With Means For Split-prevention Or Damaged Part Repair Patents (Class 52/514)
  • Patent number: 6098351
    Abstract: A method for decreasing the ground-level rot of wooden fence posts involves shrink-wrapping the portion of the fence post located immediately above and below grade-level with a shrink-wrappable coating or a polymeric sleeve, optionally with an appearance and/or durability enhancing collar. The posts so treated are suitable for installation in high quality wooden fencing and other applications where grade-level rot is a suspected problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Richard E. Mills
  • Patent number: 6088986
    Abstract: Provided is a wallboard repair clip which includes a patch wallboard receiving structure for contacting inner and outer surfaces of a patch wallboard, an existing wallboard receiving member and a locking structure. The locking structure and existing wallboard receiving structure are constructed such that inner and outer surfaces of the existing wallboard are contacted once the patch wallboard is in a repaired position within the existing wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Jeffrey S. Melcher
    Inventor: John T. DiGate
  • Patent number: 6047504
    Abstract: A connector plate for joining, in a biased manner, structural members of a building and including first and second plates in overlapped relationship with each plate adapted for individual securement to a structural member being joined. A tapered insert serves to impart tension to at least one of the plates so as to draw the attached structural member toward the remaining member. Supplemental tensioning members engage misaligned openings in the plates to further tension one of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Dusenberry
  • Patent number: 6023901
    Abstract: A repair device which is used to restore planarity to concave damage in a drywall board, which is quickly installed by chucking to a reversible power driver in the manner of a drill bit, thus creating its own hole. The device is inserted into the wall cavity, then powered in the reverse direction to actuate in the manner of a jack to push out a damaged drywall piece, which is still hingedly attached by the cardboard facing. Thus united, the cracks are bonded with cement, while the inexpensive device remains inside the wall, acting as a permanent prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Jensen R&D Corporation
    Inventor: Lars Dean Jensen
  • Patent number: 5983587
    Abstract: A plaster hole restoration insert employs a shield which opens as an umbrella once inserted through a hole in a wall and which is propped or jacked against the interior of the wall with the hole by a ratchet type jack extending through a hub in the center of the shield and bearing against the opposite side of the wall. The shield may be trimmed to fit, or more than one shield may be employed for a larger hole. The shield has hinged fingers projecting from the hub with a flexible membrane or sheet extending between the fingers. The fingers are limited in their hinging movement to provide a backstop for plaster restoration of the hole. A removable handle is provided to facilitate the propping of the insert against the interior of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Alexander Limonad
    Inventor: Alexander Limonad
  • Patent number: 5974755
    Abstract: A wall patch for covering and draining an area of an interior foundation wall. The patch comprises a base member including a waterway profile having a longitudinally extending drain surface with at least one open end. The waterway lies between a pair of spaced-apart, upstanding curbs coextensive with the length of said drain surface. It is also preferred to provide a coextensive groove on the exposed surface of each curb to retain caulking compound for sealing the patch to the wall surface. The patch may be attached to the wall surface by means of conventional concrete screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: James F. Pouwels
  • Patent number: 5972141
    Abstract: A process for patching a crack or other defect in a thick-walled steel component, such as the wall of a pressure vessel, is provided. Stacked sheets of pre-impregnated carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy are bonded together and cured by interposed layers of a second resin. A structural adhesive is used to bond the stack to the steel to form the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Fernand Ellyin
  • Patent number: 5970668
    Abstract: A chimney reinforcement device to be secured to a damaged or sound chimney comprising two front corner brackets and two rear corner brackets, which are bolted together to reinforce the upper portion of the chimney. Two wall mounting members are connected between the front corner brackets and the building so as to allow the front corner brackets to be firmly anchored to the building structural materials adjacent the chimney just below the roof line. The chimney reinforcement device further comprises two inclined arm member connected between the rear corner brackets and the roof such that the corner brackets are firmly anchored to the roof structure adjacent to the chimney. When the chimney reinforcement device is properly secured to a chimney, the chimney reinforcement device adds strength to the existing framework of the chimney and thereby prevents severe cracking or falling thereof during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Allan Arthurs, Stacy Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5960603
    Abstract: A patch device for repairing holes in drywall or the like having at least one pair of straight-sided edges, comprising, a body portion made of a flexible material having at least one pair of generally parallel spaced-straight sides and a series of teeth-like projections extending from opposing sides of the body portion engagable in the pair of edges of the opening in the drywall. The body portion is hinged to permit flexing the body portion to facilitate installation of the patch device in the opening in the drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Whole Remedy, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Redden, Joan V. Rawley
  • Patent number: 5956921
