Patents Issued in January 1, 2013
  • Patent number: 8341852
    Abstract: An arrangement for generating a reference impulse for a position measuring device, wherein the position measuring device includes a scale with at least one incremental track and at least one reference mark and a scanning unit for generating position signals by scanning the at least one incremental track and for generating an analog reference impulse by scanning the at least one reference mark. The arrangement includes a reference impulse memory unit that receives the analog reference impulse and stores the received analog reference impulse as a stored reference impulse. The arrangement further includes a reference impulse generating unit in communication with the reference impulse memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Böhm
  • Patent number: 8341853
    Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, a motor provided in the casing for driving the fan and ducting for carrying the airflow from the fan to at least one opening arranged to emit the airflow into the cavity, wherein the ducting includes at least one air duct in which at least one vane is located, the vane extending in the direction of airflow and dividing the air duct into a plurality of airflow portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Alexander French, Peter Nigel Hutchinson, Frederic Nicolas
  • Patent number: 8341854
    Abstract: A vacuum freeze-drying apparatus capable of rapid drying is provided. A cold trap for drying, which is arranged inside a drying chamber, is set to a low temperature of ?70 degrees Celsius or below, and heat is supplied to frozen particles on a conveyor belt to a degree such that the frozen particles do not melt. The amount of the liquid component evaporating from the frozen particles increases, and the amount of the liquid component entering the frozen particles decreases so that the time for drying the frozen particles is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Ogata, Kyuzo Nakamura, Katsuhiko Itou, Takashi Hanamoto, Masaki Itou
  • Patent number: 8341855
    Abstract: A spinning shoe having an upper and sole member in which the sole member has a spinning assembly in the forefoot. The spinning assembly is placed within a recess in the forefoot region of the sole member. Thus, the user may walk about in the spinning shoe in a normal mode or spin about a vertical axis by placing the user's weight on the forefoot region and then spin about on the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
    Inventor: Savva Teteriatnikov
  • Patent number: 8341856
    Abstract: Footwear is provided having a midsole platform, a full length insole and a orthotic midsole in the form of an orthotic shell received between the midsole platform and the insole. The orthotic shell has a heel portion to support a heel of a foot of a wearer and a forefoot portion to support a forefoot of the wearer at least in a region behind and near metatarsal heads of the foot. The orthotic shell is shaped to partially cup the heel and support the forefoot in one of a plurality of determined orientations. The footwear may further include a plurality of support plugs to support the orthotic shell in one of the determined orientations and a shank coupled to the midsole platform to increase torsional rigidity of the footwear with respect to a longitudinal length thereof. Methods of making footwear are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Superfeet Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Smith, Jeff Gray, Edward Collins, Peter Daley
  • Patent number: 8341857
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a fluid-filled chamber with a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces. Whereas the first surface and the second surface each have a thickness of one sheet of a polymer material, the third surface has a thickness of two overlapping sheets of the polymer material. The third surface may be exposed to an exterior of the footwear to form a portion of a side surface of the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Thomas Foxen
  • Patent number: 8341858
    Abstract: An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Americhip, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Clegg, Michael D. Ronk
  • Patent number: 8341859
    Abstract: A system for installing and maintaining a display on a structure. The system includes at least one guide system having a pair of guide rails that have a first end accessible from the roofing surface of the structure and a second end attached to the side exterior wall of the structure. The guide rails each define a track that is designed for sliding receipt of guide pins disposed on a bottom side of a frame member. The guide pins are engaged within the track of each of the guide rails and remain engaged within the track of the guide rails such that the frame member can be slidingly positioned on the first end of the guide rails or, in a second position where the frame member is positioned on the second end of the guide rails. A selected display or sign is attached to a top side of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Kelly Culiver, Andrew Rentsch
  • Patent number: 8341860
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular support (12) comprising a composite layer of resin and longitudinal arranged first fibers (66), said tubular support (12) further comprising longitudinal arranged second fibers (68) that are concentrated in discrete domains along the circumference of the tubular support, said second fibers having a Tensile modulus that is higher than the Tensile modulus of said first fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Frangible Safety Posts Limited
    Inventors: Gerard S. Boyce, Nigel A. Finney, Ralph T. Middleton, Nicholas L. Weatherby
  • Patent number: 8341861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display structure in which an insertion opening, slide grooves, a first fitting portion and a ridged portion along which the display plate bends when the display plate is bent arranged in the loading sections of a support body in a suitable manner to ensure that when the display plate is inserted into or removed from the loading unit, a force is exerted on both sides of the display plate in either the direction from the display surface side to the rear surface side thereof or the direction from the rear surface side to the display surface side thereof, and a force is exerted in another direction at the center region of the display plate. As a result of configuring in this manner, the display plate deforms so that the entire display surface side comes to have a convex or concave shape, thereby allowing the display plate to be attached to or detached from the support body without forcible localized deformation of the display plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Teruaki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8341862
    Abstract: A greeting card display system featuring a sleeve, wherein at least the bottom edge is sealed and either the first or second side edge is sealed; a slot disposed in the top edge adapted to accommodate insertion of a greeting card between the front and back surface; an inside crease disposed in the front surface of the sleeve, the inside crease divides the front surface into a first inside surface and a second inside surface, the sleeve can move between an open position wherein first inside surface does not contact the second inside surface and a closed position wherein the first inside surface contacts the second inside surface; and a spine crease disposed in the back surface of the sleeve formed by moving the sleeve from the open position to the closed position, the spine crease divides the back surface into a first outside surface and a second outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Julie Gunther
  • Patent number: 8341863
    Abstract: A barrel holder for a drop-down barrel weapon with at least one tapped hole for accommodating an interchangeable barrel which ends in a ring shoulder for supporting the edge of a cartridge, wherein a first circumferential section of the ring shoulder is constructed as an axially movable cartridge extractor, and the remaining second circumferential section of the ring shoulder is formed by a separate adapter part which is inserted in modular fashion into the barrel holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Steyr Mannlicher Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Kefer
  • Patent number: 8341864
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 8341865
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 8341866
    Abstract: Foldable and flippable adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching accessories to firearm rails. Accessories can include fore grips, and lights. Adapters can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. A folding rail adapter can be substituted for the existing rail system on firearms to allow the rail to be directly attached to the firearm. A flipping rail adapter can have a pivotal lever which supports a folding rail in an open position. Springably biased detent pins allow the lever to lock open. Pushing the lever back will overcome the springs so that the pins can pass out of the detents allowing the folding rail to move to a folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Gaddini, Mark Best
  • Patent number: 8341867
    Abstract: A cheek support apparatus comprising a generally inverted U-shaped shell member, a base member, and a cheek supporting member is provided for a firearm. The shell member made of a form fitting material, for example, a thermoplastic material, is selectively configured with different coefficients of friction to enable rigid contact of the shell member to a stock of the firearm. The shell member comprising an inner frictional surface defines an opening for accommodating the stock of the firearm. The base member is rigidly attached to a closed upper end of the shell member. In an embodiment, one or more shim members are removably attached on the base member for adjustably positioning the cheek supporting member on the base member. The cheek supporting member is removably attached on one or more of the shim members or the base member for supporting a user's cheek, for example, during recoil of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Curtis Daniel Criswell
  • Patent number: 8341868
    Abstract: A stock for a small arms weapon that includes a first member that includes a distal end which has a receiver extension connection structure, a proximal end, a first longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis which defines a maximum outer dimension of the stock. The stock further includes a second member connected to the first member which includes a third end adjacent to the proximal end, a fourth end spaced from the distal end, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the third end and the fourth end such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are disposed at an acute angle. The stock further includes a chamber inside the second member that is sized and configured to house a power supply for a small arms accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Nisim Zusman
  • Patent number: 8341869
    Abstract: An ice fishing trap comprising in its operational state a crossbeam dimensioned for extending across a hole in ice covering a body of water, and a hingedly coupled vertical mast. The vertical mast has a rotatable reel dimensioned to carry a length of fishing line and a hook. A trigger mechanism is provided, wherein a rotation of the reel causes an arcuate movement of a trigger hook. One aspect of the invention provides at least two stabilizer limbs hingedly coupled to the crossbeam, so as to form a general Z shaped support base when operational. In another aspect the fishing trap provides a trigger bolt coupled to an indicator spring, wherein the trigger bolt is utilized to couple the indicator spring to the trigger hook. The trigger bolt is slidingly supported by bolt guide, thus providing improved resistance to false indications due wind vibration and the like. Preferably, the trigger bolt is coupled to the indicator spring by a ring shaped coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Ricky Rand
  • Patent number: 8341870
    Abstract: A frog lure device that has a life-like swimming action. The device has a diving “collar” disposed around an upper region of the lure body, rather than a lower region, which is common in conventional lure devices. In a specific embodiment, the collar causes the lure body to dive under the surface like a frog. Concurrent with the diving action, the lure device also has a kicking action to resemble a living frog device. The collar also forms a trail of one or more bubbles and a vortex, or slight vacuum behind it. In a specific embodiment, the lure body includes a pair of legs, which have a suitable length to be caught in the vortex and become trapped in the vortex. the pair of legs also straighten out to cause a kicking action and also provide stability to the lure body as it accelerates through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Larry J. Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 8341871
    Abstract: Some embodiments of fishing bobbers include a main body portion, a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a slot, a first closing mechanism, and a second closing mechanism. Each of the first and second shaft portions has a generally cylindrical shape. The first shaft portion is positioned at one of the outer ends of the main body portion, and the second shaft portion is positioned at an opposite one of the outer ends of the main body portion. The slot runs along a length of the fishing bobber and enables a fishing line to be positioned within a central aperture of the fishing bobber. The first closing mechanism is positioned within the first shaft portion, and the second closing mechanism is positioned within the second shaft portion. The first and second closing mechanisms can be rotated between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick John Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8341872
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic slip bobber used for connecting and disconnecting a slip bobber to a location on a fishing line. The magnetic slip bobber of the present invention includes a slip bobber selectively connected to a fishing line, where the fishing line extends through the slip bobber. The invention also includes a magnet connected to the slip bobber. An aperture is formed as part of the magnet, and the fishing line is operable for extending through the aperture formed as part of the magnet. A line-stop is mounted to the fishing line operable for being selectively connected to the magnet such that when the fishing line is cast into a body of water, the slip bobber moves along the fishing line until the line-stop contacts the magnet, thereby maintaining a predetermined depth of a hook attached to the fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Lee Ellard
  • Patent number: 8341873
    Abstract: A portable insect trap includes a base which supports a pair of lamps and a removable double sided glue board which is removably mounted between the lamps. A shield which has apertures in the form of a grill work allows insects which are attracted by the lamps to enter the shield and then become trapped by adhesive layers on the glue board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: APeG Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Frisch
  • Patent number: 8341874
    Abstract: A pest control device uses a replaceable glueboard to immobilize pests attracted to the pest control device. A unique guide is provided to help prevent the adhesive surface of the glueboards from coming into contact with other surfaces of the pest control device during installation and removal of such glueboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gardner Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Studer, Timothy M. Jones
  • Patent number: 8341875
    Abstract: A device for trapping and collecting snails in an aquatic environment. The device includes a basin with a lid having a top opening through which snails may enter, a floating screen to keep snails retained, and a standpipe to anchor the device to the bottom of a water body and to serve as a location for the deposit of snail eggs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Jess Michael Van Dyke, Sean Ernst McGlynn, Lee Anthony Ingram
  • Patent number: 8341876
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality, to a method for preparing a seed fraction enriched in seed quality, and to the use of a magnetic field. The method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality comprises: mixing a feed of seeds comprising seeds with at least two densities with a magnetic fluid thereby obtaining a mixture, and applying a magnetic field to the mixture such that the mixture is exposed to a magnetic gradient so as to separate two or more seed fractions with different densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Monsanto Holland B.V.
    Inventor: Jacques Rene Alphons de Koning
  • Patent number: 8341877
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are photobioreactor systems for high productivity aquaculture or aquafarming for growing of algae or other organisms in an aquatic environment featuring aspects that favor improved growth rates by achieving control over the contents of the growth medium, including carbon source, nitrogen source, and essential trace elements necessary for growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Licamele, Carl L. White
  • Patent number: 8341878
    Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zip-It Tree Ties
    Inventor: Thomas J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8341879
    Abstract: The present invention is a plant supporting structure that provides effective support to a fruit bearing plant. It consists of two courses of rings that are vertically spaced. The rings in the outer course form an enclosure within which the rings from the inner course may be placed. The rings are held in place by spines. Each spine ascends vertically, successively connecting the rings of the outer course, and then descends vertically, connecting the rings of the inner course. The spines are spaced around the circumference of the rings. In some embodiments, the bottom ring of the outer course has the largest diameter of all the rings. In such embodiments, the bottom ring may sit on the ground or other plant growing surface and support the entire structure. The outer bottom ring may be lower than the inner bottom ring, thus preventing the fruits from touching the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Denny Rinehart
  • Patent number: 8341880
    Abstract: A method is provided comprising (i) growing a plant in a substantially transparent container charged with a particulate, non-transparent growing medium; and (ii) evaluating plant roots through said transparent container by digital imaging. An apparatus for evaluating plant roots in a high throughput manner is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: CropDesign N.V.
    Inventors: Pierre Lejeune, Willem Broekaert, Frederik Leyns, Frederik Dhont
  • Patent number: 8341881
    Abstract: A material for maintaining hydration in plants, whether potted or in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a binder, securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, or the like. A byproduct of wood, lignicite has been found to be very effective. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well and provide relief from the stress of dehydration that normally occurs in plants between waterings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Patent number: 8341882
    Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve which may be provided with detaching elements at preselected areas. When the sleeve is positioned about the flower pot, a decorative lower portion of the sleeve contains the flower pot, and a skirt portion of the sleeve is disposed about a lower portion of the floral grouping contained within the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder & William F. Straeter
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 8341883
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a lower portion and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a pot. The floral sleeve has a lower end having an angular arcuate portion for improving the conformation of the sleeve to the shape of a pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder & William F. Straeter
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 8341884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular container system for use in agriculture, gardening and construction, characterized in that it comprises a parallelepiped container 1 with two partition walls 2 forming three chambers 3, its top ends each having a sleeve 4 which forms a vertical channel 5, the lower end 6 of the said sleeve extending beyond the bottom of the container but with slightly smaller dimensions and having a groove 10 around its whole periphery; connectors 9 which join adjacent containers in a horizontal plane; a base 11 which allows the containers to rest on the ground; and a lateral support 13 exactly identical to the top end of the container 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Quizcamp-Fabrico e Comércio de Produtos Alimentares, S.A.
    Inventor: Manuel Maria Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8341885
    Abstract: System for controlling a door enabling driving from an initial position of its travel in a first direction at a speed v1 as far as a final position, said control system comprising a safety function comprising means for keeping a door in operation despite its having suffered an impact against an obstacle situated on its travel and enabling it to continue its initial movement automatically as soon as said obstacle is removed, through a design reconciling a sufficiently high normal speed of movement v1 of the door with the intention to prevent damage both to the obstacle and to the door by reducing the speed to v3<v1 close to the stored position of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dynaco Europe
    Inventor: Frédéric Bostyn
  • Patent number: 8341886
    Abstract: A gate assembly is provided including frame means for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. Barrier means are mountable on the frame means via hinge means and the barrier means are movable relative to the frame means between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. An automatic closure mechanism is provided for moving the barrier means from the open position to the closed position without user intervention. The automatic closure mechanism is associated with the hinge means and includes at least one ramp or inclined surface on which at least part of the gate travels when moving between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Yates
  • Patent number: 8341887
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Global Precision Products LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 8341888
    Abstract: A powered post assembly includes an enclosed actuator that supports rotation of a gate. An outer tube defines a hollow interior space. A fixed post and a rotating post are both disposed within the oval tube. The actuator is mounted within the fixed post and drives rotation of the rotating post. Because the actuator is disposed within the fixed tube, it is sheltered from the elements and from undesired tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Turnstyle Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Stull
  • Patent number: 8341889
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to barrier assemblies, and more particularly, to the coupling of a barrier operator to the barrier that the operator is to move. In one embodiment, a barrier operator coupling includes a wedge member that is fixedly attached to an output shaft of the barrier operator. A housing is brought to bear against a wedge member, and an adjustment device is used to maintain the force between the wedge member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hy-Security Gate, Inc.
    Inventors: James Faulkner, Steven A. Carlsen, Keith A. Mullins, Brian G. Denault
  • Patent number: 8341890
    Abstract: A dual channel window lift assembly is provided, the assembly having: a door bracket; a pair of guide rails each being rotationally mounted to the door bracket for rotational movement in a predetermined range; and a cable assembly secured to the door bracket wherein at least one cable of the cable assembly is not received within a conduit and the at least one cable is secured to as least one pulley rotationally mounted to the one of the pair of guide rails and the at least one cable remains on the at least one pulley as the pair of guide rail each rotate within the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Inteva Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian H. Staser, Fred L. Sawgle
  • Patent number: 8341891
    Abstract: A filter for use with a rain gutter will prevent solid debris, such as leaves, from entering the gutter, but will not unduly restrict passage of rain water into and through the gutter. The filter comprises a liquid permeable strip that can be formed of a material, such as reticulated polyurethane foam. This strip is supported at the top of the gutter by a support member, which can be a thermoformed member, affixed to the underside of the strip. Legs, which can fold transversely to the strip will support the strip above the bottom of the gutter. When the legs are in a flat configuration, multiple filter members can be stacked for storage and shipping. Installation is essentially toolless and the filters can be cut to length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Pavlansky, Keith Pavlansky, Stephen Larson Harper
  • Patent number: 8341892
    Abstract: A structure for awnings and arbours, comprising a supporting frame, provided with respective front columns, which are designed to support guide beams for a covering canopy and for at least one movable crosspiece, which is in turn associated with an end flap of the covering canopy. At least one collection duct for rainwater being provided with at least one sealing element, in order to prevent the penetration of water, and is also provided with at least one outlet for draining the water, which extends externally from the duct and is substantially faced towards at least one respective hole, which is defined in at least one respective tubular body, which is substantially vertical and is associated with a corresponding front column. The outlet is substantially accommodated within the hole when the crosspiece is in the configuration of maximum advancement towards the front columns and the covering canopy is completely extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Corradi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Tugnoli
  • Patent number: 8341893
    Abstract: A seismic coupler includes two coupling members each having an end receptacle for securing to a reinforcing bar of a column of reinforced concrete; and a flexible assembly comprising a cylindrical core formed of alloy, a plurality of steel first rings put on the core, a plurality of flexible second rings put on the core in an alternating fashion with respect to the first rings, a flexible sleeve put on the first and second rings to have both ends being flush with that of the core, two cup-shaped cap members engaged each other to conceal the core, the first and second rings, and the sleeve, and two sets of a plurality of fasteners driven through the coupling members and the cup-shaped cap members into the first rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Liang Kung Jen
  • Patent number: 8341894
    Abstract: An enclosure is made out of transparent or translucent panes which form a chamber (1) through which a liquid flows in closed circuit and which interchanges energy with the inner and outer environments, a heat exchanger (2) in contact with the liquid, a circulation pump (3), and a hydrostatic pressure reducer device (4). The hydrostatic pressure reducer device allows the reduction of the thicknesses of the transparent panes which hold the liquid inside. The active character of the enclosure is due to its capacity of controlling the solar heat load and the illumination. The solar heat load is regulated through the heat exchanger. The illumination of the building is controlled through the adjustable transparency of the liquid. The described enclosure allows the creation of an isothermal envelope which allows the climatization of the building. The system can be used for active outer enclosures or for interior partitions for the climatization and luminic control, as well as for glass roofs or false ceilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid
    Inventors: Juan Antonio Hernández Ramos, Miguel Hermanns, Fernando Del Ama Gonzalo, César Javier Hernández Jiménez
  • Patent number: 8341895
    Abstract: A mounting device for solar modules having a large aspect ratio in a parallel arrangement on a flat horizontal substrate includes mounting rails having through-holes at predetermined locations. Insertion elements are attached to the mounting rails at the through-holes. Each insertion element includes a one-piece shaped element having a contiguous surface interrupted by an insertion slit configured to receive a lengthwise edge area of a solar module, the insertion slit extending at a predetermined insertion angle. A plastic wedge is configured to secure the received lengthwise edge area of the solar module in the insertion slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Solon SE
    Inventors: Sascha Oliver Schwarze, Maik Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8341896
    Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: SnapSports Company
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8341897
    Abstract: A pitch pocket assembly for sealing an aperture in a roof includes a first member and a plurality of flashing members. The first member includes a wall portion and a plurality of flashing portions. The plurality of flashing portions extend from and are substantially perpendicular to the wall portion proximate at least one deformation zone. The plurality of flashing members are each attached to the first member. Each of the flashing members at least partially overlaps at least one of the flashing portions. The wall portion of the first member is bendable along each of the deformation zones to form a pitch pocket having the flashing members at least partially overlapping the flashing portions of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: ADCO Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Margarites
  • Patent number: 8341898
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for applying a siding or facing to an internal or external surface of a wall, enclosure, or other building construction to simulate a solid debarked log wall construction that includes varying diameter non-uniform logs. The invention further pertains to a lightweight yet rigid assembly that closely resembles at least a portion of a solid debarked log and includes longitudinal segments that may be coupled together to a backing material to create a siding or facing that simulates the exterior of a log whose circumference may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Grand Log Homes LLC
    Inventors: Richard Mizia, Charles Mizia
  • Patent number: 8341899
    Abstract: A cafe may include a food purchasing area, a primary dining area, and a primary child play area. The primary child play area may be defined by at least one wall and be surrounded by the primary dining area. The wall(s) may be substantially transparent. Seats may be positioned around the primary child play area to enable parents to view children within the primary child play area. In one embodiment, the wall(s) extend from floor to ceiling. The café may include a classroom in which classes for the children are conducted. Sound absorbent material may be positioned above the primary play area to reduce sound from the primary play area entering the primary dining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Lisa B. Solomon, Gary B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 8341900
    Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Arcelormittal-Stainless and Nickel Alloys, Solarte
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Reyal, Yves Jautard
  • Patent number: 8341901
    Abstract: A method includes substantially filling with joint sealant first and second kerfs in upper and lower ends, respectively, of a curtain wall member. A locating-and-retaining member of a latching member is embedded in the first kerf's sealant. A receiving-and-retaining member of a first bracket is embedded in the second kerf's sealant, the wall member initially extending upwardly and angularly outwardly relative to the first bracket. The wall member is pivoted inwardly such that an end of a nominally horizontally-disposed portion of the latching member slides along a lower surface of a supporting member of a second bracket causing the latching member to rotate downwardly, compressing foam tape beneath the horizontally-disposed portion. The end of the latching member moves past a locking member until a latch comes into latching engagement with the locking member, the foam tape decompressing and maintaining the latching member in engagement with the lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Stephen N. Loyd Irrovocable Family Trust
    Inventor: Stephen N. Loyd