Patents Examined by Phi Dieu Tran A
  • Metal truss system
    Patent number: 7669379
    Abstract: A metal truss system comprising a pair of chord members of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is joined together by a web formed of a single continuous piece having a wave shape. The apexes of the web are adapted to be received in each chord. The legs of the chords have inwardly recessed portions to form a narrowed throat portion, which provides a stop against which the apex of the web abuts. The resulting positioning of the web apex presents a maximum surface area for welding the web to the chord member. This enables an optimum amount of welding, while minimizing the weakening of the metal being welded. The configuration of the chords and web permits rapid fabrication of the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Bruce Schierding
  • Universal staircase tool
    Patent number: 7661241
    Abstract: A new and improved single tool or jig which is universally useable in connection with the fabrication or trimming of left and right side edge portions of stair tread components, left and right end portions of stair tread side edge plank components, and stair riser components, so as to permit all of such components to be properly mated together in order to impart to the exposed or open stair members a seamless finished appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Richard L. Edwards, Howard W. Kimball, Anthony Brent Marshall
  • Concrete building system and method
    Patent number: 7661231
    Abstract: A system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael E. Dalton
  • Housing modules with solar panels and buildings formed from stacked modules
    Patent number: 7658039
    Abstract: A building module for housing purposes comprises a rigid, rectangular, three-dimensional truss formed with four steel end columns and steel beams extending between the columns. Each module includes a floor panel extending between the four end columns, wall panels, and a roof panel extending from two of the end columns, parallel to the forward column and terminating a spaced distance from the two end columns. A first rectangular folding panel has one end hingedly attached to the edge of the roof panel termination and a second rectangular folding panel, larger than the first rectangular folding panel, has one end hingedly supported between the two end columns. The first and second rectangular folding panels may be folded into positions parallel to their roof panel with their edges overlapping to form a compact module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Ziegelman
  • Insulation cover for attic closures
    Patent number: 7650722
    Abstract: Covers for attic trap doors and pull down attic stairs or ladders are described each of which is formed of an insulating material. The covers are structured to effectively seal a ceiling access opening. In some embodiments, a closure member constructed of insulating material is cooperatively and frictionally received within a frame formed of the same material to form an airtight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Acoustic isolator clip for isolating wallboard support channels from frame member
    Patent number: 7647744
    Abstract: A clip for use in acoustically isolating a wallboard support channel from a frame member, the support channel having at least one mounting point, includes a first portion positionable between a first surface of the channel and the frame member, a second portion positionable in contact with a second, opposite surface of the channel, and a bracket connecting said first and second portions. The first and second portions and the bracket each have at least one fastener opening in registry with corresponding openings on the other of the first and second portions such that a fastener passing through the openings and the mounting point is acoustically isolated from the bracket and from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Stephen W. Payne, Jr.
  • Shear-wall structure and method employing laterally bounding columns
    Patent number: 7621088
    Abstract: Building frame shear-wall structure and associated methodology wherein the resulting structure includes (a) plural, elongate, spaced, interconnected columns and beams including elongate stretches which define and perimeter nominally open panes, and (b) within each defined and perimetered pane, an introduced, cured body of curable structural flow material spanning and effectively forming a column-and-beam-anchored rigidifying shear panel in the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: ConXTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Pultruded trim members
    Patent number: 7614152
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: PN II, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Pulte
  • Method and apparatus for erecting wall panels
    Patent number: 7614191
    Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes an attachment member that is received in a groove in a panel to align and hold the panel in place on a perimeter framing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Elward Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Everett Lee Mitchell
  • Shed roof truss adapted for storing long handle tools
    Patent number: 7610724
    Abstract: A building comprises a side wall defining a storage space within the sidewall confines, a roof supported above the storage space, and a pair of gables above the sidewall and at opposite ends of the roof. At least one truss is disposed between the gables and adapted to support the roof and has at least one tool handle opening. In a part of the building separate from the truss is disposed at least one additional receiver generally across from the tool handle opening. The tool handle opening and the receiver are spaced apart and adapted to each receive the handle of a long handled tool and support the long handled tool above the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Houk, Jr.
  • Connection structure for a log wall
    Patent number: 7594367
    Abstract: A connection structure for a log wall includes a plurality of logs extending horizontally in an axial direction and stacked vertically to form a wall, the logs each having an end face at one end thereof, the end faces of the logs being generally vertically aligned with each other and defining an edge surface of the wall; a plurality of connectors retained within the wall adjacent the edge surface of the wall; a plurality of fastener access passageways in the wall, each fastener access passageway extending between a respective connector and the edge surface of the wall; and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener extending through a respective fastener access passageway and having a first end coupled to a respective connector and a second end opposite the first end, the second end extending proud of the edge surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Pointblank Design Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Clarke
  • Rain gutter guard and method
    Patent number: 7584576
    Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McDonald, Tony A. Cobb
  • Roof construction
    Patent number: 7581358
    Abstract: A roof construction has a primary ridge member with a king post depending from the ridge member. A pair of secondary ridge members are secured in sockets in the king post at different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Wrightman
  • Retractable column and method of forming
    Patent number: 7581360
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Olsen
  • Sacrificial shield for a window assembly
    Patent number: 7568316
    Abstract: Installation structure for installing and removing a sacrificial glazing panel. There is disclosed a removable retaining member for the sacrificial glazing panel that laterally pressures a primary glazing panel to seal and hold the primary glazing panel and holds the sacrificial glazing panel without lateral pressure. A unitary, dual-durometer retaining member is disclosed which is optimized for holding the primary glazing and the sacrificial glazing panel in different manners by having materials of two different hardnesses. Additionally, a retaining member is disclosed that has flocking material to reduce rattling of the sacrificial glazing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Choby, Michael D. Kobrehel, Daryl F. Dankert, Leroy C. Schmuck, Todd E. Cripe, Harley Rensch, Kip B. Ellis
  • Moving retail space system for buildings
    Patent number: 7562496
    Abstract: A moving retail space system for buildings comprising a moving housing that operates within a building structure to allow multiple businesses to be at a street level. The moving housing comprises spaces A and A?, and the building structure comprises a basement. A lift assembly moves the moving housing from an initial to a second position, and vice versa. In the initial position a first business operating in space A is at the street level, and a second business operating in space A? is located one floor above the first business. In the second position, the first business operating in space A is in the basement, and the second business operating in space A? is at the street level. At least one locking mechanism laterally secures the moving housing in place. A sealing mechanism prevents objects from falling between the moving housing and the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Luis Salo Zwiebach
  • Architectural panel fabrication system
    Patent number: 7562504
    Abstract: An fabrication system used for mounting a structural member to a surface including an anchor attached to the surface. The anchor has a pair of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and forming an anchor channel with one or more first flanges formed on at least one of the sidewalls facing the anchor channel. The fabrication system also includes a panel frame having a body for insertion into the anchor channel. The body has at least one lateral surface extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. First and second sidewalls extend from the body to define a frame channel for receiving an edge portion of the structural member. At least one of the first and second sidewalls has a serrated inner face facing the frame channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: WMH Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter M. Herbst, Michael P. Herbst
  • Composite steel joist/composite beam floor system and steel stud wall systems
    Patent number: 7562500
    Abstract: This invention reveals new metal stud perimeter wall and load-bearing wall systems that support, without eccentricity, concrete-topped floors on open-web-steel-joists, deep-profiled composite metal decks and channel-shaped joists and allow upper floor framing to complete before floor concreting; a new composite steel beam for open-web-steel-joist support; a new shear-connection-ready open-web-steel joist; and a new perimeter metal stud wall system that incorporates an in-wall wheel-stopper. The new wall systems incorporate web-perforated studs, and/or web-perforated tracks doubling as concrete closures, and other concrete closure devices. The composite beam incorporates shear connectors protruding through a special web-perforated track fitted with a load-bearing block and cutouts in the legs for open-web-steel-joist support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Wilfred Wing-Chow Siu
  • Pre-assembled plate consisting of armoured concrete
    Patent number: 7556208
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-assembled plate consisting of armored concrete, especially for the use as a component of a solid roadway for high-speed means of transport. At least two steel rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the pre-assembled plate of armored concrete (10) and protruding over the concrete surface thereof on the front face (17) are provided. The pre-assembled plate (10) is provided with at least one, preferably several, predetermined breaking points (15) which extends crosswise in relation to the steel rods (19). The steel rod (19) is anchored in the area between the front face (17) of the pre-assembled plate (10) and the first predetermined breaking point (1) respectively and is mounted in the direction towards the respective front face (17) in the longitudinal direction thereof in an essentially freely moveable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Max Bogl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Company KG
    Inventor: Dieter Reichel
  • Light transmission panels, retaining clip and a combination thereof
    Patent number: 7546708
    Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided using retention clips formed of folded sheet metal having a top flange for engaging and retaining a pair of glazing panel ends against uplift forces generated by high velocity winds flowing across the glazing panels. The preferred one piece retention clip has a two ply central web which is formed on the retention clip to be positioned at a seam between adjacent glazing panels and these plies may be welded together to increase the strength of the central web. This top flange is strengthened to resist bending of its right or left flange section by raised portions extending normal to the fold lines that join the respective top flange sections to the top of the central web. The preferred retention clip also is formed with spot welds to join the two plies of the central web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Konvin Associates Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin