Restoring Existing Member, E.g., Reinforcing, Repairing Patents (Class 29/897.1)
  • Patent number: 10919461
    Abstract: An article comprising: (a) a carrier; (b) one or more carrier extensions extending from the carrier at one or more joints; (c) activatable material disposed on the carrier, at least one of the one or more carrier extensions, or a combination thereof; wherein the one or more carrier extensions are flexible relative to the carrier at the one or more hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bradley
  • Patent number: 10787834
    Abstract: This application relates to tower segment handling methods and apparatus and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for handling segments of steel wind turbine towers. The wind turbine tower comprises a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections, which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another. The vertical section of the tower has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments have vertical and horizontal edges and combine to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their vertical edges. Adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments. The tower segments are combined into a tower section using a flat roller bed on which the segments can be assembled. A method of assembling a tower section is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10378208
    Abstract: A steel-fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material reinforced concrete column comprises an inner steel pipe arranged in the center, wherein the inner steel pipe is internally provided with an unbonded steel strand; the outside of the inner steel pipe is provided with an outer steel pipe, concrete is poured between the inner steel pipe and the outer steel pipe, a plurality of additional small steel pipes are evenly arranged outside the outer steel pipe, and each of the additional small steel pipes is internally provided with an additional unbonded steel strand. A composite bar cage coaxial with the outer steel pipe and arranged on the outside thereof is also provided, wherein both the outer steel pipe and the composite bar cage are covered by high-ductility concrete, and at a core area, the outside of the high-ductility concrete is wrapped with an anti-spalling layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zeyang Sun, Gang Wu
  • Publication number: 20150147236
    Abstract: A process for producing an anti-erosion coating on an inner or outer metal wall of a chamber of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, comprising: (i) the shaping of a honeycomb metal anchoring structure, said anchoring structure being formed from a plurality of strips connected in pairs by joining assembly portions of these strips so as to form a plurality of cells between two adjacent strips, (ii) the fastening of said anchoring structure by welding to said metal wall, so that each cell of the anchoring structure is welded to the wall of the chamber at least at the junctions between the contiguous assembly portions of two adjacent strips, and (iii) the insertion of a composite material into the cells from the metal wall and at least up to the upper longitudinal edge of each strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE CHIMIE
    Inventors: Hubert Simon, Marc Bories
  • Patent number: 9038273
    Abstract: A shipping pallet having a top deck, a bottom skid, and a plurality of posts disposed between and separating the top deck and the bottom skid such that at least one tow fork is able to be positioned between the top deck and the bottom skid. The shipping pallet also includes a plurality of collars formed as part of the top deck, and the posts are integrally formed as part of the bottom skid. Each of the plurality of posts is received into and connected to a respective one of the plurality of collars. There is also a plurality of reinforcements, and each of the reinforcements is disposed within and surrounded by a post. Each post and reinforcement is received into one of the collars, and the post is connected to the collar through a connection point, such as an adhesive joint or thermoplastic weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Grgac, Stephen R. Roddy, Matthew R. Plauman
  • Publication number: 20150083021
    Abstract: A transport tanker and a method of reinforcing a transport tanker are generally provided. The transport tanker may include a tank body, and a coupling structure, including a web extending from the tank body, for transferring a towing load to the tank body. A load spreading structure may be affixed to the tank body and configured to spread at least a portion of a load experienced by the tank body in a region proximate a terminal end of the web. The load spreading structure may include a reinforcing member including a elongated U-shaped member including two legs joined at a first end by an arcuate section. A respective one of the two legs may be at least partially disposed on opposed sides of the web with web at least partially received within an open second end of the U-shaped member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Rosario A. Blanco, Gabriel L. Buzas, Peter R. Manyek, Raul C. Rosiles
  • Publication number: 20150082635
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of installing a spacer fitting repair device on a utility support structure. The method includes removing an insulator strand from an insulator aperture of a spacer fitting, abrading a first outer surface and a second outer surface of the spacer fitting connected to the utility support structure to create roughen the first and second outer surfaces, positioning a front plate against a portion of the first outer surface, positioning a back plate against a portion of the second outer surface, and clamping the front plate and the back plate to the spacer fitting. The method may be used to repair spacer fittings for supporting utility transmission wires or cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas U. Crary, II, Jerome A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8967330
    Abstract: A method for repairing a sound attenuation panel is disclosed. The panel includes a structuring skin in metal material, a resistive layer in metal material and a honeycomb structure as acoustic absorption material directly added onto the structuring skin and resistive layer. The method includes a step in which one reinforcing pin is inserted into the thickness of the attenuation panel and a step in which the reinforcing pin is secured by welding in a controlled atmosphere to the structuring skin and resistive layer respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Pierre Comon, Nicolas Herve, Jean-Claude Rivoal
  • Publication number: 20150048635
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes a tubular body including a front wall that serves as an impact surface and a rear wall on a vehicle body side, the tubular body extending in a vehicle width direction and having a hollow cross section; and a tow hook attachment structure for allowing a tow hook to be removably attached thereto. The tow hook attachment structure includes a pair of cylindrical protrusions respectively integrally formed with the front and rear walls of the tubular body by shaping parts of the walls, the cylindrical protrusions being disposed at predetermined positions on the front and rear walls in the vehicle width direction so as to face each other and so as to protrude inward into the hollow cross section, and at least one of the pair of protrusions includes a threaded portion for allowing a threaded portion of the tow hook to be screwed thereinto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Hideki ISHITOBI, Narikazu Hashimoto, Tsunetake Tsuyoshi
  • Patent number: 8931172
    Abstract: A body hanger bracket aligns and attaches an accent panel to a vehicle body panel. The hanger bracket includes selectively detachable first and second alignment tabs. The first alignment tab engages a horizontal indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket horizontally and the second alignment tab engages a vertical indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket vertically. After the hanger bracket is aligned and attached to the body panel, the first and second alignment tabs are detached. The accent panel is then attached to the hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tiercon Corp
    Inventors: Bradley Charles Newberry, Christopher Wade Campbell
  • Patent number: 8800149
    Abstract: A repair process for a composite material panel that forms part of a fuselage, wings, or stabilizers of an aircraft, with the panel having large dimensions and including irregular contours in some areas and edges prone to damages occurring from handling and assembly of the panel. The process a) locates the damage in the element of the composite material panel; b) sands the area that includes the damage in an area larger than the damage, makes a cut in the panel, having the cut of a same form as a piece that will serve to repair panel; c) places the piece in the cut, so that it is perfectly flush with the panel to be repaired; and d) attaches the piece to the composite material panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Alberto Balsa Gonzalez, Francisco de Paula Burgos Gallego
  • Patent number: 8752263
    Abstract: Embodiments include but are not limited to apparatuses and systems for post-tension strand repair. A post-tension strand repair apparatus may include two or more guiding legs, each guiding leg including a strand guide configured to engage a strand end, wherein the two or more guiding legs are coupled to allow the strand guides to be drawn toward each other and thus urge the strand ends toward each other. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8677625
    Abstract: A process for cutting out a damaged area of an aircraft fuselage, in particular so as to repair the damaged area, includes in making at least one cut-out in the fuselage (20) so as to delimit a cut-out area (24) that encompasses the damaged area and that includes at least one flare-out, characterized in that it includes making a hole (34) at the flare-out of the cut-out area (24) with a tool whose diameter corresponds to that of the desired flare-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jacques Roux, Chrystele Gaudin, Pierre-Jean Rohic, Bruno Rosemberg
  • Publication number: 20140072735
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit installation configuration and method for installing a VIG window unit in a window frame that was designed to accommodate at least a thicker IG (insulating glass/integrated glass) window unit(s). The VIG window unit may be supported on a first side by a first stop portion of the frame and on a second side by a second stop portion of the frame. A spacer structure is provided along at least one side of the VIG window unit between the VIG window unit and at least one of the first and second stop portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.,
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. JONES
  • Patent number: 8646182
    Abstract: Provided is a sandwich component with a core which comprises a foam material. A fibrous sheet-like material arranged in the foam material at least partially encloses a working region of the sandwich component in a sheet-like manner. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material and extends from an entry surface of the foam material from outside the working region to at least the fibrous sheet-like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Weber, Gregor Christian Endres
  • Publication number: 20140035255
    Abstract: A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame's head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
  • Patent number: 8636107
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for repairing a portion of an acoustic panel for a nacelle of an aircraft turbojet engine. The panel includes an acoustic skin in which a plurality of acoustic holes are drilled, a solid skin, and a cellular acoustic structure. The cellular acoustic structure, being arranged between the acoustic skin and the solid skin, has a plurality of cells, each of which has one or more drainage openings arranged in one or more of the walls forming each cell. The method includes a step of: defining a part of the acoustic panel to be cut; forming a cutting area closed by the acoustic skin; injecting a resin through the acoustic holes; positioning a replacement cellular acoustic structure in the cutting area and on the acoustic skin; forming a solid replacement skin on the replacement cellular acoustic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: John Moutier, Emmanuel Anfray, Franck Maze, Herve Simon
  • Patent number: 8635776
    Abstract: A body hanger bracket aligns and attaches an accent panel to a vehicle body panel. The hanger bracket includes selectively detachable first and second alignment tabs. The first alignment tab engages a horizontal indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket horizontally and the second alignment tab engages a vertical indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket vertically. After the hanger bracket is aligned and attached to the body panel, the first and second alignment tabs are detached. The accent panel is then attached to the hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tiercon Corp.
    Inventors: Brad Newberry, Chris Campbell
  • Patent number: 8595912
    Abstract: The method comprises the following steps for each of the reinforcing bands: a) anchoring a first zone (2a, 3a, 4a) of the reinforcing band onto the construction work and establishing a free portion of the reinforcing band; b) tensioning the reinforcing band (2, 3, 4) by applying traction to a second zone of the reinforcing band located in the free portion, said traction causing an elongation (d2, d3, d4) of and a reactive force (R2, R3, R4) in the reinforcing band, with the free portion of the reinforcing band being free to slide on the construction work as it elongates; and c) mechanically attaching the reinforcing band to itself and/or to the construction work, so as to absorb the reactive force from the reinforcing band within a region of the construction work which can support the reactive force from the reinforcing band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Soletanche Freyssinet
    Inventor: Jérôme Stubler
  • Publication number: 20130283876
    Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Allen Cagle
  • Publication number: 20130255083
    Abstract: A method of rebuilding an off-highway truck body by replacing the entire body floor with a replacement body floor specifically built for the intended application of the truck body. Custom-built replacement body floors are thus used to successfully rebuild the off-highway truck body to specific applications with minimum effort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 8539720
    Abstract: A method and a wall element for repairing a wall structure comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. The method comprises at least the following steps: (i) removing the inner metal sheet in such a way that installation frames formed on the inner metal sheet are left in the wall structure, (ii) removing the insulator layer from a place where the inner metal sheet has been removed, (iii) installing a wall element comprising a metal sheet and an insulator layer attached to the metal sheet in the place of the removed wall structure in such a way that the edges of the metal sheet of the wall element are placed overlappingly with the installation frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Almaco Group Oy
    Inventor: Riku Petteri Ruusu
  • Patent number: 8507829
    Abstract: A method for producing rough surface structures comprising the following step: running a laser beam along filling lines (1) over an area to be processed, wherein the filling line (1) is broken down into particular laser dots (2) with a distance a, and wherein the laser dots (2) are moved in a X direction and in a Y direction in a plane with a random factor b relative to the filling line (1) so that they form a cloud of dots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: ACSYS Lasertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Silvo Heinritz, Uwe Heinritz, Marcus Polster, Claudia Hartmann, Mirko Jedynak
  • Publication number: 20130067746
    Abstract: A method of removing a metal sleeve from a bore formed in one or more elements is disclosed. The sleeve may be a cold-expanded sleeve secured within the bore by means of an interference fit. The method includes removing material from the internal surface of the sleeve by means of cutting along a line to a depth less than the thickness of the sleeve, and subsequently urging the sleeve from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Lee WAGSTAFF, Lee BRADBURY, Gareth TOWLSON
  • Patent number: 8291592
    Abstract: A railroad freight car with a lengthened container well, including an extended and reinforced well car unit side sill, and a method for lengthening a container well of a railroad freight car intended for carrying an intermodal cargo container. A side sill extension member is welded into position, between a body bolster at each end of the container well unit and a nearest container support assembly, and a container-well bottom assembly is lengthened at each end of the container well. A longitudinally-extending doubler plate may be welded to the longitudinally central portion of the side sill, to ensure sufficient rail clearance at mid-length of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Gunderson LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Saxton, John N. Niosi
  • Publication number: 20120246937
    Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald M. Barrett, Caroline R. Bennett, Stanley T. Rolfe, Adolfo B. Matamoros
  • Patent number: 8276276
    Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas William Cordea
  • Publication number: 20120192778
    Abstract: A method and a wall element for repairing a wall structure comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. The method comprises at least the following steps: (i) removing the inner metal sheet in such a way that installation frames formed on the inner metal sheet are left in the wall structure, (ii) removing the insulator layer from a place where the inner metal sheet has been removed, (iii) installing a wall element comprising a metal sheet and an insulator layer attached to the metal sheet in the place of the removed wall structure in such a way that the edges of the metal sheet of the wall element are placed overlappingly with the installation frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Riku Petteri RUUSU
  • Patent number: 8201332
    Abstract: A method for reinforcing a metal tubular structure (1) including the following steps: introducing inside the metal tubular structure (1), a plurality of substantially linear elements (4) having a tensile strength higher than a predetermined value; and injecting a curable filling product inside the metal tubular structure, so that the curable filling product contacts an inner surface of the metal tubular structure (1) and coats the substantially linear elements (4) of said plurality of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Soletanche Freyssinet, TDF
    Inventors: Christian Tourneur, Marc Antoine, Ivica Zivanovic, Alain Autissier, Rolland Faillie
  • Patent number: 8087139
    Abstract: A cleaner cover replacing method includes the steps of detaching a first cleaner cover from a cleaner case; placing an attachment into fitted engagement with claw hooking parts of the cleaner case, placing a second cleaner cover on the cleaner case, and causing a bolt to pass through a bolt hole of the second cleaner cover and to threadedly engage with a nut part of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Tamamoto, Hiroshi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7981519
    Abstract: A method and system of repairing an engine part having a cracked metal skin bonded to a honeycomb core includes removing a portion of the honeycomb that corresponds to a cracked portion of the metal skin. A crack in the metal skin originates from an edge of the engine part. A portion of the honeycomb is removed to form a slot in the honeycomb beginning at the edge of the part. A doubler is inserted into the slot in the honeycomb and is attached to an underside of the metal skin to form a lap joint between the doubler and the metal skin. In one embodiment, the portion of the metal skin that includes the crack remains. In an alternative embodiment, the cracked portion of the metal skin is removed and a metal patch is attached to the doubler such that the patch replaces the removed metal skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Holland, William F. Bogue, Ron I. Prihar
  • Publication number: 20110147129
    Abstract: An exemplary method of retrofitting a brake onto an elevator machine that was previously installed in an elevator system includes selecting a surface of the elevator machine that rotates as a sheave of the machine rotates. A braking surface is provided on the selected surface. At least one brake member is installed in a position to selectively engage the braking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel B. Davis, Valery Sheynkman, Kenneth V. Allen, Jesse R. Richter, Michael P. Keenan, Gregory M. Oseep, Robert Scott Farmer, Doug B. LaBrecque, Christopher H. Koenig, Michael Joseph Concannon
  • Patent number: 7891096
    Abstract: Provided is a method for reinforcing a foam material in which a working region is first prescribed. A gap that at least partially encloses the prescribed working region in a two-dimensional manner is created in the foam material. A strut is introduced into the foam material, extending from an entry surface of the foam material from outside the working region to at least the fibrous sheet-like material. From a further aspect, a sandwich component with a core which comprises a foam material is provided. A fibrous sheet-like material arranged in the foam material at least partially encloses a working region of the sandwich component in a sheet-like manner. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material and extends from an entry surface of the foam material from outside the working region to at least the fibrous sheet-like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Weber, Gregor Christian Endres
  • Patent number: 7874053
    Abstract: An assembly of a frame and doors with a lifting device to position the assembly in an open end of a storage container for conversion to access from opposing ends, the frame including side plates and end plates that abut respective side walls and end edges of end of the storage container from which an end panel is removed, and the lifting device attached to the assembly to hold the assembly in the end while rigidly connecting the assembly to the storage container. A method of converting a storage container for dual opposing access is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: John Stangel
  • Patent number: 7784186
    Abstract: A method for reinforcing, baffling and/or sealing components of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes providing a carrier and disposing masses of expandable material onto the carrier. The method further provides for providing a fastener connected to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Matthew White, Douglas C. Larsen, William J. Barz
  • Patent number: 7774925
    Abstract: A method is provided for filling a hollow structure with metal foam. A mixture is made of a metal powder and a foaming agent. An electric resistance heating wire is provided and the mixture is consolidated into a solid preformed charge with the wire embedded in the charge and extending from the ends thereof. The preformed charge is placed into the hollow structure and electric current is applied to the resistance heating wire so that the metal powder is melted and the foaming agent foams the melted metal to fill the hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Asim Tewari, Anil K. Sachdev, Srinivas Subbarao
  • Patent number: 7757610
    Abstract: A joint connecting a container corner support assembly to a body bolster and a connecting assembly portion of an end of a container well unit in connection with shortening a container well of a railroad freight car intended for carrying an intermodal freight container. A connector member is welded into position, between a transverse gusset plate of a container corner support assembly and a closure plate of a connecting assembly, to transmit forces between the gusset plate and the connecting assembly associated with a body bolster in an end of the container well unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Gunderson LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Saxton, John N. Niosi, Scott D. Krupp
  • Publication number: 20100110628
    Abstract: A computer system includes a cabinet, a first port mounted on a rear panel of the cabinet, and a tray mounted in the cabinet and having computer components mounted thereon. A front panel of the tray faces outward from a front side of the cabinet opposite the rear panel. The computer system further includes a second port mounted on the front panel of the tray, and a first cable that electrically couples the first port and the second port. The first cable is routed within the cabinet and protrudes from the front side of the cabinet. The first port also remains coupled to the second port as the tray slides outwards from the front side of the cabinet so that the computer components substantially protrude from the front side of the cabinet. The first port and the second port are for at least one of electrical power and network connectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Barrenechea, Giovanni Coglitore, Conor Malone, Richard Huang
  • Publication number: 20100005661
    Abstract: Embodiments include but are not limited to apparatuses and systems for post-tension strand repair. A post-tension strand repair apparatus may include two or more guiding legs, each guiding leg including a strand guide configured to engage a strand end, wherein the two or more guiding legs are coupled to allow the strand guides to be drawn toward each other and thus urge the strand ends toward each other. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20090194661
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a pole support or replacement section for a pole (5). The pole support or pole replacement section has a sleeve (1), the sleeve defining a cavity (2) adapted to receive and engage a lower end of the pole (5) so as to provide contiguity between the sleeve and the pole. The invention also relates to a composite pole comprising a supporting assembly and a pole. A method of restoring or extending a pole is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Damian McCue
  • Publication number: 20090158591
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oilfield component includes analyzing a first model of the oilfield component, identifying at least one region in the oilfield component susceptible to fatigue failure at a selected loading condition, constructing the oilfield component from a base material, and selectively reinforcing with a clad material the at least one region susceptible to failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Philip A. Huff, Shafiq Khandoker
  • Patent number: 7490393
    Abstract: A semi-automatic method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The female connector is mounted to a fixture and subsequently appropriately aligned. Weld metal is automatically applied to the worn portion of the female connector while attached to the aligned fixture. The excess weld metal is then automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area can again be taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: TTX Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Brueckert, William A. Guess, Donald F. Kroesch
  • Patent number: 7484286
    Abstract: A removable cover for a garage door vent or window, and preferably a cover for vents and windows in a garage door having embossed raised decorative panels incorporated into the door sections for decorative and aesthetic purposes, wherein the cover is slidingly received within a generally U-shaped in cross-section track externally mounted about the perimeter of the vent/window opening. Most preferably, the cover is formed of the rectangular piece of material removed from the garage door section to create the vent/window opening, such that with the cover in place over the vent/window, the decorative pattern and overall look of the door is virtually identical to the look of a door that is not provided with vents or windows. For garage doors having embossed raised decorative panels, the relatively large planar interior face portion of the raised panel having inwardly sloping sides is preferably removed to form the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Darrell Fowler
  • Patent number: 7461453
    Abstract: The invention is an explosive resistant liner, located inside an enclosed space, and made from a blast resistant material. The liner is preferably constructed inside the enclosed space, consisting of lay-up, curing and assembly steps utilizing a collapsible tool. The invention is particularly applicable to blast protection for aircraft cargo holds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Friedman Research Corporation
    Inventor: D. Erich Weerth
  • Publication number: 20080282545
    Abstract: The invention is an explosive resistant liner, located inside an enclosed space, and made from a blast resistant material. The liner is preferably constructed inside the enclosed space, consisting of lay-up, curing and assembly steps utilizing a collapsible tool. The invention is particularly applicable to blast protection for aircraft cargo holds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: D. Erich Weerth
  • Patent number: 7428774
    Abstract: There is disclosed a baffle for inhibiting the passage of sound, debris or the like through a cavity of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Thomas, Amy Ingram-Hill
  • Publication number: 20080155827
    Abstract: A method for repairing concrete structural elements reinforced with steel rebar includes steps of: removal of debris and rust; attachment of expanded mesh zinc metal for sacrificial passive corrosion protection; and overwrapping with flexible panels of fiber-reinforced polymer composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe
  • Publication number: 20080092390
    Abstract: A method is provided for filling a hollow structure with metal foam. A mixture is made of a metal powder and a foaming agent. An electric resistance heating wire is provided and the mixture is consolidated into a solid preformed charge with the wire embedded in the charge and extending from the ends thereof. The preformed charge is placed into the hollow structure and electric current is applied to the resistance heating wire so that the metal powder is melted and the foaming agent foams the melted metal to fill the hollow structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Asim Tewari, Anil K. Sachdev, Srinivas Subbarao
  • Patent number: 7310878
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lower body component for a vehicle is provided including forming a one-piece floor pan at least partially defining a vehicle passenger compartment and substantially extending longitudinally at least the entire length thereof, and forming a one piece reinforcement structural member for reinforcing the pan. The method also includes simultaneously forming the pan and one-piece reinforcement structural member by stacking a pair of weldable sheet metal blanks sufficiently close together to define a comon interface, positioning the stacked blanks between moveable profile forming dies, heating the dies so that the blanks reach a superplastic forming temperature, and plastically deforming the stacked blanks into a lower body component having the profile of the dies. The method also includes friction stir welding of the stacked blanks at the common interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Richard M. Kleber, Mark G. Konopnicki, Stephen R. Koshorek, Jacob Lyjak, Chongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 7284358
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: SME Steel Contractors, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Smelser