Underpinning Patents (Class 405/230)
  • Patent number: 11946217
    Abstract: The present application relates to a top plate jacking device and jacking construction method configured for V-shaped columns, the top plate jacking device comprising a temporary support pile comprises a plurality of pile holes arranged on a construction surface, a bottom end of the pile hole is cast-in-place with a bearing platform, a temporary support column is inserted on the bearing platform, a plurality of pillars are fixed at a top of the temporary support column, wherein comprises a plurality of vertically connected column segments, two adjacent column segments detachably connected vertically through a connecting component; a support block is provided at a top of the plurality of pillars, the top of the support block abuts against a lower surface of the top plate; a hydraulic jack is configured to jack the top plate and is provided with a plurality of intervals at the top of the temporary support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd., China Railway Tunnel Group Third Division Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jialiang Ding, Xin Zhang, Fuxian Yu, Huiwen Ding, Min Cao, Xianhai Tang, Ning Ma, Baixi Feng, Xin Wen
  • Patent number: 11939738
    Abstract: A pile driver driven foundation bracket system includes a foundation bracket drive unit and a foundation bracket unit. The foundation bracket drive unit includes a pile driving unit interface configured to engage with a pile driving unit, a hollow sleeve, and a foundation bracket drive interface. The pile driving unit interface is connected to a first end of the hollow sleeve, and the foundation bracket drive interface is connected to a second end of the hollow sleeve. The foundation bracket drive interface is removably connected to the foundation bracket unit. The foundation bracket unit includes a horizontal foundation bracket support arm, a foundation bracket brace having an opening, the opening being configured to allow soil to flow therethrough when the foundation bracket unit is rotated, and a foundation bracket hollow sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Stroyer
  • Patent number: 11926985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pier support system that provides for efficient and effective stabilization and lifting of foundations and structures. The present invention relates to a one-piece or one-part pier support system that provides for efficient and effective stabilization and lifting of foundations and structures. The present invention relates to methods of using one-piece of one-part pier support systems that are efficient and effective in stabilizing and lifting foundations and structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Robertson
  • Patent number: 11885092
    Abstract: A reinforced tensionless concrete pier foundation for supporting a tower and a method of constructing the same is provided, the foundation having an outer CMP and an inner CMP with an annular space therebetween in which a plurality of sleeved tower anchor bolts are embedded, and the pier foundation including at least one reinforcement structure that at least partly encircles the outer CMP to provide one or more of increased lateral stiffness, increased shear resistance and overturning (upset) moment capacity, reduced bending, displacement, and deflection of the top of the pier, and improved conditioning, containment, skin friction and lateral bearing capacity of the surrounding soil and/or rock substrate that supports the tensionless pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC.
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11808004
    Abstract: A foundation reinforcement system may include an elongated beam, a first bracket assembly and a second bracket assembly. Each bracket assembly includes a shaft receiving portion and a seat portion. The seat portion includes a plurality of protruding members that protrude upwardly therefrom. The elongated beam is disposed atop the seat portion of the first bracket assembly such that at least one of the plurality of protruding members of the bracket assembly is disposed on each of opposing lateral sides of the elongated beam. The bracket assemblies are horizontally spaced-apart from each other. The elongated beam is disposed atop the seat portion of the second bracket assembly such that at least one of the plurality of protruding members of the second bracket assembly is disposed on each of opposing lateral sides of the elongated beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Jesse B. Trebil
  • Patent number: 11739495
    Abstract: Disclosed are a reinforcing and lifting method and a reinforcing and lifting structure for large-scale piers of high-speed rail. The method comprises: obliquely drilling grouting holes for a pile shoe body downward around the bridge pier cap, the hole bottom goes deep into a pile foundation side position close to the bottom end of the bridge pier pile foundation, grouting the hole bottom, and reinforcing the soil body between a plurality of pile foundations and around the pile foundations to form the pile shoe body; vertically drilling holes downward around the bridge pier cap to form a plurality of curtain holes at intervals, and grouting the curtain holes to form an enclosed curtain wall, the curtain wall and the pile shoe body form an inverted groove structure; obliquely drilling holes downward to form lifting holes, such that the bridge piers are gradually raised to a preset height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING HENGXIANG HONGYE FOUNDATION REINFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuedong Cui, Jiguang Wu, Tengyue Cui
  • Patent number: 11725358
    Abstract: A rotary drive machine for the installation of helical pile sections through installation openings in a slab floor inside of a building perimeter. A vertical frame having an upper end and an open lower end is positioned over an installation opening through which it is desired to rotationally install a helical pile section, and the vertical frame anchored to the slab floor. A rotary power means, attached to the helical pile section moves along a vertical movement guide and is driven by a vertical actuator to rotationally and vertically drive the helical section into the ground. A method of use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventors: Terry Paun, Rebecca Paun
  • Patent number: 11655628
    Abstract: A deck ledger board spacer system that includes a solid disc body having a front side and a rear side, a center hole, and a plurality of circumferential through holes surrounding the center hole. The center hole includes at least one radially-extending void that serves as a female element for a complementary keyed bushing. Each of the front and rear sides have a plurality of wells recessed from the disc body surface, the wells configured to receive a volume of flowable adhesive sealant material during spacer installation. One or more swappable keyed bushings are sized for insertion in the center hole, each of the keyed bushings having a male element complementary to the radially-extending void and having a bushing through hole with a diameter different from other keyed bushings in a plurality of keyed bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph James Ghiringhelli
  • Patent number: 11655603
    Abstract: The EPX2 Resilient Waterfront Platform is a new and useful process, a resilient building technology that provides for the efficient adaptation and safeguard of waterfronts against adverse events. It is an optimized, elevated Waterfront Resiliency infrastructure solution that is legible, practical, high quality, highly efficient, and deployable, and provides a timely go-to standard for new and existing Waterfront communities and historic districts at risk to Climate Change. One purpose of this resilient building technology is to improve public safety and minimize property damage in response to accelerating climate change forces, including seismic, flooding, and sea level rise. The platform assembly is comprised of several components including elevated sea walls, wharves, piers, buildings, accessways and the rehabilitation of historic architecture components, as applicable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Arthur Hagar Thompson, III
  • Patent number: 11408143
    Abstract: A foundation support system and method of installing the foundation support system. The foundation support system includes a pier system for providing support beneath a foundation, a support member, and a heave plate attachable to a bottom surface of the foundation. The method includes driving a pier system using a ram, coupling a support member to the heave plate, and engaging the support member with the pier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Mark White Fabrication, LLC
    Inventor: Mark White
  • Patent number: 11359347
    Abstract: A foundation support system and method of installing the foundation support system. The foundation support system includes a pier system for providing support beneath a foundation, a support member, and a heave plate attachable to a bottom surface of the foundation. The method includes driving a pier system using a ram, coupling a support member to the heave plate, and engaging the support member with the pier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Mark White Fabrication, LLC
    Inventor: Mark White
  • Patent number: 11313117
    Abstract: A method of raising a framed structure. The method comprises the steps of: supporting a roof structure of the framed structure, cutting a stud of the framed structure at a desired level, leaving a bottom portion of the stud in place, removing a top portion of the stud, raising the roof structure of the framed structure, installing a flooring structure on the bottom portion of the stud, building a wall structure using a second stud supported by and secured to the flooring structure, lowering the roof structure onto the wall structure, and securing the roof structure to the wall structure. The method also allows for the leveling of the framed structure without modifications to the foundation. The method further allows for newly raised structures to have higher ceilings and modified floor plans without changes to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Raul S. Nieves
  • Patent number: 11306458
    Abstract: The present devices and methods provide an adjustable foundation support that rests upon the top end of a pier driven to load bearing strata, and is configured to receive a jack within the bracket of the adjustable foundation support to adjust the height of the foundation by the jack pushing down upon the pier through the pier cap and pushing upwards upon the bracket. The foundation can be adjusted by the adjustable foundation support to provide a level foundation, either alone or in cooperation with one or more additional adjustable foundation supports. Once foundation has been adjusted to the required height, the height adjustment lock is engaged to the pier cap to support the weight of the foundation through the bracket, to maintain the required height for the service life of the adjustable foundation support, with the ability to readjust the height, should that be required in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Darin Wells
  • Patent number: 11268253
    Abstract: A foundation pier bracket system provides attachment of a pier shaft with a building or structure foundation such that the system provides securement to competent strata or soil below. The system can include a reinforcing sleeve and a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly can include a shaft receiving portion and a seat portion. The shaft receiving portion can define an aperture that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the reinforcing sleeve therein. The seat portion can include a plurality of protruding members that protrude upwardly therefrom. The plurality of protruding members can be arranged such that they restrain lateral movement of a beam along the seat portion in at least one axis. The reinforcing sleeve can include a locking wedge that secures the reinforcing sleeve to the bracket assembly. A method of supporting a foundation of a building is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Jesse B. Trebil
  • Patent number: 11203851
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation reinforcing apparatus using a bracing-type supporting structure and a lateral prestressing device and a foundation reinforcing method using the same, wherein, in the foundation reinforcement used for remodeling construction that requires an extension of a building such as an apartment, the foundation reinforcing apparatus introduces lateral pre-stressing force into a bracing-type supporting structure to introduce a preloading load to a new pile of a new footing by using an upper supporting plate, which is connected to an existing vertical part and an existing slab, as a reaction bed and allows the new pile to share a load applied before and after the extension of the building so that reinforcement efficiency is increased, and thus construction is performed economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Young Chan You, Ki Sun Choi, Hyun Jee Lee
  • Patent number: 11149398
    Abstract: Described are an apparatus and method for driving piles prior to lifting and stabilizing foundations that have subsided in unstable ground. A press head, comprising two non-slip arms actuated by a safety lever, is connected to an angle cleat-type foundation piece secured to the foundation by a pair of hydraulic rams in order to drive the piles into the ground as far as the bedrock when the rams contract. The apparatus includes a safety system actuated by the lever for controlling the arms. In order to level the building, other hydraulic rams are installed on each driven pile, all connected in series in order that they may be actuated simultaneously in order to lift the building. When the foundations have been adequately raised and levelled, each pile and the corresponding angle cleat-type foundation piece, both made of steel, are welded in order to stabilize the foundations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Stabiliforce Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Boucher, Camil Boucher
  • Patent number: 10947694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a preloading apparatus and a method of reinforcing a foundation using the same, wherein, in a preloading method used for remodeling construction in which an extension of a building, such as an apartment, is required, the preloading apparatus allows adjustment of a preloading load, such as addition of a preloading load, to be performed when loss of the preloading load occurs and allows the new pile to effectively share a load applied before and after an extension of a building so that reinforcement efficiency is increased, and thus a load is adjustable economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Young Chan You, Ki Sun Choi, Hyun Jee Lee
  • Patent number: 10889955
    Abstract: A cutting tool adapter for creating an underpinning structure and method of creating the underpinning structure are provided. In some examples, the cutting tool adapter may connect a cutting tool to a working machine arm to enable the cutting tool to cut and dislodge soil below an existing foundation or structure. As the soil is cut and dislodged, it is mechanical mixed with an additive, such as a cementitious material, via the cutting tool. The mixed soil and additive may then harden in the area below the existing structure or foundation to create an underpinning structure to provide additional support for the existing structure or foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Schnabel Foundation Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Niermann, Walter W. Trail, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10669730
    Abstract: A system for repairing masonry and concrete retaining walls that are failing under lateral earth pressure applied to the outer wall surface of the failing wall. Upper and lower spaced anchor plates are secured to the inner wall surface of the failing wall by respectfully securing the anchor plates to the inner wall surface with at least one anchor bolt. A threaded steel tension rod is then connected between the upper and lower anchor plates with nuts threadably secured to upper and lower ends of the rod. The threaded steel tension rod is placed under a desired tension load to thereby apply an external tension forced to the inner wall surface without applying bending stresses to the threaded steel rod by tightening at least one of the nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Dirk A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10450715
    Abstract: A technician positions a form with a threaded aperture on a pier. Concrete is poured around the form to create a slab foundation. A fixture is then placed on the slab foundation, the fixture having a polygonal anti-rotation member that inserts into a polygonal upper end of the form. The fixture has an upward extending fixture stop member. A threaded rod with a tool adapter on its upper end is screwed into the threaded aperture. The adapter has an adapter stop member extending laterally relative to the fixture stop member. A power tool rotates the adapter to lift the slab foundation until the adapter stop member swings into contact with the fixture stop member. The technician then removes the adapter, places the adapter stop member adjacent an opposite side of the fixture stop member, then again rotates the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Frederick S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10428516
    Abstract: A method of repairing a tilt wall construction includes affixing a fixture at a bottom of the wall, installing a piling into the earth directly below the fixture, forming a support member having a link corresponding to a distance between the fixture and a head the piling, and affixing the support member to the fixture and to the head such that the piling supports the wall. The fixture is an angle member that is anchored to the wall. A plate is affixed onto a top surface of the head of the piling. The support member can include a pair of steel pipes that are welded at one end to the plate and an opposite end welded to the angle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: PATENTS OF TOMBALL, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher H. Cates
  • Patent number: 10422102
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for foundation lifting and retention using fluid drive actuators are described. A foundation lift system of embodiments may include expendable fluid drive actuators operable to provide lifting forces with respect to a foundation structure using a fluid pressure (e.g., hydraulic and/or pneumatic) drive mechanism and utilize one or more locking mechanisms and/or fluids operable to persistently lock the lift assemblies in an extended state to retain the foundation structure in its lifted position. Curable fluids injected into expendable fluid drive actuators of embodiments may be configured to solidify within the drive mechanism and impede movement of the lift assemblies subsequent to a foundation lifting operation. Additionally, one or more locking mechanisms may be configured to engagedly retain the expendable fluid drive actuator in an extended state subsequent to the foundation lifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Tella Firma, LLC
    Inventors: James Fontaine, Carlos Hoefken, William Basso
  • Patent number: 10415233
    Abstract: A device and method for keeping water away from a main concrete slab sitting on a concrete footing of a building include a joint covering an intersection of the external side surface of the foundation wall and the top surface of the footing. The joint can include a plurality of wedge blocks positioned adjacent the intersection providing an inclined surface for the water to flow away from the intersection, and typically one water resistant membrane ensuring the impermeability of the joint. Alternatively, the device and method include at least one through hole extending through the footing, and sloping downwardly from the internal side surface to the external side surface, and below the top surface of the footing, to drain water away from the area under the slab. A drain pipe may also be inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Marcel Nicolas
  • Patent number: 10174478
    Abstract: A device and method for keeping humidity/water away from a main concrete slab sitting on a concrete footing of a building includes a joint entirely covering an intersection of the external side surface of the foundation wall and the top surface of the footing, and typically a structural rod located adjacent and along the intersection. Alternatively, the device and method includes at least one through hole extending through the footing, and sloping downwardly from the internal side surface to the external side surface, and below the top surface of the footing, to drain water away from the area under the slab. A drain pipe may also be inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Marcel Nicolas
  • Patent number: 9458593
    Abstract: A method is provided for using low-overhead equipment to construct a deep piling foundation for an existing building. The method involves lifting the existing building to a predetermined elevation above grade and positioning cribbing stacks to support the existing building at the predetermined elevation above grade. The cribbing stacks are spaced from each other enabling low-overhead equipment to maneuver underneath the elevated building to drill drive pipe piles at designated locations to provide optimal support for the building. Grout is pumped under pressure into the pipe piles continuously during the drill driving of the pipe piles so that grout exits through a grout port to mix with disturbed soil about the pipe pile to encase the pipe pile in a grout-soil mixture. Pile caps are attached to each pipe pile and secured to the existing building so that the existing building is supported by an array of the deeply driven pipe piles which serve as the foundation for the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Glen G. Hale
  • Patent number: 9022694
    Abstract: A foundation repair system comprising a starter pile, a cable, a stop, and at least one piling segment. The starter pile includes an elongate housing and a base with an opening therethrough. The cable extends from the elongate housing, through the base and through the piling segments. The piling segments include a first portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with a second-smaller cross-sectional area, the second portion of one piling segment resting atop the first portion of the lower piling segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Hill
  • Patent number: 8950980
    Abstract: A support platform for an oil field pumping unit includes a frame supporting the oil field pumping unit, vertical helical piles, and diagonal helical piles. The vertical helical piles are driven into the ground beneath the frame to support the frame and oil field pumping unit. Each diagonal helical pile has an upper end secured to the frame and a lower portion extending diagonally downward from the frame with a helical blade threaded into the ground to restrain horizontal forces exerted by the oil field pumping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Robert L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8926227
