Patents Examined by Carl D. Friedman
  • Patent number: 7114295
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of erecting a pylon of prestressed concrete finished parts and an apparatus for advantageously carrying out the method. In order to at least reduce the problems present in the state of the art when erecting a pylon, there is provided a funnel-shaped apparatus 8 for guiding a tensioning wire, the smaller cross-section 11 thereof being substantially the same as that of the jacket tube 7. There is further provided a seal 20 for producing a pressure-tight transition between two mutually superposed segments 4, 6, wherein the height of the seal 20 substantially corresponds to the intended spacing of the segments. Also provided is a prestressed concrete finished part 4, 6 in which the apparatus 8 according to the invention is integrated. Finally there is provided a method in which epoxy resin is used as a composite joining material 34 between two segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7111433
    Abstract: Metal cladding as jamb cover assemblies and mullion cover assemblies, for door frames and mullions, using extrusions as cladding over substrates. A jamb cover assembly includes a jamb plate, a nosing, and a nailing fin. The nailing fin extends from a distal side of the assembly. Accordingly, the frame can be secured in a rough opening of a building with the nosing assembled to the jamb plate, and using the nailing fin for the securement, without any assembly or disassembly of the frame at the construction site. Regarding the mullion cover assembly, first and second jamb plates are on opposing sides of a mullion substrate. A mullion nosing is assembled to the jamb plates, and bridges the jamb plates to join together the two jamb plates and the nosing, to provide complete overlayment of the outer surface of the mullion substrate and to space the front panel of the nosing from the outer surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Bay Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Frank Kerscher
  • Patent number: 7111437
    Abstract: For producing wall panels (8) from bricks (1), a line-up path (4) on which bricks to be masoned are deposited in a row with a gripper, a transfer device (10) for transporting the brick row from the line-up path (4) to a bricklaying station (7) for masoning the wall panel, and a device for moving apart the bricks to form vertical joints (9) between the bricks (1) of the wall panel (8) are provided. The gripper depositing the bricks (1) on the line-up path (4) is formed by a depiling gripper (3) that depiles the bricks (1) of a pile (2) in rows with its two longitudinal grippers (13, 14). The device for moving apart the bricks (1) is formed by transverse grippers (21, 21a) disposed on the depiling gripper (3) between the longitudinal grippers (13, 14), said transverse grippers (21, 21a) individually holding the bricks (1) of the brick row depiled with the longitudinal grippers (13, 14) and being formed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the depiling gripper (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Dieter Ainedter
  • Patent number: 7107724
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to interchange certain seating areas within a sports stadium or arena with an entertainment stage on a temporary basis to support an alternate use of the facility such as for a religious event, civic gathering, or musical concert. Loss of revenue producing seats for a concert due to poor viewing access is minimized, since none of the remaining seats are blocked from viewing the entertainment stage. The seating sections are provided in self-supporting modules or risers of approximately one hundred seats (or equivalent bench seating area). The seating sections are moved with the aid of a mobile crane and specially designed trailers. These seating sections are stored on elevated landing racks located outside of the stadium. Entertainment stage sections with equivalent “footprint” configurations are stored on these same landing racks when they are not in use in the stadium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: RI, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Suprina, Tony English
  • Patent number: 7107728
    Abstract: The invention provides a stabilizing device for inclusion in a stack of containers in which hazardous waste is held, wherein the stabilizing device comprises a table for supporting a container in the stack, and a base, the table being movable relative to the base so as to aid stability of the stack when the stack is subjected to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Plc
    Inventor: Andrew Ronald Whitley
  • Patent number: 7107735
    Abstract: A coupling device for the coupling of reinforcing bars, the coupling device comprising an elongate tubular body configured for receiving reinforcing bars, in particular their end portions, at least one recessed gripping surface being formed on an inner surface of the elongate tubular body, the recessed gripping surface comprising a plurality of teeth being configured to engage the reinforcing bars in response to the engagement of the reinforcing bars by a plurality of engaging bolts being adjustably positioned through the elongate tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ultimate Design Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Hopwood
  • Patent number: 7107731
    Abstract: A structural building system including an improved, structural-load-bearing, building component, such as a building panel, having front and back sections, an insulating core, integral symmetrical joinery, a thermal break, and at least one shear resistance connector The panel is asymmetrical about one axis, and is designed to be directionally positioned with respect to the maximum anticipated force. A shear resistance connector array may be positioned between the front and back sections or may be integral to the front or back section. A face sheet may span one or more than one building panel, and provides structural support to the building system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: LEEP, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant C. Record
  • Patent number: 7107732
    Abstract: An insulated ceiling is provided for a metal building, an includes a plurality of spaced apart metal purlins with upper and lower flanges, a metal roof attached to the upper flanges of the purlins, insulated panels attached to the bottom flanges of the purlins so as to define a space between the roof and the panels, and insulation in the space. The panels are mechanically attached to the purlins with a plurality of clips and support members such that penetrating fasteners are unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: High-R, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Kinzler
  • Patent number: 7107733
    Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Gerhard Rueckert
  • Patent number: 7104018
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Romes, Joseph T. Church, Matthew D Mattmuller
  • Patent number: 7104020
    Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Terry Lynn Suttle
  • Patent number: 7100343
    Abstract: A window sash frame has a glazing insert receiving channel. A glazing insert provides a spacing structure for at least two glazing panes. The spacing structure has at least two glazing surfaces adapted to protrude into a viewing opening of the sash frame and hold a respective one of the glazing panes. The glazing insert includes a base for receipt in the receiving channel of the sash frame. The base extends away from the glazing surfaces such that the glazing panes will be isolated from the sash frame when the base is received in the channel and the glazing panes are mounted on the glazing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sashlite, LLC
    Inventor: John S. France
  • Patent number: 7100333
    Abstract: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Hoberman
  • Patent number: 7100344
    Abstract: The shuttering element or similar, with a panel-shaped carrier (2; 7), according to the invention is characterized in that the carrier (2; 7) is covered at least on one side with a film (3; 6), which is attached to the carrier (2; 7) in a replaceable manner by means of an adhesive (4; 10) capable of being deactivated under the influence of heat. The panel-shaped carrier, especially for use in a shuttering element with a core (7) made from synthetic material, wherein, a reinforcing layer (8) with fibers is provided at one or both sides of the core, is characterized in that the fibers consist entirely or predominantly of fiber threads, which extend over the entire length of the carrier. The process for manufacturing and repair of shuttering elements or similar is characterized in that the film facing (3; 6; 22) which forms the surface is applied to the carrier (2; 7; 11; 211) under the influence of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hunneback GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Schlenker
  • Patent number: 7100334
    Abstract: A conveyor specialized to convey people, and more particularly a conveyor which may serve as a conventional staircase, comprises treads that can individually raise and lower by the amount of the tread rise. To ascend, a user stands on the lowest level, and the tread lifts to match the height of the next tread. The user steps forward to the next tread. That tread likewise lifts to match the height of the next tread, and so on. In this way the user is able to ascend the height of the staircase without having to step up. A corresponding process permits descending the height of the staircase without having to step down. The conveyor can work even if the staircase winds or curves or goes around corners. Optionally a platform is caused to move laterally from each step to the next, so that the user need not even step forward during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ioannis Milios, Dimitrios Korres
  • Patent number: 7100339
    Abstract: The present invention is a garage door system having durable, yet cost effective characteristics. In one embodiment, a garage door system is comprised of a frame and a garage door. The frame comprises a top jamb and two side jambs. Each side jamb has upper- and lower-jamb portions in an end-to-end relationship. The upper-jamb portions are constructed from a first material and the lower-jamb portions include a durable material made from at least one material different from the first material. The garage door comprises an upper portion consisting of a first material and a lower portion secured to the upper portion wherein the lower portion includes a durable material made from at least one material different from the first material. Associated hardware may also be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: FrameSaver, LP
    Inventor: Richard C. Hagel
  • Patent number: 7096630
    Abstract: A composite mat and sheet structure for installation atop a subfloor to underlie a layer of hardenable, cementicious material such as gypsum concrete or Portland concrete that is poured atop the composite structure to harden in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: James R. Keene, Michael L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7096635
    Abstract: A retaining wall with a series of differently sized, pre-formed blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to connect and align adjacent courses in registry. Retaining walls made of horizontal blocks may be stacked in columnar fashion or running bond fashion. The location of the indexing surface on a projection relative to the viewable surface of the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Price, Gerald P. Price
  • Patent number: 7096639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular flange connection for attachment to one end of a tubular component. An object of one aspect of the invention is to provide an annular flange that is less prone to damage resulting from the stresses associated with the intended use. In one embodiment, an annular flange connection with a tubular portion for attachment to one end of a tubular component, in particular to a tower segment for assembling a wind turbine tower, and with a flange collar radially adjoining one end of said tubular portion, with a flange surface facing axially away from said tubular portion, the outer wall of the tubular portion being conical, in particular for attachment to an equally conical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7093395
    Abstract: A floor composed of a plurality of modular elements comprises a first subassembly consisting of a base component and a first intermediate element and a second subassembly consisting of a second intermediate element and a top component forming a point elastic floor. The two subassemblies are secured together by connecting means with an angular orientation offset such as to define the contact surfaces and allow assembly by interlocking. The intermediate elements are disposed with a median honeycomb structure sandwiched between two stiffening plates of the same format and dimension. The plates are of nonwoven material and have reinforcement and stiffening disposed in a canvass of warp and weft threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Gerflor
    Inventors: Robert Hinault, Alain Rivat