Patents Examined by James Ference
  • Patent number: 9290929
    Abstract: A system for installing trim installations at external corners of a building includes trim and a bracket. The trim serves both an aesthetic purpose in adding a decorative feature to building envelopes and also adds an additional weatherproofing purpose in allowing for more complete weatherproofing of building envelope corners and openings. The disclosed system relates to a concealed fastening building finishing element system that enables concealed fastening of finishing trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ply Gem Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Daniel Hawk, John M. Wade
  • Patent number: 9276519
    Abstract: A securing structure for a solar cell module installed on a roof of a building, having an external thread portion extending upward from a placement member, at least one flat plate-like shim member having a slit through which the external thread portion passes and a through-hole and stacked on the placement member, a flat plate-like connecting member placed on the shim member having an insertion hole through which the external thread portion passes, a droop portion drooping in the groove of the placement member through the through-hole, and a plurality of upward projecting portions projecting upward and sticking in the solar cell module and being made of an electrically conductive material, and a first securing member and a second securing member pressing downward on the solar cell module and the solar cell module placed on the connecting member with the external thread portion screwed into an internal thread portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: YANEGIJUTSUKENKYUJO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9273477
    Abstract: A key for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete or other curable construction materials. The stay-in-place form-work comprises a first elongate panel comprising a first edge component and a second elongate panel comprising a second edge component. The first and second panels are connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The key comprises a plurality of connector components for slidable engagement with complementary panel connector components on at least one of the first and second panels and a locking component for forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration as the key is moved longitudinally relative to the first and second panels while slidably engaged thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: CFS Concrete Forming Systems Inc.
    Inventors: George David Richardson, Semion Krivulin
  • Patent number: 9273441
    Abstract: An improved anchor device that is capable of simultaneously securing a plurality of items while extended into the ground. The anchor device comprises a central cylindrical rod with a flanged nail head at the top for driving the apparatus into the ground and a tapered pointed end at the bottom for easy penetration into the ground. A plurality of cylindrical shaped barbs extending out from said cylindrical rod with a flanged half circle nail head at the end of each barb formed about the central cylindrical rod, extended outward and upward at an angle, oriented around the lower portion of the central cylindrical rod, spaced equally in circular, spiral, descending order for maximum extraction resistance. Cylindrical U shaped loops offset from each other and formed on opposite sides of central cylindrical rod placed under the flanged nail head for securing or anchoring objects attached to the anchor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Paul R. Hashim
  • Patent number: 9267296
    Abstract: A multi-tile system for attachment to a mounting surface is provided. Each of the tiles includes an upper edge configured to be oriented upward relative to the mounting surface and a lower edge configured to be oriented downward relative to the mounting surface. The tiles include a receiving member formed on an exterior side of the upper edge and a locking member formed on an interior side of the lower edge. The receiving member of the tile is configured to interlock with the locking member of an adjacent tile to limit movement of the lower edge of one tile away from the upper edge of the other tile. The receiving member and the locking member are configured to define a vertical range of continuous vertical adjustment between adjacent tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Maurer, Matthew Jason Michalski, Nathan D. Greenway, Clyde G. Allen, Matthew M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9266460
    Abstract: A vehicle for performances comprises a roof, a floor, and a roof lifting member that is disposed in an orthogonal direction between the floor and the roof. Also, roof extension panels are pivotably coupled to both sides of the upper end of the roof, and floor extension panels are pivotably disposed at both sides of the floor. In this case, the roof extension panels are spread, and then the roof is lifted up. Thereafter, the floor extension panels are spread, and then folding-type auxiliary panels are spread to both sides and fixed by supports. Next, flying speaker supporting trusses are pivoted to the outside by a certain angle to install flying speakers. Next, the visual equipment supporting trusses are spread to both sides, and then visual equipment is spread. Thereafter, an installation into a performance state is completed by shortening the length of a fixing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Kil Jung
  • Patent number: 9260866
    Abstract: A rebar structure includes a plurality of column longitudinal bars to be connected to a beam. The yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of at least a portion the column longitudinal bars is larger than the yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of a normal reinforcing bar defined by JIS G 3112.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: NETUREN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fukuma Iihoshi, Yoshiyuki Murata, Yoshifumi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9243411
    Abstract: Building panels, especially floor panels, which are provided with a locking system including several separate strip parts connected to the panel edge. A strip part, configured to lock panels horizontally and to be fixed to a panel edge, including a strip body with an inner part configured to be fixed under the panel edge and an outer part configured to extend outside the panel edge, wherein the inner part comprises a fixing element configured to lock the strip part to the panel edge in a horizontal direction, wherein the outer part including a locking protrusion, located above the strip body and configured to lock the strip part to the panel edge vertically and a locking element configured to lock the panels in a horizontal direction, and wherein the inner part includes a cavity formed in the strip body and located between the fixing element and the locking protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: VALINGE FLOORING TECHNOLOGY AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 9243399
    Abstract: A thermal clip system suitable for use with a wall assembly. The clip comprises a base section and an arm section. According to an embodiment, the clip is formed a unitary piece from extruded aluminum. The base section is configured with mounting holes for receiving fasteners to secure the clip respective studs in a wall. The arm section includes a surface for fastening a girt member, wherein the girt member is configured to secure one or more exterior cladding panels. The base section may include a recessed cavity for receiving an insulating material to form a thermal break between the clip and the stud wall. The arm section may include a recessed slot for receiving an insulating material to form a thermal break between the clip and the girt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: John David Kubassek, Ronald McLean
  • Patent number: 9238936
    Abstract: A sealed translucent glass glazing unit includes two lites of spaced translucent glass to define a gap which contains an absorptive filler. A spacer around the perimeter of the unit seals the unit and maintains the gap. A vent tube is mounted within the spacer with one end open to the filler and one end open to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Glazing Technologies Ltd. (AGTL)
    Inventors: Douglas I. Milburn, Allan Gordon Archie MacMillan, Esam George Yousif
  • Patent number: 9228355
    Abstract: A building construction assembly for installation on a roof deck including a base layer and a channel structure coupled to the base layer and defining a plurality of channels. In an embodiment, the plurality of channels include a first airflow channel and second airflow channel extending in parallel through the channel structure. The plurality of channels further includes a venting channel between the first and second airflow channels and the base layer. The channel structure defines one or more apertures between the venting channel and each of the first and second airflow channels configured to allow airflow from the first and second airflow channels into the venting channel. The base layer defines one or more exit orifices in airflow communication with the venting channel and configured such that air in the venting channel exits the building construction assembly through the one or more exit orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John Scott Edwards, Frank William Klink
  • Patent number: 9228361
    Abstract: A pallet cap for covering and connecting with at least one existing pallet includes a reinforced platform having a flat top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. Four vertical, peripheral edges connect the top and bottom surfaces. Three or more of the edges form at least one edge extension continuing outward from the reinforced platform, and at least one edge notch proximate the edge extension and recessed from the edge extension. At least one notched corner is formed by distal edge extensions of edges meeting perpendicular to one another. A plurality of retaining walls extend downward from the bottom surface of the platform and define the edge notches, proximate a junction of the platform and the edge extensions, for securing the pallet cap over a shipping pallet. Multiple caps may be connected to form an expandable raised flooring system or other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Good Works Studio, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Arthur Brisendine, Scott Austin Key
  • Patent number: 9206617
    Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon, in particular a pylon of a wind power installation, which has a foundation with segment anchors, wherein connecting elements project beyond the top side of the foundation by a predetermined amount. A ring is leveled, aligned and fixed at the top side of the foundation. A gap produced by leveling, aligning and fixing of the ring is underlaid with a grouting material. The grouting material is set and a lower pylon segment is placed on the leveled, aligned and fixed ring and connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 9206940
    Abstract: A structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides is disclosed. A closed cross-section structural member serving as a reinforcing material is provided in a crossing corner of the structural member. The closed cross-section structural member includes two horizontal portions separated from each other in a thickness direction of the structural member and extending in an in-plane direction of the structural member and two vertical portions one of which connects first ends of the two horizontal portions together and the other of which connects second ends of the two horizontal portions together. The closed cross-section structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing an inner-peripheral flat surface of the structural member and a second opening formed therein facing inside of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Seto, Takashi Matsuno, Eisaku Sakurada
  • Patent number: 9194117
    Abstract: Complex curved structures and methods of making the same without requiring specially made frames or the like. These structures may include complex multi-axis, spherical, semi-spherical, twisted, or other like curves, for example. In this illustrative embodiment, individually sized boxes are stacked or assembled to form the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonas Hauptman, Paul James, Walter Zesk
  • Patent number: 9194173
    Abstract: A trim system for securing trim adjacent an edge of a building penetration, the trim system including at least one bracket that is attachable to a wall. The bracket having a center channel having opposed first and second side walls, at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall, and at least one tab extending outwardly from a side wall for gauging bracket distance from the edge of the penetration. The trim system also including at least one trim piece that is attachable to the bracket, the trim including at least two longitudinally extending slots disposed within the hidden surface of the trim for receiving the at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ply Gem Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Daniel Hawk, John M. Wade
  • Patent number: 9187901
    Abstract: A welded wire mesh for reinforcing generally planar concrete and stucco structures. The mesh is formed of a matrix of longitudinal and transverse wires disposed about a first common plane and welded together at their intersections. A selected plurality of the longitudinal wires define a plurality of generally V-shaped spacing furrs therein extending generally perpendicular to the first plane with the bottoms of the furrs being disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane a distance substantially equal to one-half of the predetermined thickness of the panel. The spacing furrs are positioned so as to be longitudinally and transversely staggered along the mesh and are formed by pushing portions of the selected longitudinal wires perpendicular to the axes of the wires while holding upstream portions thereof in a fixed disposition so as to form the furrs without thinning and weakening the wires along the spacing furrs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: TREE ISLAND INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Ogden, Craig A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9181711
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a panel to a wall surface, including an elongated rail adapted to being secured in extending fashion along the wall surface and a clip adapted to being secured to a rear surface of the panel. The rail and clip each exhibit a similar cross sectional profile, with each including at least one mating and inclined support surface for redirecting a weight of the panel inwards toward the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Robert B. Bordener
  • Patent number: 9175670
    Abstract: A post-tensioned precast segmental concrete tower has a stack of annular segments with uniform cross-sections which varies over the tower height. The transition between tower segments occurs in stages and is achieved using annular members or segments which support and anchor post-tensioning tendons that transfer loads passing through the tower as a result of a change in tower geometry. The tower segments are match cast against one another in fabrication to create tight matching opposing surfaces when placed into the tower and to create tight joints. The match casting eliminates the need for grout between precast segments, resulting in a faster tower erection time and high durability of the joints. All annular segments have horizontal joints and no vertical joints. The tower geometry simplifies the formwork system used to precast the segments, and the post-tensioning tendons tie all segments together and to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventors: James D. Lockwood, William D. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9175491
    Abstract: 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, and a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, the frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and 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, and an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. The door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Senvion SE
    Inventors: RĂ¼diger Gawrisch, Roberto Klugmann