Patents Examined by Jessica Laux
  • Relocatable radiation vault and methods of assembly and use
    Patent number: 9027297
    Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: RAD Technology Medical Systems LLC
    Inventors: John J. Lefkus, III, Eric Landau, Cheri A. Oquist
  • Modular panel for making covering structures for walls, covering structures or walls and method
    Patent number: 9010040
    Abstract: A modular panel to make a roof or a wall of a building comprises an external shell and an internal shell, made of moldable plastic material, coupled with each other to define at least a compartment. The panel integrates in itself means for the capturing and irradiation of energy, and relative energy accumulation means, the capturing and irradiation means being associated, at least partly, with the external shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: MAS SRL
    Inventor: Mario Damo
  • Container depot
    Patent number: 8997407
    Abstract: A building structure comprises a roof having a top surface and the top surface adapted to store shipping containers. At least one floor is positioned beneath the roof, and at least one shipping container handling equipment is mounted on the top surface. The shipping container handling equipment is adapted to move the shipping containers onto and off of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SH Cogent Logistics PTE Ltd
    Inventor: Tan Yeow Khoon
  • Pivot-fit connection apparatus, system, and method for photovoltaic modules
    Patent number: 8991114
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Zep Solar, LLC
    Inventor: John R. West
  • Brick tie anchor
    Patent number: 8984828
    Abstract: A masonry anchor for tying a masonry veneer wall to a stud back-up wall comprises a generally planar anchor plate of corrosion resistant steel having an outer coupling end for connection to a veneer tie wire and an inner anchoring end for securement to the stud back-up wall. The anchor plate is provided with a plurality of holes through the anchoring end for accepting a fastening means for fastening the anchor to the stud back-up wall. A backing plate of an inert material is provided for positioning between the anchoring end of the anchor plate and the stud back-up wall, the backing plate being provided with raised structures on a face sized to be contained within the holes in the anchoring end of the anchor plate to allow a shank of the fastening means to pass through the raised structure without contacting the anchoring end of the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Temporary storage system for agricultural products
    Patent number: 8978320
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and systems for forming a temporary storage facility for granular materials such as agricultural products including grain and corn. The temporary storage facility includes a retaining wall constructed by connecting free-standing wall sections in a circular or rectangular shape. The free-standing wall sections have overlapping elements on the face to hold the agricultural products inside the retaining wall sections while admitting air for ventilation. Ventilation holes are made in the panel elements so as to admit air but prevent water or vermin entry to protect the agricultural products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The GSI Group, LLC
    Inventor: Howard S. Johnson
  • Modular floor system
    Patent number: 8973326
    Abstract: A modular fitted flooring system includes a plurality of bearing plates (2) and a plurality of panel elements (3) designed to be hooked onto the bearing plates (2), the bearing plates including a plurality of supporting elements (7), a panel hooking element (13), and elements (14) for bearing the load of the panel elements, and being complete with jointing elements (20, 21) for connecting one bearing plate (2) to the next, the panel hooking element (13) consisting of a plurality of teeth designed to engage in grooves (17) provided on at least two edges of the panel element (3), the teeth (13) being arranged on the plate so as to create a gap between one panel element and the next in a direction (Y) crosswise to the direction of installation (X) of the panel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lenox S.R.L.
    Inventor: Stefano Lenoci
  • Masonry wall panel for retaining bricks
    Patent number: 8973327
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Bouchard, John Penterman
  • Rebar cap
    Patent number: 8973323
    Abstract: A rebar cap assembly, for use in connection with a rebar rod with a free end includes a metal casing and a circular metal disc independent of the casing. The casing has a side wall with a cylindrical shape extending between an open end and a closed end with a top wall for receiving the free end of the rebar rod. A shoulder extends annularly about and radially from the side wall into the closed end. The side wall has an outer surface with a plurality of retaining tabs to secure the rebar cap to the rebar rod. The disc extends to a circular perimeter in a cantilevered fashion radially outwardly from the closed end of the casing. A bond is sandwiched between the top wall of the casing and the disc for securing to the disc to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Curt McDonald
  • Stud bracket for temporary wall
    Patent number: 8959869
    Abstract: An expandable stud bracket for attachment to a 2×4, 2×6, or 4×4 board for construction of a temporary structure of support is disclosed. An embodiment of the bracket includes a receiving portion for securing the bracket to a stud, an adjustable portion opposite the receiving portion and having an extendable rod, an engagement plate attached to an end of the rod and an anchor attached to an end of the rod opposite the engagement plate and for limiting extension of the rod from the bracket, and a locking mechanism attached to the rod for preventing retraction. Optionally, a detachable foot portion may be used as part of the entire disclosed expansion system. Preferably, the extendable rod is threaded and the locking mechanism comprises a nut which can be tightened using a lever. The bracket may also accommodate angled surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Stud Jack It Company
    Inventor: John R. Kordecki
  • Retail marketing environment
    Patent number: 8955261
    Abstract: Retail marketing environments of the present technology include retail stores and store layouts that provide a plurality of experience zones to guide a consumer through a purchasing experience. The first experience zone includes the front façade of the retail store and at least one window display case displaying merchandise that can be viewed through the front window. The second experience zone includes an interactive display that provides product information to consumers. The third experience zone includes at least one merchandise display area and at least one merchandise handling area. The fourth experience zone includes a plurality of interaction areas in which consumers can interact with store employees. A veil wall can be used to separate one or more of the experience zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hearts On Fire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Kobe, Hilary Clark, Mike Ely, Lucinda Tay, David Herman, Sheldon Baker, Angela Wisco
  • Lining
    Patent number: 8950145
    Abstract: A lining comprising at least two opposing profiled frame elements in spaced relationship to each other, at least one membrane element disposed between said profiled frame elements and connected to said profiled frame elements, at least partially, by means of rearwardly engaging fastening means and at least one taughtening means adapted to taughten said membrane element between said profiled frame elements. The membrane element has, as taughtening means, at least one taughtening zip fastener, wherein the state of the membrane element can be changed, by closing the taughtening zip fastener, to a state in which it is taughtened between the profiled frame elements. Installation and opening of the membrane field can be significantly simplified by the inclusion of a second, so-called access zip fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Greiner & Gutmann GbR
    Inventor: Switbert Greiner
  • Weight assembly for a large structure raising system
    Patent number: 8925254
    Abstract: A retractable roof system (30) for a large building structure (32) for selectively closing off an opening (39) of a fixed roof (34) of the building structure (32), the system includes at least one roof section (40) movably mountable on at least one pier (42). A deployment mechanism (46) is provided and includes a weight assembly in the form of a piston (76) of cylindrical form and comprising a generally cylindrical body (76) provided with top and bottom ring-type cylinder bumpers (78) and seal rings (84) let into ring grooves formed in the surface of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: François Delaney
  • Leveling foot apparatus, system, and method for photovoltaic arrays
    Patent number: 8919053
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes a leveling foot for engaging a PV module and supporting the PV module on a support structure. The leveling foot allow adjustment of the height of engaged PV modules relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zep Solar, LLC
    Inventor: John R. West
  • Pivot-fit frame, system and method for photovoltaic modules
    Patent number: 8919052
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zep Solar, LLC
    Inventor: John R. West
  • Multi-position hunting blind window
    Patent number: 8915024
    Abstract: A hunting blind including a front wall having an opening therethrough and a multi-position window covering the opening. The multi-position window includes a panel with an elongate aperture covered by a door pivotally connected to the panel. The multi-position window has a first position on the front wall and covering the opening wherein the elongate aperture extends vertically for hunting with a bow. The multi-position window has a second position on the front wall and covering the opening wherein the elongate aperture extends horizontally for hunting with a gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Carter Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan T. Carter
  • Angle spreader for trusses
    Patent number: 8915041
    Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
    Inventor: James Kempf
  • Thermally isolated anchoring system
    Patent number: 8910445
    Abstract: An anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a stud-type wall anchor and veneer tie. The stud-type anchor is comprised of high-strength, nonconductive thermally-isolating components that maintain the insulation R-values. The anchor has a driver head, dual-diameter barrel, a driven tip and multiple thermally-isolating seals. The multiple seals and the dual-diameter barrel of the anchor fill the anchor-receiving channel and stabilize the wall anchor. The wall anchor is clamped in place by the multiple seals. The anchor operates with various veneer ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Partition assembly
    Patent number: 8910435
    Abstract: A beam assembly for subdividing a floor plan area comprises a horizontally-extending beam member including an interiorly-facing surface, a bottom wall having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and at least one horizontally-extending lower frame member located below the beam member. The beam assembly further comprises at least one vertical frame member extending between and coupled with the beam member and the at least one lower frame member, wherein the at least one vertical frame member extends through the at least one aperture and the bottom wall of the beam member and interferingly engages the interior-facing surface of the beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister
  • Rubble stone anchoring system
    Patent number: 8904725
    Abstract: Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe constructed of rubble stone are disclosed. The anchoring system employs an anchor fastened to or set within the inner wythe that extends into the cavity and connects to a J-hook. A vertically adjustable veneer tie enwraps the J-hook, limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement, and is set within the bed joint of the outer wythe. The anchoring system minimizes cavity size and provides stability for an uncoursed outer wythe equivalent to that of anchoring systems for standards coursed bed joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.