. The inner region of the wall defines a first sealing surface around the fluid flow path at one end of the fluid conduit. The composite fluid conduit assembly has an interface member substantially devoid of reinforcing elements and located at the end of the fluid conduit. The interface member defines an aperture in fluid flow communication with the fluid flow path and a second sealing surface. A compression arrangement forces the interface member and the fluid conduit together forming a seal around the fluid flow path between the first and second sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: M-Flow Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Richard Damon Goodman Roberts, Martin Peter William Jones, Luke Rumsey, John Brickwood, Giles Edward
  • Patent number: 10731313
    Abstract: A retaining wall assembly includes a concrete retaining wall including a bore, and a cylindrical tube fixed in the bore and sized to fixedly fit to a culvert pipe. The cylindrical tube includes a tube body and a flange extending radially outward from the tube body, and the flange is embedded in the retaining wall. The cylindrical tube, when fixedly fit inside the culvert pipe, supports a full weight of the retaining wall. A method of installing the retaining wall to the culvert pipe includes providing the retaining wall assembly, fixedly fitting the cylindrical tube to the culvert pipe, and providing only native soil directly below a bottom edge of the retaining wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Homebridge Precast, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Bango
  • Patent number: 10174468
    Abstract: A culvert pipe inlet arrangement includes a pan member and an inlet that is configured to be disposed within a culvert pipe is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Craig A. Eby, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10012338
    Abstract: A drain cover comprises a grate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge defining a space having an axis substantially normal to the peripheral edge and at least one cross piece extending within the space at substantially right angles to the axis of the space. A front tab with a front tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The front tapering slot receives the edge of a pipe. A rear tab with a rear tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The rear tapering slot also receives the edge of a pipe. A securing screw is proved for securing the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: John M Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 9970166
    Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes multiple culvert units forming multiple side-by-side channels. One or more of the side-by-side channels have an interior side that is substantially vertical and an exterior side that is outwardly angled from top to bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Aston, Michael G. Carfagno, Philip A. Creamer
  • Patent number: 9869082
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a diffuser extending from the outlet end of a highway culvert, whereby the diffuser flares outwardly to provide a larger area cross-section at the outlet of the culvert in order to increase the capacity of the culvert and to reduce the effects of erosion from the outflow of water from the culvert outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: State of Maine Department of Transportation
    Inventor: Alexander W. Mann
  • Patent number: 9822498
    Abstract: A precast concrete bridge and headwall assembly includes a precast concrete bridge unit including a top wall connecting opposite side walls, and a precast concrete headwall having a bottom surface engaged on the top wall of the bridge unit and a series of earth anchors at laterally spaced intervals between the side walls. The earth anchors include a body member extending outward from the headwall to the top wall, and a foot member extending laterally outward from the body member engaged on the top wall and including an upper surface generally parallel to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Structure Sight LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Von Handorf, Tommy E. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8974665
    Abstract: A welded wire mesh is rolled into an elongated tubular wire frame, and sizing rings surround the tubular wire frame to maintain the tubular frame with a predetermined diameter. The wire frame is partially covered with a sediment filter fabric attached by wire clips, and an end portion of the tubular frame is inserted into an inlet portion of an installed storm water pipe. A collar member includes a wire collar frame secured to the tubular wire frame and is covered by a flexible filter material to filter storm water flowing between the tubular frame and the water pipe and to form a stop which prevents the tubular frame from moving further into the pipe. A top portion of the tubular wire frame is uncovered by filter fabric to define an overflow opening for storm water with very light sediment to flow into the storm water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory M. Vreeland
  • Patent number: 8870493
    Abstract: A gate assembly for use on a pipe, such as a culvert pipe. The assembly having an adjustable engagement band defining an opening. The opening having a nominal diameter sized to engage a culvert pipe. The diameter of the opening being adjustable by up to plus or minus 30 percent the nominal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Machine Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Haire
  • Publication number: 20140133915
    Abstract: A drain cover comprises a grate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge defining a space having an axis substantially normal to the peripheral edge and at least one cross piece extending within the space at substantially right angles to the axis of the space. A front tab with a front tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The front tapering slot receives the edge of a pipe. A rear tab with a rear tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The rear tapering slot also receives the edge of a pipe. A securing screw is proved for securing the grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: John M. Kincheloe
  • Publication number: 20130315670
    Abstract: A gate assembly for use on a pipe, such as a culvert pipe. The assembly having an adjustable engagement band defining an opening. The opening having a nominal diameter sized to engage a culvert pipe. The diameter of the opening being adjustable by up to plus or minus 30 percent the nominal diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Haire
  • Publication number: 20130202359
    Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Scott D. Aston, Michael G. Carfagno, Philip A. Creamer
  • Patent number: 8496405
    Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: John Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 8465226
    Abstract: A culvert end for a culvert includes a culvert body and a brow. The culvert body has an upper section and an outer end that defines an opening. One or more structural weaknesses are formed in the culvert body. The one or more structural weaknesses are configured and arranged to encourage a partial collapse of the upper section of the culvert body when the culvert end is subjected to a sudden end-on force caused by a vehicle impacting against the outer end of the culvert body, thereby creating a transitioning surface that enables the impacting vehicle to ride over the outer end of the culvert body. The brow is formed at the outer end of the culvert body and configured to initiate the partial collapse of the upper section when the brow is struck by the impacting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Gordon Davis
  • Patent number: 8215869
    Abstract: A reinforced soil arch having an archway form, a combination of alternating and interacting layers of compacted mineral soil and geosynthetic reinforcement material placed over and adjacent to the archway form, and a plurality of shear resisting devices secured to the exterior surface of the archway form. The shear resisting devices cause the archway form and the combination of alternating layers of compacted mineral soil and geosynthetic reinforcement material to act as an integral unit when static or dynamic loads are placed on the reinforced soil arch. Methods for constructing a reinforced soil arch are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Terratech Consulting Ltd.
    Inventor: Calvin D. VanBuskirk
  • Publication number: 20110206461
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a culvert end, wherein the culvert end is structurally weakened to allow partial collapse of an upper section of the end on impact loading. The culvert end aims to decrease the severity of motor vehicle accidents wherein the culvert has an end that is deformable under impact to create a transitioning surface to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle arresting, catching or snagging itself in the entrance to the culvert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Gordon DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20100260550
    Abstract: A support that prevents beavers and other animals from constructing dams which block culverts associated with ponds and streams. The support includes a rectangular floating device covered with solar electrically charged mesh wire. The support is anchored so as to be able to rise and fall as the level of the waters rise and fall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Lee Jackson
  • Patent number: 7798747
    Abstract: The apparatus is an underground reservoir to capture and slowly release stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking areas. The structure is assembled from one or more modules comprising at least two side by side precast fiber reinforced concrete vaulted shaped chambers, each with side walls and an arch top. The side by side chambers have common walls with openings in the walls. Modules placed end to end are mated at reinforced concrete end walls that include lifting pins for moving the module. Ends of the chambers are closed, but the end walls have openings for feeding stormwater in and venting air out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Terre Hill Silo Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hans de Bruijn, Dale Groff, E. Nelson Martin
  • Patent number: 7695216
    Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: John Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 7682104
    Abstract: A temporary culvert barrier for placing across the mouth of a culvert for blocking litter and debris from entering or exiting the culvert and for filters to block silt or sand from clogging the culvert or the drain area. The filters may also be selected to absorb oils salts or other chemicals. The temporary barrier is easy to install and remove. The barrier plates and filters fit to the size of the culvert mouth and have adjustment slots for different width mouths. The culvert barrier may be used to prevent pollution at construction sites and be temporarily or permanently attached to culvert mouths. The filters may be changed or cleaned as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Royal Concrete Pipe, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wassman, Julian P. Trangsrud, Richard M. Odland
  • Publication number: 20090279954
    Abstract: Debris and sediment reduction apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus and method include the insertion of a support member into a culvert or drainage pipe with a portion of the support member extending from the intake end of the culvert. A debris cap comprising a plurality of apertures is selectively placed on and secured to the support member. Fluid entering the culvert is filtered via the debris cap. The support member includes optional tabs to maintain a portion of the support member to the exterior of the pipe wherein the debris cap fits over the portion of the support member located to the exterior of the culvert. In one embodiment, the debris cap further comprises upper and lower portions wherein the apertures of the upper and lower portions are distinctly sized with the apertures of the lower portion being smaller than the apertures of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Cary Griffith, Rinaldo DiLoreto
  • Publication number: 20090183321
    Abstract: A concrete building system includes a set of parallel spaced apart strip footers and one or more precast concrete sections supported by the footers in a predetermined alignment. Each precast concrete section has a top slab integrally connected to a pair of equally flared legs. Each leg depends from an end of the top slab at an effective flare angle to form a corner. The precast section includes haunch sections formed between the top slab and each leg resulting in a corner thickness greater than the uniform thickness of the angled leg to which it is integrally formed and the top member. The length of the effective span of each section varies between 60 and 90 percent of the distance between the bottom-of-leg span. The sections can be used to construct bridges, culverts, underground storage units, fluid detention units and dam structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Glennon J. Boresi, Steven Michels
  • Patent number: 7530764
    Abstract: An easy clean culvert system being formed of concrete, wherein the culvert system includes a plurality of culvert sections, each section having a cover that is removably coupled to a base portion of the culvert section. The cover may be removed and replaced in order to access the culvert system for easy cleaning. The culvert sections are coupled together to form the entire culvert system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Joe Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7441989
    Abstract: A beaver control device for a culvert pipe features a generally conical screen having a base portion and an apex portion connected by a plurality of rods. The base portion has a rim sized to fit about the end of the culvert pipe. The apex portion has a rim with an opening sized to selectively receive a weeping tile or other drainage pipe. The screen prevents beavers from damming the culvert while allowing the drainage pipe to drain into or pass through the culvert. A pin is provided to either lock the drainage pipe in place or partially close off the opening in the apex portion when not in use. The screen is movable between raised and lowered positions to allow easy access to the screen and culvert. In one embodiment, the screen is constructed in multiple pieces to allow for easy transport and on-site assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Walter Fleming
  • Patent number: 7305798
    Abstract: An overfilled arch bridge system includes a composite arch which has a precast layer and a cast-in-place layer. The system further includes means for reducing bending moments within the overfilled arch. The means include customizing the arch end geometry and prestressing the arch prior to or during loading. The system can be used in connection with the overfilled arch system disclosed in co-pending patent application titled “Top Arch Overfilled System” filed by the same inventor on Mar. 22, 2002.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bebo of America
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 7252458
    Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: John Kincheloe
  • Publication number: 20070154266
    Abstract: A temporary culvert barrier for placing across the mouth of a culvert for blocking litter and debris from entering or exiting the culvert and for filters to block silt or sand from clogging the culvert or the drain area. The filters may also be selected to absorb oils salts or other chemicals. The temporary barrier is easy to install and remove. The barrier plates and filters fit to the size of the culvert mouth and have adjustment slots for different width mouths. The culvert barrier may be used to prevent pollution at construction sites and be temporarily or permanently attached to culvert mouths. The filters may be changed or cleaned as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew A. Wassman, Julian P. Trangsrud, Richard M. Odland
  • Patent number: 7217064
