Patents by Inventor Michael L. Torres
Michael L. Torres 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: 9200446Abstract: A bridging member for attachment between two structural members is described. The bridging member addresses the need to provide lateral bracing between wooden structural members such as joists, studs and rafters for which the depth of the members relative to the thicknesses requires bracing to avoid twisting or buckling. The bridging member includes a web and a pair of side flanges. Disposed on each end of the bridging member is an end flange that is disposed at an angle with respect to the web, and a connecting or end tab. The end flanges are adapted to be fastened or connected to opposing sides of the structural members while the end tabs are adapted to be secured to a top or bottom portion of the structural members.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
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Patent number: 8989356Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC.Inventors: Justin S. Denney, Nils H. Pohlmann, Edward D. Harris, Jason C. Fluegel, Stephen P. Rosato, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 8166721Abstract: A composite wood-metal structural member comprises a web and a pair of flanges. The web is at least partially made of metal and the flanges are at least partially made of wood. The web includes a pair of metal panels and each panel includes a central section and a pair of end sections. The end sections wrap around a part of the flanges and are attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Milan Dragic, Michael L. Torres
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Publication number: 20110219314Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: JUSTIN S. DENNEY, NILS H. POHLMANN, EDWARD D. HARRIS, JASON C. FLUEGEL, STEPHEN P. ROSATO, MICHAEL L. TORRES
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Patent number: 7957510Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Justin S. Denney, Nils H. Pohlmann, Edward D. Harris, Jason C. Fluegel, Stephen P. Rosato, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 7634889Abstract: An attachment is provided for connecting two building members together such as a header and an adjoining support member. The attachment includes a plate having an engaging surface for extending across and in engagement with the two building members. At least one L-shaped bracket projects from the plate. The L-shaped bracket includes first and second tabs that form an angle of approximately 90° and which are offset with respect to the plate. The first and second tabs as well as the plate are adapted to be secured to the two building members.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: The Steel Networks, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Nabil Abdel-Rahman
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Patent number: 7559512Abstract: A pipe and support system is provided including a pipe that extends adjacent a wood member. A metal pipe hanger is configured into a loop and includes opposite end portions that include spikes that project therefrom. The opposite end portions of the pipe hanger can be driven into the wood members so as to secure the opposite end portions of the pipe hanger to the wood member so as to form a loop. A pipe segment is projected through the loop such that the pipe segment is supported by the pipe hanger, which in turn is supported by the wood member.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
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Patent number: 7559519Abstract: A stud bracket is provided and adapted to be secured to a stud in a wall structure. The stud bracket includes a stud receiver having a pair of spaced apart members that define a stud receiving area. In use, a respective stud is inserted into the stud receiving area and the stud receiver is secured to the stud. Extending outwardly from the bracket, on each side, is a holder for receiving and holding an end portion of a reinforcing member. When a series of brackets are secured to a series of studs in a wall structure, a series of reinforcing members are provided in the wall structure with each reinforcing member being supported on one end portion by a holder associated with one bracket, and on the other end portion by another holder associated with another bracket. Hence, when used, the stud brackets support a series of reinforcing members that extend generally between pairs of respective studs of a wall structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: The Steel Netork, Inc.Inventors: Milan Dragic, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 7533508Abstract: A connector or clip is provided for connecting a metal stud or other member to a support structure. The connector or clip includes a connecting plate for connecting to the stud or other member. A base plate extends from the connecting plate and is adapted to mount to the support structure. A juncture or fold line is defined between the connecting plate and the base plate. One or more ribs are formed in the base plate and extend generally perpendicular to the juncture. In one embodiment, an upturned edge is formed along one side of the base plate opposite the juncture. Further, a reinforcing member is adapted to be secured to the base plate such that both the base plate and reinforcing member can be secured to an adjacent support surface or structure via a connecting fastener.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 7520102Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly is provided for connecting a sill to a foundation. The anchor bolt assembly includes an anchor bolt having a threaded end and another end that extends into the foundation. A corrosion resistant bushing extends around a portion of the anchor bolt for isolating the anchor bolt from a treated sill and providing an impervious barrier around a portion of the anchor bolt so as to prevent the anchor bolt from becoming corroded due to the treated nature of the seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
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Patent number: 7448171Abstract: A joist support structure that is designed to be embedded in a foundation wall. The joist support structure includes an elongated metal V-shaped base that includes a pair of spaced apart legs that extend upwardly from a vertex. Each leg of the V-shaped base includes an upper end portion. Secured to the upper end portion of each leg is a generally U-shaped joist support that comprises a bottom and a pair of spaced apart sides. When the joist support structure is embedded in a concrete block or poured foundation wall, a joist can be seated in the joist supports and supported by the joist support structure, which is in turn supported by the foundation wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
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Patent number: 7299593Abstract: A metal half wall is provided, with the wall including a lower track, an upper track and a series of spaced apart studs extending between the two tracks. A connector is disposed adjacent each stud for connecting the stud to the lower track and to a support structure lying underneath the lower track. Each connector includes an elongated member having opposite end portions. One end portion includes a turned end plate that extends generally perpendicular with respect to the elongated member. In the half wall, a connector is disposed directly adjacent a respective stud. So disposed, the elongated member extends upwardly next to an adjacent stud and the end plate extends over the lower track. A series of fasteners are connected between the elongated member and the adjacent stud, and between the end plate and the underlying lower track and support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 7225590Abstract: A brick tie for interconnecting a brick wall with a back-up wall comprised of a plurality of spaced apart studs and a wall board secured to the studs wherein each stud includes a pair of opposed side flanges and a web formed between the flanges. The brick tie includes a plate having a series of spikes projecting from a backside. The spikes are adapted to be pushed into and through a portion of the wallboard so as to at least partially support the plate on the wallboard. Further, the plate is positioned on the wallboard such that it aligns with one side flange of a stud. Further, the brick tie includes a series of fasteners that are extended through the plate, through the wallboard and into the side flange of the stud. A loop or tie holder is secured or formed on the front of the plate. A tie is at least partially confined in the loop and the loop is of such a size that the tie can be vertically adjusted within the loop when the plate is secured to the wallboard.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, John G. Eberdt
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Patent number: 7073299Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
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Patent number: 6941718Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member extending through the openings within the studs and interconnected between opposed corners of the wall structure. Because the internal brace extends generally centrally through the plane of the wall, the wall structure is designed to carry loads concentrically from the point of applied loads to a foundation or other termination point.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Robert W. Herrmann, Aaron M. Herrmann, Thomas C. Boyd
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Patent number: 6892504Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member or strap extending diagonally across the wall structure. In one embodiment the strap is extended to opposed corner areas where opposed end portions of the strap are fastened to a portion of the upper or lower member and to a portion of an adjacent column or stud.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Robert W. Herrmann, Aaron M. Herrmann, Thomas C. Boyd, Gary Bennett
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Patent number: 6735919Abstract: A modular I-beam comprises first and second sets of nested channels disposed in back-to-back relation to one another and fastened together. The modular I-beam may further include a central beam disposed between the first and second sets of nested channels.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres