Patents Assigned to Balco/Metalines, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5852902
    Abstract: An entry grid includes a plurality of spaced, side-by-side, grid sections each having a tread rail and a depending support leg with sections interlocked by a locking bar extending transversely through respective locking holes in the support legs. The support legs include locking teeth engaged by complementally configured element teeth of corresponding locking elements extending radially from the locking bar shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Balco Metalines, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Hopper, II
  • Patent number: 5832678
    Abstract: Portal apparatus (40) is provided for interconnection between adjacent first and second structures (32, 34) in order to maintain operative communication between the structures (32, 34) under seismic conditions. The apparatus (40) includes a portal assembly (36) together with coupling assemblies (38, 40) permitting translation and rotational movement of the portal assembly (36) about three orthogonal axes (X, Y and Z) in space. The first coupling assembly (38) serves to secure assembly (36) to structure (32) and permits rotation about and translation along the X axis, as well as rotation about the Y and Z axes. The second coupling assembly (40) slidably connects the remote end of assembly (36) to structure (34) and accommodates Y and Z axes translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Balco/Metalines, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Newcomb, Frank Nishiura, Trest Polina, Tim Reed, Dale A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5829216
    Abstract: A support for connecting a facade to at least one and preferably two buildings permits limited movement of the facade during seismic disturbances. The support includes a coupler presenting a projecting member and a mount presenting a receiver complementally configured with the projecting member. In one application, the projecting member and receiver define a track for permitting relative translational movement therealong, while in another application the projecting member and receiver define a hinge which may permit both limited pivotal movement and limited translational movement between the projecting member and the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Balco/Metalines, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Newcomb, Trest Polina, Dale A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5782044
    Abstract: A preferred foot traffic grid has a plurality of grid sections including an initial grid section, a terminating grid section, and a plurality of intermediate grid sections therebetween. Adjacent grid sections are coupled using a pair of spaced connectors received in corresponding channels in the adjacent connector. The channels and connectors are positioned on opposed sides of a support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Balco Metalines Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Dodd, James J. Hopper, II, Johnnie D. Hilburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5357727
    Abstract: An improved expansion joint assembly (10, 70) is provided for bridging an expansion void (12, 72) between adjacent, relatively shiftable structural sections (14, 6, 74, 76). The assembly (10, 70) includes a pair of supports (18, 20, 78, 80) respectively secured to the sections (14, 16, 74, 76), as well as a bridging member (22, 82) operatively engaging the supports (18, 20, 78, 80). A resilient compressible filler (24, 128, 130) is located between a bridging member (22, 82) and adjacent portions of the supports (18, 20, 78, 80). The filler (24, 128, 130) is preferably in the form of a compressible, resilient body including walls (62) defining a series of openings (64), so that the filler can accommodate significant movement without bulging or failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignees: Balco/Metalines, Inc., Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Duckworth, Bill Heisterberg, Mark Honstra, Trest Polina, Stephen Newcomb, Henry Gohlke