Patents Examined by Daniel Kenny
  • Wind power plant with modular tower system
    Patent number: 8935889
    Abstract: A wind power plant tower having a multiplicity of tower segments which are arranged one on top of the other and enclose an interior tower space, and at least two system components from the group of a conductor, a lighting and a climbing device for operating personnel arranged in the tower inner space. Segments for the system components are structurally combined with a beam to form a separate supply module spanning a number of tower segments. The laborious assembly of the system components can thus be carried out at ground level, and only the supply module thus completed, which spans a number of segments, is then mounted in the tower. This obviates the need for a considerable amount of work in the form of hazardous working in the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Senvion SE
    Inventor: Olaf Samuelsen
  • Modular Processing Facility
    Patent number: 8931217
    Abstract: The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Haney, Gary Donovan, Todd Roth, Alan Lowrie, George Morlidge, Simon Lucchini, Sean Halvorsen
  • Structure for constructing a high-rise building having a reinforced concrete structure including a steel frame
    Patent number: 8919072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for constructing a building including girders and beams which are horizontally and vertically coupled to one another about a column. The structure includes: a gusset plate welded to a side portion of a first girder in a direction crossing a length direction of the first girder for supporting at least one first angle connection for supporting a slab and adjusting a frame assembly position; and a first coupling member including a first bolt and a first nut for coupling the first angle connection to the gusset plate. The first nut is embedded in concrete constituting a core wall or a slab, such that the first angle connection is removable from the gusset plate after concrete is cured in a region corresponding to the first girder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Bong-Kil Han
  • Systems and methods for selectively releasable modular tile
    Patent number: 8919069
    Abstract: An impact attenuating tile system that can be selectively installed and uninstalled without damaging the modular tiles making up the system is disclosed. The system uses a support ladder to support the seam between two modular tiles. The seam can support wheelchairs and other heavy equipment positioned on the seam between two tiles without the tiles coming apart. Additionally, the tiles can be selectively removed without damaging or disfiguring the tiles. The system taught herein allows a user to implement a system which provides fall height attenuation, is ADA complaint, is not prone to creating tripping hazards even under high loads, and can be removed or replaced as deemed appropriate and can be selectively removed without cutting, disfiguring compromising the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sof'Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Elouise R. Bird, Morgan Miller, Scott Barker
  • Solar panel sequencing mechanism
    Patent number: 8915474
    Abstract: A deployable solar panel array featuring in-line solar panels and side solar panels, where the side solar panels are configured to deploy in a staggered fashion after deployment of the in-line panels. A passive deployment mechanism governs the deployment sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Varouj G. Baghdasarian, Alan J. Szeto
  • Panelized structural system for building construction
    Patent number: 8887472
    Abstract: A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Patco, LL
    Inventors: John Louis Vanker, Michael J. Lastowski
  • Ceiling panel wire anchor
    Patent number: 8887467
    Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Adjustable torsion lift assist system with one-way bias for traffic-rated utility vault cover
    Patent number: 8887448
    Abstract: A hinge member providing a pivotal connection between a utility vault hatch and a utility vault frame that provides an adjustable torsion lift system with one-way bias. Hinge member comprises a fixed end socket, a floating end socket, a torsion bar member, and a collar member. Fixed end socket and floating end socket are rigid cylindrical members with a cylindrical exterior surface and a polygonal socket at in its interior. Torsion bar member is an oblong rod or bar with an external polygonal shape that fits the polygonal sockets on the fixed end socket and the floating end socket. Collar member is a rigid cylindrical member with a cylindrical exterior surface and a hollow cylindrical center. Collar member has a T-slot void cut into its cylindrical exterior surface. Floating end socket further comprises an ear member, which is inserted into the T-slot of collar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Vault Access Solutions & Fabrications
    Inventor: Rick VanMeter
  • Guy wire control apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8881471
    Abstract: A guy wire control method provides a plurality of activation elements, and enables the plurality of activation elements to be coupled with at least a portion of a guy wire. The method activates at least one of the plurality of activation elements to assist the guy wire in at least one capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Theobald
  • Composite damper
    Patent number: 8857111
    Abstract: A composite damper includes a first connector, a second connector and at least a dampening device. The first connector and the second connector are relative movable to each other, and the at least one dampening device is received between the first connector and the second connector. The dampening device comprises at least a rigid member and at least a dampening member, wherein the rigid member has the properties of high stiffness and low damping, while the dampening member has the properties of low stiffness and high damping. With such design, the composite damper could absorb vibrations during earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: National Cheng Kung University, Tongji University
    Inventors: Yun-Che Wang, Bin Zhao, Hai-Jie Ge, Chih-Chin Ko
  • Prefabricated insulation wall panels for construction of walls
    Patent number: 8857116
    Abstract: A prefabricated insulation wall panel for construction of a wall includes two elongated studs, each having a planar web section and inner and outer flanges, one or more insulation boards vertically disposed between the two studs, and one or more reinforcing mesh fastened to the flanges of the elongated studs on inner, outer or both sides of the wall panel. The reinforcing mesh has a preformed overhang section extending laterally beyond the elongated stud. The web section includes multiple through-holes spaced apart vertically, closer to the inner flange than to the outer flange. The insulation board is thinner than the width of the wed section, disposed with its inner surface against inner flanges of the studs and two side edges covering the through-holes on the web section of the stud, thus establishing a distance between the outer surface of the insulation board and the outer flanges of the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jose L. Henriquez
  • Pool liner retaining system
    Patent number: 8850773
    Abstract: A pool liner retaining system having a pool wall structure that includes a plurality of interlocking panels and methods of constructing a pool wall structure using such interlocking panels are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Jo-Co Pools Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Cohen
  • Structure anti-torsion system and device, and method of use providing compression and tension support
    Patent number: 8850764
    Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SR Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth
  • Photovoltaic module support system
    Patent number: 8844214
    Abstract: A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: John Hartelius
  • Suspended ceiling grid adapter
    Patent number: 8839583
    Abstract: An L-shaped adapter that secures a single cross beam to a main beam, in a suspended ceiling. The adapter is applied to a prior art connection designed to connect opposing cross beams to each other and to a main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Joshua L. Neal
  • Seamless three dimensional wall panel system
    Patent number: 8833024
    Abstract: A unique, three-dimensional wall or ceiling panel system has finished panels with randomly placed blocks protruding from the base board of each panel. These blocks are arranged in horizontal rows. Each block has the same thickness to form uniform rows but the lengths and heights of each block vary to form a random pattern on the base board. The ends of several rows of each finished panel are left open. When the finished panels are laid end to end, these open spaces may be filled with connecting blocks to create a seamless effect for the wall or ceiling system. Outside or inside corners are also provided for continuing the system around corners. The corners have one beveled edge to create a 90 degree corner. The other end of the corner connects to the finished pieces in the usual construction manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Adams
  • Connectors for concrete structure and structural insulating core
    Patent number: 8800227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various types of connectors used to form concrete columns and beams using a structural insulating core wall as a mold for forming column and beam molds. Some connectors can extend above the structural insulating core, used as support channels within the column and beam molds or are flange extensions of the support channels. Some connectors have grooves within the inner and outer boards so the connectors can twist and lock into the grooves while other slide within the grooves to form column and beam molds. Many connectors have air gaps at the connector flanges for additional fasteners connections. Other connectors are installed horizontally interlocking the vertical support channels and connectors together. Some connectors are full height connectors while other can be short clip or brackets that attach to other connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis LeBlang
  • Drywall finishing system
    Patent number: 8793949
    Abstract: A drywall finishing system for finishing 1) normal inside and outside corners of any angle, 2) stub wall or closet corners, 3) window wrap corners, and 4) L-metal for window sills and areas where drywall ends against some other surface like brick. The finishing system comprises a preformed trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that is relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. A layer of paper is bonded to the inside surface of the semi-rigid member for receiving joint compound to continuously bond the trim piece to the dry wall; this paper layer can optionally have a layer of adhesive material on its outer surface. A layer of finishing material is bonded to the exterior surface of the semi-rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Structure Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Smythe, Jr.
  • Method and arrangement for attaching a tower-like structure to a foundation
    Patent number: 8782979
    Abstract: The invention relates to method and arrangement for attaching a tower-like structure to a foundation. In the invention, a circular element is anchored to the concrete forming the foundation. The circular element is fitted on the surface of the foundation such that the circular element remains partially inside the concrete. The lowest part of the tower-like structure is attached by a screw connection to the circular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Peikko Group Oy
    Inventor: Kari Tuominen
  • Artificial stone
    Patent number: 8769896
    Abstract: An artificial stone is disclosed for use in creating a covering for a supporting surface. The artificial stone includes a body for placement on the supporting surface, which is shaped for mating engagement with like stones with intermediate perimeter joints to produce a continuous surface covering. The stone has a facing surface on the body, which facing surface has a contour defining a surface area and is subdivided by at least one simulated joint into a major surface portion and at least one minor surface portion. The major surface portion is free of simulated joints and extends over at least about 60% of the total surface of the facing surface. The stone further includes at least one perimeter recess in the body for generating a gap between the stone and another like stone in mating engagement therewith, which gap is wider than adjacent the adjoining perimeter joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Lacas, Bertin Castonguay, Robert Daoust