Elongated Reinforcing Patents (Class 52/600)
  • Patent number: 6840018
    Abstract: Elongate bodies for use in providing architectural and structural features in pre-cast panels are provided. The elongate bodies may-comprise a cross-section comprising a set portion, a hinged portion, and hinge. The set portion and the hinged portion are configured to define an engagement. The hinge couples the set portion and the hinged portion such that the hinged portion is movable about the hinge to an engaged state and disengaged state. Methods of using the elongate bodies to form pre-cast panels are provided, and pre-cast panel forming systems are provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fukuvi USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6837013
    Abstract: Wall system employing lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel bent sheet metal channels that are partially embedded in the slab. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the channels at locations where the framing members and channels cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Joel Foderberg, Gary Foderberg
  • Publication number: 20040226248
    Abstract: A new kind of splash-resistant modular keyboard for computers that separates keyboard components into two groups. One group of components becomes a detachable and user-serviceable keycap module, while the other group stays as the base module. The detachable module contains essentially the keycap portion that contributes to more malfunctioning of present day keyboard. The base module has a bay that receives the detachable keycap module, and contains the electrical circuitry membrane and PCB that has longer durability than the keycap portion. Drain holes at lower end of the bay will allow liquid spillage, or when using water/solution to clean the bay, to flow out of the bay. Depending on applications, the detachable keycap module can be further broken into more sub-modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Lee Hong Wu
  • Publication number: 20040139674
    Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Nick DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 6763646
    Abstract: In an element (40b) for introducing shear forces into a concrete body a loop element (43b) is arranged on a shear force mandrel (41b), which loop element has an arc section (47b) in proximity to the surface of the concrete. When the element (40b) is subjected to a shear force (arrow 53) the arc section (47b) transmits this force to the concrete core inside the arc only through tensile forces in the loop element (43b) or in the arc element (47b). To absorb the resulting moment a second arc element (57b) aligned in the opposite direction is advantageously provided behind the first arc element (47b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Reto Bonomo
  • Publication number: 20040118070
    Abstract: Elongate bodies for use in providing architectural and structural features in pre-cast panels are provided. The elongate bodies may comprise a cross-section comprising a set portion, a hinged portion, and a hinge. The set portion and the hinged portion are configured to define an engagement. The hinge couples the set portion and the hinged portion such that the hinged portion is movable about the hinge to an engaged state and disengaged state. Methods of using the elongate bodies to form pre-cast panels are provided, and pre-cast panel forming systems are provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6729094
    Abstract: A prefabricated concrete panel for use in forming the walls, floor, roof, ceiling, and/or foundation of a building is provided. The prefabricated concrete panel includes a concrete slab, a metal mesh embedded in the slab, an insulating panel adjacent to a surface of the concrete slab, one or more studs, upper and lower U-shaped tracks, and one or more connectors attached to the studs. A method of making the prefabricated concrete panels and a method of constructing a building using the prefabricated concrete panels are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Tex Rite Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Spencer, Erwin Ritter
  • Patent number: 6711866
    Abstract: A thin, prestressed concrete panel, having a thickness of about one and one-half inch thickness or less, and apparatus for making the same is disclosed. Pairs of prestressed tendons extend between the side and end portions of the panel. The tendons of each pair are positioned on each side of the mid-plane of the panel and spaced from such mid-plane so as to increase panel strength and prevent warping of the panel. A molding apparatus for casting the panel comprises a bottom plate, a pair of opposite side portions, and a pair of opposite end portions. Slots are defined in the side and end portions through which tendons are inserted prior to pouring concrete in the mold. Tensioning means are provided for prestressing the tendons in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Brian M. Blount
  • Patent number: 6708459
    Abstract: A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, main web openings through the web, a right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: GCG Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Ernest R. Bodnar
  • Patent number: 6709192
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6701687
    Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides defines a generally L-shaped vertical slot. A course connector is received in the vertical slot, and includes first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer. The first end extends in an x-direction and a y-direction, and defines a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped slot and restricting forward, rearward, and outward movement of the course connector. The second end of the course connector extends outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ridgerock Retaining Walls Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis W. Shillingburg
  • Patent number: 6698150
    Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels, may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Brentmuir Developments (1993) Limited
    Inventor: Nick DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 6679656
    Abstract: A connection for securing a geogrid fabric to between two tiers of concrete blocks which are stacked to form an earth retaining wall. A groove is formed in the top of each block in the lower tier to extend across the width of each block substantially parallel to the face of the block. The fabric is positioned to extend from the rear of the block over the groove and a first rod is positioned in the groove over the fabric. The fabric is folded to wrap around the first rod to extend past the groove towards the rear of the block and a second rod is positioned in the groove over the fabric to the rear of the first rod. When an upper tier of blocks is stacked on the lower tier, the rods and fabric are locked into the groove in the lower blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Redi-Rock International, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Manthei
  • Patent number: 6672015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Menard Soltraitement
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Cognon
  • Patent number: 6622445
    Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of like blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block includes a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A generally J-shaped anchor has a connecting end and an anchoring end integrally joined by a setback spacer. The connecting end is adapted for being inserted into the wall block to secure the anchor to the block. The anchoring end extends outwardly from one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of like blocks in an upper or lower course. The spacer locates the anchoring end a spaced distance from the rear of the block. The anchor secures the block in the retaining wall at a predetermined setback relative to like blocks in the upper or lower course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ridgerock Retaining Walls, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis W. Shillingburg, James S. Martin
  • Patent number: 6607329
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated pavement slab having a binder distribution system and an interconnection system formed for attachment of the bottom surface of the slab, wherein both the binder distribution system and the interconnection system are accessible from the top surface of the slab, such that the binder material may be injected into the binder distribution and interconnection systems from the top surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Fort Miller Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6578343
    Abstract: A reinforced concrete deck structure particularly adaptable for bridge spans is made up of superimposed layers of concrete with a corrugated metal pan therebetween along with a plurality of reinforcing bars which extend transversely of and through the corrugations. Individual, partially completed slabs are precast and are then placed on a bridge span and covered with a second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Pipe Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Dumler, Richard L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6571521
    Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Archie Ameigh
  • Publication number: 20030093965
    Abstract: In one implementation of the present invention, corrugated metal deck panels are attached to concrete structural beams to form a precast panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Glen Miller
  • Publication number: 20030029118
    Abstract: A set of modular blocks for the construction of buildings in general, specially designed to meet different situations arising during work execution. It comprises a standard block and various supplementary blocks which show, on their external side faces, straight longitudinal grooves arranged centrally, extending from one end to the other, and matching with a pass-through duct defined in an equidistant central section; supplementary blocks meet the same constructive criteria and are characterized by the combination of side extensions—equivalent to the thickness of each block—with middle section cuts to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases (which eliminate two of the legs), and with the side extension of the shorter section, the set being completed by the inclusion of supplementary blocks to serve as closing covers and anchorage caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jaime Alberto Grau
  • Publication number: 20030014935
    Abstract: A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an angled edge strip formed along the free edge of the right angular flange, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest R. Bodnar
  • Patent number: 6505446
    Abstract: A cast-concrete simulated log has a longitudinal axis and an outside surface simulating a natural log appearance, and also has at least one triangular rebar reinforcement embedded in the concrete in a plane at substantially a right angle to the longitudinal axis, with corners of the triangular rebar exposed at the outside surface, such that the exposed corners of the rebar triangle are available as connection points for attachment to other structures or for lifting and manipulating the log. In some cases there are two or more embedded rebar triangles spaced along the length of the log, and the concrete is colored to simulate the color of a natural log. Concrete logs are assembled to simulate large-woody-debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Homer T. McCrary
  • Patent number: 6488448
    Abstract: A modular retaining wall system uses a plurality of different sized masonry blocks to form uniform sized modules for constructing a segmented retaining wall. Each module has the same overall dimensions of height, width and depth, while the masonry blocks used to define the module vary in size and shape. Walls or structure faces have vertical or vertically set back surfaces are possible, using interlocking pins, channels and pin holes. A pin having an adjustable length is provided to accommodate masonry blocks of varying height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Kiltie Corp.
    Inventors: Peter J. Blomquist, Todd P. Strand
  • Publication number: 20020174614
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a foundation wall for a structure and the process for producing such a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Dilon
  • Publication number: 20020170648
    Abstract: The present invention is a backerboard having a fiberglass mesh on one side, and a impervious reinforcement membrane on the other side. The backerboard incorporates a low density, high compressive strength concrete core having an upper principal surface and a lower principal surface. The upper principal surface of the core is covered by a fiberglass mesh reinforcement layer, itself covered and bonded to the core by a thin layer of Portland cement. The lower principal surface of the backerboard is covered with a high tensile strength, impervious reinforcement membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dinkel
  • Publication number: 20020108338
    Abstract: Reinforced concrete panels that are reinforced by fiberglass bars. In a reinforced concrete panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, where the longitudinal axis defines the length of the concrete panel, the fiberglass bars are located parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fiberglass bars are parallel to each other, such that the bars do not touch each other. Additionally, the bars are perpendicular to the transverse axis. During formation of the reinforced concrete panel, the bars are lowered into a mold to which concrete mix is added. The bars are lowered by a hanger assembly that releasably secures the fiberglass bars and maintains their parallel relationship. After the viscosity of the mix is sufficiently reduced, the hanger assembly releases the bars into the concrete mix, and is removed from the mold. The reinforced concrete panel is then removed from the mold, and cut as necessary to make smaller individual reinforced concrete panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald E. Barnett, Nathan J. Coquyt
  • Publication number: 20020108344
    Abstract: Reinforced concrete panels that are reinforced by spiral metal bars. In a reinforced concrete panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, where the longitudinal axis defines the length of the concrete panel, the spiral metal bars are located parallel to the longitudinal axis. The spiral metal bars are parallel to each other, such that the bars do not touch each other. Additionally, the bars are perpendicular to the transverse axis. During formation of the reinforced concrete panel, the bars are lowered into a mold to which concrete mix is added. The bars are lowered by a hanger assembly that releasably secures the spiral metal bars and maintains their parallel relationship. After the viscosity of the mix is sufficiently reduced, the hanger assembly releases the bars into the concrete mix, and is removed from the mold. The reinforced concrete panel is then removed from the mold, and cut as necessary to make smaller individual reinforced concrete panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald E. Barnett, Nathan J. Coquyt
  • Publication number: 20020069602
    Abstract: A precast composite building system usable for walls, roofs, and floors of buildings, comprising a concrete composite panel element having embedded steel I-beams, wire mesh, embed plates, and steel tension reinforcement bars interconnected vertically, horizontally, and angularly by columnar elements rigidly fixed to the supporting foundation, embedded into the panel elements affixed to a transverse steel beam so as to form a perimeter tie-beam connection structure to which additional floor, roof, and wall elements are attached, forming a unitary, superior, load-bearing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Paulin A. Blanchet
  • Patent number: 6401420
    Abstract: A method and means for making and using three composite concrete construction components that share a common matrix. The articles are comprised of: discarded whole tires 2, axially aligned, with rebar formed washers 4, transversely placed at intervals between the tires 2. The tire bundle 2, with the washers 4, are compressed, banded with metal or fiber strapping 1, reinforced with wire mesh 5, and rebar rods 6, and encased in a concrete shell 3, to form: cylinders; rectangular-blocks; or, half blocks. The concrete composite articles can be molded with hollow cores and used individually or in multiple configurations to construct environmentally safe structures such as: artificial reefs, beach erosion inhibitors, jetties and artificial islands; imbricated walls for: highway dividers, noise abatement, retaining and security walls around airports and buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Darwin Aldis Salls
  • Publication number: 20020059768
    Abstract: A thin, prestressed concrete panel, having a thickness of about one and one-half inch thickness or less, and apparatus for making the same is disclosed. Pairs of prestressed tendons extend between the side and end portions of the panel. The tendons of each pair are positioned on each side of the mid-plane of the panel and spaced from such mid-plane so as to increase panel strength and prevent warping of the panel. A molding apparatus for casting the panel comprises a bottom plate, a pair of opposite side portions, and a pair of opposite end portions. Slots are defined in the side and end portions through which tendons are inserted prior to pouring concrete in the mold. Tensioning means are provided for prestressing the tendons in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Brian M. Blount
  • Patent number: 6389775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcement element (8) for load-carrying or load-transferring structural parts (12). Said reinforcement element has a flat strip segment (100, consisting of a plurality of supporting fibers (26) which are embedded in a binder matrix (28) and are aligned parallel to one another and in the longitudinal direction of the segment. According to the invention, the flat strip segment (10) engages in an anchoring strap (18) with each of its free ends and is secured on said anchoring straps against the tensile and shearing forces exerted in the longitudinal direction of the segment. This enables the flat strip segment (10) can be fixed to a structural part (12) with an impressed pre-stress. The anchoring straps (18) can be anchored on the structural part (12) by means of fixing members (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Sika AG, vormals Kasper Winkler & Co.
    Inventors: Werner Steiner, Alexander Bleibler
  • Publication number: 20020040559
    Abstract: A receiver assembly for retaining a stanchion between a pair of looped supports. The receiver includes a support frame and a receiver support, the receiver support, the receiver support being adapted for engaging and retaining the stanchion. The receiver assembly also includes a locking bar that extendins from the support frame. The locking bar is adapted for engaging the pair of looped supports while extending between the pair of looped supports, so that the stanchion is retained in a generally upright position by the cooperation of the base and the locking bar with the looped supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: Gary E. Choate
  • Publication number: 20020005021
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tian Khoo
  • Publication number: 20010039773
    Abstract: A precast concrete slab for forming a deck in a bridge superstructure has a chamfer on forward and trailing edges so that adjacent slabs can mate. The slab is reinforced with bars which protrude laterally from the slab on opposite sides and which, in use, extend over support beams. Selected bars are formed in a castellated shape of which inverted U-shaped portions extend above the surface of the precast concrete slab. Conveniently, the U-shaped portions anchor a concrete topping which is poured over the slabs at a bridge site and also provide locations for hooking a crane used to transport the slab at a site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Steven R. Bot
  • Patent number: 6298622
    Abstract: A self-supporting construction element (1, 101) of expanded plastics, in particular for manufacturing floor elements and walls of buildings in general comprises: (1) a central body (2), substantially parallelepipedic in shape and having two opposite faces (6, 7); at least one reinforcing section bar (8,9) transversally extending across the central body (2) between the faces (6,7) thereof and embedded in the expanded plastics; a lath (16) for supporting at least one layer (17) of a suitable covering material, associated to a fin (11,12) of the reinforcing section bar (8,9) lying flush with and substantially parallel to at least one of the faces (6,7) of the construction element (1,101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Plastedil, S.A.
    Inventor: Piero Cretti
  • Patent number: 6298628
    Abstract: The present invention presents a block which by layer-building therewith, can be used to form walls so that a log house can be constructed with ease. With the present invention, rainwater which has penetrated through the areas where the blocks are linked is prevented from coming through to the inside wall side. The present invention also increases the surface area supporting the weight of the block thereby reinforcing the strength of the building. A block 1 is comprised of a hook-shaped joint 2, a linking protrusion 3, a linking groove 4, and an insertion through hole 5. A first slanting surface 31 which is slanted away from one side and toward the other side is formed in the top of the linking protrusion 3 together with a second slanting surface 32 which faces toward the one side and away from the other side. Flat surfaces 33 and 34 are formed on both ends of these slanting surfaces which are higher than each of these slanting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Shigeo Nakao
  • Patent number: 6289645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shuttering element for separating a concrete section into concrete subsections. The shuttering element is of strip-like form and is adapted widthwise to the thickness of the concrete section. It comprises at least a strip-like shuttering board which is formed from a thin-walled, sheet-like material, with the result that, once the concrete section has been cast, the shuttering board can remain between the cast concrete subsections. The shuttering board preferably has recesses through which reinforcement struts can engage, with the result that the shuttering element according to the invention can be inserted even when reinforcement struts of a reinforcement are required to cross the shuttering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Agrar Chemie AG
    Inventor: René P. Schmid
  • Patent number: 6264734
    Abstract: A method for forming building products from heat insulated material and building products formed in accordance therewith includes providing a mold configured with inner dimensions equal to the desired configuration of the building material block; providing a fluid mixture of heat insulating material formed from a predetermined composition of ingredients; providing at least one rigid reinforcement member and placing the reinforcement member in the mold; introducing the fluid mixture into the mold with the at least one reinforcement member and allowing the fluid mixture to harden within the mold and removing the mixture from the mold resulting in a block of reinforced heat insulating building material. The present invention is also directed to a block of reinforced heat insulated building material according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: RADVA Corporation
    Inventor: Luther Dickens
  • Patent number: 6260320
    Abstract: The present invention provides a concrete building panel comprising a slab having top and bottom flanges and side flanges generally defining a box, and a plurality of ribs extending between the top and bottom flanges and being parallel to the side flanges. The panels of the invention can be used to form the walls, floor or roof of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Nick Di Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 6138426
    Abstract: A mortarless wall 200 is constructed from blocks 201 having upper and lower recesses 202 positioned at a longitudinal centerline in upper and lower walls 206 to form channels that receive alignment rails 212 that extend across entire tiers 214 and 215 of aligned blocks 201 thereby securing and stabilizing each tier of blocks 201 via both top and bottom walls 206 of each block 201.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Robert James Mork, Robert John Mork
  • Patent number: 6070380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a prefabricated concrete formwork module that may be assembled with others similar modules in the manner of a brick wall to form a mold into which concrete is poured. The formwork module has a reinforcing structure preferably made of parallel grids connected by transverse tie-rods. It also has a pair of opposite panels forming spaced apart longitudinal side-walls. It further has arms defining a bridge for providing stability between adjacent modules when assembled to form a wall. Preferably, the panels are made of an insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Serge Meilleur
  • Patent number: 6052962
    Abstract: A studrail for shear reinforcement for reinforced concrete slabs is composed of a spacing rail (5) and a plurality of studs (6) which are arranged in parallel at a certain distance and provided with enlarged dish-like anchor heads (8) at both ends. The spacing rail (5), produced as a shaped sheet metal rail, grips one anchor head (8) of each stud with its two opposing folded flange edges (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Amin Ghali, Walter Dilger, Peter Ernst
  • Patent number: 6006483
    Abstract: A deck panel for reinforced concrete slabs is disclosed. The deck panel is formed by integrating a plurality of deck girders with a deck plate into a single structure. In each of the deck girders, a single lattice member is welded to upper and lower steel bars. The lattice member has a zigzag configuration with both a plurality of holding rib parts and a plurality of horizontal foot parts. The lattice member is positioned relative to the upper and lower steel bars in a way such that the holding rib parts, individually having a foot part, are alternately positioned on opposite sides of the upper and lower steel bars. A vertical fixing steel bar is welded to each end of the deck girder with both the top end of the fixing steel bar being welded to the upper steel bar and the middle portion of the fixing steel bar being welded to the lower steel bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Haedong Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Gon Lee
  • Patent number: 5950390
    Abstract: A pre-cast one-piece concrete building module including a concrete panel having a face with a plurality of weight-saving cavities formed therein and a concrete frame integral with the cavity forming face of the panel. The frame includes a longitudinally spaced apart main end beams spanned by a plurality of laterally spaced apart secondary beams. A plurality of concrete reinforcing ribs are disposed between the end beams and formed integrally with the cavity forming face of the panel and adjacent secondary beams. The reinforcing rib has a concave surface extending between the secondary beams and is preferably of a parabolic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jack Jones
  • Patent number: 5937606
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for reinforcing a structural component utilizes an elongated strip or lamina which is applied to the surface of the structural component and which has at least one end which submerges into a recess in the surface of the component and is anchored in that recess. This has been found to greatly increase the reinforcing effect of the strip on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Eidgenossische Materialprufungs-Und Forschungsanstalt EMPA
    Inventors: Urs Meier, Martin Deuring, Gregor Schwegler
  • Patent number: 5862639
    Abstract: An earthquake, fire and wind resistant pre-fabricated building panel comprises a plurality of frame members. The frame members are connected together to form a frame lying in a frame plane, the frame defining a perimeter of the panel, the perimeter bounding an interior portion of the panel. At least some of the frame members are biased inwardly, generally in the frame plane, towards the interior portion of the panel. A first solidified castable substance is cast in the interior portion of the frame, between the frame members. A three-dimensional structure such as a house is formed by connecting the panels together. The connections absorb and distribute seismic forces to the entire three-dimensional structure and the biased frame members act to absorb residual seismic forces reaching the individual panels. The castable substance and biased frame members permit the panel to withstand both positive and negative loading and render the panel fire resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: R.A.R. Consultants Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Georges Abou-Rached
  • Patent number: 5836129
    Abstract: A construction element, such as a supporting element for a retaining wall, has a casing which is at least partially permeable. The casing contains a block-shaped, granulated, bulk or porous filling material. The casing has two layers including a relatively rigid grating part (GT) for strength and a relatively flexible, finer meshed netting part (NT) for containment of filling material. The casing is designed as a closed hollow body which is coupled to the filling (FL) so as to form a substantially self-supporting construction element which is completely prefabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Felix Paul Jaecklin
  • Patent number: 5809722
    Abstract: Reinforced concrete slab and girder building structures incorporate shearing connectors with lengthwise support parts to which lengthwisely spaced, transversely extending, rigid load transfer plates affix. A girder structure having one or more lengthwisely extending girders is provided and the shear connectors are fixed to the girders near their support walls below a deck for supporting the slab, the shearing connectors being positioned so that portions of the load transfer plates and support parts project above the girder structure and deck to receive compression forces in the slab which are transferred by the connectors to the girders. The lengthwisely extending connector support parts have connections for carrying a series of lengthwisely spaced rebar rods which embed in the slab when it is poured and transfer compressive load forces to the transfer plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Keith M. Wright
    Inventor: Peter Bertsche
  • Patent number: 5809732
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a concrete masonry block used to construct masonry walls in a building. The concrete masonry block has an external plate or plates that are anchored through the concrete masonry block. The external plate or plates many cover a small or substantial portion of the external surfaces of the concrete masonry block. The casting machine that casts the concrete masonry block receives the external plate or plates and anchors into the mold prior to casting the concrete masonry block. During casting, concrete is formed around the anchors, but inside the external plates. Thereafter, walls are built using some of the cured concrete masonry blocks with external plates at preselected locations to anchor things to the wall by attaching to the plates. Such masonry blocks are particularly useful in constructing buildings that must be structurally strong, functional, and easy to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: CCC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ray Farmer, Sr., James W. Pilcher
  • Patent number: RE37981
    Abstract: A embeddable mounting device and method for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device comprises a first rectangular metal plate member; a second rectangular metal plate member having dimensions equal to the first metal plate; and a pair of vertical spacer members secured between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal plate members, and in a manner to hold the first and second metal plate members in parallel relationship with each other such that when said first and second metal plate members simultaneously contact a planar surface the first and second metal plate members are both perpendicularly oriented to the planar surface. A method of installing a fixture utilizing the mounting device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Steel Block, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. Layne