Patents Issued in January 8, 2013
  • Patent number: 8347532
    Abstract: A removable collar of flexible, absorbent material fits over the neck of a bottle. The collar absorbs liquids that drip from the bottle. The material is initially shaped as an isosceles trapezoid. The collar is formed into a truncated, generally conical shape by overlapping two opposing vertices at each end of the shorter parallel edge of the trapezoid to form a point at a lower end of the collar to produce the appearance of a “cravat.” A vertex at the longer edge of the trapezoid overlaps a portion of the shorter edge of the trapezoid and is secured to the overlapped portion at a single point. The generally conical collar has an upper opening that expands to allow the collar to pass around the enlarged flange near the top of the bottle. The upper opening snaps back to an original size to fit against the neck of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: K. Christian Johnson
  • Patent number: 8347533
    Abstract: Flexible indicia bearing labels are placed on armored electrical cable at spaced apart intervals while the cable is moving continuously from an armoring station to a takeup reel or accumulator. A label dispenser places labels in a U shaped recess of a body which is moveable toward engagement with the cable. Opposed rollers fold one edge of the label over into engagement with the surface of the cable and the other edge of the label over onto itself in overlapping relationship. The cable is passed through a heat tunnel to shrink the labels into tight engagement with the cable. A controller monitors movement of the cable and controls actuators for applying and folding labels onto the cable at spaced apart intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: William K. Hardin, Richard R. Miller, Henry L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8347534
    Abstract: A display apparatus (20) includes a blower (44) which provides a pressurized flow of air to lower air inlet openings of tubular nozzles (35) which protrude upwardly from a collection platform (21) to thus propel lightweight beads (56) from an upper bead discharge opening of a bore (41) through each nozzle into arc-shaped trajectories which simulate flowing water. Each nozzle (35) has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart openings (58) through the cylindrical wall (57) of the nozzle, adjacent to the platform, for drawing into the bore of the nozzle by a venturi effect beads (56) which have fallen onto the platform. One or more illumination sources (63) spaced radially apart from the nozzles (35) illuminate the airborne beads (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Iraldo F. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8347535
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display and method of making thereof that can comprise comprising fragmenting a first image into a plurality of individual first image fragments, fragmenting a second image into a plurality of individual second image fragments, and positioning the first image fragments and the second image fragments at locations and at orientations in a three dimensional space to form a display having the first image visible when the display is viewed in one direction, the second image visible when the display is viewed in a different direction, and neither the first image nor the second image visible when the display is viewed in other directions. The invention also envisions a kit for making a display and a method for making an advertisement where two images can be viewed from two directions and not from any other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas L. Cohlmia
  • Patent number: 8347536
    Abstract: A display device includes a panel that is mountable to a vertical wall, and a leaf assembly comprised of a stack of like shaped leaves that are bundled together and connected to the panel, and a plurality of magnets that enable the leaves to be magnetically held in one or the other side of the panel but be manipulated by a user with one hand, in a flipping manner, thereby freeing the user's other hand to perform tasks related to use of the display device. The panel includes a slot through which rearward end portions of the leaves are passed and bundled by compression plates, thus leaving the connection arrangement hidden from view and aesthetically pleasing. In an arrangement, a frame is provided about the panel to guide and support, at least in part, the lower edges of the leaf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Sadowski
  • Patent number: 8347537
    Abstract: A label tag cord made of plastic material is used as a connector between the label tag and the product, or as an independent identifier. The label tag cord includes a linearly extending and pliable cord body. First and second positioning parts are configured at opposite ends of the cord body. The preset area between the first and second positioning part form an extended block area having width and thickness larger than the cord diameter. The extended block area correspondingly defines a first surface or second surface, at least one of which forms an identifying surface. The extended surface can provide text and image layout. A display unit has a surface containing protruding or concaving parts or paste area. The text and image display unit can be a trademark, pattern, or image. The label tag cord can help to produce brand value, increase advertising effect, and enhance product value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Che Huang
  • Patent number: 8347538
    Abstract: A firearm apparatus to be worn on the user's forearm generally having a firearm body that includes a magazine pack and a power source box that extend on opposite sides of the firearm body for supporting the firearm on the wearer's forearm. The combination of a base surface of the gun body with the magazine pack and the power source box further defines an open sleeve that conforms to the wearer's forearm with first and second fastener material straps for securing the user's forearm for operation of the firearm apparatus. The gun body has an electrical wire that is electrically connected to the firearm's internal triggering assembly and the firearm's external triggering means. The electrical wire includes a first connect and a second connect such that the firearm apparatus is operable by touching the first connect with the second connect in order to complete the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Jacob Hayden
  • Patent number: 8347539
    Abstract: A weapon safety apparatus comprising a sleeve comprising a cavity portion open to receive a trigger portion of a weapon and free of any structures that impede movement of the trigger. The sleeve further comprises a body portion comprising at least one closed portion preventing access to a trigger of the weapon. The sleeve is shaped to provide access to all loading or unloading components of the weapon. The cavity portion of the sleeve may be further open to receive a handle of the weapon. A method for loading and unloading a weapon using the above weapon safety apparatuses is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Marksman Shepherd LLC
    Inventor: Michael Leo Burns, III
  • Patent number: 8347540
    Abstract: A handguard system for connecting an accessory to a firearm has a tubular body having a bore size to closely receive the body of the barrel nut. The tubular body has a tapered wedge portion that defines a gap therein. There may be a tapered clamp element adapted to fit over the wedge. The clamp element may be operable to squeeze the gap as the clamp element is pushed onto the wedge. The squeezing of the gap is operable to clamp the tubular body to the body of the barrel nut. The tubular body and the body of the barrel nut may each include a mating feature that prevents longitudinal movement of the tubular body while the mating features are engaged. The tubular body and the upper receiver may each include a mating feature that prevents rotational movement of the tubular body while the mating features are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Sirois
  • Patent number: 8347541
    Abstract: A power supply system for a firearm including a plurality of leads disposed in a rail for providing power to an electric firearm accessory attached thereto and an electric firearm accessory including connectors for electrically connecting to leads disposed in a rail on which the accessory is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wolf Pac Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: John Thompson
  • Patent number: 8347542
    Abstract: A cover for a firearm is disclosed. The firearm cover is shaped to complement the bottom of an upper portion of a two piece receiver. The firearm cover may be pinned to the bottom of an AR-15® upper receiver and may cover a bottom opening and/or a rear opening when in place. When secured in place, the firearm cover may capture a bolt carrier within an inner cavity of the upper receiver. Additionally, the firearm cover will protect the inner cavity, keeping dust, debris, and moisture out of the upper receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Wayne Rich
  • Patent number: 8347543
    Abstract: Measurement of the deviation of a laser beam from a straight line, where the laser beam is of a type which causes thermal blooming, is used to determine the integrated effect which wind will have on an article traveling through airspace, for example, to enable an adjustment in the aim point of the article. The invention includes correcting the aim point of a gun firing a projectile, correcting the flight path of an aircraft, and correcting the path of a watercraft. The invention includes a method and means for measuring the flow of fluid in a conduit or as a free mass, for purposes other than adjusting the path of a projectile or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: David C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8347544
    Abstract: A dampening device for absorbing shock waves and dissipating harmonic vibration generated by a firearm includes a body, a clamping assembly configured to releasably clamp the body to the firearm, and a dampening structure disposed within a cavity formed in the body. The cavity has opposing fixed end walls, and the dampening structure is captivated between the opposing fixed end walls of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard E. Swan
  • Patent number: 8347545
    Abstract: A support supports a decoy device in an elevated position above the support with a post. The support comprises a platform member with a front edge and an opposite rear edge with longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The platform member has top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes between the front and rear edges and the longitudinal sides. The front edge has a width dimension less than the width dimension of the rear edge. The front edge is generally pointed in cross-section. The platform member is formed from a material with sufficient buoyancy to allow the support to substantially float in the water with the decoy device mounted thereto. The platform member top surface has a mount adapted to receive the post of the decoy device. The platform member has a tether connector. The method of using the support is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney Ivie
  • Patent number: 8347546
    Abstract: A telescopic outrigger for use with fishing vessels. The outrigger of the instant invention has multiple tubes that are circular in shape and each include a means for securing to an adjoining tube and locking in a position relative thereto. The circular shape allowing for ease of sealing the connecting components from the elements. An internal locking mechanism for positive interlocking of adjoining tubes can be accessed externally for ease of servicing. The extension of the adjoining tubes by the locking mechanism allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a deployment position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rupp Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Rupp
  • Patent number: 8347547
    Abstract: The invention provides a fishing device adapted to carry a plurality of fishing lures. The fishing device includes a winged section having a support shaft guide which slideably engages onto a wire support shaft equipped with a winged section retaining eyelet. Depending upon the slideable position of the support guide in relation to the winged section retaining eyelet, the winged section may be retained and collapsed about the wire support shaft in a stowable form or allowed to radially expand to a fishing lure position. The winged section and the support shaft are adapted to carry a plurality of fishing lures dimensionally triangulated along different planes of carriage travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Dean J. Houdek
  • Patent number: 8347548
    Abstract: A counterbalanced fishing hook having an eye oriented at an angle to the shank. A weight is mounted to the eye and shank in a position to counterbalance the weight of the hook when a line is connected to the eye and the hook is suspended underwater. In a second embodiment, the shank has a horizontal straight portion and a portion that is bent at an angle with the curved portion and the barb oriented in a plane parallel to and displaced from the plane of a straight shank portion. The second embodiment employs a flat weight that is oriented parallel to the plane of the curved portion and the barb for holding the barb above the bottom of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Betts Tackle, Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Couch
  • Patent number: 8347549
    Abstract: The present application discloses a device for attracting and capturing flying insects, and a method for attracting and capturing flying insects. The device and method use at least one electrically-powered airflow generator and an electrically-powered heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Emma A Durand, Michael J Palombo
  • Patent number: 8347550
    Abstract: The present invention comprises greenhouse comprising a frame provided with columns and with parallel, equally spaced girders supported by said columns, as well as a roof supported by said columns and with at least one wall, said greenhouse comprising a screen device along the roof, which screen device comprises a number of screens, a screen (1) being connected, via first connecting means, to a girder on a first longitudinal side and being connected, via second connecting means, to a front bar (2) extending parallel to the girders on a second longitudinal side opposite said first longitudinal side, which front bar is movable in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction between an open position and a closed position, said second connecting means comprising a lace element (3) connected to the screen near a longitudinal edge of the screen and a lace chamber (4) associated with the front bar, which lace chamber extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front bar, in which lace element is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Peter Dekker Installaties B.V.
    Inventor: Rene Cornelis Johannes De Koning
  • Patent number: 8347551
    Abstract: Method of protecting a germinating seed treated with a pesticide comprising placing one or more pesticide-containing particles next to a pesticide-treated seed, wherein the amount of pesticide is such that the pesticide-treated seed and the pesticide-containing particles together contain an Effective Dose of the pesticide and the pesticide dose contained in the pesticide-treated seed is less than or equal to the Maximal Non-Phytotoxic Dose of the pesticide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Syngenta Crop Protection LLC
    Inventor: Eric Van Der Drift
  • Patent number: 8347552
    Abstract: An excess water control device for a potted plant provides a pot having a side wall, bottom wall, interior, open top, and one or more openings in the bottom wall. A soil mass is contained within the pot interior, occupying the pot interior with a growing plant. One or more wicking feet support the pot, each foot extending from a position below the pot to the pot interior and the contained soil medium. Each foot can be of a larger diameter lower section upon which the pot rests and a smaller diameter upper section that engages the soil mass inside the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Johnny Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 8347553
    Abstract: An arrangement comprises a housing, in particular of a cooling and/or freezing device, a door which is articulated to the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis of a hinge, and at least one drive device for pivoting the door relative to the housing, with the drive device comprising a drive unit by means of which a moment is exertable on the door relative to the hinge axis via at least one force transmission means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignees: SUSPA GmbH, Liebherr-Hausgeraete Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Hecht, Dietmar Blersch, Armin Pfister, Florian Stephan, Jens Scharg, Markus Kegel, Herbert Müller
  • Patent number: 8347554
    Abstract: A hinge enabling a plurality of hold-stay members to automatically lock when the door is fully open, increasing the durability of the hinge, and enabling easy release of the hold-stay members. A hinge includes a one-side hinge plate, a plurality of opposing-side hinge plate portions provided along the lengthwise direction of the hinge plate and supported by it, and an open-angle limiting mechanism for stopping, at a specific angle, opening movement of the opposing-side hinge plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Ryoji Uto, Takahiro Goto
  • Patent number: 8347555
    Abstract: A safety fence includes a door unit, a locking unit mounted on the door unit, a switching mechanism mounted on the door unit and connected with the locking unit, and a positioning and restoring unit mounted on the door unit. The door unit includes a first rail, a second rail and a door. Thus, when the door unit is not opened to reach the predetermined angle, the door is driven by the positioning and restoring unit and is returned and moved backward relative to the first rail to abut the second rail so that the door is locked onto the second rail by the locking unit so as to close the door unit automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Owen Chen
