Subterranean Enclosure With Portal Opening; E.g., Storm Or Root Cellar, Bomb Shelter Patents (Class 52/169.6)
  • Patent number: 11585110
    Abstract: Modular pool comprising a support structure placed around a containment basin for the water and comprises a plurality of metal plates, joined together, which comprise a base for resting on the ground, an upright at least partially above ground, and lateral edges provided with a reinforcement flange. The pool also comprises fixing elements fixed to the base of the metal plates and anchored to the ground, a waterproofing layer placed to coat a bottom and a lateral surface of the containment basin, and a surface finish layer placed to cover the waterproofing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: A.P.I. ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Milani
  • Patent number: 10988922
    Abstract: A building sheltering structure is configured to facilitate the shielding of at least one domicile or building into an underground foundation before an emergency environmental condition arises. The foundation includes a cover plate that translates horizontally to occlude the at least one domicile upon retraction into a secure cavity of the foundation by a lift assembly positioned at the bottom of the foundation cavity. Mounted atop the lift assembly, the at least one domicile can be fully retracted into the foundation cavity and completely shielded by the cover plate. The operation of the lift assembly is commanded and powered by a supply system. A processor of the supply system facilitates emergency warnings and panic transmissions to signal for help. Further, the supply system accommodates a plurality of solar panels mounted atop the at least one domicile to keep the system charged for the use in emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Eric John Borden
  • Patent number: 10180010
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to reduce costs and building time, address the safety of shelter main body against a tsunami, ensure water pressure resistance against a tsunami caused by a Nankai Trough Great Earthquake, provide the safety required when using an evacuation shelter, provide favorable livability, and shorten evacuation time. A shelter main body 3 is a structure made of reinforced concrete; slopes 3a are provided to two sides of the exterior of the shelter main body 3. Surplus soil is provided to the slopes 3a, the surface is covered with concrete, the shelter main body 3 is reinforced with a plurality of H-section steel members 3b, an opening 4 is provided to an above-ground part, and an outside door 5 and inside door 6, which constitute a double structure fireproof steel door for opening and closing the opening 4, are provided, thus forming a structure for withstanding tsunami pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHELTER JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihiko Yano
  • Patent number: 9038328
    Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Keith Thompson, Clint Algood
  • Patent number: 9010035
    Abstract: A safe room assembly includes a solid concrete wall forming an enclosed area, a conduit disposed within the concrete wall and extending from one end that is exposed at an outside surface of the concrete wall to an inside surface of the concrete wall, and an utility system in communication with the conduit. The enclosed area is configured to provide safe harbor to an occupant during extreme weather conditions and the utility system is configured to provide utilities to the occupant while harbored within the enclosed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Guion
  • Patent number: 9010036
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a modular shelter that is suited for use as a safety chamber in an underground working environment. The shelter includes at least two wall units connected along a substantially sealed seam, a base unit that extends substantially throughout a floor plan of the shelter, and a roll cage that surrounds an outer extent of the shelter above the floor plan. The shelter may be configured to maintain a pressurized state in a closed condition. Each of the at least two wall units may share a substantially common shape and substantially common dimension, and may form a part of a wall, ceiling, and floor of the shelter. The shelter can also include various atmospheric control, circulation, and purge systems, and exterior and soft seal doors to assist in maintaining a livable atmosphere in the safety chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sumter Corporation
    Inventors: Rex McDonald, Hanners Gevedon
  • Patent number: 8991112
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 8955262
    Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Keith Thompson, Clint Algood
  • Patent number: 8938917
    Abstract: A stowable shelter assembly configured to be securely anchored to a support at two or more anchor or attachment points to provide a greater level of security and stability includes a first member having a bottom end, a top end, and sides extending between the top end and the bottom end. The bottom end is attachable to a support. A second member has a back end coupled with the top end of the first member, a front end, and sides extending between the back and front ends. The second member includes an anchoring member extending past the front end and is movable between a stowed position where the first and second members are co-planar such that the front end of the second member is positioned a distance above the bottom end of the first member, and a deployed position where the first and second members are angled and the anchoring member is positioned partially below the front end of the first member and spaced a distance from the bottom end to define a shelter space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Whiteboard Instashelter LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Curtis Bernardy, Thomas M Bernardy, Jr., Michael Nilson, Robert Preston Conser, Jimmy Bollman
  • Patent number: 8925261
    Abstract: Storm shelters are shown and described. In some embodiments, a storm shelter may include an elliptical-shaped enclosure configured to accommodate one or more persons during a weather event (e.g., a tornado, twister, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, etc.). The shelter may also include one or more anchors coupled to the enclosure, the anchors configured to attach a bottom portion of the enclosure to the ground while maintaining a top portion of the enclosure above the ground during the weather event. The storm shelter may further include a hatch coupled to the enclosure via one or more hinges, the hatch configured to allow the one or more persons to enter the enclosure and to shut the enclosure from its exterior during the weather event. In some implementations, the hatch may be coupled to the enclosure via joints or hinges that allow it to be decoupled from the enclosure from within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Wesley Kouba
  • Publication number: 20140366462
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes and underground storm shelter that has a housing with at least one side wall and a floor, and the side wall and the floor create an interior cavity and an opening to the interior cavity. Further, the housing is supported by a frame coupled thereto. Additionally, the underground storm shelter has a door slidably coupled to the frame of the housing that is adapted to cover a first portion of the opening and to allow ingress to the interior cavity through the first portion of the opening. The underground storm shelter also has a hatch hingedly coupled to the frame of the housing that is adapted to cover a second portion of the opening a hydraulic system coupled to a first end of the hatch that is adapted to hingedly lift the hatch to expose the second portion of the opening for allowing egress from the interior cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tim Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140250803
    Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: John Cogburn
  • Publication number: 20140208667
    Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: KEITH THOMPSON, Clint Algood
  • Patent number: 8776453
    Abstract: A storm shelter that is configured specifically to facilitate erecting while also providing highly effective protection from high winds and other environmental phenomena is provided. In essence, the storm shelter includes the same exact size and shape panels, except for a single panel to allow for door placement, that permit expansion of shelter size in accordance with the builder's choice. Such panels are attachable to individual angle connectors to permit the initial creation of three-membered, U-shaped panel composites. Each composite may then be connected with another composite until the proper length of the building shell is provided. End panels are then attached with a door configuration on one end as well to complete the structure. Upon attachment to a solid surface, the user thus has an easily erected protective storm shelter. Utilization of proper gauge steel and a properly reinforced steel door, the shelter exceeds 250 MPH wind protection levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Phil Fain
  • Patent number: 8756869
    Abstract: An in-ground storm shelter for installation in the floor of a structure. The door is substantially flush with the floor and comprises two panels, one sliding over the other, so as to occupy as little floor space as possible. A spring-biased latch on the leading edge of the sliding door automatically latches the closed door to a rail on the front edge of the enclosure as the door is slid shut. The latch may comprise a pair of handles, each with a grip hole. The latch is releasable from outside the shelter using the end of a handrail that acts on the latch through a latch release window in the sliding door. The shelter may also include a safety chain that extends through the grip holes in the latch handles. A security lock may be included so that the shelter may serve as a safe or secure storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Shelters, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Routt, Dennis M. Brewer, Richard C. Yarber
  • Patent number: 8683757
    Abstract: A protection cell having an upper wall and a lower wall spaced with respect to each other through a plurality of side walls integrally connected to each other, to form an open box-like container with an entrance opening. The container defines inside a shelter space arranged to accommodate a user. In particular, the container is produced as a single block that reproduces the open box-like container. The anti-seismic cell has a movable wall portion mounted slidingly on the box-like container, by means of a sliding cooperating element, in particular a plane sliding board that slidingly engages between at least two slide paths, which are arranged at opposite sides with respect to each other. The plane sliding boards allows movable wall portion to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, where the movable wall portion blocks the opening defining the protection cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Nicola D'Ancona
  • Patent number: 8683759
    Abstract: A pre-cast housing shelter unit includes: a polygonal floor surface; a plurality of pre-cast wall panels arranged in a polygonal shape adjacent the floor surface; a plurality of pre-made connectors positioned between each of the wall panels at corners of the polygonal floor surface, wherein the connectors are attached in place on the floor surface on-site; and at least one ceiling panel attached to the wall panels, wherein the housing shelter is sealed, in which the building structure is configured to support life and provide protection from disasters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Lane Lythgoe
  • Patent number: 8661746
    Abstract: Elliptical-shaped storm shelters are shown and described. In some embodiments, a storm shelter may include an elliptical-shaped enclosure configured to accommodate one or more persons during a weather event (e.g., a tornado, twister, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, etc.). The shelter may also include one or more anchors coupled to the enclosure, the anchors configured to attach a bottom portion of the enclosure to the ground while maintaining a top portion of the enclosure above the ground during the weather event. The storm shelter may further include a hatch coupled to the enclosure via one or more hinges, the hatch configured to allow the one or more persons to enter the enclosure and to shut the enclosure from its exterior during the weather event. In some implementations, the hatch may be coupled to the enclosure via joints or hinges that allow it to be decoupled from the enclosure from within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Wesley Kouba
  • Patent number: 8661750
    Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, that generally provides an air seal, thermal insulation and/or acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, an opening in a generally vertical wall, a hatch, or a pull down ladder. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Patent number: 8656654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a top part for a shaft, having an access part and a shaft cone which is connected to an access part and, with a connecting element on that side of the shaft cone that lies opposite the access part, can be mounted onto a further shaft element, the shaft cone having a substantially convex basic shape, characterized in that, in the region of the shaft dome, stiffening structures are disposed on the inner surface of this shaft dome, which extend substantially radially or parallelly, angularly or concentrically from one or more imaginary points or lines within or outside the dome downwards over the curved shape of the shaft cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: IFW Manfred Otte GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Kastner, Manfred Klausberger, Erich Mitteregger
  • Patent number: 8660232
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inexpensively-/easily-decommissionable nuclear power plant, where a nuclear isle of one or more nuclear power-stations is installed in caverns, and further, side by side with them, a center for characterizing, treating and conditioning radioactive wastes and two repositories are installed in suitable caverns, with a final repository being adapted to store low-intermediate level nuclear wastes and a temporary repository being adapted to store spent fuel, high-level long-life radioactive materials and, in case, spare nuclear rods for reactor refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sergio D'Offizi, Susanna Antignano
  • Patent number: 8650830
    Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: John Cogburn
  • Patent number: 8646225
    Abstract: An underground shelter having a flat lid divided into two portions substantially flush with the surrounding ground level and each other when closed having—a first stationary lid portion, and a second moving lid portion, at least one reinforcing member supporting each lid portion; a roller means comprising—at least one linear track, at least one upper track roller, each upper track roller rollingly supporting the second lid portion; at least one ramp defined in the first lid portion, and out of line with the track, adapted to elevate a leading edge roller to a higher level allowing the second lid portion to pass over the first; at least one leading edge roller engaging a ramp; a releasable latch means; a lid retainer means for resisting a lifting force; access means for ingress/egress; and at least one ventilation means for equalizing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Wirtz
  • Patent number: 8646226
    Abstract: An exemplary vehicle service pit includes a first section and a second section abutting each other. A support structure supports the service pit and a joint plate helps hold the first section and the second section in the abutting relationship. Substantially parallel runners are located in the service pit and are secured to the support structure. A glider moveably mounts on the runners. Lights may be included as part of the service pit. An exemplary method for assembling a service pit includes abutting a head section and a foot section and securing a gasket in place over the joint between the head section and the foot section using a joint plate. Optionally, lights are added to the head section, the foot section, or both. Runners of elongate metal with support feet integrally formed are attached to the service pit by bolts, or other suitable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Peter J. Barram
  • Publication number: 20130333309
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GROUND ZERO SHELTERS, CO.
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 8572904
    Abstract: Disclosed is a secure shelter for housing at least one individual for a sustained period during and after a natural disaster event. The shelter comprises a hardened enclosure having a securable hatch access door, an interior cabin and at least one user seat with a full safety harness. Each seat is preferably attached to the enclosure walls and may include an energy attenuating connection, while life supporting elements within the cabin include lighting, air filtration and intake means, communication and locating means, storage for supplies, as well as a power supply for sustained and independent operation. The device is preferably positioned within the basement of a home and tethered to a structural wall, or alternatively is affixed to the ground using structural footings when in use outside of a mobile or trailer home. The device protects users and maintains a comfortable, survivable environment during and after a natural disaster event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Syed Z. Ali
  • Patent number: 8511005
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ground Zero Shelters, Co.
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 8511003
    Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to anchoring devices, and more specifically to a wall anchoring device and method of installing same requiring no soil excavation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Jesse B. Trebil
  • Publication number: 20130205691
    Abstract: It is provided an underground structure, usable at least as a shelter, having a light weight substantially cylindrical portion, of a cylindrical casing having a weight to area ratio in the range of 8 to 30 kg/m2. The casing has a strength level and an impermeability level high enough for serving as part a sealable underground liquid storage tank and at least one sealable opening connecting it to external spaces. The cylindrical portion includes openings for entering and exiting the interior of the portion, and passageways communicate the structure with outside spaces. The surrounding ground provides a geo-thermal reservoir which is used to regulate by a flowing fluid the temperature of the shelter space, modules inside the shelter or above ground structures. The structure includes provisions for receiving of variety of auxiliary systems like an air-treatment system, communication system water and power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Shaul Shalev, Yoram Sofrin
  • Patent number: 8429857
    Abstract: A blast and ballistic protective wall assembly for use on an exterior of a container includes a frame having four corner posts, two lower side members having fork lift openings formed therethrough, two upper side members, two lower cross members, two upper cross members, lower corner castings attached to the lower ends of the corner posts, and upper corner castings attached to the upper ends of the corner posts, the frame supporting side walls, end walls, and a roof of the container. The blast and ballistic protective wall assembly further includes an attachment member attached to a portion of the frame and a plurality of composite panels. One end of each panel is attached to the attachment member, and the other end of the panel is attached to another panel, a portion of the frame, or another attachment member. Each panel is thereby attached to a wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Paul T. Melrose, Richard F. Nye, Ashley E. Tower, Laurent R. Parent, Robert T. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8413404
    Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Voltek International, Inc.
    Inventors: Aram Stepanian, Vahe Karamardian
  • Patent number: 8413393
    Abstract: Covers for attic trap doors and pull down attic stairs or ladders are described each of which is formed of an insulating material. The covers are structured to effectively seal a ceiling access opening. In some embodiments, a closure member constructed of insulating material is cooperatively and frictionally received within a frame formed of the same material to form an airtight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Publication number: 20130055650
    Abstract: A modular underground utilities vault enclosure and distribution system providing an integrated utilities interconnection system within a single modular enclosure and a single unified set of utility service connections leading from the vault to the premises of one or several utilities customers. The vault design comprises a set of modules suitable for assembly at the user site within a suitable excavation. The unified design permits installation of all utilities service lines within a single one-time trench connecting the vault to each of one or several premises through a common service-entry module. The vault assembly enables utilities access within the vault for connecting main utilities lines to individual premises utilities line sets. Each utility can service its own lines within the vault connecting to each premises served. The individual vault modules include assembly and alignment and interface aids to resist lateral displacement forces and seal the vault against groundwater leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Udo Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8353142
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sealing containment sumps used in connection with underground storage tanks. A sump cover sealing system includes an expansion ring assembly adapted to affix to the interior of the sump, and to fastenably attach with the sump cover to removably seal the sump cover to the sump. A contraction band assembly is also provided to affix to the exterior of the sump opposite the expansion ring assembly. Methods of using the system are described. A sump cover with an observation portal is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Ross
  • Publication number: 20130008095
    Abstract: A portable severe weather shelter for use in connecting to an existing housing structure supported by a ground surface is disclosed. The portable severe whether shelter comprises a shell, a connector and an anchor. The shell defines an interior cavity and an entrance opening in communication with the cavity, the cavity sized and oriented to temporarily accept at least one adult substantially surrounded by the shell. The connector has a release portion and is adapted to connect the shell to the housing structure wherein the release portion is configured to tear under a severe weather event to separate the shell from the housing structure. The anchor device adapted to removably secure the shell to the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Hoover, John R. Sinkler
  • Patent number: 8322085
    Abstract: A structure to protect occupants from storm debris comprising components that are pre-fabricated and assembled on site. Upon assembly, the void cavities in the floor, walls and ceilings are pumped with concrete to increase the unit strength and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Dale Plumley
  • Publication number: 20120291372
    Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Aram Stepanian, Vahe Karamardian
  • Patent number: 8307604
    Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Voltek International, Inc.
    Inventors: Aram Stepanian, Vahe Karamardian
  • Publication number: 20120216463
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GROUND ZERO SHELTERS, CO.
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 8250815
    Abstract: A window well cover that is universal to the extent that it will work on different sizes and shapes of window wells within a certain range for each size of window well cover produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Monarch Materials Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Roelof J. Siepel
  • Patent number: 8245452
    Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sim-Tech Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Patent number: 8176692
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GroundZero Shelters, Co.
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 8156709
    Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Philip James Ions, Mark Hayton
  • Publication number: 20120079780
    Abstract: An improved shelter of the type having a front wall, a back wall, two opposing side walls, a bottom and a top defining a substantially rectangular box with an opening defined in the top, a flat lid adapted to cover the opening, a roller means for alternatively rolling the lid to expose or close the open top, the improvement comprising: substantially, the entire top of the box defining an opening; the lid adapted to be substantially flush with the surrounding ground level in a closed position; and a roller means for allowing the lid to slide above the ground level, exposing more than half of the top when in an open position. The shelter alternatively including stairs rotatably affixed to the front wall and a stair support means releasably supporting the stair in position to be used as a stepping entrance into the shelter, whereby the stair can be rotated against the front wall when not in use or rotated and fixed in place by the stair support means to serve as a stepping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Wirtz
  • Patent number: 8141322
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jennifer Appel
  • Publication number: 20110277398
    Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Crow
  • Patent number: 7975515
    Abstract: A locking device is adapted for receipt within the main cavity of an underground enclosure. The locking device includes a container having a main body and a container top which define an interior compartment for holding the items of the underground enclosure. The main body is adapted to be assembled in the main cavity of the underground enclosure and is sized to be retained within the underground enclosure. The container top has a selective open position to allow access to the interior compartment of the main body and a selective closed locked position to deter access thereto. An arm assembly coupled to the container top is moveable between an extended engaged position to retain the container top on the container and a collapsed disengaged position to allow release of the container top from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Gianni Ygnelzi, Emilio Ygnelzi
  • Patent number: 7966786
    Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sim-Tech Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Publication number: 20110131897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dwelling formed by one or more preferably concrete three-dimensional modules (1 and 1?) which are provided with complementary coupling means (7 and 7?) so that the modules can be positioned side by side and/or on top of one another in order to form a dwelling with several rooms or even several dwellings. The invention includes an access (2) to the interior, windows (9) and ports for pipes (3) for chimneys (4), vents and lighting outlets (5). The constituent modules (1 and 1?) of the dwelling(s) are installed in a trench or cave formed in suitable terrain (6) and, except for the access wall containing the door (8) and/or the windows (9), are covered completely with natural soil corresponding to the terrain (6) excavated in order to install the modules (1 and 1?) and the dwelling(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Antonio Martinez Navarrete, Rafael Martinez Navarrete, Maximino Martinez Navarrete
  • Publication number: 20110088339
    Abstract: A disaster shelter and disaster shelter system. The disaster shelter includes a substantially hollow shelter cell having an interior and an exterior. The shelter cell is made up of three parts; a shelter body, an end cap section and an entranceway section. The shelter body is made up of a plurality of cell sections, each having a substantially identical double elliptical toroid shape, with the endmost cell sections forming an entrance end and a cap end respectively. The end cap section is joined to the cap end of the shelter body an entranceway section is joined to the entrance end of the shelter body. An entranceway is attached to the entranceway section of the shelter cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Walton W. McCarthy