With Additional Enclosure Structure; E.g., Manhole Patents (Class 52/20)
  • Patent number: 6293055
    Abstract: A combined bed and shelter device is disclosed. The device is anchored through a plurality of parallel spaced joists to a base for protecting a user in the event of a natural disaster or the like. The device includes a housing defining an enclosure of generally rectangular configuration, the housing including a container having a floor defining a peripheral edge and a wall extending angularly relative to the peripheral edge. A lid is pivotally secured to the container and cooperates with the wall such that the container and the lid define therebetween the enclosure for occupancy by the user in the event of the disaster. A mattress is supported by the lid such that when the lid is disposed in a first location thereof, the mattress supported by the lid serves as the bed for the user thereof and when the lid is disposed in a second location thereof with the lid pivoted about the container, access to the enclosure is permitted so that protection of the user within the enclosure is afforded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Dale D. Watson
  • Patent number: 6272800
    Abstract: A protective device is provided to prevent humans from accidentally falling through openings in roofs or floors, including the domes of curb-mounted skylights and temporary utility chases that are surrounded by a raised curb. The protective device is secured to the raised curb by clamps that do not penetrate the curb, skylight frame, floor or roof, and therefore do not compromise the water-tight integrity thereof. In the case of an opening type skylight, by securing the protective device to the curb, no interference is contributed to the skylight to hinder the opening mechanism of the skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Peter R. Phinney, Timothy L. Ahner
  • Publication number: 20010012474
    Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Gagas
  • Patent number: 6266928
    Abstract: A sump containment apparatus for a fuel storage tank has a manhole skirt communicating with a sump interior, a bladder seal with a first portion secured in sealing engagement about an opening in the sump, and a second portion disposed about an inner surface of the manhole skirt and urged into sealing engagement with the inner surface by mechanical compression, preferably by an expansion ring. An observation port in a manhole cove is openable for viewing into the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Toby Argandona
  • Publication number: 20010003886
    Abstract: A locking ground hole cover is disclosed comprising a cover plate with a scissor-type apparatus suspended therefrom which apparatus can be actuated from above the cover plate. The apparatus allows for the locking of a hole by pulling the cover plate down into a sealed locked position with the hole mouth. Variations on the device are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Larry Mihalicz, Orest Boyachek
  • Patent number: 6247278
    Abstract: A sewage digester cap for use with a generally cylindrical tank, the cap held in place by a series of concrete anchors to ballast the cap on the digester. The anchors are suspended from the cap by a series of steel cables. The cap includes a liquid sealing skirt of a length to maintain the liquid seal in the presence of a high liquid level within the tank. The cap has removable anchors allowing the digester to be adjusted to accommodate different gas pressures inside the tank by using different ballast weights. The anchors remain submerged even when the maximum liquid level is reached allowing for increased gas storage with minimal pressure change. Additionally, the anchors provide a lower center of gravity for the cap which also reduces the tendency of the cap to tip in the wind or other atmospheric conditions. The cap is removable to allow for cleaning, maintenance and disassembly for relocation of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas A. Rysgaard
  • Patent number: 6234711
    Abstract: A prefabricated one-piece metal frame and funnel drain is constructed for curb and gutter use. The frame may be constructed in a number of styles, with a particular style selected to match the desired curb form. The funnel drain also includes a variety of styles in order to accommodate different drain pipe orientations and configurations. When welded together, the frame and funnel drain may be mounted within any standard curb and gutter form such that curb and gutter installation and drain pipe installation may be accomplished simultaneously, without any preparatory concrete work required for placement of the frame and funnel drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Donald B. Beaman
  • Patent number: 6226929
    Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve. A plurality of liquid infiltration prevention structures for preventing liquid infiltration into manhole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Gagas
  • Patent number: 6226928
    Abstract: A base for a manhole or catch basin structure having an embedded plastic canal-bed liner and a corresponding blocking member or hood. The plastic liner has an annular, outwardly extending flange which becomes embedded in a sidewall of the base to form a unitary structure when the concrete is poured. The liner is not subject to delamination from the canal-bed and includes bosses for additional anchoring to the base. The canal-bed liner and hood serve to protect the concrete base and sidewalls of the manhole or catch basin from corrosive fluids, thus extending the useful life of the manhole structure. The hood may be secured to the sidewalls of the structure or may be engaged and sealed to a rim of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian P. Trangsrud
  • Patent number: 6224292
    Abstract: The invention concerns a catch basin installation system and method wherein a catch basin is situated below ground and has a neck extending substantially vertically upward through the ground to provide access to subterranean sewage or drain lines. During installation, an adjustable collar is situated around the neck of the basin at substantially ground level or some other predetermined or desired level. The portion of the basin neck extending above the tin adjustable collar is removed by using the adjustable collar as a guide. The system and method enable a user to quickly set the catch basin so that its top edge is at the desired or predetermined level (such as ground level) so that, for example, when a grate is situated on an end of the vertically-extending neck, the grate is situated at substantially ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Coskun Akalin
  • Patent number: 6206609
    Abstract: An extension collar suitable for engagement with an upper ledge of an invert liner positioned within the canal bed of the base of a manhole or catch basin structure. The extension collar is replaceable and is suitable for use in either new construction or rehabilitation of the manhole structure. A plurality of extension collars may be sealably stacked one on top of the other to create a corrosion resistant barrier at a desired height from the bottom of the base of the manhole or catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian P. Trangsrud
  • Patent number: 6202675
    Abstract: A sewage lift station comprises a lawn trim ring set having a top cap and a reducer ring. The top cap is removably fastened to the reducer ring, and the reducer ring is fastened to a flange on the tank of the sewage lift station. The top cap has a recess for holding sod so that the sewage lift station only minimally alters the appearance of a homeowner's lawn. In addition to or instead of the lawn trim ring set, the lift station may comprise a gravity flow pump bypass. The gravity flow pump bypass comprises a pipe having an inlet in the tank, the pipe extending outside of the tank for passing sewer water to the outside of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Forte
  • Patent number: 6195944
    Abstract: A liner for a manhole, inspection chamber or the like comprises one or more sections moulded from synthetic plastics material. The or each section comprises inner and outer skins (2,3) joined together by two series of webs (4,7) extending between and at right angles to the skins (2,3). The webs (4) are disposed at the upper edges (5,6,) of the section and the webs (7) extend between a position below those upper edges (5,6) and a position at its lower end. The upper edges (5,6) and lower periphery (9) of each section are formed so that superposed sections interlock. The arrangement provides an easily installable corrosion resistant load bearing yet light, rigid and deformation resisting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Valley Industries Limited
    Inventor: Paul Goldthorpe
  • Patent number: 6176317
    Abstract: An improved vent hood for abandoned oil and gas wells which is made of concrete and reinforced with linear and coiled rebar to withstand substantial overburden. The invention can be fabricated in either a two-section conical or cylindrical embodiment. Either of the two-section embodiments allow the base member to be positioned around the abandoned well casing and thereafter filled with gravel. A concrete lid having an aperture is thereafter placed upon the base section with a gas sealant disposed between the mating surfaces of lid and base sections. A vent pipe is thereafter inserted into the aperture to permit gas collected within the vent hood to flow to surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: John Edward Sepich
  • Patent number: 6167659
    Abstract: A roof hatch safety railing for increasing a person's safety as he or she climbs onto a roof or platform of a building from a roof or access hatch is disclosed. The safety railing includes two poles where one pole is attached to the right side of a roof hatch and the other pole is attached to the left side of the hatch. A person may grab the poles as he or she climbs from the roof or access hatch ladder, through the hatch, and onto the roof or platform. The poles are also spaced away from the hatch, thereby allowing enough clearance for a lid of the hatch to close and cover the hatch. The railing may be modified to accommodate various types and sizes of roof or access hatches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Nesea Construction, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harold L. Swindell, III
  • Patent number: 6161345
    Abstract: A tornado shelter having a rectangular horizontal top, a rectangular horizontal bottom disposed below and parallel to the top, a vertical forward end connected transversely the top and bottom, a vertical rear end connected transversely to the top and bottom opposite from the forward end, a pair of vertical side members connecting the top and the bottom on opposite sides thereof and extending longitudinally from the rear end to the front end, a substantially rectangular door frame connected to the top adjacent the front end, an access opening in the top communicating with the interior of the door frame, longitudinally extending tracks mounted in the door frame, a flat horizontally extending door adapted to be mounted in the door frame, the door having rollers thereon adapted to engage the tracks on the ledge, the door being mounted in closed position over the opening in the top when the door is adjacent the front of the tornado shelter, a latch mechanism attached to the forward edge of the door for securing th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Ted C. Hope, Edward P. Michels
  • Patent number: 6161985
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and a method of raising a manhole ring during construction or repair of roads are shown and described. The apparatus and method include formation of a manhole collar by use of a form that rests on a manhole cone and trimming the form to have its top edge at the correct elevation and orientation to properly receive the manhole ring. After the manhole ring is received on the form, a single monolithic pour of concrete creates a concrete collar that fills and seals the vertical space between the manhole cone and ring and the manhole ring is thus secured and sealed at the proper elevation that results in the manhole ring and its cover being level with the surrounding pavement. The apparatus includes an accurate custom-trimming assembly indexed off of the pavement surface for trimming the form to the proper dimensions for the particular site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Vernon W. Hinkle
    Inventors: Vernon W. Hinkle, John D. Tensen
  • Patent number: 6143394
    Abstract: There is disclosed the manufacture and use of nonwoven absorbent mats laminated with barrier film for manhole aprons. The absorbent aprons are used about manholes during routine maintenance of underground transformers, utility cables, etc. The nonwoven aprons are coated to prevent the absorbed liquid from leaching through. The mat is specially designed to absorb contaminated liquid very quickly. The nonwoven mat is made out of cotton shoddy fibers and/or a mixture of synthetic fibers and/or synthetic fibers only with film on one side. The mat has a 36-inch manhole opening in the center thereof. The mat is thin and lays flat to conform to the road. The thickness of the mat ranges from 0.075" to 0.25" in order to avoid any tripping hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: KG Fibers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirit H. Patel, Gulshan Chhabra
  • Patent number: 6135141
    Abstract: A system for joining an expansion line to a main line of a sanitary sewage or storm sewage system. The system of the present invention joins an expansion line to a main line while reducing the amount of required excavation and minimizing the obstruction of a high capacity drainage line extending vertically within a manhole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Ken Bombach
  • Patent number: 6109822
    Abstract: Lid 12 has affixed thereto an annular resilient flap 26 which cooperates with a flange 21 on a lid support 13 to resist dislodgement of the lid. The flap 26 i worked into position beneath the flange 21 by rotation of the lid about its axis. A container portion 34 of the lid may contain a granular material to add weight to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Lucky Campbell, Rodger Calder
  • Patent number: 6109824
    Abstract: An adjustable sewer inlet section for collecting and directing surface water to an underground conduit of a sewer. The inlet section comprises an eccentric hollow member adapted to be adjustably rotated on the top of the underground conduit to adjust the position of a surface water receiving member relative to a reference line, even though the underground conduit has been misplaced. A non-rigid connector is provided for connecting the receiving member in flow communication with the underground conduit, while allowing relative movement of the receiving member with respect to the underground conduit. The receiving member is provided with an inwardly directed bottom wall adapted to ensure proper distribution of loads from the receiving member to the underlying ground material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Annes
  • Patent number: 6106196
    Abstract: A first molding is provided for forming from concrete a drain component housing having a fluid channel therethrough, preferable having an exterior lateral dimension smaller than or equal to the O.D. of the drain pipe used in the system. After locating the drain pipe, and exposing its top surface, a drain hole is cut into the top surface without severing the drain pipe. The drain component housing is then placed over the drain hole, and mortared in place, providing a water-tight seal. If the drain component housing does not reach the earth's surface being drained, a riser drain housing is stacked on top of the lower housing to provide the desired height. A second mold is provided for pouring the riser housing from concrete, the riser housing also having a fluid channel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Clyde Hantz, Jr., Jonathan P. Hantz
  • Patent number: 6074130
    Abstract: A manhole drop system is described which is convenient to inspect. A catch bowl made of an integral structure is formed to capture and channel sewer fluid entering a manhole an elevation that is above a bottom located sewer line. The catch bowl has its upper portion shaped to reveal both a lower exit port leading to down drain and to reveal the discharge opening from a side feed. The catch bowl has a front surface that is curved sufficiently to enable a relatively secure seal between the front surface and a curved wall of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Duran, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee A. Duran
  • Patent number: 6050050
    Abstract: A method of upgrading an existing unprotected submersible pump area with secondary containment to prevent accidental release of harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: BP Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Charles M. Daul, Paul A. Sivak, David Lyzinski, Albert J. Kovach
  • Patent number: 6047724
    Abstract: A riser for use with an access opening in a waste water treatment tank is mounted in a top opening in the waste water treatment tank. The riser includes a top portion and an integral bottom portion wherein the top portion is provided with a downwardly extending side wall and the bottom portion is provided with a downwardly extending skirt. The bottom portion is provided with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the top portion and a ring connects the bottom portion to the top portion. The bottom portion is also provided with an inwardly extending flange having an inner terminating end engagable with the outer surface of the top portion. The top portion is provided with lugs at circumferentially spaced positions for engaging relation with slots in the flange portion for connecting adjacent risers in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Harry L. Nurse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6044591
    Abstract: A drain and inspection manhole for liquid conduits, in particular waste water and/or storm water drains, comprises a manhole section which is formed as a composite pipe having a smooth cylindrical internal pipe and a corrugated external pipe. The external pipe is deformed to comprise at least one connecting base with a marginal web. Apertures that are flush with each other are cut into the connecting base and the internal pipe, a connector being inserted in these apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph Peter Hegler
  • Patent number: 6044590
    Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve. A plurality of liquid infiltration prevention structures for preventing liquid infiltration into manhole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Gagas
  • Patent number: 6036401
    Abstract: A roadway access device such as manhole cover, a storm drain, or a utility valve box which facilitates road paving and grinding operations. The access device includes a riser assembly having an inverted frustoconical top portion that minimizes frictional engagement between the riser and the paved surface and permits repositioning in an elevated plane with no excavation necessary. There is a tapered upper portion that engages with an internally threaded extension nut with tool-engaging receptors and when the nut extension is rotated, the upper conical portion does not rotate, but displaces vertically. There is a riser member that is externally threaded and fixed in position relative to the rest of the assembly around which the extension nut rotates in order to vertically displace the access device. Additionally, there are separate removable lids constructed of high strength material which can be put in place during paving and grinding operations and easily removed when operations are complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: John Morina, Chester Ryan
  • Patent number: 6035581
    Abstract: A frame and cover for road surface installations has a one-piece cast metal frame member with an aperture therein to receive a cover member which can be used for catch basins, maintenance holes, valve chamber covers and underground vaults. The frame member has a side wall which extends smoothly downwardly between the upper and lower faces of the frame member and is free from laterally outer projections. Vibrations from vehicles moving over the frame and cover are transferred downwardly to the structure on which the frame is supported rather than to the adjacent asphalt, thereby extending the service life of the asphalt surrounding the frame. The cover member preferably has at least one lug extending laterally outwardly from its outer wall, the lugs adapted to be received in corresponding recesses formed about the aperture of the frame member. The lugs and the recesses in the frame members are provided with holes to permit the frame member and cover member to be secured to one another by a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Archie McCoy (Hamilton) Ltd.
    Inventor: Archibald H. R. McCoy
  • Patent number: 6018914
    Abstract: A flexible tubular manhole liner soaked with a curable liquid resin is inserted into a manhole; this liner is already equipped with a number of bolts or sleeve nuts protruding or exposed from the liner surface, so that it is possible later to attach to the inner wall of the tubular liner a number of ladder steps and a hose for injecting liquid filler to the gap created between the manhole wall and the liner; there is provided a method to line the manhole with such an inventive liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Co.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5974741
    Abstract: A manhole cover receiving frame includes an outer tube and a cover receiving frame. The cover receiving frame may be axially moved relative to the outer tube so that an upper surface of the manhole cover receiving frame matches the level of the surrounding road surface. The cover receiving frame is moved by a plurality of bolts threaded in the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fukuhara Cast Iron Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 5966876
    Abstract: A watertight manhole insert and tether apparatus designed to prevent rainwater from entering sanitary sewer or other systems through a manhole closed by a manhole cover. The manhole insert is located beneath the manhole cover and is connected directly to the manhole by a tether apparatus mounted in the manhole, to plug the manhole, prevent theft of the manhole insert and deny access to the manhole. The manhole insert is characterized by a pan-shaped insert body having a curved, flat or ribbed insert bottom and one or more pressure-relief valves, one or more lift straps and an upward-standing, sloping or perpendicular side wall fitted with an outwardly-extending top rim for engaging a shoulder shaped in the manhole to support the manhole insert in the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Southwestern Packing & Seals Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Neathery, Timothy B. Ely, Michael D. Humke, Michael W. Humke
  • Patent number: 5956905
    Abstract: A molded plastic extension member for use in increasing the height of manholes, or catch basins when surfacing or resurfacing a roadway. The extension member may be formed having a sloping upper planar support surface to thereby adjust the angle of the catch basin support frame or the manhole cover support frame. An outer surface of the extension member includes indicia that allows the user to align the slope of the upper planar support surface parallel with the roadway surface. When several sloped extension members are stacked, the indicia may be used to create a complex angle of slope relative to the underlying base members vertical axis. The extension member includes a pocket adaptable for receiving and retaining mortar between two stacked extensions. Planar surfaces may extend from both the upper and lower edge of the extension member, thereby providing support and added stacking surface for the stacked extension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Dwight G. Wiedrich
  • Patent number: 5957618
    Abstract: A manhole insert wherein gusset (58,60) and (62,64) or offset sections (142,144) and (146,148) anchor pins (94,96) or (158,160) that can be grappled with tools (not shown) to remove the insert. The bottom of the insert includes a conical frustum (40) and an inverted cone (48) or a panel that has a convex inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Camtek Construction Products Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Sims, Jeffrey N. Carr
  • Patent number: 5956230
    Abstract: A device which houses the active and passive nodal point modules of telecommunication installations in the ground comprises a metal container with a removable cover and a removable support for the modules housed in the container. The modules are attached in a heat-conductive manner to the internal surface of the support. The support is made of heat-conductive material and its external surface has a number of cooling fins. Through the cooling fins, the support makes heat-conductive contact with the internal surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale d'Electicite
    Inventors: Franz Grajewski, Werner Stieb
  • Patent number: 5951200
    Abstract: A cap formed with a pan that defines a central dish which receives a portion of the securing members that secure the pan to a manhole opening. A cover closes over the central dish to restrict entry of water and dirt contaminants into the central dish. The cover and the central dish thereby define an enclosure for the securing members which connect the cap to the manhole cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Barton Southern Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Barton
  • Patent number: 5950369
    Abstract: A synthetic resin tubular body is fitted into the pipe connecting hole of a handhole when used. The cut edge face at one open end side of the tubular body having square walls in cross section and circular walls in cross section which are alternately disposed in its axial direction is the boundary portion between a side wall portion forming the square wall in cross section and a peripheral wall portion forming the square wall in cross section, and is cut in the boundary portion on the side apart from the open end side or in the proximity thereof. The length of the tubular body is set greater than the wall thickness of the handhole. In addition to the tubular body, a block body for the tubular body is formed with square and circular recessed portions conforming to the outer peripheral face of the open end side portion of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Amatsutsu, Yasuhiro Kikumori
  • Patent number: 5950368
    Abstract: An improved access lid assembly is provided for a subsurface chamber used to service aircraft. A lift assembly is provided for elevating the lid upwardly from an opening in a surrounding mounting frame disposed atop the subsurface chamber while maintaining the lid in a horizontal disposition. A hinge assembly connects the lift assembly to the lid at a peripheral location thereon on the underside of the lid, without any connection to the peripheral edge of the lid. The hinge assembly allows the lid to rotate about a horizontal axis to an open position through an arc of at least ninety degrees. By avoiding any connection to the peripheral edges of the lid, an elastomeric, annular seal can be mounted to completely encircle the lid and provide a water-tight barrier about the access opening. The seal is mounted between the upper and lower surfaces of the lid within a groove, preferably with a dovetail connection, to securely grip and hold the seal upon the edge of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dabico, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Bradford
  • Patent number: 5944442
    Abstract: A manhole extender ring system 2 comprises an annular base member 4 having a flange 24 disposed therein, an annular insert member 32 slidably disposed within the base member 4 and supported by the flange 24, an annular ring member 44 having a ring top surface 46 slidably engaging the insert member 32 and supported by the base member 4 and a cover member 62 having a cover top surface substantially flush with the ring top surface 46 slidably disposed within the ring member 44 and supported by the insert member 32. The ring member 44 is removably mounted to the base member 4 by use of a variable, elongate stabilizer bracket 70 having a J-shaped end 78 and a C-shaped end 86. The J-shaped end 78 removably engages a shoulder 60 of the ring member 44 and the C-shaped end 86 removably engages the flange 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Anjowa, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren H. Roush, Anne F. Roush
  • Patent number: 5941024
    Abstract: A floor hatch with a built-in security fence is described, where access to the understructure can only be provided wherein a pair of doors are pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured, forming two opposite sides of the security fence; a first gate is pivoted outwardly to an open position and secured to each of the doors, forming the rear of the security fence and a second gate, leaving a pivoting door, is pivoted outwardly and secured to each of the doors forming the front of the security fence. The pivoting door of the second gate pivots outwardly to permit access to the opening in the floor. The floor hatch may also include a security grate and telescoping extension on each of the doors. The floor hatch can be locked in the closed position and can be opened, automatically forming a security fence, to permit access to an understructure of a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Journault-Jourplex Inc.
    Inventor: Jules Journault
  • Patent number: 5941025
    Abstract: A rapidly adjustable man-hole cover seat for sustaining the alignment of a road surface and a man-hole cover, comprises a base, an adjustable seat, a man-hole cover and a cruciform hole fixing frame, a stud block, a supporting block, etc. In a large distance adjustment, the inner rim of the adjustable seat is designed so that it may be penetrated by adjustable screws. Thus the adjustable seat may be adjusted and moved for aligning with the road surface. In another small distance adjustment, a cruciform hole fixing frames are installed on the bottom of the adjustable seat for being penetrated by screws so as to be installed on the base. Further, supporting blocks are installed for distributing the weight borne by the adjustable seat, the stud block and screws so that the man-hole cover may suffer a heavy pressure and the steadiness of the man-hole cover and road surface as cars are passing is sustain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Ming Huang Chang
  • Patent number: 5921321
    Abstract: An improved vent hood for abandoned oil and gas wells which is made of concrete and reinforced with linear and coiled rebar to withstand substantial overburden. The invention includes a layer disposed about its interior surface which is impermeable to methane gas. The invention can be fabricated in a single-section conical embodiment or a two-section conical or cylindrical embodiment. The two-section embodiment allows the base conical or cylindrical member to be positioned around the abandoned well casing and thereafter filled with gravel. A concrete lid having an aperture is thereafter placed upon the base section. A vent pipe is thereafter inserted into the aperture to permit gas collected within the vent hood to flow to surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: John Edward Sepich
  • Patent number: 5911537
    Abstract: A manhole cover of substantially monolithic construction is claimed. The manhole cover comprises a central cover portion having a center, and having a thickness that varies radially from the center in accordance with an exponential or parabolic function. An intermediate cover portion surrounds the central cover portion and has a substantially uniform thickness. An outer bearing portion surrounds the intermediate cover portion and has a thickness greater than the intermediate cover portion. The thickness of the central portion may vary radially from the center in accordance with the exponential function, t.sub.r =T.multidot.e.sup.-cB, where t.sub.r is the thickness at a given radial point r from the center, c=(r/R).sup.2, where R is the radius of the cover, B is a dispersion constant, and T is a constant that determines the thickness of the central portion at the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Mark D. Pulver
  • Patent number: 5901506
    Abstract: A composite manhole unit comprising a plastic inner element and an outer skeletal frame made of a structural material is provided. The plastic inner element is fitted within the skeletal frame, leaving large sections of the plastic inner element exposed. The exposed plastic sections can be readily cut in the field as necessary for attaching inlet and outlet pipes. A plurality of manhole units may be combined and assembled in a stacked manner to form a manhole system. The plastic pipe sections are sealed or connected to each other in a water-tight manner while the skeletal frame of the respective manhole units rest upon each other. The skeletal frame provides the structural support for the manhole unit and system. The excessive weight of the system and each respective manhole unit is reduced by using the skeletal frame in combination with the plastic inner element. The plastic inner element protects the skeletal frame from the corrosive atmosphere within, for example, a sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Hydro Conduit Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Zicaro, Ronald Eldon Bailey, II
  • Patent number: 5899024
    Abstract: A manhole adjustment ring to be disposed in a manhole frame having a surrounding side wall structure and an inwardly depending lip on which a manhole cover is supportably disposed, the manhole adjustment ring including a base frame and a spacer ring, with the base frame having a substantially continuous, rigid, ring like configuration structured to maintain substantially continuous, mating engagement with the manhole frame, while the spacer ring is adjustably coupled to the base frame and extends upwardly therefrom to a height sufficient to extend above the surrounding side wall structure of the manhole frame and define a protruding rim that accommodates a layer of pavement in generally abutting engagement with an exterior surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Edward C. Stannard
  • Patent number: 5899629
    Abstract: A manhole embodiment that includes a metal top ring, metal removable cover, and a flexible sheet steel skirt welded to the top ring. The skirt has a stiffening and footing flange rolled laterally inwardly or outwardly from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the very bottom of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Valve Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Milo, Martin C. Pettesch
  • Patent number: 5894105
    Abstract: A transparent manhole safety cable shield isolator includes a front enclosure having openable doors positioned therein to gain access to cables behind the shield. The isolator also includes shelving to isolate different tiers of cables thus minimizing the fault blast risk to workers in the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher I. Scyocurka
  • Patent number: 5870871
    Abstract: This invention includes repair of an existing underground sump without the need for costly and time consuming excavation. A plurality of liner-forming pieces are placed inside the underground sump to create a liner preferably substantially conforming to the interior dimensions of the sump. The pieces are joined together to form a unitary containment shell by first taping and then using fiberglass cloth and fiberglass resin. A layer of gel-coat is applied to the surface of the shell to create a fluidtight containment chamber within the sump. Some of the liner-forming pieces can have openings formed therein to accommodate the pipe entries corresponding to those in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventor: David Stewart
  • Patent number: 5852901
    Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, including a cylindrical side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component and provide a gas-tight, liquid-tight column above the underground component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tuf-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5832673
    Abstract: A seal and extender assembly which prevents surface water and other environmental liquids from inadvertently entering a sump, such as one used in a gasoline service station. The seal assembly includes an extender and a cover. The extender defines a channel and has a first end and a second end, the first end has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second end, the first end is secured to the sump adjacent the access port. The cover has a top surface and a perimeter surface, the top surface covers the access port and the perimeter surface secures to the second end of the extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: David S. Cho
  • Patent number: 4953787
    Abstract: A boltless two-piece rail fastening assembly for securing a railway rail, supported on a conventional tie plate, to a wooden cross tie is comprised of a chair and a rail clip latched thereon. The chair includes a body, having a jaw with a bight configured to receive the clip, and at least one downwardly projecting leg or shank for securing the chair adjacent the base flange of the rail. The rail clip is a torsional spring clip in the general form of an "S" having a rail-bearing leg for proximate engagement with the base flange of the rail and a tie bearing leg for proximate engagement with the tie plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Chemetron-Railway Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham M. Fee