Patents Examined by Omar Hijaz
  • Patent number: 9376798
    Abstract: An improved W-column provides flange tabs on the top-and-bottom outside corners of the W-column flanges, and vertical bolt-on connections to temporarily mount one column positioned by a crane on top of another by bolting the bolt-on connections to the corresponding flange tabs to properly align one W-column above another W-column. The improved W-column further allows the two vertically positioned W-columns also to be connected together by bolting the web of the upper W-column to the web of the lower W-column before permanently welding the two vertical W-columns together. Once positioned, these vertically aligned W-columns are can be permanently joined together with the Arcmatic® VertaSlag® ESW-NG welding process. In this manner all vertical W-column elements of a steel framed high rise building can be quickly erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: William L. Bong
  • Patent number: 9379660
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Radiance Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Tristan Farris Al-Haddad, Andrés Cavieres, Russell Gentry, Joseph Goodman, Wade Nolan, Taylor Pitelka, Keyan Rahimzadeh, Bradley Brooks, Joshua Lohr, Ryan Crooks, Jamie Porges, Daniel Rubin
  • Patent number: 9371663
    Abstract: An extruded mast section for a telescoping tower includes a hollow extrusion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the mast section. A telescoping tower assembly includes a first extruded mast section having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the first mast section along the interior surface. A second extruded mast section disposed within the first mast section has a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the second mast section along the interior surface. Support collars are disposed at the top and bottom ends of the second mast section each having keyways disposed around its outer perimeter and aligned with a different one of the screw bosses of the first extruded mast section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: US Tower Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Pereira, Jason Timothy Wadlington
  • Patent number: 9340990
    Abstract: A guardrail post includes a post body, a first sleeve secured to the post body, a locking mechanism, a second sleeve, a slider, a first fastener, a limiting seal cover, and a first hanging rod. The locking mechanism includes a locking tube, a locking sleeve, and four clamping pieces. The second sleeve extends into the locking sleeve. The slider slidably is received in the second sleeve. The limiting seal cover is positioned on the second sleeve. The first hanging rod extends into the limiting seal cover. The locking tube extends into the first sleeve and defines four first through holes, the locking sleeve is sleeved on the locking tube. The four clamping pieces are respectively positioned in the four first through holes, the locking sleeve resists the four clamping pieces inwardly. The first fastener rotatably connects the locking tube with the first hanging rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 9315986
    Abstract: A structure is described that includes a central channel with first and second ledges on a first and second side, respectively, of the central channel. The ledges include a first cutout in the first ledge and a second cutout in the second ledge aligned with the first cutout. The structure also includes a first side channel and a second side channel that each include an outer wall. The outer wall on the first side channel includes a first outer wall cutout that is aligned with the first cutout and the outer wall on the second side channel includes a second outer wall cutout that is aligned with the second cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Freeman Capital Company
    Inventors: Jorge Oliveira, Carl Edward Crow, Michael Hanson
  • Patent number: 9297158
    Abstract: A shearwall adapted for use in a building or other structure includes a main concrete portion and structural reinforcement positioned within the main concrete portion. The shearwall is configured to resist lateral forces to which the building or other structure may be subjected. Further, the shearwall is configured to accommodate a vertical load such that the need for at least one separate structural column is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Green Valley Corporation
    Inventors: Bo J. Lundmark, Clifford B. Swenson, Don R. Peoples, Hardip S. Pannu
  • Patent number: 9284730
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a profile used to support fire retardant and or wall sheathing behind opposing wall sheathing edges, horizontally at head of walls, and behind control/reveal joint profiles. The profiles are shaped to support wall sheathing, intumescent stopping, and fire rated “rips” of wall sheathing and work in a manner that allows protection or support of intersecting opposing drywall edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: James A. Klein
  • Patent number: 9279245
    Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a liner of a cured lining material arranged to be applied in liquid form to a metal object provided with the anchoring assembly, the anchoring assembly comprising an elongated mounting pin, which elongated mounting pin is arranged to be mounted, at a first end, to the metal object, and a plurality of spaced anchor fins, wherein the plurality of spaced anchors fins are connected to the elongated mounting pin at a second end and extend radially outwardly with respect to the elongated mounting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SILICON REFRACTORY ANCHORING SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Garot
  • Patent number: 9273443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a building including a facing, a backfill at the back of the facing, synthetic reinforcement strips distributed in the backfill, and a connection system between the reinforcement strips and the backfill. The connection system includes fasteners having the shape of a continuous closed loop, each including two first portions for hooking to the facing and, alternating with the first portions along the closed loop shape, two second portions extending towards the back of the facing where they are folded back to form two loops inside of which at least one reinforcement strip extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONALE
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot, Gilles Berard
  • Patent number: 9234380
    Abstract: A composite frame member includes a pair of profile members extending in a longitudinal direction (Z) and held at connection regions thereof in a parallel, spaced apart relation by an insulating bridge member. The bridge member carries first and second head portions on opposite ends in a height direction (Y) wherein the head portions define outer planar surfaces and first and second inner planar surfaces. The first outer planar surface and the first and second inner planar surfaces of each head portion are mutually parallel and spaced apart in the height direction (Y). Opposed first and second flange members of each connection region are crimped inwardly and abut the outer planar surfaces and generate holding forces F exclusively in the height direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Z) and transverse (X) directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Technoform Bautec North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Bart Hensley
  • Patent number: 9219443
    Abstract: A solar panel mounting for installing a solar cell panel on a folded-plate roof. The mounting includes a metal foundation fixedly attachable to a ridge of the folded-plate roof, a plurality of first brackets including a foundation-side-bracket and a panel-side-bracket, a base of elongated shape, and a mounting bracket to mount the foundation-side-bracket and the panel-side-bracket on the base. The first brackets each include a first coupling portion and a first triangular portion. The first triangular portion is of generally triangular shape including a hypotenuse portion and extends perpendicularly from the first coupling portion. The first coupling portion of the foundation-side-bracket is coupled to the metal foundation. The first coupling portion of the panel-side-bracket is configured to support a solar cell panel. The foundation-side-brackets and the panel-side-brackets are located on top of the metal foundation such that the hypotenuse portions are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Nissei Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiro Shibata, Takashi Aotani, Yoshihito Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9217277
    Abstract: A drainage system is configured for draining water or other liquid intrusion in to building structure openings, access routes, including fenestration, door or window products. Embodiments include adjustable height drainage systems that are vertically adjustable to controllably place the height of the drainage system above, below or flush with one or more surrounding floor or fenestration portal surfaces. One or more adjustable members controllably move and position the cover with respect to the drainage system body. Drainage systems are readily accessible for service and/or adjustment of the drainage system without removal or disassembly of a fenestration product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: John B. Higman and Valorie J. Higman
    Inventor: Eric David Hans
  • Patent number: 9212463
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9187949
    Abstract: A spacer assembly has a first end and a second end. A first elongate strip extends from the first end to the second end and a second elongate strip is spaced from the first elongate strip, and also extends from the first end to the second end. A sealant is disposed between the first end and the second end and a first flap protrudes from the second end and overlaps a portion of the first end. In a variety of embodiments a primary seal is defined between the first end and the second end and a flap protruding from the second end and extending over the first end defines a secondary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Guardian IG, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Trpkovski, Raimo T. Nieminen
  • Patent number: 9187904
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for protecting well head equipment at a surface location is made up of an open framework of structural members which surround and protect the well head. Individual steel panels are assembled to form a series of upstanding walls which are covered by a series of roof panels and which together define the quasi-enclosed area surrounding the well head. The roof panels are covered with a steel grating which forms a covered roof for the protective enclosure. The tubing which makes up the steel panels is spaced to allow access to the enclosed area by a worker needing to access the well head. Upright legs of the steel panels are joined together by hinged brackets. The panels can also be secured to the surrounding terrain by a cemented retainer arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. Stanton
  • Patent number: 9175493
    Abstract: A core component for a base of a tower assembly includes a body of the core component and a flange. The body has an arcuate outer sidewall and an arcuate inner sidewall. The body includes a hole extending from the outer sidewall to a bottom of the body. The flange extends from the arcuate inner sidewall of the body. The flange includes at least one bore hole configured to receive a post-tensioning tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Tindall Corporation
    Inventor: Bryant Allan Zavitz
  • Patent number: 9175495
    Abstract: A gravestone marker that includes a viewing chamber for receiving photographs and other small objects such as memorabilia honoring the deceased that includes a cement base frame with a hollow interior of a predetermined size and shape for placing on a concrete slab above the grave of the deceased, and a sheet of transparent bulletproof material that can be glass or plastic permanently attached by concrete epoxy adhesive to the concrete base frame forming a chamber beneath the transparent sheet. The chamber can receive photographs and other objects that can be viewed by persons standing at the gravesite. The strength of the transparent sheet of material can prevent vandalism or theft at the gravesite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Izak Du Bruyn
  • Patent number: 9169639
    Abstract: An electrically insulative frame configured for attachment to a dropped ceiling grid, having a plurality of cells formed by cell members, including an open cell having a cell opening. The frame insulates the cell opening when attached therein. A worker, having a head and torso, may extend his/her head and torso through the frame while being electrically insulated from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: David Conroy
  • Patent number: 9157239
    Abstract: Roof ridge vent system adapted for housing a plurality of fans in a central airflow channel positioned directly over the opening in a ridge portion of a roof for ventilating a plurality of vent chutes or attic space comprising: a hood member engaged with outer edge portions of vent members having air-passageway holes defined therein and inner edge portions preferably being hinged respectively to inner edge portions of base members so as to be adapted for installation on variously-pitched roofs, each base member also having outer edge portions defining a wall adapted for blocking wind from being blown into the vent and for causing airflow over the top of the vent to encourage airflow through the vent system. Vent member sections may be installed end-to-end to define an elongated airflow channel adapted for ventilating with or without assistance from the fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Digital Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Allen, Jay Kamani, Phuong Le
  • Patent number: 9157237
    Abstract: A device for securing a roof tile crown or cap to a roof ridge or roof hip is described. The roof tile crown support can be easily and quickly secured to an existing roofing structure. The device contains a main body defined by a plurality of opposing side walls, a top wall, and a pair of leg plate support structures, attached or integrally formed to each of the opposing side walls. Within the interior region of the roof tile crown support, a support structure is secured therein. To aid in shipping, a plurality of like-shaped roof tile crown support units can be adapted to nest within other like shaped roof tile crown supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: T&S Newco, LLC
    Inventor: Terry R. Johnson