    Abstract: A method for controlling deformation of a cut end region of an erected arch-type structure for use in underpass construction and the like where the cut end region has at least one extended leg portion. The method comprises building progressively at least one layer of mechanically-stabilized earth adjacent the extended leg portion by alternately layering a plurality of compacted layers of fill with interposed layers of reinforcement. Each layer of reinforcement is secured to the extended leg portion during the progressive building. The securement of the layers of reinforcement to the extended leg portions provide support in controlling deformation of the cut end region during backfilling and regular service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Michael W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7080956
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of an open bottom box culvert which can be used to enable roads, highways and other infrastructure to cross streams without infringing on the wetted perimeter of a stream or interrupting the stream gradient. More particularly, this invention pertains to an innovative use of mineral soil (clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock, ice or mixtures of any or all of the foregoing), concrete or wood abutments and metal such as steel, and in some cases geosynthetics, to construct an open bottom box culvert structure which can be erected over a stream or creek and enable vehicular loads and other infrastructure to cross the stream or creek.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Terratech Consulting Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Neden, Calvin D. VanBuskirk
  • Patent number: 7052210
    Abstract: A highway culvert inlet collar is disclosed having a plate member and a pipe adapter. The plate member has a front face, a rear face, a peripheral side edge intermediate the front face and the rear face, and a tapered inlet face portion adjacent the front face. The front face has a front face effective width at least twice that of the tapered inlet face portion effective width of the tapered inlet face portion. The pipe adapter has a first end and a second end, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The front face has an interior edge and an exterior edge. The tapered inlet face portion is located centrally of the front face and is preferably angled 45° rearwardly from the front face. The pipe adapter is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the rear face. The tapered inlet face portion extends from the front face interior edge to a tapered face interior edge. The pipe adapter is attached to the plate member intermediate the peripheral side edge and the tapered face interior edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Kurdziel
  • Patent number: 7052209
    Abstract: An arch shape cross section chamber for receiving and dispersing stormwater when buried beneath the surface of the earth is corrugated and has a cross section geometry which is a continuous curve. Preferably, the curve is a truncated semi-ellipse. A chamber also has a combination of a standard corrugations along most of the length, in combination with smaller end corrugation with standard corrugations, to enable joining of chambers in overlap fashion, as a string; corrugations which have elliptically curved corrugation widths when viewed from the side of the chamber; and, sidewall base flanges which have turned up outer edges in combination with fins which connect said edges with the curved chamber sidewall. A domed end cap is adapted to both close the end of the chamber and to be positioned within the chamber length to provide a baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Infiltrator Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Kruger, Jonathan F. Smith, Bryan F. Coppes, Raymond Connors
  • Patent number: 6942425
    Abstract: A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: John Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 6922950
    Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: BEBOTech Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 6860238
    Abstract: Shelves suspended in culverts allow animals to move easily and safely under a highway. The shelves can be retrofitted to any existing culvert or can be part of a new, manufactured culvert. The shelves are removable so as not to impede water movement in times of high water or flood. The shelves are adapted to encourage all animals to use them as passageways under the highway. Ramps allow animals to access shelves. The shelf floor is mesh of the less than one inch to allow smaller animals to cross comfortably. The shelves are equipped with tubes to encourage small semi-fossorial animals to cross. The tubes provide covered protection from predators. Entrance funnels direct vole-like animals toward the tubes. The culvert shelves of the subject invention encourage animals to cross under the highway so that the highway no longer poses a barrier to these animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Montana
    Inventors: Kerry R. Foresman, Cory W. Claussen
  • Patent number: 6769662
    Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: L & R Pre-Cast Concrete Works
    Inventor: Rufino Garza
  • Patent number: 6736570
    Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: L&R Pre-Cast Concrete Works
    Inventor: Rufino Garza
  • Publication number: 20030223821
    Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Rufino Garza
  • Patent number: 6644889
    Abstract: A sectional headwall (10) for a drain pipe (72) includes a unitary base member (12), a unitary sectional member (14) positioned on top of the base member (12), and a unitary lid member (16) positioned on top of the sectional member (14). The unitary base member (12) includes two longitudinally extending walls (42,44) and two end walls (46). The base member (12) further includes a sleeve (48) extending between and connecting the longitudinal walls (42,44). The sleeve (48) defines an aperture (50) extending through the longitudinal walls (42,44) for receiving a drain pipe (72). A drain pipe adapter (80) may be inserted into the aperture (50) to accommodate different sized drain pipes (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hartman EW, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry B. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20030194269
    Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Rufino Garza
  • Publication number: 20030143029
    Abstract: A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Con/Span Bridge Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: William D. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6595721
    Abstract: A mitred grate and drain cover comprises a peripheral edge having an upper and lower surface and a substantially elliptical shape which defines a space, and a plurality of cross pieces within the space. Depending sidewalls extend from the lower surface of the peripheral edge, and are constructed with respect to the peripheral edge such that they are at an angle other than 90° to the peripheral edge. The sidewalls define a space for receiving a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: John Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 6533498
    Abstract: A headwall structure constructed of lightweight reinforced composite and incorporating a rigid polymer concrete core in selected portions, for use with standard culvert or drainage pipes in infrastructure water management systems in substitution for conventional concrete headwalls. The headwall structure has a vertical back wall with an integral spigot or pipe stub surrounding a central orifice. The pipe stub is preferably cross-sectionally dimensioned and configured to be identical to a selected standard pipe section end so that such pipe section can be connected to the pipe stub without an adapter. A tray is joined to the lower edge of the back wall. A pair of outwardly flared sidewalls are joined to the back wall and to the tray. Angled brace panels extending from the sidewalls to the tray reinforce the sidewalls. The tray, sidewalls and brace panels define the water channels. Front and side brace panels define a recess into which earth enters and against which earth bears to provide stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Donald S. Quin
  • Publication number: 20020127061
    Abstract: A sectional headwall (10) for a drain pipe (72) includes a unitary base member (12), a unitary sectional member (14) positioned on top of the base member (12), and a unitary lid member (16) positioned on top of the sectional member (14). The unitary base member (12) includes two longitudinally extending walls (42,44) and two end walls (46). The base member (12) further includes a sleeve (48) extending between and connecting the longitudinal walls (42,44). The sleeve (48) defines an aperture (50) extending through the longitudinal walls (42,44) for receiving a drain pipe (72). A drain pipe adapter (80) may be inserted into the aperture (50) to accommodate different sized drain pipes (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Henry B. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6447206
    Abstract: The beaver control screen has a cone-shaped screen having a base, an apex and a horizontal axis. A first set of spaced-apart rods extends from the base to the apex and are disposed in a first conical layer. A second set of rods is disposed in a second conical layer inside the first conical layer and extends toward the apex over a distance of about one-half the length of the first conical layer. The first and second conical layers are set at different angles with the horizontal axis such that a distance between a rod in the first layer and an adjacent rod in the second layer is a same distance along the adjacent rod. At the apex of the screen, the rods in the first conical layer are alternately affixed to the outside edge and to the inside edge of an annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Faune-Experts Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Fleury
  • Patent number: 6434892
    Abstract: An overfilled, pre-cast reinforced concrete arch bridge for supporting one pathway above a second pathway in which the projections of the pathways intersect at an oblique angle. The bridge includes a plurality of identically shaped arch elements that are offset from each other to form a staggered orientation whereby a skewed bridge is formed without specially shaped arch elements. Cover elements can be used to prevent migration of soil or water into the bridge and various forms of arch elements can be used in the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Werner Heierli
  • Patent number: 6422788
    Abstract: A sectional headwall for a drain pipe includes a unitary base member, at least one unitary sectional member positioned on the base member and a unitary lid member positioned on the at least one sectional member. The unitary base member defines an opening extending therethrough and includes two longitudinally extending walls and two end walls. The base member further includes a sleeve extending between the longitudinal walls that defines an aperture extending through the longitudinal walls for receiving the drain pipe. The sectional member defines an opening therethrough cooperating with the opening defined by the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hartman EW, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry B. Hartman