Patents Examined by Michael P. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 12146338
    Abstract: The present utility model relates to a deformable folding fence, including multiple groups of quick fixing assemblies, in which the multiple groups of quick fixing assemblies are connected to upper rods, lower rods and support rods, and two ends of each of the upper rods, the lower rods and the support rods are both provided with an elastic button and a clamping groove, each quick fixing assembly includes a fixing member main body, and a side wall of the fixing member main body is connected to a middle sleeve, so as to utilize the quick fixing assemblies, the upper rods, the lower rods, the support rods and the interaction among various components, so that the fences of different shapes can be spliced according to usage requirements and fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventor: Zhixin Li
  • Patent number: 12140177
    Abstract: A tube set device includes first and second tubes and a clamping assembly. The first tube partially extending from an opening into the second tube is telescopic relative to the second tube. The clamping assembly disposed at the opening of the second tube includes a quick-release tube-clamp and a safety lock unit. The quick-release tube-clamp includes a tightening body and a handle. The handle pivoted on the tightening body is able to be switched pivotally between released and locked states. The safety lock unit includes a first matching element disposed on one of the handle and the tightening body and a second matching element disposed on the other one. In the locked state, the first matching element is aligned with the second matching element, and the first and second matching elements are assembled with each other to fix the handle on the tightening body and maintain the locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 12129887
    Abstract: A self-retaining wear-pad leveler has a first plate having arms on opposing sides and forming an aperture through the first plate. A rear section is coupled to a rear portion of the first plate and has tabs extending from opposing sides of the rear section. The arms are configured for being retained about a ball of a spherical bearing assembly, and the tabs are configured to cause rotation of the leveler about the bearing when engaged by a component coupled to and rotating about the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Lancer Drake Halcom
  • Patent number: 12129663
    Abstract: A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more resilient compression elements joined with the spacer block. The resilient compression elements can be vertically compressible so at least a portion of it can move from an open mode to a compression mode and fit within, then forcibly expand within, the groove, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: National Nail Corp.
    Inventors: Roger A. Vandenberg, Todd E. A. Schwartzkopf
  • Patent number: 12129894
    Abstract: A tolerance ring includes a ring body formed of a strip plate material having a spring property and formed in a ring shape. The tolerance also has a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are formed on the ring body and radially protrude from the ring body. An abutment joint portion is formed between a first end and a second end of the ring body in the circumferential direction. The tolerance ring includes an insertion restricting portion configured to restrict an entering amount of another tolerance ring in the axial direction being inserted into the abutment joint portion from the side of the first edge of the ring body. The insertion restricting portion is located in an area between a first axial end of the plurality of the protrusions in the axial direction and the first edge, so as to restrict the entering amount of the other tolerance ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Takase, Joji Murakami
  • Patent number: 12116798
    Abstract: Border walls and related systems and methods are disclosed. A border wall may include a plurality of bollard fence sections adapted for engagement with corresponding base members. Each fence section may include a plurality of bollards. Each base member may include a plurality of openings extending downwardly from a top surface of the base member partially into the base member. The openings in the top of a base member are adapted for engagement with individual corresponding bollards on a bollard fence section. At least one of the bollards is “matched” to a corresponding opening in the base member so that the “matched” bollard, when inserted into and engaged with its corresponding “matched” opening, may function to support and/or align the bollard fence section. The base members may also include connectors, and/or mating alignment notches and protrusions, to facilitate joining and/or leveling of the base members to form a stable wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: TRICON PRECAST, LTD.
    Inventor: Gilbert M. Flores
  • Patent number: 12117039
    Abstract: A connector (1) and a system for interconnecting tubular profiles. The connector comprises first and second connector ends (2, 3), an intermediate part (4) arranged between the connector ends (2, 3). A first engaging element (5) is movably arranged relative a second engaging element (6), between a non-expanded state and an expanded state of the connector (1). An expansion bracket (7) comprises a distal part (8) arranged at a first distance (a) from the intermediate part (4) and at least one proximal part (9) arranged at the intermediate part (4). A tensioner (10) is arranged at the intermediate part (4) and substantially extending in a transverse second axis direction (Y) relative a first longitudinal axis direction (X) of the connector (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: TROAX AB
    Inventor: Staffan Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 12110703
    Abstract: A privacy and sound barrier fence system and apparatus is disclosed. The fence is erected with interlocking horizontal or vertical panels which are held in place by posts at the ends of the boards. The boards are equipped with a tongue and groove system, configured to enable the boards to interlock, forming a solid wall segment. Each segment, referred to as a module, may be connected at a 90-degree angle, to permit a turn in the fence. Adjustable mounting points on the posts allow for the modules to be disposed in a step orientation or at a slope for non-level terrain. The boards ensure that the erected fence remains aesthetically pleasing from both the front and rear of the fence. A Santa Fe embodiment of the fence system does not employ any structural rain reinforcement connecting the posts and is capable of withstanding hurricane-strength winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: RRM Composites LLC.
    Inventor: Roberto Lebrija
  • Patent number: 12109931
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam having a hook assembly configured to mate with E-track mating features. The adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted over a predetermined length range by adjusting the tube assembly and the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the extension length is fixed using a fixing clamp coupled to the tube assembly and the rod assembly. A connecting clamp and bracket may be used to couple a first adjustable shoring beam to a second adjustable shoring beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE LOGISTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Dylan Henderson, David Albers, Mark Belin
  • Patent number: 12110705
    Abstract: Bracket (1) for supporting a wall element (50) between two posts (60) and a system for shielding an area. The bracket (1) which is tube-shaped and arranged to enclose a post (60) comprises a front part (2), a back part (3), and first and second side parts (4, 5). At least one of the first and second side parts (4, 5) comprises a slit (6) with a receiving section (6a) open towards the front part (2) and arranged for receiving a protrusion (51) of a wall element (50). The slit (6) comprises a locking section (6c) for keeping a protrusion (51) of a wall element (50) in a locked position, and is arranged at a first distance (a) from the receiving section (6a) in a first direction (X1) of the bracket (1). The slit (6) comprises a guiding section (6b) arranged between the receiving section (6a) and the locking section (6c) which is arranged for guiding a protrusion (51) from the receiving section (6a) to the locking section (6c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: TROAX AB
    Inventor: Staffan Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 12104651
    Abstract: A tolerance ring includes a ring body having a spring property, an abutment joint portion formed between circumferential end edges of the ring body, and protrusions protruding radially from the ring body, each having a reaction force due to radial rigidity. The tolerance ring includes an abutment joint semi-circumferential region and an opposing semi-circumferential region facing the abutment joint portion. The tolerance ring includes first and second X-direction semi-circumferential regions separated by a straight line connecting the abutment joint and opposing portions. The Y-direction passes through the axis center of the ring body and the abutment joint, and the X-direction is orthogonal to the Y-direction. The sum of the X-direction components of the reaction force vector in the first X-direction semi-circumferential region is the same or smaller than the sum of the Y-direction components of the reaction force vector in the abutment joint semi-circumferential region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: TOGO SEISAKUSYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joji Murakami
  • Patent number: 12104338
    Abstract: A combined type flexible glass net system used for protection against full-particle falling rocks on plank roads in scenic spots includes a supporting layer, an intercepting throwing layer and a flexible glass net isolating layer, wherein the supporting layer is longitudinally arranged above a protective area along a mountain, and includes a supporting steel frame and an oscillating type supporting rod; the intercepting throwing layer is supported on the supporting layer, and includes metal meshes, an along-cross-slope lower connecting rope, an along-cross-slope upper connecting rope, an along-slope connecting rope and a reinforcing rope; and the flexible glass net isolating layer includes glass plates, glass net supporting cables and a hoop type hinged piece, wherein the glass plates are connected to the glass net supporting cables through the hoop type hinged piece, and the glass net supporting cables are hung below the supporting steel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Southwest Jiaotong University
    Inventors: Zhixiang Yu, Lijun Zhang, Gaohong Ye, Liru Luo, Xu Hu, Xin Qi, Lei Zhao, Shichun Zhao
  • Patent number: 12098567
    Abstract: A fencing bracket having a box structure having opposing left and right sidewalls extending from opposing longitudinal ends forming a U-shaped cross-section, and a return support flange disposed at a lower edge thereof, wherein the left and the right sidewall have a pair of aligned cross beam openings and a first and second opening respectively. The fencing bracket includes a strap having a first fiat portion having a third opening, a middle portion (that is either rounded or rectangular), and a second flat portion having a fourth opening, the middle portion is between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The first opening is aligned with the third opening and the second opening is aligned with the fourth opening, and a fastener passes through the first, second, third and fourth openings and is retained via another fastener at either the third or fourth opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Alabama Metal Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Gary George Baltz, Jr., Bryan Millican, Markus Erbeldinger
  • Patent number: 12097568
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fastening layers of non-ferrous alloys, like aluminum, magnesium and copper utilizes a steel fastener and a spot welding machine. The fastener and metals are stacked and the heat from the welder's electric current softens the lower melting point aluminum allowing the fastener to penetrate the aluminum. A weld zone between the fastener and the various layers creates an internal weld. The fastener has a rough shaft that is coated by the molten weld zone and is hard to withdraw on solidification. Layers of non-conductive materials like plastics and ceramics may also be affixed to a conductive layer using a fastener made from a compatible material that extends through a pilot hole and welds to or penetrates a conductive layer. The fastener may have projections that initially reduce contact area with the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Donald J. Spinella, Daniel Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 12091154
