Patents Examined by Branon C Painter
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Patent number: 8015767Abstract: A connector arrangement for a wall panel system is provided which includes connector blocks that join serially-adjacent wall panel frames together in proper alignment with each other. These corner blocks also are matable with a system of spacer strips, light block strips, single-side trim covers and multi-side trim covers which enclose the connector blocks and connector structure. A corner spline arrangement is also provided between adjacent trim covers which spline extends vertically and defines a closed corner, right-angled corner between the interconnected trim covers.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Kristen Glick, Jason Deweerd, Robert Clare Wayner
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Patent number: 8011163Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laying marble tile flooring utilizes a form and method for using the form. The form provides for applying layers of a sealant, mud and thin set to a height determined by the form for laying the first tile in a horizontally level position. Second and subsequent tiles are laid relative to the first laid tile by gauging off the first laid tile and fixing the height of sealant, mud, and thin set such that the second and subsequently laid tiles are level with the first tile and parallel to the edges of the first laid tile. The result is a completely horizontal tiled floor with each tile level to an adjacent tile and parallel and or perpendicular relative to each other tile.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Sebastian Bazzano
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Patent number: 7992353Abstract: A hub joint includes a metal rod and pin for joining tubular members in three-dimensional space for assembling a frame structure. The hub joint enables rapid assembly, rapid reconfiguration, and rapid disassembly without using any specialized tools. Multiple hub joints may be used to form geodesic domes, freestanding trusses, space frame slabs, tetrahedrons, and pentahedrons. The hub joints allow different frame configurations that are lightweight, strong, durable, scalable, expandable, and portable.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Stephan P. Athan
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Patent number: 7987636Abstract: A seat and anchor assembly for mounting and securing a wood joist or roof truss to a tie beam of a building including a central web portion and an upwardly extending wall portion disposed along a longitudinal edge thereof wherein a lower portion of the roof truss or joist fits within what may be considered a seat defined by the web and the upstanding wall portion. An elongated anchor strap is adjustably attached to the wall portion and is adapted to be secured by nails or like connectors to the top portion of the roof truss and further wherein the anchor strap includes a lower length disposed and adapted to be embedded in wet concrete initially defining the tie beam of the building on which the seat and truss rests.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Simpson STrong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Paschal Hunt
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Patent number: 7987643Abstract: A system for fastening an element, particularly made of fragile material such as glass, to a bearing structure or a framework at least at one point. At least at one fastening point, the system includes a mechanical connection device for fixing the element to a framework or bearing structure or connecting to an adjacent similar element. At least one arm at a first end is connected to a fastener mechanically connected to the element, and at a second end is connected to a joining piece. The joining piece includes a tubular envelope that contains a mechanism for adjusting degrees of freedom of the fixing or of the connection. A wall including at least one fixed or opening element can be fixed to a structure or a framework by such a mechanical connection device.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Jean-Clément Nugue, Georges Maublanc
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Patent number: 7971408Abstract: A transportable and erectable stairtower having a removable/slidable wheel carriage and a removable installation section arranged for transporting and erecting the stairtower. The stairtower has vertical column members and lateral members defining levels of the stairtower. Removable staircases extend between alternate levels of lateral members. A platform landing is formed at the intersection of first and second stair segments of the staircase. Removable ramps may be connected to the stairtower above, below, and at a position corresponding to the platform landings. A safety device in the form of catch pans, gutters, and leaders may be provided to protect workers by collecting debris and rainwater. A transporting vehicle may be connected to the installation section to transport the stairtower to a desired location. A lifting vehicle may be used to lift the stairtower from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Richard Hayes, Sr.
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Patent number: 7966774Abstract: The invention is for an improved security shelter for small personal transportation vehicles. The invention features lockable, weatherproof storage for such vehicles as motorcycles, bicycles, four wheelers, and Segways®. It is lightweight and can be efficiently manufactured. Vents are optimally located to allow the release of vapor and heat. A lid is hinged to the top such that it can be easily raised or lowered by the user for the purpose of parking a vehicle. Moreover, strategic placement of structural molded ridges and structural flanges in the various components of the invention adds to the overall stability and rigidity of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventors: Harry E. Kea, Jr., David B. Kea, Scott Kea, George B. Waites, Jr.
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Patent number: 7958679Abstract: A system for connecting wall modules in a variable and a flexible fashion includes a flexible angle connector and a flexible spacing connector. The flexible angle connector and the flexible spacing connector can be used together at the same wall module joint as part of joints means. The flexible connectors provide the ability to angle wall modules at virtually any angle or degree of curvature. In addition, the flexible connectors can be configured to block light, air and sound. The flexible connectors can be used to provide a virtually endless wall/angle alignment in a given interior or exterior space.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Ltd.Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens Smed
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Patent number: 7954282Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a storm shutter assembly clip used for stitching together multiple storm shutter panels in making a storm shutter system, and/or assembly method for accomplishing the same. The clip includes upper and lower portions, with the upper portion having at least one arm extending therefrom, and the lower portion having a housing including a nut. A hole is formed in the lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the clip may be angled so as to correspond with an angle formed by intermediate portions of the storm shutter panels. The at least one arm of the clip is slipped over an end of the first shutter panel so that the hole of the clip aligns with holes of the inner and outer shutter panels. A screw is fed through the holes of the first and second shutter panels and the clip so as to engage with the nut, the shutter panels tightening together via the screw being received by the nut in forming the storm shutter system.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Guardian Building Products, Inc.Inventor: William H. Crostic, Jr.
