Patents Issued in February 9, 2010
  • Patent number: 7658007
    Abstract: Methods for forming a soft lip for a wheel rim are disclosed herein. The wheel rim may be a cold-formed, spun-formed, or rolled-formed cylindrical blank, wherein the blank includes an upturned outer edge. As the blank is spun, a blunting roller lowered to contact the upturned outer edge to blunt the outer edge into a work-strengthened annular bead, and finish off the external surface of the annular bead to form a soft lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Melbinger
  • Patent number: 7658008
    Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7658009
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a shaving implement having a handle; a razor cartridge; a self-leveling mechanism operably coupled to the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body; and a pivoting mechanism operably coupled to the shaving aid body and the handle to permit pivotal movement of the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body together relative to the handle. The shaving aid body has a top surface, and at least a portion of the shaving aid body is adjacent the razor cartridge. The self-leveling mechanism permits the top surface of the shaving aid body to remain coplanar with a shave plane while shaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Bunnell, Mark S. Peyser, Joseph Fedora
  • Patent number: 7658010
    Abstract: A cutter includes radial cutting blades connected by a hinge about which the blades may be rotated between collapsed and extended positions. A rotary body and rotary cap form a handle which holds the inner ends of the blades. The members are mounted for rotation about the hinge axis relative to free blades. Circumferentially spaced stop faces on the body are spaced apart in the axial direction. Circumferentially spaced abutment faces on the cap are spaced apart in the radial direction. The abutment-engaging faces of adjacent free blades are correspondingly spaced apart in the radial direction. To extend the blades, the cap is rotated relative to the body, with the cap and body holding the portions of each free blade between a respective stop face and abutment face for locating the free blades in the extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Kwok Kuen So, Yiu Chung Wan
  • Patent number: 7658011
    Abstract: A lopper includes a slender rod and a pruning means mounted on a top of the rod. The slender rod includes an inner tube and an outer tube telescoped mutually such that the inner tube is shiftable in the outer tube for changing the length it jutting out from the outer tube. An extension-control unit is provided at the border region between the inner tube and the outer tube for positioning the inner tube. A fist actuating unit and a second actuating unit are provided at the outer surface of the outer tube. The fist and second actuating units are connected with the pruning means through a first rope, a second rope and a third rope so that when a user pulls the first or second actuating unit, a shear assembly of the pruning means can be closed to cut branches and leaves of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Natura Innovation Ltd.
    Inventor: Su-Hua Shan
  • Patent number: 7658012
    Abstract: A reciprocating saw generally includes a housing and a motor supported by the housing. A spindle is mounted for reciprocation relative to the housing, the spindle having a front end for supporting a saw blade and being movable through a cutting stroke and a return stroke, and the cutting stroke may have a stroke length. A rotary member may be supported for rotation about a rotary axis. The saw may further include an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the stroke length of the spindle. Also, the saw may include a counterweight supported for movement relative to the housing, a movement of the counterweight substantially balancing at least a portion of movement of the spindle, and an adjusting assembly operable to adjust the movement of the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. James, Roger D. Neitzell, David A. Hempe
  • Patent number: 7658013
    Abstract: A support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level is disposed in a main body of the laser level for supporting the counter weight with a laser module mounted therein in the main body. The support assembly includes a fixing unit and a universal bearing. The fixing unit is disposed in the main body and the universal bearing is mounted in the fixing unit. The counter weight has a shaft portion formed on an upper end thereof and connected with the universal bearing. The counter weight is swingingly supported in the main body by the universal bearing. Basing on the structure, the present invention has a simple structure for easy assembly and disassembly, thereby being manufactured, maintained and corrected conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: LECC Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Chih Tung
  • Patent number: 7658014
    Abstract: A length measuring arrangement for measuring the relative position of two objects, the length measuring arrangement including a housing made of a non-magnetic material and longitudinally extending in a measuring direction. The length measuring arrangement including a scale in the housing, the scale having a measuring graduation, a first guide face and a second guide face which extends perpendicular to the first guide face. A mounting piece attachable to one of the two objects rigidly in the measuring direction and resiliently transversely to the measuring direction. The length measuring arrangement including a scanning carriage that scans the measuring graduation, wherein the scanning carriage is coupled to the mounting piece rigidly in the measuring direction and resiliently transversely to the measuring direction, and the scanning carriage is linearly guided in the measuring direction on the first and second guide faces and is pressed against the first and second guide faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Peterlechner
  • Patent number: 7658015
    Abstract: A clothes drying device for using a vacuum to dry clothes includes a housing being positioned on a support surface. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall to define an interior space of the housing. A drum assembly is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The drum assembly receives clothes to be dried. A hole in the perimeter wall of the housing is in communication with the drum assembly to allow the clothes to be placed in the drum assembly. A vacuum pump is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with drum assembly to create a vacuum in the drum assembly to draw moisture out of the clothes in the drum assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher M. Gardell
  • Patent number: 7658016
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for facilitating drying of a garment on a garment hanger are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for drying a garment on a garment hanger includes an elongated body comprised of a water resistant material. The body has a major axis extending between a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be repeatably changed between a substantially flat and a substantially tubular orientation. An elongated aperture formed in the first end of the elongated body to allow passage of the hook of the garment hanger through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Elaine M. Schulkin
  • Patent number: 7658017
    Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and method to dry and cure paint is disclosed. The method provides a substantially particle free environment that shortens drying time, reduces cost and improves surface finish. The apparatus includes an enclosed drying tunnel that is maintained at a reduced pressure relative to ambient conditions. Heat lamps with the drying tunnel aid in curing and provide the desired particle free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Brian Laviolette, Jessica Lynn Laviolette
  • Patent number: 7658018
    Abstract: The insole has a number of flexible bulges on a first major surface, and a number of protruding ribs on a second major surface. The projections of the bulges fall within the regions bounded by the ribs. The bulges and their underlying bounding ribs therefore form a number of chambers. The insole further contains a number of through holes positioned between the ends of at least two ribs. The insole further contains a larger heel bulge provided on the first major surface in the heel section, and a concave on the second major surface, which is conducted to the other chambers via at least a duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Hsi-Liang Lin, Ming-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 7658019
    Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Reagan, Christopher M. Doyle, Florian Lang, Maurizio Molin
  • Patent number: 7658020
    Abstract: An eyestay ornament for a laced shoe provides a subtle but impressive way to add an aesthetic accent to the appearance of the shoe. A central marquee with multiple display faces is rotatably mounted to a pin captured in collars integrated to buckles on each end of the central marquee. The buckles are sized and designed to receive a shoe lace woven therethrough to install the ornament on the instep area. Rotating the central marquee provides a quick and easy way to change the appearance of the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Sy Yun
  • Patent number: 7658021
    Abstract: A self-adjusting snow plow for use with pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is disclosed. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade having first and second ends, a top, a bottom, a plurality of retention members and a rubber scraper. The mounting apparatus includes a pair of mounting uprights and a hitch tongue which is easily mounted in a hitch receiver which is secured to the front of a vehicle. The retention members are constructed and arranged to at least partially encircle and slideably engage one of the respective mounting uprights and the retention members allow the respective ends of the plow blade to slide upward relative to the mounting upright most proximate to that end of the plow while the other end of the plow remains generally in the same position relative to the mounting upright proximate that end of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7658022
    Abstract: A slip hitch connection to a drive vehicle for a snow plow comprises an elongated flat planar member that can be hooked on to a connecting lug of the drive vehicle, the flat planar member being mounted on the snow plow frame for reciprocal movement in each of a pair of spaced apart coupling assemblies secured to the snow plow frame for connecting the snow plow to the drive vehicle. Each of the elongated flat planar members have an upper and lower elongated guide slot in which guide bolts that move up and down as the snow plow itself is moved up and down are received to enable the guide bolts and snow plow to which they are connected make limited reciprocal movement up and down while hooked up to the drive vehicle and being pushed forward during a snow plowing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Arctic Snow and Ice Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy W. Strait
  • Patent number: 7658023
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bucket (12) for a mechanical shovel (10). The bucket has a hollow body (16) provided with an inlet (14) for receiving material into its interior and an outlet (15) for discharging material therefrom. A door (18) is secured to the body and is movable between a closed condition in which it closes the outlet, and an open condition in which it permits discharge under gravity of material from the bucket. A buffering device in the form of a working fluid containing telescopically extensible and retractable piston-and-cylinder assembly (22) is operatively connected between the body and the door of the bucket for buffering movement of the door relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Grant Alan David Wallett
  • Patent number: 7658024
    Abstract: A universal digging tooth attachment apparatus adapted to be secured to a forward edge of a bucket lip of an earth moving implement. The universal digging tooth attachment has a first element with an elongate section defining a first generally planar surface for abutting and engaging along the length thereof with one face of the bucket lip of the earth moving implement and a second element. The second element has an elongate section defining a second generally planar surface for abutting and engaging along the length thereof with the bucket lip of the earth moving implement directly opposite from the elongate section of the first element. One of the first and second elements has an earth engaging tooth projecting therefrom. A slip joint operably connects the first and second elements to each other to allow for adjustment of a distance between the first and second planar surfaces to accommodate attachment of the digging tooth to implements having bucket lips of differing thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: H&L Tooth Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Launder, Charles Clendenning
  • Patent number: 7658025
    Abstract: A retainer pin assembly and tooth for an excavation tooth and adaptor assembly is provided. The retainer pin assembly can comprise at least one retainer pin section having a circular longitudinal main body with chamfered leading edges at one end for insertion into a passageway in the adaptor, and a displacement-bearing block having at least one facet disposed at the opposite end. The tooth can comprise at least one opening on a sidewall having one flat vertical bearing surface to correspond to a facet of the displacement-bearing block when a retainer pin section is inserted into the adaptor passageway. Magnets can be disposed on the chamfered ends of a pair of retainer pin sections to urge the retainer pin sections towards one another when inserted in the adaptor passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: AMSCO Cast Products (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Douglas Bentley
  • Patent number: 7658026
    Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Laser Band, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Jain, Mark Greer
  • Patent number: 7658027
    Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Laser Band, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Jain, Mark Greer
  • Patent number: 7658028
    Abstract: A firearm security device including a frame to which a fixed plate and a movable plate are attached. A grip pad is attached to each of the opposing inner sides of the fixed and movable plates. A trigger guard stud is attached to and projects from the inner face of the fixed plate. The trigger guard stud inserts through the trigger guard of the firearm. Means are provided for shifting the movable plate from an open position wherein the firearm is positioned with the trigger guard stud projecting through the trigger guard, to a closed position where the movable plate is positioned substantially parallel to the fixed plate and at least a portion of the receiver of the firearm is held in a compressive grip between the grip pads. A lock selectively restricts operation of the shifting means and the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin B. Pintar, Robert W. Corrigan
  • Patent number: 7658029
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 7658030
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 7658031
    Abstract: A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bushnell, Inc.
    Inventors: John Cross, Jordan Vermillion
  • Patent number: 7658032
    Abstract: A fishing lure combination having a spoon 6 with a leading region 17, a disturbance-creating attachment lug 16 extending from a surface 19 associated with the leading region 17, and trailing fronds 14 that are secured via a shaft 12 to the attachment lug 16. The trailing fronds 14 are agitated by turbulent fluid flow downstream of the attachment lug 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Allen Avery
  • Patent number: 7658033
    Abstract: A process of mechanical separation of embryos from seeds for genetic transplantation employs counter-rotating cylinders together with one or more culling, hydration, separation, and viability testing steps to provide high-throughput of viable, transplantable tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Martinell, Beth Jo Calabotta, Richard J. Heinzen, Richard F. Klemm, Dennis E. McCabe, Gail A. Roberts, Lori Ann Smith
  • Patent number: 7658034
    Abstract: A plant container having a plurality of holes in the bottom thereof, a plurality of legs are detachably connected to certain holes in the bottom thereof, and a length of wick extends through other holes in the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: John Dickson
  • Patent number: 7658035
    Abstract: A tilt latch for pivotable window sashes is preferably integrally molded from a durable polymeric material but can also be made from metals, metal alloys or the like. The latch includes an angled projection for engaging a recess in the window frame and includes a central body having a cavity for containing a coil spring. Upper and lower covers overhang the sides of the body to form channels for engaging the edge of the sash groove. An alternate embodiment of the tilt latch includes a body and a plunger containing a resilient member. A projection on the body engages a window recess. A resilient member is contained within the plunger to prevent unwanted distortion and slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7658036
    Abstract: The Premier Gutter Cover is a combination of flat metal sheeting and expanded metal so as to give adequate water control, and yet keep leaves and debris from entering the gutter system on a structure. Downward water flow is slowed by the near-flat installation of the cover, further disbursed and slowed by the V-groove rib, and yet further disbursed and slowed by the roll-front of the double-interlock of the flat sheet to expanded metal. Finally, the water is collected into the gutter system through the expanded metal section as it washes leaves and debris over the front edge of the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Premier Gutter Cover LLC
