Patents Issued in April 19, 2011
  • Patent number: 7926195
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a flexible locating apparatus capable of locating a perimeter of a body with respect to an outer surface of a sheet of material, the body being one of a multitude of body shapes. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a target member having a main portion and an adjustable component, the adjustable component having a length and at least one securing member. The adjustable component is configured to adjust the length to the body to secure the target member internal with respect to the body with the at least one securing member. A defining member is positionable on an outer surface of the sheet and comprises opposing magnets from the magnets of the first member and a perimeter defining member comprised of more than one template, each template configured to define the perimeter of a different one of the multitude of body shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Crorey
  • Patent number: 7926196
    Abstract: A pipe guide adapter adds marking slots and marking edges to a pipe guide. The pipe guide adapter includes two body sections joined by a hinge enabling the pipe guide adapter to be in open and closed positions. The body sections each include a gripping end and a marking section. The gripping end has a diameter greater than the diameter of the pipe guide to circumferentially grip a portion of the pipe guide in the closed position and to attach to the pipe guide. A pipe is circumferentially gripped jointly by the pipe guide and the pipe guide adapter. A hinge pin is partially disposed in the hinge and extends beyond the hinge. The hinge pin allows tie pipe guide adapter to be aligned to the pipe guide. The extended portion of the hinge pin acts as a stop and a spacer between the pipe guide adapter and the pipe guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick Harold Mueller, Michael Alvis Lee, Douglas Ray Diebold
  • Patent number: 7926197
    Abstract: A process and device for drying the coating of containers made of thermoplastic material. The process involves feeding said containers through a furnace divided into two areas: in the first, most of the solvent of the coating is removed by heating the paint with infrared lamps, while the temperature of the containers is controlled through an airflow; in the second, the remaining solvent is removed using said airflow coming from the first area of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: S.I.P.A. Societa Industrializzazione Progettazione e Automazione S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Zoppas, Alberto Armellin, Andrea Saran, Ottorino Vendramelli
  • Patent number: 7926198
    Abstract: A handheld dryer having low power consumption is provided. A fan operates to cause air to be drawn into the housing of the dryer, creating an airstream of substantial velocity that is forced through a heater assembly. The heater assembly includes two Peltier thermoelectric modules in thermal communication with a plurality of heat sinks. The airstream generated by the fan passes through the heat sinks to remove the heat therefrom, and is, in turn, heated. The passage of the airstream through the dryer housing results in each thermoelectric module operating at essentially a zero temperature differential between its hot and cold face. Resultantly, hot air is discharged from the handheld dryer, which can be used to dry hair or other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Pet Projects
    Inventor: Thomas Merritt
  • Patent number: 7926199
    Abstract: A separator for separating stacked sheets of lumber or other building materials. The separator comprises a substantially planar top and bottom surface; the top and bottom surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another. The separator further comprises two side surfaces, each with outwardly protruding side edges for preventing the separator from resting on either side surface; and a front side and a back side substantially parallel to the front surface. A plurality of channels extend into the top and bottom surfaces with the channels defining a plateau, coexistent with the top and bottom surfaces, between adjacent channels. Each channel has one or more apertures for creating a substantially vertical airflow passage between top and bottom surfaces of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: SmartStix, LLC
    Inventor: James F. Aaron
  • Patent number: 7926200
    Abstract: Infrared drier installation (1) for a passing web (2), which installation ( ) has gas-heated infrared radiant elements (5), arranged one next to the other so as to form a unit (4). Each unit comprises at least two adjacent rows (8) of gas-heated infrared radiant elements (5) stretching out in he transversal?(9) direction of the web (2) substantially over the entire with of the web (2). The infrared drier installation comprises means to recycle, at least partially, the said combustion gases. The drier installation as subject of the present invention is characterized in that the infrared drier comprises means (16) to avoid the suction of cold air between two adjacent rows of radiant elements (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: NV Bekaert SA, Bekaert Combustion Technology B.V.
