Patents by Inventor Norman J. MacDonald, III
Norman J. MacDonald, III 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: 9339674Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: FLEXHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 8851196Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20140223723Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: FLEXHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.c/o ATKORE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Paul S.F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 8740158Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 8678330Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 8413734Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20120298384Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: FLEXHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Paul S. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Patent number: 8272615Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20120097406Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Paul S.F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20110315409Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Paul S.F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20110284098Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
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Publication number: 20110278374Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: PBJ, LLCInventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S.F. Silcox
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Publication number: 20100126739Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: PBJ,LLC.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S.F. Silcox
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Publication number: 20090008104Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 7296634Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: PBJ, LLCInventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 7032680Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 6907938Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: PBJ, LLCInventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 6752218Abstract: A support system for use in fire-protection sprinkler systems and for positioning and supporting a fire-protection sprinkler head in a suspended ceiling including a T-bar grid for supporting panels. The support system includes a hub defining an annular opening configured to receive the fire-protection sprinkler head, which is connected to a flexible conduit. A leg is attached to the hub and has first and second ends attached to the T-bar grid of the suspended ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
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Patent number: 6691790Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system (10), and method for installing a sprinkler system (10)in new and existing buildings. The system includes a manifold (12) that supplies fire-suppression fluid to a set of wall-mounted sprinkler heads (14) via flexible sprinkler head conduits (16) through an unobstructed path (18). The installation and retrofit methods include determining the location of the sprinkler head (14), installing the manifold (12), making sure that there is an unobstructed path (18) between the manifold (12) and the sprinkler head location, running the conduit (16) through the path (18) by snaking it where necessary through the wall (50) to which the sprinkler head (14) is mounted, connecting the conduit (16) to the manifold (12) and sprinkler head (14), and then mounting the sprinkler head (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald
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Patent number: 6488097Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: PNM, Inc.Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox