Patents Issued in September 27, 2011
  • Patent number: 8024859
    Abstract: A replacement oil pump plate for attachment to an original equipment manufacture oil pump within a transfer case for elimination of mechanical wear by replacing the abrasive aluminum tabs formed on the oil pump with low-friction plastic tabs is disclosed. The present plastic tab design redistributes the surface-to-surface contact between the magnesium transfer case and the aluminum pump tabs away from the original wear points so that any necessary weld repairs to the transfer case will not be disturbed. The present replacement pump plate is provided in a kit format including a pump plate, machine screws, plastic tabs, and installation instructions. The present invention also describes a method of installing the pump plate kit on the original equipment manufacture oil pump subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Maura J. Stafford, Gregg A. Nader
  • Patent number: 8024860
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge includes the step of connecting a film or a pair of films to a frame. The films and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge includes the films and the frame. The method also includes the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the films. The patterned member includes a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion. Moreover, the method includes the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the films by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the films into contact with the first pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kanbe
  • Patent number: 8024861
    Abstract: A method for externally adjusting the axial length of a solenoid actuated fuel injector includes the step of externally forming a helical scribe mark in a housing component, thereby changing the axial length of the injector. By adjusting the length of the helical scribe mark and the depth of the scribe mark, and by measuring the stroke or the flow rate of the injector, the stroke or the flow rate of injector may be set precisely. The external adjustment of the length of the housing component may be made in cartridge form as well as in final assembly form of the fuel injector complementing the manufacturing process versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Perry
  • Patent number: 8024862
    Abstract: A hair clipper has a blade block, which includes a fixed blade, a movable blade overlapped with the fixed blade to make sliding contact with the fixed blade, a pressing spring applying a pressing load to maintain a uniform contact pressure between the fixed blade and the movable blade, and a blade base for receiving and retaining the fixed blade and the movable blade and the pressing spring. The blade base has a blade holder retaining the fixed blade and the movable blade and a blade cover attached to the blade holder to cover the fixed blade and the movable blade. Further, the blade holder has a primary retainer member holding end portions of the pressing spring and the blade cover has a secondary retainer member pressing the end portions of the pressing spring in a direction in which the pressing spring is retained by the primary retainer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Morisugi, Toshio Ikuta
  • Patent number: 8024863
    Abstract: A wet shaving razor comprising a cartridge having a length wherein the cartridge comprises an upper frame comprising 1) a blade frame, 2) a shaving blade joined to the blade frame where the blade extends lengthwise along the cartridge, 3) an upper face that surrounds the blade, and 4) one or more serially arranged rear spring elements, each element having a proximate and distal end such that said proximate end is joined adjacent a top edge of the upper face and wherein said distal end is joined to a catch plate; a sub-frame upon which said upper frame is resiliently mounted at its bottom edge near a front edge of said sub-frame wherein said sub-frame further comprises front spring elements; and a catch plate that causes the rear spring elements to foldably engage with a rear edge of said sub-frame to provide removably secured rear spring elements; and wherein the front spring elements and rear spring elements oppose local deformation of the cartridge under shaving forces encountered during shaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Kevin James Wain
  • Patent number: 8024864
    Abstract: A ratcheting cutting tool for plastic pipes having first and second, elongated rigid members pivotally mounted to each other. Each rigid member has a handle and the first rigid member additionally has an anvil at an end opposite from its handle. A spring-biased, knife blade member with a cutting edge and with a plurality of ratchet teeth is pivotally mounted to the first member. The tool further includes drive and catch pawls pivotally mounted to the respective rigid members. In operation, the handles of the rigid members can be repeatedly squeezed together to progressively move the cutting edge of the knife blade member in a step-by-step manner toward the anvil to cut through a plastic pipe positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Mark A. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 8024865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (8) for connecting a saw blade (12) to a reciprocating rod (6) of a jig saw, in particular a hand-operated compass saw (2), comprising a mounting (20), which is connected to the reciprocating rod (6) and has a recess (22) for receiving a head end (10) of the saw blade (12), a locking sleeve (30), which can be turned about the axis (40) with respect to the mounting (20) against the force of a torsion spring (60) to lock the head end (10) of the saw blade (12) in a locking position in the recess (22) and to allow removal of the saw blade (12) in a removal position. It is intended that a stop (78) interacts with a part (80) of the torsion spring (60), in order to prevent movement of the locking sleeve (30) beyond the removal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Kaiser, Marcel Casota, Daniel Saegesser
  • Patent number: 8024866
    Abstract: A height recording system includes a telescopic rule formed from a head and a telescopic assembly used to vary a distance between one support end forming a base for the telescopic assembly and an upper end supporting the head. The height recording system comprises: a measurement system that measures the distance; a receiver including photosensitive cell(s) to detect an optical beam output from a laser system; a module starts or validates a height measurement by the measurement system starting the measurement or the validation in response to the module receiving a determined signal from the receiver; the determined signal being representative of the laser beam being detected by one of the photosensitive cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Agatec
    Inventors: Dimitru Mircea Chiorean, Zoltan Keresztes, Albert Gamal
  • Patent number: 8024867
    Abstract: A tape measure calibrator includes a base with a first reference surface and a second reference surface. A pull calibration mark is made on the base which indicates a first distance from the first reference surface. A push calibration mark is also made on the base which indicates a second distance from the second reference surface, in which the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas J. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8024868
    Abstract: A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Brannigan, Raymond V. Nold, III, John Rasmus, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 8024869
    Abstract: A digital sizing tool for obtaining tooling measurements and requirements comprising: a pair of fingers, where said fingers are adjoined at one adjoined end and create an opening at the opposite end; a flexible resilient means, where the flexible resilient means adjoins the pair of fingers; and a digital readout, where said digital readout provides a means to display a measured distance between the pair of fingers at the opening end and the digital readout attached to a measurement rod, where said measurement rod extends between the pair of fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, each finger may include at least one gripping surface. In another particular embodiment, the flexible resilient means includes a piston and spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Leo Duarte
  • Patent number: 8024870
    Abstract: A drying system for drying a personal hydration system having a fill opening and a supply tube includes a dryer assembly providing a flow of forced air to be introduced into the fill opening of the personal hydration device. The dryer assembly includes seal-forming structure engageable with the fill opening to form a seal between the dryer assembly and the fill opening to enhance the pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly also includes a channel defining a relief valve for permitting exhaust of air flow from the fill opening upon pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly further includes a resilient cam arm for enabling the dryer assembly to sealingly fit variously sized fill openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Simple Matter, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent Ballentine, Jason Scott Andrews, Dennis Matthew Turner
  • Patent number: 8024871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust structure for a clothes dryer in an apartment building. The exhaust structure includes at least one riser pipe mounted in a vertical direction crossing every floor of a building to discharge exhaust gas, a plurality of branch pipes branched from the riser pipe to a household in the every floor to guide exhaust gas from the household to the riser pipe, and a fan mounted above a top of the riser pipe and operating in proportion to the amount of exhaust gas in the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Hee Han, Won Tug Son
  • Patent number: 8024872
    Abstract: A multi-layered protector is adapted to attach to and cover the entire sole of a shoe to protect the sole from being marred or otherwise damaged when the shoe is worn by a user. The protector includes a ground engaging layer, a wear indicating layer and an adhesive layer. The wear indicating layer is rigid in character and provides immediate feedback to a user of its exposure. A removable peel layer adjacent the adhesive layer may be removed in order to attach the sole protector to the sole of the shoe. Preferably, the ground engaging layer includes an upwardly extending, peripheral rim portion adapted to protect the outer edge portions of the sole. A deformable conforming layer is optionally provided between the wear indicating layer and the adhesive layer. The protector may be adapted for customization or may be produced specifically for use with a particular shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond Anthony Pettis
  • Patent number: 8024873
    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 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: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Danny M. Wright
  • Patent number: 8024874
    Abstract: A wear member that includes a pair of legs defining a slot straddles the digging edge of a piece of excavating equipment. In one construction, the slot is formed at its front end with a pair of inclined surfaces and a laterally extending ridge that is fit within a complementary channel on the digging edge. A lock is received within an opening in the wear member to releasably secure the wear member to the digging edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert McClanahan, Adam Stitzel
  • Patent number: 8024875
    Abstract: A compact excavator includes a base frame, an upper frame and first and second track assemblies supporting the base frame. The compact excavator also includes a primary implement assembly coupled to the upper frame and a secondary implement assembly. The secondary implement assembly includes a lift arm assembly pivotally coupled to the base frame and an implement coupler pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly. The implement coupler is configured to latch an implement to the lift arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Wetzel, James M. Breuer, Thomas M. Sagaser
  • Patent number: 8024876
    Abstract: A method system for a novelty greeting card combined with an embodied 3-D sculpture model kit is contained within a postal envelope. The invention's items are at least one or more inscribed parallel planar rectangular sheets bound in dependant form to enable an open and close greeting card function. The envelope is inscribed with systematic directions to guide construction of the novelty card's embodied sculpture model kit. The card is signed by a sender including a recipient's name; said sender gives card as a gift to a recipient to apply methods of the invention's intent. As recipient deploys invention's construction system by implementing tools and parts embodied in novelty card. The sender's actual signature and recipient's name are conveyed though the method of construction and retained upon the final resulting sculpture of the invention. All construction elements, tools and parts derive solely from the planar sheets that comprise the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Carl John Bettin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8024877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric fireplace flame curtain with flexible simulated charcoal bed, the flame curtain is a structure of vessel, comprises a front wall and a rear wall with transparent structure, an imaging mechanism disposed on the front wall of the vessel, a number of movable light-holding charcoals with a plurality of transparent surfaces disposed in the vessel. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the monotone flame, dull appearance and poor visual effect of the exiting electric fireplace. Meanwhile, the problems such as constant charcoal flame brightness, lack of reality, bad simulative effect are solved as well. The present invention could simulate a plurality of independent charcoal burning spots, with various styles. The light-spots of the flame are sparkling intermittently with bright and shade, and the flame is of light-holding effect. The visual effect and the authenticity are both perfect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Hongfeng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8024878
    Abstract: Stand for banners and the like including a foot part, taking up a cylinder on which a banner can be rolled up on and drawn out from and a device for achieving a rolling up movement for the rolling up of the banner. The rolling up device includes a driving device coupled to the cylinder for rolling up the banner, the driving device comprising a rubber string which at the pulling out of the banner is would up on a drum that is conical and with the string fastened in the wider end so that at a rolled up banner the string runs out from the wider end of the conical drive rollers so that the torque that is achieved by the string is sufficient for the rolling up of the banner's complete rolling up in spite of the rubber string in this position having its minimum tension force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Expand International AB
    Inventors: Ulf Meijer, Björn Ake Sköld
  • Patent number: 8024879
    Abstract: A display device includes at least one wall with transparent areas and a reflecting object arranged inside the display device and oriented so as to receive an incident external light and to redirect a reflected light onto the transparent areas. The transparent areas are provided in different planes and the reflecting object includes several reflecting surfaces or a non-planar reflecting surface to reflect incident light rays on each of the transparent areas along different reflection axes. The display device can advantageously be integrated into a bottle or a bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Homdec SA
    Inventor: Bernard Pulfer
  • Patent number: 8024880
    Abstract: A combination exit sign and emergency light is provided, wherein the emergency light is disposed along a bottom, portion of the exit sign. The bottom portion of the housing is formed with a recessed section intermediate opposing side flange portions, with a light bar incorporating LEDs being mounted in the recess section to provide emergency lighting during power outages and emergency situations. The bar is white in color on the outside, except a bottom portion of the bar is left clear for the free transmission of light. With this construction, at least a substantial majority of fight generated by the LEDs will be directed out of the bottom portion, while the side portions are also preferably lit thereby providing a more intense light out of the bottom portion to assure adequate illumination leading to a suitable exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Best Lighting Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Shuo Kuan, Jeffrey S. Katz
  • Patent number: 8024881
    Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed that includes a screen and a frame system positioned to support the screen. The frame system includes a plurality of frame members, a hinge that couples the frame members together, and a lock that blocks relative movement of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Draper, Inc.
    Inventor: Shanon O Redmon
  • Patent number: 8024882
    Abstract: A machine-printable sheet material having pop-out index tabs. The index tabs have a printable region on a face of the sheet material opposite from the face from which the index tabs will pop-out. Each index tab is perforated along its perimeter except at a fold line. The index tab is rotatable at the fold line when it pops out. Each index tab has ears that are insertible into slits positioned from the edge of the sheet material such that when the ears are inserted into and engaged with the slits, the printable region extends from the edge of the sheet material to provide an index tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John Falk Kelley
  • Patent number: 8024883
    Abstract: A firearm support for a firearm having an elongate sling extending along the firearm with two opposite ends attached in spaced relationship to the firearm between a stock end and a barrel end. The firearm support includes a support attachment in the form of clamp which may be secured to the sling at a desired position therealong. At least one support leg is pivotally secured to the support attachment and depends from the attachment whereby the leg may be pivoted from a storage position with the at least one leg extending along in alignment with the sling, to a deployed position at an angle relative to the sling for engaging a ground surface with a distal end of the at least one leg. The attachment for the shooting support is also provided with a forearm rest surface positioned on the side of the sling that faces the firearm for supporting the firearm thereon when the leg or legs are deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Nils Boord
  • Patent number: 8024884
    Abstract: An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. The mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Larry Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8024885
    Abstract: A unique, new and useful structure designed to simply and efficiently cover and protect the lens of a sight, especially a firearm sight such as the hooded models of the EO Tech Holosight type 511, 512, 551, and 552 models. A lens cover comprises a housing with a pair of lens openings, and a pair of lens covers, one for each lens opening. The housing has a recess for receiving the lens covers, and each lens cover is biased toward the recess and is moveable against its bias to a position in which it covers a respective lens opening in the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the recess and the lens covers are configured such that (i) the lens covers can be received and oriented in the recess in a predetermined relation with each other and (ii) the lens covers can be efficiently manipulated when they are not received in the recess in the predetermined relation to cause them to be reoriented and received in the recess in the predetermined relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GG & G, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Newhall, Mark A. Newhall
  • Patent number: 8024886
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable rod holder comprising a tubular holster mounted to an arm and a base, wherein the arm is secured to the base by a rotating joint that is secured in a first angular position by a locking member that moves radially with respect to an axle of the rotating joint. The rotating joint can be releasably secured at a plurality of indexed angular positions by the locking member fitting within a plurality of recesses spaced radially about an axle of the rotating joint. Preferably, the arm of the rod holder has a sufficient length to allow the rod holder to store the rod in a vertical position without interference from the gunnel or other mounting surface. In one embodiment, the rod holder has a pivoting stabilizer that engages the reel of a rod placed in the holder to secure and stabilize the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Sutherland, Blake Richards, Dennis Dekruyf
  • Patent number: 8024887
    Abstract: A bait fish-holding type fishing lure having a lure body in the form of a turbine member mounted rotatably on a longitudinally-extending axle member is arranged for securement at its front end to a fishing line, the lure body turbine member formed as a substantially hollow headcap member which mounts a rearwardly-projecting bait fish body support rod arranged to support and secure a bait fish during operation of the fishing lure, the lure body turbine member including at least one peripheral, outwardly projecting, longitudinally curved turbine fin member arranged to cause rotation of the lure body and supported bait fish on a substantially consistent and steady axis of rotation on the supporting axle member upon relative movement of the lure and surrounding water during fishing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: James M. Milanowski
  • Patent number: 8024888
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, multiple killing plate configuration and automatically resetting interruptible beam sensor for triggering a high voltage cycle. A high-voltage output circuit is connected to killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train when a pest interrupts the beam signal, such as an infrared beam signal generated by an infrared transmitter to an infrared receiver. The trap is preferably configured to automatically rearm if the IR beam signal is no longer interrupted after the killing cycle. If the IR beam signal is still blocked after the killing cycle, however, the trap enters a standby mode indicating trap servicing is required to remove the dead rodent from the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Wetzel, Robert T. Cruz, Richard L. Eyer
  • Patent number: 8024889
    Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser (20) removably adjacent to a capsule (25) via an extension (120); whereby said releaser (20) and said capsule (25) are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state (180), then the releaser (20) separates from the capsule (25) but is still connected via said extension (120) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to move away from said capsule (25) into an attachment state (200). A method of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch, comprising: positioning a releaser (20) to a first end (122) of an extension (120); positioning a capsule (110) to a second end (124) of an extension (120); positioning the releaser (20) adjacent to the capsule (110) so that the member (10) is in a deployable state (180); projecting the member (10) in its deployable state (180) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to separate from said capsule (110) and form an attachment state (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Brett Bunker