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Patent number: 7950194Abstract: A corner key for joining ends of spacer sections to form a corner of a spacer frame of a multi-sheet unit includes an elongated body having a first end and an opposite second end and a cut out between the ends of the body. The body is bendable to decrease spacing of the cut out to form a corner of the spacer frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Barent A. Rosskamp, Michael Buchanan, Stephen L. Crandell, William B. Davis, William R. Siskos, Cory D. Steffek
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Patent number: 7941987Abstract: A tile spacer is made from a pair of parallel planar members joined by a series of connectors forming a series of channels. The tile spacer is positioned between two adjacent tiles and sunk into the adhesive so that excess adhesive enters the channels and is subsequently removed. One or more appropriate cuts can be made to the tile spacer in order to open desired channels which allows the tile spacer to curve or otherwise bend from linear.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventor: Michael E. Raim
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Patent number: 7941974Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventors: Willem F. VanBasten, Edward V. Roscioli
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Patent number: 7926232Abstract: An installation bracket system for use in combination with a length of crown molding for securing the crown molding adjacent to the junction of a wall surface and a ceiling surface, the installation bracket system including one or more installation brackets, each of the one or more installation brackets having first support member and a second support member, each of the support members having a mounting portion and an integrally formed supporting portion, the mounting portion having a base formed with apertures to receive fasteners therethrough for securement of the first support member and the second support member to the wall surface and ceiling surface, respectively, and a backing member extending between the first support member and the second support member, the backing member having a front surface, the crown molding being secured against the front surface of the backing member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Inventor: Jean-Claude de Raucourt
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Patent number: 7921614Abstract: A fire-rated light kit for a fire-resistant partition includes a track for holding a window pane in an aperture of the partition. The track includes a channel for capturing an edge of the window pane, and a flange. A first intumescent material is positioned under the track to seal between the track and the partition. A second intumescent layer is positioned on top of the track. A flammable molding material can be positioned over the flange of the track. In the event of heat or flame, the second intumescent layer expands and pushes the flammable trim away from the glass and/or partition.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Lexington Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andre Fortin, Robert G. Dimke
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Patent number: 7905063Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: MMI Products, Inc.Inventor: David L. Kelly
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Patent number: 7874118Abstract: A laminated panel adapted to form a covering for a wall, floor or ceiling has an outer surface and sides which are connected to an adjacent panel. The panel has a recess in the outer surface at the transition to a side, and a moisture-repellent layer on the wall of the recess. When two panels are connected the moisture-repellent layers come together at the recesses, to form a joint which is protected from moisture.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Kaindl Flooring GmbHInventor: Leonhard Schitter
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Patent number: 7870704Abstract: The invention concerns an insulating glazing wherein the gap between the substrates is filled with at least one rare gas such as argon, krypton or xenon, the inter-layer sheet (50) has a thermal conductivity less than 1 W/m.K, preferably less than 0.3 W/m.K, a low-emissive coating being deposited on at least part of one of the substrates, an anti-frost coating being deposited on part of at least the outer surface of one substrate, the glazing being free of heating element, the glazing having a thermal conductivity coefficient U less than 1.2 W/m.K with a gas filling of at least 85%, and having a light transmission of at least 67% and a light reflection less than 18%.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Luc-Michel Riblier, Helene Grussaute Ngheim, Marie Isabelle Watchi
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Patent number: 7856777Abstract: A cover tile for releasable cooperation with one side of a wall panel frame. The cover tile has elongate rails fixed to the rear side thereof so that the rail ends terminate adjacent corners of the tile. A pair of connector clips are engaged on the rail for disposition at the corners of the tile. Each connector clip includes a main channel-like body transversely slidably engaged on the rail, and this body has a transversely protruding spring or hook projection for cooperation with an opening in the panel frame. The main body of the clip, in one of the legs of the channel-shaped body, has a transversely deformed positioning tab adapted for cooperation with a positioning notch formed in the rail. The one leg also has a locking tab deformed transversely for cooperation with an edge formed on the respective rail to fixedly positionally secure the clip on the rail in the transverse direction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Alex Lamfers, David Koning
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Patent number: 7856783Abstract: A method for reconstructing residual stones having at least one spalling wherein an adhesive layer is first applied grid-like on the residual stone in the area of the spalling, but leaving at least many areas free of the adhesive layer; then a leveling layer of mortar is applied; and subsequently a thin anti-abrasion layer is applied on the leveling layer; and where the leveling layer of mortar has drainage channels to convey the moisture out of the residual stone to at least one end of the stone. The invention also relates to a stone, reconstructed according to the method.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Ernst Ries
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Patent number: 7856771Abstract: A set of extruded interlocking moldings joins together panels of framed glass and/or framed glass doors. A first molding has a channel along an edge of one face and a groove in the opposite face. A second molding has a tongue extending along an edge of one face and a flange along an edge of the opposite face. The channel of the first molding is configured to receive and hold the tongue of the second molding to secure the moldings together as the panels are aligned. The flange of the first molding snaps into the groove of the second molding when the moldings are rotated to a predetermined angle with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Shower Enclosures AmericaInventors: Michael Guidos, Michael H. Clark