Patents Examined by Yvonne M. Horton
  • Patent number: 6584743
    Abstract: A molded skirting board, crown molding, or other decorative moldings simulating natural wood millwork, and a method of molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, skirting boards without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The molded articles are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press to produce multiple, interconnected parts in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. A corrugated or L-shaped, hidden stiffening/positioning member spaces the article from a wall or ceiling to simulate thick, heavier, natural wood millwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: David Paxton, Steven K. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6584736
    Abstract: A foam-type acoustic panel is designed to be mountable on a stand having a shaft. The acoustic panel includes a main body portion. The main body portion has a first end, a second end, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members define a multi-segment cut that extends between the top and bottom surface. The multi-segment cut includes a first end disposed at one of the front and rear surfaces, and a second end disposed interiorly of the other of the front and rear surfaces. The second end of the multi-segment cut defines an elongated aperture extending between the top and bottom surface for receiving a shaft of a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Auralex Acoustics, INC
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Szymanski, Eric T. Smith, David R. Harbison
  • Patent number: 6581347
    Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) comprises a first plate (18) hingedly attached to a first surface (14) of an expansion joint (12), a second plate (20) hingedly attached to the first plate (18), and a housing (26) fixedly secured to a second surface (16) of the expansion joint (12). During installation, a front plate (52) of the housing (26) can rotate about a hinge (58) to allow the second plate (20) to be installed within the housing (26). In use, the second plate (20) slides within the housing (26) to accommodate variations in separation distance and vertical offset between the two surfaces (14,16). Two hinges (36,44) accommodate variations in torsion between the two surfaces (14,16). The combination of the second plate (20) sliding within the housing (26) and the two hinges (36,44) accommodates variations in lateral offset between the two surfaces (14,16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronny L. Knak, Dean V. Balocca, Johnnie D. Hilburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6581351
    Abstract: A flooring member comprising a top, a bottom, a first edge, a second edge, a tongue member configured to be received within a groove member of an adjacent flooring member, the tongue member extending generally perpendicular from the first edge and having a top surface and a bottom surface, the tongue member top surface is inclined away from the flooring member top at a first angle, the tongue member bottom surface is inclined toward said flooring member top at a second angle, the second angle being less than the first angle so that a gap resistant interconnection of the tongue within a groove of an adjacent flooring member is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: David C. DeVivi
  • Patent number: 6578335
    Abstract: A wall framework includes top and bottom tracks, a horizontal channel and vertical studs. A first vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a first opening sized and shaped to permit the horizontal channel to extend therethrough and a second opening vertically spaced from the first opening. A second vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a third opening sized and shaped to permit the channel to extend therethrough and a fourth opening vertically spaced from the fourth opening. At least one clip extends through the first opening and the second opening. A fastener connects the horizontal channel to the clip. The clip cooperates with the fastener to secure the horizontal channel in a fixed relationship to the first vertical stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventor: Raymond Edward Poliquin
  • Patent number: 6578329
    Abstract: An anchoring device for fixing a structural cable to a building element, the cable comprising a plurality of strands each comprising wires which are themselves enclosed together in a protective sheath, each of the protective sheaths being interrupted at a terminal edge such that the strands have each an exposed end section. The exposed section is inserted in a sealed chamber with a packing box whereof on plate is fixed and the other plate is compressed by threaded rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jérôme Stubler, Patrick Ladret, Jean-Claude Percheron
  • Patent number: 6574932
    Abstract: An embeddable air duct block includes a tubular member extending between a pair of rectangular plate members spaced from each other. The tubular member has a pair of open ends and an interior passageway. One plate member has an inner surface coupled to one open end and a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the interior passageway. The other plate member is coupled to the tubular member and has a duct opening aligned with the interior passageway. Two cement cavities are preferably formed on opposite sides of the tubular member. An air duct is formed in a concrete block wall by installing and securing the air duct block in the concrete block wall. The blocks are coupled together by cementing slurry poured into the cavities. Optionally, reinforcing bars can also be utilized within the cement cavities and at least one cavity of the concrete block wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Steel Block, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. Layne, Harbert S. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6574938
    Abstract: A sandwich panel for high strength wall and covering assemblies, comprising at least a plate element and at least a fretted element, glued to the plate element, the fretted element comprising a sheet metal plate having a size substantially like that of the plate element and a cross-section having a profile including a plurality of adjoining integral trapezium shape elements each defining a top and a bottom flat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Donati Francesco, Donati Giuseppe, Oberti Pierrosario
  • Patent number: 6574927
    Abstract: A fitting adapted for a window with a frame and a wing connected to the frame by at least one hinge. The fitting includes a carrier piece that cooperates with an edge of the wing and an edge of the fixed frame, and a plurality of laths engaging the carrier piece in a shiftable fashion along the edge of the wing. The carrier piece defines at each end portion thereof a toothed profile configured and dimensioned to mutually engage a toothed profile defined at each end portion of the laths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Remi Emiel Van Parys
  • Patent number: 6571525
    Abstract: A system for modular construction provided by interconnectable and stackable polymeric blocks having end and side walls connected to a top wall, and exterior and interior cylinders. The exterior cylinders are matable with the interior cylinders of a connecting block, and apertures in the top wall allow for re-bar, conduit or installation of insulation. Raised ribs located adjacent to the top wall contact the connecting block to further enhance stability of the erected structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: J. David Coleman
  • Patent number: 6571522
    Abstract: The covering system includes at least one panel capable of being placed in an inclined position with respect to a horizontal. The panel incudes an inner chamber, a plurality of suction apertures through which the inner chamber communicates with a void inside of a building, and a discharge aperture disposed at a level higher than the suction apertures when the panel is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Fabio Perini
  • Patent number: 6568135
    Abstract: A sound absorbing structure including a sound absorbing member, an air layer, and a resonant sound absorbing structure. The air layer is formed in the rear of the sound absorbing member. The resonant sound absorbing structure includes a slit and is formed in the rear of the sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is a surface plate covering the rear air layer and the resonant sound absorbing structure, and the sound absorbing member is shaped in one of a plate and plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Nichias Corporation, Alumu Corporation, Yotsumoto Acoustic Design Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yokoyama, Shinji Migita, Shinichi Okuzono, Kyoji Fujiwara, Takuya Fujimoto, Yukio Hattori
  • Patent number: 6568146
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-moisture penetrating decorative floor surface. The completed floor surface has an appearance of a solid granite slab floor with greater durability. The floor surface has a smooth, flat appearance and can be manufactured in different shapes. The floor surface may be formed over a wood or concrete sub-floor and includes a self-leveling, cementous, low moisture penetrating material to which suitable colorants may be added. The cementous material comprises a topping and silicate-based sealant mixture that is mixed together and poured and leveled over the sub-floor to a desired height. Flakes of contrasting material is then sprinkled over the top surface of the mixture to create a decorative appearance. After drying, the surface is finely ground to a smooth finish. A coat of silicate-based sealant is then applied to the surface that penetrates the porous surface to create a low moisture emitting surface The surface is then ground to a fine surface and rinsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: James Harvey
  • Patent number: 6564512
    Abstract: A mounting system includes a temporary panel that can be quickly and easily installed at an installation site, for example a window, for rapid installation of an air moving system. The mounting system provides a barrier to the reentry of evacuated construction dust and fumes, and can be assembled and disassembled without damage of the installation site. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed a mount for an air moving apparatus. The mount comprises a panel having an aperture. A strap communicates with, and extends from the panel. An elongated brace also communicates with the strap. A locking mechanism fixes the length of the strap between the panel and the brace. Multiple straps and braces may be employed for securing the panel to the installation site. Expansion panels allow for the panel width or height to be adjustable to cover a range of installation site configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Zipwall LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 6564525
    Abstract: A vehicle door panel and method for roll forming the vehicle door panel are provided. The vehicle door panel has an exterior side and an interior side including a number of longitudinal protrusions formed during the roll forming process. The predetermined number of longitudinal protrusions extends inward from the interior side and receives door hardware components. The door hardware components are installed onto the vehicle door panel forming a vehicle door module. The vehicle door module is then attached to the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Hale Staser
  • Patent number: 6560935
    Abstract: A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form a post anchor which is utilized in earthen ground to support a post. The driveable member is capable of being driven into the earthen ground during an installation process wherein a post extends from the driveable member following the installation process. The locking member acts to secure the post and the driveable member together using a binding pressure between a post support sleeve of the driveable member and the outer surface of the post. Ideally the locking member is installed during the installation process utilizing an installation impact force which is delivered generally aligned with the length of the post to bind the locking member between the driveable member and the post. A method of coupling the locking member relative to the driveable member prevents any tendency of the locking member to become dislodged subsequent to the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: David H Barefield
  • Patent number: 6557308
    Abstract: A building accessible to persons, which comprises at least one constructional element, which element is tubular and which is at least substantially made of wound-together layers of a strip of paper/cardboard, wherein each layer is at least substantially made up of a corrugated sublayer and a flat sublayer affixed to one side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Snel Golfkarton B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Jan Reinier Karel Snel
  • Patent number: 6557306
    Abstract: To provide sufficient clearance for an entrance part of an elevator hall facing a non-seismic isolation building portion, the partition wall on the entrance side may be removed and an expansion floor provided between the non-seismic isolation building portion entrance and the elevator shaft landing. A movable wall is provided between partition members located on the right and left sides of the elevator shaft. The expansion floor can move in the front and back directions with the partition members on the right and left sides as a guide. Furthermore, the wall moves with the elevator shaft independently in the right and left directions and follows the non-seismic isolation building movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Mito Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Sekiya, Masayuki Shigeta, Sadanori Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6553723
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and storage system to collect and store roof water, the system comprising water collection slots extending through roof sheets and spaced from the edge of the roof, collection means below the roof sheets to collect the water from at least some of the slots, and at least one tank wall to store the collected water, the at least one tank wall having a narrow section to approximate a wall thickness, and typically extending from a ground floor to adjacent the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Alcorn
  • Patent number: 6550214
    Abstract: A concrete smoothing device including a plate portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is planar for positioning on freshly poured concrete. The upper surface has a reinforcement brace secured centrally thereon. A swivel bracket is secured to the reinforcement brace of the upper surface of the plate portion. The swivel bracket includes a cylindrical post extending upwardly from the reinforcement brace. The cylindrical post has a collar rotatably disposed thereon. The collar has a pair of arms extending laterally therefrom. The pair of arms has a space disposed therebetween. An elongated handle is provided having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end has an end cap secured thereto. The end cap has a tab extending outwardly therefrom. The tab is positioned within the space between the pair of arms of the swivel bracket and pivotally secured thereto by a pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Gilbert Aguilera