Patents Assigned to Butler Manufacturing
  • Patent number: 4783577
    Abstract: Afterset to access each cell of a three-cell cellular raceway. Comprises a base conected to and extending across the three raceways, an adjusting ring threaded on the base and a flat cover on the adjusting ring. Cover and ring are arranged so that the size of the cable exit opening can be adjusted to fit the cross sectional size of the group of cables. All power, telephone, and data connectors are joined inside the afterset underneath the floor covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gregory L. Mohr
  • Patent number: 4773193
    Abstract: A dynamic eave building system comprising a flexible joint for first vertical and second angulated structural members pivotally connected one to the other. The adjacent ends of the first and second structural members are mitered into a mating configuration and spaced one from the other by the pivot joint. The pivot joint comprises a pivot pin received through aligned apertures formed in one of the members and in a knee splice secured in the other. The knee splice is positioned to define the flexing space between the mitered ends. The second angulated member also includes moisture collection troughs formed longitudinally therealong. The first member is provided in a hollow configuration for receiving fluid flow from the troughs of the second angulated member. Both members are adapted for securement of conventional curtain wall material, siding or roofing thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence Biebuyck, William W. Watson
  • Patent number: 4760675
    Abstract: A trench duct power compartment for use over a cellular raceway is fabricated by forming a rectangular-shaped blank and then stamping out a center section to leave portions which are contoured to the shape of the crests of the cellular raceway and thereafter bending the cut-out blank to simultaneously form upright side walls, downwardly extending concrete blockers together with connecting bottom end sections while leaving the bottom midsection open. The contoured portions of the concrete blockers having the same profile as the crests of the cellular raceway and snugly engage therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bowman, Charles N. Domigan
  • Patent number: 4746768
    Abstract: Insert has a plate member supporting one or more transition blocks for interconnecting power conductors from the power cell to the conductors of a flat cable together with an adjusting ring supporting a cover with a cable exit slot. The cover, the adjusting ring, and the transition block provide for the cover and transition block to be angularly oriented to correspond to the direction from which the flat conductor cable exits to the insert. The arrangement provides for the flat connector cable to exit the insert from several different azimuthal directions and with the power conductors being connectible with the transition block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Benscoter
  • Patent number: 4745717
    Abstract: An adaptor to interface a poke-thru with power cable sets of a flexible wiring system. The adaptor has: an elongated, hollow housing with an axially extending opening; a support inside of the housing having a center section and a head, the center section extending across the opening and the head which has an opening for power conductors extends across the interior of the housing; a wire connector mounted on the center section of the support member and accesible through the housing opening; and a hollow, axially extending barrier inside of the housing and resting the head, the interior of the barrier being in communication with power conductor passageway in the head. The portion of the housing not closed off by the center section serves as an entrance to the adaptor for communication cables. The barrier and the head isolate the communication cables from the power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles N. Domigan
  • Patent number: 4731929
    Abstract: An apparatus for punching a plurality of predetermined spaced mounting holes in a building roof panel support member includes an elongated housing having an oil sump therewithin, a hydraulic pump together with an electric motor for actuation thereof mounted on the housing, guide structure which can be opened and closed for temporarily mounting the housing upon a roof panel support member, an adjustable gauge pin mounted on the housing near one end thereof, the gauge pin being supported on a mount which is adjustable along both the length and the width of the housing, and a hydraulic punch adjustably mounted near the other end of the housing from the gauge pin for punching holes in the support member.The method of punching holes in a roof panel support member as disclosed herein is also part of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard R. McClure
  • Patent number: 4694921
    Abstract: A weigh axle transducer for a grain cart or other application in which side loads are applied. A spindle which mounts the cart on a wheel is provided with opposing side openings which form an I-shaped section of the spindle. Strain gauges are mounted on opposite sides of the web of the I section and are wired in a bridge circuit providing an output signal proportional to the shear strain on the web. Each opening has an undercut configuration which enhances the output signal due to the large diameter undercut area and which provides adequate strength against lateral loads due to the smaller diameter portion. Apertures through the web provide wiring passages and act as stress risers to enhance the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bruce L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4683698
    Abstract: A delta-shaped roof joist structure provided with load transfer wall attaching clips at spaced intervals therealong for transferring both horizontal and perpendicular loads between the joist structure and a wall of a building. The load transferring clip structure includes a formed member of plate-like material having at one end a U-shaped portion for association and adjustment along a load transfer angle iron of an associated roof joist, and on the other end the member having an extension integral with one side of the U-shaped portion, and at substantially right angles thereto. The extension has an aperture for reception of wall affixing fastening elements therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James E. Churchman
  • Patent number: 4661652
    Abstract: In an underfloor electrical distribution system, a feeder arrangement for directing power and communication conductors from one or more closets to the distribution runs of the system wherein a plurality of junction boxes are arranged in a line in end-to-end abutting relationship, each having interior means forming power and communication channels electrically isolating conductors respectively disposed therein from one another, the respective channels providing for power and communication conductors to enter through one end of the box and exit through an opposite end and/or to enter or to exit through one or more openings provided in one or both of the sides of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Benscoter
  • Patent number: 4644717
    Abstract: A curtain wall drainage system for horizontal mullions comprising a flexible, conforming flap member disposed in flush engagement against a weep hole formed in the mullion. The flap permits egress of water infiltrated therein while preventing infusion of water or air turbulence within the mullion from wind loading against the curtain wall. An upper portion of the flap member secured to the outer weep hole surface for permitting pivotal movement therefrom and the passage of water through the weep hole and beneath the flap member. The flap member is constructed of sufficiently resilient and conforming material to permit the presence of a stream of water beneath the flap member from the weep hole to the lower end portion thereof and the creation of a capillary action therein for urging water contained within the mullion downwardly beneath the flap member for discharge from the curtain wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Biebuyck
  • Patent number: 4644329
    Abstract: A workmen protecting safety light for roof perimeter edge protection includes a pair of invisible light beam units, one bearing a light beam source and the other being a light beam receiver/control, and a relay box together with audio warning and signalling apparatus. Supporting structure includes a base support frame, a sub-base, tripod support, vertically and horizontally adjustable support pipes and clamping structures. All the foregoing are combined to provide an easily, quickly and accurately installed perimeter safety light protection device. A plurality of specially sized and marked pipes, support brackets for the light units, and specific adjusting/clamping structures are all important features of the invention. Preferably, the units are supplied in kit form and, therefore, suitable containers are provided for holding same in compact, easily shippable and stored form, ready for quick and easy assembly at a job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ralph H. Brueske
  • Patent number: 4637185
    Abstract: Trench ducts for electrical distribution systems having side walls constructed and mountable in a manner: (a) so that they can be snapped into position on the floor; (b) so that they can be shifted axially from the initial position; and (c) so that they can be pulled away from the installed position and be completely removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Timothy S. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4638115
    Abstract: An afterset for a cellular raceway. The afterset includes an annular housing, an adjusting ring mounted in the housing, and a split cover for flush mounting removably secured to the adjusting ring. The housing has an internal bridge member which, in conjunction with the housing, forms a pair of power compartments open to the power cell of the cellular raceway and a pair of communication openings respectively open to the communication cells of the raceway, each power compartment has a duplex receptacle disposed below the cover and is accessible from the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Benscoter
  • Patent number: 4608791
    Abstract: A fully adjustable, simplified system for installing a sloping roof on top of an existing flat roof is disclosed. Top and bottom roof spanning members are interconnected by individually vertically adjustable stanchions and the stanchions in the system are cross-braced in two orthogonal planes. The top and bottom spanning members of the system can be parallel or perpendicular to each other and the bottom spanning members can be eliminated and replaced by individual bearing plates where the existing roof structure allows direct loading at localized points. The system utilizes precut and prepunched components and utilizes offset hole punching to achieve a fine degree of adjustability which renders the system highly versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard R. McClure
  • Patent number: 4591656
    Abstract: The kit includes, for a flush receptacle, an adjusting ring on the pre-set and a snap-in, removable access hatch and a carpet ring both on the adjusting ring. The hatch provides access to the pre-set for bringing out communication conductors. The carpet ring carries flush receptacle means which are accessed via flip lids. The carpet ring has a downwardly extending barrier telescoped into a divider in the pre-set to isolate the power conductors. The communication cables are brought out through centrally located knock-outs in the access hatch and the cut edges of the carpet adjacent the knock-outs are protected by an overhanging shield on the carpet ring. The kit, for one or two receptacles mounted within the pre-set, includes an adjusting ring, a pair of access hatches, and a pair of receptacle plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gregory L. Mohr
  • Patent number: 4573297
    Abstract: Poke-thru has floor fitting serviced by a thru floor unit in a bore in the floor and carries power and/or communications conductors. The thru floor unit comprises a pair of mounting screws which extend down through the floor fitting base with the heads engaging the base. The mounting screws carry a flexible finger type retaining clip to grip the side of the bore. Above the retaining clip, on the mounting screws, are top separator means which maintain the clip and base a fixed distance apart. Intumescent material and a top spacer are loosely disposed in the space between the clip and the base. Below the retaining clip, on the mounting screws, is a bottom spacer. Below the bottom spacer are top and bottom retainers held a fixed distance apart by separator means. Intumescent material is loosely disposed in the space between the top and bottom retainers. The bottom retainer has nuts in which the screws are threaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Benscoter, Robert W. Hadfield, Timothy S. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4573127
    Abstract: Certain calendar events, such as the standard/daylight time transition or a holiday such as Labor Day, always occur on the same alphabetic day always having the same relationship to the beginning or end of the same month in any year; however, their numeric day varies from year to year. In order to update the numeric day of such a calendar event that is used by a microprocessor of a programmable electronic real-time load controller, the microprocessor selects a reference day value representing the numeric day of the calendar event in a given year and selects a reference year value representing the numeric year of that year. At the beginning of each real-time year, the microprocessor determines a real-time year value representing the numeric year of the real-time year, determines a current numeric day value for the calendar event from the reference day value, the reference year value, and the real-time year value, and stores the current numeric day value for use during the current real-time year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William W. Korff
  • Patent number: 4561233
    Abstract: The wall panel includes a snap joint which permits hidden attachment of the wall panel to another wall panel. The joint permits the panel to be attached to building supports from inside or outside and permits easy attachment of liner panels, insulation, or the like. A projection on one panel abuts an angled leg of another panel to provide a secure snap engagement between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James W. Harter, Gary S. Smagiel
  • Patent number: 4559753
    Abstract: A prefabricated curb unit is adapted to be seamed into the double lock standing seams used to interjoin roof panels forming an MR-24.RTM. roof manufactured by Butler Manufacturing Company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ralph H. Brueske
  • Patent number: RE32678
    Abstract: .[.Poke-thru has floor fitting servived by a thru floor unit in a bore in the floor and carries power and/or communications conductors. The thru floor unit comprises a pair of mounting screws which extend down through the floor fitting base with the heads engaging the base. The mounting screws carry a flexible finger type retaining clip to grip the side of the bore. Above the retaining clip, on the mounting screws, are top separator means which maintain the clip and base a fixed distance apart. Intumescent material and a top spacer are loosely disposed in the space between the clip and the base. Below the retaining clip, on the mounting screws, is a bottom spacer. Below the bottom spacer are top and bottom retainers held a fixed distance apart by separator means. Intumescent material is loosely disposed in the space between the top and bottom retainers. The bottom retainer has nuts in which the screws are threaded.]. .Iadd.Poke-thru has a floor fitting serviced by a thru-floor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Benscoter, Robert W. Hadfield, Timothy S. Bowman