Patents Examined by Kyle J. Walraed-Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11203872
    Abstract: A traveling step structure is mounted to a warehouse rack to allow convenient access to elevated shelves without blocking shelving corridors. A rack track is mounted to a rack between vertical rack members and a support track is fixed to the surface which supports the rack. The traveling step structure has a first frame mounted with followers to the rack track, and a second frame positioned outwardly from the first frame, and connected to the first frame for movement from a retracted position to an extended position. A plurality of steps extend between the first frame and the second frame and are pivotably mounted to both frames. When a user desires to access an elevated rack shelf, the second frame is pulled outwardly and downwardly to bring the steps into a horizontal position. A damper assembly is mounted between the first frame and a step to cushion extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Dennis J. Hilgendorf
  • Patent number: 11197548
    Abstract: A reclining control system for a chair having a back and a seat including a rigid seat member having a bottom surface and a first rigid link having a first end and second end. The first end of the first rigid link may be adapted to engage the back and the second end of the first rigid link may be positioned proximally adjacent to the bottom surface of the rigid seat member. A rigid link may have a first end and a second end, where the first end of the rigid link may engage the bottom surface of the rigid seat member at an engagement point. The second end of rigid link may engage the second end of the first rigid link in an aft position. The reclining control system for a chair may further include a pivoting link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the pivoting link may engage the bottom surface of the rigid seat member at the engagement point and the second end of the pivoting link may engage the second end of the first rigid link in a fore position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Theesfeld, Shaun J. Smith, Timothy J. Weaver, Aaron Duke
  • Patent number: 11197553
    Abstract: A wearable chair includes: a thigh link extending in an extension direction of a wearer's thigh to be connected to the wearer's thigh; a crus link extending in an extension direction of the wearer's crus to be connected to the wearer's crus, having an upper end portion rotatably coupled to a lower end portion of the thigh link, and prevented from rotating such that an angle between the crus link and the thigh link is less than a sitting angle; and a contact link having a first end rotatably coupled to a lower end portion of the crus link and a second end coming in contact with the ground at a predetermined position from the crus link by rotating with respect to the first end with relative rotation between the thigh link and the crus link when the wearer is in a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Seop Lim, Dong Jin Hyun
  • Patent number: 11177764
    Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus used for holding solar panels and a roof structure, including an elongate rail member, an elongate capping member movably connected to the elongate rail member, a plurality of interconnected adjustment devices, and a drive mechanism. The adjustment devices are spaced apart along a length of the elongate rail member and are configured to move the elongate capping member relative to the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is configured to control the movement of the adjustment devices to affect the clamping of the solar array panels between the elongate capping member and the elongate rail member. The drive mechanism is adjustable from a single location along the elongate rail member, such as from an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Ferris, Howard Kohler, Myles Kohler
  • Patent number: 11162262
    Abstract: A trussed joist (such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) is provided which includes an upper chord and a lower chord connected to each other by descending and ascending diagonals making triangular or trapezoid openings across the joist. The joist is supported at lower chord not matching the truss node point or supported at the upper chord whereby the joist is unworkable. At least one reinforcing is fixed at the faces of the chords by dowel fasteners. The reinforcing element overlaps at least one truss node point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Tuomo Poutanen
  • Patent number: 11136779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seismic isolation device, including: a sliding platform (100) having a sliding surface (120) of a downwardly concave spherical shape formed on an upper surface thereof; and a sliding body (200) placed on the sliding surface (120) being capable of sliding on the sliding surface (120) by means of a sliding means, wherein the sliding body (200) slides on the sliding surface (120) in a situation where an earthquake occurs to effectively absorb vibrations applied to a structure, such that the structure can be safely protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventors: Heung Yeol Kim, Hyun Joo Kim, Nicole Yoonjung Kim
  • Patent number: 11130424
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly. The assembly also includes a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command, and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seating assembly based on a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jerry R. Brown, Sean Bayle West, Pietro Buttolo, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11124963
    Abstract: A firestopping apparatus including a housing defined by first and second housing members. Each housing member includes a width direction wall panel and a height direction wall panel. The width direction wall panel of the first housing member is configured to connect with the height direction wall panel of the second housing member and the width direction wall panel of the second housing member is configured to connect with the height direction wall panel of the first housing member to define an assembled housing with a through passage. Intumescent material is positioned along an inner surface of each wall panel. A compressible foam is positioned within the intumescent material and substantially closes off the through passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Stahl, Jr., Paul Gandolfo, Neal Janus, Steven Faiello, Julio Lopes
  • Patent number: 11118354
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing products, for example, suitable for use covering and protecting the roofs of structures. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a roofing product including an upper section and an exposed section. The roofing product includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of zones of roofing granules disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of zones includes first, second and third zones within the exposed section. The first zone includes a first collection of algae-resistant roofing granules and has a first algae-resistance intensity. The second zone includes a second collection of algae-resistant roofing granules and has a second algae-resistance intensity. The third zone has a third algae-resistance intensity that is different from the first algae-resistance intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CertainTeed LLC
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Tang, Shuang Liu, Robert L. Jenkins, Mark W. Simon
  • Patent number: 11105097
    Abstract: Roofing panels for concealing a biocidal source are described. In embodiments, the roofing panels include a body having as top side, a bottom side parallel with the top side, a front edge, a rear edge, and a left edge. The roofing panels may further include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and one or more standoffs. The first and second sidewalls may have a tapered sidewall height that provides a gap between the body of the roofing panel and underlying material. The roofing panel may be installed over a biocidal source on a roof, concealing the biocidal source from view while still allowing liquid (e.g., water) to flow over the biocidal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ERASERSPACER LLC
    Inventor: William W. Kain
  • Patent number: 11091894
    Abstract: Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Richard J. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 11084407
    Abstract: The invention relates primarily to an armrest with an arm support (11) pivotable about an axis (a) between an upper end position and a lower end position, with a locking mechanism (13) movable between a locked position and a released position, comprising first detent (14) on the arm support (11) and second detent (15) on a structure (12) with fixed position, wherein the first detent (14) and the second detent (15) are engaged when the locking mechanism (13) is in a locked position and are disengaged when the locking mechanism is in a released position. The special feature thereof consists in that at least a partial range of the movement of the locking mechanism (13) in at least one direction between the released position and the locked position takes place in damped manner by a damping element (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Hubert Keller, Erwin Himmelhuber
  • Patent number: 11078641
    Abstract: Foundation integral construction components and support systems where multiple pile foundation components are incorporated into a structure system that is connected to, or otherwise part of the foundation, can further reduce the need for excavation and thus preserve existing contours and drainage properties of the land. These multiple pile foundation systems, are applicable to a wide variety of site and soil conditions and a wide variety of surface structures or buildings. The multiple pile foundation system can reduce the need for site excavation, drainage control, and soil backfill by transferring load from a portion of a structure to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Richard J. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 11077778
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a compartment of a vehicle interior is provided. The latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to a cover of the compartment. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott K. Miller, Thomas D. Hallman
  • Patent number: 11053923
    Abstract: A modular foundation includes a central portion and a plurality of legs non-rotatably secured to and extending from the central portion. The plurality of legs are substantially equally spaced apart from each other wherein each leg includes a proximal end and a distal end. A ballast support adapter is attached to the distal end of each leg wherein the adapter is configured to support one or more ballast plates such that each leg can be independently positioned for leveling the foundation and supporting the monopole in a vertical position. A platform supports the monopole and is pivotally attached to the central portion wherein the platform is configured to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: ARE TELECOM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Clifton, Dion Johnson
  • Patent number: 11053694
    Abstract: A deck resurfacing material is made of a kiln-dried, southern yellow pine board. The board has had treatment with a non-metallic preservative and stabilizer system. The board has a top, a length, two ends and two sides with side edges. A grooved pattern on top includes flat areas at each side, two sets of grooves interiorly of the flat areas and another flat area interiorly between the two sets of grooves. The board has a transition from the top to each side edge that is radiused and the side edges are not tongue-and grooved. The two ends have end matching in the form of a tongue at one end of the board and a groove at the other end of the board so the board can be installed with end matching to a like board, and a transition from the top to each end that is a radiused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Robert B. Jordan, IV, Eddie Alexander Meeks
  • Patent number: 11026374
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping support component and methods of use. The invention relates to the maintenance and partitioning of landscaping elements. In particular, the invention maintains the integrity of hardscape elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Kyle Guerrini
  • Patent number: 11026513
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving blood flow in a user's leg and improving posture is disclosed herein. The apparatus is a portable seating cushion that a user may sit upon, which improves blood flow by reducing point-pressure that may otherwise be applied to nerves and blood vessels in a user's leg, including the sciatic nerve. Moreover, the portable seating cushion improves posture by creating a forward pelvic tilt, which causes the rest of the user's shoulders, spine, back, and neck to come into alignment when the user sits on the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: MelloBe LLC
    Inventor: Julia Bates
  • Patent number: 11021255
    Abstract: An aircraft seat with tilt-shift functionality includes a backrest frame pivotably mounted to the seat frame, the backrest frame having rollers set into its upright end that translate through slots in the seat frame and lateral slots in its forward end capable of accepting sliders attached to the seatpan. When a passenger leans backward in the seat, tilting the backrest frame backward and downward, a shift linkage below the backrest frame translates the backward tilt to a forward shift of the seatpan forward to enhance the comfort of the passenger. The aircraft seat may further be capable of longitudinal and lateral translation as well as a full 360-degree swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Oleson, Andrew J. Shutter, John Iossifidis
  • Patent number: 11021865
    Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. The full-length beam is bolted to the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly. A brace has an end portion received between the gusset plates and makes an angle with the beam and with the column. The brace is bolted to the gusset plates at the end portion of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Houghton, Behzad Rafezy, Jared J. Adams