Patents Examined by Bruce A. Lev
  • Patent number: 7802610
    Abstract: An apparatus for the safe closure of the open area of mobile containers, having a tarp connected to a spring loaded tarp assembly and to the container by brackets. These brackets allow the tarp to be lowered and raised using the spring loaded tarp assembly. A metal plate at the bottom of the tarp is used to secure the bottom of the trap while in the closed position. The spring loaded tarp assembly comprises three main components a sleeve, a rod, and tension springs. The rod allows the free flow rotation of the sleeve with the tension spring acting as a back stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 7111661
    Abstract: A quick-action rolling shutter door and modules thereof used for closing openings in the walls of warehouses or factory buildings in order to restrict the loss of energy from heated or cooled rooms, and to protect the environment by keeping escaping noise, odors and dust emissions to a minimum. A flexible quick-action rolling shutter door hanging (12) can be wound up onto a roller, is guided on at least one side by a guiding device, and has at least one thick-walled insulating layer (36, 38) consisting of plastic foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Guido Laugenbach
  • Patent number: 7100779
    Abstract: This pegboard is injection molded of plastic yielding a unitized flat panel, and rearwardly projecting peripheral flanges and cross webs terminating along a single plane, suited to provide clearance for a cooperating hook between a panel rear face and a flat mounting surface. The pegboard has rows and columns of holes of both nominal ? inch and ΒΌ inch diameters on one inch centers, to accommodate both conventional nominal size hooks. The respective rows and columns of the different size holes are alternately arranged offset from one another vertically and horizontally, allowing either size hook mounting virtually anywhere on the panel. Locating structures on the rear side of the pegboards provide accurate back to back squared registry positioning of two like pegboards, for cool-down after molding without shape distortion and for stable twin-pack packaging for retail sales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Cencor Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel J. Berg
  • Patent number: 7082982
    Abstract: A retrofit blind assembly for a doorlight. The assembly includes a frame, a transparent panel, and a blind snap-fitted to the frame. The blind actuator includes gears and a toothed belt for positive, non-slip actuation. A pair of blind guides are mounted on the opposite sides of the frame to receive and guide the opposite ends of the blind. The mounting system includes a pair of brackets that can be secured between the doorlight and the door and upon which the assembly can be hung. The mounting system also includes a pair of movable catches on the lower portion of the frame snap that can be locked behind the doorlight to secure the lower end of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ODL, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike S. Eveland, Andrew R. Krochmal, Michele M. Dorcic-Lechenet
  • Patent number: 7066297
    Abstract: An automatic door and method of operating the same. The door includes a first processor which may be located proximate a leading movable edge of the door and a second processor which is remotely located from the first processor. The first and second processors are operably coupled with a bus configured to transmit digital signals therebetween. One or more input devices may be coupled with the first processor to indicate the status of an operational parameter of the door. Operational parameters are transmitted to the second processor, which controls a drive operably coupled with the door to control the position thereof in response to such operational parameters. The second processor is configured such that, upon breakdown of communication between the first and second processors, the second processor causes the door to enter into a predetermined status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta, John G. Garrett
  • Patent number: 7044309
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for highly flexible placement of one or more wheel chocks on a transport to thereby support one or more motorcycles. The wheel chocks are preferably mounted to the transport utilizing flexible straps. When the straps are under tension, then the wheel chock is urged in a first direction towards the motorcycle wheel. Additional straps may secure the motorcycle to the transport such that when the additional straps are under tension then the motorcycle is urged in a second direction toward the wheel chock. In a preferred embodiment, the first direction and second direction are substantially opposite so that movement of the wheel chock and motorcycle is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Walter L. Raines
  • Patent number: 7044189
    Abstract: An improved pull-strap assembly (20) made from webbing material (21) that forms a strap (23) the material (21) looped back on itself at its first or one end to form along the strap's length two layers of mated material (42) along which multiple openable pockets (42s, 44m) are formed and spaced from one another, the other or second end of strap (23) being looped backed on itself to form a pull loop (31). An openable pocket (44) is produced at the strap's first end and the multiple openable pockets (44m) are spaced therefrom along the length of strap (23). A connector (47) having a stem (48) and an enlarged head (49) at each end of stem (48) mounts in any one of the pockets (44s, 44m), with its enlarged head (49) of connector (47) abutting the edges of strap (23). In assemblage of pull-strap assembly (20) to a roller-tube assembly (30), connector (47) in a particular one of pockets (44s, 44m) is fed through a hole in a slot-and-hole arrangement (55, 52), FIGS. 5, 9, and as in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: John E. Hanna
  • Patent number: 7036547
    Abstract: An assembly including a shade capable of height adjustment, comprising shade including multiple pleats, a roller, one strap that extends through multiple pleats of the assembly, and the at least one strap operatively connected with the roller to be rolled on the roller as the height of the shade is reduced, and to be un-rolled as the height of the shade is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: ZipShade Industrial (B.V.I.) Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Ming Cheng, Lawrence S. Wu
  • Patent number: 7017643
    Abstract: A guard assembly is used near a doorway with an overhead door on a platform having at least one post mounted adjacent the doorway. The assembly preferably comprises a barrier adapted to extend across the doorway and having at least one coupling which is adapted to connect to a respective post to allow the barrier to block the doorway; and a bracket adapted to facilitate connection and disconnection between the barrier and the overhead door. Such an assembly allows the barrier to block the doorway whether connected to or disconnected from the door and to move with the door as the door opens and closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Grant Leum
  • Patent number: 7007810
    Abstract: A security device locks to a display structure such as a pegboard or slatboard to prevent the rapid removal of merchandise from the display structure by preventing the rapid removal of the entire security device. The security device includes a base and a rod with the base having locked and unlocked positions. The unlocked position of the base allows the security device to be removed from the display structure. The locked position of the base prevents the security device from being removed. The security device includes a lock that holds the base in the locked position. A key may be used to unlock the base. Customers may remove items of merchandise from the security device while the lock and base are in their locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Huehner, Robert J. Michael, Michael Jaeb, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Todd H. Christian, Nicholas M. Sedon
  • Patent number: 7004284
    Abstract: A portable scaffold moving device for connecting to scaffolding and which provides rotary motion to a drive wheel, to move scaffolding in select directions. The portable scaffold moving device includes a power wheel, rotary driven through a perpendicular or right-angled gear reduction, receiving its rotary force from a drive shaft, and the drive shaft couples with a portable drill, which furnishes the rotational force necessary for driving the drive shaft, and its associated drive wheel. The bracket mechanism supporting the portable drill supports the drill during its delivery of rotary force to the drive shaft, and its wheel, and likewise, pivotally mounts to an outer support sleeve or tube that furnishes steering, to the drive mechanism, and consequentially to the scaffolding, during its power movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mark C. Chick
  • Patent number: 7000731
    Abstract: A cover for an end of a ladder rail includes a shell and a tread. The shell comprises at least one material, whereas the tread comprises at least one other material. The shell is sized to engage the ladder rail. The tread is engaged with the shell at least partially by at least one bond, which comprises at least a portion of the shell and at least a portion of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Louisville Ladder Group, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Swiderski, Donald L. Gibson, Michael S. Gaynor, Eric V. Chevalier
  • Patent number: 6991063
    Abstract: A stowable or foldable ladder is configured for installation in an opening between one floor or space and another floor or space. An upper ladder section includes a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section left ladder rail to the lower ladder section left ladder rail and rotatably connecting the upper ladder section right ladder rail to the lower ladder section right ladder rail, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper pair of ladder rails and the lower pair of ladder rails. The steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Brett A. Latimer, Ronald K. Burig, Christine A. Brown, David E. Plotner, John J. Fiumefreddo, Roy B. Bendickson
  • Patent number: 6988527
    Abstract: A plug for operatively connecting a torsion spring onto a corresponding component of a counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly. The plug includes a connecting portion for removably connecting the plug onto the corresponding component, a substantially cylindrical collar insertable into an end portion of the torsion spring, an anchoring portion disposed on a bottom section of the collar for cooperating with a coil of the end portion of the torsion spring so as to pivotally anchor the collar onto the end portion of the torsion spring, and a clip projecting from a top section of the collar, and being disposed at a location on the collar substantially diametrically opposite from where the anchoring portion is disposed on the bottom section of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Canimex Inc.
    Inventors: Normand Savard, Yannick Funk
  • Patent number: 6988626
    Abstract: A rail mounting arrangement for supporting a computer component, such as a server, in a rack includes a pair of support rails and slide rail assemblies supported by the support rail. The support rails are identical and include a pair of mounting regions on either side of a longitudinal axis. The slide rail assemblies have a lower profile than the support rails and may be mounted on either of the mounting regions. The slide rail assemblies are secured to the server and present a low profile, permitting greater access to internal components within the server housing for servicing. The support rails are recessed in the rack to reduce the space occupied by the rail system in the region of the rack in which the server is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Paily T. Varghese, Robert J. Hastings, Paul E. Westphall
  • Patent number: 6986403
    Abstract: A sleeve for covering a ladder rung includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first surface that defines an opening extending from the first end to the second end. The first surface is adapted to contact the ladder rung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Martha F. Rowland, Frederick J. Diggle
  • Patent number: 6983783
    Abstract: A motorized shade control system includes electronic drive units (EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command signals from an infrared transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Michael E. Lockley, Justin J. Mierta, David J. Dolan, Stephen M. Ludwig, Jr., Thomas W. Brenner
  • Patent number: 6978862
    Abstract: A trailer mounted deer stand including a vertical tower attached to the chassis of the trailer and a pivotally mounted blind rotatable from a lowered, travel position to an upright, operational position for observation at spectator events including hunting. The trailer includes an extended tongue, through the trailer chassis and rearward to clear the lowered blind and a coupling beam disposed in an upwardly open channel mounted on the tongue, the coupling bean at one end attachable to an immoveable object such as a tree and at the other end coupled to a lifting boom attached to the blind. Upon securing the coupling beam to the immoveable object, and moving the trailer forward and away from the immoveable object, the relative movement of the coupling beam on the tongue causes the lifting boom to move upwardly toward the blind whereby it may be moved to the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: David W. Cotten, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6978821
    Abstract: An elongate hollow rail for a fabric covering for an architectural opening, such as a bottom rail for a fabric roller blind or a top or bottom rail for a roman shade, having an upper portion with a lengthwise upper opening in the top of the rail and being characterized by a pair of lengthwise upper locking shoulders in the interior of the upper portion on walls on opposite widthwise sides of the upper opening, the upper locking shoulders being wedge-shaped and pointing inwardly of the upper portion and away from the upper opening, and the wall on a first widthwise side of the bottom rail extending above the wall on the opposite second widthwise side of the bottom rail about the openings and a method for attaching a fabric to a locking shoulder within an elongate hollow rail as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Konrad Welfonder
  • Patent number: 6978904
    Abstract: A compound adjustable garment supporting apparatus (100) is disclosed having first garment supporting assembly (102, 103, 104, 105) and second garment supporting assembly (121, 122, 123), each positioned at a different level above the floor. The first and second garment supporting assemblies are integrally connected together by a rod 112 for receiving external garment hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam