Patents Issued in March 20, 2012
  • Patent number: 8136282
    Abstract: A display adapted for use indoors and outdoors includes a stand adapted to secure a first screen. The stand comprises a first part which supports against an underlying supportive surface and comprises a first bobbin in the first part. The first screen can be wound onto and withdrawn from the first bobbin. The stand also comprises at least one support which in a support mode supports against the surface. The support is arranged to provide a turning moment which is anti-twisting in relation to the turning moment created by a wind pressure acting on the first screen, wherein Mt?Mp. The stand also comprises at least one foldable pole, or telescopic pole. The stand also includes a number of springs arranged in connection to the at least one pole, and operable to make the display bendable in windy conditions, and to withstand twisting of the springs in windy conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Expand International AB
    Inventors: Thomas Valeij, Jari Kekkonen, Björn Sao
  • Patent number: 8136283
    Abstract: A three segment vehicle identification card is provided with an upper hang tag segment, and intermediate claim ticket segment and a lower key tag segment. The lower segment has a removable key tag with a vehicle identification number together with a pair of removable labels, one of which has the vehicle identification number and the other of which has space for entry of the parking space location number for the vehicle receiving service. The removable key tag also has spaces on its foldable tail for entry of the vehicle owners name and the parking space number for the serviced vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Marjen, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8136284
    Abstract: Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 8136285
    Abstract: The firearm cartridge speed loader includes a shaft, a reload cylinder, and a rotation limit assembly at an interface between the shaft and cylinder. The reload cylinder has a plurality of pockets or chambers to hold bullet or ammunition cartridges, and the shaft includes an interference wheel configured to selectively clamp the cartridges in the pockets by simple rotation of the shaft within the limits defined by the rotation limit assembly. The rotation limit assembly includes a rotation-stop pin riding in an arcuate slot that defines the limits of shaft rotation, and a spring loaded spherical ball that selectively engages one of two detents to lock the shaft into the clamping or releasing positions, the disposition of the detents corresponding to the defined limits of the arcuate groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Paul C. Abell, Steven T. Coryell
  • Patent number: 8136286
    Abstract: Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Aerospace & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Nelson Clare Settles
  • Patent number: 8136287
    Abstract: A coupler apparatus for releasably securing an object to a support member, is described. The mounting apparatus includes a connector joined to the object and having a tapered plug with a slot that extends inward from an outer wall of the plug. The apparatus further includes a base with an internal cavity extending between opposed side walls of the base. The base may be integral with the support member and has an aperture with an internal wall arrangement including an orifice wherein the aperture is dimensioned for reception of the plug. A keeper is slidable positioned within the internal cavity and has a finger that extends though the orifice and into the slot to retain the plug within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Adams
  • Patent number: 8136288
    Abstract: A mounting device that is used with floating waterfowl decoys to enable the floating decoys to be converted for use in a dry field. This is accomplished by using a mounting platform that is equipped with flexible attaching means that loop over the extended part of the keel on a floating waterfowl decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: John Edward Shope
  • Patent number: 8136289
    Abstract: An automatic jigging device (10) used to support to a fishing pole (12) and impart action to a fishing lure secured to the pole (12) broadly comprises a frame (22), an arm (24) rotatably secured to the frame (22), a fishing pole holder receiver (26) rigidly secured to the arm (24) and designed to accept a fishing pole holder (28) to support the pole (12), and an actuator (30) for selectively rotating the arm (24) with respect to the frame (22), thereby imparting action to the pole (12) and the lure. The frame (22) is designed to be rigidly secured to a support (32), such as a rail of a boat or a pier. The device (10) may also include a spring (50) to dampen the arm's (24) movement and a housing (46) to enclose and protect the arm (24), the actuator (30), and the spring (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Herbert A. Modglin
  • Patent number: 8136290
    Abstract: A motor-driven tubular hollow cylindrical partial mask component surrounds a central vertical blue light and rotates around the blue light. The hollow cylindrical partial mask blacks out a major portion of the blue light. A single vertical transparent slit in the partial mask admits blue light out to form a 360 degree scanning vertical beam of blue light as the partial mask rotates to attract deer flies, bell hornets and other flying insects. The flying insects enter through a surrounding exterior electrified cage to be electrically zapped and exterminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Scholz
  • Patent number: 8136291
    Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Morgan
  • Patent number: 8136292
    Abstract: A method and device for supporting a sheet of material is provided optionally for plant support and/or protection. A fencing device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. A shading material, or a protective barrier material, such as a wire mesh, a plastic netting or a deer netting material, or a solar energy collection panel may be attached to distal ends of the flexible arms and may extend for seven feet or more from a ground plane to a top height of flexible arms above the ground plane. Flags may extend vertically above the barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of fencing posts to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material. A trellising device may be coupled with and above another trellising device to provide layers of shading and plant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Steven Morgan
  • Patent number: 8136293
    Abstract: A method and device for supporting a string and/or a sheet of material, such as a rope, a length of twine, a trellis netting or a barrier material is provided. A ground anchored device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. The arms may be configured to support two or more sheets of material, wherein the sheets of material may further support plant growth. Alternately or additionally, one or more arms may be positioned to maintain string optionally bearing flags and/or barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of devices to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Morgan
  • Patent number: 8136294
    Abstract: A method of producing a horticultural display containing more than one variety of the same or different species of plant is disclosed. The plants are produced from unrooted cuttings that are rooted in a single growth cell and cultivated in a single container so that the final product includes more than one plant species or more than one plant variety, or both. A plant growth cell having rooting media and more than one plant cutting from more than one plant species or plant variety, or both, rooted therein is also disclosed. Further, a horticultural display having more than one plant of more than one plant species or plant variety, or both, initially rooted together from unrooted plant cuttings in a single growth cell is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Dümmen GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Theodorus Johannes Gerardus Wismans
  • Patent number: 8136295
    Abstract: A plant-culturing tool comprising a planting container for accommodating a plant, and a water storage container that can accommodate the planting container in the interior of the water storage container and that can store water, a guide mechanism in which the planting container makes sliding contact with the water storage container and is guided along a floating or sinking direction thereof. The guide mechanism is composed of a long guide surface having a long sliding portion, and a short guide surface having a short sliding portion that protrudes against the long guide surface, with the two guide surfaces making slide contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Suntory Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Katsuro Miyagawa, Masayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 8136296
    Abstract: Planter systems include planters releasably integrated with a support structure primarily by releasable and penetrable engagement that is sufficient to support the planter without requiring conventional attachment devices. Engaging portions of the planters are releasably and penetrably received and concealed by the support structure to provide an integrated appearance. The planter systems optionally include adjustable irrigation systems configured to controllably supply water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: James Hogan
  • Patent number: 8136297
    Abstract: An access control apparatus for an access gate. The access gate typically has a rotator that is configured to rotate around a rotator axis at a first variable speed in a forward direction. The access control apparatus may include a transmission that typically has an input element that is operatively connected to the rotator. The input element is generally configured to rotate at an input speed that is proportional to the first variable speed. The transmission typically also has an output element that has an output speed that is higher than the input speed. The input element and the output element may rotate around a common transmission axis. A retardation mechanism may be employed. The retardation mechanism is typically configured to rotate around a retardation mechanism axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 8136298
    Abstract: A Bahama awning-type shutter with functional louvers that is strong enough to withstand all tropical weather and test standards relating to and including hurricane force winds, while incorporating the user-friendly, easy opening mechanism of a jalousie. The opening mechanism is an L-angle structure which is capable of moving all of the louvers in unison, opening them by pulling out on the L-angle and closing them by pushing inward on the L-angle. When the shutter is locked against the structure to which it is attached a portion of the L-angle is positioned between the inner face of the shutter and the structure and cannot move outward, thus locking the louvers in a closed position. In this closed position the louvers have the strength to resist hurricane force winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8136299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding door opening/closing device for a vehicle that applies a sufficient opening/closing drive force to the left and right sliding doors and reduces a force necessary to lock and unlock the latch, despite a simple configuration of the device, and that facilitates the manufacturing process, improves operability and safety, and reduces noise. A lock device, against both sides of which locking portions abut, rotates a columnar permanent magnet so as to form magnetic locking circuits and fixes the locking portions by magnetic forces of the locking magnetic circuits. The rotational operation of the columnar permanent magnet is converted into the downward operation of a latch, and the lowered latch restrains the locking portions with respect to the lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Inage
  • Patent number: 8136300
    Abstract: A frame includes a seat attached to a lower beam, and an anchor attached to an upper beam and having a pivotal catch tongue, a tubular member has a lower portion detachably engaged with the seat and having an upper latch shaft for engaging with the catch tongue and for detachably locking the latch shaft and the tubular member to the anchor, a follower is slidably attached to the tubular member for disengaging the catch tongue from the latch shaft, a lock device is secured to the tubular member and includes an actuating shank having a rocker arm for moving the follower to disengage the catch tongue from the latch shaft, and for preventing the tubular member from being disengaged from the anchor by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Thase Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 8136301
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pivotable, multi-coil spring counterbalance, and method for using the same, which allows the user to readily attach a desired number of coil springs having chosen forces to a counterbalance connector attached to a vertically movable member, thereby providing an offset for at least a portion of the weight thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Inovadeas, LLLP
    Inventor: Dave B. Lundahl
  • Patent number: 8136302
    Abstract: A safety gate for efficiently controlling ingress or egress for children, pets, and the like into and out of a designated area. The safety gate generally includes a support adapted to be secured to a sliding door structure, a gate including a first end and a second end, wherein the gate is movably attached to the support and a latching mechanism extending from the second end of the gate to selectively secure the gate in a closed position. The gate is adapted to extend across an opening formed between a sliding door and a door frame of the sliding door structure. The first end is movably connected to the support on a first side of the opening and the second end moves about an opposing side of the opening to adjust the gate to an open position or a closed position with respect to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: James Trujillo, Erika Trujillo, Daysha Trujillo, Tharon Trujillo
  • Patent number: 8136303
    Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornadoes, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Oscar T. Scott, IV
  • Patent number: 8136304
    Abstract: The Downspout Claw is made of clear plastic which enables one to see any debris which may have collected on its fingered protrusions inside the downspout pipe. The Claw may be used as a secondary or additional device to collect debris in the downspout pipe. The invention may be removed, cleaned and replaced without the need of any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jozsef Sternbach
  • Patent number: 8136305
    Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable mounting system for mounting countertops and other similar structures to a wall or other similar structure. Adjustable mounting systems of the invention include hinge adjustment features and/or length adjustment features that allow a single system to be adapted to fit a variety of sizes and/or shapes of spaces. The invention further provides methods of mounting a countertop using an adjustable mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Mulherin
  • Patent number: 8136306
    Abstract: A modular retractable enclosure is provided. The retractable enclosure includes moveable bays that telescopically retract inside each other. Each bay is made from two or more vertical framing sections and a plurality of first framing members. Each vertical framing section can be made from a plurality of second framing members. Assembly rods are provided to couple the vertical framing sections and are tensioned to load the first framing members in longitudinal compression. The framing members are fastenable to each other. The second framing members can be held together using splice plates. The retractable enclosure may also include a drive system. A related method of constructing a retractable enclosure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Scheps
  • Patent number: 8136307
    Abstract: Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines, and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Eckard Hofmeister
  • Patent number: 8136308
    Abstract: A wedge set for use in fastening floor joists consists of two interslidable wedge members (1, 2) adapted to abut each other along cooperating first abutment surfaces (3, 10), each wedge member (1, 2) having a second abutment surface (4, 11) forming an acute angle with the corresponding first abutment surface. The second abutment surfaces (4, 11) on the two wedge members (1, 2) of the wedge set extend substantially parallel to each other. The wedge members (1, 2) have cooperating locking means (6, 7, 13, 14), which are adapted for retaining them from a mutual displacement so that the distance between their second abutment surfaces (4, 11) is reduced, and retaining means (9, 15), which are adapted for retaining the first abutment surfaces (3, 10) in abutment with each other. The first abutment surfaces (3, 10) are plane and the locking means (6) consist of ratchets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Junckers Industrier A/S
    Inventors: Ole Slott, Thomas Flindt
  • Patent number: 8136309
    Abstract: A damper system for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic and wind energy transmitted to the structure, includes first and second pairs of elongated members forming an outer parallelogram, third and fourth pairs of elongated members forming an inner parallelogram, and a pair of energy dissipating devices connected between the parallelograms for dissipating the energy transmitted to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ahmad Rahimian
  • Patent number: 8136310
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Tweedie
  • Patent number: 8136311
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting equipment or solar photovoltaic structures to roofs where the apparatus base plate engages the roof surface directly, creating a water resistant seal, without the need for flashing. The base plate upper surface includes an upwardly projected portion that is circumscribed by a groove. The base plate lower surface includes a counterbore. Both the counterbore and the groove are disposed to receive annular seals. A threaded fastener is received and seated the upwardly projected portion top surface and feeds through the counterbore, securing the base plate to the roof structure and creates a water resistant seal by compressing the lower annular seal and by creating surface-to-surface contact with the roof and portion of the base plate. An inwardly threaded cover portion engages the upwardly projected portion either directly or through an intermediary, creating a water resistant seal over the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8136312
    Abstract: An aluminum floor for fencing has an improved friction surface with traction-enhancing grooves and is configured to reduce noise. Aluminum extrusions forming the floor define a flat surface but with series of parallel grooves separated by non-grooved spaces. In a preferred embodiment the grooves are essentially square cut. The grooves and spaces between the series of grooves are configured so as to allow sliding on the floor with the essentially flat soles of a user's fencing shoes when desired, but so as to grip the soles with significant friction when the shoe is heavily weighted causing the sole to deform down into the grooves. The fencing floor is intended to lie over an existing floor, as a series of easily connected floor sections. Rubbery sheet material is secured to the bottom of the fencing floor, preferably in transverse strips, directly beneath each joint and preferably at additional locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
  • Patent number: 8136313
    Abstract: A method where linoleum with a base is introduced in an apparatus, the linoleum conveyed on a working surface and advanced against a cutting edge, the cutting edge being arranged such that the linoleum, while moving in the apparatus, is separated from the base. By this method, an even back side is achieved on the linoleum band, making the band suited for further processing since no irregularities appear on the back side where the base is removed, and the front side is without any damages and scratches from the process. Linoleum from which the base has been removed according to this method contributes to a good finish on the produced linoleum covered edge, since the even back side propagates to the front side of the linoleum covered plate edge, which then appears even and has a good aesthetic effect, making it attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: WO Production ApS
    Inventor: Arne Alexandersen
  • Patent number: 8136314
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: James A Klein
  • Patent number: 8136315
    Abstract: A connecting device for curtain wall units is disclosed. The connecting device comprises: a claw arm having a horizontal arm for carrying the curtain wall units; a plurality of clamping plates, each two clamping plates fixed on the horizontal arm to clamp the curtain wall units; and a claw base connected to the claw arm and a supporting structure of the curtain wall units. The weight of curtain wall is supported by the claw arm of the connecting device, and point-supported type clamping of the curtain wall is realized by the clamping plates on the end of the claw arm, which enables the stability and security of the structure of curtain wall. The claw arm is hidden in the space between the curtain walls, and thus the whole appearance of curtain wall is beautified. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to provide through holes on the glass wall units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 8136316
    Abstract: A plastic molded wall covering that includes a plurality of one piece plastic molded corner moldings mounted in a vertically stacked array. The corner moldings each have a pair of front panels disposed at an angle to each other and formed with simulated building elements, such as hand laid stone. The corner moldings have respective upper and lower interlock devices and internal support and reinforcing walls extending rearwardly of the front panels in interconnecting relation to the interlock devices. The internal support and reinforcing walls have a curved serpentine configuration with a curved junction line with the respective front panels such that any plastic molded sink mark exposed on a front side of the front panels from the integrally formed internal walls similarly is undulating so as to blend into the simulated building elements and not detract from its natural appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Exteria Building Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Helmut Schwarz, Robert Trabue
  • Patent number: 8136317
    Abstract: An assembly for straightening a basement's wall, the basement having a floor and being covered by joists which are spaced from each other on center distances to define interstitial cavities and are arranged a perpendicular array or a parallel array, the assembly having mounting plate; joist mounting fasteners attaching the oblongated mounting plate to joists, the fasteners, upon the perpendicular joist array, positioning the mounting plate within an interstitial cavity, and the fasteners, upon the parallel array, bridging the mounting plate across an interstitial cavity; a rigid beam having upper and lower ends; a jack screw for driving the rigid beam's upper end toward the basement's wall; and an anchor bracket for resisting movement of the rigid beam's lower end away from the basement's wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew S. McCown
  • Patent number: 8136318
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas M Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8136319
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hail resistant roof system having a roof deck. An insulation layer is supported by the roof deck. An energy absorbing layer supported by the insulation layer and a waterproof membrane loose laid over the energy absorbing layer. A wind blown debris resistant roof system is disclosed that includes a roof deck with a secondary waterproof membrane disposed over the deck. A layer of stiff material is attached to the roof deck and a primary waterproofing membrane is supported by the stiff material. Further, a roof insulation and waterproofing construction upwardly adjacent the waterproofing membrane. Also disclosed herein is a hail resistant roof system. The system includes a roof deck with a secondary waterproofing membrane. An insulation layer is supported by the roof deck. An energy absorbing layer is supported by the insulation layer and a primary waterproof membrane is loose laid over the energy absorbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8136320
    Abstract: A spacer assembly adapted to prevent the formation of acoustical short circuits in a building ceiling, floor and/or wall assembly. The spacer assembly includes a support member and is adapted for spacing and supporting a finished interior building element in acoustic isolation with respect to a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Keene Building Products Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Keene
  • Patent number: 8136321
    Abstract: A decorative panel for installation on a ceiling or wall as part of a grid of panels. Each of the panels includes a formed sheet of thin sheet metal or plastic material having a main decorative portion and side edges forming a perimeter of the panel. Each side edge includes a flange offset from and extending outwardly from the main decorative portion and a groove positioned between the decorative portion and the flange. Each flange in the grid capable of overlapping the next adjacent flange and to receive a fastener through both overlapping flanges to secure the panels against the ceiling or wall. Adjacent side edges define a gap therebetween into which a resilient concealment strip having flexible sides is resiliently securable into the gap to conceal the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bauman
  • Patent number: 8136322
    Abstract: A composite shingle having unitary construction is presented that includes a body shell, a plurality of longitudinal ribs, and a plurality of rib stiffeners. The present composite shingle may also include transverse ribs, a depressed nailing zone, nailing zone ribs, and/or at least one alignment aid. The plurality of rib stiffeners may include a material saving profile. Further, the dimensions of the composite shingle more closely resemble true slate and shake shingles and at least a portion of the outside face of composite shingle may be textured to resemble slate or wood shake shingles. A plurality of assembled composite shingles of the present invention is also claimed as part of this invention. Finally, a method of applying multiple courses of shingles on a roof including the composite shingle of the present invention is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tamko Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Shadwell, Brandon Lee Brummett
  • Patent number: 8136323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. King
  • Patent number: 8136324
    Abstract: The invention provides snap fit pultrusion housing elements for joining structurally insulated panels suitable for housing and shelter construction. The housing elements include a pultruded panel body member having at least one edge, and a pultruded snap lock fitting on the edge adapted for fastenerless engagement with a complementary fitting on an adjacent panel body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond Browning, W. Brandt Goldsworthy, Lois Goldsworthy, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8136325
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, the foregoing is addressed by providing a combination retaining wall structure and masonry form apparatus comprising a first block having a depending lip with non-linear edge, a second block having an upper surface with a recess presenting an inwardly facing edge, the second block being positioned with respect to a rotational axis through the first block. A zone of contact is located at the intersection of the inwardly facing edge and the outwardly facing edge, providing an area for rotation of the first block about the rotational axis of the second block. The first and second blocks forming a non-linear masonry wall structure having an upright axis, about which plural blocks may be rotated. The depending lip and recess being provided by a masonry form having a first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides being removable for interchangeably configuring the first and second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: David P. Van Lerberg, Darren A. O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 8136326
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure for a steel door which comprises a steel door frame and a steel door panel which is hinged on one side of the steel door frame, wherein the steel door panel comprises a steel-made door panel frame and a door opening defined by the door panel frame, the door opening has an interior portion which is disposed with a plurality of steel guarding members forming graphics, portions other than the guarding members in the door opening form hollowed units; a rear side of the door panel frame is disposed with a glass door panel which corresponds with the door opening, the glass door panel comprises a steel-made glass door panel frame which surrounds a peripheral body of the door opening and is formed on the rear side of the door panel frame, and a glass which is embedded in the glass door panel frame, one side of the glass door panel frame is hinged on one side of the door panel frame, the glass door panel frame is completely hidden behind the rear side of the door
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Xiaojun Yan
  • Patent number: 8136327
    Abstract: A door adapted for automated assembly includes a door frame, a first door sheet and a second door sheet. The door frame preferably includes a hinge rail, a strike rail, a top rail, a bottom rail and four corner keys. The hinge rail preferably includes a pair of snap slots formed on opposing sides. The strike rail preferably includes a pair of hook slots formed adjacent opposing sides. The door frame is assembled by inserting corner keys into ends of the hinge rail, strike rail, top rail and bottom rail. Each door sheet includes a J-shaped end formed on one end and a hook end formed on the other end thereof. The hook end is inserted into one of the hook slots and the J-shaped end is pushed into one of the snap slots. The door may then be filled with a foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Plyco Corp.
    Inventors: Gary S. Sokol, Jeffrey L. Grafrix
  • Patent number: 8136328
    Abstract: A panel includes a core and a fastener receptacle extending into the core. The fastener receptacle has an internal hollow and an opening to the internal hollow. The opening is formed by a lip that can engage and structurally support a push-in fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Harold G. Erickson, Douglas A. Brown
  • Patent number: 8136329
    Abstract: A modular tower structure is described herein. The modular tower uses a cost-effective, efficient design that reduces the amount of steel necessary for tower structures for wind turbines. The modular tower is constructed from sections. The sections are constructed from panels. The panels comprise a curved or arcuate shape. The panels include vertical edges and horizontal edges. A vertical connection connects or secures the panels at the vertical edges of the panels and forms the sections. The sections have a generally circular shape. The vertical connection includes an interior vertical friction plate positioned over a seam or gap between adjacent panels and an exterior vertical friction plate positioned over the seam or gap between adjacent panels. A horizontal connection connects or secures the sections at the horizontal edges of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey O. Willis
  • Patent number: 8136330
    Abstract: A flexible non-PVC, non-DEHP container or bag for medical fluids has a container body formed of a multiple layer polyolefin film. The container has one or more ports equipped with a polyolefin fill tube and port closure assembly. The container has a low moisture vapor transmission rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark I Ostler, Marc M Daniels, John Domkowski, Sheldon M Wecker
  • Patent number: 8136331
    Abstract: This invention provides a bottle that allows for easy and efficient application of shrink sleeves. The ease of application is partly a result of the invention's wall thickness along its body-forming portion. The body-forming portion of the invention has thick walls and thus exhibits negligible expansion during a hot-filling process. This permits a shrink sleeve to be placed onto the body-forming portion of the resistant bottle prior to filling. If the resistant bottle is hot-filled, the sleeve shrinks as a result of radiant heat emanating outwardly from the high temperature product, without the aid of an external heat source, such as a heat tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Protica, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Duffy