Patents Issued in June 12, 2012
  • Patent number: 8196323
    Abstract: A wristband assembly comprising a wristband strap, an adhesive positioned on the strap, and a liner assembly. The liner assembly includes a liner having a releasable portion in releasable contact with the adhesive, and an affixed portion secured to the wristband strap (e.g., by a bonding agent spaced from the adhesive). The releasable portion is spaced from the affixed portion. Preferably, the liner assembly further includes a release layer (e.g., comprising silicone) on the releasable portion and not on the affixed portion. In one embodiment, the release layer includes an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion, and bonding agent is spaced from the edge. In another embodiment, the liner includes a perforated portion between the affixed portion and the releasable portion (e.g., substantially at an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Artemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan M. Waltersdorf
  • Patent number: 8196324
    Abstract: A layered assembly includes a first adhesive layer and a protective top layer affixed permanently on all sides to the first adhesive layer. The assembly also includes a first image layer onserted between the first adhesive layer and the protective top layer, wherein the protective top layer is provided over the first image layer and at least a portion of the protective top layer can be removed to reveal the first image layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Action Wobble Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Sullivan, Jeffrey Stanley Samson, Robert F. Morton
  • Patent number: 8196325
    Abstract: A thin, graphic support assembly comprising an elongated base rail and an elongated cover rail which come together around a board to form four sides of a frame. A spring mechanism is fully captured after the base rail and cover rail are assembled together, and the angle and position of the spring channel allows the hinge location to be at the top/outer edge of the frame. The elongated base rail and elongated cover rail can be oriented in a parallel relationship when closed for capturing a display panel or a perpendicular relationship when open for inserting or removing a display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rose Displays, Ltd
    Inventors: David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous, Rebecca C. Suciu, Paul P. Ellsworth, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 8196326
    Abstract: A multi-frame groove-mount wall system comprises a multiplicity of closed frame sections and a panel element. Each closed frame section has a frame opening and a plurality of interconnected frame members, each with a groove segment. The closed frame sections can be releasably coupled to form a multi-frame structure having an outer perimeter. The panel element has a flexible substrate portion, a periphery and a multiplicity of edge gasket segments disposed about the periphery. The panel element can be removably and tensionally affixed to the multi-frame structure such that the substrate portion is simultaneously disposed across the frame opening of each closed frame section by interengagement between a plurality of the edge gasket segments and a plurality of the groove segments that are proximate the outer perimeter, and none of the edge gasket segments are shared between a groove segment of one closed frame sections and a groove segment of another closed frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Moss, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Frey
  • Patent number: 8196327
    Abstract: A modular magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The tower and magazine body are modular and can be disconnected from each other. When disconnected, the tower can be paired with other magazine bodies. Also, the magazine body may be connected to other suitable towers. Different towers may allow a magazine to connect with a plurality of styles of firearm. Also, a plurality of styles of magazine may be used with a single firearm when connected to a suitable modular tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Wayne Rich
  • Patent number: 8196328
    Abstract: A compact and foldable survival tool includes a firearm including a trigger and safety lever with many unique features including a compact and folding survival tool with an easy-to-manufacture top strap, a rack and pinion hammer actuator, dual lasers for distress signaling and target and ranging sighting, reconfigurable multiple tools, contained child-safety lock system, folding trigger with safety lever, cam hammer lock, floating firing pin, and cylinder pin assembly positive cylinder lock, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald D. Simpkins
  • Patent number: 8196329
    Abstract: A weapon accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory, such as a light or laser sight, directly to the front sight base of a host weapon without requiring modification of the weapon. The system includes a bracket with a clamp member and a plank member. The clamp member has a generally C-shaped cross-section defined by a base portion disposed between two clamp arms. The C-shaped cross-section defines a channel extending along a sight base axis. The plank member has a rail portion for slidably mounting a weapon accessory, and at least one accessory engagement slot for latchable engagement by the accessory. The aim axis is generally perpendicular to the sight base axis. The system typically includes two detent elements disposed in the base portion for actuatable protrusion of a portion of the detent elements into the channel for providing a clamping force and adjustment of the rail pitch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley W. Mossie
  • Patent number: 8196330
    Abstract: A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a uniform level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Shane Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 8196331
    Abstract: An auto light intensity adjustment system is provided. The auto light intensity adjustment system includes a light sensing unit, a charge/discharge circuit, a comparator unit and a light source module. The light sensing unit outputs a sensing signal according to an ambient light intensity detected thereby. The charge/discharge circuit is coupled to the light sensing unit for receiving the sensing signal, and generating a voltage signal with regular variation periods according to the sensing signal. The comparator unit compares the voltage signal to a threshold value signal, and outputs a result signal accordingly. The light source module modifies a light intensity according to the result signal. The invention automatically controls the light intensity according to the ambient light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tung-Ching Chen, Shang-Yung Liang
  • Patent number: 8196332
    Abstract: A U-shaped mounting bracket is affixed around a rear iron sight housing. The mounting bracket includes a first and second bracket side that perpendicularly extend from the top bracket side. The first and second bracket sides are secured to the rear iron sight housing of a firearm by a hinge pin driven into the hinge pin holes in the mounting bracket and the rear iron sight housing. Bracket sides extend the top bracket side above the rear sight iron. Fasteners brace the bracket sides securely against the external surface of the rear iron sight housing. The top bracket side can receive a scope rail or the forward mount may have an integrated rail unit. The top bracket side has leveling set to align the attached scope or other sighting device with the axis on the bore of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Brenshok, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brentzel
  • Patent number: 8196333
    Abstract: A rail mountable diopter rear sight has a housing, a drum arm pivotably connected to the housing, a sight drum rotatably engaged with the drum arm, and elevation adjustment screw connected to the drum arm and the sight drum. The sight drum rotates on a common axis with the elevation adjustment screw. The sight drum threadedly engages a threaded portion of the elevation adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventors: David Brian Hopkins, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 8196334
    Abstract: A net-mouth inclined trawl-net apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame and a trawl net attached to the frame. The trawl net is formed of an upper net, a lower net, and a pair of side nets, and the trawl net has a shape formed of a body part of a quadrangular trapezoid shape. Each of the side nets attached to the frame has a longer side and a shorter side as an upper side and a lower side, and a side of each side net defining a net-mouth edge defines a side-net front edge inclination angle relative to a bottom side of an isosceles trapezoid having the shorter side of the side net as a side of the isosceles trapezoid, so that the frame autonomously maintains an inclination angle relative to the vertical axis due to a flow resistance and a lift acting on the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventors: Fuxiang Hu, Tadashi Tokai, Daisuke Shiode, Yoshioki Ozeki, Hiroshi Kubota
  • Patent number: 8196335
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, yet improved, spring-loaded fishing hook and bobber. The bobber includes a spring-loaded triggering apparatus attached to a light weight rod and floating device. The triggering apparatus is inertia-driven and activated when a fish swimming by attempts to bite on the lure. The fish activates the device by its movement away from the lure and pulls the spring free from its latch allowing the spring to activate and forces the hook into the fish's mouth. The quickness of the trigger does not allow the fish to avoid the hook and the forcefulness of the trigger means less fish can free themselves of the hook before being caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Francisco Flecha
  • Patent number: 8196336
    Abstract: An accessory for fishing lures of the type including strands of material camouflaging a hook is characterized by a disk formed of flexible material having a flat surface on one side and a tapered surface on the other side. The disk is positioned on the hook of the lure adjacent to a tying collar and extends the profile of the strands of material to provide a more realistic appearance of baitfish for the lure. With the flat surface of the disk adjacent to the tying collar of the lure, the profile of the strands is extended farther than when the disk is oriented with the tapered surface adjacent to the tying collar of the lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Oscar T. Nicholson, III
  • Patent number: 8196337
    Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish including a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends past the body. The fin member includes an attachment portion and a fin that has a non-planar configuration. The attachment portion is secured to a flat surface of the body. In one embodiment the fin extends forward and forms an obtuse angle relative to the attachment portion. In another embodiment the fin has two members disposed laterally on opposite sides of the body. The fins are blades that cause the body to spin or rotate when moved relative to the water. In yet another embodiment the fin extends forward and aft relative to the body, and the fin has openings for connecting lines and hooks, thereby replacing the eyelet of other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: David L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8196338
    Abstract: Fishing line stops are disclosed. Fishing line stops illustratively include a lid and a main body. The lid has inner and outer walls. The lid outer wall forms a portion of an outer surface of the fishing line stop. The lid inner wall has first and second surfaces. The lid inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a lid offset that runs perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The main body has inner and outer walls. The main body inner wall forms another portion of the outer surface of the fishing line stop. The main body inner wall has first and second surfaces. The main body inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a main body offset that runs perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick J. Kavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8196339
    Abstract: A rodent trap comprises a stiff U-shaped spring with long outstretched arms and wire half-noose that are normally closed tightly together. A folding spreader mechanism at the base of the U-shaped spring holds the long outstretched arms apart until a trigger allows the spreader to fold up. The folding spreader mechanism is prevented from extending over-center and locking like a knee joint as near the point of going over-center, a tiny force like a trigger keeps the folding spreader mechanism extended even against strong spring pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Dale F. Holderman
  • Patent number: 8196340
    Abstract: Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a based of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8196341
    Abstract: An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8196342
    Abstract: A termite control bait container includes an upper end portion opposite a lower end portion. The bait container includes a chamber containing a termite bait. The lower end portion includes an air-trapping pocket below at least a portion of the bait to reduce intrusion of water through the lower end portion when installed in a selected orientation at least partially below ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences, LLC
    Inventors: Mike P. Tolley, Phillip J. Howard, Joseph J. DeMark, Donald E. Williams, III
  • Patent number: 8196343
    Abstract: An annular live floral holder in combination with an elongated candlestick is provided. The candlestick in includes a base, an elongated support, a tubular candle holder and a flat-circular or dish-shaped member in coaxial alignment with the candle holder. The annular live floral holder is removably seated on the flat-circular of dish-shaped member. The floral holder has a central opening that permits a candle to pass through it. A circular water-retaining trough is formed on the floral holder. At least on water retaining foam member is arranged within the water retaining trough. Live cut floral members having stalks embedded in and supported by the at least one foam member. A foam member retaining apparatus is included for securing the at least one foam member within the water-retaining trough. Preferably, the floral holder also includes a wax dripping containment portion formed on the outside of the inner wall of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 8196344
    Abstract: A modular plant tower assembly includes a self-supporting vertical framework of rigid vertical supports defining a relatively large base, and extending inwardly and upwardly from the base to a smaller top of the vertical framework. At least one horizontal closed-end framework includes rigid horizontal supports. The horizontal supports are interconnected at their respective ends, and surround the vertical framework at a location intermediate the base and the top. At least one of the horizontal supports forms a lateral bridge connector. The bridge connector is adapted for connecting one end of a bridge frame to the plant tower assembly, and an opposite end of the bridge frame being connected to an adjacent like tower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Sharon Jane Roberts, Nancy Jean Roberts
  • Patent number: 8196345
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering condensed water obtained from a condensate disposal tube of an air conditioning system to a garden or lawn, the system features a main tube for fluidly connecting to the condensate disposal tube of the air conditioning system, the second end of the main tube is closed; a plurality of secondary tubes fluidly branching from the main tube; and a spike component fluidly attached on the second end of each secondary tube, the spike component has a pointed end for allowing a user to easily drive the spike component into the garden or lawn, the spike component comprises a valve system that can move between an open position and a closed, position to respectively allow and prevent the condensed water from exiting the spike component and flowing into the garden or lawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: S. Scott de Vries, Doris Dilella de Vries
  • Patent number: 8196346
    Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Patent number: 8196347
    Abstract: A process for controlling grapevine ripening comprises a step, to be implemented between the birth of the rachis (R) and harvesting of the bunch (G), in which rachis (R) supporting means (1) are applied, designed to at least counterbalance the weight of the flowers and fruit developing on the rachis (R), allowing the rachis (R) to grow according to its original direction. A piece of equipment for controlling grapevine ripening, in accordance with the above-mentioned process, comprises a structure (2) fixed to the ground and rachis (R) supporting means (1) which can be connected to the fixed structure (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Franco Ariano
  • Patent number: 8196348
    Abstract: A barrier or partition for the inside of a house having upper and lower barrier sections that are adjustable relative to each other such that the barrier as a whole is adjustable in height. The upper and lower barrier sections have paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. At least one pair of vertically extending support members have a pincher or pincher mechanism that squeezes upon one of the vertically extending support members to fix the vertically extending support members in a nonsliding fashion relative to each other. The barrier includes a gate that also includes upper and lower sections and paired vertically extending support members that slide relative to each other. Further upper and lower sections, with or without gates, may be laterally attached or detached to increase or decrease a length of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 8196349
    Abstract: The lifting window (15) has a windowpane (17) which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting device and which is guided here by two guide rails (24; 25). In the region of at least one side edge (19), the windowpane (17) is guided, at a point remote from the lifting device, only indirectly by the associated guide rail (24) by means of an adjusting device (38). The adjusting device (38) has a guide strip (39) which interacts with the associated guide rail (24). The guide strip (39) is guided by means of a guide device (41) so as to be moveable at least approximately perpendicularly to the windowpane (17). Said guide strip (39) can be adjusted relative to the windowpane (17) by means of an adjustment device (42) and can be fixed in the desired relative position by means of a fixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Richard Fritz GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Silvester Golub, Andreas Waser
  • Patent number: 8196350
    Abstract: A window regulator assembly is described that comprises a window bracket that is in contact with the bottom edge of the window; a cable; a carrier plate that is in contact with the window bracket and both ends of the cable; a tension spring located on each end of the cable; an upper bracket assembly; a drum housing having a cable drum; a hollow conduit located between the upper bracket assembly and the drum housing; and a drive unit. The upper bracket assembly, cable drum, and conduit are capable of slideably receiving the cable, while the tension springs provide a predetermined amount of tension to the cable in order for the window regulator assembly to move the window between open and closed positions. Many of the components of the window regulator assembly may be formed from a thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeki Arimoto, Takuma Ishida
  • Patent number: 8196351
    Abstract: A power feeding apparatus for a slidable structural body includes a link arm which is provided on one of the slidable structural body and a fixed structural body so as to be pivotally moved in a harness surplus length-absorbing direction of a wire harness, a harness holding member which is provided on a distal end side of the link arm so as to be pivotally moved in a harness pulling direction of the wire harness, and a harness fixing portion provided on the other of the slidable structural body and the fixed structural body, and wire harness is installed to extend from the harness holding member to the harness fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Aoki, Hiroshi Yamashita, Kazuhiro Tsuchida, Mitsunori Tsunoda, Tomoaki Nishimura, Motonari Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8196352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window lift system of a vehicle door with a first component, wherein the first component is designed for the fixation at a window, wherein the first component can be inserted with the window into a first position in the vehicle door, and with a second component, wherein the second component can be attached to the vehicle door in a detachable manner, wherein the second component is movable from the second position to the first position, and wherein the first component can be connected with the second component in the first position. In other aspects, the invention relates to a method for mounting of the lifter, a first component, and a second component. The invention further relates to a tool for mounting of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Mangold, Marko Hermann
  • Patent number: 8196353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding mechanism for sliding devices, especially leaves or doors. Said guiding mechanism comprises a profiled guide rail which is mounted on rolls or sliding elements and is optionally fitted with a superstructure. A stationary roll support and at least one movable roll support are provided. The movable roll support is moved into the operating position thereof substantially without producing a load moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ceta Elektromechanik GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Loidolt
  • Patent number: 8196354
    Abstract: A glass run for use in a motor vehicle, of which corner sections are readily manufactured with excellent sealing properties. A main body of each of straight sections and corner sections of the glass run has an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a bottom wall, which define a generally U-shaped cross-section, and an outer seal lip and an inner seal lip are respectively provided in the outer side wall and the inner side wall. The straight sections and the corner sections are joined to each other via joints, and the inner side wall is formed greater than the outer side wall. A sub-seal rib is provided to protrude outwardly from an exterior surface of the outer side wall of each of the corner sections so as to face a position in which an end of the outer seal lip contacts the outer side wall when the door glass contacts the outer seal lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Ota
  • Patent number: 8196355
    Abstract: A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. McCabe, Jeffery A. DeLonay, George H. Digman
  • Patent number: 8196356
    Abstract: The invention concerns a window assembly in a vehicle having a window pane that is fixed in a window frame that is also used for movable windows, and a method for mounting the fixed window pane in the window assembly. The method may include: mounting a window mounting assembly to a vehicle structure adjacent to the window opening; sliding the window pane into run channels of the vehicle window frame; mounting a lower edge of the window pane onto a peripheral support surface of a window support cam of the window mounting assembly; rotating a cam lobe of the window support cam into contact with the lower edge of the window pane until the window pane slides upward into a fully closed position; and locking the window support cam, against rotation allowing the window pane to lower, as the window pane is lifted into the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Randy C. Allen, David T. Renke, Obadiah Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8196357
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible barrier that is lightweight and can be easily transported and erected. The barrier includes a base, a top and an enclosed volume such as a diaphragm that can be expanded with a medium such as a gas or liquid to a desired shape. The expanded volume will act as a barrier. When a series of expanded barriers are connected, they will form a wall that can contain bulk materials or liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Nikos Mouyiaris
  • Patent number: 8196358
    Abstract: A wind turbine generator tower is configured by arranging and connecting a plurality of approximately cylindrical tower sections in their axial direction. Each of the tower sections includes an approximately cylindrical tower section main body, and a plurality of approximately flat-plate protruding parts that are formed so as to protrude along the axial direction at at least an axis-wise end portion of the tower section main body on an outer circumferential surface and/or an inner circumferential surface of the tower section main body. The plurality of tower sections are connected when the protruding parts of one of the tower sections and the protruding parts of another one of the tower sections are friction-jointed with fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 8196359
    Abstract: A wind turbine system for safe and reliable installation in a building. The Wind Turbine System generally includes of a tower pole having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower pole includes a wind turbine which extends through the roof through a hole. The lower end of the tower pole includes a tower base which is installed underground in the base of a building. The tower base may be anchored in the ground with a concrete footing. The tower pole is connected to a building support member by a clamp member. An anti-vibration ring surrounds the tower pole at its interface with the building support member to dampen vibrations. A tower-roof seal surrounds the interface between tower pole and roof at the hole. In this manner, wind power can be provided to a building without the use of guyed wires and without damaging the structure of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Home Energy Innovations, LLC.
    Inventors: Shugnang Jiang, John L. Walker, Meian Zhang
  • Patent number: 8196360
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular system that includes a composite tile, with or without integrated photovoltaic cells, a track system for assembly of the tiles to a structure, and a wiring system for the photovoltaic tile. The track and tiles are made of composite material. Molding and extrusion processes can be used for the manufacturing of the tile and track, including the integration of photovoltaic cells. The track lengths are fastened to the structure. The track and tile have mating features, such that the tile can be interlocked with the track. Adjacent tiles are installed with overlap. Photovoltaic cells can be molded into or assembled with the tile. A busbar or wire harness is assembled to the track. When the photovoltaic tile is interlocked with the track, the connectors of the photovoltaic cells engage the busbar or wiring harness to provide an electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: MSR Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Erich Christian Metten, Timothy James Roddick, Jason Leonard Scultety
  • Patent number: 8196361
    Abstract: A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen E. Ronsheim
  • Patent number: 8196362
    Abstract: Storage bin hatches typically have an opening surrounded by a rim and a cover having a flange that fits around the hatch opening rim. The apparatus, for opening and closing a storage bin hatch includes an elongated lift member fixed to a hatch cover and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is pivotably mounted to the storage bin roof adjacent to the storage bin hatch. The pivot assembly is moved by a first cable from the ground so that when the cable is pulled, the pivot assembly pivots and contacts the lift member and lifts the hatch cover to a raised position. By means of a second cable, an operator can pull the hatch cover to open the hatch. With a third cable, the operator can pull the hatch cover in the opposite direction to close the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Loyd Edmund Ratts
  • Patent number: 8196363
    Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The Muhler Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry M. Hay, Bruce Weber
  • Patent number: 8196364
    Abstract: Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel, a second drywall panel and a pliable hinge connecting the first drywall panel to the second drywall panel. The hinge allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to thereby enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. A flap extending from an edge of the drywall panel can also be included. The flap is designed to overlap a surface of an adjacent drywall panel abutted against the edge of the drywall panel and designed to affix the panel to a stud or other supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Moscovitch
  • Patent number: 8196365
    Abstract: A construction of an upright panel unit adapted for use in a wall with the panel units abutting end to end in which a pair of spaced facing sheet members on either side of the panel unit have vertical edge portions joined at each end of the panel unit by being sandwiched between an inner bracket member and an outer bracket member, with the outer bracket member having male and female arms engageable and disengageable with an outer bracket member of the end of an adjacent panel unit merely by respective movement of the panel units longitudinally relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventor: David Parshad
  • Patent number: 8196366
    Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer (3) forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels (1), a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel (1) includes at least one sound-absorbing layer (4) which is integrated into the floor panel (1) and is located between other layers of this floor panel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V. Besloten Vennootschap
    Inventors: Bernard Thiers, Peter Hochepied
  • Patent number: 8196367
    Abstract: A support bracket (10) for anchoring cladding tiles (40) to a support wall structure (54), the support bracket (10) comprising: a substantially elongated base plate portion (12) attachable to the support wall structure (54), the base plate portion (12) defining a base first end edge (20) and a substantially opposed base second end edge (18), the base plate portion (12) also defining a base first side (22) and a substantially opposed base second side (24); and a substantially elongated flange portion (30) extending from the base first side (14), the flange portion (30) having a substantially T-shaped lateral cross-section, the flange portion (30) defining a flange first end edge (64) and a substantially opposed flange second end edge (56), the flange portion (30) being substantially longitudinally offset relatively to the base plate portion (12) such that the flange portion (30) is protruding from the base first end edge (20) substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64); the base plate portion (12) an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Guy De Bray
  • Patent number: 8196368
    Abstract: A ductile seismic shear key construction including a concrete support, a concrete shear key supported on the concrete support, a generally vertical reinforcement bar in and extending between the concrete support and the concrete shear key and anchored in the concrete support, and an isolation key. The isolation key is in and at the base of the concrete support and adjacent the reinforcement bar. The bar can be one of the two legs of a downwardly-disposed U-shaped bar. The other leg, if present, is also in and extends between the concrete support and the shear key and is anchored in the concrete support; and a second isolation key is in the concrete support at the base thereof and adjacent the second leg. The bars can pass through through-holes in the isolation keys, particularly for an interior shear key construction. For an exterior shear key construction the bars can be disposed in notches of the isolation key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Majid Sarraf
  • Patent number: 8196369
    Abstract: A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Pao, Richard Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 8196370
    Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane foam material is employed as bonding agent and is applied to the facing surfaces of the masonry units. The single-component material cures by absorbing water from its environment. The material sets up slowly to permit the mason to adjust positions of the masonry blocks, and cures to hardness in about a day. The amine in the single component material exchanges water molecules from alumina in the masonry units, and permits strong alumina-amine bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Calmar Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Addison C. Scheckler
  • Patent number: 8196371
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap supply device having a simple and inexpensive structure and which is capable of supplying caps all directed in the same direction. The cap supply device includes: a receiving section 104 for receiving the caps 3; and a discharge unit 106 having an endless member 108 placed in the receiving section 104 and support members 109 provided at the endless member. The discharge unit 106 is configured to lift the caps upward and discharge the caps 3 from the receiving section 104 while the caps 3 are supported at the support members 109 with their openings directed to an opposite side of the endless member 108.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Patent number: 8196372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack, which includes at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like strap, the strap being spun about an outer surface of the PET containers in a horizontal manner, wherein an inner surface of the strap, which lies at the outer surfaces of the PET containers, is fixed at least at one junction with one of the PET containers. The strap is fixed at the junction by a material integrated bond in the form of at least one welded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Kurt Perl, Michael Hartl