Patents Examined by Christopher T. Kent
  • Patent number: 6233895
    Abstract: Roofing tiles have dimensions differing from conventional tiles to allow manufacture of the tiles in a substantially greater size than conventional tile sizes. The tiles may be installed more rapidly, since each piece of material must be separately installed and a single tile may cover a greater area. Additional ribs are added underneath the interior portion of each tile than with conventional tiles. The ribs are spaced appropriately such that a person walking over each tile would have the weight of a single foot distributed over one or more ribs at all times. Moreover, the rims of each tile extend substantially deeper, through the thickness, of the tile. Each tile has material removed from the main surface portion, or the actual surface opposite the weather-exposed surface, to reduce the weight therefrom. Each tile may be configured with open air channels underneath each tile up and down the entire roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Evans Brothers Investments
    Inventors: Lewis M. Evans, Michael M. Evans
  • Patent number: 6233878
    Abstract: In a sliding wall (10) comprising a plural number of individually slidable wall elements (13), with each of the wall elements (13) at its upper edge near the ceiling being delimited by a horizontally aligned support profile (12), and being laterally slidable along a common track (11) arranged above the support profile (12) by means of at least one running gear (14, 30) attached to the support profile; with each wall element (13) comprising its own drive (17) with an electrically operated drive motor (27), said drive (17) being attached to the wall element (13) and interacting with the track (11) by way of drive means (24, 25), a compact construction and at the same time flexible application are achieved in that the drive motor (27) is arranged within the support profile (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Kaba Gilgen AG
    Inventors: Hans Krähenbühl, Jürg Nyffenegger, Heinz Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6230455
    Abstract: A high strength window screen frame that includes an extruded metal frame that surrounds a window opening in a building. The frame defines an opening. A screen plate portion of the extruded metal frame is provided on the frame proximate the opening. A flange portion of the extruded metal frame is provided on an outside of the frame away from the opening. A beveled surface on the flanged portion is provided to improve the appearance of the metal frame. A screen plate stiffener is removably affixed to a back side of the extruded metal frame to secure a screen to the frame. Heavy duty mesh screen is preferably used with a high strength window screen frame of the invention. The flanged portion of the window screen frame is bolted to an exterior wall surrounding a window opening of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: CPI Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred B. Arehart, Glenn T. Lilie
  • Patent number: 6230456
    Abstract: A one-piece window insert fastener for releasably securing a window insert to a window sash having a generally rectangular shape with a plurality of openings about its periphery, the insert having a generally rectangular-shaped frame with a single pane structure fixed therein and having a plurality of bars each having a terminal end portion and each terminal end portion having a channel therein, the fastener being elongate and having a longitudinal axis, the fastener consisting of: a head portion adapted to engage the window sash and removably insertable into one of the openings in the window sash; a tail portion adapted to fixedly engage the window insert and removably insertable into one of the channels in the window insert; and a compression portion between the head portion and tail portion, the compression portion biasing the head portion against the window sash and allowing movement of the head portion toward the tail portion when the window insert is inserted in the window sash and moving the head porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Colonial Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony W. Merchlewitz
  • Patent number: 6226941
    Abstract: An undercover system for decks and the like which comprises at least a pair of spaced apart support assemblies and a plurality of cover members supported on the support assemblies to keep the area under the deck dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6226948
    Abstract: An injection packer, injection packer installation/removal tool, and method of use thereof are especially suited for use in the repair of concrete structures and the like. The injection packer includes a body that is removable from a nonmetallic expansion member that may remain within a repair bore after the injection material is injected into the repair bore. The packer body includes a shank, nozzle, and keyed head with an injection bore therethrough. The nozzle is threaded to engage a nonmetallic nut attached to the expansion member. In use, as the packer body is rotated in a first direction the expansion member is compressed between the nut and the packer body shank, thereby radially bulging the expansion member. At this point fluid may be injected through the injection packer and into the bore and crack(s). As the packer body is rotated in a second direction the expansion member is uncompressed. The packer body is easily detachable from the expansion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: John F. Trout
  • Patent number: 6226939
    Abstract: The application discloses a fire protection cover for an electrical device recessed into a wall or ceiling, said, comprising one or more support layers coated with one or more layers of intumescent material. The device is especially useful for suspended ceilings or partition walls for preventing the passage of fire into or out of the ceiling or wall cavity. The cover may comprise one or more apertures to enable the cover to be ventilated and/or for access to cabling. In particular, the cover may be made of a mesh or perforated sheet. In the event of a fire, the intumescent material tumesces to block any holes within the cover or holes between the cover and wall or ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Nullifire Limited
    Inventors: Clive Anthony Atkins, Nigel Christopher Maris
  • Patent number: 6226958
    Abstract: Compression molded pigmented door skins fabricated by compression molding a pigmented, curable, unsaturated polyester sheet molding compound containing a co-curable unsaturated monomer, a low profile additive, and a microvoid-reducing thermoplastic polymer, exhibit uniform stainability while maintaining a low linear thermal coefficient of expansion. Such door skins are suitable for preparing wood grain textured exterior insulated doors which exhibit minimal thermal deflection when exposed to interior/exterior temperature differentials, even at eight foot door heights. The doors may be stained without first applying a seal coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Therma-Tru Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. West, Greg W. Scheffel, G. Daniel Templeton, Eugene R. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 6226929
    Abstract: A gate valve box adaptor structure, the present invention provides a permanent support for the key box bonnet that is unaffected by the surrounding environment. The adaptor is supported on the gate valve to a positive location for the key box bonnet at a level which prevents infiltration of soil and moisture into the bonnet. The adaptor is provided with a resilient gasket of a unique design to provide a cushion and to create a seal for the bonnet on the gate valve. A plurality of liquid infiltration prevention structures for preventing liquid infiltration into manhole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Gagas
  • Patent number: 6226937
    Abstract: A footing connector has a first hollow leg and a second hollow leg integral therewith. The interiors of the two hollow legs are in fluid communication. The two legs cooperate to form, preferably, a T-shaped connector. The first leg has threading thereon, and, preferably, the second leg has threading thereon and protruberances therein, to enable connection to other elements of a drainage system. The second hollow leg may have end caps integral therewith at the ends thereof. The connector is used in a drainage network to drain water away from the outside of a building and to evacuate unwanted gasses from the inside of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas C. Carlton
  • Patent number: 6226954
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing concrete dual blocks where the concrete block is separated into two individual blocks during the manufacturing process without an additional separating step after curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Hengestone Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Terry P. Steeves, Douglas F. Silk
  • Patent number: 6226931
    Abstract: A modular display system includes base units angularly positionable relative to one another on a floor area to define a lower edge of a display space. Base units include an elongated body and a pair of detachable end members connectable to the opposed ends of the elongated body at upper or lower positions. An end member connected at a lower position at one end of the body is connectable at a plurality of angles to an end member on an adjacent base unit connected at the upper position. The angular connection allows the display area to be defined and adjusted prior to installation of vertical elements forming walls. Vertical supports, preferably including columns positioned over the end members between the base units and uprights supported in sleeves in the base units are removably connectable to the base units. Crossbars are removably connectable to the upper ends of the vertical supports for defining an upper edge of the display space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Canfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Haversat
  • Patent number: 6226934
    Abstract: A landscape edging system and corresponding components and methods are disclosed. The system comprises an edging member having a top rail and a barrier extending downwardly therefrom, and corresponding interconnecting or adjoining blocks, each block having at least one block attachment member disposed on the bottom surface thereof for receiving top rail therewithin. The blocks, in combination with the edging member, may be employed to separate adjoining lawn, garden, walkway, driveway or other areas from one another. The present invention permits the effects of undesired displacement forces acting on the blocks, such as frost heave, to be reduced or minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes N. Gaston
  • Patent number: 6223481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof construction, assembled from aluminium alloy extrusions and sections which may be cut on site to the appropriate dimensions. There is a ring beam, made from a channel and a ridge member in the form of a central extruded aluminium alloy central box member, the channel and member being essentially of the same section. Thus a relatively small number of different extrusions are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Rickmans Limited
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Rickman
  • Patent number: 6223477
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a block having a first and a second exterior side wall, a base and a top. A groove is located in the base of the block, the groove defining a first and a second interior side wall and a top interior surface. The block is locatable on a metal roof by placement of the groove about a segment of the seam formed by overlapping adjacent roofing panels. A hole is located in the block between the top of the block and the groove, and a locking device is locatable in the hole. Initially locating the locking device into the hole causes the locking device to be positioned between a portion of the seam of the metal roof and a portion of the first interior side wall of the block. Further translocation of the locking device into the hole causes the locking device to engage the portion of the seam of the metal roof and the portion of the first interior side wall of the block, thereby securing the block to the metal roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6219983
    Abstract: A covering plate (5), for flooring in conveyances such as a railway car, is provided with a securing track (11) for securing seats, etc. The covering plate (5) is formed by a sandwich structure having a central core (24) arranged between an outer plate (25), which extends across the entire size of the covering plate, and second outer plates (26). The securing track (11) is formed in a profile (27) embedded in the sandwich structure so that a securing track (11) extends at a right angle to lateral edges (14) of the covering plate (5). As either end of the profile is provided with tracks (29) for receiving tight-fitting pins (30), a floor structure can be mounted easily and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems (Denmark) A/S
    Inventors: Jens Jørgen Gråkjaar Jensen, Claus Bratsbjerg, Per Andersen
  • Patent number: 6219990
    Abstract: A method of forming and using a metal I-beam includes hot rolling an elongated metal workpiece to establish a web and a pair of flanges on the edges thereof. The web is formed with elongated reinforcement of solid cross-section having a generally straight longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the flanges. The hot rolled I-beam is cooled without forming substantial waves in the web and the I-beam is subsequently secured in a building construction or other structural product. The method involves the longitudinally oriented reinforcing means which preferably are one or more elongated laterally projecting ribs having such mass that the average temperature of the web prior to cooling will be sufficiently close to the average temperature of the flanges prior to cooling that the formation of waves within the web during cooling will be resisted. The reinforcement is preferably coextensive with the I-beam. The web is preferably substantially continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: J&L Structural, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Snyder, Michael A. Karczewski, Karl W. Shurskis, Sunil Saigal
  • Patent number: 6216396
    Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable barrier device for use with elevator door jamb panels and entryway doors and jambs to protect the surfaces of these panels and doors from sustaining damage from collisions with moving equipment, building materials and furniture. The device protects the surfaces from scratches and dents when furniture and construction materials inadvertently bang into these protected surfaces. The entryway protector comprises two sections and securing components. An inflatable main rectangular section is separated by a line of stitching from a minor rectangular section or flap that is filled with padding material. The securing components secure the protector to the surfaces against dislodging by contact with equipment, building materials and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Office Moving Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. Katz
  • Patent number: 6216405
    Abstract: A mounting and drainage system of a prefabricated building panel. The mounting system includes a first mounting plate mounted to a vertical stud of a frame and a second mounting plate mounted to an adjacent vertical stud of the frame. The first and second mounting plates face one another. A landing pad extends between the first and second mounting plates and is mounted on a landing hook that extends outward from a floor of a building. The landing pad is retained on the landing hook by a retaining plate extending from the landing hook. Welding plates having a slot therein are also provided on other mounting plates and are welded to an edge of the floor. The landing pad is removable once the prefabricated building panel is mounted on the building. A drainage system is also provided. The drainage system includes a drain aperture positioned on a lower track between an inner wall of building and the wall of the prefabricated building panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Easi-Set Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney I. Smith
  • Patent number: 6216412
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the reinforcement of a concrete beam, where the reinforcement comprises reinforcement rods which extend longitudinally and transversely and are locked at their mutual points of intersection. The invention consists of placing at least one reinforcement rod in an undercut corner in a cutout along outer sides of assembly frames disposed transversely to the reinforcement rods in that the assembly frames are two longitudinal girders and two transverse girders. A reinforcement rod may be locked with a spring shackle deformed for gripping around the reinforcement rod and one of the girders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: IB Andresen Industri A/S
    Inventor: Kurt Offersen