Patents Examined by Steve Varner
  • Patent number: 6679008
    Abstract: A building that may be assembled from only interconnecting corrugated sheets without the need for expensive brackets or specialized assembly tools and which is quick and easy to construct using the novel construction method as taught herein. The building further provides unique roof construction that is extremely strong and eliminates the need for typical roof trusses. Also the building can be custom designed and used for any purpose of consumer choice, and may be sold as a kit with complete assembly instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Wayne R. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 6679014
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a water heater on the roof of a building or at another location outside of the building. A roof curb surrounds a hole in the roof, and a base member is mounted to the roof curb. Alternatively, the base member is mounted on a concrete pad at ground level. A water tank is mounted to the base member with the longitudinal axis of the water tank extending horizontally. Support rails are mounted to the base member, and wedge-shaped supports are mounted to the support rails. The wedge-shaped supports are interconnected with tank mounted brackets that are mounted to the sides of the water tank. Thermally insulated spacers are interposed between the wedge-shaped supports and the tank mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventors: Dennis R. Hughes, Marc W. Akkala, Kevin M. Field, Randy T. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6675549
    Abstract: A processing machine installation is provided with a processing machine having a tool for machining a workpiece, heat-generating potions and non-heat-generating portions, a first cover for defining a air conditioned processing machine room around the processing machine, an air injector including a plurality of air outlet, provided in the first cover, for directing air to the respective portions of the processing machine, the air outlet being distributed depending on the amount of heat generated in the respective portions of the processing machine so that the air flow through the air outlet portions are adjusted to substantially level the temperature of the respective portions of the processing machine an air conditioner for controlling the temperature rate of the air supplied to the air injector he basis of the air temperature in the air conditioned processing machine room. The air temperature in the air conditioned processing machine room is controlled to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kaneda, Toshiyuki Kusakari
  • Patent number: 6672013
    Abstract: An improved method for mounting elevator rails within a hoistway includes the initial step of securing support brackets to a pair of rails. The brackets, rails, a machine for driving a cab and a dead end hitch are then mounted within the hoistway. A cab may then be moved vertically within the hoistway and additional support brackets are placed at vertically spaced locations. The connection of the brackets and rails provides support to dissipate the loads which are transferred into the rail in such systems wherein the machine or the dead end hitch is fixed to a rail. Once the rails have been adequately supported by additional brackets, the brackets which are secured to the rails are removed from the rail. The brackets provide support, but are no longer fixed to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Glassey, Leandre Adifon, Thomas Landry, Bruce Swaybill, Richard Fargo, Jim Rivera, Bruce St. Pierre
  • Patent number: 6662511
    Abstract: A device is provided which enables an object such as a window protection device to be secured to a structure, where the device passes through a hole in one or more structures located between the object, and the structure to which attachment is desired. The device can be screwed, or otherwise attached, to wood structural framing which is concealed beneath veneer, such as bricks and other masonry. The other end of the device receives a tool which allows such an installation, and also the removal of the device. The other end also receives a fastener, such as a bolt, which secures the material or the track to the end of the device, the end of the device being substantially flush with the exterior veneer surface. The end of the device is flared to seal the hole in the veneer and increase the stability of the device in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Karl Alty
  • Patent number: 6662517
    Abstract: A hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting a roof to a wall on new construction and existing houses. The connector can tie together the outside wall sheathing, top plate, roof rafter or roof truss, and roof sheathing. The metal connector comprises a base member, rafter tabs, spacer webs, sheathing tabs, and gussets. The wide base member holds the wall sheathing securely to the wall and prevents bowing out and lateral movements. The rafter tabs and gussets attach to the roof rafter or roof truss. Parallel bends on the spacer allow the sheathing tab to be attached to different roof slopes. The connector can also be made into left's and right's for attaching onto odd size structural members. The connector helps prevent wind and seismic damage to a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6651393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of module in which the floor of the module is integral with the ceiling placement upon the module below it. This invention also provides utilization of temperature top protection a module during shipment. This invention also relates to a construction method where the stabilizing structure for the building including stairs and hallways constructed first, and the module are constructed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lorwood Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Don, Victor Lissiak
  • Patent number: 6647691
    Abstract: A track arrangement for supporting wall studs is provided. The track arrangement includes a central longitudinal extension, first and second sidewalls and a first stud clip arrangement comprising a pair of stud clips. In a preferred embodiment, each clip comprises a portion of the sidewall bent inwardly, to form a cam surface and a stud ridge receiver. During use, the stud is forced toward the cam surface, bending the clip until a portion of the stud, specifically a stud ridge, is received in the stud ridge receiver. This will secure the stud in place, against undesired movement relative to the track. Wall assemblies are provided which preferably involve one such track arrangement positioned on the floor as a floor track, and one on the ceiling, as a ceiling track, with a stud extending therebetween. The wall framework assembly can be assembled as a slip track, or as a non-slip track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Duane William Becker, Brian Duane Becker
  • Patent number: 6647687
    Abstract: Siding is provided for protective use on a structure. The siding simulates log construction and includes one or more panels which each include a top section, mounting section, flat section, female locking flange section, bowed section and male locking flange section. Each panel may be textured to simulate real logs. A film can be adhesively attached to the surface of the panels to simulate wood grain, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Poly-Foam International Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Kern
  • Patent number: 6647671
    Abstract: A snow guard assembly adapted to be attached to a metal roof seam is provided, having a mounting assembly for having increased gripping efficiency. The mounting assembly includes a mounting block having a seam-receiving groove, and at least one channel formed on an internal side of the seam-receiving groove. A lever member disposed within each channel is pivotally secured at one end by a pivot member. A coupling element passes through a side of the mounting block proximate the other end of the lever member. When the coupling element contacts the lever member, the lever member moves from the channel to a position within the seam-receiving groove. The metal roof seam housed in the seam-receiving groove is deformed under force provided by the mechanical advantage of the lever to form a gripping area that secures the mounting assembly to the metal roof seam and prevents relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6643984
    Abstract: A frame-attached window panel wherein a frame member comprises a base portion attached firmly to a peripheral portion of a window panel and a primary molding molded integrally with the base portion, and the primary molding is made of a material different from the material for the base portion. The generation of noises can be suppressed by the presence of the frame member which can be formed at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kato, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Takanobu Kondo, Nobuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6643990
    Abstract: The modular molding system of the present invention comprises a plurality of modular molding sections for covering the joint formed between a vertical wall and a ceiling to create a crown molding. The sections, preferably formed of a thin plastic vacuum-molded material, include an angled faced portion and a horizontal alignment portion interconnected with the angled face portion. The molding sections include a first straight end and a second angled end. The angled ends are used for forming coped corner moldings, the angled end of one section contacting the face of another section at a right angle. A desired length of linear molding is formed by overlapping the straight end of a first section over the angled end of a second section. This process can be repeated to form a molding of desired length. The molding sections are flexible to abut to an uneven surface of a vertical wall. The horizontal alignment portion carries an adhesive which allows the molding to be adhered to a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: James Jensen
  • Patent number: 6637171
    Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for suspending rebar is disclosed. The rebar isolator of the present invention comprises a pointed metal spike or stake with one or more hollow-bodied rebar supports. Each of the hollow-bodied rebar supports has a support arm which supports the horizontally-positioned rebar. In addition, the spike or stake portion of the rebar isolator has a number of crimped zones which prevent the support arms from shifting downward or rotating in place when the concrete is poured over the horizontally-positioned rebar. The number of crimped zones corresponds to the number of hollow-bodied cylindrical rebar isolator supports and one crimped zone is located immediately below each of the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan D. Toone
  • Patent number: 6631594
    Abstract: Components for a roof assembly include a glazing having a main support member and a cap engaging member. The cap engaging member has a detent portion extending from an edge region back towards an opposite edge region. The component also includes a beam member a main support member and a rafter support member for supporting a rafter assembly. The rafter support member has a securing portion extending from an edge region. A ridge end member is also disclosed which has a plurality of segment extending radially outwardly from a hub member. Each segment has an elongate mounting member on an edge opposite the hub member. There is also disclosed a wing member for a valley rafter assembly. The wing member has first and second elements secured together. Each of the elements comprises a portion of a mounting formation to which a glazing bar can be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: R A Whiting Design Limited
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Whiting
  • Patent number: 6625947
    Abstract: A method and system for installing an insulated concrete wall includes insulation panels placed in an upright manner. Generally T-shaped wall studs are placed next to the insulation panels such that the front section of the wall stud is on the outside of the insulation panels and an anchoring section of the wall stud extends beyond the insulation panels into the gap into which concrete will later be poured. Concrete pouring forms are placed so as to render the gap into which concrete will be poured a desired thickness. The wall stud may also include slots for receiving cross-ties that secure the concrete pouring forms in proper position and retaining nubs that prevent the insulation panels from floating when concrete is poured. Concrete is then poured into the gap, surrounding the anchoring section the T-shaped wall stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ferrall Burgett
  • Patent number: 6622448
    Abstract: Hold-down clips for insulation. The clips have U-shaped bases for wrapping about the exposed edges of framing members such as 2×4s, 2×6s, 2×8s, and 2×10s, and the like, that are used under roofs, ceilings, floors and walls. The clips have side extending arms that abut against the insulation materials and can include protruding portions which further press the insulation material in place. The U-shaped bases can further include inwardly protruding bent tabs, dimples, and spike portions for further locking the clips to the framing members. The clips can be easily installed without the need for tools such as hammers, nail guns, and staple type guns, as well as not need any additional fasteners such as nails, screws, and staples, in order to be installed. An optional through-hole in the base portion can allow for an extra fastener to be used where the through-hole provides direct guidance for placing the optional fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Sonne
  • Patent number: 6618999
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a lifting structure having a crown and at least one traveling block, and an oil derrick having a crown bumper, wherein the safety apparatus comprises at least two support beams attached to crown of the lifting structure; a plate secured between the support beams; a bumper pad secured to the plate and adapted to be positioned at the crown of the lifting structure to cushion any impact with the traveling block if the traveling block is lifted towards the crown without stopping and the oil drilling rig apparatus, comprises: a derrick having a lower end for mounting on a platform, an upwardly projecting frame, and an upper, crown end; a traveling block suspended from the upper crown end within the derrick frame; drive means linked to the traveling block for driving the traveling block up and down the frame in a predetermined travel path; and a crown bumper comprising: at least two support beams attached to the derrick; a plate secured between said support beams; a bumper pad secured to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: JM Clipper Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Joe Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6615564
    Abstract: A connector that joins flat roof panels coplanarly together. The connector includes a body, a neck, a head, a pair of legs, a pair of feet, and a pair of toes. The neck extends upwardly from the body. The head extends transversely across the neck. The pair of legs depend from the body. The pair of feet extend outwardly from the pair of legs, respectively. The pair of toes extend upwardly from the pair of feet, respectively. The body, the neck, and the head together define a pair of opposing channels that coplanarly and slidingly receive the flat roof panels, respectively, so as to form a connection. The pair of legs, the pair of feet, and the pair of toes together define a pair of upwardly opening channels that provide a runoff for any water passing through the connection and running down the pair of legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Don Lutrario, John Lutrario, Jr., Peter Lutrario
  • Patent number: 6612076
    Abstract: The invention is a flange device used for flush mounting construction fixture or hardware trims. The invention reduces the potential of a hair line crack between dissimilar materials. The invention can be molded, extruded or otherwise formed into nearly any shape and designed to work with a large variety of different fixtures, hardware and trims. The portion of the flange in contact with a surfacing material (those applied at plastic state) bonds the two surfaces together and is an interface which isolates the dissimilar fixture or hardware material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Jacksen
  • Patent number: 6609341
    Abstract: A stucco reveal system that can be assembled in a pattern which defines visual breaks between panels of applied stucco. The stucco reveal system includes individual strips of contoured stucco reveal constructed of extruded vinyl or metal that have the qualities of easy installation and cleaning and aesthetic desirability. The contoured reveal strips include a floor to which a pair of contoured walls are attached. The inside surfaces of the floor and contoured walls define a channel which forms the visual break between stucco panels. The shape of contoured walls are defined in part by an arc portion, an angled straight wall portion or a partial bevel portion. The contoured walls have a vertical component that makes them easily visible for cleaning and reflects cleaning water spray out of the channel, reducing soiling of the grid due to cleaning and rain runoff. The top edges of the contoured walls act as guides during stucco application for a screed stucco surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Alabama Metal Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Joseph Maylon, Gary James Chenier, Jr., Michael Wade Goodwin, Melvin J. Kurpinski