Patents Examined by James Buckle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9347196
    Abstract: A footing assembly for a vertical post in post-frame construction is provided that supports three-axis loading and facilitates proper locating of the vertical post within a drilled hole. The footing assembly comprises post rail assembly that is slidably disposed within an elongated bridge plate member. A vertical post is furthermore slidably received within the post rail assembly along the vertical post lower end. The slidable connections of the post rail assembly and the vertical post facilitate two-axis position of the vertical post within an excavated hole once placed therein, while the telescoping construction of the vertical post facilitates a vertical positioning of a post bracket secured to the upper portion of the vertical post. The present invention allows for proper locating of a vertical post within a footing hole, while also providing a footing assembly that supports three-axis loading once installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Bennie R. Wagler
  • Patent number: 9345327
    Abstract: A wall-mount vanity bracket may include a wall plate that is configured to be selectively connected to a wall. A flange may be connected to and extend horizontally from the wall plate which is configured to facilitate a support base for a vanity. An upright may be connected to and extend vertically from the flange, preferably from a distal end of the flange so as to define a volume configured to accept the vanity. A securing mechanism may be operatively connected to the upright configured to facilitate securement of the vanity to the bracket and contiguous with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BTPS, LLC
    Inventors: Harry Sanford Pierce, Rick Chambers
  • Patent number: 9290959
    Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing wind towers are disclosed. A wind tower may be constructed by vertically stacking and securing a plurality of modular units. Each modular unit of the plurality of modular units may include three generally hexagonal columns and three concrete panels coupled to the three generally hexagonal columns. The three concrete panels and the three generally hexagonal columns may jointly form a generally equilateral triangular prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: e.Construct.USA, LLC
    Inventors: Maher K. Tadros, Chuanbing Sun
  • Patent number: 9291369
    Abstract: A skirt for photovoltaic arrays provides a screen portion, a groove portion, and a separate coupling adapted to couple the skirt to the skirt of an adjacent photovoltaic array and to a photovoltaic module. Another embodiment provides a screen portion comprising an angled louver and is adapted to partially obscure an area substantially beneath a PV module in a PV array. A further embodiment provides an edge blocking skirt for a PV array comprising a screen portion adapted for mounting a bottom of the screen portion substantially close to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: John Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen, Ian Capsuto, Chad Medcroft, Brian Atchley, Nate Coleman
  • Patent number: 9285071
    Abstract: A system for supporting a condenser above a ground surface generally includes a beam that elevates the condenser above the ground surface, the beam incorporating or coupled to a wall sleeve on one end and a frame on the other end and adapted to allow a line set from the condenser to pass through at least a portion of an interior channel or passageway of the beam into the wall sleeve. In use, the beam is joined to a sleeve and placed in a hole in the building structure, such as a foundation wall, and secured to resist rotational force. The beam is joined to a frame, the condenser is placed on the frame, and the line set is run through the beam and sleeve. Thereby, the condenser becomes elevated above the ground on the condenser supporting system. The beam may be cantilevered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: J.F.R. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay F. Rowland
  • Patent number: 9278243
    Abstract: A fastening system for connecting mats is provided. The fastening system may include one or more features such as a hook and loop fastening system, a projection and trench fastening system, retainer and a tension strip securing system, and/or magnets to secure mats in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Heartsfield, Conrad Jay Thompson, Gary Donald MacDowell, Chad Alan Lind, Jose Guadalupe Mejia
  • Patent number: 9273462
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prefabricated building panels for use in structures, and walls external to structures, such as outdoor privacy walls and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing building panels that provide improved structural integrity, distribute loads, thermal performance, among other attributes using conventional framing members fit into precision cut grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: IFRAME BUILDING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Black, Gregory Mater, Jessica Garcia
  • Patent number: 9252479
    Abstract: A cellular communications antenna mast assembly (300) comprising a first component (332) having a longitudinal axis and a first profile oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a second component (330) arranged to engage the first profile so as to engage the first mast component and second mast component to constrain relative rotation thereof about the longitudinal axis, and to provide a datum transfer between the mast components, having only one orientation in which they can be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: FASMETRICS S.A.
    Inventor: Dimitris Kolokotronis
  • Patent number: 9249584
    Abstract: An acoustic dampener (100) comprising a base member (101) having a first surface (102) and a second surface (103), the first surface (102) and the second surface (103) are spaced apart from each other defining a thickness (104) therebetween. The acoustic dampener (100) further comprising a pair of side arms (105), each having a first end (109) and a second end (110). Each side arm (105) is attached to the base member (101) at its first end (109) at a predetermined angle. The side arm (105) extends from the base member (101) to form a channel formation (119) to receive a batten. A flange (106) extends substantially orthogonally from the second end (110) of each side arm (105) for retaining a batten within the channel formation (119).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: James Hardie Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter Pagones, James Gleeson
  • Patent number: 9238915
    Abstract: An asphalt roof shingle sealing device comprised of a single flat non-perforated blank sheet of metal or rigid plastic, preferably aluminum or copper and having a width, length and thickness selected to substantially span the beneath the width and length of a shingle to be repaired having at least one hole, tear or puncture therein and includes a cutting edge for cutting through adhesive between shingles to be repaired and securing elements for securing the blank sheet in place beneath the shingle to be repaired thereby preventing any water passing through the hole or puncture in the shingle, or allowing any water passing through the hole or puncture to be collected by the blank sheet and drained onto a shingle below the repaired shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Newman Roseveare, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9212832
    Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck, including a plurality of photovoltaic elements contiguously disposed on the roof deck arranged in at least two horizontal rows, defining a photovoltaic area; a plurality of roofing elements disposed adjacent the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, along their side edges; side flashing disposed along the side edges of the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, the side flashing having a flange facing away from the photovoltaic area at least partially disposed between a roofing element and the roof deck, and a structure at least partially disposed on the surface of the photovoltaic element or at least partially disposed between a photovoltaic element and the roof deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9212491
    Abstract: A modular stairway preferably includes a tubular beam, a plurality of stringers and a plurality of stair treads. A short modular stairway includes at least two stringers and a plurality of stair treads. The tubular beam includes a rectangular tube, a first end plate and a second end plate. A plurality of redundant tube access openings are formed through a length of each side of the rectangular tube. A fastener hole pattern is formed concentric with each tube access opening. Each stringer includes an elongated section and an end plate. A plurality of redundant stringer access openings are formed through a length of the elongated section. A fastener hole pattern is formed concentric with each stringer access opening. The stair tread is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material. The stair tread includes a step section, a first attachment flange, a support section and a second attachment flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Patrick J. Santini
  • Patent number: 9212833
    Abstract: A roof mounting system for mounting one or more roof-mounted fixtures to a roof includes a roofing system having a top surface and a roof attachment assembly that includes a first plate having a first plate aperture, a second plate connected to the first plate, a third plate including a third plate aperture, the third plate connected to the second plate, a nut, and a first fastener including a first head positioned between the second plate and the third plate and a first shaft extending through the third plate aperture and the nut. A second fastener has a head positioned between the first and second plates and a shaft extending through the first plate aperture and through the roofing system top surface. The force required to separate the first plate and the second plate is greater than the force required to separate the second plate and the third plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Vermont Slate and Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 9206606
    Abstract: A roof panel includes a fascia plate having a pair of vertical legs extending from opposite edges of the fascia plate with a receptacle formed into an upper end of each of the pair of vertical legs so that the receptacle opens outwardly relative to the fascia plate. An insulating foam is bonded to the fascia plate and to a liner plate that has a tongue and groove formed on opposite edges of the liner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Green Span Profiles
    Inventor: Brian N. Jaks
  • Patent number: 9194611
    Abstract: A ballast tile system for supporting photovoltaic modules that includes at least one fiber-reinforced concrete ballast tile. The at least one ballast tile has a first mounting member extending upwardly from a top surface thereof, the first mounting member configured to receive a lower end of a photovoltaic module. The at least one ballast tile also has a second mounting member extending upwardly from the top surface thereof, the second mounting member configured to secure an upper edge of the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ahmad O. Khowaiter
  • Patent number: 9194150
    Abstract: Method for constructing enamelled storage tanks and silos, whereby the storage tank is constructed from segments of non-enamelled thick-walled steel that are fastened together on the construction site by welding, and then clad with a double-sided enamelled flexible thin-walled steel plate on the inside and outside of the storage tank, and whereby the enamelling temperature is at least 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: POLYVISION, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Wout Bert Van De Broek
  • Patent number: 9187892
    Abstract: The portable structure will generally have a pod from which a suite frame and suite may be deployed. The suite will allow personnel to administer to many critical demands and activities. The portable structure may be deployed upon any terrain, whether level or uneven, rigid or soft, and both the pod and the suite may be leveled independently. Additionally, the portable structure may incorporate at least one cocoon section wherein the cocoon section comprises at least one interior layer contacting a mesh covering placed over the suite frame, at least one thermal layer affixed to the interior layer, wherein the thermal layer includes heat adding and heat removal members capable of removing or adding heat to the mesh covering or a substance adjacent the at least one thermal layer and at least one exterior layer affixed to the thermal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: James R. Orr
  • Patent number: 9187903
    Abstract: A two-layer laminated roofing shingle is disclosed comprising a posterior layer having a headlap and a buttlap including a plurality of simulated tabs extending from the posterior headlap, each simulated tab is connected to at least one adjacent simulated tab by a connecting segment, and an anterior layer having a headlap and a buttlap including one or more anterior tabs extending from the anterior headlap. Also disclosed is a single layer roofing shingle comprising a headlap and a buttlap including a plurality of simulated tabs extending from said headlap, the simulated tabs spaced apart by a plurality of partial slots, and each simulated tab is connected to at least one adjacent simulated tab by a connecting segment. Also disclosed is a roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the inventive shingles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen A. Buzza
  • Patent number: 9180823
    Abstract: Adaptive, self-adjusting decorative trim assemblies are especially adapted for use in aircraft cabin interiors where the fuselage undergoes deformation and/or distortion due to pressurization during flight. The self-adjusting features of the decorative trim assemblies according to the embodiments described herein thus allow for relative movement between mutually intersecting interior cabin panels without jeopardizing the cabin interior aesthetics (e.g., since the relative positioning of the panels is not disrupted by virtue of such fuselage deformations).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventors: Bruno Kimura Castanha, Fernando Henrique Da Silva, Jay Beever, Oliver Turci De Camargo, Joshua Rea, Rainer Zierer
  • Patent number: 9175478
    Abstract: A roof mount apparatus for mounting on a roof surface includes a first solar panel having a first frame secured to the roof surface, a second solar panel having a second frame secured to the roof surface, the second solar panel spaced from the first solar panel and defining a slot between the first and second frames, and a snow fence secured to the first and second frames. The snow fence includes a bracket positioned adjacent to a top of the first and second frames, the bracket protruding from the first and second frames to inhibit sliding of snow along at least one of the first and second solar panels, and a coupling device including an elongated portion positioned in the slot and extending substantially perpendicular to the roof surface and a wide portion positioned within a channel to couple the bracket to the first and second frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann