Patents Examined by Theodore Adamos
  • Patent number: 8141310
    Abstract: A sheet is provided for placing a brick or tile facing on a support structure that has an arrangement of apertures for the passage of fluids such as water. The sheet has an approximately rectangular conformation that includes a front and a back. The sheet defines channels between longitudinally aligned parallel partitions that are separated by a wall. Each channel receives the thin bricks or tiles. The structure of the partitions varies and can include an upward facing first portion that has an arrangement of apertures and a downward facing second portion. A liquid, such as water, that drains down the front of the sheet passes through the apertures in the first portion to the sloped second portion and is then redirected to the back of the sheet. The apertures also provide for the circulation of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Trezza
  • Patent number: 8136311
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting equipment or solar photovoltaic structures to roofs where the apparatus base plate engages the roof surface directly, creating a water resistant seal, without the need for flashing. The base plate upper surface includes an upwardly projected portion that is circumscribed by a groove. The base plate lower surface includes a counterbore. Both the counterbore and the groove are disposed to receive annular seals. A threaded fastener is received and seated the upwardly projected portion top surface and feeds through the counterbore, securing the base plate to the roof structure and creates a water resistant seal by compressing the lower annular seal and by creating surface-to-surface contact with the roof and portion of the base plate. An inwardly threaded cover portion engages the upwardly projected portion either directly or through an intermediary, creating a water resistant seal over the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8117794
    Abstract: A two part grille with interlocking connections molded from opaque plastic allows one or more screens or filters supported inside the grille and provides a configuration which allows its parts to be fitted on opposite sides of an opening in a wall or a door locked together by a mortise and tenon joint so that no screws are necessary, and the two part grille further has intermediate spacers used to accommodate differing thickness of a wall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuei Yung Wang Chen
  • Patent number: 8112961
    Abstract: A two part grille with interlocking connections molded from opaque plastic allows one or more screens or filters supported inside the grille and provides a configuration which allows its parts to be fitted on opposite sides of an opening in a wall or a door locked together by a mortise and tenon joint so that no screws are necessary, and the two part grille further has intermediate spacers used to accommodate differing thickness of a wall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuei Yung Wang Chen
  • Patent number: 8104246
    Abstract: The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Nieto, Christian Tourneur
  • Patent number: 8099916
    Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mickael Collins Joasil
  • Patent number: 8094244
    Abstract: A display screen turning apparatus capable of improving assembling workability and suppressing jolting at a time of rotation is obtained. This display screen turning apparatus includes a rotating member mounted with a display screen portion and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a base provided with an upright portion rotatably holding the rotating member and having a first hole, a regulating member so mounted on the upright portion of the base as to prevent the rotating member from moving upward, and a stop member formed in a tapered shape by end surface portions, and holding a state where the regulating member is in contact with the rotating member by inserting the stop member into the first hole of the upright portion of the base and pressing the regulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Sawai, Katsuyuki Yokota
  • Patent number: 8087208
    Abstract: A frame member fastening device and method of manufacture provides a single configuration fastening device which can be used singly in connection with a frame member, or which can be combined with another identical fastening device to form a fastening device assembly for use with frame members of different internal widths, by interlocking two identical fastening devices in an opposed, base-to-base assembly configuration. The fastening device is manufactured in a progressive metal forming process with successive stages in which the features of the device are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Quintile, Michael Bittner, Dale Maynard
  • Patent number: 8082717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel having means for the detachable connection of adjacent panels by means of pivoting, the means provided comprising, on a first edge, a projecting tongue (3) with a lower and upper tongue surface (4, 5) which divides the edge into an upper and a lower edge section (7, 6), the second edge situated opposite the first edge having a groove (8) which corresponds to the tongue of an adjacent panel and which is enclosed by an upper-side and a lower-side panel section, the upper tongue surface having a projection (13) with a contact surface (14) which is directed rearwardly in the direction S of the upper edge section, and the upper-side panel section having on its lower side a recess which at least partially accommodates the projection and which has a complementary surface (16) interacting with the contact surface, the complementary surface interacting with the contact surface of an adjacent panel in the pivoted-in state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Dirk Dammers
  • Patent number: 8079191
    Abstract: A method and system for covering flat roofs. The method and system include weather-proof flat roof material with plural sealing components that do not require an open flame (e.g., from a blow torch) to seal a first and second piece of weather-proof flat roof material together. The weather-proof flat material can be used as a base layer, a ply layer used between a base layer and a cap layer, a cap layer, as flashings, on walls or as a substrate layer for flat roofs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Todd E. Martin
  • Patent number: 8079185
    Abstract: A window element has a cover pane which is substantially flush with an outer skin of an aircraft or other transport, achieving a fluid-dynamically favorable, substantially unbulged exterior surface. As a result of the presence of an additional back-ventilated cover pane arranged in front of the actual outer pane of the window element, a fluid-dynamically favorable integration of the window element into the outer skin of an aircraft fuselage airframe is achieved. Any deformation, such as any buckling or bulging of the outer pane of the window element, as a result of a difference in pressure between the interior of the aircraft fuselage airframe and the exterior space at cruising altitudes, has no fluid-dynamically disadvantageous effect. The outer pane is covered by the cover pane which remains substantially undeformed with respect to the outer skin of the aircraft fuselage airframe, for example. Any deformation of the cover pane is largely eliminated by back-ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Paspirgilis
  • Patent number: 8065849
    Abstract: A decking plank (1) comprising a core (2) which acts as a support beam, one or more layers (3,4) bonded to said core without the use of releasable attachment means and one or the layer being an outer slip resistant covering layer with a relief; characterised in that at least one of said layers (3) is relatively soft compared to said core which is relatively hard; whereby the core acts as a support beam and said at least one layer has a cushioning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: James Edward Douglass
  • Patent number: 8024894
    Abstract: A structural support member for use in a roof deck system that is supported on an upper surface of a roof deck support structure. The primary embodiment comprises a substantially vertical outer segment, a substantially horizontal lower segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal upper segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal intermediate segment connected to the outer segment between the upper and lower segments, and a substantially vertical inner segment connected to the intermediate segment and the lower segment. The lower segment is secured to the upper surface of the support structure and supports a metal deck. The upper, intermediate, and outer segments form a C-shaped cavity for receiving the end of a barrier material, such as insulation or concrete, which is supported on the metal deck. The lower, intermediate, inner, and outer segments form an elongated channel that preferably has a plurality of vent holes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: W. Howard Ayers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7987650
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clip and associated method and building structure. The clip is provided for repairing building surfaces. The clip includes a first generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face, and a second generally planar elongate portion having an inner face and an outer face. The first elongate portion and second elongate portion are joined to define a generally U-shaped member having a generally elongate gap defined by the inner faces of the first and second elongate portions, the gap being adapted and configured to receive a building member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Pollack
  • Patent number: 7984600
    Abstract: A groutless tile system including: a plurality of groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes: a durable surface disposed on a substrate; and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate; wherein at least a portion of the substrate extends beyond the durable surface, wherein the first coupling member and a second coupling member of an adjacent tile are operable for coupling adjacent groutless tiles, and wherein the substrate prevents the durable surfaces of adjacent groutless tiles from contacting one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Mohawk Carpet Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Alford, Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 7971399
    Abstract: A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen E. Ronsheim
  • Patent number: 7954284
    Abstract: A grid simulating muntins is retained or secured by clips within a spacer frame between glass sheets. The clips include a spacer-engaging member having a platform, and upright walls bendable toward one another, and a grid-engaging member. The grid-engaging member is mounted on the platform, extends upward between and spaced from the upright walls, and is received into one of the ends of the elongated members of the grid. The platform and portions of the upright walls of the spacer-engaging member are positioned within the spacer frame such that the ends of the elongated members of the grid are below the sight line of the unit. The spacer-engaging member and the grid-engaging member can be a monolithic piece, or the grid-engaging member can be detachably secured to the platform of the spacer-engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Barent A. Rosskamp, Michael Buchanan, Stephen L. Crandell, William B. Davis, II, Cory D. Steffek
  • Patent number: 7946085
    Abstract: A stringer assembly includes a support element, a plurality of brackets and a plurality of alignment elements. The brackets are connected to the support element, and each bracket includes a rise indicator corresponding to a desired rise dimension and a run indicator corresponding to a desired run dimension. The alignment elements align the rise or run indicator on one of the brackets with the other of the rise or run indicator on an adjacent one of the brackets to space the brackets at a desired rise and run. The brackets each include a tread flange and a riser flange, such that a tread and a riser can be directly connected to each bracket. The brackets may include cutouts for a temporary tread system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: MPI Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Henry Prins
  • Patent number: 7934350
    Abstract: A security screen comprising a frame having an outer edge which defines the outer perimeter of the frame and further having an inner edge (12) which surrounds an open portion of the frame, the outer edge of the frame being dimensioned such that in use the security screen is receivable across an opening to close the opening, a perforate sheet element (29) received in the open portion of the frame to close the open portion, the edge of the perforate sheet element being formed with a lip (31) extending from one face of the perforate sheet element, the inner edge of the frame formed with a recess (13) having an entry extending across at least a portion of the width of the inner edge, the recess extending along the inner edge, the recess having two opposed side faces (15, 16) extending from the inner edge, one side face (16) of the recess having a zone (23) located inward of the inner edge and extending laterally from the recess, the edge of the perforate sheet element received within the recess such that the lip
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: G & J Koutsoukos Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jamie Dimitrios Elias Koutsoukos
  • Patent number: 7900410
    Abstract: Large span buildings without ordinary beams and columns are formed of vertical load-bearing composite wall-panels and composite floors, both including two concrete layers interconnected by steel strip webs. The stiff horizontal plane formed of assembled roof/ceiling units, supported by wall-panels, connected to both gables restrains transversal movement of longitudinally arranged wall-panels attached tops, bracing them simultaneously against sideway forces and lessening their buckling lengths. Floors, if any applied, being rigidly connected to the vertical panels additionally improve stability of the global structure. The structure, being braced in that way, behaves as a rigid box made of slender panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mara-Institut d.o.o
    Inventors: Milovan Skendzic, Branko Smrcek