  • Patent number: 8347556
    Abstract: A spectator venue having a performance area and spectator area is disclosed. The spectator area is generally divided into to portions, a stationary seating area and a dynamic seating area, both of which overlook the performance area. In the performance area, a spectator event occurs, such as a sports game or music concert. In the dynamic seating area, a plurality of seats are provided on a series of dynamic seating platforms. The dynamic seating platforms move along a track to various viewing locations during the course of the spectator event to provide multiple vantage points of the performance area from each seat. The distance and timing of movement of the dynamic seating platforms is based on various criteria, including occurrences during the spectator event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas R. Stelmaszek, Shin Takeda
  • Patent number: 8347557
    Abstract: A gutter hanger having a mounting portion to be secured to a building frame and a support portion to engage a gutter in an operative position on the building frame. The mounting portion has first and second legs joined together to define an upwardly opening “U” shape to receive a depending flashing portion with the mounting portion secured to a building frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Minor, Sr., Keith W. Minor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8347558
    Abstract: An under deck drainage system for use with a deck. The system includes at least one starter strip mounted to one or more joists of the deck, a plurality of clips coupled with the starter strip, where the clips are slidable along the starter strip. The system further includes an elongate channel member coupled with at least one of the plurality of clips, and the elongate channel member has at least one channel therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Whitten
  • Patent number: 8347559
    Abstract: A structure for outdoor marquees, pergolas and the like, of the type that comprises at least one supporting post with a substantially vertical arrangement, which is associated with at least one beam which can have an even slightly inclined arrangement. The beam comprises two mutually opposite profiles having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the first profile, which is superimposed on the second profile and faces it, accommodating elements for moving a marquee associated with the structure, the second profile constituting a path for collecting rainwater that drains off the marquee in order to convey it to a drainage path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Corradi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Grazioso
  • Patent number: 8347560
    Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Modular Container Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Janos B. Gyory, Istvan Gyory
  • Patent number: 8347561
    Abstract: A domed structure (500) comprises a plurality of struts (505) of equal or a reduced number of differing lengths. The struts are held in place by hubs (510, 515, 1400). In one aspect, a first hub secures the ends of inserted struts at a constant distance from its center, while other hubs secure the ends of inserted struts at predetermined distances from their centers. The differences between the various predetermined distances is the difference in strut lengths required by the design of the structure. Thus all struts are of equal length and identical, or a reduced number of lengths, resulting in an economy of scale and ease of construction. A cover can be added after the structure is built. Alternatively, the hubs can be sewn into a fabric or plastic cover for further ease of construction. The struts can be glued in place, or removed from the hubs to disassemble the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Robert H. Howe
  • Patent number: 8347562
    Abstract: A radiant barrier rafter vent defining an elongate radiant heat reflective panel formed from a sheet of aluminum or other heat reflective material having longitudinal creases that permit compressing the panel a selected amount in a direction transverse to its length and panel strengthening spaced apart formations on the remainder of the panel. The panel have a high reflectivity and are installable in various buildings between the rafters or roof supports spaced apart from the roof and optionally coated with a sound absorbing material or include small perforations therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin D. Morris, Adam D. Morris
  • Patent number: 8347563
    Abstract: A telescopic boom broadly comprises an elongated hollow outer boom, an elongated inner boom telescopically received within the outer boom, and a guidance structure for guiding the inner boom for telescopic movement is provided. The guidance structure includes a plurality of guide rails attached to the interior corners of the outer boom, a first roller assembly attached to one end of the inner boom, a second roller assembly attached to one end of the outer boom, and a mid roller assembly positioned proximal to the second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a plurality of wheels mounted on axles for engaging the guide rails. The second roller assembly includes roller bars positioned on opposed sides of one end of the outer boom for guiding the inner boom during telescopic movement. The mid roller assembly includes a third roller bar that engages guide rails positioned on the inner boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ed Anderson
  • Patent number: 8347564
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plate-shaped solar panel including a plurality of solar cells arranged on same plane; a plate-shaped cell protection member that covers the plural solar cells that are arranged on the same plane; and a surface protection member that is bonded onto a top surface of the cell protection member; an outer frame that supports a circumference of the solar panel; and a brace having rigidity against bending and that supports a center area of a back surface of the solar panel in such a manner that both ends of the brace are joined to each of two opposed positions of the outer frame. An initial tension is provided to the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Echizenya, Hiroo Sakamoto, Keiichiro Utsunomiya, Hiromichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 8347565
    Abstract: The edge fixtures are designed to clip at least two edges of at least one solar panel and corner fixtures are designed to clip to each corner of at least one solar panel. These fixtures can be made by casting mold that can use materials of aluminum or aluminum alloys, or made by injection molding using plastic materials. The examples show the edge fixtures and the corner fixtures having flexible features to fix or install on any desired angle surface with various supporting members such as frame members and cross brace members which can be shaped as polygon or use angle aluminum or angle aluminum alloy or angle iron or angle steel etc. These fixtures and supporting members can be installed on the ground or attached to additional structures such as roofs of buildings etc. for residential, commercial and industrial users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Min Carroll
  • Patent number: 8347566
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a mullion to a transom, each having a T-shaped metal profile fastened to the end face thereof in order to accommodate panes of glass, wherein the mullion is connected to the transom by means of a main connecting device and reinforcing means are provided to increase the stability of the mullion/transom connection, is characterized in that the reinforcing means is a reinforcing plate having the following features: a base-plate portion with fastening holes for fastening to the end face of the mullion, said mullion having a recess corresponding to the size and thickness of the base-plate portion, wherein the recess is open laterally, and two tongues bent in parallel to the plane of the base-plate portion, extending at a distance to one another and provided with fastening holes, said tongues engaging over the projecting T-shaped metal profile of the transom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Friedrich Knapp
  • Patent number: 8347567
    Abstract: A water barrier trim has a base, a top flange, and an overhang section. The base has at least one ridge extending away from the base in a first direction and a projection extending in the first direction. The top flange section is positionable adjacent to the base. The overhang section is positionable adjacent to the base and defines a drip cap. The at least one ridge is sized and configured to rest on a top of a trim board. The projection is sized and configured to fit into a slot defined in the top of the trim board to provide an interference connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: AZEK Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Nolan, Michael A. Dotsey
  • Patent number: 8347568
    Abstract: A building panel mounting system comprising a rail attachment strap, a rail, a rail attachment profile and a building panel. The rail attachment strap is connectable to a support structure, extends along a longitudinal axis and includes one or more rail support brackets. The rail is connected to the rail support bracket and extends in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The rail attachment profile has an engagement formation removably connected to the rail. The building panel is connected to the rail attachment profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Stonelake Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Maurice Lake
  • Patent number: 8347569
    Abstract: A self-leveling structural element in a non-progressive attachment system, a U-shaped retentive clip having a base and two upwardly extending arms that are forced apart by the installation of a self-drilling screw, the novel retentive clip with screw coacting with an extruded frame to mount and retain a plurality of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels in a coplanar manner, to form an Aluminum Composite Cladding System, for a non-progressive system that enables removal of individual panels for replacement or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: J. Andrew McIntyre, Peter J. Desantis
  • Patent number: 8347570
    Abstract: A crown molding fastener has a connector portion connected to a mount portion. The mount portion has a tail connected to a foot. The foot is connected such as by adhering and/or anchoring to a rear side of crown molding. The connector portion has a base connected to at least one of a wall and a ceiling. The connector portion connects to a clamp. The clamp receives the tail there through and upon pulling the tail a desired amount, a tension is applied between the foot and the clamp such as by providing a resilient tail and/or a spring member between the base and the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Jim Shupe, David Shupp
  • Patent number: 8347571
    Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Morton Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Fehr, Wayne A. Knepp, Paul Remmele
  • Patent number: 8347572
    Abstract: A lightweight beam may have a triangular prism core and a triaxial fabric cover wrapped around the core, with at least one rod proximate an apex of the core. The rod may extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the core. Multiple lightweight beams may be joined to form a larger lightweight structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Piedmont
  • Patent number: 8347573
    Abstract: A board comprised of a wood structure having a first surface, a second surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and opposing ends. Sound attenuating elements embedded within the wood structure and stiffening elements positioned within the wood structure to coincide with the location of floor joist to which the board will be secured. The boards further forming a ceiling/floor structure by laying a single set of the boards adjacent to each other and securing them to the floor joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Spencer Stanhope
