Patents Examined by James Ference
  • Patent number: 9397605
    Abstract: A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building, where the solar panel has an outer frame defining a lip. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, with the distal end defining a fastener channel therein. The system may also include a plurality of mounting clamps each including a bottom flange, and a top flange spaced apart from the bottom flange and partially overhanging the bottom flange and defining a slot therebetween to receive the lip. An end extension may couple respective ends of the bottom flange and top flange together, and a fastener channel connector may be coupled to the bottom flange and configured to be slidably received within the fastener channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin Stapleton
  • Patent number: 9394694
    Abstract: A gutter cover system (5) for a gutter comprises a bracket (10) and a cover section. The bracket (10) comprises an anchoring plate (11) and a receptacle (12) comprising a barb slot. The cover section (50) comprises a top portion (60) that extends forwardly from a rear edge (70) of the cover section, a front wall (80) extending downwardly from the top portion, and a ledge (90) extending generally horizontally in front of the front wall. The receptacle (12) is configured to receive the rear edge (70) of the cover section. The rear edge (70) of the cover section (50) comprises the barb connector. The gutter cover system (5) may be installed by attaching the anchoring plate (11) of the bracket (10) to the fascia board of a house or the rear wall of a gutter, followed by inserting the barb connector (71) of the cover section (50) into the receptacle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony M. Iannelli
  • Patent number: 9388566
    Abstract: Method of building construction comprising the steps of: preparing a foundation for a building at a building site; providing an onsite mobile packaged production machine at the building site; providing part data relating to a building design to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; supplying wood to the onsite mobile packaged production machine; the onsite mobile packaged production machine providing building parts formed from the wood and based on the part data in the order of assembly; assembling the building parts on the foundation to form the building, wherein at least external walls including the said building parts include interior and exterior panels having a cavity therebetween; and providing foam insulation into the cavity between the interior and exterior panels. A building formed using the method of construction is also provided. Cutting apparatus and a liquid-laden foam filler for wall panels are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Timothy Showan
  • Patent number: 9371646
    Abstract: A curtain wall panel includes frame with a first frame member defining a channel, a cover configured to extend over the first frame member, a spacer formed of a thermally insulating material, the spacer including a first end, a body, and a second end, the first end being configured to be secured in the channel of the first frame member in a cammed interference fit by rotating a body of the spacer, and the second end being configured to form a cammed interference fit with the cover. An insert is supported from the first frame member by the spacer with the cover fit onto the spacer to capture and secure the insert relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Magoon, James Alan Hughes, Chris Smith
  • Patent number: 9366038
    Abstract: A system of reusable absorbent mats that are secured or interlocked to one another and secured to the floor of an industrial, commercial, garage, workshop, or manufacturing facility thereby reducing the possibility that the absorbent mats could bunch up or slip. The absorbent mats of the absorbent floor system are secured to the floor and to one another to provide a stable and secure walking surface. The absorbent mats can be layered to accommodate high oil leaking areas. The absorbent floor mat system can wick oil, grease, coolant and/or other fluids throughout the entire floor to provide a safe walking zone for industrial and manufacturing facilities. Individual absorbent mats can be swapped out as they become fully saturated prior to a full reinstallation. When the absorbent mats are removed from the floor of the facility, they can be cleaned and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: CLOSED LOOP RECYCLING, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Patrick Huelskoetter, Richard Lee Marchbanks
  • Patent number: 9359758
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating a structure. A method for insulating a structure may include providing a frame that comprises a plurality of frame members coupled together. Sheathing panels may be coupled to the frame members such that adjacent sheathing panels abut and directly contact each other at an interface to form a wall having a front surface and a rear surface. A spray insulation material may be applied to the front surface of the wall such that the insulation material forms a substantially continuous insulation layer atop the front surface and such that the insulation material directly contacts the interface between adjacent sheathing panels to restrict passage of air between the adjacent panels to at or below 0.2 L/m2/s at a differential pressure across the wall of 75 Pa. The insulation layer may provide an R value of at least 5, or in some embodiments at least 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Ames Kulprathipanja, Ralph Michael Fay
  • Patent number: 9350289
    Abstract: A solar panel mounting assembly for securing a solar panel to a shingled roof with the assembly comprising a mounting block having four mounting block partitions that a form a cross-shaped pattern, with four mounting surfaces extending between and perpendicular to corresponding mounting block partitions, and with the mounting block partitions and corresponding mounting surfaces for use in securing a corner of the solar panel to the solar panel mounting assembly. The remaining corners of the solar panel can be similarly secured using other solar panel mounting assemblies. The solar panel assembly also comprises a flashing panel for flashing the assembly to the singled roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MAJI Enterprises, Inc
    Inventors: Jason Zvanut, Gabe Cohn
  • Patent number: 9347236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tower or a tower segment of a wind turbine, having a door for entering the inside of the tower, comprising a door frame, which has a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf. The Invention further relates to a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, said frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and to a wind turbine having a tower, a door provided for entering the inside of the tower, and a staircase leading to the door on the outside of the tower, preferably of a tower described above. The underlying object of the invention is to provide an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Senvion SE
    Inventors: RĂ¼diger Gawrisch, Roberto Klugmann
  • Patent number: 9347221
    Abstract: A lightweight structural panel which comprises a planarly extended outer skin having a thickness and stiffening elements which are connected to the outer skin and arranged at a distance from one another. The outer skin is formed by component layers which are each extended in the planar direction of the lightweight structural panel and complement one another to form the thickness of the outer skin and are interconnected, the stiffening elements being formed in one piece with one of the component layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Alexei Vichniakov
  • Patent number: 9340967
    Abstract: Panels can join to form a structural module via slotting, abutment, and rotational symmetry. The slots allow for assembly without additional fastening. Modules can range in shape and size, while conforming to the interlocking configuration between the panels. Panels can be joined to form various structures with similar connective features. The panel's combinability via the slots makes possible many structural forms and re-configurable applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Luke Daenen
  • Patent number: 9335069
    Abstract: Solar energy shade structures and methods of designing and installing the same. These structures are capable of supporting a contiguous solar panel holding structure solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. The solar energy shade structure may comprise a retaining mechanism accessible and operable from underneath for attaching/detaching a solar panel, and may comprise openings through which the solar panel can be passed when installing or removing the solar panel from beneath the structure. The structure may comprise rows of first and second force lateral brace frames the rows respectively proximate first and second sides for respectively counteracting lateral forces, and a plurality of vertical column supports for providing dead load support. The solar energy shade structure may have an arrangement of the plurality of solar panels that is uninterrupted by service or access lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Strategic Solar Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Jack DeBartolo, III, Robert L. Boscamp, Thomas Headley
  • Patent number: 9328518
    Abstract: A method of assembling wall panels includes mounting a plurality of PVC fastening extrusions to a wall in a predetermined parallel, spaced apart relationship, each having a length much greater than a length of a wall panel and having two spaced apart resilient bent end securing walls extending from a base, each securing wall having a projection, each wall panel having a main wall panel and four bent end sections with recesses and corner openings, pressing a bent end section into the spacing between the securing walls to cause deformation and snapping back thereof a projection engages in a respective recess, sliding said wall panel along the parallel, spaced apart fastening extrusions to a desired position with the corner openings permitting said sliding action, and repeating the steps of pressing and sliding for additional wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Henry H. Bilge
  • Patent number: 9315988
    Abstract: The web frame is a bonded assembly of panels and porous blanket layers, separated by an arrangement of isolated spacers. The panels and spacers are covered with a bonding means. A coating covers inner surfaces of the panels and spacers. The porous blanket is compressed and pinned between these panels, by spacers that are arranged as isolated nodes or columns The spacers have sharpened ends that penetrate the blanket and connect with the opposing panel. The web frame assembly provides thermal and sound insulation for buildings and other solid objects. These web frames are lightweight, durable, and permeable. Capillaries and passages throughout the panels and fibers of the blanket allow passage of moisture and air, thereby assisting in the management of condensation within the web frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Owen Derek Barr
  • Patent number: 9308410
    Abstract: A functional training kit includes a box and a plurality of components adapted to fit within the box. At least some of the components and the box are adapted such that the at least some of the components are attachable to the outside of the box to provide at least one functional training rig attached to the outside of the box. The box can comprise an ISO shipping container and the functional training rig is adapted to be supportable, both by the box and by the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Beaverfit Limited
    Inventors: Jim Beaver, Tom Beaver
  • Patent number: 9309663
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Ralph Michael Fay
  • Patent number: 9309665
    Abstract: A fitting for a cavity wall within a building includes an elongate member adapted to be supported within the cavity wall. The fitting has two adjacent limbs formed with holes along its length, to allow insulation to pass into an interior of the fitting. Two adjacent limbs form a V-shape channel extending along the top of the fitting when installed, to collect and direct water to the ends of the fitting and out through the boundary wall of the cavity. The fitting has a cross-shaped cross-section, and can be placed in the cavity retrospectively. The cross-shape of the fitting is provided almost flat when dispensed from a reel and when entering the cavity, then springs into the cross-shaped cross-section when the elongate member is straightened in the cavity, to fit tightly within the cavity. The fitting can be inserted into the cavity wall from inside or outside the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher John Riggs
  • Patent number: 9309679
    Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo
  • Patent number: 9309661
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David George Kensinger, Steven George Kensinger, Eric T. Ohme, Dale A. Ohme
  • Patent number: 9303413
    Abstract: A wall trimming element for positioning at an angled section of a wall includes a base portion and a bead. The base portion includes a first flange, a second flange, and a mounting portion positioned between and connecting the first flange and the second flange. The mounting portion includes a longitudinally extending first bend forming a first segment at one side of the first bend and a second segment at another side of the first bend. The first segment is angled relative to the second segment. The mounting portion also includes a first ridge and a second ridge, spaced from the first ridge. The bead is positioned on the mounting portion between the first ridge and the second ridge. The bead includes a second bend that is configured to be positioned over the first bend of the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TRIM-TEX, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Koenig, Jr., Mark Budzik, Adam Jaworecki, Noe Perez
  • Patent number: 9303448
    Abstract: A deployable flood shield, and associated method, prevents ingress of water through an opening. An outer frame is positioned to surround the opening and has a top channel, a bottom channel, a left channel and a right channel. A flexible shield is stored within the bottom channel prior to deployment and has a left edge retained by the left channel and a right edge retained by the right channel. Seals are configured with each of the bottom, left, and right channels for sealing between the bottom, left, and right channels and the flexible shield when deployed. A controller deploys the flexible shield to prevent the ingress of water into the opening. A deploy command is received and a motor is driven, for a predefined period, to deploy a flexible shield to block the opening and preventing the flexible shield from retracting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Zachary Dax Olkin