Open Top, Embedded Container, Tank, Or Reservoir Patents (Class 52/169.7)
  • Patent number: 11655645
    Abstract: A pool wall segment for use in a pool wall system may comprise: a first sidewall; a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and second sidewall defining a cavity therebetween; and a webbing system disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the webbing system configured to hold a rebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: POOL WALLS LLC
    Inventor: Darris Ritenour
  • Patent number: 11643832
    Abstract: A sump drain for installation in a surface of a swimming pool or spa, the sump drain comprising an annular chamber having a contiguous annular top opening formed by an inner side wall, an outer side wall and a bottom surface, at least one outlet port along the bottom surface of the chamber, and at least one diverter plate configured to be placed the outlet port. A diverter plate for installation in a sump drain above an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: AQUASTAR POOL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Olaf Mjelde
  • Patent number: 11555321
    Abstract: A sump drain includes a ring-shaped chamber having an inner sidewall with a diameter of at least about 18 inches and an outer sidewall, and a circular opening between the sidewalls preferably about an inch wide and optionally having a grid cover. Preferably the inner sidewall has a number of ports extending inwardly to radial conduits to a central hub for tying into a pool or spa filtering system, with the central hub operating as a clean out and having a removable cap. Upon installation, plaster substantially fills the space between the chamber and the central hub, such that the sump drain attractively blends in with the pool or spa floor. When installed, the top opening is preferably substantially flush with the pool or spa floor while being safely unblockable. And the sump drain preferably further includes channels both outboard and inboard from the chamber top opening and around the central hub, to help prevent water from passing through the plaster into the shotcrete of the pool or spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: AQUASTAR POOL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Olaf Mjelde
  • Patent number: 11401723
    Abstract: A sump drain for installation in a surface of a swimming pool or spa, the sump drain comprising an annular chamber having a contiguous annular top opening, a plurality of outlet ports, an inner and an outer water stop, a plurality of diverter plates configured to removeably couple to an inner surface of the annular chamber, each diverter plate comprising a bottom surface having a plurality of louvers, wherein one diverter plate is placed over each outlet port, and a grid cover configured to cover the chamber, the grid cover having a multiplicity of openings. The diverter plate can be curved along its length and have a central opening, optionally in the shape of a cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AQUASTAR POOL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Olaf Mjelde
  • Patent number: 11098496
    Abstract: Described are pool brackets for use in assembling a pool frame for a pool. The pool brackets may be used as a primary building block for constructing free-standing rectangular cuboid swimming pools. Also described are pool frames, pools, panels, including non-homogenous multi-function wall panels; and, kits for assembling pool brackets, pool frames, and pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Natalya Carina Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 11098495
    Abstract: An urban transformation and construction method is disclosed that creates a tropical style swimming lagoon at vacant and/or abandoned sites. The transformation includes demolishing at least part of the vacant or abandoned site, excavating material from within the site; forming a basin for a large water body having a surface area of at least 3,000 m2, and constructing water containment walls on a first section of the basin to form a waterfront perimeter. The shape of the waterfront perimeter is mainly curved, the basin has a maximum width of 300 meters, and the bottom is covered with a non-permeable material. A sloped access area is constructed in a second section of the basin to form a beach. A barrier is constructed to control access into the area including the beach. At least one recreational facility is constructed including restaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, and/or cafes about the waterfront perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: CRYSTAL LAGOONS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann
  • Patent number: 10815131
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for improving the quality of rainwater/stormwater by removing pollutants therefrom. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical tank having an inlet for entry of liquid and an outlet for discharge of liquid. A coarse filter is provided in the tank for filtering relatively coarse pollutants from inflowing liquid, the coarse filter dividing the tank into an upstream first region/chamber and a downstream second region/chamber. A fine pollutant discharge opening is located between the coarse filter and the outlet. A valve comprising a valve member for opening and closing the fine pollutant discharge opening is configured to automatically open the fine pollutant discharge opening to discharge an initial volume of the liquid passing the coarse filter, the valve member being biased toward a configuration for closure of the opening during an inflow event. The liquid passing through the opening bypasses the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: ONE WATER NATURALLY PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: David Sparke
  • Patent number: 10724260
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a construction method for demolishing a portion of a retail site, including a shopping mall with an anchor big-box store, or a standalone big-box store and/or their associated parking space, in order to create a restricted access swimming lagoon with a beach at a retail site, in order to provide a completely new setting within the retail site that aims to attract clients based on new consumer trends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: CRYSTAL LAGOONS TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann
  • Patent number: 10450766
    Abstract: A swimming pool assembly, including a swimming pool body defining a pool top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom pool floor member connected by at least one pool wall and having a shallow deck portion and a support structure for providing support to the deck portion operationally connected to the deck portion and extending away from the pool top edge. The support structure further includes a support structure floor member, at least one support structure wall member extending therefrom and connected to the shallow deck portion to define an enclosure, and at least one fluid access aperture formed through the support structure wall member to provide fluidic communication with the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Thursday Pools
    Inventors: William Khamis, Edward Vondell, David Camp, Christopher Taylor
  • Patent number: 9761990
    Abstract: Embodiments include a water bonding device for electrically grounding a swimming pool. One embodiment includes a bonding electrode installed in a pool skimmer or pump strainer. The bonding electrode typically resides in a skimmer or strainer cavity, and a ground conductor coupled directly to the electrode extends out of the skimmer or strainer through a port. A plug assembly forms a water tight seal against the port and the ground conductor, providing a water tight access point for the ground conductor to enter the pool skimmer or pump strainer. The ground conductor is typically electrically connected to both the bonding electrode and a ground pole residing at ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Barrett Koller, Andrew Heggie
  • Patent number: 9593501
    Abstract: A weighting system for a swimming pool step assembly includes a pair of weights, a removable cap for each of the weights, and means for removably mounting the weights to the exterior sides of a swimming pool step assembly. The weighting system described herein is easily installed and removed by the user without having to remove the weights from underneath the pool step assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ASIA CONNECTION LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Saccoccio, Jonathan Bonelli
  • Patent number: 9574362
    Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool includes a floor and a number of walls defining a pool interior configured to receive water. A drawing board is integrally formed or otherwise coupled to the pool and includes a selectively inflatable frame configured to securely hold a drawing surface configured to enable a user of the pool to draw or write on the drawing board while playing in the pool. A drawing utensil may be provided with the drawing board such as a water soluble crayon. A water sprayer assembly may be integrally formed with or coupled to the pool and include a port connectable to a water source and configured to deliver water from the water source to a sprayer element configured to spray water into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
    Inventor: Jiachen Zhu
  • Patent number: 9359781
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved pool. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of making an improved pool. The pool can comprise an integrated sidewall joined to a floor portion. The integrated sidewall can be constructed from one piece of material, and can have fewer seams than traditional pools, thereby reducing the likelihood that that pool will rupture and leak. In some embodiments, since the pool has fewer seams than traditional pools, fewer manufacturing steps are required to make the pool. This can increase manufacturing speed and decrease cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)
    Inventor: Chao Long Lan
  • Patent number: 9227782
    Abstract: A lining system for lining a surface generates a fluid impervious lining and an interstitial space between said lining and said surface. The system includes a layer comprising a flexible material having an adhesive coating on each side thereof, a second layer of flexible material, and a spacing means to generate a gap between the first and second layers, the gap constituting the interstitial space, and a coating, the coating comprising a curable material which cures to form a hard fluid impervious coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Christos S. Haritou, Alan Fada, Ian Gimiel Fada, John Harry Rhodes, Julie Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8973324
    Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: DNI Realty, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Andras
  • Patent number: 8960636
    Abstract: An edge form system has a molded liner and a form board. The molded liner has a textured imprinting on the inner surface for forming a simulated stone coping and a first interlocking element. The form board has a base for mounting the form board on a vertical structure, a coping support wall, a liner receiver, and a second interlocking element for interlocking with the first interlocking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Stegmeier, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Stegmeier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8950155
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for pool step forms and related methods for forming steps in a pool formed by wall panels. The step forms may include a wall panel insert configured for insertion between adjacent pool wall panels. The step forms may include one or more step form brace configured to couple with the wall panel insert and, thereby, the wall panels. The step forms may include riser forms that from riser portions of the stairs when the step forms and riser forms are coupled. The pool stair forms may be filled with filling material to form tread portions of the stairs. The pool stair forms may include liner support members coupled to the step form braces and/or the wall panels that facilitate the coupling of a liner to the stairs formed by the pool stair forms and filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Imperial Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: John V. Maiuccoro
  • Patent number: 8944720
    Abstract: A system for containing and managing fluids produced at a work site, such as an oil or gas drilling site, includes one or more fluid containments formed as a basin for collecting and retaining fluids, a berm forming a perimeter of the containments, a layer of sand placed over each basin, a fluid-impermeable membrane placed over the layer of sand, and drainage stone placed over the membrane, filling the basin. A geotextile fabric can be placed over the membrane to help protect the membrane from adverse affects of the drainage stone. A leak detection system can be coupled with the membrane to identify potential leaks in a containment system. One or more catch basins can extend through the basin and the drainage stone filling the basin, to receive fluids. A drainage system is placed in fluid communication with the catch basins to drain fluids from a containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: D.A. Nolt, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Nolt
  • Patent number: 8875371
    Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Patten, Todd Dana
  • Patent number: 8869469
    Abstract: A system for providing an in-ground installation of a portable spa using a Spa Vault assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, L.C.
    Inventors: David J. Ludlow, Marvin Hinckley Howell
  • Publication number: 20140230348
    Abstract: A tank base for supporting a conforming tank. A pair of base elements each includes mating edges which conform to one another. A connection joins the base elements, the connection having a connection channel along the mating edge of one of the base elements and a connection union along the mating edge of the other of the elements, with the connection channel and the connection union interengaging to form the connection. The base elements, when joined, form a support platform. In one form of the invention, the support platform supports a tank. In another form of the invention, a base cover, comprising a pair of cover elements, adjoins the support platform and has a planar surface for supporting a tank thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HOT WHEELS SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Gene Lee Trudell
  • Patent number: 8661749
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Associated Leisure Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gibson
  • Patent number: 8656655
    Abstract: A modular containment wall system provides secondary containment about one or more liquid storage tanks in a storage area using panel members connected with series to form a perimeter wall about the storage area together with a barrier member spanning the area surrounding by the perimeter wall. Each panel member has a main wall portion and a brace including a triangular gusset panel and a foot panel along a bottom side in which the gusset panel and foot panel of the brace are pivotal together relative to the main wall portion between a working position in which the gusset panel is substantially perpendicular to the main wall portion and a storage position in which the gusset panel is substantially parallel to the main wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Lester James Thiessen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8584271
    Abstract: A corner for a pool providing a transition of the corner angle therein and thereby providing for ease of installation, improved aesthetics, improved operation, and simpler maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pool Cover Specialists National, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley L. Mathis, David B. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8555556
    Abstract: The reservoir includes a flexible cover laid thereon. A transverse walkway extends along an end thereof. A transverse handrail is mounted along the walkway, along an inside edge of the walkway. A cover-winding gap extends under the handrail and above the walkway. This cover-winding gap extends in a plane of the handrail. The cover-winding gap extends unobstructed under the handrail and above the walkway and along the full width of the reservoir. Because of this cover-winding gap, the flexible cover can be wound up in a spool in one stride across the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Geomembrane Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Brent Howe
  • Patent number: 8555568
    Abstract: A drain inlet vault comprises a plurality of pre-cast concrete vault sections stacked one upon the other to form the vault. Each vault section has essentially the same cross-sectional configuration and at least one perimeter edge that upon stacking the vault sections one on top of the other the perimeter edges of adjacent vault sections engage. A sealant material along the perimeter edges forms a seal as the weight of an upper section bears against a lower section. At least one support element for water treatment equipment, or a component thereof, is mounted between the perimeter edges, and this support element has a portion extending into an interior of the vault for holding the water treatment equipment, or component thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Stormwater Filters, Corp.
    Inventor: David Belaso
  • Patent number: 8544220
    Abstract: A procedure for making swimming pools and artificial lakes in general includes the following steps: excavation of a tank; preparation of a subgrade by spreading the bottom of the excavation with a layer of sand; then spreading one or more sheets of nonwoven fabric on the inside surface of the excavation, over the layer of the subgrade; placement of a waterproofing layer over the sheet(s) of nonwoven fabric; installation of the equipment needed for proper functioning of the tank, swimming pool, etc; and application of a coating on the inside walls and/or on the bottom and/or around the edge of the tank, with holes or interstitial spaces such to enable water contained inside the tank to come into contact with the sheets, wherein the thrust of the water contained in the tank thus comes to bear on the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Alessandro Milani
  • Patent number: 8505247
    Abstract: A swimming pool has a plurality of wall panels secured together in an edge-to-edge relation to define the perimeter of the pool. At least one of the panels includes: a generally rectangular main body having a generally planar face forming a portion of a pool side wall; a pair of opposed edge flanges for juxtaposition with edge flanges of adjacent wall panels, the flanges extending from the plane of the body face at an angle differing from orthogonal by a small draft angle; and a plurality of elongated ribs extending along each flange of the at least one panel in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane of the body face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Separation LLC
    Inventor: Tom Epple
  • Patent number: 8365478
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8366918
    Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8366917
    Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8336263
    Abstract: A concrete container including a concrete footing including a shear key; a concrete wall inserted in the shear key; a plurality of footing reinforcing members inserted in the concrete footing on a support side of the shear key and extending above the concrete footing; a plurality of wall reinforcing members inserted in the concrete wall on a support side of the concrete wall and extending diagonally towards the concrete footing; a poured concrete moment connection substantially covering the plurality of footing reinforcing members extending from the pre-cast concrete footing and the plurality of wall reinforcing members extending from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Aquattica Pools & Water Parks, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Schultz, Andrew S. Bell
  • Patent number: 8297006
    Abstract: The present invention is a foundational cistern. The present invention is an evolutionary panelized foundation system that uses known pre-casting technologies, functions structurally in similar ways to traditional systems, yet provides building designers with a multitude of new benefits in combination with the objectives of reduced construction time, energy, and water conservation. Stored rainwater in the cistern provides thermal mass for heating for a supported structure, and may be used for nonpotable uses. Given appropriate on-site water treatment, potable uses of stored rainwater may be contemplated as well. The foundational cistern of the present invention may be coupled to other foundational cisterns and structural elements of the supported structure. The present invention offers a multitude of advantages not currently known in the art of foundation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy L. Watson
  • Patent number: 8215069
    Abstract: A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Separation LLC
    Inventor: Tom Epple
  • Patent number: 8151523
    Abstract: A swimming pool includes a plurality of non-metal panels arranged in an end-to-end manner around a periphery of the swimming pool. Each panel includes a non-metal base material, an electrically conductive ground plane, and at least one bonding feature. The bonding features of the plurality of panels are electrically coupled together and bonded to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tom Epple
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8112951
    Abstract: A permanent form assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support, one or more of a lateral brace, and a plurality of support structure risers that when assembled create a permanent support structure form having a volume for receiving a filler within the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Gravel
  • Patent number: 8109047
    Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8091728
    Abstract: A wet well apparatus, and installation method therefore, that includes a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a body axis defining an interior material holding volume and a base form closing the first end of the cylindrical body to define a base interior volume adjacent the interior material holding volume of the cylindrical body. The base form is configured to receive a flowable fill material in the base interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventor: John Burwell
  • Patent number: 8074406
    Abstract: A modular containment system for forming a defined perimeter around liquid storage tanks or the like. The containment system generally includes a plurality of wall panels, a corner joint removably connecting adjacent corner wall panels in angular disposition, wherein the corner joint includes an anchor pad for placement beneath and for being connected to the corner wall panels, and a support unit comprised of a gusset and anchor pad for connecting and supporting the wall panels along a straight line. The wall panels, corner joint, and support unit are each preferably comprised of an integral one-piece structure and a galvanized steel material. The wall panels, corner joint, and support unit are removably connected via interlocking wedges. A liner is generally secured along an interior of the wall panels via a retaining cap. Various braces and brackets are also used to removably connect the components of the containment barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Nick Ksenych, Todd N. Ksenych
  • Patent number: 8028476
    Abstract: A pool leveling system uses a threaded bolt that interacts with a support surface to alter the vertical alignment of the individual wall panels used to construct a modular swimming pool. The threaded bolt is coupled to the wall panels through a mounting bracket attached directly to a flange on the wall panel or indirectly through a frame used to support the wall panels. The mounting bracket is preferably a substantially C-shaped bracket having a hole adapted to receive the threaded bolt. The vertical alignment of the wall panels is adjusted by advancing or retracting the threaded bolt with respect to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and threaded bolt are left in place and encased in concrete when the pool installation is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael R. Alford
  • Patent number: 8022666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric public transit system, comprising electric driven buses with a cassette battery set and bus-mounted control system, a charge station and a loading and unloading apparatus. When said bus needs change the cassette battery set, said loading and unloading apparatus takes said cassette battery set from said bus and then replace with a charged cassette battery set. Both said charge station and said loading and unloading apparatus are equipped with their control systems, respectively, which can intercommunicate with said bus-mounted control system. In the present invention, the cassette battery sets are charged during power consumption valleys of the power grid, and therefore, the transit system can save energy and benefit the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Beijing Dianba Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gang Li
  • Patent number: 8001736
    Abstract: An exterior wall assembly includes a wall frame supporting an interior wall layer and an exterior wall layer opposite the interior wall layer, a flexible sheet disposed within the exterior wall assembly, and a seal attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the wall frame. The flexible sheet is configured to transport moisture from between the interior wall layer and the exterior wall layer to a location outside of the exterior wall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Moisture Management, LLC
    Inventors: Louise Franklin Goldberg, Mark Larry Stender
  • Patent number: 7966772
    Abstract: A tubular insert sleeve for an excavated hole and a safety cover fitted to cover an operatively upper end of the insert sleeve are provided to maintain the integrity of an excavated hole and limit access to the hole in order to improve the safety of the public. The sleeve is made of cooperating segments which can easily be separated and which a form a sleeve when assembled. The operatively upper end of the assembled sleeve forms an outwardly extending bell-shaped end of greater outer diameter to define an outwardly extending flange which is more easily grasped for removal of the sleeve from an excavated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Super Sucker Hydro Vac Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard George Bartels, Darren Bernard Bartels, Marc Beaudry, Darren Van Buuren
  • Publication number: 20110099922
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. BARRAM
  • Publication number: 20110078962
    Abstract: A permanent assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support having a pool wall flange extending laterally from the vertical support and fixedly attached to one of a pool wall or a support brace, one or more of a lateral brace having a longitudinal brace body, a vertical support end connected to the vertical elongated support and a riser support end wherein the lateral brace extends laterally from the pool wall, and a plurality of support structure risers, each having a riser inside surface, a smooth riser outside surface, a riser first end, and a riser second end, the riser first end fixedly attached to the riser support end of the lateral brace and the riser second end fixedly attached to one of a riser first end of an adjacent support structure riser, the pool wall or a riser outside surface of another support structure riser where the one or more of the vertical elongated support, the one or more
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Gravel
  • Patent number: 7914229
    Abstract: A drain cover portion (100a, 100b) for a linear drainage system which comprises at least two attachment means. The attachment means are provided by at least one a connector attachment means (500) and at least one drain attachment means (700). The connector attachment means (500) is arranged to attach one or more anchor connectors (1002) for connecting an anchor (114) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b) and/or one or more cover portion connector for connecting said drain cover portion (100a, 100b) to another drain cover portion (100a, 100b). The drain attachment means (700) is arranged to attach a drain portion (200) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b). Each attachment means is arranged so as to allow the tool-less attachment of a connector/drain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ACO Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Aubusson, Rob King
  • Patent number: 7877952
    Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Alessandro Milani
  • Patent number: 7862705
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten