Patents Issued in February 7, 2012
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Patent number: 8109005Abstract: The dual-globe level comprises at least one indicator located on a body. The body defines front and rear faces, a pair of opposing ends, and at least one longitudinal surface. The at least one indicator comprises an inner vessel located within an outer vessel, and more preferably, a substantially spherical inner globe located within an outer globe and buoyantly supported within the outer globe. The inner globe, viewable through the outer globe and defining an equator around its outer periphery, is buoyantly biased within to maintain the equator in a substantially horizontal position. The equator is in operable registry relation with a first indicia to indicate a position of the at least one longitudinal surface of the body in relation to a surface or line in question located adjacent thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Robert B. Hudson, Walter J. Sedlacek, Sajid Patel
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Patent number: 8109006Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
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Patent number: 8109007Abstract: A method for sensing an object profile shape involves relatively sweeping (whisking or translating) in angular or translational increments an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding along an object periphery. The moment (torque) at a base region of the whisker element as a result of the bending is determined. The method then iteratively determines successive contact point locations on the object periphery based on small successive increments in angle or position of the whisker element and the sensed moment (torque).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Joseph H. Solomon, Mitra J. Hartmann, Christopher L. Schroeder
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Patent number: 8109008Abstract: A device and method for determining the length of an object. The device includes a height rod assembly with a uniform marker row and a non-uniform marker row detected by sensors to determine the location of the height rod assembly which is translated to the height or length of the measured object. The uniform marker row includes uniform markers of equal length spaced apart by a uniform length. The non-uniform marker row is divided into equal sections, each section including a non-uniform marker with a unique length adjacent to a non-uniform spacing with a unique length. Upon startup, a controller determines the location of the height rod assembly within a set distance of movement regardless of the position of the height rod assembly. The height rod assembly is telescoping rod assembly including sensors, uniform marker row, and non-uniform marker row for each height rod section.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Pelstar, LLCInventors: Stephen Niemczak, Jerome Montgomery, Jr., Anthony Harvey, Harrison Yuan
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Patent number: 8109009Abstract: A rotating drum in an oven is sealed against hot gas and air transfer. An annular outer seal holder has an L shaped cross section. A first end of the holder is connected to the oven. A second end is a radial flange. A backing plate has first and second sections. The first section has an inward extending guide. The second section has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the guide portion. Bolts hold the backing plate and the seal retainer segments assembled on the flange. A cylindrical space between the radially guide portion of the backing plate and the seal retainer segments receives radially outwardly extending holder plates of segmental inner sealing elements. Partially cylindrical plates welded to the holder plates engage a drum wear plate. Leaf springs are connected to the seal retainer segments. Inner edges pressing the cylindrical plates radially inward.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Jerry R. Collette, Warren E. Kelm
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Patent number: 8109010Abstract: The present invention provides a method for drying an applied film formed by applying an application liquid containing an organic solvent to a traveling long support medium, wherein the temperature Tb of the long support medium before application is not less than 2° C. lower than the temperature Tc of the application liquid and the wind velocity in the vicinity of the applied film after application is not more than 0.5 m/s, thereby the applied film is dried uniformly in the initial drying of the applied film.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Nobuo Hamamoto
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Patent number: 8109011Abstract: A bulkhead structure for a clothes dryer has a generally cylindrical outer wall that fits within an open end of the clothes dryer drum to define a junction. The bulkhead has two side wall portions facing into the drum on opposing sides of a bulkhead access opening. Each of the side wall portions has a recess extending from the bulkhead access opening towards the cylindrical outer wall. The recess has a concave curvature terminating in an outer deflection wall inwardly spaced from the cylindrical outer wall. The recess and the outer deflection cause clothing contacting the recess and moving towards the dryer drum to be swept away from the junction.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mabe Canada, Inc.Inventor: Gabriel Prajescu
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Patent number: 8109012Abstract: An article of footwear configured to drain water away from a foot wearing the article of footwear includes a plurality of drainage holes positioned between ribs formed on the sole. The drainage holes are formed along a centerline of the sole. The drainage holes are substantially vertical channels formed entirely through the sole. The ribs include raised center portions disposed at or near the inlets to the drainage holes to lift the foot away from the drainage holes.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Sarantakos, Thomas Simshaw
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Patent number: 8109013Abstract: A protective cover device for a skate boot comprises a panel member including a central portion spanning part of the skate tongue and two side portions extending outwardly and downwardly from the central portion to span towards respective inner and outer sides of the skate. Anchor members at the outer side anchor the panel member to the skate boot using apertures which receive portions of the skate laces therethrough. The anchor members at the outer side also form hinges onto which the panel member is pivotally coupled for selectively providing access to the laces for fastening. An anchor member at the inner side comprises a strap which is selectively fastened to a mating fastener on a bottom side of the skate boot.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Lawrence B. Parrott
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Patent number: 8109014Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Tensegrity Technologies, Inc.Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Michael S. Latterman, Sue Ann Latterman
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Patent number: 8109015Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for cycling, comprising a sole and a vamp in which is identified a heel area having a rear part from which extend respective walls juxtaposed and spaced for bilaterally encircling the heel of the user; in the heel area it comprises a pair of presser arms extending like a pincer, each behind the corresponding vamp wall at an upper part thereof, distal with respect to the sole, and located normally above the heel of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Sidi Sport S.r.l.Inventor: Dino Signori
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Patent number: 8109016Abstract: An adjustable golf spike assembly for a golf shoe includes a receptacle fixedly attached to the sole of the golf shoe. The receptacle defines an octagonal recess and an octagonal, externally threaded post disposed within the recess. A cleat includes an oversized gripping portion for providing traction and an attachment portion extending from the gripping portion. The attachment portion has an octagonal outer surface to match and engage with the octagonal recess and an octagonal threaded recess for engaging with the threads of the receptacle. Rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle longitudinally moves the gripping portion relative to the receptacle. Engagement between the upper portion of the cleat and the receptacle provides for discrete rotational positioning of the cleat relative to the receptacle to position and hold the cleat a desired distance from the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: David B. Keough
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Patent number: 8109017Abstract: A steaming system (100) comprises a steam generator (120), a removable water tank (130) for holding and supplying water to the steam generator (120); and a dosing device (140) for supplying an amount of a water treatment agent to the water tank (130). The dosing device is configured to be triggered by a movement of the water tank (130) relative to the steam generator (120).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Lanying Ji, Keng Chye Jimmy Ong, Asok Kumar Kasevan, Yong Jiang
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Patent number: 8109018Abstract: An iron tote includes a soleplate rest, an iron seat, a cord guide, and a wall stand. The soleplate rest defines a soleplate resting surface for the soleplate of an associated iron. The iron seat connects with and projects generally forwardly from the soleplate rest. The iron seat defines a heel resting surface oriented generally normal with respect to the soleplate resting surface. The cord guide connects with the soleplate rest above the iron seat. The cord guide can have a contoured contact surface along which an electrical cord of the associated iron rides during operation of the iron. The wall stand connects with and projects generally rearwardly from the soleplate rest. A method of operating an iron and a kit are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Scott Maurer
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Patent number: 8109019Abstract: A flip-chart comprising at least two sheets bound by a linear attachment spine. The spine is positioned at a substantially vertical angle. The sheets are releasably securable to the spine and to optionally to a chart cover by means of support pegs. The sheets are adapted for writing on both sides thereon, and each sheet is removable from the pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: C. Robert Logue
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Patent number: 8109020Abstract: An illuminated sign that includes a base configured to face a front direction and configured to be placed in a first orientation and a second orientation when the base faces the front direction. A first character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between a first position facing the front direction and a second position facing the front direction. A second character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between the first position facing the front direction and the second position facing the front direction. A rotation mechanism is configured to enable at least one of the first character and the second character to rotate between the first and the second positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Everbrite, LLCInventors: Chad Boyles, Beth Donnelly, Robert Mathson
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Patent number: 8109021Abstract: A wrap around, self laminating wristband comprises a substantially transparent laminate strap with an imaging area for receiving printed information and one or more layers of adhesive adjacent the imaging area so that as the strap is wrapped around itself to overlie the imaging area it laminates it. Alternate embodiments provide for a snap closure to secure the wristband instead of adhesive, forming the imaging area with a coating of a thermally sensitive or active print material, adding one or more labels for common use with the wristband, forming the wristband in a page of multiple wristbands or with labels or separately, forming the wristband as part of a printer processable business form, and providing the wristband forms either with or without labels in a continuous fan fold or roll format.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Laser Band, LLCInventors: Sanjay K. Jain, Mark Greer
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Patent number: 8109022Abstract: A device includes a housing defining a first opening, and a casing fixed within the housing defining a second opening opposite to the first opening. The device also includes a sliding member slidably received in the casing, and a stand pivotally connected to the sliding member including an end received in the first opening. A retaining member is slidably connected to the casing to magnetically attract the sliding member to retain the sliding member at a predetermined position. An ejection mechanism is arranged within the casing to be pushed by the retaining member to push the sliding member to move the end out of the first opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wei Wu, Xin Yang
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Patent number: 8109023Abstract: A shot counter includes a firearm with a loaded chamber indicator and a striker status indicator. A first switch operates with the loaded chamber indicator and a second switch operates with the striker status indicator. When the loaded chamber indicator moves it activates the first switch and when the striker status indicator moves it activates the second switch. If one of the first and second switches is activated, an electrical signal is sent to a processor and the processor interprets the electrical signal as an indication that a shot has been fired. If the electrical signal is from the first switch, the processor actually counts a number of cartridges going in and out of a chamber of the firearm, and if the electrical signal is from the second switch, the processor actually counts a number of times the firearm was cocked.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Dov Pikielny
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Patent number: 8109024Abstract: A trigger activated switch for a firearm is disclosed. The switch comprises a Hall-effect sensor configured to be mounted in the housing or frame of the firearm, and a magnet disposed on a retractable member coupled to the trigger of the gun. The trigger comprises a firing module rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position. The retractable member is moveably coupled to the firing module and articulates between a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module. The Hall-effect sensor is attached to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. Motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor, which then activates an auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Terrill Abst
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Patent number: 8109025Abstract: A fire control assembly for a firearm includes a trigger engagement link comprising a forward end, a rearward end, and an intermediate portion. The fire control assembly further includes a sear including a bottom portion engageable with the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link, and a hammer moveable between cocked and firing positions. The hammer includes a link displacement portion operable to displace the forward end of the trigger engagement link as the hammer is moved from its firing position to its cocked position. The displacement of the forward end of the trigger engagement link by the link displacement portion of the hammer disengages the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link from the bottom portion of the sear so as to at least temporarily deactivate the fire control assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Stone
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Patent number: 8109026Abstract: A folding stock assembly for firearms such as rifles and shotguns. The stock is made of metal rod that has been bent to form laterally spaced left and right elongated arm members that have rear ends connected to the top end of a U-shaped shoulder rest portion. The front end of the respective elongated arm members are pivotally connected to the rear end of a neck portion extending rearwardly from the upper end of the handgrip. There is structure in the interior of the end cap for locking the elongated arm members in either its static storage position or its rearward functional deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: James K. Bentley, Thomas M. Gregory, Robert A. Kincaid, Birten L. Todd
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Patent number: 8109027Abstract: A weapon support pad comprising a pad comprising a fastening mechanism to attach to the forend of a weapon, such as a rifle to provide support and absorb unwanted vibrations, among other advantages. The pad may be quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the weapon. A variety of fastening mechanisms may be utilized, including the hook-and-loop.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: S.O. Tech Special Operations Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James Victor Cragg
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Patent number: 8109028Abstract: A gun mount for use in sighting-in long guns having or not having a large bottom feed, clip magazine, belt, drum or other bottom loaded ammunition feed system includes a base to be mounted on a table top or other suitable surface and that supports a rotatably mounted gun holder on which a long gun is placed. The gun holder allows the gun barrel to be adjustably fixed in each of a horizontal and vertical position. An aligned sight picture is set into the gun sights and is maintained or reset after the gun is fired by shock absorbers that keep recoil shock from changing the sight settings, or return the gun to the position at which the sights have been set.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Kent S. Roberts, Brent Roberts
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Patent number: 8109029Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Horus Vision, LLCInventors: Dennis J. Sammut, Dickinson Buell, Lawrence Chao
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Patent number: 8109030Abstract: An aiming device is provided. The aiming device includes an erector tube assembly, a moving plate and a crosshair. The moving plate, disposed on the erector tube assembly, is movable along a direction. The crosshair is disposed on the moving plate. When the moving plate moves, the crosshair moves with the moving plate along the direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventor: Min-Hung Wang
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Patent number: 8109031Abstract: The electronic sight includes a base, an optical window, a point light source, a photomask and a low-reflective layer. The optical window is disposed on a first end of the base. The point light source, disposed on a second end of the base, provides a lightbeam. The photomask is disposed between the point light source and the optical window, and the low-reflective layer is formed thereon. The lightbeam passes through the photomask along a first direction, hits the optical window, and is reflected toward a second direction by the optical window. The method for manufacturing the electronic sight includes: providing a base; providing an optical window disposed on a first end of the base; providing a point light source disposed on a second end of the base; providing a photomask; forming a low-reflective layer on the photomask; and positioning the photomask between the point light source and the optical window.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Chia-Chi Tang, Chen-Yeh Lin
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Patent number: 8109032Abstract: An accessory holder including a housing for holding an accessory and a switching mechanism operable independently from at least two locations on the holder for actuating an accessory in the housing. In particular, the accessory holder can be mounted on a T-grip.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Sagi Faifer
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Patent number: 8109033Abstract: An improved automatic precision baiting apparatus for use with long line fishing gear, the apparatus having a baiter housing, a magazine, a hook rail extension, a hook orientation means, a baiting area, a bait moving means for moving bait to the baiting area, and a bait cutting means; where an unbaited fish hook is drawn off the magazine, over the hook rail extension, and into the hook orienting means of the apparatus where it is positioned in anticipation of being baited; and where an uncut piece of bait is fed into the baiting area of the apparatus by the bait moving means and cut by the bait cutting means to the appropriate size, then held in the baiting area of the apparatus until engaged by a hook.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: M. David Allyn
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Patent number: 8109034Abstract: The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) is ideal for an anchor fishing technique that can be used on a dock, pier or jetty. The two reel surf rod (FIG. A) can be used in a normal fashion, if desired, with the removal of the retrieval reel (FIG. A3). The addition of a second reel seat (FIG. A4) to a regular surf rod improves and increases the function of a regular surf rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Jake Frank McCauley
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Patent number: 8109035Abstract: A mosquito control trap taking advantage of the normal stages of development for a mosquito. The trap including stagnant water trapped within a container by a weeping platform floating on top of the water. A series of holes in the weeping platform provide exposure of the water to form brood cups in which female mosquitoes lay eggs. In order to develop through the larva and pupa stage the developing insects must enter the larger reservoir of stagnant water, since there is insufficient room in the brood cups. However, the holes are too small to permit escape of the adult mosquito, thus preventing any of the eggs from developing. This device provides a means for controlling mosquitoes without the use of pesticides and is especially suitable for use in lesser developing countries.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Wake Forest University Health SciencesInventors: Robert Lee Bowden, Timothy Edward Bowden
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Patent number: 8109036Abstract: A chamber has upper end and lower ends. A base has an annular trough receiving and supporting the lower end of the chamber. When water is within the trough, air flowing through slots in the lower end of the chamber becomes moisture laden. A fan in the chamber directs the air flow in a recirculating path of travel. A carbon dioxide tank in the chamber dispenses carbon dioxide into the recirculating path of travel of the air flow. A solenoid has an input line coupling the tank and the solenoid and an output line with an exterior extent with apertures and a foam covering constituting a reservoir. A control assembly activates and inactivates the fan and the carbon dioxide tank in a timed sequence.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Alvin D. Wilbanks
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Patent number: 8109037Abstract: A combined sealing system for connecting a first panel to a frame includes a first, second, and third active sealing systems. The first active sealing system engages a sill rail of the first panel with a sill of the frame. The second active sealing system engages a meeting rail of the first panel with a meeting rail of a second panel within the frame. The third active sealing system engages a stile rail of the sash with a jamb of the frame. Upon the first panel being in a closed position relative to the frame, each of the first, second, and third active sealing systems having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Secura-Seal Technologies LLCInventors: William Kip Speyer, Jonathan D. Thielmann, Don S. Solerno
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Patent number: 8109038Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Yale Security Inc.Inventors: Blue Houser, Sidney J. Lampley, Robert Tadlock, Tom Harris, John Presley, Jeff Schoener, Lana Kirkpatrick
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Patent number: 8109039Abstract: A unit support for a motor vehicle door includes at least one longitudinally extended guide rail of a motor vehicle window lifter arranged on the unit support, which extends between a first and a second end portion and on which a drive element serving to receive a window pane to be adjusted along an adjusting path of the guide rail defined by guide surfaces is movably guided. A hollow body is integrally formed on the unit support in the region of at least one end portion of the guide rail. The hollow body extends the guide surfaces of the guide rail serving to guide the drive element, defining the adjusting path and/or a deflection element is provided on the hollow body for deflecting a flexible traction means of the window lifter, in order to increase the length of travel of the motor vehicle window lifter in the direction of extension of the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Harald Krüger, Olaf Kriese, Martin Schlechtriemen
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Patent number: 8109040Abstract: A linear drive arrangement for a sliding door includes a guide track, a stator arrangement which is fixed with respect to the guide track, a guide carriage to which a door leaf can be fixed for movement parallel to the guide track, and a plurality of permanent magnets fixed to the carriage so that the carriage can be suspended by magnetic forces between the stator and the magnets. A pair of supporting rollers support the carriage on the guide track when the carriage is not fully suspended by the magnetic forces, particularly at the beginning and end of movement of the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Andreas Finke
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Patent number: 8109041Abstract: A powered device for a vehicle sliding member includes a base member, a shaft rotatably supported on the base member, a drive source, a speed reduction mechanism, an output drum rotatably supported on the base member through the shaft, a clutch mechanism which includes a rotor rotatably and coaxially disposed on the shaft, a generally cylindrical field core disposed on the rotor, and an armature which is disposed on the shaft so as to be rotatable about and moveable in an axial direction of the shaft, a first stop which limits axial displacement of the rotor relative to the shaft, and a second stop which limits axial displacement of the field core relative to the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act CorporationInventor: Shinichiro Kita
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Patent number: 8109042Abstract: Methods for varying seal force in active seal assemblies for doors employ active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active materials actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, or a combination of modulus and shape in response to an activation signal. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Geoffrey P. McKnight, Cameron Massey, William Barvosa-Carter, Christopher P. Henry, Guillermo A. Herrera, Andrew C. Keefe, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 8109043Abstract: This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Marvin R. Blumberg
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Patent number: 8109044Abstract: An outdoor shower enclosure that may include a roof and a base frame having a plurality of metal structural members that are connected together to define a peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting plates. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support posts may be provided that extend between the mounting plates and the roof. In some cases, the support posts may be spaced apart approximately equidistant from each other along the peripheral edge. The shower enclosure may include a plurality of vinyl wall panels disposed between the posts. In some cases, a vinyl floor panel could be carried by the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Digger Specialties, Inc.Inventor: Loren R. Graber
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Patent number: 8109045Abstract: An improved building foundation form system that includes an integral drain and a spacer bar with engagement lugs at each end adapted to engage a T-shaped engagement channel formed in each of the form surfaces of the inner and outer forms.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Nationwide Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Kliefoth, E. Erik Timothy
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Patent number: 8109046Abstract: A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Scott Nordhoff, Ingrid J. Nordhoff
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Patent number: 8109047Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
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Patent number: 8109048Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 8109049Abstract: A solar battery module device includes a solar cell module formed by arranging a plurality of solar battery cells; a rack-shaped frame having a substantially rectangular shape supporting an outer-edge portion of the solar cell module by surrounding a whole periphery of the outer-edge portion; and a reinforcing frame that is bridged over between two opposite sides of the rack-shaped frame by forming a predetermined gap between the reinforcing frame and a back surface of the solar cell module, and supports the solar cell module by being brought into contact with the back surface of the solar cell module when the solar cell module is bent. The reinforcing frame is engaged with engagement notches formed on the back surface of the rack-shaped frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Suganuma, Shinsuke Miyamoto, Naoki Ito, Hiroyoshi Takikawa, Issei Suzuki
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Patent number: 8109050Abstract: A floor including a flooring plate and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: University of Notre Dame Du LacInventor: Timothy C. Ovaert
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Patent number: 8109051Abstract: An aftermarket application to improve the insulating properties of an existing window using vessels filled with nanotechnology insulating materials. Application does not impede users' ability to see through while minimizing heat transfer allowed through the window. The vessels can be customized by contractors and engineers to control range and direction of vision that viewers from the inside and outside can see.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Robert James Showers
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Patent number: 8109052Abstract: A fenestration construction member includes a monolithic frame having a front surface, a rear surface, and peripheral wall extending between the front and rear surfaces. The peripheral wall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. The inward facing surface of the peripheral wall defining a through opening into which is positionable a window assembly in sealing contact with the inward facing surface. The monolithic frame further having a sill pan flange extending continuously around the interior facing surface in a direction inwardly therefrom. The monolithic frame further having a fastening flange extending in a direction outwardly from the outward facing surface. The monolithic frame being positionable in a wall frame having a rough opening defined by a sill, a header and a pair vertical jambs extending therebetween with the peripheral wall extending into the rough opening and with the fastening flange abutting an exterior surface of the wall frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: The Molding Depot, Inc.Inventors: John Leonard Rosende, Leonard Rosende, Jr., Christopher Ryan Rosende
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Patent number: 8109053Abstract: A welded door frame assembly including a hinge jamb joined to a lock jamb via a frame head jamb, all of which are joined with existing studs and an existing wall. The hinge jamb has a bottom end and a top end and includes a door side base, a door contact flange, and a non-door side trim attachment track including one or more fastener holes. A hinge jamb trim piece includes a connector portion configured to be removably retained within the non-door side trim attachment track and is adapted to cover the non-door side trim attachment track, any fastener holes, and any fasteners. Both the lock jamb and frame head jamb include a door side base, a door contact flange, and a connection flange including one or more fastener holes. A lock jamb or frame head jamb trim piece covers the connection flange, any fastener holes, and any fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Assa Abloy Door Group, LLCInventor: M. Stephen Smith
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Patent number: 8109054Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a construction fastener configured to secure a utility box in a specified position within a wall. The construction fastener includes a front portion, a center portion, and an end portion. The end portion and center portion of the fastener are inserted through the utility box, with part of the end portion extending beyond the back surface of the utility box. The front portion thus rests across a front surface of the utility box. The end portion is secured against the back surface of the utility box and the position of the utility box within the wall is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Devin K. Thomas, Tricia A. Thomas, Ryan D. Ohlwiler