Patents Examined by Mark Wendell
  • Patent number: 10968634
    Abstract: A covering system provides a structural insulated panel for covering a roof having standing seams. The insulation is a composite core made of EPS and other polymers such as polyurethane. At least one panel covers a mounting surface, like a roof, and at least one protruding seam on the roof. The panel utilize a deformation, or crimping to form connections with adjacent panels and attachments with the mounting surface. A bracket fastens to the mounting surface by crimping onto the protruding seam. An exterior portion includes a pair of stabilizers that extend outwardly. A pair of stabilizer ends crimp onto a support portion of the mounting bracket for fastening. The crimping mechanism minimizes the need for penetrating the mounting surface with fasteners and reduces space between seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Scott Timothy Bolo
  • Patent number: 9523188
    Abstract: A framing structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core. The elements include a hollow-interior column and a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material. The hollow interior of the column and the cavity of the beam form a continuous volume that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DIVERSAKORE LLC
    Inventors: Housh Rahimzadeh, Marc Rahimzadeh
  • Patent number: 9516768
    Abstract: An improved conduit apparatus in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept includes one or more conduits that each enclose therein an electrical conductor that carries a phase of a multi-phase electrical supply. The conduits are connected to the walls of the electrical enclosures with an attachment apparatus that extends between the conduits and the walls of the electrical enclosures. A clamp apparatus retains the electrical conductors in a state of tension within an interior region of the conduits in a position spaced from the walls of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Garett Sims, Austin Parker Finley, Michael Howard Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 9506247
    Abstract: A window assembly for partition walls. The window assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies that are configured to be connected to a partition frame around an opening through the partition frame. Each connector assembly includes a base structure and at least one movable retainer that is biased towards an engaged position. The window assembly also includes a subframe including two pairs of elongated subframe members having opposite ends that are rigidly interconnected to define a generally rectangular central opening. The subframe further defines oppositely facing inner and outer side faces. The subframe includes a connecting portion protruding away from the inner side face and engaging the movable retainer to connect the subframe to the connector assemblies. The window assembly further includes at least one sheet of light-transmitting material secured to the subframe and extending across the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 9506239
    Abstract: A beam to column joint connection structure of a building framework has a column assembly and a beam assembly. The column assembly includes a column, a pair of gusset plates on opposite sides of the column, and bearing elements. The beam assembly includes a beam having an end portion received between the gusset plates. The beam assembly has bearing elements. The bearing elements are positioned with respect to each other to prevent movement of the beam assembly relative to the column assembly by engagement of exterior bearing engagement surfaces of the bearing elements of the column assembly with exterior engagement bearing surfaces of the bearing elements of the beam assembly in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the beam. The beam-to-column joint connection does not require any bolts or welds connecting the beam assembly to the column assembly, resulting in an all bearing moment connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MITEK HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Houghton
  • Patent number: 9499984
    Abstract: A method to create a precast concrete module includes: pouring the foundation; placing a welded wire mesh reinforced polystyrene panel into a wet mix; allowing the mix to partially set up, and pouring the top of the slab; installing wall and roof panels and mechanically attaching them with welded wire mesh; installing electrical and plumbing prior to placing concrete forms; placing the forms and pouring concrete mix into the forms; and wrecking the forms and finishing out the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Strong Built Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Alan Manning
  • Patent number: 9488013
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bi-directionally raisable drilling rig mast system that includes a drilling rig mast having a bi-directional mast erection connection, a first erection connection positioned proximate a first side of a rig substructure, and a second erection connection positioned proximate a second side of the rig substructure, the second side being at an opposite side of the rig substructure from the first side. The system further includes at least one mast erection apparatus having an upper end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the bi-directional mast erection connection and a lower end that is adapted to be pivotably attached to the first erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the first side of the substructure, the lower end being further adapted to be pivotably attached to the second erection connection for erecting the drilling rig mast from the second side of the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Xilin Liu
  • Patent number: 9481973
    Abstract: A post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement for concrete foundations is provided. The post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement compresses the concrete to prevent cracking and significantly reduces foundation deflection and distortion which increases rotational stiffness in anchor caps, spread foundations, and like foundation configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9480333
    Abstract: A lifting column, preferably for height-adjustable tables comprises a guide with three mutually telescopic members (1,2,3) and a motor driven spindle unit for bringing about the movement. The second member (2) of the guide is with a lower end secured to a lower end of the second spindle (6). The second spindle nut (8) co-operating with the second spindle (6) is with a bearing (18) with a rigid connection (28) fixed to a shaft stub (16) secured to an upper end of a drive tube (9). The shaft stub (16) is via a second bearing (20) secured to a mounting plate (23), by means of which the spindle unit is secured in the lifting column. Thus, the vertical load on the lifting column is led through the spindle unit around the guide (1,2,3). This enables a better and more optimum dimensioning of the guide (1,2,3) and the spindle unit, just as it is advantageous in terms of assembly and not least it enables a better implementing of a squeeze protection in the lifting columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Michael Lindekilde Randløv
  • Patent number: 9470036
    Abstract: An installation assembly includes an installation member for use along a rough opening frame. The installation member includes a locking ridge. A fenestration interface is provided for use along a fenestration unit. The fenestration interface includes a fenestration anchor near the first end. The fenestration interface is movable within the rough opening frame from an unlocked configuration to a locked installed configuration. In the unlocked configuration the fenestration anchor slides over the locking ridge as the fenestration unit with the fenestration interface is seated within the rough opening frame. In the locked installed configuration the fenestration anchor slides off the locking ridge and the locking ridge is in an intercepting position relative to the fenestration anchor to fix the fenestration interface and the fenestration unit within the rough opening frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company
    Inventors: Peter Hodgson, Chris Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 9469412
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit mounting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of linkages to support an auxiliary power unit, and a redundant mount to selectively support said auxiliary power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Andrew Nager, David Lau
  • Patent number: 9458620
    Abstract: A grid structure formed from a plurality of building blocks, the grid structure comprising: a plurality of flat panels, wherein two of the plurality of flat panels are paired in parallel to have one of the two parallel flat panels provide an inner surface to one building block from the plurality of building blocks and the other of the two parallel flat panels provide an inner surface to another building block from the plurality of building blocks, wherein within each of the plurality of building blocks, the inner surfaces of any two adjacent panels lie on planes intersecting along a straight line that passes through an inner corner of the building block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Singapore University of Technology and Design
    Inventors: Andres Sevtsuk, Raul Kalvo
  • Patent number: 9458642
    Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ultimate Strength Cable, LLC
    Inventor: Walter L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 9458633
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a roof membrane is provided. The roofing membrane includes a main body, a first adhesive material, and a second adhesive material. The first adhesive material is bonded to a top surface of the main body and positioned toward a first edge thereof. The second adhesive material is bonded to the top surface of the main body and positioned toward a second edge thereof. The second edge is positioned opposite the first edge such that the first and second adhesive materials are positioned toward opposite edges of the main body and the same surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Ethan Nelson McGraw, Troy Furgal, Todd Nathan, Eric Alden Olson, Zebonie Sukle
  • Patent number: 9452798
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a positioning structure. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The positioning structure includes a receiving member, a first seal member, and a movable member. The first seal member is configured to provide a first gate of a first passageway together with the receiving member. The first seal member includes a spherical surface contactable with the receiving member to close the first gate. The movable member is configured to move the first seal member relative to the receiving member to open the first gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 9447578
    Abstract: A modular masonry system includes a plurality of masonry modules each having inner and outer structural members. Top and bottom spanning members extend the length of the inner and outer structural members and are retained within respective upper and lower retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members. The top spanning member includes a second retaining feature that cooperates with a first retaining feature of the bottom spanning member of an adjacent masonry module. An insulation member is disposed within an interior volume defined between the inner and outer structural members and the top and bottom spanning members. The first retaining feature of each bottom spanning member slidably engages the second retaining feature of at least one vertically adjacent top spanning member. The engagement of the first and second retaining features aligns and secures the engaged masonry modules without the use of mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Nelson DeBoer
  • Patent number: 9447581
    Abstract: A roofing shingle having fire resistance material added to the shingle in a localized area includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion, a first asphalt-based coating impregnating the first portion, the first asphalt coating including a fire retardant material, and a second asphalt-based coating impregnating the second portion, the second asphalt coating containing less of the fire retardant material than the first asphalt coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Richard Harrington, Jonathan M. Verhoff
  • Patent number: 9441365
    Abstract: A formwork apparatus for forming a concrete structure comprises a plurality of elongated panels comprising connector components at their transverse edges for connecting to one another in edge-adjacent relationship. Each one of the elongated panels comprises an outer surface that extends between its transverse edges and an inner surface that extends between its transverse edges at a location inwardly spaced apart from the outer surface. The inner surface comprises one or more inwardly projecting convexities that extend between the transverse edges. The inwardly projecting convexities may comprise arcuate-shaped surfaces. The inwardly projecting convexities may comprise a plurality of transversely adjacent convexities. There may be brace elements that extend part way between or all the way between the outer and inner surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin, Zi Li Fang
  • Patent number: 9441366
    Abstract: Joist subframe systems including vertically arranged support members each having adjustable height securing members coupled with the support member in a fixed position and horizontally arranged elongate frame members configured to support one or more overlying surface members and shown and described. Each of the elongate frame members including an elongate body with at least one horizontal wall and one or more support member attachment mechanisms configured to couple one of the support members to the elongate body. In some examples, the adjustable height securing members are selectively tightenable and loosenable to the support members for adjustable coupling to the support member and to releasably fix a position of the support member to one of the plurality of elongate frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Jeremy James Anseth
  • Patent number: 9441762
    Abstract: A cable guide apparatus includes a first longitudinal channel defined by first, second, and third walls, the third wall toward and away from the first. The second and third walls may have a plurality of openings to facilitate bending of the longitudinal channel and any cables secured therein. The first wall may include a plurality of closure mechanisms, such as hooks, and the third wall may include a plurality of closure mechanisms, such as lips. The cable guide apparatus has an open condition in which cables may easily be inserted into the channel, and a closed condition in which the cables are secured in the channel. The width of the openings may define a maximum amount the cable guide apparatus may bend, such that cables secured within the apparatus do not bend to the point of being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu