Patents Examined by Steve M Varner
  • Patent number: 6901717
    Abstract: Reinforcement arrangement for a pole including abase flange surrounding a bottom of the pole, elongate tubes connected to the base flange and arranged at discrete locations around a circumference of the pole to extend vertically alongside the pole and annular clamping collars arranged around the pole at different vertical locations. The tubes are attached to the clamping collars to thereby form a skeletal framework around the pole which provides increased load-bearing capability to the pole and enables installation of additional antennas on the pole. The base flange is supported above the base plate by gussets which are welded to the base plate and pole. The clamping collars are each formed from several collar segments, each extending partially around the circumference of the pole with adjacent collar segments being attached to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Pennsummit Tubular, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Brunozzi, Brian R. Reese, David D. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6820374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stage, comprising elements, which may be assembled and disassembled from individual pieces, as part of a sub-structure with telescopic pieces (14, 15) and bars (11, 12, 13) fixed thereto, at various angles to the horizontal, to which may be fixed stepped elements for the attachment of superstructure pieces such a seats and railings. Said bars (11, 12, 13), may be pivoted about a pivot point (23, 24, 25), in the region of a first end (16, 17, 18) of a bar (11, 12, 13), in a manner independent of the angle to the horizontal. Each individual bar (11, 12, 13) comprises a first attachment point for stepped elements and the pivot point (23, 24, 25) of a bar (11, 12, 13) is either congruent with the first attachment point (26) or it is immediately adjacent to the pivot point (23, 24, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Peri GmbH
    Inventor: Arthur Schwörer
  • Patent number: 6792729
    Abstract: Improvements in a stackable construction panel system are disclosed. The system includes stackable wall forms for receiving a flowable material, each form having a pair of foam panels tied together in a spaced and parallel relationship by connectors. In a first improvement, the connectors have head pieces with transversal terminal surfaces facilitating the stacking and handling of the wall forms on construction sites. In a second improvement, an end panel assembly is provided for mounting an end panel used as a wall stud for the construction of a window or door frame. The end panel assembly has first and second engaging members, each removably engageable with side end portions of the pair of foam panels. The end panel itself is mountable therebetween. In accordance with a third improvement, a corner connector is provided for reinforcing corner wall forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Polyform A.G.P. Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Béliveau
  • Patent number: 6718704
    Abstract: A fenestration system including a glass unit, attachment member and decorative member is provided. The decorative member includes a rotatable coupler for easy attachment of the decorative member to the attachment member. An attachment system including a decorative member having a rotatable coupler is also provided. A rotatable coupler is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: David Plummer, Robert L. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6691469
    Abstract: A flashing for sealing about a roof penetration includes a first sheet having a first edge. The first sheet includes a substantially planar portion and a portion that is inclined with respect to the planar portion. The inclined portion has a recess open at the first edge. A second sheet has a first edge. The second sheet includes a substantially planar portion and a portion that is inclined with respect to the planar portion. The inclined portion has a recess open at the first edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Joel N. Miller
  • Patent number: 6688057
    Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce the manufacturing work load of a structure of a liner of a concrete wall. A plurality of liner anchors 10 is constructed longitudinally to one surface of a liner 11, and a plurality of flat bars 14 is constructed transversely to the other surface of the liner 11. Concrete for a reinforced concrete wall is installed using the liner 11 reinforced longitudinally and transversely by the liner anchors 10 and the flat bars 14 as a formwork, and the liner is constructed to the concrete wall by burying the liner anchors 10 to the concrete wall. Thereafter, the flat bars 11 are removed from the liner 14, according to need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayako Suzuki, Shigeru Nanba, Tsutomu Igari
  • Patent number: 6684582
    Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Peart, Ross Lovegrove, Robert W. Insalaco
  • Patent number: 6675820
    Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section. A pair of forward legs are attached to a forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to a rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly that includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ruben Balan
  • Patent number: 6668501
    Abstract: A shear wall system comprises stucco fasteners consisting of an elongated first portion that is driven into a wood frame wall, and an elongated second portion that is completely embedded in a stucco wall panel. In one embodiment, the fasteners consist of an assembly having a first element that is driven into the wood frame wall, and a second annular element receiving a portion of the first element and that is embedded rigidly into the cement stucco wall. Ductile movement of the fastener components with respect to wood frame wall and the stucco wall provides energy dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sacks Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Perry Adebar, Harold R. Davis, William Spilchen, Abraham Sacks
  • Patent number: 6655102
    Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a seconds aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: John L. LaRue
  • Patent number: 6634146
    Abstract: A system and method for installing a construction component, such as a window unit, in proper position within a construction component opening, such as a framed opening, of a structure or building. The system employs a position securing means attached to the periphery of the construction component. The position securing means may be a strap of flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material or combination thereof, or a self-locking device. The position securing means is adapted for attachment to a construction component opening when the construction component is in proper position. In the method of the invention, a construction component carrying a position securing means is placed in proper position within a construction component opening. Once in proper position, the position securing means is attached to the construction component opening, securing the component in proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Martin G. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6622452
    Abstract: An insulated concrete form panel assembly for constructing insulated concrete walls includes a frame comprising a plurality of steel studs and at least two cross members that connect the studs together. A pair of insulating panels are fastened to and span respective inner and outer opposing sides of the frame so as to define concrete receiving cavities between the panels and the studs. A brick ledge may be constructed by separating a laterally extending, generally rectangular elongated mid portion of the outer insulating panel from a remainder of the outer insulating panel. An upper edge of the mid portion is then moved a predetermined distance outward from the remainder of the outer insulating panel such that the mid portion is disposed in a desired position at an angle to the remainder of the outer insulating panel. The mid portion is then secured in the desired position relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Efficient Wall Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Timothy Alvaro
  • Patent number: 6604330
    Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: John Repasky
  • Patent number: 6588158
    Abstract: The intrusion of insects into a home or similar building is controlled by utilizing insect controlling plastic materials in the construction of the building. The insect controlling plastic building materials are manufactured by first blending one or more plastic resins with one or more insect controlling chemical agents to form a blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material. The blended plastic resin/insect controlling chemical agent material is then utilized to manufacture plastic films, sheets, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, insulating foams, flooring materials, wall covering materials, and the like utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Craig A. Nickell, Cynthia B. Finley, Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 6581339
    Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Martin E. Thiede
  • Patent number: 6578327
    Abstract: An attic scuttle for providing a means of accessing the attic which is easily installed, fire-rated, and forms a tight, insulating seal. The attic scuttle includes a sleeve with a perimeter wall, and a hinged door positioned within the base portion of the sleeve for facilitating access to the attic from a room below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas Hackbarth, Lori Hackbarth
  • Patent number: 6550187
    Abstract: The object in form of a cone, for the sale of ice containing a freezer, a sunshade and a chair is a self-standing object for the sale of ice on public grounds, or in its smaller version for indoors. It contains all necessary elements for an ice-cream stand. On top of the object there is a lamp and in the central third of the cone there are four flexible wings, which form in open position a sunshade. Between the wings an awning is spread. In the lower part of the cone, there is a classical freezer for ice-cream built in. The chair, which is also in form of a cone can be opened and its interior used as a waste paper basket. The outside surfaces of both the cone and the chair are decorated with advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Srecko Petric
  • Patent number: 6530188
    Abstract: An assembled hip roof includes a plurality of roofing panels as well as the rafters of the underlying structure that support those panels. Ridge caps preferably extend over the panels at the hip rafters. In a preferred embodiment, a set of metal roofing panels is designed and shaped for use on a specific hip roof configuration, using a minimal number of separate panels. In a preferred embodiment especially suitable for larger area roofs, a plurality of the panels interlock with one another. The panels are preferably coated on one or both sides for protection against scratching during handling and assembly. One or more of the panels preferably include decorative relief, such as the appearance of overlapping wooden boards. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the panels are manufactured from rolled steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: California Acrylic Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Buzz K. Loyd
  • Patent number: 6530191
    Abstract: A support panel for use in an air handling unit for both supporting equipment inside the unit and providing a thermal barrier to the flow of heat into and out of the unit. The panel includes a plastic frame that is enclosed by upper and lower covers to form an internal cavity. Support members are placed in the cavity between the covers to which equipment that is supported upon the panel can be secured. The support members are fabricated of a high strength composite material having a low thermal conductivity. A curable foam is then injected into the cavity to bond the panel components together in assembly. The frame, the support members and the curable foam all have a relatively low thermal conductivity and coact to create a thermal barrier to impede the flow of heat in or out of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Rieke, Michael W. Austin
  • Patent number: 6510658
    Abstract: A system for fixing sun protection cloths to produce shade on projecting balconies of houses wherein two guiding elements extending parallel to each other and set at different heights are used, the lower guiding element being borne by stretching or retaining devices fixed to the balcony guard-rail or to the said guard-rail hand rail. The stretching or retaining devices consist of a supporting base, a retaining arm so that it can move on the support base, the guiding element being pulled by the movement of said retaining arm. In another embodiment or as a complement, the supporting base can be made to pivot about the hand rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Reiner Müller-Peddinghaus