Patents Examined by Jerry Redman
  • Patent number: 9428948
    Abstract: A fluid-based spring counterbalance mechanism comprising an elastic flexible fluid-based spring disposed between a first plate and a second plate, each plate having a surface in contact with an end of the fluid-based spring. The counterbalance mechanism supports some or all of the weight of a movable barrier. A mechanism is configured to compress the flexible fluid-based spring between the respective surfaces of the two plates in response to motion of the movable barrier. By compressing the fluid-based spring, the counterbalance mechanism provides a force opposed to movement of the movable barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Roy Skotty
  • Patent number: 9422747
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to motorized closure assembly, comprising: an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SLIDER NEXT VISION LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Rodan, Giora Silne
  • Patent number: 9415671
    Abstract: A door weather strip includes an installation base member and a main seal part. A die molded part on a corner part connects an extrusion molded part on a roof side and an extrusion molded part on a pillar side. An installation base member of the extrusion molded part on the roof side has a foam seal lip. An installation base member of the die molded part has a die molded seal lip connected to the foam seal lip by die molding. Thickness of the die molded seal lip is thicker in a range from a position on a straight part on a roof side of the die molded part to a position on a curve than in a range from a position of connection between the extrusion molded part on the roof side and the die molded part to the position on the straight part on the roof side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruki Sentani
  • Patent number: 9404295
    Abstract: A sliding fenestration sash assembly includes a sliding sash and a frame having a first longitudinal member including at least one aperture. A pin is operatively connected to a handle and movable between a first position and a second position. The pin being biased into the aperture by the biasing member when the pin is aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eric A. Baczuk, Travis James Dodge
  • Patent number: 9404301
    Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening and a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed channel members. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertically juxtaposed members. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertically juxtaposed channel members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the vertically juxtaposed channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: HP DOORS, LLC
    Inventor: Roland W. Betker
  • Patent number: 9403422
    Abstract: Provided is a small plug door device capable of performing an opening/closing operation and a plugging operation with a door drive mechanism for causing a force in a vehicle front-rear direction to act on a door, and further applicable also to a one-panel sliding door. A slide base 12 is installed slidably in a vehicle width direction relative to a fixed base 11. A door drive mechanism 13 for moving one door 104 in a vehicle front-rear direction via a connecting portion 19 has a drive portion 13a including an electric motor 21, a drive wheel member 13b, a follower wheel member 13c, and an endless member 13d, and is installed on the slide base 12. A guide portion 15 guides a shaft portion 14 provided on the connecting portion 19 so as to move the shaft portion 14 in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutama Takahashi, Atsuhito Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9399388
    Abstract: A guide-pulley device is equipped with: a guide pulley having a plurality of grooves configured so as to independently accommodate two cables for moving in a manner such that when one moves in a winding direction, the other moves in a feeding direction; and a storage body for storing the guide pulley. The storage body has first and second storage members which attach to one another. The first storage member has a base on which a support shaft for supporting the guide pulley stands upright. The second storage member has a lid section which faces the base section. The first storage member also has a partition wall for forming two routing channels for routing each of the cables, and a plurality of hooks projecting from the partition into the grooves. The base, the partition wall, and the hooks are formed integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yasunaga, Kazuo Kojima
  • Patent number: 9399392
    Abstract: A front door weatherstrip for motor vehicles has a wind-noise suppressing rib formed in a groove portion defined between a hollow sealing lip and a tongue-shaped sealing lip of the door weatherstrip to serve as a dam against a flow in a longitudinal direction of the groove portion. When these lips are elastically deformed by closing the front door, the wind-noise suppressing rib penetrates into a recess portion of the hollow sealing lip to overlap with the recess portion and to make the flow continuous by a bypass flow through the recess portion. Therefore, the front door weatherstrip is improved in at least drainage property without affecting sealing property and door closure property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KINUGAWA RUBBER IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Togashi
  • Patent number: 9388999
    Abstract: A window security assembly includes a cage structured to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cage is further structured to have first section slidably coupled to a second section so the cage has an adjustable width. The cage is further structured to have an open side. The cage is positioned in a window such that the open side receives an air conditioner mounted in the window to surround the air conditioner. Each of a plurality of fasteners extends through the cage and engages the window such that the cage prevents an individual from tampering with the air conditioner or entering through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Angel De Jesus
  • Patent number: 9382005
    Abstract: A cabin segment for a vehicle includes two or more parking spaces, arranged side by side and separated from each other by at least one intermediate wall, for accommodating serving trolleys, and furthermore a vehicle attendant seat which on one side is held on one of the at least one intermediate walls so as to be pivotable on an axis. The vehicle attendant seat is pivotable to an in-use position and to an out-of-the-way position. The in-use position and the out-of-the-way position are situated apart by 90° or more relative to the pivoting of the vehicle attendant seat. This makes possible particularly efficient use of space without having to forego parking spaces or a vehicle attendant seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schliwa, Maria Strasdas