  • Patent number: 8024890
    Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Bertin, Eric Nelson, Mark Yelanich
  • Patent number: 8024891
    Abstract: Strip assembly consisting of a number of strips hingeably attached to influence or not to influence light. Strips can be displaced between two positions by static charging/discharging with respect to a support attached near the strip. A voltage source provides the strips/further electrodes with the respective voltage. The strips can be configured to be (partially) non-transparent, allowing light effects to be obtained. In addition, it is possible to configure various strips differently. The strips preferably consist of a foil material allowing an especially simple construction with the aid of a film hinge. Suitable materials include polycarbonate, polyester or plastics material based on aromatics. The surface resistance is preferably at most 1000 M?. A broad range of uses are possible. One use is that in greenhouses but the present invention can also be applied at other locations where protection from light is necessary or specific light effects are desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jacobus Christiaan Gerardus Maria Ruiter
  • Patent number: 8024892
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drum housing, a hybrid door for a motor vehicle with a door module with a mounting area for mounting a cable drum of a either a power or manual window lift drive, whereby the mounting area exhibits a first area with a first diameter that is sufficient for mounting the cable drum for the power window lift, and a second area with a second diameter that is sufficient for mounting the cable drum for the manual window lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Brauer, Carsten Huege, Enrico Schliwa, Harald Koellner
  • Patent number: 8024893
    Abstract: A vehicular, powered slider drive interface and drive assembly are provided. The interface has a driver bracket, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a regulator, a driver receiver, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a slider panel, and separate bumpers disposed on each driver surface. When the regulator is caused to move in an open direction, a first driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a first driver bumper to smoothly open the slider-panel. When the regulator is caused to move in a closed direction, a second driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a second receiver bumper to smoothly close the slider panel. Since the driver bracket and the driver receiver are not rigidly/directly mechanically attached, the slider panel slides freely without binding and requiring precise alignment of the drive interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pilkington North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Gillen
  • Patent number: 8024894
    Abstract: A structural support member for use in a roof deck system that is supported on an upper surface of a roof deck support structure. The primary embodiment comprises a substantially vertical outer segment, a substantially horizontal lower segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal upper segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal intermediate segment connected to the outer segment between the upper and lower segments, and a substantially vertical inner segment connected to the intermediate segment and the lower segment. The lower segment is secured to the upper surface of the support structure and supports a metal deck. The upper, intermediate, and outer segments form a C-shaped cavity for receiving the end of a barrier material, such as insulation or concrete, which is supported on the metal deck. The lower, intermediate, inner, and outer segments form an elongated channel that preferably has a plurality of vent holes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: W. Howard Ayers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8024895
    Abstract: An arrangement for the raising and lowering of a mast, which includes an upper mast portion and base, which upper mast portion is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis, located in the base of the mast is described. The arrangement includes (i) docking device for restraining the upper mast portion against rotation; (ii) attachment device for attaching a drive device for driving the docking device between a first engaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is restrained against rotation and a second disengaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is free to rotate and (iii) locking device selectable via an intermediate unlocked configuration between a first locked configuration wherein the docking device is engaged and a second unlocked configuration wherein the docking device is disengaged and is characterized in that the locking means is controllable remotely to allow automatic operation of the raising and lowering sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Abacus Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hall, Alan John Jenvey
  • Patent number: 8024896
    Abstract: A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Azarin
  • Patent number: 8024897
    Abstract: A roofing system in a building structure having a ridge vent includes strips of composite material having a base material adapted to form a hermetic seal with the top surface of a roofing section and recesses in a top surface in which an air permeable material can be positioned. A strip is applied to roof sections adjacent to each side of a ridge vent so that a ridge cap can overlay the strips in spaced relation from the underlying roof sections and be sealingly secured to the roof sections. The strip material establishes a barrier between the ridge cap and the roof sections through which air can pass, but through which the passage of rain and insects is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Marco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Polumbus, Daniel Housley, Robert P. Harris
  • Patent number: 8024898
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jorge Alvarado
  • Patent number: 8024899
    Abstract: An interior window framing system comprising a standardized frame having predetermined dimensions proportionate to a standard window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Outlook Window Products, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kendall W. Prince, Jack R. Prince, Matt A. Stott
  • Patent number: 8024900
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Brandon L. Cordts
  • Patent number: 8024901
    Abstract: A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one module having a front and rear surface, the at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Gosling, Mogens Smed
  • Patent number: 8024902
    Abstract: A one-piece or multiple-piece shaped profile assembly that is used for bridging a construction element joint (2), namely expansion joints or displacement joints between two construction elements (3.1; 3.2). This assembly is shaped as a stiff joint bridge with two vertical mirror-image shaped profiles (5, 6) facing each other at both joint edges that are connected together by means of a shaped bridging profile (7) extending across the construction element joint (2). At least one of the vertical profile pieces (5, 6) is adjustable with respect to the opposing construction element to compensate for the relative displacement between the construction elements (3.1; 3.2). The vertical profile pieces (5, 6) and shaped bridging profile (7) comprise a hard polymer foam that is coated with an armoring mortar layer as an adhesive base for an additional coating layer (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan Wedi
  • Patent number: 8024903
    Abstract: A multi-perforated metallic base member device (the Backing Plate) that is used to repair stress cracks, or panel abutment joint separations in drywall boarding, thereby restoring and strengthening the repaired areas without the need to replace any affected sections, which is quickly and easily installed to the blind side of the cracked wall from the outside, by temporarily mounting it onto the (so called) locking hooks of its detachable installation member, (The Handle) thereby creating a living hinged assembly. Once mounted the base member may be pivoted over like a jackknife to be inserted into the wall cavity through a pre-cut slit in the crack, where it will spring open within the wall, to be pulled outward by the Handle and held in place against the blind side of the wall, while it is securely fastened to both cracked panel edges through the outside of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Riggs
  • Patent number: 8024904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Hannig
  • Patent number: 8024905
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that is implemented during the preparation of the area when pouring a concrete slab such as, but not limited to, commercial and residential floors, patios and driveways. The system includes digging foundation holes that are selectively disposed around the area being poured. The system further includes positioning steel bars above the ground in the lower twenty-five percent (25%), rather than upper fifty percent (50%) as known in the prior art, of the concrete being poured. In this manner, the poured concrete encapsulates the lattice in the lower twenty-five percent (25%) of the concrete when it hardens. As a result, the system improves and often removes the possibility of any cracks in the concrete and eliminates the need for saw joints. In addition, due to the stability created with the addition of strategically placed foundation holes, less concrete is required on the job resulting in a significant cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Cave
  • Patent number: 8024906
    Abstract: A bracket for use in retro-fitting metal clad buildings to facilitate attachment of new roof or wall panels of any desired profile, directly over existing ribbed or fluted panels of various configurations. Commonly known in the trades as a sub purlin or sub girt. Generally a one piece Z shaped metal bracket with a substantially vertical web between opposed top and bottom flanges in a parallel plane. The bottom flange and adjacent lower portion of the web contain a series of notches that allow the bracket to nest onto and over existing ribbed roof or wall panels. The top flange is automatically in position, lying flat and continuous, to receive and attach the new panels thereto. An ant-roll tab further connects the web to the existing roof panel. The solid portion of lower flange is preferred to be positioned directly above the underlying substructural support system members of the existing building to assure a structurally sound attachment of bracket to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Roof Hugger, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale G. Nelson, Duane V. McConnohie
  • Patent number: 8024907
    Abstract: A panel comprising: a frame member (70) defining a periphery of said panel; a first wall (77) retained by the frame (70) and a second wall (79) opposing said first wall (77) and together with the first wall (77) defining an internal space (73, 74) of the panel; the panel further comprising at least one intermediate wall (78) disposed in said internal space intermediate the first (77) and second walls (79) and which creates a first space (73) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said first wall (77) and a second space (74) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said second wall (79); characterized in that the frame includes respective abutment surfaces (80, 81, 82) which receive and retain respective first, second and intermediate walls wherein; the intermediate wall (78) insulates said first wall (77) from said second wall (79).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ross Campbell McKinlay, Murray Christian Pickford
  • Patent number: 8024908
    Abstract: A pultruded utility structure is presented. The pultruded utility structure are pultruded or extruded in a pre-determined shape, in plural colors, is environmentally safe, aesthetic pleasing and resistant to damage from weather, animals, insects and resistant to corrosion. The pultruded utility structure includes utility pole, a lighting pole, a structural support, an architectural design element (interior or exterior), a marine dock element or a fencing element, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Donald S. Williams