Patents Issued in June 25, 2013
  • Patent number: 8468725
    Abstract: A mounting pin assembly having a retaining member which includes a locating surface and a boss extending from the locating surface. The mounting pin assembly also has a locating member slidably mountable upon the locating surface of the retaining member. The locating member also has an enlarged portion defined by an outwardly divergent face. The mounting pin assembly also has a tensioning member extending between and coupling the boss of said retaining member and the locating member. The tensioning member is configured to cause relative contraction of the mounting pin assembly such that the locating member is drawn upon the locating surface of the retaining member towards the boss when a tensile force is applied to the tensioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: CQMS Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Bruce Alexander Leslie, Simon Peter Orton, Todd John Lawler, Paul Lindsay Heaphy
  • Patent number: 8468726
    Abstract: A recessed exit sign includes an electrical component housing, a plaster ring, and an illuminated message panel. The lighting assembly includes an electrical component assembly, an internal power source housed within the electrical component assembly, a light source housed within the electrical component assembly, and a lens. The power source is electrically coupled to the light source. A portion of the lens is inserted into an opening formed within the electrical component assembly and coupled to the electrical component assembly. The lens extends from within the electrical component assembly to a location outside the electrical component assembly. A portion of the lighting assembly is slidably inserted through the plaster ring and into the electrical component housing. When plaster is applied over the plaster ring the lens appears to simply enter a hole in the ceiling with not additional features visible on the ceiling surface to cause a distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Westly Davis Hetrick
  • Patent number: 8468728
    Abstract: An outdoor sign resistant to wind damage includes a support column; a display having secured and released positions, a lower edge and a central vertical axis aligned with the axis of the column when the sign is in the secured position; a lower horizontal arm with opposed ends mounted on the upper end of the support column; an upper horizontal arm with opposed ends attached to the display, the upper arm being parallel to the display lower edge and the lower support arm when the display is in the secured position; a pivot mechanism joining the support arms adjacent one end; and a retainer mechanism between the opposite ends of the support arms, the mechanism releasibly securing the support arms to each other when the sign is in the secured position. The retainer mechanism is unlatched when the wind force is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Robert L. Nabors, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8468729
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved buffer tube assembly comprising a buffer tube having a longitudinal forward end, a longitudinal rearward end, and an inner annular surface. The buffer tube further comprises an attachment location operably configured to couple the buffer tube to a lower receiver of a firearm. One novel feature is a dead blow buffer positioned at the longitudinally rearward portion of the buffer tube. The buffer tube comprising an external surface configured to fit within and substantially in contact with the internal bore surface of the buffer tube, wherein the dead blow buffer is configured to receive an impact from a buffer that is attached to a buffer spring fitted within the buffer tube. In one form, the dead blow buffer is positioned between the rearmost portion of the inner annular surface of the buffer tube and the buffer spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Primary Weapons
    Inventor: Dean Sylvester
  • Patent number: 8468730
    Abstract: An ammunition magazine including a housing having a base, a follower spring-biased in the housing against the base, a belt coupled to the follower for pulling the follower towards the base, a belt collecting and release mechanism mounted in the base, the belt being coupled to the mechanism for shortening the belt around the wheel when the magazine is rolled along a surface in a forward direction, whereby the belt pulls the follower into the magazine to permit loading of cartridges into the magazine, and for preventing rotation of the wheel to release the belt when the base is rolled along a surface in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Sagi Faifer, Yehuda Meller
  • Patent number: 8468731
    Abstract: A firearm having a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, with the barrel having a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel and has a breech face. The barrel moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel and/or the breech plug's rear face. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug includes a central passage that communicates between the primer and the flash hole. The passage forms a primer pocket at the breech end of the breech plug. The primer pocket has a diameter greater than the central passage. A circumferential groove in the primer pocket receives an O-ring. The O-ring encompasses the primer's cylindrical exterior to create a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Western Powders, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Phair
  • Patent number: 8468732
    Abstract: A trigger assembly including a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front portion, a rear portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. A recess is defined in the housing between the upper portion and the lower portion. First and second guide channels are defined in the first side portion and the second side portion respectively. A trigger lever is configured to pivot within the housing about a pivot point positioned at least partially within the housing, the trigger lever having a body, a trigger bar extending in a first direction from the body, and a safety bar extending in a section direction from the body. A safety mechanism includes a first guide rail, a second guide rail spaced apart from the first guide rail, and a blocking member extending between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Young
  • Patent number: 8468733
    Abstract: Accessory rails with slot adapters and mechanisms of use are disclosed. The accessory rail is mountable on a primary device, such as a firearm, for releasably attaching an auxiliary device directly to the accessory rail. The accessory rail generally includes a rail body and at least one slot adapter, which is integrally formed within the rail body, for receiving attachment means of the auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Mark A. Deros
  • Patent number: 8468734
    Abstract: An accessory for a semi-automatic pistol having a slide, the accessory including a pair of protruding engaging members for engagement by a hand or fingers of a user, a mounting element coupled to each engaging member, for releasably mounting the engaging member on the slide of the pistol. Preferably, the accessory further includes a mounting plate slideably engagable in a rear slot of the slide, and the mounting elements are affixable to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Yehuda Meller, Sagi Faifer
  • Patent number: 8468735
    Abstract: A firearm auxiliary sight is stored below the firearm optical sight and quickly deployable by means of activation of a lever which disengages the sight whereby a spring moves it outwardly from a housing. During deployment the auxiliary sight is rotated to an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the firearm and simultaneously the sight aperture is rotated upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc.
    Inventors: Da Keng, Alvin Williams
  • Patent number: 8468736
    Abstract: A twist grip drive handle outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Rupp Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Blondek, Ronald Karpanty, Scott Rupp
  • Patent number: 8468737
    Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish including a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends past the body. The fin member includes an attachment portion and a fin that has a non-planar configuration. The attachment portion is secured to a flat surface of the body. In one embodiment the fin extends forward and forms an obtuse angle relative to the attachment portion. In another embodiment the fin has two members disposed laterally on opposite sides of the body. The fins are blades that cause the body to spin or rotate when moved relative to the water. In yet another embodiment the fin extends forward and aft relative to the body, and the fin has openings for connecting lines and hooks, thereby replacing the eyelet of other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8468738
    Abstract: A fishers device that enables a hook and hook shaft to maintain a given compound angle with respect to a fishing line. A double eye hook has an upper eye and a lower eye connected by a lever arm. A fishing line can be attached to the upper eye and a tag line passes from the upper eye through the lower eye and the tag line is attached to a weighted member below the hook. The hook angle can be adjusted and once adjusted the fisher's device will maintain the desired angle. The arrangement improves the ability to hook a fish because the fisherman knows the hook is oriented with the hooking end up at all times, improving the ability to hook the fish in the roof of the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney Dale Long
  • Patent number: 8468739
    Abstract: A storage device that effectively organizes and protects dropper-rig, fly-fishing assemblies and the leaders that connect them. The device has an openable cap that creates a watertight interior through which a guide extends from the closed end of the device toward the cap. In operation, a user opens the cap of the device and slides an extension along the guide outward from the center of the outer case. With the extension fully exposed, a user attaches previously created dropper-rig assemblies. To attach an assembly, a user takes one of the two flies comprising a dropper-rig assembly and hooks it anywhere on a flexible sleeve that surrounds the extension. He then wraps the leader line, (the line that connects the two flies) around the sleeve until the second fly is in a position to be hooked to the sleeve. A user then returns the extension to within the outer case and seals the device by locking down the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Rex J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8468740
    Abstract: The fishing tackle box includes a container, a plurality of first guide slots spaced along a first sidewall of the container, a plurality of second guide slots spaced along a second sidewall of the container, and at least one lure holder having an angular panel including a plurality of spaced apart slots for receiving at least one fishing lure with a hook of the fishing lure positioned below the panel and a body of the fishing lure positioned above said panel. At least one first protrusion extends laterally outward from a first sidewall of said lure holder and at least one second protrusion extends laterally outward from a second sidewall of said lure holder to be collectively received by at least one first guide slot and at least one second guide slot. The lure holder may be comprised of different sizes to hold different sizes or numbers of fishing lures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Crank Caddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark T. Ryckman
  • Patent number: 8468741
    Abstract: A semi-automated crop production featuring a growing module with grids of cells for growing plants and a lighting and airflow fixture positioned above each cell. The lighting and airflow fixture features a fan disposed in a housing, a light emitting diode (LED) assembly board comprising LEDs disposed below the fan; a light diffuser disposed below the LED assembly board, and an adjustable air flow nozzle extending downwardly from the fan and protruding through the LED assembly board and the light diffuser. The adjustable air flow nozzle provides directed air flow downwardly toward a bottom area of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Myles D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8468742
    Abstract: A planter having a body (1) suitable for receiving a volume of plant growth medium and the root structure of a plant (2), the planter having a lower opening (4), a retainer (6) which can removably engage the lower opening to reduce the effective size of the lower opening, and a reservoir (9) suitable for holding a body of fluid (10) such that the fluid can gradually move from the reservoir into the planter's body to water and/or nourish a plant when planted within the planter, the planter being formed such that when it is in use it can be secured in an elevated disposition with the root structure of a plant contained within the body and a stem and/or foliage of the plant passing through the lower opening (4) and through the retainer (6) such that the plant is oriented in a downwards disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick John Morris
  • Patent number: 8468743
    Abstract: A baby gate assembly which opens automatically only when detecting a designated person, by IR detection, RFID tagging or voice recognition. One or more IR detectors are mounted on a telescopic mast, enabling designation by height selection and the sensed signal compared with a datum or another IR facing in an opposite direct to provide signal operating reversible stepping motor to unlatch the gate. The control circuitry maintains the gate unlatched for sufficient time for the designated person to push open and walk through the gate in a hands free operation. A pedal release mechanism is also enabling unlatching during a power cut. The automatic and pedal unlatching mechanisms are linked for lost motion permitting independent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Max Technology Capital Ltd
    Inventors: Bernie Ting, Yau Choi Tse, Siu Hung Chan
  • Patent number: 8468744
    Abstract: A latch mechanism adapted for being coupled to a window sash, which travels within a window frame, is disclosed which includes a main housing having a sidewall including one or more sidewall sections. The sidewall including one or more sidewall sections extends around at least a portion of the housing and defines an interior space and includes an opening in said sidewall at one end of said housing. The sidewall further defines a channel within the interior space of the main housing, which has an end that coincides with said opening. At least one of the sidewall sections which is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the bolt is adapted to extend down from the top of the top rail of the window sash along at least a portion of the external surface of a corresponding one of the front facing and the back facing of the top rail. The latch mechanism further includes a bolt, which is substantially located within said housing and travels along said channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Ken Fullick
  • Patent number: 8468745
    Abstract: A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Blane A. Krause
  • Patent number: 8468746
    Abstract: A sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame comprises a plurality of pins extending from the frame; a movable member, within the frame, including a plurality of slots; and a first seal drive system connected to the movable member. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the movable member is movable between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position, and individual ones of the plurality of pins extending through individual ones of the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tyto Life LLC
    Inventor: Don S. Salerno
  • Patent number: 8468747
    Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a closure including a motor, a sprocket rotated by the motor, and a chain driven by the sprocket and having a first end connected to the closure and a second end positioned within a casing. The actuator also includes a support mounted so as to reciprocally movable relative to the sprocket and having a guide through which a portion of the chain is movable so that the movement of the support is due to the chain being driven by the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Marco Mingardi, Eric Lagarde
  • Patent number: 8468748
    Abstract: A sliding door system having a sliding door for being moved between a closed position and an open position, and an energy guide chain connected on one end to the sliding door and on the other end to a chassis of the vehicle. Electrical lines are disposed in and guided by the energy guide chain for transmitting electricity to components arranged in the sliding door. A curved region is formed between the ends of the energy guide chain, which moves with the sliding door and changes its radii of curvature depending on the position of the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tsubaki Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Wehler
  • Patent number: 8468749
    Abstract: A gate entry system that includes a gate and a gate drive system mounted to a gate post and including a drive roller and a passive roller is disclosed. In specific implementations of the gate entry system, extension rollers may be removably coupled to one or both of the drive roller and passive roller. Opposing sides of the gate may be in constant direct contact with the drive roller (or any extensions coupled thereto) and the passive roller (or any extensions coupled thereto). Rotation of the drive roller when the gate is between the passive roller and drive roller acts to move the gate in a linear direction. The drive roller may include a shaft coupler and a threaded female coupling opposite the shaft coupler. A threaded male coupling of an extension roller may be threadedly coupled to the drive roller threaded female coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Dufresne
  • Patent number: 8468750
    Abstract: Seal a flashing joint on an open frame structure using a first barrier sheet having first and second adhesive strips on opposing primary surfaces proximate to opposing edges and running the length of the first barrier sheet by applying the first barrier sheet over the flashing joint with one edge below the flashing joint and adhering an adhesive strip to a building element below the flashing joint with the first adhesive strip and applying a second barrier sheet overlapping the first barrier sheet and adhere the first and second barrier sheets together using the second adhesive strip. The process can include applying flashing over the first barrier sheet and flashing joint and then overlaying the flashing with the second barrier sheet and sealing the second barrier sheet to both the first barrier sheet and the flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Howard M. Clearfield, Gary D. Parsons, Katherine L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8468751
    Abstract: A method of moving panels from a stowed position to a deployed position includes supporting a first panel on a cam, rotating the cam in a first direction and lowering the first panel which separates the first panel from the cam and supports the first panel on a flexible lift member. Supporting a second panel on a support rack, biasing the second panel into engagement with the cam, rotating the cam in the first direction to transfer the second panel from the support rack to the cam. Further rotating the cam in the first direction, lowering the second panel to transfer the second panel from the cam to the first panel, so that the flexible lift member bears the weight of the first and second panels through the connection between the first panel and the flexible lift member. Fixing the first and second panels through a tongue and groove engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hufcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Williams
  • Patent number: 8468752
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a construction kit for small structures that can be built without tools and used as a shelter for animals, or an amusement device for people. In one embodiment, the kit includes two sizes of wall pieces and two sizes of corner pieces that connect to create a solid structure capable of withstanding the elements of nature. The wall and corner pieces have cavities that are arranged on the top, bottom and sides of the pieces. The pieces connect to each other using common connectors that fit snugly into the cavities. The pieces can be used to create a variety of differently sized and shaped structures. The preferred embodiment further comprises pieces that are used to create a roof structure and a floor structure that connect to the wall and corner pieces using connectors and said cavities. In the preferred embodiment the pieces are made of plastic using plastic-injection manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Calvin Lin
  • Patent number: 8468753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Benjamin Donnally, Chunqiao Ren, Stuart Arthur Lyall McCurdy, Xi Lin Liu, Hui Chun Sheng, Yan Yu
  • Patent number: 8468754
    Abstract: A solar insert for shingled roofs includes an insert with a generally wedge-shaped body designed to be installed beneath a shingle and a face that is exposed and extends along a lower edge of the shingle. The face preferably is angled with respect to the shingle and a solar collector in the form of a thin-film solar strip is mounted to and extends along the face. The inserts of multiple shingles are electrically coupled together to form an electrical grid for aggregating the electrical energy of the individual solar collectors and delivering it to a remote location for storage or use. In a second embodiment, a shingle has a solar collector strip mounted to its surface extending along a forward edge of the shingle, and in another, the solar collector surrounds the tabs of their shingles. The solar collectors not only generate electrical energy from the sun; they also enhance the appearance of a shingled roof by providing a look of increased thickness and texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhir Railkar, Adem Chich
  • Patent number: 8468755
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array support structure that includes a mounting structure extending a length and configured to receive a solar array. The solar array support structure further includes a support column extending from the mounting structure into a ground. Moreover, the solar array support structure includes a lateral force resistance component in communication with the support column in the ground, the lateral force resistance component being dimensioned to reduce pressure on the ground from a force transmitted by the support column in a first direction and a second opposite direction more so than any other two opposite directions located in the same plane as the first and second opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis
  • Patent number: 8468756
    Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system and assembly, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof. The roofing assembly may further include a heat dissipating assembly and/or a stabilizing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Efrain Arguelles
  • Patent number: 8468757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing system comprising: a first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements; a bus bar batten system extending across the headlap regions of the first plurality of roofing elements, the bus bar batten system comprising one or more rigid supports and an electrical interconnection system; a first plurality of photovoltaic elements, each disposed on a butt region of one of the first plurality of roofing elements, each operatively engaged with the electrical interconnection system of the bus bar batten system; and a second plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck and covering the bus bar batten system and the headlap regions of the first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Krause, Stephen A. Koch, Wayne E. Shaw, Gregory F. Jacobs, Paul J. Batt
  • Patent number: 8468758
    Abstract: A support frame for a sliding door comprising upper and lower support members, and a side panel attachable so as to extend between said upper and lower support members, wherein the side panel comprises two panel portions that slide relative to each other and overlap to enable the distance between the upper and lower support members to be altered during installation of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Royde & Tucker Limited
    Inventors: Steve Jenkins, Nick Gadsby
  • Patent number: 8468759
    Abstract: A fire retardant cover is disclosed herein for covering a ceiling-side recess of a fluted roof deck and for providing a flat surface for installation of a head-of-wall track (associated with a steel stud wall assembly). The fluted roof deck has an undulating bottom surface that defines a plurality lengthwise recesses corresponding to a plurality of ceiling-side flutes of the fluted roof deck. The fire retardant cover is substantially flat and configured to sealingly cover at least one of the plurality of lengthwise recesses. The fire retardant cover comprises a piece of sheet metal bent to define first and second upwardly extending protrusions. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a substantially flat web section and have laterally facing outer top surfaces matched to sealingly contact lengthwise bottom surfaces of one of the plurality of recesses of the fluted roof deck when the fire retardant cover is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: BlazeFrame Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: James A. Klein
  • Patent number: 8468760
    Abstract: Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Roger Allen Nolte
  • Patent number: 8468761
    Abstract: An apparatus for a concrete form of an insulated wall has opposed, spaced apart and parallel wall panels, each having an inner surface, upper edge surface and a lower edge surface. Plural retainers are secured within each of the panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors respectively engage upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together. Plural cross webs extends between the panels to tie them together, the cross webs being connection to the connecting portions of opposed retainers in the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Encon Environmental Construction Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Marshall, Tony Yeung, Carlo Galasso
  • Patent number: 8468762
    Abstract: A spacer accessory including: a shank extending in an axial direction, one end of which includes a mechanism for securing the shank to a structural element of the wall that is to be lined and the other end of which includes a mechanism assembling the shank with lining studwork; two claws surrounding the shank; and a mechanism locking the two claws against one another with axial clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventor: Dominica Lizarazu
  • Patent number: 8468763
    Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Patent number: 8468764
    Abstract: A load bearing wall formwork system and method are disclosed. The load bearing wall formwork system comprises a unique clip assembly for joining two or more substantially planar structures, such as a wall panel, in a spaced apart manner and providing a space there between for placement of a flowable material. The clip assembly comprises a first clip member having a first side for attachment to the wall panel, a second side and an opening positioned between the first and second sides, as well as a second clip member, engageable with the first clip member, having a first side for attachment to a second wall panel, a second side and an opening positioned between the first and second sides. The openings provided in the first and second clip members are aligned when the clip members are engaged. A connecting member is insertable into the aligned openings of the first and second clip members, connecting the first and second clip members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Plycem Company Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Jean Degen, Fausto Bejarano Castillo, Pablo Rodriguez Acosta, Humberto Trimino Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8468765
    Abstract: Provided is a panel fixing device with which panels can be rapidly and easily installed to reduce a construction period and a broken panel can be easily replaced with a new one to easily perform maintenance of the panel. For this, the panel fixing device is configured to fix a plurality of panels having anchor bolts protruding rearward therefrom to a wall of a building and maintaining the panels to the wall of the building, and includes a wall-fixing bracket, a connecting plate, a first connecting bracket and a second connecting bracket, wherein a fixing pin and a support pin protrude upward and downward from a front side of the connecting plate, and an auxiliary hole, a first auxiliary long hole and a second auxiliary long hole are formed in the connecting plate, the first connecting bracket and the second connecting bracket to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Jong Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 8468766
    Abstract: A metal flange connection for concrete flanges comprising end members exposed at facing ends of a pair of adjacent, generally horizontal concrete flanges and a connecting member between the end members. Each of the end members has a surface along the end of the concrete flange and the connecting member has a first portion extending between the end members in a first generally horizontal plane and a second portion extending between the members in a second generally horizontal plane above or below the first generally horizontal plane. The first and second portions are connected by a third portion extending between the members and the first and second planes. The connecting member portions provide resistance to a force tending to translate the concrete flanges in a vertical direction with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: LEK Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Keenan
  • Patent number: 8468767
    Abstract: A wall panel system includes a first wall panel and a second wall panel. The first wall panel has a first groove extending along a first end portion and a second groove extending along a second end portion. The second wall panel has a third groove extending along a third end portion. The wall panel system further includes a spline including first and second spline tongues, wherein the first spline tongue is mateable with the first groove and the second spline tongue is mateable with the third groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Vertical Dimensions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. McBride
  • Patent number: 8468768
    Abstract: A method suitable for anchoring an anchoring element in an object, which anchoring element is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element, the method includes the steps of: providing a bore in the object; positioning the anchoring element in the bore; and coupling the compressing force and the mechanical vibrations through the coupling-in face into the positioned anchoring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Jorg Mayer
  • Patent number: 8468769
    Abstract: A reversible molding is disclosed having multiple decorative face which differ from one another by at least one property. Such properties can include texture, color, pattern or design or shape. The molding can suitably be used at the joint between a wall and floor or between a wall and ceiling. In one embodiment, the moldings are manufactured from wood, MDF or HDF, with a decorative surface selected from foil, laminate, veneer, paint, stain or digital printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver O. Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 8468770
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved floor covering product. The floor covering product comprises a floor covering material having a face surface and a back surface. On the back surface of the floor covering material is a layer of polyurethane having a cure index of between approximately 70 and 90. A method of using the floor covering product is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Raiford McDonald, Byoung-In Cho
  • Patent number: 8468771
    Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8468772
    Abstract: Certain embodiments utilize carpet tiles of varying sizes and/or shapes that are connected together using connectors to form a carpet tile installation. In some instances, the carpet tiles used in the carpet tile installation have different colors, patterns, shapes, and/or styles. In some embodiments, carpet tiles of a standard size and shape, such as one-half square meter carpet tiles, are partitioned into carpet tile fractions. In certain embodiments, these carpet tile fractions are used in conjunction with larger carpet tiles in a carpet tile installation. In other embodiments, these carpet tile fractions may be connected to other carpet tile fractions to form a combination carpet tile that is then used in a carpet tile installation. Among other things, the use of different sized and/or shaped carpet tiles increases the randomness or diversity and/or improves other aspects of the appearance of the floor coverings formed by the carpet tile installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Oakey, Graham A. H. Scott, John P. Bradford, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 8468773
    Abstract: Carved solid face doors having a raised panel design and methods of manufacture thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a carved, solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a raised panel design carved into at least one section of the face, the raised panel design framed by flat portions carved into the face; and one or more overlays attached to the flat portions of the face and framing the raised panel to emulate the appearance of a floating raised panel construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Fimbel, III, Jeffry T. Deal
  • Patent number: 8468774
    Abstract: Structural building components and a method of constructing the same enable improved beams that can be constructed at a place of use. The method includes providing a first flange (16) and a second flange (18) defining a central beam axis (55). A number of separately formed web sections (12) are provided, each having two convergent side walls (42) and a central wall (40) extending between converging ends of the side walls (42). The web sections (12) are arranged side by side in an alternating arrangement wherein the central walls (40) of adjacent web sections (12) are spaced substantially parallel to each other and are transversely staggered relative to the central beam axis (55). The side walls of adjacent web sections (12) are connected to one another, and the web sections (12) are connected to both the first flange (16) and second flange (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: QLD Steel Pty, Ptd.
    Inventor: Matthew John Joseph Garry
  • Patent number: 8468775
    Abstract: A moment resistant building column insert system is provided that enables the erection of beams to columns, and the installation and pretension of connection bolts possible in a single stop to each beam-column joint in the field. Included is a building column insert with pre-hardened structural filler inside, and a pattern of through-holes transverse to the insert length, where the insert has threaded elements disposed inside and concentric to erection holes in the pattern. The insert is disposed inside a building column. Erection bolts installed to the erection holes to hold the beam in place against the column with the holes in the beam mounting plate, the column and insert aligned. Connection through-bolts are installed and pretensioned to provide the connection strength needed to make a beam-column moment joint rigid. Without the pre-hardened structural filler in the insert the column would deform or crush due to the bolt pretensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Willaim B. Vaughn