Patents Examined by W. Glenn Edwards
  • Patent number: 5657592
    Abstract: A pet door assembly for insertion within a hole formed in a wall having a pair of exterior frames and an inner frame. The exterior frame members mount to opposite sides of the wall and define an opening for allowing passage of a pet. The central inner frame is located between the pair of exterior frames and define an opening generally aligned with the openings in the exterior frames. The inner frame includes mounting structure for mounting centrally a door in the inner frame and over the pet passageway. Appropriate assembly structure secures the exterior frames and the central frame together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: George N. Davlantes
  • Patent number: 5657591
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connection structure which can freely adjust a connection strength between each stile and rail without increasing the kinds of stiles and rails arranging a door. A door 1A is arranged by engaging connection convex parts 21A and 31A of an upper rail 20 and a lower rail 30 in a connection concave part of a stile 10. In this case, the strength of the connection part of the stile and rail is set by adjusting an engagement dimension of the connection convex parts 21A and 31A in the connection concave part 12A. When the doors of different connection strength are arranged, only adjusting the engagement dimensions is required without the need to manufacture and assemble stiles and rails of different shapes and so on for each strength; therefore the manufacturing cost is reduced with the kinds of stiles and rails required being reduced and each kind of door with different connection strength can be easily arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Architectural Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Kitada
  • Patent number: 5651228
    Abstract: In a family of collapsible structures, each collapsible structure has a collapsible beam. For each collapsible structure of the family of collapsible structures, the collapsible beam includes a plurality of curved strut pairs of the same length as the curved strut pairs as in every other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs. The struts of each curved strut pair are pivotally connected to each other at points closer to the one end of the struts than the other end of the struts. Different collapsible structures of the family of collapsible structures have a different number of curved strut pairs than any other collapsible structure of the family of collapsible strut pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: World Shelters, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 5649403
    Abstract: A truss structure utilizing three open channeled rigid members or chords which are preferably made of metallic material. A web constructed of at least two spanning members that are angularly attached to one another, are connected to the first, second, and third channel members. First and second open channel members are each connected to one another at one end and to the third rigid open channel member at the other end to form a triangular structure with the web portion in between. Structural elements are connected to the web and are capable of lying within the open channel members to permit interlinkage between the web and the chords to complete the truss structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Haisch
  • Patent number: 5649391
    Abstract: A embeddable mounting device and method for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device comprises a first rectangular metal plate member; a second rectangular metal plate member having dimensions equal to the first metal plate; and a pair of vertical spacer members secured between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal plate members, and in a manner to hold the first and second metal plate members in parallel relationship with each other such that when said first and second metal plate members simultaneously contact a planar surface the first and second metal plate members are both perpendicularly oriented to the planar surface. A method of installing a fixture utilizing the mounting device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Harry R. Layne
  • Patent number: 5640827
    Abstract: A barrier device for preventing unwanted penetration of finishing materials from one surface onto another. The barrier device is particularly useful to protect one surface from unwanted penetration of paint or varnish while the adjacent surface is coated. The barrier device includes a flexible sheet having a substantial width and a narrower strip capable of retaining an impression. The strip and sheet are applied to a textured surface by pressing the strip onto the surface with sufficient force such that the strip material retains an impression of the texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Robert A. Van Someren, Diana M. Van Someren, Patrick S. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5634305
    Abstract: A system for stone cladding of building includes a plurality of facing blocks arranged as superposed courses. Each block in a first course has a first step defining a lower tread, a riser, and a top tread extending along the length of the top surface of the block. Each block in a second course disposed above the first course has a second step complementary to the first step and extending along the length of the bottom surface of the block and configured to interfit with the first step of a block in the first course. A plurality of horizontally-extending vertically spaced rails are attached to a wall which is to be faced. The rails directly or indirectly support the facing blocks by overriding the top tread and riser of blocks in the first course and underlying and supporting the bottom surface of blocks in the second course. A concrete layer may be poured between the facing blocks and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Israel Erlanger
  • Patent number: 5634309
    Abstract: A dance floor of assemblable square sections that are held together magnetically and are aligned by male/female couplers and ramp members attachable to the outer perimeter of the assembled square sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Rodney C. Polen
  • Patent number: 5632123
    Abstract: A decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as wood deck joists, said decking plank comprising a unitary, elongated steel member including an upper panel, first and second generally upstanding walls for supporting the upper panel, and first and second mounting flanges for mounting the decking plank to the support structure, and wherein an outer surface of the upper panel is provided with a non-slip coating, and wherein the generally upstanding walls are spaced a selected distance from one another and the upper panel has a width exceeding the selected distance so as to create an overhang adjacent each generally upstanding wall for at least partly concealing the mounting flanges upon the installation of multiple ones of the decking plank in adjacent, side-by-side relationship. In another preferred form the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a steel decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as to wood deck joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Erwin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Erwin
  • Patent number: 5630302
    Abstract: A modular fitting room for retail store use. The fitting room provides side and front panels to define an interior space. A door panel is provided with laterally extending formations which cooperates with studs to prevent viewing of the interior space from outside of that space. Studs for mounting the door panel and for facilitating the assembly of the fitting room are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Morgan Marshall Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Rosenband
  • Patent number: 5626323
    Abstract: An adjustable keyboard holder has a keyboard support. Relative to a horizontal work platform, the keyboard support is slidably extensible from a storage position to a working position and is retractable therefrom. In the working position, the keyboard support is vertically adjustable and tilt angle adjustable. The keyboard support is pivotably supported on each end by two pairs of lever arms and these lever arms are all pivotably supported by a pair of slidable beams so that a parallelogram arrangement is achieved which is used for keyboard support vertical positioning. One pair of lever arms is slidably movable relative to the associated respective beams so that, by varying the distance between lever arm pivot locations along each beam, tilt positioning is accomplished. Adjustable friction enhancers permit position fixing of the lever arms when the keyboard support is in a desired attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Nova Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Lechman, Anne T. Risse
  • Patent number: 5623800
    Abstract: A wall panel system includes various components that permit the wall panel system to be removable in its entirety after installation. The wall panel system is also adjustable to accommodate variations in mounting surface dimensions. Components of the wall panel system include slotted backing boards configured to retain the panels in place, mounting boards and molding caps. Panels of the system are sandwiched between the mounting boards and molding caps and are attached to slotted backing boards and decorative molding for panel securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Marietta Millworks
    Inventor: George Shinkosky
  • Patent number: 5622018
    Abstract: A component shutter having a plurality of end caps for closing off the outermost longitudinal ends of each of a pair of side rails of the shutter and providing a decorative, finished appearance to the outermost longitudinal ends of each of the side rails. The end caps comprise a top portion and a tongue portion, with the tongue portion being sized to fit within a pocket formed between the side rail and either a top or bottom end rail. The tongue portion is slidably inserted into the pocket. The end cap forms a finished appearing edge surface for an end of the side rail of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Tapco International
    Inventor: Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5622017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sash profile having a first channel that opens toward and receives a glass panel and a second channel that opens toward and is covered by the glass panel. The second channel and the glass panel cooperate to define a continuous passage about the perimeter of the sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lynn, Todd W. Bruchu
  • Patent number: 5622011
    Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Jines
  • Patent number: 5619833
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for suspension from an overhead ceiling of a room is disclosed which includes a plurality of wall trim members secured to the room walls, a plurality of main runner members extending from the wall trim members in a horizontal plane for spanning the room and a plurality of cross braces interlocking with the main runner members and forming a grid for receiving ceiling tiles, panels, fixtures, and the like. A plurality of clips are slidably disposed on the wall trim members, main runner members, and the cross braces to suspend those members from the ceiling and to support the main runner members and cross braces at intersection points in the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Eric S. Neff
  • Patent number: 5617679
    Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, is disclosed. The stackable riser includes a continuous peripheral side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Tuf-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5613328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device capable of being attached to a metal roof comprises a substantially perpendicular seam. The device comprises a block. A groove is located in the base of the block, and the block is locatable on the roof by placement of the groove on the seam. There are two embodiments for securing the block to the seam. In the first embodiment, a threaded hole is located in the block between the first side wall and the groove, and a cavity is located in the groove diametrical to the threaded hole. A set screw is locatable in the threaded hole. The set screw has an opening at its terminal end for receiving an element having a curved surface, the element protruding therefrom and pivotable therewithin. Driving the set screw into the hole causes the curved surface of the element to engage the seam, driving the seam towards the cavity of the groove diametric thereto, thereby forming a pocket in the seam, and securing the block to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 5613334
    Abstract: The invention presents a non-metallic laminated composite reinforcing rod for use in reinforced or prestressed concrete. The rod is made by creating a sheet of core material comprising a number of layers of "pre-preg" material. Ribs are formed on top of the core from additional layers of pre-preg material laid with the fibers transverse to those in the core. The ribs are then covered by additional layers of pre-preg laid with fibers parallel to the core fibers. The material is heated to fuse the layers. Finally, the sheets of laminated reinforcement are cut parallel to the core fibers to the width desired. The resulting reinforcing rod is superior to steel in corrosion resistance, flexibility, durability, and strength. The reinforcing rod may be used as a prestressing tendon in prestressed concrete after encasing the ends of the rod in an attachment formed of a sleeve filled with groutingmaterial such as mortar or epoxy. The glass-fiber embodiment is non-conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Petru Petrina
  • Patent number: 5606829
    Abstract: A decompression panel is releasably secured in a decompression opening of a partition structure by means of mounting elements that can release the panel in either a blow-in or a blow-out direction. A perimeter frame bridges the area at the perimeter of the panel and overlaps the edges of the panel and of the partition structure around the decompression opening. Respective pairs of mounting elements are arranged near the edge of the panel and the edge of the partition structure to releasably secure the perimeter frame to the partition structure and to the decompression panel. Each mounting element includes a bolt and a retaining device including two conical sleeves arranged one within the other. The bolt is screwed into the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is releasably connected to the outer sleeve by frangible safety tabs, which break at a rated force to release the bolt and thereby free the decompression panel and allow it to be displaced out of the decompression opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Mohammad Hararat-Tehrani