Patents Examined by Jessie Fonseca
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Patent number: 9546744Abstract: A conduit clamp includes a first coupling component configured for attachment to a first attachment structure of a strut channel and a second coupling component different from the first coupling component and configured for attachment to a second attachment structure of a strut channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Sagar Ashok Patil, Zhihui Zhang
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Patent number: 9540801Abstract: A first structural member and a second structural member meet at a joint of a truss triangular unit. A bridge plate includes a central portion that spans across the joint. The bridge plate includes a first peripheral portion extending from the central portion in a direction of the first structural member and a second peripheral portion extending from the central portion in a direction of the second structural member. Each peripheral portion includes a slot and a first opening. A stirrup plate is provided for each peripheral portion. Each stirrup plate includes an interlocking mounting flange having an extending tab member received by the slot and a second opening aligned with the first opening. A mounting device extends through the aligned first and second openings to secure the stirrup plate and bridge plate to the underlying structural member.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: OZ-POST INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventor: Ian A. Hill
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Patent number: 9531319Abstract: A solar power system can include a rail and a solar module disposed on the rail. A clamp assembly can couple the solar module to the rail. The clamp assembly can have a clamped configuration in which the solar module is secured to the rail and an unclamped configuration. The clamp assembly can comprise an upper clamp member, a lower clamp member coupled to the rail, and a stabilization member mechanically engaging the upper clamp member and the lower clamp member. The stabilization member can prevent rotation of the lower clamp member relative to the rail when the clamp assembly is in the clamped and unclamped configurations. In the unclamped configuration, the stabilization member can be biased such that the upper clamp member is disposed at a sufficient clearance above the rail to permit the insertion of the solar module between the upper clamp member and the rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan Braunstein, Zachary Kinyon, Guillaume Carre, David Matrat
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Patent number: 9523204Abstract: A gutter protecting apparatus includes a plurality of substantially parallel rods extending in a downward slope from near a roof edge to and beyond the far side of the gutter. The rods extend substantially perpendicular to the gutter's length and to a frame to which the rods connect at the upper edge. Preferably, the lower rod ends are spaced above and slightly beyond the far edge of the gutter to allow debris to pass the gutter without catching. Legs can extend down from some rods to the gutter's far edge to provide support. The apparatus can be pivotably mounted to the roof, the fascia or the gutter, permitting access beneath. The apparatus forms a cage-like covering over the gutter to exclude matter and small creatures, while allowing the liquid to flow past. Sunlight bypassing the rods and movement of air through the gutter make the water exiting the downspout cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: B & J Concepts, LLCInventor: Jerome W. Nelson
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Patent number: 9523212Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: US Tower CorporationInventors: Kenneth Pereira, Karen Eredia, Stacey A. Perez
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Patent number: 9494342Abstract: A mounting unit for mounting a solar panel on a roof includes a base having a first flange and a second flange that extend laterally from the base and a mounting surface positioned above the base via walls that connect the mounting surface and the base. The mounting surface is couplable with the solar panel to elevate and orient the solar panel above a surface of the roof. The mounting unit also includes a flexible membrane material that is coupled with the first flange of the base and that extends laterally therefrom. The mounting unit further includes an adhesive or tape that is applied to an underside of the second flange so that the second flange is free of the flexible membrane material. The flexible membrane material is couplable with the roof and the adhesive or tape is adherable to the roof to secure the mounting unit to the roof.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Johns ManvilleInventors: Francis John Babineau, Jr., Brian G Shamas, Eric Smith
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Patent number: 9496821Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Jack Raymond West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 9487965Abstract: An automatic-water-shedding height-adjustable three-dimensionally-adjustable fence-post-base system comprises automatic-water-shedding three-dimensionally-adjustable tapping-screw systems, automatic-water-shedding height-adjustable tube-screw systems, and an automatic-water-shedding height-adjustable three-dimensionally-adjustable base system. Each tapping-screw system has a convex head bottom for three-dimensionally adjusting the fence-post-base system when screwed into a foundation, and has a circular water-sealing ridge for preventing water from flowing into the underside of a foundation. Each tube-screw system has a circular water-sealing dike for automatically preventing water from flowing into the underside of a foundation, and has a circular rain-water reservoir and channels for draining water away.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Inventor: Dee Volin
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Patent number: 9482370Abstract: Various embodiments provide a line clamp assembly that includes a base, cradle, and clamp. The base includes wings and a body. The wings extend from the body and each includes a routing port. The body is configured to be welded to a structure. The cradle includes a generally C-shaped body that defines a channel and an opening. The channel is configured to receive the line via the opening. The cradle is configured to sit on the base. The clamp includes a body having ends that each include an attachment configured to mate with a corresponding routing port of the wings. A force is applied to the cradle to compress the cradle such that the attachments are mated with the routing ports. The force applied to the cradle is removed after the attachments are mated with the routing ports such that the cradle expands to apply pressure to the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: IMAGE INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Blake Hobson
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Patent number: 9481993Abstract: A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arced formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Lock-Block Ltd.Inventor: James Joseph Drew
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Patent number: 9473066Abstract: A solar panel mount assembly includes a base portion mountable to an installation surface, and a support arm defining a support shoulder. The support arm is coupled to the base portion. The support arm and base portion cooperate to accommodate positioning the support arm at an adjustable distance relative to the installation surface. The solar panel mount assembly further includes a rotatable clamp assembly coupled to the support shoulder, and includes at least two brackets that releasably secure a portion of one or more solar panels.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: PEGASUS SOLAR INC.Inventors: Erich Kai Stephan, Glenn Harris
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Patent number: 9458627Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Gene Summy
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Patent number: 9461579Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 9447627Abstract: A window assembly may include a vacuum insulated glass unit and a frame assembly. The vacuum insulated glass unit may include first and second glass substrates defining a space therebetween that is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. One of the first and second glass substrates may include a vacuum port extending outward therefrom. The vacuum port may define a passage in communication with the space. The frame assembly supports the glass unit and may include a base member and a glazing member. The base member and the glazing member cooperate to define a slot in which an edge portion of the glass unit is received. The glazing member may include a cavity receiving the vacuum port. The glazing member and the base member may define a plurality of pockets that hinder thermal conductivity through the frame assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Robert D. Thompson, Charles L. Anderson, John M. Mitchell, Nigel J. Flynn, Kunal D. MacDonald, David Scott Rowley, Edward I. Stamm, Jr.
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Patent number: 9447598Abstract: A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: US Tower CorporationInventors: Kenneth Pereira, Bruce Kopitar
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Patent number: 9447801Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventor: Jack Raymond West
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Patent number: 9422726Abstract: A stair system (20; 300) comprises: a first length-adjustable stringer (40A; 308A); a second length-adjustable stringer (40B; 308B); and a plurality of tread assemblies (148; 350) installable to the first and second stringers. The system further includes at least one handrail (268; 302A, 302B). A plurality of balusters (280A, 280B; 360, 362) are attached or attachable to the tread assemblies and handrail. The tread assemblies each have an adjustable tread pitch.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: BECKM, LLCInventor: Richard D. Walston
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Patent number: 9394741Abstract: Techniques are described that for reducing the cost and labor associated with replacing a balance system in a window assembly if the balance system fails or needs to be upgraded. In one example, a window jamb liner assembly comprises an elongated jamb liner comprising a back wall, first and second spaced-apart interior track walls extending from the back wall, and first and second spaced-apart exterior track walls extending from the back wall, wherein the first and second spaced-apart interior track walls define an interior track, wherein the first and second spaced-apart exterior track walls define an exterior track, wherein the first and second spaced-apart interior track walls and the first and second spaced-apart exterior track walls extend substantially perpendicular to the back wall, wherein the second interior track wall terminates at a first top edge, and wherein the second exterior track wall terminates at a second top edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: SP Custom Carpentry & Windows, Inc.Inventor: Sayavongs Phandanouvong
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Patent number: 9388567Abstract: An outer wall structure according to the invention includes first to fourth linear water-stopping members, and first to fourth corner water-stopping members. These members include plate portions and seal portions and the like. The plate portions are fixed to a vertical furring strip member, a horizontal furring strip member, and a frame member by means of a first mounting screw. Consequently, the seal portions prevent entry of water between a sash body and the plate portion. With the outer wall structure, the plate portions are fixed to the vertical furring strip member, the horizontal furring strip member, and the frame member at a position spaced apart from the outer face farther than a first width of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: NICHIHA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroaki Watanabe
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Patent number: 9387920Abstract: A cabin structural unit for attaching cabin installation elements is provided for an aircraft. The cabin structural unit is set up in such a way that a cabin installation element is attachable. The cabin structural unit is implemented as self-supporting and fastenable to an aircraft structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Ulrike Graeber, Peter Grosse-Plankermann, Martin Paetz