    Abstract: A pin joint assembly is disclosed having a first lug and a second lug, a pin extending through the first and second lugs, a U-shaped bushing between the first lug and the pin, wherein the U-shaped bushing includes a first end flange and a second end flange that extend radially outwards and retain the U-shaped bushing to the first lug, and wherein the U-shaped bushing includes a bearing surface between the first and second end flanges on which the first lug is slidable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Morrell
  • Patent number: 12084159
    Abstract: A service door for a cowl for a marine propulsion device. A door panel is positionable in open and closed positions. A first hinge rotatably couples the door panel to the cowl. A coil spring biases the door panel towards the open position and a damper resists rotation of the door panel towards the open position. The first hinge rotates about a first axis and has a first hinge base, a first hinge axle, and a first hinge axle opening that receives the first hinge axle. The first hinge axle has base and distal ends. The base end is coupled to the first hinge base and the distal end has a spring slot. The coil spring has fixed and rotating ends. The rotating end imparts a spring force on the door panel with the fixed end in the spring slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Foulkes, Steven J. Amerling, Evan N. Kobman, Bradley R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 12077981
    Abstract: The fence system attaches to an aluminum or steel rectangular base post in concrete or the ground. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Each of three side of the fence column has an elongated slot, which receives one end of a slat. A bracket may secure the slat to the fence column. The fence system also has a gate of the same style as the rest of the fence. A lockset housing replaces one fence column. It receives slats on one side, and the lockset's latch projects from the other side. A hollow post has a slot facing the latch when the gate is closed. A latch cover is held by the slot, and an extension of the latch cover extends along the lockset housing to block surreptitious opening the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Alumission Inc.
    Inventors: Itsik Amsellem, Ben Sasson, Zach Sasson
  • Patent number: 12077980
    Abstract: A group spacing device for keeping groups of people at least six feet apart or some other determined distance from other groups of people the group spacing device having four outer connection adapters joined by four corresponding exterior border strips, four inner connection adapters joined by at least four poles, at least four poles joining the outer connection adapters to corresponding inner connection adapters, a fence assembly that mounts to the outer connection adapters so as to stretch across and above the exterior border strips, a plurality of screw anchors that passes through apertures in the outer connection adapters and or inner connection adapters until stopped by an anchor stop to secure the group spacing device to a sand or ground surface and a tent mountable over the group spacing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Inventor: John Reagan
  • Patent number: 12066046
    Abstract: A blind fastener is disclosed having a bolt part, a sleeve part, and a tubular insulating sheath. The bolt part is at least partially received within the sleeve part. A first end of the sheath is retained on the bolt part such that relative axial movement between the first end of the sheath and the bolt part is substantially prevented. The blind fastener is movable between: a pre-installation configuration in which the sleeve part has a first axial position relative to the bolt part and a predetermined section of the sheath is adjacent an outer surface of the sleeve part; and a post-installation configuration in which the sleeve part has a second, different axial position relative to the bolt part and the predetermined section of the sheath is adjacent an inner surface of the sleeve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew Cross, Andrew John Fay, Matthew Webster
  • Patent number: 12060908
    Abstract: A coupling and related methods are disclosed herein that can provide for coupling a first object and a second object with minimal play. A coupling can include a first coupling component having a cylindrical surface with a screw and a pin extending therefrom and a second coupling component having a prismatic surface with a first and a second through-hole. The first coupling component and the second coupling component can be configured such that relative motion between the first coupling component and the second coupling component can be restricted in all six degrees of freedom when the screw is engaged with the first through-hole to secure the cylindrical surface of the first component against the prismatic surface of the second component. The pin can be configured to maintain stability of the coupling and further limit relative movement, such that positioning and/or orientation errors between the first and second components is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Medos International Sarl
    Inventors: Philippe Lindenmann, Felix Aschmann, Rainer Ponzer, Daniela Wehrli