Patent Protection & Registration

Patents grant property rights on new and useful inventions, allowing the patent holder to prevent others from using, making, or selling that invention without permission for a limited time. U.S. patents are permitted by the U.S. Constitution and are designed to promote scientific progress and invention. By allowing inventors to profit from licensing or selling their patent rights, inventors can recoup their research and development costs and benefit financially from their inventing efforts. There are three main types of patents utility, plant, and design. Utility and plant patents can last up to 20 years, while design patents can last up to 14 years. When a patent expires, the patented material enters the public domain, making it free to use by anyone without a license. U.S. patents are issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

U.S. Patent No. 11,162,230 entitled “Concrete Texturing Machine” issued November 1, 2021 to Wirtgen GmbH of Windhagen, Germany. Invented by Holger Thieme of Vettelschoos, Germany; Martin Lenz of Grossmaischeid, Germany and Cyrus Barimani of Konigswinter, Germany. Abstract: A texturing machine is provided for the subsequent treatment of a freshly produced concrete layer having a width between left and right edges and extending longitudinally in a working direction. Left and right height sensors are arranged to detect a height above the freshly produced concrete adjacent the left and right edges of the layer. At least one crown height sensor is arranged to detect a height above a crown of the freshly produced concrete layer. A controller is configured to receive input signals from the height sensors and to communicate height control sensors to the height adjustable columns and to communicate a crown control system to the crown actuator. A direction sensor may also detect at least one of the edges of the freshly produced concrete layer. The controller may receive a direction input signal from the direction sensor, and the controller may communicate a direction control signal to a steering actuator of one of the ground engaging units of the machine.

U.S. Patent No. 11,162,233 entitled “Adjustable Width Mold” issued November 1, 2021 to Wirtgen GmbH of Windhagen, Germany. Invented by Harry Wenzelmann of Alpenrod, Germany. Abstract: An adjustable width mold apparatus for a slipform paver includes a center portion and left and right sideform assemblies. The center portion has left and right lateral ends. Left and right telescoping support assemblies are connected between the sideform assemblies and the center portion. Laterally inner ends of the telescoping support assemblies are connected to the center portion laterally inward of the respective lateral ends of the center portion. One or more spacers may be received between each sideform assembly and the center portion to adjust the width of the mold apparatus.