  • Patent number: 8347574
    Abstract: A system for transferring loads across a joint between cast-in-place slabs, more particularly at crossover point of a joint between cast-in-place slabs, includes at least one dowel plate and joint elements and includes elements or abutments for limiting the relative movements of the dowel plate towards the joint elements along three orthogonal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Plakabeton S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Michiels
  • Patent number: 8347575
    Abstract: An acoustical flooring underlayment for placement between a subfloor and a finished floor, includes a mat having an upper surface, an opposite lower surface and including a plurality of corrugations creating a plurality of depressions in the upper surface. A layer of foam is applied to the upper surface and constructed and arranged to fill the depressions for creating a generally planar top surface configured for accommodating the finished floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Lance William Bierwirth
  • Patent number: 8347576
    Abstract: A single ply mechanically embossed roofing membrane in a roll form for use in commercial applications on flat and low pitched roofs. The roofing membrane preferably includes a scrim or reinforcement sheet sandwiched between a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is completely embossed with various configurations forming alternating ridges and valleys. The embossed roofing membrane improves roll blocking upon installation. The embossed roofing membrane can be installed by fully adhering or mechanically attaching to the roof deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Ying Yang, Edward Nebesnak, William P. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8347577
    Abstract: An eco-friendly wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels, horizontal joints and panel clips which are all fabricated from the same sheet of material. For example, the panels may initially be fabricated from the phenolic sheets. After the maximum quantity of panels has been fabricated from any one sheet, the remaining portion of the phenolic sheet may be used to fabricate the horizontal runners and the panel clips which may be smaller than the panels. As such, as much of the phenolic sheet is being used to fabricate the system. Hence, the process and the product are both eco-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Charbel Tannious Aboukhalil
  • Patent number: 8347578
    Abstract: An assembly, and method for constructing the assembly, to aid in the proper installation of shingles by providing panels of shingles and assembly guides that when followed, result in the installation of shingles that meet keyway width requirements, keyway alignment requirements, provide an aesthetically pleasing distribution of the shingles, and provides adequate ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan J. Kirkey
  • Patent number: 8347579
    Abstract: A semi-butterfly connecting clamp and a building steel framework joint structure are mainly used for connection of a building steel framework. The connecting clamp includes a bearing plate, two L-shaped self-locking blocks, and two clamp wings provided at two ends of the bearing plate, respectively. Each of the clamp wings is integrally formed by a pre-tightening plate and a self-locking fastening plate. A groove is provided at an end of the self-locking fastening plate near the bearing plate. A wedge-shaped piece, having an inclined upper surface and a locking bolt hole, is placed on the self-locking fastening plate at a position near the groove. The retaining distance of the connecting clamp can be conveniently adjusted according to the size of the retained vertical column, and it can weaken the destruction action of the applied outside force on the building steel framework when the outside force acts on the connecting clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Deli New Technology Of Steel Structure Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiuming Gan
  • Patent number: 8347580
    Abstract: An improved structural member includes a pair of top flanges each extending along the member's length in a separated and opposed co-planar fashion, and a pair of similarly separated and opposed co-planar bottom flanges also extending throughout the member's length. At least two web members connect the lowermost surfaces of the top flanges to the uppermost surfaces of the bottom flanges, and at least one leg member connects these web members together and holds them in a spaced-apart relationship. The invention also includes cooperatively configured components for connecting the inventive structural members together in end-to-end and perpendicular relationships, and also strengthening members which may be added to or removed from the structural members, as needed. Additionally, components for attaching the structural members to other mechanisms and to conventional accessories are provided, so that a modular beam and scaffold system is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory L. Beeche
  • Patent number: 8347581
    Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in joining together a masonry wall structure and a supporting back wall structure wherein the back wall structure is preferably formed using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks each having a pair of opposed ICF panels associated therewith, the anchor assembly including an anchor member and a tie member. The anchor member includes an anchor portion adapted to penetrate one of the ICF panels and having at least one opening associated therewith so as to lie between the opposed ICF panels when attached thereto for allowing poured concrete to flow therethrough, and an attachment portion having a tab member positioned and located to overlay an ICF panel flange member when the anchor member is inserted within the ICF panel, the tab member being attachable to the ICF panel flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Reward Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Doerr, Henry E. Pfeiffer