Patents by Inventor John D. Nicholas
John D. Nicholas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 5974750Abstract: A fire barrier protected dynamic joint in a structure, and a method for installing the same. The fire barrier protected dynamic joint includes a flexible sheet of a fire barrier material and a adhesive material for bonding the sheet to an attachment area of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Heather V. Landin, Paul J. Charland, John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5765332Abstract: A fire barrier protected dynamic joint in a structure, and a method for installing the same. The fire barrier protected dynamic joint includes a flexible sheet of a fire barrier material and a adhesive material for bonding the sheet to an attachment area of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Heather V. Landin, Paul J. Charland, John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5442884Abstract: A fire-resistant wall structure is provided with a recessed corner guard, for absorbing impact forces, particularly at an external corner. To compensate for the relative loss of fire-resistance capability, in the area in which the wall structure is recessed to receive the corner guard structure, surfaces within the recess are provided with a layer of intumescent paint which, when exposed to sufficiently elevated temperature, expands to develop a thick, cellular foam providing a highly effective insulating layer. The intumescent paint is applied directly to surfaces of an extruded aluminum structural element installed in the recess. Preferably, the paint is applied at the factory where the corner guard components are manufactured. Significant economies and other benefits are realized in relation to prior practices of installing ceramic matting in the wall recess at the construction site.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5400559Abstract: A multi-functional, universal guide rail member is provided, for incorporation in an architectural joint system. Typically, one such guide rail member is mounted on each of two adjacent, relatively movable structures and cooperates with pivotally mounted centering bars to maintain a covering plate in centered position. The guide rail member incorporates in a single, integral unit a continuous guide groove for the centering bars, an open-sided slot for receiving fastening means (or, in some cases, caulking), and an outwardly facing slot for receiving anchoring means. The multi-functional guide rail member is usefully employed in conjunction with standard off-the-shelf structural components, such as channels and angle members, to accommodate mounting of the guide rail members in a variety of architectural configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5384996Abstract: An architectural joint system is disclosed, which incorporates a slidably supported arched cover plate to span the open space between two relatively movable structural units. The edge margins of the arched cover plate are slidably received in housings, mounted at the adjacent corners of the structural units. The housing assemblies are formed of base members and cover members assembled to define a narrow gap for the reception of a thin cover plate, and an enclosure for receiving the edges of the plate. The cover members are uniquely designed to have an outwardly and upwardly convergent taper, extending over a substantial distance of at least about two times the thickness of the cover member. The arched plate is of a shallow, upwardly convex contour, closely conforming to the long convergent taper of the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5367850Abstract: A fire-resistant wall structure is provided with a recessed corner guard, for absorbing impact forces, particularly at an external corner. To compensate for the relative loss of fire-resistance capability, in the area in which the wall structure is recessed to receive the corner guard structure, surfaces within the recess are provided with a layer of intumescent paint which, when exposed to sufficiently elevated temperature, expands to develop a thick, cellular foam providing a highly effective insulating layer. The intumescent paint can be applied to surfaces of the recess itself, and/or surfaces of the corner guard assembly installed in the recess. In the latter case, the paint can be applied at the factory where the corner guard components are manufactured. Significant benefits are realized in relation to prior practices of installing ceramic matting in the wall recess at the construction site.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1994Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5365713Abstract: An elastomeric joint seal for architectural structures is provided with a multi-part cover and employs special anchoring hardware at least partially, and preferably entirely, mounted outside of the joint. The preferred mounting hardware comprises channels for receiving anchoring ribs of the multi-part cover. The main portion of the cover spans and seals the architectural joint, and is secured in the mounting hardware by anchoring ribs at each side. Cover strips are also anchored in the mounting hardware, and cover any exposed portions of the mounting hardware. The effective width of the joint is increased, by locating the mounting hardware outside of the joint space, which enables the joint to be designed to a narrower width dimension. The cover strips may be of a different color than the main seal to minimize the sight line.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, David W. Rice
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Patent number: 5319907Abstract: A telescoping wall joint system is disclosed, for connecting adjacent sections of an architectural structure, while accommodating substantial relative movement, such as might result from seismic activity Extended motion is provided in the joint system while avoiding the use of excessively wide components, which are both costly and aesthetically undesirable. A center cover plate, which spans the open space between two adjacent structural units, is received along one or both sides in a tubular sleeve. The cover plate is slidably extendable within a predetermined range in the tubular sleeves to accommodate normal movements of the structural units, such as may result from thermal expansion and contraction, for example. The tubular sleeves themselves are slidably received within fixed housings mounted on the respective structural units.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, David W. Rice
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Patent number: 5297372Abstract: An elastomeric seal for connecting two relatively movable architectural structures, such as floor sections, is constructed to optimize resistance to failure of the elastomeric element, in either adhesion or cohesion modes. An elastomeric seal, and an underlying support plate are provided with gently undulating, somewhat sinusoidal surface configuration, with the elastomeric element being of downwardly convex configuration and of relatively maximum thickness in its center, and of downwardly concave configuration and relatively less thickness in regions spaced on either side of center. Widthwise stretching of the elastomeric element tends to be concentrated in the regions of downwardly concave configuration, being thus not only distributed but also located away from areas of maximum vertical stress.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5259162Abstract: The present invention is directed to architectural joint systems, and particularly to an improved multi-functional cover device, arranged to span the gap between two adjacent, spaced apart architectural structures, such as walls or ceilings. The cover system comprisies a multi-functional cover plate element can be secured by a variety of means.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5224319Abstract: A one-piece molded or cast centering bar, for an architectural joint system, is disclosed. The centering bar, which is designed for cooperation with spaced guide rails, mounted on opposed, relatively moveable structures, has a central base section and integral arm portions extending radially therefrom in opposite directions. Integral guide means are carried at the outer ends of the respective arm portions, and engage guide grooves in the respective guide rails. The centering bar is pivotally connected to a cover plate, which spans the space between the moveable structures. As the structures move toward and away from each other, the centering bar functions in a known manner to maintain the cover plate symmetrically positioned with respect to the open space.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 5187910Abstract: An improved fire barrier system is disclosed for interposition within an expansion joint between adjacent wall or floor members. In the disclosed embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the fire barrier system is symmetrical in both pairs of opposing quadrants defined by a first axis parallel to and midway between said mutually facing walls and transverse to said direction of elongation and a second axis transverse to said first axis and to said direction of elongation. This symmetry affords equal resistance to fire from either side of the barrier, eliminates the possibility of the joint being installed backwards, and permits the barrier system to be fire-rated for resistance to fire from either side of the barrier on the basis of a single test.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1989Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, Randy L. Hensley
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Patent number: 4965976Abstract: An end cap is disclosed for terminating the end of a joint cover for sealing an elongated expansion joint between adjacent dynamic structures in such a manner as to permit movement of the joint while sealing the end of the joint against water and debris. The end cap includes an elongated convex elastomeric cover having portions thereon attached to each of the adjacent dynamic structures such that the convex cover spans the expansion joint between the adjacent structures to seal the joint. The end cap further comprises a transverse end wall member transverse to the direction of elongation of the expansion joint. The transverse wall member has at least one pleat formed therein transverse to the direction of movement of the joint, such that the transverse wall member folds and unfolds along the pleat as the expansion joint closes and opens.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventors: Jack D. Riddle, John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 4943605Abstract: An end dam nosing material useful for expansion joints and having high levels of bonding strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural capabilities, resiliency, and resistance to chemical action is disclosed. The end dam nosing material of the present invention does not require the addition of external heat for curing. The end dam nosing material of the present invention comprises a mixture of a dipolymerized elastomer, an epoxy resin, a filler material and an amount of a curing agent effective to cure the epoxy resin and generate sufficient heat to cure the dipolymerized elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1988Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 4916878Abstract: An apparatus for sealing expansion joints between concrete slabs and the like comprises a compression seal member, which fits within the expansion joint and provides an airtight and watertight seal; and a surface cover plate, which provides a planar pedestrian treadway, supports vertical loads, prevents dirt and debris from entering and accumulating within the expansion joint, and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1989Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 4815247Abstract: An apparatus for sealing expansion joints between concrete slabs and the like comprises a compression seal member, which fits within the expansion joint and provides an airtight and watertight seal; and a surface cover plate, which provides a planar pedestrian treadway, supports vertical loads, prevents dirt and debris from entering and accumulating within the expansion joint, and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1987Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, Larry M. Petree, Julian J. Attaway
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Patent number: 4743036Abstract: An elastomeric compression seal for sealing expansion grooves in bridges or the like. The seal comprises a plurality of congruently linked cells having vertical side walls and convex upper walls. The seal is characterized by a controlled collapse which prevents the convex upper walls from elongating upwardly upon lateral compression of the seal. This controlled collapse is accomplished by downwardly extending V-shaped walls connected at their upper edges to the vertical walls. As the seal is compressed, the V-shaped walls collapse such that their apexes are displaced downwardly. This downward force is transmitted to the central portion of the convex upper walls by vertical connectors to negate the tendency of the convex walls to distort upwardly upon compression.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1986Date of Patent: May 10, 1988Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas
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Patent number: 4708517Abstract: A device for sealing the joint between adjacent structural members such as concrete slabs in bridges, parking decks, and the like, and for absorbing thermal expansion and contraction of the adjacent structural members. The compression seal employs a cross-sectional configuration comprising a square center cell within a square outer seal structure to provide an advantageous movement rating while minimizing vertical elongation of the seal during compression. As lateral compressive forces are exerted on the vertical sides of the outer square by thermal expansion of the adjacent structural members, the seal collapses in a controlled manner, the square center cell redirecting lateral compressive forces to support the upper and lower seal walls. Thus, the upper wall of the seal provides a substantially planar pedestrian treadway even as the seal is compressed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1986Date of Patent: November 24, 1987Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, Larry M. Petree, Julian J. Attaway
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Patent number: 4674252Abstract: Elastomeric glands are disclosed provided with a laterally central chevron wall member which is carried in the gland, rearwardly to narrow and forwardly to widen, by front and back pairs of connecting wall means of the gland which apply thrust against the chevron wall member from relatively movable bodies during the rearward carry, and relieve thrust against the chevron wall member from the relatively movable bodies during the forward carry, under conditions of opposite lateral ends of the gland being supported relatively to move with the bodies and the gland being inside a movement tolerance space between the bodies. Gland and mount systems involving use of the elastomeric glands, and mounts for accommodating elastomeric glands such as of the character indicated and provided with anchors are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1986Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventors: John D. Nicholas, Larry M. Petree, Julian J. Attaway
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Patent number: D300465Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1986Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: MM Systems CorporationInventor: John D. Nicholas