    Inventor: Patrick Lenoir
  • Patent number: 7926201
    Abstract: A clogging detecting apparatus for a dryer is provided that checks and displays a clogging degree of an air passage. The clogging detecting apparatus includes a judgment device for judging the clogging degree of the air passage, a storing device for storing the clogging degree of the air passage, and a display for displaying the clogging degree to the user. The clogging detecting apparatus provides information on the clogging degree, so that the user precisely checks the state of the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ju-hyun Kim, Kyung-hun Kim, Sun-cheol Bae, Jin-seok Hu, Yang-hwan Kim, Ju-young Min, Ja-in Koo
  • Patent number: 7926202
    Abstract: A base module for a condenser tumble dryer housing the functional parts and air conduction components and additionally being configured as part of the support structure of the tumble dryer. The base module comprises perpendicular joint faces in relation to the front end shield and the rear process air cover. The joint faces lie essentially on at least one perpendicular plane or on at least two perpendicular planes that are offset in a staggered manner in relation to one another, have a large surface area and preferably extend over the entire width of the tumble dryer. The proposed base module has significant advantages in terms of its mechanical stability as an individual structural component and as part of the entire support structure and in terms of the effective conduction of the air streams, the production of the individual parts and the assembly of the final module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Holger Löffler
  • Patent number: 7926203
    Abstract: A foot covering, including a thin, flexible compartment for receiving a foot, the compartment having a forefoot section, a mid-section, and a heel section. The compartment has a top surface for securing the foot and a ground-facing surface having at least a forefoot outsole portion in the forefoot section. The forefoot outsole portion is disposed mainly in the forefoot section, and has a shape that is wider than it is long; corresponding approximately to the width of a foot and covering approximately the first to the fifth metatarsal heads. The mid-section of the compartment is mainly free of outsole material. The inventive subject matter is further directed towards a method for manufacturing such a foot covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Pointe Noir Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Wilkenfeld
  • Patent number: 7926204
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a mat formed of at least one randomly dispersed extruded tubular member, each tubular member being hollow in an in-use condition in which the mat provides support for a user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Ungari, Richard L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7926205
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sole arrangement and a shoe comprising such a sole arrangement. The sole arrangement is characterized in that it comprises an upper sole member and a lower sole member wherein the lower sole member is positioned closer to the ground during normal use of the sole arrangement, said lower sole member being movably attached to the upper sole member allowing the lower sole member to move in a vertical direction relative to the upper sole member, a plurality of vertically extending spikes arranged inside the sole arrangement such that the spikes are moveable relative to the lower sole member, said lower sole member having a plurality of holes adapted to receive the spikes as to allow the spikes to protrude from the lower sole member in a downward direction, and a locking sole member located between the upper and lower sole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Grip Force Technologies AB
    Inventor: Mikael Åmark
  • Patent number: 7926206
    Abstract: An apparatus generally comprising a prime mover; a push frame mounted on the prime mover for pivotal movement about a body transverse axis; a cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting the prime mover and the push frame for pivoting the push frame about such axis; and a boom pivotally mounted on the prime mover for movement about a transverse axis, and extending forwardly, including a base section having a portion supportable on a surface of the prime mover when the boom is in an inoperative position and an extendable section supportable on the coupler when in an extended, operable condition, having a device for detachably connecting the implement to the extendable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Rueben Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 7926207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wear assembly, as well as to the different components thereof, which has a wear member or tooth and an adaptor member or tooth bar for wear applications in a machine for moving materials such as earth and stones. The invention contemplates a wear assembly and particularly a coupling system between the different components to one another by a characteristic coupling system and at least one retention system assuring the coupling and anchor between the different components, specifically between the wear member and adaptor, the latter in turn being joined to the blade of a bucket or scoop of a machine for moving materials, such as an excavator or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Metalogenia, S.A.
    Inventors: José Lopez Almendros, Franceso Perez Lado, Roberto Fernandez Munoz
  • Patent number: 7926208
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling the temperature of a soleplate of an iron, the method having the following steps: energizing a heater element associated with the soleplate, wherein heat energy is transferred from the heater element to the soleplate; and heating the soleplate from 60° C. to a temperature of greater than 100° C. in less than 45 seconds. A method and device for controlling an iron, the method having the following steps: setting a soleplate of the iron to a first temperature; and setting a steam boiler of the iron to a second temperature, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Applica Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Luis Cavada
  • Patent number: 7926209
    Abstract: An electric iron includes a soleplate and at least one heating element. The heating element includes multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed on the soleplate. The heating element further includes electrodes disposed on the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The soleplate can be made of ceramic glass. The electric iron can perform heating and ironing functions using alternating current electrical power, direct current electrical power, solar energy power, or one or more batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Yeung, Keith Mario Torpy
  • Patent number: 7926210
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying luggage and promotional advertising for use by hotels, casinos and the like are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tag having a first side having a scratch surface covering promotional material and a second side having a portion for printing identifying information. The tag and the promotional material can be used by a hotel, casino or the like to encourage guests to attend shows or dine at restaurants being promoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Freddy Versteeg
  • Patent number: 7926211
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a decorative apparatus for presenting visual images having the appearance of motion constructed of a front panel picture member mounted to a rear panel housing. The front panel picture member is a rectangular glass pane painted on the front face to define a transparent window and a translucent photographic picture mounted on a rear face of the planar member and framed by a border painted on the front face. The rear panel housing has a drive motor mounted to the housing which is connected to a rotatable driving roller which is also mounted to the housing. A driven roller is mounted to the housing oriented parallel to driving roller with an endless loop of transparent film having random designs applied thereon engaging the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Shiqi Zhu
  • Patent number: 7926212
    Abstract: A traffic signal device includes a plurality of illuminatable light assemblies such as red amber and green used to control traffic flow. A transparent element configured to fit upon the outer surface of the lens of a light assembly supports one or more opaque numerals corresponding to vehicle speed limits. The transparent member baring the speed limit numerals is placed upon the outer surface of the traffic signal lens to impose the speed limit numerals upon the light emitted by the light assembly when illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Alan Fisher
  • Patent number: 7926213
    Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Russell J. Neyens, Jon M. Mammenga
  • Patent number: 7926214
    Abstract: A device for a two-way adjustable sign system for mounting to a shelf, the device comprising a frame having an upper rail, a lower rail, and a first and a second side bracket, the upper rail and the lower rail each having an inner and an outer rail, wherein the inner rail is slidably moveable within the outer rail, and wherein the first and second side brackets each have an inner and outer bracket wherein the inner bracket is slidably movable within the outer bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Conway, Scott Padiak, Paul C. Evans
  • Patent number: 7926215
    Abstract: A plurality of color-coded lockbox tags that attach to a lockbox and visibly communicate a corresponding plurality of showing instructions relative to the lockbox. Where the underlying lockbox includes an entry mechanism involving an infrared port, the lockbox tag may include an aperture or window to expose an infrared port. A plurality of optional placards may also be provided to augment or override the primary showing instructions of the lockbox tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Realtor Biz Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Terri L. Riker, Cheryl M. Olivere
  • Patent number: 7926216
    Abstract: A recoil suppression system for the stock of a firearm that includes an absorption assembly having an elongated body portion and a generally flat mounting plate having an outer periphery. The recoil suppression system includes a recoil housing with a piston ram, which is received into a cavity of the elongated body when the recoil housing is assembled with the absorption assembly. The mounting plate is generally shaped to fit the rear end of a firearm stock. A rearward projecting flange of the absorption assembly is adapted to fit within the recoil housing. The outer periphery of the mounting plate is equal to or larger than the outer periphery of the recoil housing. The absorption assembly may include a cam and torsion spring to reduce the recoil of the firearm. The recoil suppression system may include an adjustment mechanism to vary the preload force of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventor: James K. Bentley
  • Patent number: 7926217
    Abstract: Shown is a firearm stock having a self-supporting structural shell made substantially of composite material. The shell includes an exterior wall and an interior wall, at least some portion of which is spaced from the exterior wall. A cavity in the shell is sized and shaped to accept and secure the barreled action of a firearm and has an interior volume defined at least in part by at least a portion of the interior wall. The stock also includes a means for attaching a butt stock with a standardized complementary attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. McCann
  • Patent number: 7926218
    Abstract: Laser aiming apparatus for accurately and conveniently applying elevation and windage adjustments to a laser beam emanating therefrom. A preferred embodiment includes a housing, which may be adapted to be mounted to a gun; a laser module in the housing and including a sleeve having a laser mounted in the sleeve for emitting a laser beam through a front end thereof along the sleeve's longitudinal axis, the sleeve being pivotally mounted in the housing about a first pivot point on the longitudinal axes of the sleeve and the housing; a rocker pivotally mounted in the housing about a second pivot point on the housing's longitudinal axis and spaced from the first pivot point, the rocker coupled to the sleeve for pivoting the sleeve about the first pivot point; and an adjustment apparatus carried by the housing and engaging the rocker for pivotally adjusting position of the rocker about the second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Paul Y. Kim, William D. Wells
  • Patent number: 7926219
    Abstract: An improved digital scope for locating and targeting objects. The scope includes an image detection device that is configured to collect image data of a sighted region. The scope further includes a display screen that is electronically connected to the image detection device and is configured to display image data of the sighted region as a continuous video feed. The left sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the left portion of the display screen, the right sidefield portion of the sighted region is displayed horizontally compressed in the right portion of the display screen, and the center portion of the sighted region is displayed in the center portion of the display screen without horizontal compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Kevin Reimer
  • Patent number: 7926220
    Abstract: A device mount for a weapon with a stabilizing function is provided. In one embodiment, the device mount includes a device bracket, a stabilizing tube and at least one stabilizing member. The device bracket has a support plate and a side plate that extends generally at a right angle from the support plate. The stabilizing tube is movably coupled to the side plate. The at least one stabilizing member is received in the stabilizing tube. Moreover, the at least one stabilizing member is configured to stabilize motion of the device bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Larry Holmberg
  • Patent number: 7926221
    Abstract: The present invention discloses containers for storing fishing lures, baited or unbaited hooks, terminal tackle, fishing accessories, bait, fishing lines and other fishing devices (“target objects”). The containers are designed for quick and efficient insertion of the target objects into the containers. Fasteners attached to such containers, in addition to closing the opening of the containers, allow for quick attachment and detachment of the containers to and from a fishing rod, thereby capturing and retaining line and thus minimizing entanglement. These fastening devices may also be used to attach the containers to other non-rod objects such as boats or clothing for immediate access to or storage of target objects. All versions of containers may be formed of at least partially clear plastic or other materials for ready identification of the contained materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Inventive Designs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Louis Meier, Thomas V. Chorey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7926222
    Abstract: System, kit, and method for treating bed bugs or other pests in a room. The system comprises an electric heater that is formed by joining separate parts or sections. A first heater section may comprise a number of electrically energized heater coils and the second section may comprise a fan and a fan motor. The system may also comprise a number of temperature-sensing probes to be installed at locations within the room. The system may also comprise an electronic data recorder to receive and record temperature readings from the temperature-sensing probes. The room may be gradually heated to a temperature that is lethal for bed bugs and other pests. Once the lethal temperature is reached, the room may be heated for a time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher J. Molnar, Paul R. Rannick, Tom Jarzynka
  • Patent number: 7926223
    Abstract: A chemical application line is provided having a core chemical application carrier to dispense a desired chemical into a target environment over a period of time. The chemical application line includes a degradable film or paper covering the carrier to provide protection from the chemical when handling. The chemical application line also includes a degradable rope surrounding the carrier to provide strength and durability to the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn Peterson
  • Patent number: 7926224
    Abstract: A green wall planting module has a rear wall, two side walls and a top and bottom wall, the top wall having a concave shape for receiving within its cross section a bottom wall of a green wall planting module mounted approximately one to four millimeters above it on a grid wall structure to suppress splashing and retain rain water. The grid wall structure comprises horizontal rods associated with a vertical wall structure of, for example, a building. The top wall of a lower mounted green wall module comprises an integral slot adapted to receive a horizontal irrigation pipe or hose which may lie horizontally in and longitudinally along the slot when the green wall modular apparatus is mounted to the grid wall. Tapered louvers are provided within the green wall planting module slanting upward from the rear wall at a predetermined angle within the module so as to collect and retain water as does the bottom concave wall of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Victory Greenwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sotiri Koumoudis
  • Patent number: 7926225
    Abstract: Joint element for a pneumatic structural element (1) according to the prior art, comprising a sleeve (2), a compression member (3), two tension members (4) and two spherical caps (5). In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps (5) such that an opening (10) accommodates the spherical cap (5). The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element (1), the compressive forces being absorbed by the compression member (3) and the tensile forces being absorbed by the tension members (4). The joint element has holes (12) for fastening the compression member (3) with a screw (15), on the one hand, and holes (11) for accommodating the tension members (4), on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Prospective Concepts AG
    Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
  • Patent number: 7926226
    Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming corners of the shell frame. A flange extends from at least one of the columns. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming at least one corner of the extension frame. An outer lip is associated with at least one column of the extension farthest from the shell when the extension is deployed. An inner lip is associated with at least one column of the extension closest to the shell when the extension is deployed. The flange provides a first pocket for receiving the outer lip when the extension is seated within the shell and a second pocket receives the inner lip when the extension is deployed from the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Green Horizon Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: James D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7926227
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a plurality of corner panels that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Each of the corner panels may include a living hinge that generally divides the corner panel in half and allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position to facilitate packaging of the shed and an angled position. The shed may also include a plurality of wall panels constructed from blow-molded plastic and disposed between the corner panels. The living hinge is preferably generally vertically positioned when the corner panels are used to construct the shed and the living hinge preferably extends generally from a top portion of the corner panel to a lower portion of the corner panel. Advantageously, the living hinge may be used to construct other portions of the shed such as shelves, skylights and roof caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    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: 7926228
    Abstract: A cremation niche including a concrete masonry block formed as a single unit having an uninterrupted cross section which includes rectangular sides, top and bottom panels and open rectangular front and rear openings providing access into a hollow horizontally disposed interior of the concrete block. The concrete block material consistency and overall outside dimensions are equal to those of a conventional concrete building block. A plastic liner having an open front is snugly fit within and mating against inner surfaces of the concrete block which define the interior. A decorative faceplate covers the front opening, mating with the front surface and against a perimeter of the front opening of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: William L. Snow
  • Patent number: 7926229
    Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Patent number: 7926230
    Abstract: A bracket structure for external wall 2 which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall construction structure 1 using the bracket for external wall 2. A bracket structure for external wall 2 used for fixing a fiber reinforced cement siding 7, 7? and an outside corner material to a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building via a securing fastening member A, A, A?, A?, furring 6, 6? and a thermal insulating material placed on a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Yoshida, Shin Takami
  • Patent number: 7926231
    Abstract: A modular furniture component such as an electrified relatively thin panel has electrical wiring in a raceway near a downwardly depending adjustable leveler leg and a pluggable multiconductor cable for connecting the raceway electrical wiring with another modular furniture component. The components may each comprise a relatively thin upstanding generally rectangular modular office wall panel having an electrical wiring containing raceway near a bottom edge. Adjacent panels have the raceways generally horizontally aligned with one another. In one form, apparatus and method is disclosed for routing the power and data cables/conductors out of the bottom of the panels next to threaded leveler legs and back up into the adjacent panel. The cable is located closely adjacent a thinnest portion of the adjustable leveler leg and has a portion thereof displaced vertically below each raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg E. Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 7926232
    Abstract: An installation bracket system for use in combination with a length of crown molding for securing the crown molding adjacent to the junction of a wall surface and a ceiling surface, the installation bracket system including one or more installation brackets, each of the one or more installation brackets having first support member and a second support member, each of the support members having a mounting portion and an integrally formed supporting portion, the mounting portion having a base formed with apertures to receive fasteners therethrough for securement of the first support member and the second support member to the wall surface and ceiling surface, respectively, and a backing member extending between the first support member and the second support member, the backing member having a front surface, the crown molding being secured against the front surface of the backing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Claude de Raucourt
  • Patent number: 7926233
    Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Composite Panel Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn P. Schiffmann, Gerhard P. Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 7926234
    Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 7926235
    Abstract: An expansion joint system for a wall is provided herein wherein a first concrete wall component is substantially separated from a second concrete wall component via a rigid plate such that contraction of the first concrete wall component does not create significant stresses in the first or second concrete wall component so as to create cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. Moreover, a compressible material may be disposed between the rigid plate and/or the first and/or second concrete wall component such that expansion of the first concrete wall component compresses the compressible material instead of imposing significant stresses on the first or second concrete wall component so as to be likely to form cracks in the first or second concrete wall component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Shaw & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7926236
    Abstract: A glazing panel system is provided with improved glazing panels, retention clips and/or U-shaped connectors. The retention clip may engage the glazing panels at locations lower than top ends of the upstanding seam flanges. In one embodiment, an internal U-shaped connector is positioned to engage the seam flanges while an external U-shaped connector covers the internal connector and the seam between adjacent glazing panels. The glazing panels may be formed with pockets adjacent the base of the upstanding seam flanges to receive a portion of the retention clip to apply retention forces at locations below the upper ends of the seam flanges. The retention clips may be formed with an upper transverse portion that is movable relative to the base portion of the clip to accommodate panel expansion and contraction. Also, a thicker plate or portion may be provided at a top flange for the retention clip to provide increased resistance to uplift loads trying to bend the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Konvin Associates Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Patent number: 7926237
    Abstract: A wall or ceiling panel secures a grid insert, preferably of an architectural metal mesh, within a frame using a series of spring clips. The spring clips engage the metal mesh and are retained in a securing slot provided at an interior edge of the panel frame. Each spring clip includes at least one engagement member that passes through and engages the grid insert. The spring also includes a securing base that is received and retained within the securing slot of the frame. The panel can also include a securing arrangement for supporting the grid member at a position spaced from the frame to avoid downward bowing of the metal mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Decoustics Limited
    Inventors: Martin Daniel Gerkes, Heikki Kolga, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 7926238
    Abstract: A stab-in connector that locks with an opposing identical connector, through a slot in the main beam of a suspended ceiling grid. The connector has a straight locking latch that is cantilevered from a bend at a base of the connector. The bend is in the form of an arc. The bend forms a pivot for the latch. Contact between the cantilevered straight locking latch and the side of the slot is delayed as the connector is being stabbed into the slot. During the delay, the connectors are positioned within the slot, and relative to each other, so that substantially less force is needed than the force that was necessary to engage prior art stab-in connectors into locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Yu Lin, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 7926239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flooring panel having opposed pairs of substantially parallel side edges, a tongue connector member, and a groove connector member. In one aspect, the tongue connector member extends along one side edge and the groove connector member extends along the opposed side edge. The tongue connector member and the groove connector member are configured to cooperatively couple with each other such that portions of the coupled flooring panels are positioned in abutting relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Kris Hahn, Jean Briere, Tryggvi Magnusson
  • Patent number: 7926240
    Abstract: Construction systems and methods are described for building structures including homes that can withstand vibration and earth movement caused by earthquakes. The construction system uses about 8-inch corrugated round steel pipes to create floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing that is resistant to destruction caused by earth movement and vibrations. The floor framing and wall framing can be connected together at right angles and supported by a foundation that features wood pilings with concrete caps. The plurality of pipes of the floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing can be connected together by welding, screws, or other fasteners to assemble the structure. Finished floor, material, and ceiling materials can be fastened to the frames to complete the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Jacovitz
  • Patent number: 7926241
    Abstract: A tough, water-proof building panel, made of fiber-reinforced polymer, is useful in making structural walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings. Upstanding such walls can have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. Panels effectively have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall panel, at spaced locations along the length of the panel. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid thermally insulating foam. Optional reinforcing studs are attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extend inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel. Panels can be made by e.g. assembling pre-fabricated blocks and/or webs, by evacuating a mold, and by pultrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Composite Panel Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn P. Schiffmann, Gerhard P. Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 7926242
    Abstract: A container of generally elongate shape for receiving a plurality of envelopes is described wherein the container includes an internal housing having a substantially parallelepiped shape which is open at one of its longitudinal ends to accomodate the plurality of envelopes and closed at its opposite longitudinal end and includes a portion around the internal housing having an external surface of at least partially cylindrical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: MAG Systemes SAS
    Inventors: Gérard Faissolle, Michel Moreaux
  • Patent number: 7926243
    Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 7926244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, in a filling machine, of producing a package with a top of plastic which is injection molded in the machine and is capped before the top has become configurationally stable. In the method, the capping, at least during a first introductory phase, takes place in that a cap with internal threads is rotated and the package is displaced linearly in a direction towards the cap in such a manner that it may be ensured that the relationship between the speed of rotation of the cap and the speed of displacement of the package substantially correspond to the thread pitch of the threads in the cap and in corresponding threads on the neck when the threads enter into mesh with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Anders Delén, Thorbjörn Bengtsson