Patents Assigned to Extech Exterior Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9416590
    Abstract: A building envelope or cladding system which permits selective visibility from inside the building while rejecting solar heat and providing an optional insulative envelope. A vertical support mullion is on one side of a building structure. A module is attached to the mullion using a hinge, wherein the module is adapted to flip away from the mullion. A drive means includes a gear system housed within the module and a drive shaft connected through the building structure. One or more cladding elements is connected to and operable by the drive means. As a result, the cladding elements can both rotate and flip away to expose or cover an underlying glass surface. Each module is coupled to the drive means using a coupling assembly which is spring-biased to thereby rotate the cladding elements, thus modifying the effects of the sun and other ambient factors on the state of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., John Anthony
  • Patent number: 8915034
    Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140230362
    Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, William P. Voegele, JR.
  • Patent number: 8683764
    Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8584424
    Abstract: A base member, clip assembly, and panels forming a panel system with a covered seam. The base member is configured at each building structural support. The clip assembly includes a base clip slidably situated within base member between the seam, the base clip further having a vertical web and various flanges. A retainer clip engages the base clip such that retainer clip, base clip, and base member all make contact with both panels. A batten then snaps into and engages upstanding legs of the panels to further secure the panels at the seam, filling a recess. In an alternative embodiment of the clip assembly, the top of the base clip terminates at L-shaped flanges which lock a slotted, U-shaped retainer clip. In a further embodiment, the top of the base clip terminates at a loop, and the retainer “clip” is formed as a flexible seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130239501
    Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: EXTECH/EXTERIOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Smith, William P. Voegele, JR.
  • Patent number: 8448393
    Abstract: A large-area skylight system adapted to be located within a field of roofing sheets. A cross member stiffened at two extremities is secured perpendicularly across a curb. A base frame is configured to rest over the curb. A cap frame is disposed over the base frame. A glazing material is then adapted to be secured between the base frame and the cap frame over the cross member along an entire length of the base frame and the cap frame to form an entire length and width of the skylight as a single panel. To ease installation, a downward leg forms a fulcrum at a contact point between the base frame and the cap frame, and to help exhaust water from the system, a dam is disposed within the base frame uphill from each joint, and a weep hole is defined within the base frame uphill of the dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Kevin P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8443565
    Abstract: A standing seam panel system includes an internal structural mullion. A pair of panels meet at a joint and have standing flanges and detents. The mullion includes a main extrusion and a secondary extrusion, the main extrusion having an innermost portion, and a main hooked portion opposite the innermost portion. A secondary extrusion is attached to the main extrusion and has a leg hooked portion opposite the main hooked portion to form a pair of hooked portions, the hooked portions engaging the detents of the panels. Slotted holes are defined within said main extrusion, and screw fasteners pass through the slotted holes of the main extrusion and into a building substrate, wherein the innermost portion of the main extrusion is attached to a building substrate such that the mullion is adapted to move vertically along the building substrate to accommodate expansion or contraction of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Kevin P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8256181
    Abstract: Provided is an internal structural mullion for a standing seam panel system. A two-piece assembly includes a man extrusion having one hooked portion and a secondary extrusion having an opposing hooked portion. A cavity is defined on the main extrusion, and the secondary extrusion includes a foot wherein upon insertion of the foot into the cavity, the foot forms a fulcrum about which the secondary extrusion can bend away from the main extrusion and be tightened or loosened by the tightening or loosing of a screw, as a result forming a clamp for engaging panels of the panel system with variable pressure. Further, when clamped a continuous gasket seal occurs at a level just inside the panels so as to form a barrier against the intrusion of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Kevin P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8225561
    Abstract: A layered panel and framing system for use as a skylight or wall, formed from extrusions which capture and frame variable panels. An upper extrusion has an upper hole defined therein. An upper spacer has an upper spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the upper hole of the upper extrusion. An intermediate extrusion then has an intermediate hole defined therein offset from the upper holes and the upper spacer hole. A lower spacer has a lower spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the intermediate hole. A base extrusion is formed at the top of a rafter. A bottom plastic panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the base extrusion, and a top glass panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the upper extrusion, wherein the bottom panel and the top panel are spaced a distance substantially equal to a height of the intermediate extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Kevin P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7788869
    Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7748186
    Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7735276
    Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7661234
    Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7621086
    Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks is held in a structural frame and comprises a plurality of glass blocks each having two rectangular display faces and four edge faces; a rectangular structural perimeter frame having four sides; and a plurality of primary muntins, each primary muntin connected to the rectangular structural perimeter frame and comprising an elongate web with stand-offs lying within parallel planes and extending outward from the web and at least one elongate hollow boss integral with the web positioned within the planes, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, wherein the primary muntins define an array within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7587870
    Abstract: A block assembly that includes first framing members, second framing members, and clips, wherein each of the clips is inserted through a respective one of the first framing members. Each of the clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted. For each of the clips, the upper portion is received within a first one of the second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of the second framing members such that the first and second framing members form a grid including openings. The block assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, with each of the blocks being received within a respective one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7526901
    Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7426805
    Abstract: A block assembly including a plurality of first framing members each having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of second framing members each having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis such that the first and second framing members together form a grid including a plurality of openings. The assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, such as glass, plastic or masonry blocks, each being received within a respective one of the openings, and a plurality of support rods, each of the support rods being inserted through a respective one or more of the first framing members along the first longitudinal axis of each of the one or more of the first framing members and being inserted through each of the second framing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Raymond A. McNally
  • Patent number: 7373763
    Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally, Michael R. Quinlan
  • Patent number: 7313893
    Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Voegele, Jr.