Patents Issued in September 21, 2010
  • Patent number: 7797849
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a portable metrology device are described. One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus including a first link, a first probe coupled with the first link by a first coupling operable to move in a first degree of freedom, a second probe coupled with the first link by a second coupling operable to move in a second degree of freedom, a first sensor operable to output a first sensor signal associated with a motion of the first coupling, and a second sensor operable to output a second sensor signal associated with a motion of the second coupling. The embodiment also includes a processor in communication with the first and second sensors and operable to: receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, and determine a distance between the first probe and the second probe based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gomez, Ryan Steger
  • Patent number: 7797850
    Abstract: There is provided a contact type measuring instrument in which the contact force of a probe is adjusted by a force created by compressed air and an attraction force between a permanent magnet and a magnetic body. This measuring instrument gives a pulling-in force or a pushing-out force to the probe by controlling a fluid pressure in a probe body. Also, between the permanent magnet attached to the tip end of a movable part of a micrometer attached to the probe body and a plate-shaped member attached to the end part on the side opposite to a contact of the probe, an attraction force according to a distance between the permanent magnet and the plate-shaped member is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yonpyo Hon, Kenzo Ebihara, Akira Yamamoto, Masayuki Hamura
  • Patent number: 7797851
    Abstract: There are provided a shape measurement device capable of measuring shapes irrespective of an inclined direction of a side surface without using a complex device configuration, and a shape measurement device probe arranged in the shape measurement device. In the shape measurement device probe, a connecting mechanism for connecting an attachment member and a swinging member includes a supporting point member arranged on the swinging member and a mounting platform arranged on the attachment member, and connects the swinging member to the attachment member so as to be inclinable in any direction. The attachment member and the swinging member are configured such that a movable side member arranged on the swinging member and a fixed side member arranged on the attachment member generate magnetic attraction force in a non-contacting state with respect to each other, where the arm of the swinging member is biased so as to be directed in the vertical direction by the magnetic attraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Funabashi, Keiichi Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 7797852
    Abstract: A support device for a piston ring comprising a circular support defining a bore having an interior support surface to provide circumferential support to a piston ring. Also disclosed is a kit comprising a plurality of circular supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: David Davila
  • Patent number: 7797853
    Abstract: The picture hanger placement device (10) compensates for the span between a picture hanger fastener and the lowermost portion of a picture hanger hook, (the bight) (B). The device includes a plate (12) that has a handle (54) at the top and a hook-type picture hanger (30) at the bottom. An adjustable slide moves within an elongate slot (26) between the top and the bottom of the plate. A picture hanger position marker is attached to the back of the slide. The slide is adjusted according to the dimensions of a picture hanger bracket (H) so that the picture hanger position marker marks the spot on a vertical wall where a picture hanger fastener (such as a nail) should be placed so that a picture hanger bracket (H) retains the picture in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Clark M. Compton
  • Patent number: 7797854
    Abstract: An apparatus serves for the treatment of particulate material and comprises a process chamber for the reception and treatment of the particulate material. The process chamber has a bottom provided with a passage orifice through which the process air can be introduced into said process chamber and an outlet for the discharge of said process air from said process chamber. A device for conditioning said process air and for circulating said process air in a circuit through said process chamber said outlet and back to said bottom has at least one fan for circulating said process air at least one condenser and at least one process air heater. A filter arrangement is provided for removing solids from said process air flowing out of said process chamber. A second chamber is arranged around said process chamber within said second chamber at least parts of said filter arrangement at least parts of said device for conditioning the process air are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Huettlin
  • Patent number: 7797855
    Abstract: A heating apparatus 2 comprises a housing 20; a flat heating chamber 4 which is provided in the housing 2 and adapted to heat a wafer W used as a substrate, with one side of the heating chamber 4 opening for carrying in and carrying out the wafer; and a heating plates 44, 45 provided in the heating chamber 4 such that the wafer W can be heated from both above and below. A cooling plate 3 is provided in the housing 20 located in the vicinity of the opening of the heating chamber 4, for cooling the wafer W after being heated by the heating plates 44, 45. Additionally, a carrying means is provided in the housing 20 for carrying the wafer W between an upper position of the cooling plate 3 and the interior of the heating chamber 4 such that a heat treatment for the wafer W can be performed with the wafer W being held in the heating chamber 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tetsuo Fukuoka, Masami Akimoto, Takahiro Kitano, Yoshio Kimura, Shinichi Hayashi, Hikaru Ito
  • Patent number: 7797856
    Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear comprising a midsole having a plurality of polygonal-shaped openings, or cavities, therein. In alternative embodiments, the sole includes reinforcement elements such as a plate disposed along at least a portion of one of the surfaces of the midsole. The plate includes at least one polygonal-shaped extension adapted to fit within at least a portion of at least one of the polygonal-shaped openings within the midsole. Additionally, a polyurethane film is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the midsole. The shoe also includes an outsole disposed on at least a portion of a bottom surface of the polyurethane film, wherein the outsole comprises a plurality of polygonal-shaped openings aligned with the polygonal-shaped openings of the midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: Mike Andrews, Paul Litchfield, Jorgen Romer, Ricardo Vestuti
  • Patent number: 7797857
    Abstract: A transformational shoe construction comprising an upper surface, lower surface (sole) and an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface consisting of an exposed segment and a hidden segment with the upper surface joined to a lower surface (sole) by an upper-lower attachment means; said upper surface detachable from said lower surface (sole) and said upper surface capable of being turned inside-out to cause the exposed segment to become the hidden segment and the hidden segment to become the exposed segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Alyssa Marie Mattia
  • Patent number: 7797858
    Abstract: A snowshoe (1) whose binding (5) for retaining of the boot is mounted on a cross-piece (9) whose ends are mounted laterally to the snowshoe itself, characterized in that the aforementioned ends are mounted via two couplings (7a, 7b) of two rings, namely a left coupling (7a) and a right coupling (7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: TSL Sport Equipment
    Inventor: Philippe Gallay
  • Patent number: 7797859
    Abstract: A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andre Valmont LeBlond, James Calvin Pieper, Mark Lawrence Stultz, Steven Lohry Klug, John Wallace Field, David Bloxdorf
  • Patent number: 7797860
    Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dennis Eric Schoenmaker, Mark Peter Sahlin, Jason Meredith, Jerry Anthony Samuelson, David August Johnson, Eric Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 7797861
    Abstract: A resilient excavation bucket for use with a piece of machinery having an articulated arm. The excavation bucket comprises a resilient member and a rigid member. The resilient member has a digging edge adapted to deflect in response to pressure from impact with a material at least as rigid as the digging edge and to return to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the pressure. The rigid member is cooperatively associated with the resilient member and has a connection member adapted to pivotally engage a portion of the articulated arm of the piece of machinery. At least one of the resilient member and the rigid connection member at least partially defines a bucket cavity disposed at least partially between the digging edge and the connection member. Additionally, an excavation apparatus comprising a backhoe having an articulated arm and the resilient excavation bucket operatively associated with the articulated arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 7797862
    Abstract: A coupler for a construction attachment includes a frame including: (i) an upper portion adapted to be secured to an associated excavator; and, (ii) a lower portion adapted to be releasably coupled to a construction attachment. The lower portion of the frame includes a first hook and a second hook. A lock member is movably connected relative to the frame and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The first and second hooks include respective open mouths and the lock member obstructs the open mouth of the second hook when the lock member is in the extended position. An actuator is operably connected to the lock member and is adapted to move the lock member between its extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadruz Daraie, Robert Sikorski
  • Patent number: 7797863
    Abstract: Iron's soleplate comprising a body that is a single ceramic plate (1) having an ironing outer side and an inner side (11), and a heating element having at least one screen-printed resistance (2) on said inner side of the ceramic plate. The ceramic plate is made of alumina or a glass-ceramic material and is provided with some steam outlets (3). The ironing outer side of the ceramic plate is uniformly granulated, in order to form a plurality of micro-channels for uniformly distributing the steam, or else is smooth and is provided with some channels for distributing the steam too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Celaya, Emparanza y Galdos, Internacional, S.A.
    Inventor: Luis Moreno Jordana
  • Patent number: 7797864
    Abstract: A modified static silkscreen frame including elongated elements on the upper surface of each frame element to mate with downwardly facing securement elements along the edge of a silkscreen panel, such that the panel may be properly tensioned and retensioned as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Larson
  • Patent number: 7797865
    Abstract: A changeable message sign structure has a front panel assembly and rear, top, bottom and left and right end panels which define a hollow sign interior. The front panel assembly has a frame with upper, lower and left and right side frame members. At least two vertical support members are attached to the upper and lower frame members. The vertical support members each have a generally T-shaped cross-section with a rearwardly extending stem and left and right arms, each with arm flanges extending rearwardly to define securement slots between the arm flanges and the stem. At least one panel web assembly has frontwardly extending side flanges engaged within a securement slot of each of two neighbouring vertical support members. A web assembly support structure is pressed against the at least one panel web assembly and removably attached to the rearwardly extending stems of two neighbouring vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ledstar Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Patel, Mark Grzesik
  • Patent number: 7797866
    Abstract: An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7797867
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and selectively tensioning a sheet material display on a billboard which includes a base plate, a handle connected to the base plate, a draw bar operationally associated with the handle, a spring detachably connected to the draw bar, and a chain with one end connected to the spring and the other end capable of being detachably connected to the sheet material display. The draw bar is selectively positioned about the handle in at least two different positions to exert a different amount of tension to the sheet material display when the handle is place in a sheet material display tensioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Pulliam
  • Patent number: 7797868
    Abstract: A sign assembly having a sign post, a first arcuate nesting component and a first sign panel. The sign post has a sign post perimeter, a sign post longitudinal axis and a sign post elongated slot extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first arcuate nesting component is adapted to be secured to the sign post. The first sign panel is adapted to be retained by the first arcuate nesting component. The sign post and the first arcuate nesting component are configured and arranged such that when the first arcuate nesting component is secured to the sign post there is substantially no gap between the first sign panel and the sign post, and the first arcuate nesting component extends around a portion of the sign post perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: APCO Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Cobb, Ben Bell
  • Patent number: 7797869
    Abstract: A preferably weather resistant multi-section upright stanchion assembly for a construction site document storage apparatus, a real estate display sign and the like. The stanchion assembly includes a plurality of elongated substantially similar stanchion sections and a ground-engaging tip. Each stanchion section includes an elongated body having a hollow first end thereof and a second end thereof sized for slidable, releasable, lockable engagement into said first end of the next adjacent stanchion section to facilitate ease of height adjustment of the stanchion assembly. The stanchion assembly releasably connects at one end into a mating support cavity formed between the front and back panels of the inner frame of the storage apparatus. A single or two spaced upright stanchion assemblies support two horizontal spaced display panel support arms which, in turn, support a preferably multi-panel display sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Tollis, Lisa Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7797870
    Abstract: A modified toggle link assembly for a lever action rifle including a modified slide channel that, in at least one embodiment, produces a shorter lever stroke and smoother lever cycle. The modified toggle link may also include a modified profile which defines a hump on an upper surface of the rearward link of the toggle link and a corresponding recess on the forward link. This hump allows for the modified geometry of the slide channel. The slide channel may be a modified straight path or a compound, or non-linear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7797871
    Abstract: A magazine for improved stacking capacity includes a housing, a front wall connected to a back wall by sidewalls, a base, a spring adapted to be received inside a recess in the base in order to reduce the space occupied by the spring. The spring having various spiral sections wherein the spiral section having different lengths so that the spiral sections fit into each other when the spring is compressed against cartridges in order to enable stacking of additional cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caracal International LLC
    Inventor: Wilhelm Bubits
  • Patent number: 7797872
    Abstract: A display clamp, and related method, are disclosed for removably attaching a second, interchangeable barrel to a fully assembled long gun (i.e., a shotgun or rifle) for display purposes only, wherein the extra barrel's gas cylinder or lug is suspended from the long gun's magazine tube, and held in place by the shotgun's/rifle's removable magazine cap. The method and apparatus allow a retail store (or buyer) to display the firearm and extra barrel as a combination unit either vertically or horizontally oriented within display cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Lynch
  • Patent number: 7797873
    Abstract: Improved sighting system for a fire arm, characterised in that it comprises a single indicator light (6); a sighting device (7) providing an alignment opening (8) with a longitudinal reference plane (XoX?) which is parallel or mainly parallel to the axis (Y-Y?) of the barrel (4) and which is aligned with the indicator light (6); an inclinometer to measure the elevation angle (A) of the fire arm (1); a ballistic calculator (9) connected to the indicator light (6) and to the inclinometer, making it possible to calculate the desired angle of inclination of the fire arm (1) as a function of the distance of the target (18) and to control the indicator light (6) so as to signal at what moment the measured elevation angle (A) corresponds to the calculated elevation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: FN Herstal S.A.
    Inventors: Armand Gering, Tony Macaluso, René Joannes
  • Patent number: 7797874
    Abstract: A rear aperture sight for use in conjunction with a front sight post sight on a rifle. The front sight post has a horizontal top edge and vertical side edges. The rear aperture sight comprises a rear sight adapted to be mounted on the rifle. The rear sight has a horizontally elongated aperture formed therein having height and width dimensions. The width dimension is greater than the height dimension. The height dimension is of such a value that the aperture is adapted to cause the horizontal top edge of the front sight post and a horizontal edge of a target to be sharply focused. The width dimension is of such a value that the aperture is adapted to permit a sufficient amount of light to pass through the aperture so that the front sight post and the target are bright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur Neergaard
  • Patent number: 7797875
    Abstract: An interface device is provided for securing a range finder to a Picatinny rail. The device has a longitudinal direction with first and second mounts, which are pivotably connected to open and closed configurations. The mounts are in substantially parallel and coaxial mutual positions along the longitudinal direction while in the closed configuration, and instead rotated along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the open configuration. The device further includes a stock onto which the Picatinny rail attaches along the longitudinal direction, the stock being pivotably connecting to the first mount along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis to one of a lock configuration to be substantially parallel to the first mount and a release configuration to pitch said stock relative to the first mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald J. Carrier, Bruce B. Leaman, Nathan D. Joswiak, Scott I. Jack, Craig A. Keicher
  • Patent number: 7797876
    Abstract: An elastic fishing device for securing a fishing line directly to a support on or near the water's edge has an elongated elastic member adjustably mounted on a spool which has a winding portion. The elongated elastic member is a shock cord that can be stored on the spool when the device is not in use. Additionally, the device can be adjusted to fit various sized supports and to fish at selected depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. McKelvey
  • Patent number: 7797877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing tackle stem guide for use in fishing in multiple seasons. The stem guide includes an elongated rod, at least one sleeve stop, a stem connector and a line stop. The elongated rod includes at least one line shoulder therein extending from an outer surface of the elongated rod to within the elongated rod for receiving a fishing line. The at least one sleeve stop limits the movement of a sleeve in a lengthwise direction of the elongated rod. The stem connector is located on a first end of the elongated rod. The line stop system includes a movable sleeve positioned on the elongated rod and is located on a second end of the elongated rod for fixing a position of the fishing line in a first line shoulder relative to the elongated rod in a first position to enable the fishing line to be restrained from sliding along the line shoulder and for positioning the fishing line in a second line shoulder in a second position to enable the fishing line to be slidable along the line shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Bennis
  • Patent number: 7797878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for treating fire ant mounds. The invention comprises a pressure vessel for holding water and steam, a water heating coil for heating water and a steam heating coil for heating steam. A heat source contemporaneously heats the water heating coil, the steam heating coil and the pressure vessel. Steam is generated, superheated and is supplied to a probe for applying steam to fire ant mounds. A nozzle containing countersunken ports may be attached to the probe. A sliding hammer to aid insertion and extraction may be fixed to the probe. An articulated protective shroud attached to the probe remains in contact with the ant mound surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Schuster
  • Patent number: 7797879
    Abstract: A termite alert device for placement within an area subject to infestation by termites and the like, particularly at constructed walls, wooden floors, concrete, patios, pool deck, and other hard surfaces. The termite alert device housing includes a substantially clear viewing port beneath which is positioned a signal element which may be colored in contrast the housing interior. The signal element is supported by bait subject to ingestion by termites. As bait is consumed the element drops away in a mechanical chain reaction presenting an alerting appearance change established by a change in visualization as the element increases distance from the port. The alert device may be substantially vertical with cylindrical or other suitably-shaped bait material and signal element. Alternatively it could arch outwardly toward a side wall, with signal elements comprising a series of colored balls falling along the arch as they collapse downwardly in a mechanical chain reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Keith Edgle Gross
  • Patent number: 7797880
    Abstract: A container for substantially surrounding a pole and a base stand of a device such as a floor lamp is disclosed. The container includes a sidewall integrally attached to a base panel to form a ballast volume and a fixture void extending into the ballast void. The container can take on a variety of shapes and can be split into two sections comprising an upper planter section and a lower reservoir section. The upper planter section includes a ballast volume and a pole void and can include a plurality of drain ports with or without attached protruding hollow legs. The lower reservoir section includes a ballast volume, a watering port, and a base stand void extending into the ballast volume. A wedge section can be provided to partially close off the fixture void to define the aperture in which a freestanding device such as a floor lamp is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Maria N. Kamau
  • Patent number: 7797881
    Abstract: A garage door control system for a garage door that is adapted to be lifted by a garage door opener. The system has a motion sensor or electric eye sensor located at least in part proximate the garage door, for sensing an object located on top of a vehicle approaching the garage and projecting higher than is safe to enter the garage, and a cutoff switch that at least temporarily prevents the garage door opener from opening the garage door when the sensor senses an object located on top of a vehicle approaching the garage and projecting higher than is safe to enter the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joel S. Loitherstein
  • Patent number: 7797882
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a vehicle window. The apparatus includes a lift mechanism configured to move the window between a raised position and a lowered position. A strut may bias the window toward the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Lubaway
  • Patent number: 7797883
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Tarbell, Christine Concho, Soren Jensen, Zack Ardell-Smith
  • Patent number: 7797884
    Abstract: A flexible flashing for sealing a window, door, or other portal against the entry of water. The flashing includes a base member with a plurality of channels that are structured to direct water therefrom, and a face plate extends from the base member and permits the flashing to be joined to a vertical wall. The face plate includes slots or corrugations which permit the flashing to be curved or flexed to correspond to a curved portion of the wall opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: L. Ross Allen
  • Patent number: 7797885
    Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. The panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and a first pattern may be disposed on one surface and a second pattern may be disposed on an opposing surface. One or more points of intersection may be located where the first pattern and the second pattern overlie, and a depression may be disposed at the points of intersection. The depressions are preferably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 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: 7797886
    Abstract: A seismic damper includes upper and lower brackets, and a link mechanism. The upper bracket is formed with an upper hole. The lower bracket is formed with lower and intermediate holes. The link mechanism includes a support link, and first, second, and third pivot joints. The support link has first and second ends, each of which is formed with a through-hole, and an intermediate portion, which is formed with a through-hole. The first pivot joint extends through the upper hole in the upper bracket and the through-hole in the first end of the support link. The second pivot joint extends through the lower hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the second end of the support link. The third pivot joint extends through the intermediate hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the intermediate portion of the support link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Yung-Feng Su
  • Patent number: 7797887
    Abstract: A system for making a liquid-retaining wall, and such a wall, such as a swimming pool wall, from prefabricated plane panels, the system comprising assembly means for assembling together two consecutive vertically-disposed panels, a low belt which supports the panels, and a high belt which is fitted to the panels, the assembly means holding together two assembled-together panels while allowing one of the panels to move angularly relative to the other about a vertical axis, and also including angle-determining means for ensuring that at least two consecutive panels are at a determined angular orientation relative to each other, and further including stiffening means for stiffening the assembled panels wherein each angle-determining means is constituted by a part presenting two arms that form a determined angle relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Diffusion Equipments Loisirs
    Inventor: Alain Maupas
  • Patent number: 7797888
    Abstract: A prefabricated storm shelters that can be easily repositioned and assembled while providing safe, secure shelter before, during and after a catastrophic event are described, as well as a method to mfr. them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Miguel Serrano
  • Patent number: 7797889
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first rail coupled to a second rail, a third rail coupled to the second rail, and a fourth rail coupled to the first rail and the third rail. The apparatus may form a rectangular frame from the four rails. The rails may be coupled through use of corner connectors or may be mitered and coupled through use of brackets in an abutting relationship. Additionally, further rails may be added by interposing the additional rails between a pair of the first, second, third and fourth rails, to extend the frame, and such additions may involve connectors or abutting rails and brackets, for example. The rails may have support ledges. Alternatively, the rails may have slots allowing for support brackets which slide along the slots. Moreover, the rails may be anchored using roof anchoring components to various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Telesis Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Meredith McClintock, Steven Scott
  • Patent number: 7797890
    Abstract: An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Parallax Group International, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
  • Patent number: 7797891
    Abstract: A window frame insulation assembly and sealing arrangement, comprising an elongated, extruded block of foam material having a first or inner side and a second or outer side. A unitary air fin is co-extruded therewith. The air fin comprises an elongated flange of flexible foam material. The air fin and the elongated block define an elongated receiving-channel that is filled with a foam compression rod there between creating a seal for blocking air and moisture from a building in which said window frame assembly has been placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Donald A. Michaud
  • Patent number: 7797892
    Abstract: Methods and systems for plugging a hole are described. A plug may comprise a substantially tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end interconnected by a side wall, the side wall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, at least the outward facing surface being substantially conformable, an adhesive disposed on the outward facing surface, a fire-resistant ring disposed substantially at one of the ends of the tubular member, and a thread disposed along the inward facing surface, the thread adapted to receive a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Buildings and Matters, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent F. Cannistraro, Douglas C. Dayton, David Duncanson, Thomas J. Kosik
  • Patent number: 7797893
    Abstract: An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a first flange leg to be secured to the duct and a second flange leg with a sealing member preferably of flexibly resilient foam which could be intumescent attached to a surface of the second leg such that when the first flange leg is secured to the duct the second flange leg can be urged against the structural panel extending therearound with the sealing member positioned between the structural panel and the second flange leg and sealing the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Stahl, Sr., James P. Stahl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7797894
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing shrinkage of a sheathing of a tendon has an anchor body having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity, a fixing element engaged with the sheathing for fixing a position of the sheathed portion on the tendon, and a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of tendon in the cavity of the anchor body. The fixing element is positioned away from the cavity of the anchor body. An encapsulation is formed over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly from one side of the anchor body. A clamp is engaged with the sheathed portion of the tendon within the trumpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7797895
    Abstract: A device for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body having a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity having a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and having a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a wide end and a narrow end, the wide end being adjacent to the pair of wedges. The wedge member has a decreasing thickness from the wide end to the narrow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7797896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a log-cabin type façade for cladding walls in internal and external areas. Said façade comprises elongated contoured elements (12) and corner elements (16), which are designed to produce an interior corner and an exterior corner for internal and external areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander Miller, Andreas Langlitz
  • Patent number: 7797897
    Abstract: A building construction assembly composed of factory-manufactured thermoplastic structural modules which when interconnected at a building site then create the entire shell of an edifice having side walls and a roof. Each module which is formed of a pair of parallel panels bridged by transverse webs is provided on either side along its length with a pair of flexible catch flanges projecting from the panels. When assembling these modules to create the shell of the edifice, adjacent modules are interconnected in coplanar relation by a double-faced joiner on each face of which is a pair of teeth. When one face of the joiner is pressed against a side of a module, its catch flanges then flex to snap into and behind the teeth to connect the joiner to this module. The other face of the joiner is similarly connected to the side of an adjacent module whereby the modules are then interconnected in coplanar relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Dynamic Shells Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan Roth
  • Patent number: 7797898
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable panel having numerous favorable characteristics. The panel comprises a core having a length, a width, a first side and a second side. A first fiber layer is attached to the first side while a second fiber layer is attached to the second side. A first polyurethane layer is impregnated in the first fiber layer while a second polyurethane layer is impregnated into the second fiber layer. A first skin is attached to the first polyurethane layer while a second skin is attached to the second polyurethane layer. The panel can be used in the manufacture of tables, flooring, risers, stages, bleachers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Palmer/Snyder Furniture Company
    Inventors: Roger Clark, George Gula