Patents Examined by Jeanette Chapman
  • Patent number: 7254927
    Abstract: A process of retrofitting an existing window that uses a gasket to secure a sacrificial member and a glazing. The sacrificial member forms a replaceable protective barrier between the glazing and occupants of a vehicle such as a bus. The gasket is traditionally used to secure the sacrificial member and the glazing to the window. Over time, after several removal and re-installations during replacement of the sacrificial member or the glazing, the gasket typically becomes unfit for subsequent use. The gasket is replaced with a rigid retainer member that fits into an existing recess that receives the gasket. The retainer member secures the sacrificial member and the glazing to the window so as to permit repeated changes of the sacrificial member without removal of the retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Transit Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Farrar, Dale Carson
  • Patent number: 7254922
    Abstract: A selectively releasable side curtain is provided with at lease one zipper member having a first portion secured to the side pad and a second portion secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. In a second embodiment, a snap stud and snap button member is provided having one snap stud or snap button that is secured to the side pad and a second snap button or snap stud secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. The side curtain is selectively pivotable mounted relative to the side curtain for being selectively moved from an operative position to a storage position. In addition, at lease one threaded fastener is provided and secured to the side pad and the side curtain for selectively, releasable securing the side curtain relative to the side pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fairborn USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon, Dale Kreais
  • Patent number: 7251919
    Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Manuel A. Ray
  • Patent number: 7251917
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing fabric relative to a framework comprising a framework, a groove in the framework, and a locking spline for being received into the groove in the framework whereby a fabric panel can be retained relative to the framework by an insertion of the locking spline into the groove with a portion of the fabric panel disposed between the locking spline and the groove. The framework can have an obverse side, a peripheral edge, and a reverse side and the groove can be disposed to the reverse side of the framework whereby the fabric panel can be applied to the framework with a portion of the fabric panel retained within the groove and with the fabric panel reversing over the peripheral edge of the framework and traversing at least a portion of the framework. A secondary groove can enable a retention of a secondary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 7243472
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a decorative trim piece consisting substantially of a carrying element of plastic and a decorative plate of thin metal fastened thereon, to decorate the interior, in land vehicles, aircraft or watercraft, predominantly for use as dashboard elements, center console or as door trim strips. The decorative trim piece is characterized in that the completely finished decorative plate is inserted into an injection mold and that the carrying element is injection-molded as an injection molding compound directly onto the back of the decorative plate so that both elements are connected to one another at least in partial areas so solidly that they form a sturdy unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Angell-Demmel Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Taemmerich
  • Patent number: 7243467
    Abstract: A securing apparatus for securing a cover in a window opening, the securing apparatus engages fastening locations on opposite sides of a window opening. The securing apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A connector is disposed on the tube at the first end. A precut tube is attached to the connector to engage one of the fastening locations. An end cap is rigidly fixed to the tube at the second end. A threaded shaft is disposed in the tube and projects from the second end through the end cap. A mounting tube is rigidly attached to the threaded shaft, the mounting tube engages another of the fastening locations. An adjusting nut is disposed on the threaded shaft between the end cap and the mounting tube, the adjusting nut adjusts a position of the mounting tube with respect to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Peccoraro
  • Patent number: 7240463
    Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: NCI Building Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Masterson, Leonard George
  • Patent number: 7240673
    Abstract: A flange (1) for optical flame observation in a gas turbine includes at least one bore for optical observation, in which bore there is arranged at least one pane (9, 10) for separating the flame-side space, which is in substantially direct communication with a combustion chamber in which the at least one flame that is to be monitored is arranged, from the outside space, from which the observation of the at least one flame can take place. In a flange (1) of this type, fogging of the at least one pane (9, 10) is made possible in a simple manner which can be guaranteed over a prolonged period of time by virtue of the fact that two panes (9, 10), which delimit a sealed intermediate space (22) in the bore for optical observation, are arranged one behind the other with respect to the optical axis (8), and that a device (24) for dehumidifying the sealed intermediate space (22) is includes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Class, Marcus Gall
  • Patent number: 7240770
    Abstract: A roof anchor including a pair of blocks positioned side-by-side. The blocks have adjacent, inner surfaces with notches cut therefrom for receiving a standing seam of a metal roof. The blocks also have outer surfaces remote from the inner surfaces. A bracket is positioned over the pair of blocks. The bracket includes a base portion having a pair of legs, each being positioned adjacent a respective one of the outer surfaces of the blocks, and a crosspiece, positioned adjacent the tops of the blocks, joining the legs together. A loop portion is affixed to the base portion for securement of a workman's safety lanyard. A threaded fastener penetrates the pair of blocks and the pair of legs for: fastening the pair of blocks together, securing the bracket to the pair of blocks, and clamping the pair of blocks upon a standing seam of a metal roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Construction Specialty Anchors LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Wayne Mullins, Douglas Scott Mullins
  • Patent number: 7240459
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include at least one opening through the web and a joist attachment tab integrally formed in the web adjacent each opening. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web. The apparatus may include at least one reinforcing rib corresponding to each tab and provided in the web adjacent to the corresponding tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Gregory S. Ralph, Edmund L. Ponko
  • Patent number: 7231746
    Abstract: Steel studs for use in construction having a web, main web openings through the web, a right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, and depressions in the web and depression openings in the depressions. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. The main web openings may be circular or non-circular. The studs may be used in a composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough The studs form a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Ernest R. Bodnar
  • Patent number: 7231739
    Abstract: An inflatable device that includes a inflatable component and a base inflatable component. The inflatable component is releasably connected to the base inflatable component by a component connector. The component connector includes a base and a cap, wherein the cap releasably connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Patent number: 7231740
    Abstract: A modular stage prop system having a first stage prop and a second stage prop. The first stage prop has a first stepping surface and a plurality of first side surfaces extending from the first stepping surface. The first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces define a first partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces has a male connector portion. The second stage prop has a second stepping surface and a plurality of second side surfaces extending from the second stepping surface. The second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces define a second partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces has a female connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Scott E. Jirele
  • Patent number: 7231747
    Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Aranar, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Diamond
  • Patent number: 7231953
    Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
  • Patent number: 7228662
    Abstract: A removable window insulator preferably includes at least one pane, at least four frame members, at least four compressible seals and at least four draw members. At least one frame member is mitered on each one thereof. An edge seal strip is attached to an outer edge of each frame member. A single compressible seal is inserted between ends of two adjacent frame members. A single draw member is used to draw the adjacent frame members together. At least one cross member may be secured in an inner perimeter of the removable window insulator. Second and third embodiments of the removable window insulator are used to seal a double window. A fourth embodiment of the removable window insulator is used to seal a window with a partially curved perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Gary K. John
  • Patent number: 7228665
    Abstract: A wall covering for a pair of wall surfaces that form a corner. The wall covering includes (1) plurality of wall panels each having a plurality of horizontal tiers of simulated building elements and (2) a plurality of corner moldings each having a single tier of building elements. The corner moldings each have mounting flanges and an interlock and alignment pin that facilitate adjustable positioning of the corner molding with a selected tier of building elements of an adjacent wall panel. The corner molding mounting flanges and building elements further define relatively deep wall panel receiving pockets for positively retaining the side of an adjacent wall panel and forming a water barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Nailite International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Perry
  • Patent number: 7228663
    Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Clyde G. Allen, Dean Dennis
  • Patent number: 7225594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stud system where each respective stud (2) includes flanges (4, 4a) which are directly attached to each other and which constitute an essentially monolithic entity. Said flanges are formed of a wane edge wood material (3) in such a manner that each respective flange includes a bevelled side portion (6) which is directed towards the inner portion of said stud. A side portion is formed as a contact surface (8) for intermeshing co-operation with a corresponding contact surface (8) at an adjacent flange. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such studs where a first flange strip (4) is formed to include a generally toothed first contact surface (8) which is arranged in an inter-mesching disposition with a corresponding contact surface (8) at a corresponding second flange strip (4a). Further, the present invention relates to a method at such stud systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Johan Tore Karlström, Johan Mikael Karlström
  • Patent number: 7226033
    Abstract: A method for manufacture and assembly of a concrete structure includes manufacturing, at a first location, wall sections and floor/ceiling sections. The wall sections include interior form walls of adjustable separation, and may include interior and exterior finish features, interior rebar, electrical and water supply, and optional fabric forms. The floor/ceiling sections include forms that have adjustable components, and may include rebar, interior finish features, and electrical and heating components. Wall sections and floor/ceiling sections are rotatably and slidably/rotatably attached to one another to define structure segments. Structure segments may be placed in shipping containers for transport. Structure segments are transported to a construction site in a compact orientation, manipulated to an assembled position, and then concrete is inserted into forms defined by the segments and permitted to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Good Ideas, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Foucher, Anthony Collins