  • Patent number: 9376858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising protective netting suitable for use as a barrier for any type of opening located at a height. The device uses a set of specially designed aluminum sections that can be produced in series and are easy to handle, as well as comprising mobile anchoring elements that engage with guides provided on the section in order to mount the mesh-type safety net that can be used as a containment barrier, preferably for balconies, windows and staircase, which reduces the risk of falls by children and/or careless people, in a secure, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Andrea Luisa Grun
  • Patent number: 9376857
    Abstract: A vent cover system preferably includes a portable automated vent cover and a vacuum release door. The portable automated vent cover includes a drive system, a telescoping tube, a vent cover door and a collapsible mobile tripod. A vacuum break opening is formed through a middle of the vent cover door. The vacuum release door preferably includes a vacuum door plate, a plurality of retention pins, a sealing gasket and a tube flange. A plurality of pin holes are formed around a perimeter of the vacuum door plate to receive the plurality of retention pins. The plurality of retention pin are inserted through the plurality of pin holes and attached to the vent cover door. The tube flange includes an opening, which is sized to snugly receive an inner cover tube of the telescoping tube and is attached to a bottom of the vacuum door plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Baumgartner, Jonathan J. Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 9371685
    Abstract: A door mounting system for mounting a door includes a door mounting frame and a lifter mount. The door mounting frame is attachable to a door and is removable from that door. The lifter mount is attachable to a propulsion device such as a forklift. The lifter mount is attached to the door mounting frame so that the propulsion device provides a way to transport the door mounting frame and the door to a location where it is desired to install the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Greif Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Cooper, Raymond Shelton
  • Patent number: 9366070
    Abstract: A water management system for a fenestration assembly including a sash and a frame having a sill with a sash receiving region. A water collection space may be defined within a hollow portion of the sill. An active water management system may include a pump positioned within the frame of the fenestration assembly, a power source, a water sensor positioned within the hollow portion of the sill, a water intake positioned within the hollow portion of the sill, and a water outlet extending out of the fenestration assembly, with the water inlet and the water outlet in fluid communication with the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eric A. Baczuk
  • Patent number: 9359800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hood opening and closing device for zero tail type construction machinery that is used to open and close a swing type hood, at which a hinge portion is mounted on a fuel tank in a left-right direction. The hood opening and closing device for zero tail type construction machinery according to the present invention includes: a first sheet that is mounted on an outer side surface of a fuel tank; a pivot plate that is pivotally fixed to the hinge portion which is mounted on the first sheet; the swing type hood that is connected to an upper end of the pivot plate and is opened and closed in the left-right direction through a circular movement about the hinge portion; a second sheet that is mounted on an upper surface of the fuel tank; and a gas spring which has one end fixed to the second sheet and the other end fixed to a bottom surface of the swing type hood and supports, opens, and closes the swing type hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Seok-Won Kim, Taek-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9353569
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9352637
    Abstract: A protective window attachment for use with a vehicle includes a frame assembly detachably coupled to the vehicle and having an upper assembly pivotably mounted to the lower assembly, the upper assembly having an upper outer frame placed against edges of the window and upper bars having top ends coupled to the upper outer frame, each upper bar extending over the window and having a convex curvature, the lower assembly having a lower outer frame pivotably mounted to the upper outer frame, and a plurality of lower bars, the lower bars having top ends pivotably mounted to bottom ends of the upper bars and bottom ends coupled to the lower outer frame. The convex curvature of the upper bars creates sufficient space between the upper bars and the window to prevent external impact forces from reaching the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: James Clark Rabb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9347255
    Abstract: Channel reinforcements configured to move between open and closed location along with a window sash are described herein. The channel reinforcements may provide reinforcement to window jambs proximate the latch bolts that extend into jamb channels in the window jambs. The channel reinforcements may be coupled or uncoupled to the balances located in the window jambs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Dominick Benevenga, Juan Cornejo
  • Patent number: 9347252
    Abstract: A foot-operated door opener, with a foot-operated actuator element is located in the lower region of a door for opening the door, and the foot-operated actuator element has a one foot tread element which, when actuated by a foot, at least partially pivots downwards and inwards. The foot tread element is also guided in a forcibly guided manner by way of a forcibly guided element and one forcibly-guided moving element. The foot tread element is connected rotatably to an articulated element and rotatably connected to the forcibly-guided moving element in such a manner that, upon actuation by a foot, the foot tread element both executes a movement downwards and is also moved as a whole at least partially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Metiba Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventor: Sascha Klein
  • Patent number: 9341013
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic door sensor device (1) capable of preventing a door (3) which is transitioning from an open position to a closed position from being erroneously detected as an object by temporarily changing a detection area (A, C2, C3). The automatic door sensor device (1) includes a doorway area sensor (7a) that detects the presence of an object in a doorway area (B) which includes at least a portion of an area defined by the path of a door (3), detectors (6, 7b) that detect the presence and/or the movement of an object in changeable detection areas (A, C2, C3), and a detection area changer (31) that changes the detection areas (A, C2, C3) when it is determined, by using the doorway area sensor (7a), that the door (3) is transitioning from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OPTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Iwata, Masanao Shiraishi, Takayasu Ikeda, Takashi Kondo