Patents Issued in December 17, 2013
  • Patent number: 8607481
    Abstract: An attachment for a plow blade and the like typically, used for removal of snow or in earth grading and moving. The attachment provides a contoured surface engagement element for the blade edge allowing it to ride over protruding surface obstacles without direct damaging engagement therewith. The attachment is selectively secured along the length of the blade edge by mounting brackets having quick release and mounted threaded frictional engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Alec Lukasko
  • Patent number: 8607482
    Abstract: A plow assembly for attachment to a vehicle, the vehicle having a longitudinal axis, comprises a plow blade having first and second ends, a first plow wing pivotally mounted to the first end of the plow blade, a plow support adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, the plow blade being pivotally mounted to the plow support to permit the plow blade to pivot relative to the vehicle between a center position, where the plow blade is positioned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a first position, where the first end of the plow blade is pivoted toward the vehicle, and between the center position and a second position, where the second end of the plow blade is pivoted toward the vehicle, and either a single link rod, a resilient connecting member, or a cam and follower mechanism connected to the first plow wing and to the plow support and configured to pivot the first plow wing relative to the plow blade during pivoting of the plow blade relative to the vehicle such that when the plo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David N. Bloxdorf
  • Patent number: 8607483
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a domestic appliance and specifically an ironing appliance having an external water reservoir connected to the appliance through a feeding tube. Water conveyed to the ironing unit is directly subjected to an independently heated inner plate where steam is directly produced and conveyed to the soleplate whose temperature being independently adjusted. The independently heated inner plate comprises a pair of covers set one above the other. The first cover receives water through its openings and channels and the second cover lying just below the first one to define an inner space allows conveyance of the water to the steam producing plate. The steam then reaches the soleplate to be applied to the cloth item being ironed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Besim Tahincioglu
  • Patent number: 8607484
    Abstract: A pad system for facilitating treatment of a fabric includes a pad which is placed adjacent to a support surface, and fabric grips which secure the fabric against the pad. The fabric grips may be attachable to the pad. The fabric grips may be used to arrange the fabric on the pad and provide tension to the fabric to facilitate fabric treatments such as steaming, heating and/or pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rosenzweig, Dan Bilger, Dann Provolo, Peggy Lam, Eric Wall
  • Patent number: 8607485
    Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for artificial features such as artificial fish and artificial plants. The enclosure has one or more walls and is configured to house a liquid therein. One or more electromagnets are provided to generate a magnetic field within the enclosure. A controller controls electric currents that generate magnetic fields from the one or more electromagnets. The controller is configured to selectively reverse the magnetic polarity of at least one of the one or more electromagnets. Also disclosed is an artificial feature such as an artificial fish or artificial plant with a body made of elastomeric gel. The artificial feature may include multiple permanent magnets housed in a body where the permanent magnets are aligned based on an orientation of a north pole and south pole of each permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: EdiZONE, LLC
    Inventor: Terry V. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8607486
    Abstract: A card for presenting visual information while being waved. The card is flexible and has a sensor detecting or quantifying the bending of the card. The card has, preferably at an edge thereof, light emitters for presenting the information. A controller determines the position of the edge and forwards information so that a user watching the edge sees an emulated 2D information provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cardlab APS
    Inventors: Finn Nielsen, Rune Domsten
  • Patent number: 8607487
    Abstract: A life support algorithm display system for providing convenient access to basic life support or advanced life support algorithms for a user during an emergency features an I.V. (intravenous) pole located on a base. The system features a plurality of rectangular life support algorithm cards with a tab located on a card bottom edge. A life support algorithm is printed on each card. The system features a plurality of display modules each having a side arm attached to a clip. The clip is adapted to snugly, yet pivotally clip onto the I.V. pole allowing the display module to rotate around the I.V. pole. Each life support algorithm card is located in a display module with the tab passing through a module bottom aperture. Each display module is clipped onto the I.V. pole and adapted to be rotated for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: William P. Magness
  • Patent number: 8607488
    Abstract: An advertising system for a bollard includes a bollard shield that can be installed over a conventional bollard. The bollard shield includes a shield inner diameter greater than the bollard outer diameter, forming a shield gap between the bollard and the bollard shield. One or more compressible foam pads are positioned in the shield gap between the bollard and the bollard shield. A resilient bollard sheath can be rolled onto the bollard shield. The bollard sheath includes advertising or graphical materials disposed thereon. The bollard sheath is generally replaceable without replacing the entire bollard shield. A removable sheath panel may be detachably secured on the bollard sheath to provide additional advertising or graphical material. The sheath panel may be interchangeably and replaced with additional sheath panels having different advertising information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Screen Trans Development Corp.
    Inventor: Brandon Steele Johnston
  • Patent number: 8607489
    Abstract: A magazine for a firearm holds cartridges in three sections: a top section, a middle section and a bottom section. The top section is detachable. The middle section has a smaller width and depth than the bottom section so that the middle section can be inserted into the bottom section of another similarly formed magazine. A removable bottom cover closes the bottom section. A spring with removable segments rests on the bottom cover. A c-shaped member fixed to each spring segment permits adding segments. Two magazines may be combined by removing the top section of a second magazine, detaching the bottom cover of a first magazine, removing a spring segment of the second magazine, connecting the shorter spring to the spring of the first magazine; and slidably inserting the middle section of the second magazine into the bottom section of the first ammunition magazine over the larger spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: SMAG Associates
    Inventor: S. Mill Calvert
  • Patent number: 8607490
    Abstract: A quick release, free floating, multi-piece forward hand guard assembly for a rifle includes an inner barrel nut adapted to be affixed to a front of the rifle receiver and an outer barrel nut telescopically received over the inner barrel nut and longitudinally secured thereto. The outer barrel nut is non-rotatable with respect to the inner barrel nut. A first hand guard element is engaged with and extends forwardly from the outer barrel nut in a laterally stable cantilevered fashion, and a second hand guard element is matingly engaged with the first hand guard element for surrounding the rifle's barrel and is free floating therefrom. The second hand guard element is attached to the first hand guard element with at least one quick release fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Brendon B Zinsner
  • Patent number: 8607491
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting, tilting, and rotating firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired. Another canting embodiment allows for an extra sleeve to compress the legs on the fore grip inward allowing the upper pivoted connection of the legs to move within the lower fore grip housing. Embodiments to allow the fore grip to rotate can also made part of the fore grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Grip Pod Systems International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moody, Joseph D. Gaddini
  • Patent number: 8607492
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of weapon accessories, and, more specifically, to modular, electrically powered weapon accessories. Various embodiments include powered modular vertical foregrips that may serve as platforms for multiple firearms accessories, such as modular laser and/or LED lighting and/or sighting systems, radiofrequency receiver and/or transmitter systems, and/or other powered accessories. Various embodiments may be adapted to couple to a mounting rail, such as a Picatinny or Weaver rail, and particular embodiments may be adapted to couple to a lower hand guard quad-rail of an M4 or other small arms weapon. Systems in accordance with various embodiments may provide a platform that may consolidate multiple accessory devices and functions into a single ergonomic and compact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Crimson Trace, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Hartley, Drew Essig, Sam Nicoletti, Devon Croswell, Patrick Barrett, Dale Suzuki, Jeffrey Hoblitt
  • Patent number: 8607493
    Abstract: A scratch prevention tool used to disassemble a pistol with a generally planar body, a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, a retaining aperture formed within the body, the retaining aperture intersecting the first surface and the second surface and an upper surface interconnecting the first surface and second surface. The tool also includes a side surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface, a notch interconnecting the first surface and the second surface and interconnecting the upper surface and the side surface, an outer surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface and interconnecting the upper surface and the side surface, wherein the upper surface abuts a lower surface of a slide of the pistol, the side surface abuts a forward surface of a stock of the pistol and wherein a portion of a magazine release member is interposed within the retaining aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Merrill Wray
  • Patent number: 8607494
    Abstract: A novel firearm pull-through cleaning tool with an integrated foldable handle. The handle is pivotable at a first tool end between a closed position wherein a portion of the handle occupies a longitudinal well in the tool body and an open position wherein the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of body. When in closed position the diameter of the tool is less than the bore diameter of a weapon to be cleaned. In use, the handle is pivoted in a first direction to place the tool in the closed position; the tool is inserted into the firearm bore; a cleaning tool is attached to the attachment portion; the tool is passed through the bore; the handle is pivoted in a second direction to place said tool in the open position; and the handle is pulled to cause the cleaning tool to be passed through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Otis Patent Trust
    Inventors: Kel Shipman, Steven C. Buxton
  • Patent number: 8607495
    Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a sighting light source at the rear of the that is visible to a user when turned on. The sighting light source (preferably an LED light source emitted through an opening), can be used to sight a target. Preferably, the gun with which the sighting device is used also has a first, mechanical sight at the end of the barrel distal the sighting light source. In use the user aligns the sighting light source with the first, mechanical sight in order to properly sight a target. The first, mechanical sight could also be illuminated by a light source on the device, so it can be seen when the ambient light is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Larry E. Moore, Aaron M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8607496
    Abstract: A programmable, mechanical scrape making device that is battery operated and that can be fastened to the ground. When activated, the device comes in contact with the ground to create a scrape through a sweeping and/or linear motion that is the same as or similar to that of an actual scrape that is performed by deer during the Rut or breeding season. The device also has a scent spraying mechanism that operates as the scrape is made. The device can be enclosed and operate from a weatherproof case which may be designed to look like a tree log. The design of the case can vary in appearance as to create a look that is indigenous to the end users' geographic area. The device is portable and may include a carrying case with a shoulder strap allowing the end user to transport the device from one location to another. The device may include power ports accessible for other devices such as motion detecting digital cameras and mock licking branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Chatham Outdoors, LLC
    Inventors: Constantine Zampetis, James Walther, Thomas Goad
  • Patent number: 8607497
    Abstract: A temporary mounting apparatus capable of quickly being mounted to and dismounted from a stationary body, such as a tree or a pole, without damaging the stationary body. The mounting apparatus includes an artificial limb which extends away from a base-plate forming the body of the apparatus. A line is suspended from the apparatus which may be used to catch live fish or to store items suspended above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Steven A. Green
  • Patent number: 8607498
    Abstract: A fishing bait holding apparatus includes a container that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an access opening into the container. A liner is removably positioned within the container. The liner has a lower wall and peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the lower wall. The lower and peripheral walls each include an outer layer enclosing an interior space. A fluid is positioned within the interior space. The fluid may be chilled and the liner placed in the container to cool an area enclosed by the container. The container can be cooled with the liner such that fishing bait positioned in the container is cooled by the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Dirk J. Smith, Shelly M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8607499
    Abstract: The invention is a tackle container that incorporates interchangeable and removable inserts. The inserts secure different kinds of fishing lures and baits. For example, the inserts hold segmented lures within notched upright posts. In this regard, the inserts may be suitably structured to hold spinner bait lures, buzz bait lures, or other fishing lures with segmented bodies. Moreover, the inserts are interchangeable to facilitate a wider variety of uses for the tackle container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventor: Ronald Hoover
  • Patent number: 8607500
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a root orb system and method comprising a mass of organic moss molded onto and weaved around a plant root. It also comprises a method of forming said root orb comprising the steps of: a) placing a mass of dehydrating organic moss on a flat surface; b) rehydrating the moss with water; c) hand-pressing the moss; d) molding the moss onto the plant root; and e) wrapping the molded moss with a string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Renee Molina
  • Patent number: 8607501
    Abstract: A watering device is provided that includes a receptacle and a sponge wick. The receptacle includes a reservoir and a probe. The probe projects from the reservoir and is adapted to extend into potting mix in a plant pot. The probe is also adapted to hook on to the rim of the plant pot in order to support the device thereon. The wick is adapted to extend from the reservoir within or along the probe and into the potting mix in the plant pot. The wick includes non-woven Polyvinyl Alcohol fibers which are bound by a Polyvinyl Alcohol foam resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Moisture Matic Pty Ltd
    Inventor: James Edgar Oates
  • Patent number: 8607502
    Abstract: A gate apparatus having an automatically returning gate, an upper latch operated by an upper button, and a lower latch operated by an upper finger handle. Each of the latches must be opened to open the gate. The gate returns without the aid of a spring to a position close to the closed position or to the closed position by the structure of a pivot or hinge connection between the gate and the frame of the gate. Gate tubes are rectangular in section for their entire length. Wood panels are included in the gate and excluded from other portions of the gate apparatus to make the gate stand out to the user seeking to open the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Porter R. Million
  • Patent number: 8607503
    Abstract: A half-sized adventure door suitable for entry ways to rooms occupied by children is described. The half-door provides a substitute to the costly modification of existing doors in childcare centers and pre-schools while being in compliance with laws and regulations. The half-door decreases costs and risk of damage to existing structure as compared to other ways of implementing a half-door, and doing so while nurturing the imagination of children with a theme. The half-door is constructed to be attached to any standard interior house doorjamb using self-adhesive tape such that no tools are required and damage to existing structure can be mitigated. When the half-door is opened, lights will flash and music will sound. The music and light colors can be coordinated to match the various themes available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Calvin L. Ivie
  • Patent number: 8607504
    Abstract: A stator element is disclosed for an electrical driving of a slidable body, such as a sliding door. Such a sliding door and a method for displacing thereof are also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, he stator element includes an elongate holder; a number of carrier elements arranged adjacently of each other and connected to the holder, wherein the carrier element includes a number of plate-like strips; and at least one winding arranged round each carrier element, wherein during use the winding is connected to a voltage source for the purpose of generating an electromagnetic field which during use is operatively connected to at least one counter-element in the form of a magnet or magnetizable element provided on the slidable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Maria Peeters Weem
  • Patent number: 8607505
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for a vehicle having independently opening and closing closure panels, such as first and second doors, which are hinged to a vehicle body with opposing hinges. The sealing assembly has a first seal that is mounted to the vehicle body to substantially surround a continuous door opening, and has a first membrane portion that extends over a first portion of the cutline. A second seal is mounted to a surface of the first door that faces the first membrane portion when the first door is closed. A third seal is mounted to a surface of the second door that faces the first membrane portion when the second door is closed. The first membrane portion is configured to be movable toward the closed first and second doors into contact with the second and third seals to seal the first portion of the cutline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Imad F. Bazzi, Ronald P. McKenney, James S. Netherland, III, Raymond R. Lipowski
  • Patent number: 8607506
    Abstract: A door handle and door-handle connector assembly comprises a door handle having a glass body and at least one door-handle connector. The door-handle connector comprises a glass interface having an elongated body made of glass. The body has a first end adhered to the glass body of the door handle, and a second end having a head portion. The door-handle connector also comprises a door interface having an inner cavity receiving the head portion of the glass interface, and an opening for the elongated body of the glass interface to project out of the door interface to be connected to the door handle. The door interface is adapted to be secured to a door whereby the glass interface is held captive to the door interface by the head portion held by the door interface. A door system and a door-handle connector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Groupe VFG Inc.
    Inventor: Serge Bouthillier
  • Patent number: 8607507
    Abstract: A system is provided for mounting on a standing seam of a roof and supporting a snow fence rail. A first surface of the bracket is oriented toward the standing seam and includes a first plurality of protrusions that are abutted against the standing seam. An opening configured to receive a snow fence rail is located in the bracket above the first plurality of protrusions. A second surface of the bracket is oriented opposite the first surface of the bracket, and a fastener is configured to secure the bracket to the roof by pressing the plurality of protrusions into the standing seam roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: TRA Snow Brackets, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8607508
    Abstract: A stayed connection for a wind turbine (1) is provided with a tower (4) having an upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) and a lower tower portion (14) and where the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) is connected to the lower tower portion (14) by means of a stayed connection (16), and wherein the stayed connection (16) comprises pipe-shaped diagonal stays (18) extending from the lower tower portion (14) and in toward the outside of the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12), as the diagonal stays (18) at their toward the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) facing end portion (28) are compressed and connected directly or via a plate portion (30) to the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) by means of a welded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Owec Tower AS
    Inventor: Gunnar Foss
  • Patent number: 8607509
    Abstract: A snow and ice melting device adapted to rest on a roof; having a flat plate with a series of channels therethrough containing a heating element to heat the flat plate and melt the ice and snow on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Gurr
  • Patent number: 8607510
    Abstract: A roof of a building is provided. The roof comprises a roof frame, a layer of curved roof cover elements (e.g., tiles) above the roof frame, and a solar panel secured to one or more of the roof cover elements. The solar panel substantially conforms to one or more curved surfaces of the one or more roof cover elements. Another aspect provides a roof comprising a roof frame, a layer of curved roof cover elements (e.g., tiles) above the roof frame, a vent member within the roof cover element layer, and a solar panel. The vent member has a curved surface and is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of one or more of the roof cover elements. The vent member also has an opening allowing a ventilation airflow from the building interior toward an airspace above the vent member and the roof cover element layer. The solar panel is secured to and substantially conforms to the curved surface of the vent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8607511
    Abstract: A technology of enhancing drainability of a hollow member of a frame without reducing strength of the frame is provided. A solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first frame that includes a first hollow member having a first space therein and has a first drain port through which the first space and an outer space are communicated with each other; and a second frame that is connected to the first frame and includes a second hollow member having a second space therein. An opening that is open so as to overlap part of the first drain port is formed at an end part of the second hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Kitae Hirayama
  • Patent number: 8607512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a parking shelter (200) in particular comprising a roof (205) at least partially covered with photovoltaic solar panels (206), characterized in that said parking shelter comprises four supporting legs (201; 202; 203; 204), wherein at least one first supporting leg (201) and one second supporting leg (202) have a substantially vertical bottom portion (301) and an inclined top portion (302) directed towards the periphery of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Art' ur SARL, Enerqos France
    Inventors: Bernard Batut, Philippe Pascal, Marc Vogeleisen, Shahin Gashti
  • Patent number: 8607513
    Abstract: A thermal compensation apparatus is disclosed including an elongated element extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A length of the elongated element from the proximal end to the distal end decreases in response to an increase in the temperature of the elongated element from a baseline temperature. The length of the elongated element increases in response to a decrease in the temperature of the elongated element from the baseline temperature. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated in solar module mounting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panelclaw, Inc.
    Inventor: David Anderson
  • Patent number: 8607514
    Abstract: A window trim system and method comprises a trim hoop sized to be slid over an outer face of a window frame to the exterior edge of the frame. A stop member formed around the exterior edge abuts and aligns the trim hoop. A friction member may or may not be installed around the inside of the trim hoop to help hold the trim hoop initially in place. Sealant is then applied around the junction of the trim hoop and window frame on the inside of the trim hoop to fix the trim hoop to the window frame and create a seal against air and water infiltration. The resulting window frame and trim assembly is particularly suited for use in an overfit replacement window installation, but may be used in virtually any window installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8607515
    Abstract: A connector comprising a container-like fastener holder (4) of finite depth with a front (6) and a rear plate and side walls (8) wherein the rear wall and substantially the whole depth of the holder can be cast into a concrete structure to form a space within the concrete structure, fastening means (12) which can assume a range of positions within the holder (4) and a move able connection part (16) or device which can be fastened to the front plate (6) by the fastening means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thomasons Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8607516
    Abstract: A process for installing quoins to a building structure includes fabricating a plurality of quoins, each including two quoin panels angularly disposed relative to each other and connected along a common edge. A true edge column is attached to the building structure, the true edge column including two column panels angularly disposed relative to each other along a common column edge. The plurality of quoins are then attached in stacked relation over and to the true edge column. Each of the quoins may include an outer and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a right-angled recess adjacent to the common edge and along the two quoin panels. The true edge column may be cooperatively sized to fit within the right-angled recess. A plurality of pre-drilled apertures may be disposed about the right-angle recess for fastening the quoins to the true edge column and building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: John Patrick O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8607517
    Abstract: The foundation structure includes a plurality of structural members. A first end of each structural member is coupled to a central shaft. In appropriate soil conditions, the foundation structure is buried in the soil and the soil itself constrains the mass at the base of the foundation and keeps it from moving. The foundation structure is made of structural components comprises a material, including concrete pre-cast concrete, cast-in place concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, pre-tensioned concrete and post-tensioned concrete, for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Jolly
  • Patent number: 8607518
    Abstract: A wall module for a modular wall structure integrates a wall panel portion with a post portion having top or upper and bottom or lower extensions and at least one groove for receiving a distal end portion of a wall panel portion of an adjacent module. The bottom/lower extension is set within an exposed portion of a reinforcing cage of a caisson or pier extending below grade and the reinforcing cage and bottom/lower extension are encapsulated with a material such as concrete to integrate the caisson or pier with the bottom/lower post extension. Alternatively, the bottom post extension can be formed to have a length sufficient to support the module in soil and a pier or caisson integrally formed therewith by pouring concrete around the bottom post extension within a post hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney I. Smith
  • Patent number: 8607519
    Abstract: A joint cover system is operable to span a gap between two building members, wherein each building member including a first side surface and an end surface. The joint cover system comprises a first base member, a second base member, an intumescent sheet, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the first building member, and the second base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the second building member. The intumescent sheet may include a first edge positioned between the first base member and the first side surface of the first building member and a second edge positioned between the second base member and the first side surface of the second building member. The first fastener may penetrate the first base member and the first edge of the intumescent sheet. The second fastener may penetrate the second base member and the second edge of the intumescent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Daniel Hilburn
  • Patent number: 8607520
    Abstract: A thermally reflective panel assembly for use in a structure, the roof panel assembly comprising an exterior panel having opposing outer and inner surfaces separated by exterior panel edge surfaces; an interior panel having opposing outer and inner surfaces separated by interior panel edge surfaces that are aligned with the exterior panel edge surfaces; an intermediate section fixed to the inner surfaces of the exterior panel and the interior panel to define compartments between the exterior and interior panels; and at least one layer of metallic material fixed to at least one surface of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Arthur Mencio
  • Patent number: 8607521
    Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided. The roofing shingles includes an overlay sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion and an underlay sheet secured to the overlay sheet such that a region of the underlay sheet overlaps a region of the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. A reinforcement material is secured to the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. The reinforcement material is configured to improve nail pull-through. The reinforcement material extends beyond the overlapping regions of the headlap portion and the underlay sheet a distance of about 0.12 inches or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Belt, Bert W. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8607522
    Abstract: A corner block and a wall block system with a corner block for forming in multiple courses a wall which includes first and second visible wall portions which meet at a corner and where the corner block has a front face and at least one side surface having a texture or pattern matching the texture or pattern of a front face of a first block of the wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8607523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a building that uses composite light-weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, more particularly, to a building constructed without pillars using composite light weight panels for structure and a construction method therefor, wherein the building comprises: a steel floor made out of sectional steel for example; walls which are formed by joining composite light-weight panels for structure having steel structure frames installed at corners to the steel floor by welding or joining means, neighboring steel structure frames being joined together by welding or joining means to form walls; roof frames which are constituted by a steel structure and have a truss structure to be positioned on the top of the walls and joined to the wall panels by welding or joining means; wall inner/outer coverings applied to the inner/outer peripherals of the walls; and roof coverings applied to the outer peripheral face of the roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Byung Hwa Lee, Kyung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8607524
    Abstract: An anchoring device including an anchoring element suitable for being anchored an object of construction material with the aid of mechanical vibrations. The anchoring element includes a thermoplastic material and a tool. The thermoplastic material forms at least a part of a radially outer surface of the anchoring element, and the tool has a proximal portion and a broadening portion distally of the proximal portion. The broadening portion has an outer second cross-section, the second cross section being larger than the first cross section but being adapted to the first cross section so that the tool can be moved with respect to the anchoring element while the broadening portion is in the axially-extending opening and locally expands the anchoring element while thermoplastic material of the anchoring element that surrounds the broadening portion is in a solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann, Jörg Mayer
  • Patent number: 8607525
    Abstract: The present system and method enables water entering a dwelling or structure to be contained and removed, while preventing evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form, affixable to a first surface of a wall at a mounting angle, and comprising a vapor barrier retainer for detachably affixing a vapor barrier to the waterproofing form, and a gutter channel, disposed at a pitch angle, and in fluid communication with the first surface of the wall, the vapor barrier, and a collection area, where the pitch angle and the mounting angle are the same angle, and where the pitch angle causes the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Mike Trotter
  • Patent number: 8607526
    Abstract: A foundation form comprising a first barrier, an opposed second barrier oriented at a non-right angle toward the first barrier, and a plurality of ties engaging with the first barrier and the second barrier at a plurality of axial lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: James Walker
  • Patent number: 8607527
    Abstract: An ecological greening wall and a construction method thereof are provided. The ecological greening wall comprises a plurality of fixed poles (2) arranged at intervals on the ground (1), and a reinforcement (3) with openings is fixedly connected between the fixed poles (2) and arranged along the fixed poles (2) in a vertical direction. Stacked vegetation bags (4) for greening are provided on at least one side of the reinforcement (3), and each includes a breathable and permeable bag body (41) and a vegetation base material (42) filled in the bag body (41). The bag body (41) and the reinforcement (3) are fixedly connected together by a reinforcing wall (6) so as to form a whole body by the reinforcing wall (6), the reinforcement (3) and the vegetation bag (4). The ecological greening wall has a simple and firm structure, and it is easy to be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Yushun Chang
  • Patent number: 8607528
    Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, non-steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the sub-structure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Murray Ellen
  • Patent number: 8607529
    Abstract: A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly, in one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a hacker having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Gossamer Space Frames
    Inventors: Glenn Alan Reynolds, Dean Robert Hackbarth, Gary Noble Curtis
  • Patent number: 8607530
    Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses an under tile base reusable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a reusable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: New Standards Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: James P. Hoffman, Ernest L. Perry, IV, Michele Volponi