    Abstract: A system is provided for inhibiting or suppressing the transmission and propagation of cracks between a supporting substrate and a finishing layer. The system is applicable for floorings, walls, counters and other surfaces where a relatively fragile finishing surface, such as tile, marble or natural stone disposed on a base material, such as concrete. The system includes a first adhesive layer disposed on the substrate, an isolating layer of a rubber and cork composite material disposed on the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer disposed over the isolating layer, and the finishing layer applied over the second adhesive layer. The isolating layer is preferably approximately 1.2 millimeters in thickness. The system inhibits or suppresses the transmission and propagation of cracks, fissures and the like that may develop over time from the substrate layer to the finishing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Badger Cork & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Henry W. Fleck, Robert J. Galganski
  • Patent number: 5924257
    Abstract: A method and assembly for forming a compression seal about a stud in a base, for the purpose of effecting repairs in coatings over the base. The method comprises forming a compression seal about a stud in a base which comprises placing layers of a compressible sealing material on the base material about the stud. The layers are placed parallel to the base, and a relatively rigid material is placed over the compressible material so that the stud extends through both the compressible material and rigid material. The layers of the compressible material are compressed into sealing relationship by applying force to the rigid material in a direction against the base and only normal to the base; and securing and sealing the rigid material to the stud to maintain such compression, thus forming a seal to the base material about the stud. The assembly comprise a stud secured to said vessel wall and having a partially threaded portion inserted in the breach and a second portion exposed at said lining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Pfaudler, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald T. Mussler, David A. Heeks
  • Patent number: 5925204
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for repairing damaged portions of an exposed surface of wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: ProPatch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5896716
    Abstract: A joist splice shoe for repairing damaged lumber joists of residential buildings. The joist splice shoe is a plate made of steel, which is bent to a U-shape when in use, and has unitary prongs provided in the sidewalls except in the middle portions. Each unitary prong has an elongated, curved portion tapering to a penetrating end. Only a single joist splice shoe needs to be installed to repair a damaged lumber joist with ease and a minimum of labor. When placed in position, the sidewall middle portions and the bottom wall envelop the zone of distress of the lumber joist from the bottom, and the prongs are embedded in adjacent undamaged portions of the joist. The tensile and shear stresses acting at the distressed zone are thereby effectively resisted and transmitted to the adjacent undamaged portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Maharaj K. Jalla
  • Patent number: 5897725
    Abstract: A patch is placed at one end of a repaired long crack in a windshield to prevent the repaired long crack from being overstressed and separating under load, which may be caused by flexing or differential thermal expansion. The patch spans the crack laterally and is placed adjacent an end of the crack, generally very near the edge of the windshield. The patch is bonded to the glass to reinforce the crack by carrying loads tending to separate the crack. The patch material is preferably at least as rigid as the glass and is bonded to the glass by a strong adhesive such as an epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Frank D. Werner
  • Patent number: 5875606
    Abstract: A repair method which is used to restore planarity to concave damage in a wall of gypsum board construction, wherein the device is inserted through a small hole drilled in the damaged area, or inserted from the rear through a hole drilled in the back wall. Features of the device engage the opposing interior surfaces of the two wall boards. Tears and cracks in the wall are cemented. The device is manually powered in the manner of a jack to push out the damaged board pieces, which are still hingedly attached by the cardboard facing. Thus united, the cracks are bonded while the inexpensive device is left in the wall, acting as a permanent prop. Remnants of the device remaining outside of the wall are broken off and the hole is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Jensen R&D Corporation
    Inventor: Lars Dean Jensen
  • Patent number: 5845450
    Abstract: A bracing system for bracing a masonry basement wall of a building against inward buckling and cracking due to hydrostatic pressure. The bracing system includes a vertically disposed I-beam positioned against a basement wall to be braced and having a floor plate at its lower end secured to the basement floor. A bracket is secured to the facing floor joist and is adjustable to urge the end of the I-beam against the basement wall. Two different embodiments of the bracket are provided to allow different modes of attachment of the bracket to a floor joist. Load distribution bracket assemblies distribute the load exerted against the I-beam and adjacent floor joist to other floor joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Lyle A. Larsen
  • Patent number: 5845456
    Abstract: A drain conduit is disposed contiguous with and sealed to a footer which supports a foundation wall. The conduit is an upwardly open, impervious trough having an openwork cover. Any water leaking through the foundation wall or between the wall and the footer is captured by the drain conduit so that it does not enter the subsoil and weaken the support for the footer. Where the foundation wall has a crack opening onto its inner surface, it is enlarged and then covered by a moisture barrier film strip and a fiberglass panel, both of which are secured to the wall. Leakage water, through the crack, is thus channelized and directed towards the juncture between the inner surface of the wall and the upper surface of the footer for flow into the drain conduit. The panel terminates above the footer and film strip is extended across the footer and overlies the drain conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Robert R. Read
  • Patent number: 5842317
    Abstract: In a crack arresting structure the crack arresting feature is located in the transition from one thickness to another, or a region of increased thickness can be intentionally introduced for the purpose of inhibiting crack growth propagation. The crack arresting feature comprises two different structural configurations. These structures include a thickness transition region where a portion of the structure is plastically deformed at or immediately adjacent to the thickness transition region. Alternatively, an overhang is provided where an appendage to the thicker part extends back over the thinner part at a thickness transition region. A high strength fiber or wire, preferably of non-constant cross-section may be inserted into a gap underneath the overhang and held in place by crimping due to plastic deformation. Fiber or wire reinforced interface may be adhesively bonded into place prior to or in lieu of deformation or crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Pettit
  • Patent number: 5839241
    Abstract: The present invention is a reinforced wall patch comprising a sheet of mesh material, such as fiberglass mesh, and a sheet of fibrous material, such as paper, attached to the sheet of mesh material whereby the bendability of the mesh material is enhanced. Thus, the present wall patch may be effectively used as a cornerpiece in applications which require enhanced flexibility. A sheet of protective material may be attached to the surface of the mesh material in such a manner so that the mesh material is arranged between the fibrous material and the protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Frank G. Cacossa, Thomas E. Heide
  • Patent number: 5840247
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the protection of active reinforcements embedded in a concrete mass against the effects of oxidation, said reinforcements being possibly in the form of a bunch of cables or strands arranged in a sheath, providing also the possibility to detect imperfections of the injection grout such as voids or porosity, wherein at least one channel is first drilled in the concrete mass opening in front of the reinforcements which have to be protected, whereafter a corrosion inhibiting solution is injected into the said channel while applying a high power pulsating wave to the said solution to make it penetrate and each channel is occluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Pierre-Marie Dubois, Daniel Michaux
  • Patent number: 5836628
    Abstract: A device for reinforcing a doorjamb is provided. The device includes a rigid plate member having a flange formed along one side thereof and a bolt receiving opening formed proximate an opposite side thereof. The plate member is mounted to an interior side of the doorjamb with the bolt receiving opening substantially aligned with the bolt receiving hole of the doorjamb and the flange extending over a portion of an outer edge of the doorjamb in face to face contact with the outer edge of the doorjamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald A. Beier
  • Patent number: 5829220
    Abstract: An angled member includes a rod portion, for exerting a force against a leaning wall, and a cross piece, linked to one end of the rod, against which cross piece an adjustable jack acts; the other end of the rod is linked, via a connector, to a pin which is insertable within the wall or the wall's foundation, preferably the foundation, the connector passing under the foundation to connect the pin and the angle rod; roller member movably positioned intermediate the angle rod and the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Roberto G. Zumeta
  • Patent number: 5822942
    Abstract: A device for forming a planar mounting surface in a chosen reference plane forward of one or more of structural members having a front face at least partially displaced rearwardly of said reference plane has a member (30) of extended length including a pair of legs (36, 38) supported by a perpendicular base portion (32). The legs define a pair of parallel faces spaced a distance corresponding to the width of the structural member (16') upon which the member is to be mounted. The base has an outward-lying flat planar face. The member is aligned on the structural member such that the outward-lying face is oriented and maintained along the reference plane, and the member is nailed or otherwise affixed to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Lucia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5820958
    Abstract: A elastic membrane includes a pair of parallel strips of a lamination consisting of a non-stretchable plastic film coated on both sides with a pressure sensitive adhesive, resulting in a pair of pressure sensitive adhesive bands bonded to a rear side of the membrane along each lengthwise edge of the elastic membrane, leaving an uncoated midsection of elastic membrane. The adhesive bands are covered with a release liner, with longitudinal slits cut through it to allow selective removal from one adhesive band or the other or a portion of one adhesive band as desired during installation. One side of the elastic membrane is attached to the wall surface adjacent to a crack to be covered and repaired, and the midsection of the elastic membrane is stretched across the crack and the other elastic band is pressed against the wall. The elastic membrane can be treated with spackle or dry wall mud to blend into the surrounding wall and can be painted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin W. Swallow
  • Patent number: 5809736
    Abstract: An injection plug device for injecting an epoxy resin repairing agent into an arcuate injection groove formed in a concrete structure. A rod member made of the same or similar epoxy resin as the repairing agent, is inserted and attached in the groove and has an injection hole at its center through which the repairing agent is injected. A tube member protrudes from the center of the rod member and has an inner end portion communicating with the injection hole of the rod member. A pipe member is inserted into the tube member, and a check valve mechanism is provided between the inner end portions of the pipe member and the tube member. After the resin is injected into the concrete structure and the resin is solidified, the pipe member is easily broken and removed from the rod member, together with the pipe member and the check valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Hayashi Kensetsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Naito, Yuichiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5799451
    Abstract: A method of laterally reinforcing a load bearing structural member is described. The method comprises wholly or partly encircling the structural member with an elongate strip (8) of high tensile, high stiffness material and applying a tension to the strip (8) sufficient to put the material of the structural member into lateral compression such that an abnormal increase in the internal stresses in the structural member will cause yielding of the strip (8) before compressive, bending, or shear failure of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Sheffield
    Inventor: Kypros Pilakoutas
  • Patent number: 5778624
    Abstract: A wallboard patching element is collapsible to fit through a hole in the wallboard. Using a handle, the element is moved through the hole and inside the wall adjacent to the hole. Once inside the wall, the element is released into a fully deployed condition with part of the element larger than the hole. The patching element has adhesive on portions that contact the wall, and is moved into contact with the wall. Once the patching element is fixed to the wall, the handle is removed, and tape or other patching material is used to fill in any gaps remaining between the patching element and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas C. Russell
  • Patent number: 5749195
    Abstract: A malleable sealing membrane is used to seal openings, regions or other apertures in a house or similar structures to prevent the entry of pests or other unwanted elements. The sealing membrane includes a mesh substrate having a sealing compound coated on one or more sides and embedded within interstices of the mesh substrate. One or more release backings cover the sealing compound to protect the sealing compound prior to the application of the sealing membrane. The sealing membrane is prefabricated for later use in sealing applications. In use, the sealing compound on one side of the mesh substrate is exposed, for example, by removing one of the release backings. The exposed sealing compound is applied against the structure along the opening, region or aperture. The second release backing can then be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: David Laventure
  • Patent number: 5738741
    Abstract: A structural member is reinforced by applying an adhesive material between a reinforcement surface of the structural member and an adhesion surface of a support plate, positioning a vacuum assembly adjacent to an exposed surface of said support plate so as to create an inner space between an exterior surface of said vacuum assembly and said reinforcement surface, and creating a partial vacuum in said inner space so as to force said vacuum assembly and said plate towards said reinforcement surface. A prefabricated vacuum assembly is a vacuum assembly comprising a flexible porous film, a flexible non-porous film, and a flexible sheet of breather material positioned between said porous film and said non-porous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Dayton
    Inventors: Allan Stanislaus Crasto, Ronald Dean Cornwell, John Paul Mistretta, Keith Bryan Bowman, Brian Patrick Rice, James Andrew Lute
  • Patent number: 5732526
    Abstract: The process includes the steps of removing a circle of ceiling sheet and cylinder of insulation material to create a work space under a portion of one of the I-beam-like roof bows and maneuvering in the space a U-shaped clamp having inward ribs at the upper end of its legs to straddle and hook over the bottom flange of the bow. A threaded rod extending through a threaded bore in the bight of the clamp is tightened to fix the clamp to the bow. A bearing nut with a wide plate is then screwed onto the lower end of the rod so that the plate engages and supports the sheet. Insulation is then injected into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Glenn Farley
  • Patent number: 5687528
    Abstract: A patch fastener device (10) for a plasterboard wall (12) comprising a first flat segment (14). A second flat segment (16) extends upwardly from a side of the first flat segment (14). The second flat segment (16) has a width of approximate thickness of the plasterboard wall (12). A third flat segment (18) extends outwardly from a side of the second flat segment (16) opposite to that of the first flat segment (14). A first facility (20) is on a top surface of the first flat segment (14), for securing the first flat segment (14) to a rear surface (22) of a plasterboard patch (24). A second facility (26) is on a bottom surface of the third flat segment (18), for securing the third flat segment (18) to a front surface (28) of the plasterboard wall (12), when the plasterboard patch (24) is inserted into a matching cutout hole (30) in the plasterboard wall (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Duane A. Rouch
  • Patent number: 5678374
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a concrete made construction comprising the steps of provisionally disposing a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction, forming holes at the lower surface of a concrete made construction, and inserting fixtures into the holes to fixate the reinforcement member onto the lower surface of a concrete made construction so that the fixture imparts tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane of the reinforcement member. For instance, a fixture includes a device for applying tension force to the reinforcement member in a plane thereof by moving at least a part of the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the reinforcement member. The invention ensures fixation of a reinforcement member onto a lower surface of a concrete made construction such as a bridge to which repeated live loads are always applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kyouryou Hozen Inc.
    Inventor: Katsumi Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 5676999
    Abstract: A tool and method for applying a texture slurry to a surface is provided. The tool comprises a flat, rectangular body for mating to a smooth surface, such as a repaired portion of drywall. The body has a multiplicity of spatially positioned openings disposed therethrough. Each of the openings has a predetermined configuration and position on the tool, for providing a pattern substantially matching the appearance of existing textured surface adjacent to the smooth surface. The invented method includes first affixing the tool to the smooth area of the surface, then applying a texture slurry to the tool. The spatially positioned openings receive the slurry to apply the slurry to the smooth surface for forming a newly textured area. The spatially positioned openings in the tool enable a user to substantially match the appearance of the newly textured area, with the appearance of the existing adjacent textured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Gilbert E. Silva
  • Patent number: 5664388
    Abstract: A shear resisting member of a frame structure comprising four triangular cross-section beams, each beam or stud formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel which is bent lengthwise along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings or flanges, side-by-side, extending from its apex. Within the frame structure of the shear resisting member, two frame beams have first beam lengths corresponding to the longer dimension of the opening in the wall to be reinforced, which are disposed parallel to each other. The other two beams have second beam lengths substantially shorter than the first beam lengths, the second beam length corresponding to the spacing between the frame studs or truss members of the structure being reinforced. Gussets are attached along the lengths of the wings or flanges of the second beams and the ends of the first beams to fasten the frame structure together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Donna Bass
    Inventors: Larry Thomas Chapman, Kenneth R. Bass, deceased
  • Patent number: 5662310
    Abstract: A star stud adjuster apparatus including an adjuster. The adjuster includes a J-shaped support with an exterior surface having a pair of brackets projecting therefrom. The adjuster includes a handle with a forked end that is capable of being positioned between the brackets. Also provided is a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a pair of side surfaces with each having a ratchet integral thereto and projecting therefrom. The cylindrical member is positionable between the forked ends and held in place with an axial rod. Banding material is included. The banding material is weaved around a plurality of bowed studs and is secured by a nail to one of the bowed studs. The banding material is capable of being positioned around the cylindrical member between the forked end when the adjuster is positioned on an opposite stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Steven L. Carson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5657595
    Abstract: A technique for applying high strength fiber fabric to strengthen beams and the connection between beams and either supported platforms or supporting vertical columns is disclosed. Fabric made of high strength fibers such as glass, boron, or carbon, is laid over the connection between a beam and a platform, or between a beam and a supporting column, and impregnated with an epoxy resin or other polymer matrix. The fabric may be additionally fastened to the structural member using adhesives, fabric fasteners, or bolts. The invention is particularly well suited for retrofitting bridges, freeway overpasses, parking structures, and the like to prevent failure during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Hexcel-Fyfe Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward R. Fyfe, Frederick P. Isley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5644889
    Abstract: A remedial wall anchor system includes a reinforcing rod or wire, a tie rod, anchor components which secure the tie rod to the facade wall and the back-up wall, and a capturing device. The tie rod extends between the facade and back-up walls and is insertable through a hole extending through the facade wall. The capturing device is secured to the front end of the tie rod and includes first and second spaced-apart upstanding surfaces joined by a linking member to form a channel for capturing a portion of the reinforcing wire. The remedial anchor system can be used both mechanical and adhesive facade anchors and back-up anchors. The remedial anchor wall system is easily and economically used to reconnect an existing facade wall to a back-up wall. Initially, the user forms a horizontal groove in a mortar bedjoint of the facade wall. Then, a hole is drilled into the grooved mortar line so that the hole is connected to the groove and extends through the facade wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Dur-O-Wal, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Getz
  • Patent number: 5640820
    Abstract: The present invention features a dispensing roll that has a string of tandemly-placed, tear-away, repair articles of manufacture. These repair articles each have an inner, mesh member that has a peripheral member consisting of finishing tape border that is fastened to and placed about the inner, mesh member. The repair articles are intended to be used to repair damaged drywall or plasterboard areas surrounding an electrical box, such as a receptacle box, a switch box or a junction box. A repair article is torn from the end of the dispensing roll along perforations that are provided between each article. Any cracks, holes, saw lines and blow-outs surrounding the electrical box are filled in with compound. The article is then placed over the hole in the drywall where an electrical box is located. The outer, tape border is sufficiently-sized to cover the damaged areas about the electrical box. The damaged areas are then finished off and coated with paint primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald L. Wood
  • Patent number: 5636482
    Abstract: The invention constitutes an apparatus and method for inexpensively, repairing wooden fences which fence posts have rotted or failed. The apparatus comprises segment of 90 degree angle iron or angle aluminum or similarly tough angle hardware, which is generally comprised of two flanges joined along a common edge. The flanges have a plurality of holes drilled or punched in the flanges for bolting the flange to a wooden fence post. The lower end of the angle hardware is pointed or sharpened or both pointed and sharpened to facilitate the angle hardware being driven into the ground or partially cleaned out fence post cavity in a concrete fence post base. The hardware may be used to support a new fence post by either setting the hardware piece in the ground by driving or hammering it in to the ground or it may be set in cement and then have a fence post attached to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: James E. Klager
  • Patent number: 5633057
    Abstract: A transportable assembly of composite reinforcing sleeves for reinforcing a support column includes a plurality of sleeves defining a discontinuity at lateral edges, wherein each sleeve comprises a plurality of first high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another, a plurality of second high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another at an angle to the first filaments, and a matrix of fully cured resin in which the first and second filaments are embedded. The sleeves are arranged concentrically and held together by the matrix, with a release film interposed between adjacent sleeves. Each sleeve terminates in edges which are spaced from one another to define a gap in said sleeve, the gaps of said sleeves being in alignment with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Norman C. Fawley
  • Patent number: 5630677
    Abstract: A method for repairing cracks in an asphalt or concrete parking lot includes brushing out the cracks to remove loose soil, filling the crack with an adhesive mixture formed of roofing materials, and placing a relatively flat molded cap of a mat saturated with a rubber and a high quality asphalt after the adhesive mixture has cured for a few minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Luther C. Barroso
  • Patent number: 5623798
    Abstract: A stress reducing device for reducing or eliminating stress cracks in concrete slabs caused by shrinkage stresses at re-entrant corners of the concrete slab and method of use is provided. The stress reducing device is provided with a body member having a first and second leg, each leg having a first and second surface, the first surface of each leg defining an angle in the body member substantially corresponding to the angle of the re-entrant corner in a stem wall and the second surface of the first and second legs cooperating to define an arcuate concrete engaging surface for reducing concentration of stresses in the concrete slab adjacent the re-entrant corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Dolese Bros. Co.
    Inventors: Grant Crews, Ben D. Fuller, Michael Caldarone
  • Patent number: 5623801
    Abstract: A device for covering an opening in a masonry provided on its surface with tiles or plates comprises a holding member (7) for a permanent magnet (8) which cooperates with a ferromagnetic member provided on the inner side of the cover member covering the opening and provided with tiles or plates. The holding member (7) is provided via a predetermined breaking point (12) with a protrusion with a threaded bolt (6) which can be screwed into the threaded bore (5) of a frame surrounding the opening to be covered. After detaching the protrusion along the predetermined breaking point (12), the holding member (7) can be connected with an anchoring member anchorable in the masonry, which anchoring member comprises a plate-shaped section which can be inserted into a slot (15) of the holding member (7) (FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Otto Drumbl
  • Patent number: 5620768
    Abstract: An improved multi-layer repair patch is provided. The patch has general repair applications including uses on drywall and automobile bodies. The preferred embodiment includes a three layer patch including an inner mesh, a middle reinforcing sheet and an outer mesh. No glue or adhesive needs to be applied to the middle sheet. The inner surface of the inner mesh carries an adhesive coating and the inner surface of the outer mesh carries an adhesive coating. The inner mesh is attached to the surface under repair and the outer mesh secures the middle sheet between the two mesh structures. In the preferred embodiment, the middle sheet is perforated and the perforated middle sheet, in combination with the inner and outer mesh structures enables liquified bonding material to migrate through the patch during the repair process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Pro Patch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5597627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stone product in sheet form suitable for use both outdoors and indoors, e.g. as a facade cladding or a fitting, etc. The stone product in question has undergone impregnation treatment with a view to causing its strength and flexibility to be increased through the presence of an impregnating agent in existing pores, cracks and other cavities in the stone sheet in question. A method for producing said stone product and means for its manufacture are also included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Techstone i Kinna AB
    Inventor: Jan-Inge Lindeberg
  • Patent number: 5586420
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling holes and other flaws in substantially planar surfaces such as walls and floors of structural buildings. The invention includes an independent template having a bore therethrough. An alternative embodiment comprises a filler material receiving tray, a bottom portion of which is a template with a bore therethrough and constructed integrally therewith. A tapered and funnel shaped rim is provided to an exterior of the bore for insertion into the hole to be filled. Additionally, an extension tube may be provided for conveying the filler material to holes and recesses below a planar surface. It is contemplated that a mixing and storage section may be constructed integrally therewith for the filler material prior to distribution through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Olan D. Harris
  • Patent number: 5581948
    Abstract: The kick resistant door assembly comprises a doorway framed by at least two door jamb segments, a door mounted by hinges to one of the segments and a specialized plate assembly which mounts to both a door jamb segment and to adjacent framing studs. The plate assembly has an opening for receiving a bolt and an extended portion for reinforcing the latch of the door against forcible entry. The assembly may further comprise reinforcing rods attached either directly to the hinges or to an intermediate reinforcing hinge plate. In either configuration, upon installation the reinforcing rods extend into the door as well as through the door jamb segment into the wall studs. The assembly may yet further comprise the use of additional plate assemblies mounted adjacent the hinges of the door with the openings of these additional plate assemblies aligned for receiving the reinforcing rods of the hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Eric A. Simonsen
  • Patent number: 5577359
    Abstract: A floor squeak eliminator system comprising a cylindrical rod having an upper end and a lower end. A threaded exterior is formed into the upper end. The extreme upper end is formed with a point for penetrating into a squeaking floor. The lower end of the cylindrical rod has a threaded exterior surface through an aperture in a support plate. The support plate is mounted beneath the area of the floor for having its squeak removed. A nut is threadably received on the lower edge of the exterior surface of the rod with a washer thereabove. A section is formed in the rod of reduced area adjacent to the upper edge of the rod immediately beneath the upper threaded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: John D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5575117
    Abstract: A wooden panel door reinforced against attempted break-in contains layers of fiberglass mat and decorative wooden facing strip bonded to the doorjamb and stiles. The stiles and doorjamb are constructed from wood with grain that runs primarily in a single direction, and reinforcing these stiles and doorjambs against impact can be achieved by bonding to them a fiberglass mat, which contains fibers running in transverse directions. The fiberglass mat is in turn covered by a decorative wooden facing strip layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Soltis, Robert J. Ross, William W. von Segen
  • Patent number: 5557896
    Abstract: Disclosed is a roofing system for a structure such as a building. The system comprises a roof deck; a plurality of panels of an extruded alkenyl aromatic polymer foam above and adjacent the deck; and a substantially waterproof membrane above and adjacent to the foam. The foam has from about 30 to about 80 percent open cell content. The foam provides excellent mechanical support for the membrane, and is water resistant. The foam further has a high heat distortion temperature, and is substantially free of distortion at high service temperatures encountered in roofing systems. Further disclosed is a recovery roofing system employing the above foam. Further disclosed are processes for constructing a new roofing system and a recovery roofing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Daniel D. Imeokparia, Creston D. Shmidt, Kyung W. Suh, Michael J. Ennis