Patents Issued in April 17, 2012
  • Patent number: 8156675
    Abstract: A magazine for a firearm may include a cavity that is shaped to prevent the tip of the bullets in the cartridges from contacting the magazine when the firearm recoils. The magazine may also be configured so that the cartridges in the magazine exit the cavity at least approximately in the center of the magazine. The magazine may be configured to include a biasing mechanism that pushes the cartridges upward in the cavity. The biasing mechanism may be configured to allow the magazine to be compact, simple, and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Browning
    Inventor: Marcus A. Heath
  • Patent number: 8156676
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using a rear pistol handle on a rifle with a rapidly extendable and height adjustable monopod for enhancing stability and shot accuracy, where the monopod is retracted and concealed inside the rear grip handle when not used, and supports and stabilizes the firearm when the monopod is extended. A spring biased button can be depressed to allow for springs on top of retracted telescoping cylinders to spread apart and extend out from beneath a grip handle on the rifle. The invention can be used to create a triangulation configuration effect when used with a forward bipod, such as a forward grip bipod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Moody
  • Patent number: 8156677
    Abstract: Assemblies and firearms incorporating such assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative firearm includes an elongate removable backstrap selectively mountable to a grip of the firearm such that, when mounted thereto, an effective size of the grip is increased. A pin used for mounting the backstrap can also secure a trigger mechanism housing to the receiver of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Gaston Glock
  • Patent number: 8156678
    Abstract: A detachable rail platform adaptable for selective and secure mounting to a weapon's rear iron sight assembly, the rear iron sight assembly having a sight base and a sight guard. The detachable rail platform includes a body having forward and rearward portions. The body further includes a rail portion and is positionable to envelop the rear iron sight assembly. A first clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight base at a predetermined position. A second clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight guard. Upon engagement of the first and second clamp assemblies to the sight base and the sight guard respectively, the rail platform is selectively and securely mounted to the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Trail Hoel, Trent Warncke
  • Patent number: 8156679
    Abstract: An accessory module is installed between a weapon accessory (optical sighting device) and its corresponding mounting interface. The accessory module includes a body having a lower surface which is configured and arranged to mate with the corresponding upper surface of the mounting interface and an upper surface that includes a seat that is configured and arranged to conform to and receive the outer surface of the weapon accessory. The accessory module includes electronic accessories, such as for example, a flashlight configured to emit visible white light, colored light and/or infrared light. Further, the accessory module may include laser devices therein such as a laser sight, an infrared laser for night vision targeting, or a laser range finder device. The accessory module may also be configured to include a taser and/or a compact video camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 8156680
    Abstract: A mounting system includes an electronic device, a support plate, and a scope ring. The electronic device has a bottom surface. The support plate is engaged with the bottom surface and has a first mounting rail extending along a first side. The scope ring has a first clamp for coupling to the first mounting rail and a second clamp for surrounding the scope thereby attaching the electronic device to the scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8156681
    Abstract: A novel quick release fishing rod holder, the fishing rod holder is a base portion forming a longitudinal tube having a curved entry thereinto; and a split-arm fishing rod retainer assembly, including a split-barrel portion formed of a cooperating pair of opposing semi-tubular walls split along a longitudinal opening therebetween, and a torque restraint mechanism operable between the opposing semi-tubular walls adjacent to opposing ends thereof, and a split-leg portion sized to be received into the tube of the base portion through the curved entry thereinto, wherein the split-leg portion includes a pair of legs each having one of the semi-tubular walls of the split-barrel portion positioned at a distal end thereof, and a curved insertion portion cooperating with the curved entry into the tube of the base portion. A biasing mechanism is positioned for biasing apart the walls of the split-barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8156682
    Abstract: A frog lure device imitating life-like swimming action. The device has a diving “collar” disposed around an upper region of the lure body which causes the lure body to dive. Concurrent with the diving action, the lure has a kicking action such when given a single pull followed by a rest, the frog lure responds by diving from a surface region of the water to a depth beneath the surface region, straightening its legs as it moves forward and as the lure comes to rest, the legs retract. The collar forms a trail of bubbles and a vortex behind it. The pair of legs has a suitable length to not become trapped in the vortex, such that the legs straighten out to cause a kicking action and also provide stability to the lure as it accelerates through the water. The frog lure device can also be crawled across surface vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Larry J. Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 8156683
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting and signaling the activation of a spring-loaded rat trap located at a remote location. The system includes a wireless transmitter mounted inside a transmitter unit upon which a spring loaded rat trap is placed. When a rat is caught by the trap, the rat drags the trap over the top surface of the transmitter unit causing activation of one or more switches located on the top surface. The switch is coupled to the wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a wireless receiving unit located in the vicinity. Coupled to the receiving unit is a light or sound alarm that is activated when a signal is received from the transmitter unit indicating that the trap has been moved over the transmitter unit. The system may be used with one or more transmitter units so that system may be used to monitor rat infestation one or multiple locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: David Slotnick
  • Patent number: 8156684
    Abstract: A pest control bait station having separated bait reservoirs for holding different kinds of bait. The bait station has raised regions with pest access apertures. Each aperture is aligned with at least a portion of a pest conveyance structure extending from the base walls of the reservoirs, providing a space for the pest to enter and exit the bait station. The bait in each reservoir is prevented from contacting bait in any other reservoir. At least one reservoir may contain a liquid bait, and at least one reservoir may contain a dry bait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nisus Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kirkland, Tracy D. Malone, Janet L. Kintz-Early
  • Patent number: 8156685
    Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sunvention International GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Kleinwaechter
  • Patent number: 8156686
    Abstract: A method for bioactive treatment of biological material from a plant source by exposure to one or more electromagnetic pulses are described. The biological material is in a target irradiation area. At least one electric pulse is generated. At least one electromagnetic pulse is then generated responsive to the at least one electric pulse. The at least one electromagnetic pulse generated to have parameters in common with that of natural lightning's electromagnetic pulses. The biological material is irradiated with the at least one electromagnetic pulse for bioactivation of the biological material for enhancement of the one or more growth characteristics thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Volodymyr Zrodnikov
  • Patent number: 8156687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals or plant lines for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions. A method of the present invention is a method of evaluating multiple plant individuals for deep rooting property under the same culture medium moisture conditions, by planting multiple plant individuals together in a sufficiently deep culture vessel and lowering the culture medium moisture content gradually. The present invention also provides a method for evaluating plants for deep rooting property, wherein a culture vessel is installed in a water tank so that the culture medium moisture content can be readily adjusted, and thus management of cultivation conditions is facile and efficient. It is possible to select a plant which can grow in dry and low-groundwater level environment efficiently, by using the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Ichiro Oka, Masakazu Kashihara
  • Patent number: 8156688
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a clip and frame assembly for a louvre window, including a frame with a frame channel and a clip rotatably coupled to the frame, the clip having at least one channel on its back surface adapted to direct water along a flow path to an aperture in the frame channel. The invention extends to a pairing of adjacent clips wherein one or more channels in an upper clip direct water into a channel in a lower clip which is, in turn, directed into the frame channel. Preferably, the clip includes four channels on the back surface with each channel in fluid communication with at least one other channel either in the same clip or in an adjacent clip. The invention extends to a channel being formed in a recess adapted to receive an edge of a louvre plate wherein water in this channel is also directed into the frame channel through an aligned aperture. Further embodiments of the invention may include one or more channels which discharge water outwardly of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Preference Manufacturing (Aust) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Kok Boon Tan
  • Patent number: 8156689
    Abstract: A large-capacity booth for the treatment, in particular for the spraying and/or drying, of workpieces, in particular motor vehicles, rail vehicles, aircraft or watercraft, having at least two opposite booth walls and one booth ceiling is described. The booth walls each have at least two vertical supports composed of open sectional elements, which are connected to one another via wall elements. The booth ceiling has at least two lattice beams extending in a planar manner in the vertical direction and composed essentially of open sectional elements. The lattice beams connect mutually opposite supports of the booth walls in such a way that the booth walls and the booth ceiling stabilize one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventor: Rainer Benzinger
  • Patent number: 8156690
    Abstract: An enclosed structure includes a base perimeter structure with a plurality of base plates, an exterior wall structure and a roof structure. The exterior wall structure includes a plurality of sidewall panels. The roof structure includes a plurality of roof panels. The enclosed structure has a substantially enclosed interior structure space. The enclosed structure can be prepared using plastic molding methods and may be used as a temporary emergency structure, such as a temporary emergency dwelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LRM Industries International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Higley
  • Patent number: 8156691
    Abstract: Modular building structures and methods of forming such structures are disclosed. A modular building structure may include a plurality of walls, a ceiling and a landing. The plurality of walls may include a front wall. The ceiling may be positioned at a top portion of each of the plurality of walls and may have a top surface. The landing may be connected to the ceiling by one or more pin assemblies. The one or more pin assemblies are configured to enable the landing to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. An upper surface of the landing may be adjacent to a top surface of the ceiling when the landing is in the retracted position. The landing may extend from the front wall when the landing is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: New Enterprise Stone and Line Co., Inc
    Inventors: Russell George Dickson, Gregory James Gorman
  • Patent number: 8156692
    Abstract: An endwall overhang is provided for a building which may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Saurey, Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 8156693
    Abstract: A wildlife deterrent for a utility support structure member between two conductors includes a bracket for attachment to the supporting member, a center support piece with a variable height arm connector, and two adjustable arms pivotally attached to the arm connector. No tools are required for the adjustments or attachments. Since the effective lengths of the support and arms are adjustable, either by elongation or using different length parts, the same angle of the arms can be achieved no matter what the separation between the conductors, and the gap between the arms and the conductor can be optimal for both deterrence and flashover prevention. The different pieces forming the deterrent can be selected by the lineman to quickly build an optimal deterrent in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8156694
    Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Knight, III, William E. Kugler
  • Patent number: 8156695
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Anchor Systems (Europe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8156696
    Abstract: Isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Worksafe Technologies
    Inventors: Don A. Hubbard, Gil A. Moreno, Kemeny A. Zoltan
  • Patent number: 8156697
    Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sunlink Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland
  • Patent number: 8156698
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for window blast protection. The system includes a first material, which is either elastomeric or non-elastomeric, which is bonded to a second material, which is elastomeric when the first material is non-elastomeric, and is non-elastomeric when the first material is elastomeric. The system also includes a cover for protecting the materials, where the cover releases the materials in response to the pressure impact of an explosive blast. The second material is anchored to the inside of the cover. When the system is in use, the system further includes a bonding agent for bonding the first material to a film attached to the inner surface of the window and an anchoring means for anchoring the outside of the cover to a frame or wall surrounding the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: James D. Colton, Gary R. Greenfield, Paul Zuanich
  • Patent number: 8156699
    Abstract: An improved vision panel provides a nail in retention method for holding half the panel in place during installation using inwardly extending retention arms that also provide threaded fasteners for attaching the halves of the frame together about the door, support for the glass pane, and when used with special fasteners having partially non-threaded shanks, a compression limiting spring biasing of the frame elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jack C. LaSee
  • Patent number: 8156700
    Abstract: An assembly for sealing such as a rooftop which can include at least one type of projecting conduit such as a projecting pipe or an HVAC duct. A plurality of thermoformed membranes are provided in sheet form and are configured for applying over an exterior of the rooftop. The membranes are heat welded to one another along overlapping edges. A further plurality of membranes are configured for applying about an extending length of the conduit and are likewise being directly heat welded to one another along overlapping edges. A boot shaped membrane is applied over and directly welded to an interfacing location established between a proximate rooftop membrane and a further conduit wrapped membrane, such that the assembly provides a sectionalized and continuous vapor barrier across the roof and conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Umlor
  • Patent number: 8156701
    Abstract: A floor support has: a first elastic member that is disposed on a floor slab, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; a supporting member supported on the first elastic member, and extending in a direction opposite the floor slab; a flooring material supported on the supporting member, and disposed with a gap between the flooring material and the floor slab; a second elastic member that is supported by the first elastic member, the supporting member or the flooring material at a supporting surface inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; and a mass body supported at the second elastic member, and displaced by elastic deformation of the second elastic member, and damping vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Tsukada, Satoru Akutsu, Kenji Inaba
  • Patent number: 8156702
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof ceiling. The waterproof ceiling includes a hanger unit secured at an upper end thereof to an existing ceiling to support a load on a lower end. A carrying channel is connected to the lower end of the hanger unit so as to be at right angles with the hanger unit. A drain module bar is connected and secured to a predetermined portion on the carrying channel and forms a predetermined angle with the ground to create a flow passage for leaked water. A waterproof panel is fitted to each of both sides of the drain module bar, thus closing a space between drain module bars. A water collecting pipe is provided horizontally on an end of the drain module bar, thus collecting the leaked water and discharging the water to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Won Keol Kim
  • Patent number: 8156703
    Abstract: A PCM heat insulation blanket (10) is positioned in a wall structure of a building for modulating the transfer of heat to and from the controlled internal temperature of the building structure. The PCM heat insulation blanket includes an array of pods (12) with one group of pods 12A containing a first PCM and a second group of pods containing a second PCM 12B having a different phase change temperature than the first group of pods. The pods with different PCMs are substantially uniformly intermixed among each other. The pods are formed of laminated sheets, each of which may include a metal foil that is vapor impermeable and tends to maintain the PCMs in the blanket at approximately the same temperature, and which also functions to reflect radiant heat away from the temperature controlled internal space of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Robert J. Alderman
  • Patent number: 8156704
    Abstract: A bundle of laminated shingles is provided. The bundle includes a plurality of shingles having an overlay laminated with an underlay. The overlay has a tab portion with cutouts normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion. The headlap portion has a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent said lower zone. The lower zone has substantially no granules adhered thereto. The bundle defines a central area that substantially encompasses the lower zones of the stacked shingles. The shingles are stacked such that every other of the shingles is inverted and turned 180 degrees relative to an adjacent shingle. The shingles are double-layered, wherein the lack of granules in the lower zones of the stacked shingles results in the central area of the bundle having a height substantially identical to a height of a remainder of the bundle outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Belt, Bert W. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8156705
    Abstract: A groutless tile system including groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes a substrate, a durable surface disposed within a groove defined by the substrate, the durable surface having bottom surface, and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate. The first coupling member comprises a first bendable portion and a groove, the groove having an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom surface of the durable surface is substantially coplanar with a point between the upper and lower surfaces of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mohawk Carpet Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Alford, Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8156706
    Abstract: A metal truss comprises elongated top chord members connected to each other at their ends. A first elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members adjacent the free ends of the top chord members. A second elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members, or directly to the first bottom chord member via spacers, such that the second bottom chord member is spaced below the first bottom chord member. At least one web member is positioned between and interconnecting at least one top chord member and the first bottom chord member. One end of the web member is connected to the at least one top chord member and the other end of the web member is connected to the first bottom chord member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nucon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Moody, Courtney J. Hanson, Hamilton Lott
  • Patent number: 8156707
    Abstract: Structural members widely adaptable for use to build various composite structures and assemblies having horizontal and vertical supports, such as columns, beams and rails, are shown and described. The composite structural members include a longitudinal channel having a web and first and second legs. Each leg includes a plane that extends from a side of the web and is inclined relative to the web, and a cylinder is located at an edge of the leg that is spaced from the web. Various fittings can be used to engage at least one of the cylinders of the channel to fix the channel in position relative to a second, third and/or fourth channel to form the column, beam or rail. Further, select brackets can be used to attach together columns, beams and rails of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kundel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kundel, Sr., Robert Kundel, Jr., Richard A. Schley, Chris Welker
  • Patent number: 8156708
    Abstract: A system of gravel modules to be used atop a room or other enclosure in which there is a threat of explosion. Each module has a rigid metal box frame, which contains a two layers of gravel. The lower gravel layer is screen gravel, and a layer of graded gravel is above the screen gravel. The box frame has a lower and an upper criss-cross pattern of bridge cable. A stack of wire mesh and other supporting material is laid over the lower bridge cable to support the screen gravel, and more wire mesh is laid over the screen gravel to support the graded gravel. The depths and grades of gravel are selected according to the type potential explosion, in terms of explosive fragment sizes and the nature of any expanding gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas Z. Moore, Walter M. Gray
  • Patent number: 8156709
    Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Philip James Ions, Mark Hayton
  • Patent number: 8156710
    Abstract: A piece for flooring which includes a wear layer, a pattern layer, a base layer, and a backing layer. The base layer may be made of a mixture including ilmenite powder. About one third of the mixture may be ilmenite powder. The mixture may also include calcium carbonate, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is calcium carbonate. The mixture may further include polyvinylchloride, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is polyvinylchloride. The backing layer may include a plurality of devices which are hexagonally shaped, wherein the plurality of devices form a honeycomb structure which contacts a top floor surface when the piece is placed on the top floor surface. The backing layer may have a bottom surface including anti-slip backing film, which may be comprised of polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advance Vinyl Floor Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Chao Kang Pien
  • Patent number: 8156711
    Abstract: An internal stiffening member of varying configurations in which the stiffening elements support the skin using a compression-only load path is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the stiffening element has a peripheral edge that is adapted to be press fit into contact with the skin. The stiffening member may be held in place by various retention devices. Another configuration is a slip-in rib having a flange with a peripheral channel in which a filler material is disposed. The rib is inserted into an assembled structural box beam, and the filler material is used to fill any gaps between the slip-in rib and the interior surface of the structural box beam. The filler material is preferably an expandable material, such as an expandable foam-type material. However, in situations where a slip-in rib forms a primary structural rib, the filler material is preferably a structural adhesive or liquid shim material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Donn Hethcock, Rodney H. Jones
  • Patent number: 8156712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tower Reinforcement, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kopshever, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8156713
    Abstract: A water-soluble pouch suitable for use in machine dishwashing and which comprises a plurality of compartments in generally superposed or superposable relationship, each containing one or more detergent active or auxiliary components, and wherein the pouch has a volume of from about 5 to about 70 ml and a longitudinal/transverse aspect ratio in the range from about 2:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4. The water-soluble pouch allows for optimum delivery of dishwashing detergent. A process for the manufacture of multi-compartment pouches and a pack to contain the pouches are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Tanguy Marie Louis Alexandre Catlin, Rachid Ben Moussa, Timothy Bernard William Kroese, Charles Rupert Gillham, James Iain Kinloch, David John Smith, Alison Lesley Main, Helen Varley
  • Patent number: 8156714
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a beverage bottle treatment machine and a beverage bottle treatment machine in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.”The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Jan Münzer
  • Patent number: 8156715
    Abstract: A packaging for reams of cut paper involving tear tapes made of plastic or paper maternal inserted into the ream wrap. The tear tapes may be pulled to tear off and open one end of the wrapped ream, leaving the remaining packaging intact to serve as a storage and dispenser for partial reams of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Coating Excellence International LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Nowak, David W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8156716
    Abstract: Beverage bottling or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container labeling machine, and a beverage bottle or container labeling machine having a vacuum drum. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Lutz Deckert
  • Patent number: 8156717
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wrapping a stack (12, 13) of superposed sheets, brochures and/or folders with a wrapping sheet (15). The stack (13) is travelling in a first direction (4) on a first conveyor (2) defining a conveying path. A supply of wrapping sheets (14) is placed in line with the first conveyor (2). At the downstream end of the first conveyor (2) a rotating waver wheel (10) is arranged. This waver wheel pulls a top sheet (15) from the supply of wrapping sheets (14) and turns the wrapping sheet (15). Downstream of the first conveyor (2) a second conveyor (3) is provided defining a gap (5) between the first and second conveyors in which the wrapping sheet is inserted. As the stack (13) engages the wrapping sheet (15), the rotating waver wheel (10) folds the sheet around the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schur Packaging Systems A/S
    Inventor: Kristian Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 8156718
    Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Scalzo, Jerome A. Fischer, Stephen Rothenburger, Robert Cerwin, James R. McDivitt
  • Patent number: 8156719
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Matt M. Mate, Ronald Scott Thompson, Daniel Duane Schroeder, Mike Lee
  • Patent number: 8156720
    Abstract: A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadruz Daraie, Robert Sikorski
  • Patent number: 8156721
    Abstract: A transport indexing chain for a food-packaging machine is made of two different materials in order to provide the most optimal result of a drive chain that resists wear and tear and thus reduces elongation of the chain over time, and which also provides a drive indexing chain that resists bacterial infection. In order to satisfy the first objective of providing a chain that resists wear and elongation of the drive chain, the parts thereof that remain exposed to greasing or lubrication, and thus are resistant to rusting, are made of the same prior-art material of nickel-plated carbon steel. These parts are: The bushings, the rollers, and the pivot rods or pins. The remaining parts, namely the links or side plates and the clamping attachments, are made of stainless steel, whereby prevention of bacterial infection is substantially achieved without increased wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Moshe Epstein
  • Patent number: 8156722
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mower with a mower deck, a plurality of cutting chambers mutually communicated and arranged in a lateral direction within the mower deck, and a blade mounted in each cutting chamber to be rotatable about a vertical axis. A grass clippings guide in form of a vertical wall is disposed in an upper area within the cutting chamber, to guide the grass clippings flowing within the cutting chamber toward a center of rotation of the blade. A shield member is disposed for preventing entry of grass clippings between the grass clippings guide and a peripheral wall of the cutting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Sugio, Kazuo Sameshiima, Akira Minoura, Masatake Murakawa, Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Kazuo Koike, Masato Asahara, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Osami Fujiwara, Koji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8156723
    Abstract: An improved tine reel for a round baler pickup unit that allows tine position to be altered dependant of rotational position of the tine reel and the lateral position of the tine on the pickup. A plurality of tine bars are mounted on the tine reel, with separate tine bars provided for the centrally located tines and the outboard located tines. Separate cams control rotation of the centrally located inboard tine bars and the outwardly located outboard tine bars so that outboard tine position can be optimized without limitation by the inboard tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, David M. DeChristopher, W. Dale Hotaling
  • Patent number: 8156724
    Abstract: A combustion chamber is provided, including an inner casing with a sliding surface and an outer casing with a sliding wall portion. The sliding surface and the sliding wall portion are slidably attached to each other. A cooling hole is located in the sliding wall portion. The cooling hole is at least partially located in the sliding wall portion such that it opens due to a sliding movement of the sliding surface relative to the sliding wall portion when the inner casing thermally expands and/or closes due to a sliding movement of the sliding surface relative to the sliding wall portion when the inner casing thermally contracts. Moreover, a gas turbine including an inventive combustion chamber is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Glynn Milner