Patents Examined by Katherine Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9764172
    Abstract: A safety device with fall arrest and descending modes includes a housing, a drum, a lifeline, first and second brake assemblies, and a control. The drum is rotatably operatively connected to the housing. The lifeline has an intermediate portion interconnecting a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the drum. The first and second assemblies are operatively connected to the drum. The control is operatively connected to the first and second brake assemblies and has a first position and a second position. The first position selectively engages the first brake assembly in a descending mode and the second position selectively engages the second brake assembly in a fall arrest mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventors: J. Thomas Wolner, Scott C. Casebolt, Gabriel Grant Gamache, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Patent number: 9765566
    Abstract: A cordless motorized roller shade includes a motorized operation device, a shading device mounted on the motorized operation device and hanging down, and a combination module detachably mounted between the motorized operation device and the shading device. Thus, the roll cloth member of the motorized operation device is pressed by the holding units of the shading device so that the roll cloth member is kept at a straight state smoothly when hanging down. In addition, when the roll cloth member is moved upward, the rotary return wheel module of the motorized operation device aids the upward movement of the roll cloth member to reduce consumption of the electric power of the drive motor of the motorized operation device during operation so that the roll cloth member is folded upward in an energy-saving manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Calendar Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Patent number: 9763530
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for window treatment management. The apparatus may include a material strip and a pulling device. The material strip may include a hook threaded onto at least one end of the material strip and a plurality of loops stitched longitudinally onto the material strip. The pulling device may be utilized for pulling the material strip through the hook from a first end opening of a rod pocket of a window element to a second end opening thereof. Herein, the hook may be connected to one of the loops to create a securing loop around the window element when the material strip is exposed at the second end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventors: Laurie Ann Caccavo, Elaine Katherine Espinosa, Frank Vincent Caccavo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9765557
    Abstract: A sliding door guide, including a rail designed to be fastened against a vertical panel, the rail extending along a longitudinal axis, and a carriage designed to be fastened to the door, the carriage being provided with means for sliding along the rail, the sliding means including a stop opposing the movement of the carriage relative to the rail in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the stop can deform elastically under the effect of a force in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so as to allow a separation between the carriage and the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Fermod
    Inventor: Francis Lecot
  • Patent number: 9758360
    Abstract: A safety apparatus configured for attachment to a manlift and configured to prevent objects falling over the side of the manlift from striking objects and people beneath the manlift. One embodiment includes a frame configured to support netting that is disposed on the platform of an open-sided manlift and angled outward to intercept objects falling vertically outside the surface area of the platform. Another embodiment includes a frame that extends beyond the lip of a dosed-sided manlift and contains netting configured to catch objects falling outside of the surface area of the closed-sided manlift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Billy D. Stanford
  • Patent number: 9759009
    Abstract: A window covering includes a first rail; window covering material, a liner, a first lift cord, and a second lift cord. The liner is positioned adjacent to the rear side of the window covering material and is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position. The liner has at least one pocket. Each pocket defines a channel within the liner. The first and second lift cords extend from the first rail to a position adjacent to a bottom edge of the window covering material. Each lift cord extends through a channel defined by a pocket of the one or more pockets. The window covering may be a Roman shade or other window covering, such as a top down bottom up shade. Preferably, the liner covers the lift cords such that no portion of a lift cord is exposed sufficiently for a child to become entangled within any of the lift cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 9759003
    Abstract: A protector with a sensor operatively coupled on a sliding door detects an object by touch between two conductive parts in a hollow part with a space therebetween. The two conductive parts including a conductive part on a lower part of the hollow part as a side of the installation base member and a conductive part on an upper part of the hollow part as a side of a top end are shaped and positioned in a manner that an inner-cabin side end and an outer-cabin side end of the space are continuously provided directly on an inner peripheral surface of the hollow part. A coating layer covers at least an outer peripheral surface of the outer coat of the hollow part having the inner-cabin side end and the outer-cabin side end of the space continuously provided directly on the inner peripheral surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuzo Hirakawa, Kano Hikiji
  • Patent number: 9759008
    Abstract: An end cap for use on a rail for a covering for an architectural opening. At least one securement leg secures the end cap to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: Richard N Anderson
  • Patent number: 9757598
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a mountaineer or a speleologist climbing up a rope is provided herein. The device includes a main body having an inner face with a sliding seat for the rope. The sliding seat is partially defined by a part of the body of the device folded upon itself and partially defined at a bottom and laterally by the inner face of the body of the device. The device includes a cam member associated with the body and able to tilt around an axis X from an open position to a position holding the rope. The self-locking device also includes one or more pulleys associated with the body. The one or more pulleys are arranged so that a longitudinal axis Z lies on a plane parallel to a plane a of major extension of the body and perpendicular to a sliding direction of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CAMP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Codega, Matteo Rivadossi
  • Patent number: 9752341
    Abstract: A safety barrier assembly is provided for a parking garage is positioned in proximity to an opening for a VRC and includes a horizontal AGV safety beam and upper and lower pedestrian barriers having horizontal railings and vertical legs. The vertical legs are slidable within openings at opposite ends of the AGV safety beam. The vertical legs of the upper pedestrian barrier are longer than those of the lower pedestrian barrier. The AGV safety beam can be moved vertically between a lower position where the AGV safety beam is substantially adjacent a floor of the parking garage and an upper position where the AGV safety beam is elevated from the floor. The horizontal railings of the pedestrian barriers are parallel to and spaced above the AGV safety beam in the lower position. However, the horizontal railings abut the AGV safety beam in the upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Space Maker International Inc.
    Inventor: Andreas N. Wastel
  • Patent number: 9755408
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a rotatable awning with illumination are provided. The awning includes an axial groove wherein a plurality of luminaires are located for lighting of an area below and around an extended awning. The awning includes an electromechanical rotatable conductor which provides electrical contact between a fixed portion of the awning assembly and the rotating awning roller tube. This allows for flow through of electricity or current to the luminaires and/or the awning motor internally through the roller tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventor: Brent Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 9752342
    Abstract: Apparatus for allowing ventilation as usual for underground tunnels through a ventilation shaft opening to atmosphere yet preventing underground flooding from surface waters pouring through the grate, comprises an assembly that fits within the ventilation shaft and includes one or more panels held in an upright home position that allows ventilation as usual but is releasable to rotationally gravitate to a lower sealing position closing a passage between the ventilation shaft and atmosphere to prevent water from entering the underground tunnels. A panel position indicator moves from a hidden position to a visible position with lowering of the panels to visually signify that the panels are lowered and that flooding protection is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9752334
    Abstract: A foldable work platform is disclosed. The foldable work platform includes legs on the exterior of the platform for increased stability while allowing the legs to fold coplanar to the platform when the foldable work platform is in its stored configuration. The legs are also configured to fit within the profile of the platform and attached to the platform at a location which allows the legs to fit within the length of the platform. The legs include a support, on which the platform rests when the foldable work platform is in its in-use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Foley, Benjamin P. Williams, Dennis D. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9752383
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment system controls a plurality of motorized window treatments to maximize daylight autonomy, while minimizing cognitive dissonance. The system may include motorized window treatments, window sensors, and a system controller. Each motorized window treatment may be operable to adjust a respective covering material to control the amount of light entering a space. Each sensor may be mounted adjacent to at least one of the motorized window treatments, and may be configured to measure an amount of daylight shining on the sensor. The system controller may receive sensor readings from the sensors and may control the motorized window treatments in response to the sensors to keep the covering materials aligned when the sensor readings are within a predetermined amount. The system controller may dynamically group and re-group the sensors into subgroups based upon the sensor readings and may control the motorized window treatments based upon the subgroups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Lundy, Brent Protzman, Timothy Gill, Michael J. Zizza
  • Patent number: 9752332
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9752381
    Abstract: A privacy screen system for inhibiting an extraneous observer from viewing a display on an electronic device includes an electronic device that has a display and the display may be viewed. A pair of screens is provided and each of the screens is removably coupled to the electronic device. Thus, each of the screens inhibits an extraneous observer from viewing the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Adib
  • Patent number: 9752369
    Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: David Patrick Bresson, Juan Manuel Diaz, Leroy G. Krupke, Amit Ashok Patel
  • Patent number: 9744846
    Abstract: The invention related to a roller blind module (1) for a cooling module (2) of a vehicle wherein the roller blind module (1) is assembled at the cooling module (2) comprising a roller blind element (10), at least a drive (15), by which the roller blind element (10) is uncoilable from a first position (11) in at least a second position (12) wherein in the first position (11) the roller blind element (10) is wound up and in the second position (12) the roller blind element is assembled in front of the cooling module (2) regarding to the driving direction (30) of the vehicle, and a cleaning device (20) with at least one cleaning element (21) wherein the roller blind element (10) is cleanable by the cleaning element (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignees: HBPO GmbH, Audi AG
    Inventors: Ralf Schmidt, Reinhold Brückner, Jörg-Walter Rau
  • Patent number: 9745026
    Abstract: A ladder system for a boat having gunwale tubing comprises a ladder including two side rails and at least one rung transversely disposed across the side rails and a platform having a curved recess and platform surface. The top portion of the ladder is pivotably attached to the side of the platform and extends downward therefrom. The platform is disposed on the gunwale tubing of the boat such that the curved recess of the platform receives and engages the tubing. A stanchion extends laterally from the ladder and includes two support each extending from a corresponding side rail of the ladder. A stanchion pad is disposed at an end of said stanchion disposed between the two stanchion supports, and engages the hull of the boat to prevent twisting of the ladder when it is deployed. The ladder system prevents deformation of the gunwale tubing while providing enhanced stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Commercial & Government Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mason Cummings, Bryan Tudeen
  • Patent number: 9745794
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an enclosure having a front and a back and an opening on the front. A door with an inner face and an outer face, and the door is rotatably mounted to the front of the enclosure and configured to cover the opening when the door is closed. A first rim surrounds a periphery of the opening and has a first outer edge. A first gasket is attached to the first rim and configured to form a watertight seal between the front of the enclosure and the door when the door is closed. A second rim on the door is sized to surround the periphery of the opening when the door is closed. A second gasket is attached the second rim and configured to form a watertight seal between the front of the enclosure and the door when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Ellingson