    Inventors: Robert LaVerne Banks, Jonathan Wayne Wallace, Joseph Wendell Pettijohn, Jonathan Wayne Wallace, II
  • Patent number: 7658037
    Abstract: A container is constructed to have a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel, one or more hinged side panels are rotateable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and having a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. The one expansion element(s) is/are open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable. Thereby, after the one or more expansion elements are telescoped out, the bottom panels of the expansion element(s) and of the basic container are at the same height and also so that the expansion element(s) is insertable back into the basic container after being lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Bucher, Andreas Serden
  • Patent number: 7658038
    Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of components, such as floor panels, wall panels and roof panels, which may be interconnected to form a structure such as a shed. For example, the shed may include wall panels with connecting portions that are sized and configured to allow adjacent wall panels to be interconnected. The wall panels may also include outwardly extending projections that allow the wall panels to be connected to the floor panels. In addition, the wall panels may include receiving portions that may receive portions of the roof panels, such as an outwardly extending lip. Advantageously, a truss may extend through the receiving portions in the wall panels and the truss may include a channel that is sized and configured to allow any water that enters the shed through a roof panel seam to be removed from the shed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 7658039
    Abstract: A building module for housing purposes comprises a rigid, rectangular, three-dimensional truss formed with four steel end columns and steel beams extending between the columns. Each module includes a floor panel extending between the four end columns, wall panels, and a roof panel extending from two of the end columns, parallel to the forward column and terminating a spaced distance from the two end columns. A first rectangular folding panel has one end hingedly attached to the edge of the roof panel termination and a second rectangular folding panel, larger than the first rectangular folding panel, has one end hingedly supported between the two end columns. The first and second rectangular folding panels may be folded into positions parallel to their roof panel with their edges overlapping to form a compact module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Ziegelman
  • Patent number: 7658040
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7658041
    Abstract: The clamping element is supported in a positive fit on the base plate in the direction of traction of the traction element in the anchoring for pre-stressed strip-shaped traction elements on supporting structures. The traction element is received between a base plate which is fixed to the supporting structure and a clamping plate which can be clamped against the base plate and is fixed by adhesion and clamping. The clamping plate can include, on each side of the traction element, a retaining cam plate which projects in a downward manner and which engages in a retaining recess of the base plate, or can include a retaining projection which supports a stop which is connected to the base plate. The stops on the upper side of the base plate are welded push blocks which are arranged on both sides and/or in the region of the front side of the clamping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner Beratende Ingenieure VBI GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Andrä, Markus Maier, Roger Beyerlein
  • Patent number: 7658042
    Abstract: A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Composite Support & Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Clement Hiel
  • Patent number: 7658043
    Abstract: A floor drain having a drain body that receives a rotatable frame with a grate. The orientation of the grate and frame about an axis of the drain body may be adjusted by rotating the frame relative to the drain body and clamping the frame in the desired orientation. Adjustments to the orientation of the grate and frame can be made to align the grate and frame with floor tiles or other flooring materials and with walls surrounding the floor drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Doug Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 7658044
    Abstract: Currently, piping tapes are used as elastic masking elements of joints between lateral panels in an aircraft. According to one embodiment, a gap covering for cabin panels in an aircraft is provided, where the gap covering comprises a flexible cover region that is arranged between the cabin panels and finishes off so as to be substantially flush with surfaces of the panels. In this way, a lightweight economical gap covering which covers gaps in an effective and attractive manner and provides protection against injury is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Ingo Roth
  • Patent number: 7658045
    Abstract: In a system and a method for erecting a structure, the walls of the structure are securely interconnected with a foundation, such as, a concrete slab or footing. The system includes a laminated shear panel formed by bonding a thin shear layer (e.g., a layer of sheet steel or other suitable high-strength material) to a surface of a non-structural layer. The thin shear layer has one dimension longer than the non-structural sheet so that a tab of the shear layer extends from one edge of the non-structural sheet. The shear panel is mounted on the exterior walls of a structure with the panel secured to the vertical studs of the wall and with the extended tab secured to the foundation. The shear panel binds the walls of the structure to the foundation to inhibit the walls from lifting or shifting during high wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Specialty Hardware L.P.
    Inventors: A. Carleton Elliott, Kelly P. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7658046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create a moiré effect when viewed from below. The moiré ceiling panels are designed to fit into a standard suspended ceiling grid and include a semi-transparent upper layer, a semi-transparent lower layer, and a light diffusing layer. The lower layer includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas and is connected to the lower layer to form the moiré panel. The light diffusing layer is connected to the upper panel and is design to intensify the moiré pattern while simultaneously concealing the area above the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane Irene Lynch, Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 7658047
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
  • Patent number: 7658048
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V. besloten vennootschap
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 7658049
    Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Trussed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M Cloyd, Robert D Lucey
  • Patent number: 7658050
    Abstract: An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel made of a compressible material having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions. The depressions are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. The artificial masonry unit comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face. A tooth projection is projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression. Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Les Materiaux de Construction Oldcastle Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Bouchard, Andre Ouellet
  • Patent number: 7658051
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating sidings and methods for securing those sidings to structures are disclosed. Additionally, this disclosure teaches embodiments of sidings that can be secured to structures. For some embodiments, the siding comprises an insulation and a panel. The insulation and the panel are coupled to each other prior to installation of the siding. This coupling is achieved by non-adhesive coupling mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia Foam, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Benes
  • Patent number: 7658052
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foam material upwardly adjacent and in air sealing contact with a roof deck, an insulation layer upwardly adjacent the foam material, and additional foam material upwardly adjacent the insulation layer. Further disclosed herein is a method for creating a roof system including air sealing a roof deck with a foam material, adhering insulation material to the foam material, and applying additional foam material upwardly adjacent the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7658053
    Abstract: A method for packaging flat articles, whereby the flat articles (1), when in a transport flow (3), are covered on both sides by a packaging material (2a, 2b) and a welding beam (11) establishes cross-connections between subsequent articles (1) in an upper area (2a) and a lower area (2b) of the packaging material. Welding beams (11) are provided with at least one resilient hold-down element (12a, 12b) each which brings the packaging material (2a, 2b) to be processed into a defined position. The hold-down element (12a, 12b) compresses the packaging material (2a, 2b) before the welding beam contacts the packaging material (2a, 2b) and executes a processing operation such as welding or pressing. The transport flow, in the area of processing, is transported by means of a support belt which exerts a force countering the forces exerted by the hold-down elements (12a, 12b) and the welding beam (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Werner Honegger
  • Patent number: 7658054
    Abstract: Cartoner machine and a method of operating same. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Scott Veix
  • Patent number: 7658055
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing wasted space and capacity in solar module assemblies. In one embodiment, the method comprises mounting a plurality of modules onto at least one support rail to define a solar assembly segment wherein the solar assembly segment has a length of no more than about half the interior length of the shipping container used to ship the segment. The solar modules each have a weight less than about 20 kg and a length between about 1660 mm and about 1666 mm, and a width between about 700 mm and about 706 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the solar modules is limited by the longest support beam that may fit in a shipping container, which in one example is about 11,720 mm. The modules are also limited so that they can be limited to weighing no more than about 20 kg. In one embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 80 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 90 watts of power at AM 1.5 G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nanosolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Adriani, Martin Roscheisen
  • Patent number: 7658056
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar