Patents Examined by Beth A. Aubrey
  • Patent number: 5802790
    Abstract: The invention consists of an assembly for capping one or more exposed ends of a moulding, in particular where two elongate moulding pieces meet at a corner. The assembly consists of upper and lower rims and a web portion extending between the rims. The rims each incorporate snap-lock engagement members to releasably engage an underlying linear moulding in a sliding-type engagement. The engagement members each consist of a curved elongate flange extending from the rim, having a generally hook-shaped cross section adapted to mate with a corresponding rib extending from a linear moulding. The assembly may consist of two generally platelike separable portions that mate at the midline of the assembly to form a generally L-shaped member for installation at a room corner. The invention also consist of a combination of the corner assembly and a linear moulding having sliding engagement members adapted to mate with corresponding engagement members within the corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: 3429342 Canada Ltee
    Inventors: Bernard Lamont, David Rozon
  • Patent number: 5802788
    Abstract: A fixing device for a tensioning member of a prestressed concrete may unimly act holding force for the tensioning member on the overall peripheral surface of the tensioning member mating with the wedge. The device includes a stationary grip through which the tensioning member extends, a wedge press fitted to the grip with holding the tensioning member for fixing the tensioning member relative to the grip under a given tension, and a buffer member disposed between the tensioning member and the wedge, the buffer member having both elasticity and plasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho Komatsu Plastics Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Ozawa, Masao Kikuchi, Manabu Sotooka, Junji Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 5799456
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover installation includes first and second building members defining an expansion gap between them and a cover member spanning and covering the gap and engaging the building members. The cover member is held centered in the gap by a resilient centering system that is coupled between the building members and the cover member and includes a plurality of first tensioned flexible segments connected obliquely between the first building member and the cover member and a plurality of second tensioned flexible segments connected obliquely between the second building member and the cover member. By arranging the tensioned segments obliquely to the axis of the gap, they are relatively long and are able to provide an adequate centering force over a relatively large range of motion between open and closed states of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shreiner, Roger W. Barr
  • Patent number: 5797239
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a structural panel having a predetermined shape in which an inflatable envelope assembly is formed from at least a pair of superplastically formed and diffusion bonded metallic core sheets. The inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between first and second metallic face sheets which are generally superplastically formed into the predetermined shape prior to being assembled. Thereafter, the assembled face sheets and the inflatable envelope assembly can be superplastically formed and diffusion bonded to form an integral structure, such as structural panel having a compound curvature. Alternatively, the inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between a pair of reinforced titanium composite sheets. The reinforced titanium composite sheets can also be joined to adjacent face sheets, such as by welding or diffusion bonding, such that an integral structural panel having the predetermined shape can be readily fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Zaccone, Jeffery D. Russom
  • Patent number: 5797567
    Abstract: A holder (10) for a zip lock bag (12) includes an assemblage (14), for supporting the zip lock bag (12) in a vertical opened position, so that articles (16) can be deposited into the zip lock bag (12) by two free hands (18) of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Bill Magnafici
  • Patent number: 5794402
    Abstract: A modular structural section for use in support structures such as load bearing decks or highway bridges. The modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongated core members having a polygonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck contains at least one sandwich panel suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the novel modular structural section and support members are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Dumlao, Eric Abrahamson
  • Patent number: 5794393
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated building foundation form assembly is installed beneath a building floor which is temporarily supported in its final position. The form assembly comprises a plurality of form stiffeners which are spaced apart along a proposed foundation wall and extend downwardly from the floor, each stiffener having laterally spaced apart inner and outer edges. A flexible sheet form element has laterally spaced apart upper portions connected to the edges of the stiffeners and a lower portion spaced below the stiffeners so as to form an essentially continuous elongated container below the stiffeners and in contact with the site surface. A flowable and settable foundation material essentially fills a space within the container and between the flexible sheet forms and extends essentially continuously upwardly from the site surface to a lower surface of the floor assembly to support the floor assembly thereon when the foundation material has cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Neil Fearn
  • Patent number: 5794396
    Abstract: A roof mounting assembly includes rows of pans mounted to the understructure of a roof by hooking the pans around support tracks. Rows of roofing panels are mounted over the respective rows of pans with adjacent roofing panels generally abutting each other to create a joint located above the central area of an underlying pan so that the pan acts as a barrier to prevent rain water and the like from flowing through the joint and directly to the understructure. By using underlying pans to prevent leakage, it is possible to minimize the amount of panel overlapping. The panels are preferably mounted to the tracks by separate hook members. The upper end of each panel is between and against an overlying panel and an underlying track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Alden T. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5794397
    Abstract: A ceiling structure for retaining air filter panels having a grid of interconnected rails. Each rail has a recessed channel for containing a light fixture so that the light fixture does not hang below the ceiling surface. The structure may also include hanger hooks attachable to the rails for suspending fixtures, wall panels, and pivoting wall headers to permit angled arrangements of wall panels. The light fixture attached within the channel is an extruded panel that snaps into the channel and which includes standard light tube connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Cleanpak International, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 5791094
    Abstract: The size of a walled ball-court's playing area is changed by moving a wall into and out of one side thereof (e.g., the end of an elongate court). The wall moves on wheels rolling in horizontal tracks inset into the floor of the court. The movable wall is mounted on one end of a frame extending outwards from the ball-court, and the weight of the wall is balanced with counterweights so that the wall does not tip when moved. A mechanical drive, which may be manually powered by a single operator, applies horizontal forces to the wall in order to move it back and forth along the tracks. In a preferred embodiment, two sets of wheels, spaced out along the movable wall, are used. In this configuration the spacing between the two sets of wheels is adjustable to allow an installer to select an optimal spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Diverse Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5791108
    Abstract: Partition members including frame members forming an open-cell frame structure for housing glass bricks. Beads are shaped to fit the edges of the frame members around the cell openings, and overlap the edges of the glass bricks to hold them in their respective cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Conti
  • Patent number: 5787649
    Abstract: A modified monopole tower is described, consisting primarily of a galvanized steel truncated pyramidal monopole capped by wireless electronic communications antennae and equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the simulated trunk containing the monopole exhibits protruding receptors which in turn support artificial palm fronds, and artificial pine boughs and branches. The artificial palm fronds, branches, and boughs are attached to the receptors primarily by mechanical and adhesive means. The modified monopole tower is designed to function optimally under all weather conditions, while imitating the landscape with attachment of indigenous tree components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Nestor T. Popowych, Harold H. Sriver, III, FWT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nestor T. Popowych, Roy J. Moore, Harold H. Sriver, III, Louis Ken-Hon Kao
  • Patent number: 5787656
    Abstract: Acoustical seating risers for indoor arenas are made of a plurality of pre-formed units of L-shaped cross-section. These L-shaped sections are mounted atop one another on a separate pre-formed foundation to provide a mounting platform for rows of seats and additional acoustical steps in the aisles. Each riser unit includes an integrally molded acoustical element having a slit and recessed chamber or a series of slits and recessed chambers designed to absorb low frequency sounds below 500 Hz, thus permitting balancing of the frequency response within that range. Riser units are assembled together in an overlapping fashion to form the sealed and slitted cavities and protect the recessed chamber or series of chambers from water or other contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: RPG Diffusor Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 5787653
    Abstract: In a sheet-shaped solar module mounting structure, rail members include locking members to which the end portions of sheet-shaped solar batteries are locked, so that, in mounting the sheet-shaped solar batteries to a roof bed, it is unnecessary to nail the solar batteries to the roof bed with screws or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd., Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Sakai, Yukimi Ichikawa, Takashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5784836
    Abstract: A removable sleeping compartment assembly for the use of a number of passengers is provided based upon the nesting together of a number of different modules, typically having a standard cargo container configuration, that incorporates internal sleeping berths and convenience features in such manner so as to provide a number of individual habitats. The modules are configured with at least partially open abutting sides which may have upper and lower berths, separated by aisles, and isolated by enclosure elements. Appurtenances in the modules protrude through the open sides to nest into the adjoining space when the assembly is joined together. The convenience features include restroom facilities, storage and disposable supply means, and means for providing convenient entry into and exit from the interior of the volume defined by the unitary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Ehrick
  • Patent number: 5784837
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible deck suited for use at the entrance of a house trailer or mobile home includes a floor formed from wood or metal. The floor has opposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed laterally extending front and rear edges. The deck also includes at least one movable wall with an edge at the level of the floor that is connected to one of the side edges of the floor. Each wall is movable between a vertical collapsed position extending upwardly from a side edge of the floor when the deck is being transported and a horizontal deployed position extending laterally from the floor. The deck includes a framework supporting the floor of the deck and the framework includes ground-engaging wheels mounted for rotation at the bottom of the framework. A coupling at the front of the deck to facilitates connecting the deck to a towing vehicle such as a truck for moving the deck from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Darrel J. Klein, Darin D. Klein
  • Patent number: 5782738
    Abstract: A method for constructing in situ an elevated annular platform. The steps include a) erecting a curved flanged support beam, b) locating a plurality of metal sheets about each side of the beam, c) positioning a supporting structure for the support of the sheets, d) locating an upright edging in defining a mold cooperantly with the sheets, e) positioning and securing reinforcing material within the mold, f) securing packaging within the mold, g) filling the mold, and h) removing the supporting structure and sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: John Murray Bowers
  • Patent number: 5779203
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally to a wafer cassette holding mechanism for use in processing wafers. The cassette holding mechanism has adjustable alignment posts to facilitate the cassette placement, and an adjustment guide for guiding the placement of the cassette on the holding mechanism so that the holding mechanism may be configured to receive and securely hold a variety of different sizes and brands of wafer cassettes. In addition, the cassette holding mechanism further includes a plurality of adjustment screws for fine tuning the level position of the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Erich Edlinger
  • Patent number: 5778607
    Abstract: A smoker's booth, for use within an enclosed area, including sidewalls having a door providing access to a single user compartment, wherein the sidewalls define upper and lower open ends. The lower end is closed by a base panel supporting the sidewalls, while the upper end is closed by a modular cap assembly, adapted for treating tobacco smoke-laden air drawn upwardly from the closed compartment. The modular cap assembly, which includes a closed space divided into a plurality of chambers, provides at least one plenum chamber and an electrical equipment chamber. An air treating unit is located in the plenum chamber, intermediate intake and return air vent openings communicating with the compartment. A blower draws tobacco smoke-laden air upwardly from the compartment, through the intake vent opening and plenum chamber, and returns only treated air to the compartment, via its return vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5775039
    Abstract: A drainage device for use under a floor in a structure including the floor, a foundation wall, a footing located below the foundation wall and a drain. The drainage device is constructed for placement on the footing adjacent to the foundation wall prior to installation of the floor to permit water to flow along the footing under the floor to the drain. The drainage device includes a wall member and spaced apart feet depending from the wall member. The feet are engageable with the footing at spaced apart locations for vertically spacing the wall member from the footing. The feet define fluid flow channels for water seeping from between the foundation wall and the footing and allow water to flow freely underneath the floor and along the footing toward the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Glenna Sue Bruns
    Inventor: Kevin McPherson