    Abstract: A method of raising a building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); the method including the steps of: forming a mat (7) having a number of through holes (12), each surrounded by a number of upward-projecting ties (16); inserting a foundation pile (9) through each hole (12); attaching to each foundation pile (9) a lifting device (11), which on one side rests on the top end of the foundation pile (9), and on the other side is secured to the corresponding ties (16) which act as reaction members; exerting thrust on the foundation piles (9) by means of the lifting devices (11) to lift the building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); dividing lift of the building structure (1) into a succession of lift steps; establishing a predetermined lift value for each lift step; and, at each lift step, operating each lifting device (11) to expand the lifting device (11) by exactly the predetermined lift step value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: SO.L.E.S.—Societa' Lavori Edili E Serbatoi S.p.A., Mattioli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Zago, Lamberto Zambianchi, Gioacchino Marabello, Stefano Scuttari
  • Patent number: 8919060
    Abstract: A connector for a brace and a vertical post in a foundation for a manufactured building having support beams, the connector having a base and two opposing walls that each define an opening, a vertical support assembly having a plate that defines an opening and a tubular sleeve coaxial with an opening, which sleeve is coaxial with the openings in the walls when the plate is disposed on the base, and a threaded member extending from the tubular sleeve for engaging the vertical post. A fastener extends through the opening in one of the side walls, through the sleeve, through openings in a lower end of the brace, and through the opening in the opposing side wall, whereby the brace pivotably attaches to the base and the support assembly orients the threaded member vertically to support the vertical post. The connector used in a foundation for a manufactured building for connecting a brace and a vertical post to the manufactured building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Oliver, Daniel Oliver, John Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140356075
    Abstract: A method is provided for using low-overhead equipment to construct a deep piling foundation for an existing building. The method involves lifting the existing building to a predetermined elevation above grade and positioning cribbing stacks to support the existing building at the predetermined elevation above grade. The cribbing stacks are spaced from each other enabling low-overhead equipment to maneuver underneath the elevated building to drill drive pipe piles at designated locations to provide optimal support for the building. Grout is pumped under pressure into the pipe piles continuously during the drill driving of the pipe piles so that grout exits through a grout port to mix with disturbed soil about the pipe pile to encase the pipe pile in a grout-soil mixture. Pile caps are attached to each pipe pile and secured to the existing building so that the existing building is supported by an array of the deeply driven pipe piles which serve as the foundation for the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Glen G. Hale
  • Patent number: 8864421
    Abstract: A method of lifting a structure using one or more inflatable hoses is described. In one embodiment, a method of lifting a structure resting on the ground includes attaching a lift apparatus to the structure to the raised. An inflatable hose is introduced underneath the lift apparatus, with the inflatable hose being disposed between a bottom surface of the lift apparatus and the ground. The structure is then lifted by inflating the hose with pressurized media so that the hose increases in volume to impose an upward force on the lift apparatus which in turn lifts the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Asplin
  • Patent number: 8857131
    Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon of a wind power installation is provided. The method includes providing a foundation and placing a plurality of height adjusting units on the foundation. The height adjusting units are made substantially from a plastic material. A load distribution ring is placed on the plurality of height adjusting units. The load distribution ring is straightened and leveled by adjustment of the height adjusting units. A gap between the foundation and the load distribution ring is filled with a grouting material. A pylon segment is placed on the load distribution ring after the grouting material has reached a predetermined strength. The height adjusting units are configured to jointly bear the weight of the load distribution ring, and are configured to yield under a selected load that is greater that a weight of the load distribution ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aloys Wobben
    Inventors: Markus Vogel, Jens Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8851800
    Abstract: A piering system includes a heave plate attached to a foundation and supported by a pier. A downward facing socket is permanently attached to the heave plate. The socket receives the top end of a heavy stud of a coupling assembly, the bottom end of the stud is screwed into a captive nut of a shim-block. A nut is welded to the stud leaving about ½ inch of the stud protruding upwards for insertion into the socket. The nut may be turned to adjust the height of the stud. The shim-block and coupling assembly are supported by a head plate which is supported by the pier. The head plate includes a wide table for supporting a pair of jacks on opposite sides of a house jack facilitating installation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Patton
  • Publication number: 20140255105
    Abstract: A method of lifting a structure using one or more inflatable hoses is described. In one embodiment, a method of lifting a structure resting on the ground includes attaching a lift apparatus to the structure to the raised. An inflatable hose is introduced underneath the lift apparatus, with the inflatable hose being disposed between a bottom surface of the lift apparatus and the ground. The structure is then lifted by inflating the hose with pressurized media so that the hose increases in volume to impose an upward force on the lift apparatus which in turn lifts the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. ASPLIN
  • Patent number: 8827336
    Abstract: A pile clamp assembly to clamp a pile that consists of the following main components; top pile clamp device, the bottom pile clamp device, a plurality clamp wedges and a plurality vertical hydraulic clamps which combines to make a flat clamp wedge contact with the surface of a deviated and twisted pile. This clamping mechanism reduces bending in the driven pile by enabling the next adjoining pile to conform as much as possible to the alignment of the existing driven pile and gradually corrects the pile's vertical alignment and twist as it penetrates the ground through interactions of the unique swiveling clamp wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Chin Chai Ong
  • Patent number: 8777520
    Abstract: A piling is provided with a pipe provided with a generally cylindrical shape, a first end, and a second end. A first end fitting is located at the first end of the pipe and a second end fitting is located at the second end of the pipe. The first end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque and is dimensioned so that at least a portion fits within the second end fitting, and the second end fitting is provided with an out-of-round shape that transmits torque with at least a portion that fits about a portion of the first end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: MacLean Fogg Company
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 8714880
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing remedial piers in which substantially vertical piers are located in close proximity to the wall and footing of an existing structure and are drilled to a substantial depth to penetrate a rock stratum or debris-laden soil. The piers support the structure upon eccentric brackets to transfer the structural load from the footing to the piles. Installation of the piers is followed by a continuous lift of the structure via hydraulic manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Earth Contact Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brad Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8700191
    Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bobby Joe Marsh, Kinson D. VanScotter
  • Patent number: 8590259
    Abstract: A wall straightening apparatus provides multiple independently controllable jacking members pressing outward on diagonal braces to push those braces against the wall to move the wall into a vertical alignment. Feedback control of the jacking members provides coordinated straightening of large wall sections with lessened cracking and distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Trinko, Jason Strebe, Robert Brugger
  • Patent number: 8555561
    Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Source of Pride, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Duncan Dickinson, Rodney Kenneth Knyvett, Enrique Escamilla
  • Patent number: 8556541
    Abstract: A piling driver (1) to drive a high capacity and maximum continuous length of underpinning pile (61, 62) of at least equal to the clear floor height of a building. The modular piling driver (1) can be assembled on site to drive a pile into the ground within a small confined space under a limited head room comprising of; an underpinning pile (61, 62), a clamping block (2) with horizontal hydraulic clamps (25, 29), a thrust block frame structure (3) with a C-shaped horizontal beam (34) supporting a pair of vertical hydraulic jacks' (4) with corresponding rams (43) that drives the clamping block (2) along the two vertical holding frame members (5) which is supported by a pair of upper and lower locking pins (54) on to the parallel beams (7) that will bear against the soffit of the foundations (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Chin Chai Ong
  • Patent number: 8540461
    Abstract: A circular pile head assembly that can facilitate the driving of the underpinning pile in a slab using a pile driving machine and locking-off the slab load to the underpinning pile is provided. A circular pile head assembly consists of the twin beam, the circular pile head and a section of an underpinning pile that is used in conjunction with a pile driving machine to drive, and lock-off the slab load to the underpinning pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Chin Chai Ong
  • Patent number: 8500368
    Abstract: An underpinning pile assembly for supporting a structure upon the earth has at least one steel pipe with an interior passageway, a concrete pile segment positioned above the steel pipe, and a cable extending through an interior passageway of the steel pipe and through the interior passageway of the concrete pile segment. A locking assembly is connected to the cable and affixed within the steel pipe. This locking assembly includes a collar having an outer surface affixed to an interior wall of the lowermost pipe. The cable is affixed within an interior of the collar. A pair of wedges secure the cable within the interior of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Patents of Tomball, LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Deshazer, Michael W. Orchard
  • Patent number: 8480335
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting a foundation, the assembly including a pier; the assembly further including an “E” bracket having a stem section, a plurality of suspension arms, and a buckling resisting arm, the buckling resisting arm operatively engaging the pier's upper end, and each arm among the suspension and buckling resisting arms having upper and lower ends; the assembly further including first eye and slide stop combinations attaching the upper ends of the suspension arms to the stem section; the assembly further including a weld attaching the upper end of the buckling resisting arm to the stem section; and the assembly further including a quill and foundation supporting foot bracket which is fixedly attached to the lower ends of the suspension arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Steven E. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8429859
    Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Source of Pride, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Duncan Dickinson, Rodney Kenneth Knyvett, Enrique Escamilla
  • Patent number: 8403599
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, stabilizing or enhancing load capacity of heavy objects, such as a building foundation and the like, is disclosed in which a bracket attaches to the object to be lifted and the bracket is then lifted using the apparatus which is supported by a pier or pile on an object or surface suitable for withstanding the weight of the object being lifted. The bracket includes side plates with interlocking side track pieces fitted therein to provide adequate support when under strain and also to assist in guiding the bracket in close cooperation with the pier during the lifting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly S. Hawkins, Randal L. Dikeman, Bernard A. Steinkamp
  • Patent number: 8272810
    Abstract: A pile segment for foundation underpinning. In some embodiments, the pile segment includes a head, a trunk extending from the head, and a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbore has a longitudinal centerline. The area of a cross-section through the head and normal to the centerline is greater than the area of a cross-section through the trunk and normal to the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Anthony S. Dimitrijevic
  • Patent number: 8206063
    Abstract: A piering system includes a heave plate attached to a foundation and supported by a pier. A downward facing socket is permanently attached to the heave plate. The socket receives the top end of a heavy stud of a coupling assembly, the bottom end of the stud is screwed into a captive nut of a shim-block. A nut is welded to the stud leaving about ½ inch of the stud protruding upwards for insertion into the socket. The nut may be turned to adjust the height of the stud. The shim-block and coupling assembly are supported by a head plate which is supported by the pier. The head plate includes a wide table for supporting a pair of jacks on opposite sides of a house jack facilitating installation of the system. The cooperation of the ball and socket helps to prevent “off-set loads” which otherwise may break the piering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Patton
  • Publication number: 20120155968
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction method of a cellar for a building completed. The construction method includes fixing supporting structures to bottom concrete of the building; installing a press-in machine on the supporting structures; inserting posts for supporting the building into the foundation under the building by inserting hollow piles into the holes to then insert the piles into the underground using the press-in machine, stacking new piles on the inserted piles, and sequentially inserting the piles using the press-in machine; excavating a foundation under the bottom concrete of the building to prepare an underground space when the building is supported by the posts; and placing the concrete on the horizontal and vertical faces of the underground space prepared by the excavating the bottom concrete of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Korea Engineering & Consultant Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hang Ryong Byun, Jun Seoung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120114423
    Abstract: A method of raising a building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); the method including the steps of: forming a mat (7) having a number of through holes (12), each surrounded by a number of upward-projecting ties (16); inserting a foundation pile (9) through each hole (12); attaching to each foundation pile (9) a lifting device (11), which on one side rests on the top end of the foundation pile (9), and on the other side is secured to the corresponding ties (16) which act as reaction members; exerting thrust on the foundation piles (9) by means of the lifting devices (11) to lift the building structure (1) with respect to the ground (2); dividing lift of the building structure (1) into a succession of lift steps; establishing a predetermined lift value for each lift step; and, at each lift step, operating each lifting device (11) to expand the lifting device (11) by exactly the predetermined lift step value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: MATTIOLI S.P.A., SO. L.E.S. - SOCIETA LAVORI EDILI E SERBATOI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Zago, Lamberto Zambianchi, Gioachino Marabello, Stefano Scuttari