Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8661731
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric door-locking system to be applied to at least one electric door body that is movable in a sliding manner, and includes forwardly and reversely rotatable screws disposed side by side along a direction in which the electric door body slides at the side of a door frame; a cam assembly provided at a predetermined position of the screws to perform a locking function and an unlocking function; and a sliding unit provided with a locking roller resiliently biased in a direction toward the cam assembly and engaging with the cam assembly to perform the locking function, one end of the sliding unit being rotatably connected to the screw and the other end of the sliding unit being connected to the electric door body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Korea Development Bank
    Inventor: Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 8661732
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric door-locking apparatus, and an electric door comprising same. The electric door-locking apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a locking switch arranged at a door frame to check the locked status of an electric door body when the electric door body is closed; a screw rotatable in the forward and backward directions; a locking roller guide arranged at the door frame in the vicinity of the screw; and a sliding unit, one end of which is rotatably connected to the screw and the other end of which is connected to the electric door body. The electric door-locking apparatus according to the present invention has a structure which enables simple and easy operation, improves the reliability of the locking function, reduces the risk of failure and erroneous operation, and enables easy manufacture and maintenance to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs as compared to conventional apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Korea Development Bank
    Inventor: You-Sang Kong
  • Patent number: 8661733
    Abstract: An electrical door-locking device includes screws which are rotatable in a forwards and backwards direction, and are placed in line on one side of a door frame in the direction in which the electrical door main body slides; locking hooks located adjacent to the screws; and a sliding unit equipped with a rotatably-provided locking lever having a latch for latching onto the locking hooks when the electrical door main body is closed and is equipped with a locking-lever-pressing part for pressing the locking lever such that the latch of the locking lever unlatches from the locking hooks, and one end of which is rotatably linked to the screws and the other end of which is linked to the electrical door main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Korea Development Bank
    Inventor: Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 8661734
    Abstract: A window assembly (30) comprising a frame (36) in which are received sliding and security members. The security member has ventilating and non-ventilating parts (40, 32), with the sliding member (34) being slidably moveable over the security member between a first position in which air may pass through the ventilating part (40) so as to ventilate the room in which the window assembly (30) is located, and a second position in which no such ventilation can occur. The ventilating part 40 may comprise a grille, perforated sheet, lattice arrangement or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Britplas Commercial Windows Limited, Eurocell Profiles Limited
    Inventors: Ian Kernaghan, Kevin Gorman
  • Patent number: 8661735
    Abstract: The invention, in certain embodiments, specifies an actuation method for an electric window winder (10) of a front window (1) of a vehicle (3) without a B-pillar and with a moveable rear window (2), which actuation method allows all the windows to be closed in a particularly rapid and reliable manner. According to the method, provision is made for the front window (1) to be closed by the window winder (10), taking into consideration a trapping-prevention means (25). Furthermore, a closing condition is checked during the actuation method. If, on account of this closing condition, it can be assumed that trapping prevention-related reversing of the front window (1) has been caused by a collision with the rear window (2), the front window (1) is closed again after the trapping prevention-related reversing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG., Hallstadt
    Inventor: René Zellmer
  • Patent number: 8661736
    Abstract: A glass run channel for a vehicle door window opening includes first and second mutually spaced legs having relatively high hardness, a trim lip comprising a member having relatively high hardness and a relatively soft laminate covering a surface of the member. The trim lip includes a hard low friction ramp. The laminate incorporates a low durometer bead and the trim lip includes a low durometer interface to one of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James R. Roll, Matthew C. Patterson, Matthew M. Kunz
  • Patent number: 8661737
    Abstract: A kit, door and method of installing an adjustable horizontal adapter bar for a storm, security, screen or other door to a building involves adjustment of a bar for a bottom or a top edge of a door to get a better fit than a standard door. Adjustable bars may comprise multiple telescoping parts, adjustable width vertical bars and fasteners for coupling the adjustable bar to a door. A kit may further comprise a threshold plate and a bug sweep for further resisting entry of bugs small animals and debris to create a better seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Unique Home Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: John Brogan
  • Patent number: 8661738
    Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle includes a door frame, a window regulator mounted to the door frame for opening and closing a window pane, and a door lining mounted to the door frame. A plurality of mounting apertures is defined in the door frame, including at least one first mounting aperture for mounting the window regulator and at least one second mounting aperture for mounting the door lining. An isolating aperture is defined in the door frame between the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture for isolating the at least one second aperture from the at least one first aperture to thereby reduce lateral forces imparted to the door frame from the window regulator from transferring to the door lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trent Bozzo, Kozo Kusumoto, Kenichi Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8661739
    Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing space under a deck for storage includes (a) a first securing element having a first and second portion, wherein the first portion is formed to engage the deck and extends downward therefrom toward the ground; and (b) a storage element sized to be received beneath the deck, wherein the second portion of the first securing element is secured to the storage element. A method utilizes the claimed apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Keenan
  • Patent number: 8661740
    Abstract: A foldable safety handrail assembly includes a mounting bracket, a fixing sleeve mounted on the mounting bracket, a release sleeve mounted on the mounting bracket and having a release groove, a rail having a pivot tube which has a first locking groove and a second locking groove, a locking tube extending through the fixing sleeve, the pivot tube and the release sleeve and having a limit slot, a locking member mounted in the limit slot and detachably locked in the first locking groove or the second locking groove, a control member mounted in the locking tube to move the locking member, and a push knob mounted on and pushing the control member. Thus, the user only needs to push the push knob to unlock and fold the rail so that the rail can be unlocked and folded easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yo Yuh Inst. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 8661741
    Abstract: A masonry flashing for use in a cavity wall is disclosed. The flashing has channels for draining water from the cavity while permitting entry of air into the cavity. The top surface of the flashing is covered by a protective member. The protective member is a scrim or, in the extruded form, an overarching portion of the flashing material. The protective member prevents the clogging of channels from mortar droppings and other construction debris. The flashing is shown with a drip edge is formed by extending the flashing beyond the external surface of the outer wythe and, with the edge being foil lined, manually forming the drip edge. A peel-and-stick embodiment described herein utilizes clear, nondrooling adhesives. Flashing accessories, namely, an end dam, an inside corner and an outside corner are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8661742
    Abstract: A roof panel, roof or structure comprising a roof panel body having an edge comprising a fascia water deflection system, said fascia water deflection system comprising a chamfer having at least one sharply angled ridge. In some embodiments, said roof panel body is provided with a trough adjacent to said edge, so that when said roof panel body is installed on a structure, said trough runs at a downward angle and water entering said trough flows by force of gravity through said trough. In other embodiments, the roof panel body is coated with a waterproof roofing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher M. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8661743
    Abstract: A mast assembly for a transportable rig which accommodates the height of wellhead equipment such as BOP and/or valve stacks and permits orientation of a top drive rotor in the mast directly over the wellhead as the top drive moves up and down in the mast. In one embodiment, the mast contains a base portion that supports a moveable portion of the mast assembly. In one embodiment, angularly rearwardly oriented supports are utilized to provide an open space to accommodate the height of the wellhead equipment between upright rails on which the top drive moves so that the top drive rotor can be aligned with the bore of the wellhead equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Flusche
  • Patent number: 8661744
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a telescopic mast which at least includes one or more telescoping joints, where a telescoping joint is formed of two telescoping sections dimensioned so that one section can be moved into another section, where between each of the two adjacent telescoping sections in a telescoping joint there is provided at least one actuator urging the adjacent telescoping sections away from each other, where these actuators are disposed internally of the telescoping joints and offset at the internal periphery. By disposing actuators offset at the inner periphery of the telescoping sections, several advantages are achieved. The actuators are provided at a protected location, and the actuators may be designed with lengths that overlap each other when the telescopic mast is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Falck Schmidt Defence Systems A/S
    Inventor: Lars Keller
  • Patent number: 8661745
    Abstract: A trailer security system for use with a trailer having a trailer coupling member, such as a trailer coupling channel. The trailer security system may include a security device joined to the trailer coupling member, a locking device to selectively lock the security device to trailer, and security elements attached to trailer. The security device may be a security box formed from walls that define a space for receiving flanges of the trailer coupler channel. The security box may include slots for receiving the trailer coupling member flanges and may be slid onto the trailer coupling member. The security device may include a post extending from the security box for anchoring the trailer to the ground. Access to lock may be restricted by the security elements and/or the configuration of the security box and post. The security system may include other features to increase the difficulty to tamper with or disable the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Environmental, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Bachman, Christopher B. Downs
  • Patent number: 8661746
    Abstract: Elliptical-shaped storm shelters are shown and described. In some embodiments, a storm shelter may include an elliptical-shaped enclosure configured to accommodate one or more persons during a weather event (e.g., a tornado, twister, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, etc.). The shelter may also include one or more anchors coupled to the enclosure, the anchors configured to attach a bottom portion of the enclosure to the ground while maintaining a top portion of the enclosure above the ground during the weather event. The storm shelter may further include a hatch coupled to the enclosure via one or more hinges, the hatch configured to allow the one or more persons to enter the enclosure and to shut the enclosure from its exterior during the weather event. In some implementations, the hatch may be coupled to the enclosure via joints or hinges that allow it to be decoupled from the enclosure from within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Wesley Kouba
  • Patent number: 8661747
    Abstract: A racking system for photovoltaic solar panels greatly reduces material, weight, labor and system profile as compared to previous mounting systems. Special pedestals are secured to a roof at far larger spacings and fewer number than required in previous systems. The pedestals are configured for efficient and dependable flashing for waterproofing the roof. In assembly the extruded aluminum components are fitted together quickly with efficient and strong connections, with the photovoltaic panels retained in a compact array and fully supported along the length of each panel. The fittings provide for field adjustment of the height of the uprights, helping accommodate uneven roof surfaces, such as flat roofs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kristian Eide
  • Patent number: 8661748
    Abstract: A light weight ballasted solar racking system has light ballasted weight loads and is easy and fast to install. The racking system may be used in roof or ground mount applications to mount thin film and frameless solar modules. The racking system physically attaches to the solar panel at the manufactured mounting holes with a set of struts that then attach to a ballast tray that holds the system in place. A set of struts may determine the degree of angle from about 5 to about 35 degrees, for example. The front of the ballast tray has an air pass way of about 3-5 inches, while the back of the system has about 8-12 inches of space for an air pass way. Multiple racking systems may be linked together, resulting in the need for less ballast weight for each racking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: David B. P. Lewenz, Michael Joseph Moulder
  • Patent number: 8661749
    Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Associated Leisure Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gibson
  • Patent number: 8661750
    Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, that generally provides an air seal, thermal insulation and/or acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, an opening in a generally vertical wall, a hatch, or a pull down ladder. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: James B. Melesky
  • Patent number: 8661751
    Abstract: A prefabricated alignment spacer is provided for use as a spacer and to aid with the installation of a siding outside corner. The alignment spacer comprises a body with at least two inner walls and at least two end walls, wherein each of the end walls define an aperture for receiving a fastener to attach the alignment spacer to the outside corner of the building. The alignment spacer is preferably formed to have an angle the corresponds with the angle of the outside corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: James Robert Lawrie, Jeanne E. Lawrie
  • Patent number: 8661752
    Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmed Phuly
  • Patent number: 8661753
    Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
  • Patent number: 8661754
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a composite floor system having increased shear transfer between a slab and support members of the system is described. The composite floor system may include any combination of the following elements: a support member, a reinforcing member, a transfer member, a decking material, a fastener, and/or a slab. The transfer member may be connected to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Cheng-Tzu Thomas Hsu, Sun Punurai, Pedro R. Munoz
  • Patent number: 8661755
    Abstract: A building structure comprising a support structure having upper portion extending to adjacent a floor structure above the support structure and adapted to receive stand-off fasteners there along, a plurality of stand-off fasteners each having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the lower portion of the stand-off fasteners comprises a self-drilling end portion and an adjacent thread-forming portion and, when installed into the upper portion of the support structure, at least a portion of the upper portion of each stand-off fastener extends significantly above the upper portion of the support structure, a cementitious wall structure formed above the upper portion of the wall structure with the upper portions of the stand-off fasteners encapsulated in the cementitious wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Wayne Studebaker, David Lee Samuelson, Lionel Edward Dayton
  • Patent number: 8661756
    Abstract: A composite panel assembly includes first and second panels. An edge of the first panel is positioned adjacent to an edge of the second panel to define a joint. The edge of the first panel and the edge of the second panel each define a recessed portion. An insert is positioned between the first and second panels at the joint. A portion of the insert is received within respective recessed portions of the first and second panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Centria
    Inventors: Keith D. Boyer, Larry A. Wesche, Dario Giandomenico, Richard A. Brow
  • Patent number: 8661757
    Abstract: A fire protective barrier for a residential floor and a method of its construction, the construction involving a floor supported on lightweight joists of a type susceptible to early failure once exposed to a fire existing in the space below the floor, an array of elongated steel main tees suspended below the joists, the tees being parallel and spaced apart by a nominal distance of 2?, the tees having an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a central vertical web extending downwardly from the bulb and a horizontal flange extending laterally from both sides of the web, drywall panels carried on upper faces of the flanges of adjacent pairs of tees, the drywall panels having a width of slightly less than the center-to-center distance of the tees, a majority of the panels having lengths of 8? or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United State Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Gary F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8661758
    Abstract: A seal assembly (10) is provided for sealing a core hole (52) formed in a concrete slab (54) having opposite first and second surfaces, with the core hole (52) extending between the first and second surfaces. The seal assembly (10) comprises a cover assembly (12) having a cover plate (14) that is configured for engaging the first surface of the concrete slab (54) and seating over and covering the core hole (52). The cover assembly (12) has a lower plate (16) that is configured for being received within the core hole (52). The lower plate (16) is coupled to the cover plate (14) through a support member (20) so that the lower plate (16) is spaced apart from the cover plate (14) when the cover plate (14) is seated over the core hole (52) to define a cavity between the lower plate (16) and the cover plate (14). A locking element carrier (26) is coupled to the cover assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Longhenry Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Longhenry
  • Patent number: 8661759
    Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu
  • Patent number: 8661760
    Abstract: An integral strip and fastener installation system is provided for light weight slate and tile roofing systems installed with a single overlap between each row or course of tile. A specialized fastener hook is formed with one or more lateral projections or wings installed underneath one or more slate tiles to anchor the fastener to the roof at least in part by the weight of the overlying tiles. This anchoring supports and reinforces the open mouth of the hook against deflection from high winds and thereby enables the hook to hold a tile securely under high wind loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Williams, Albert L. Galloup
  • Patent number: 8661761
    Abstract: An integral roof and gable edge assembly includes a metal or plastic sheet formed with positioning surfaces to facilitate slate tile installation by relatively unskilled roofers. The roof and gable assemblies include one or more hooks for holding one or more slate, ceramic or other similar roofing tiles in fixed position along the eaves and/or gables of a roof. A lift arm can be provided on the roof assemblies to replace cant strips and simplify tile installation. Tiles can be easily installed without nailing through the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 8661762
    Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and fanned with a snap-together joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Goran Martensson, Magnus Kulik
  • Patent number: 8661763
    Abstract: A purlin brace system for roof decks which can be used to provide additional lateral support to roofs is set forth. The system includes a plurality of purlins, each purlin including a central support and a bottom flange. The plurality of purlins are oriented to form a parallel array of purlins such that voids exist between the purlins in the parallel array. The bottom flanges of the purlins define a lower plane. The system further includes at least one brace oriented transverse to the plurality of purlins. The at least one brace has a span member transverse to a purlin axis. The at least one brace is attached to a vertical plate which is cantilevered such that the vertical plate extends away from the span member and along the central support to resist rotational movement of a corresponding purlin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Oberg
  • Patent number: 8661764
    Abstract: A multilayered netlock girder system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of brace members positioned in a predefined multilayered network pattern, whereby positioning the plurality of brace members in the predefined multilayered network pattern enable the formation of a rigid network between at least two chord members comprising a plurality of insertion provisions for enabling a secured insertion of the plurality of brace members into the at least two chord members, a plurality of structural interlocks formed as a result of predefined multilayered network pattern configured for a secured interlocking of the plurality of brace members together at the plurality of interlockable junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Venkata Rangarao Vemuri
  • Patent number: 8661765
    Abstract: Interlocking support posts form an interlocking rack system which may have a single mold which provides both a male and a female joinder member. Between the support posts can be mounted panels such as solar panels. Under the support posts can be installed a roof stand off assembly which prevents water from weakening the roof. Various combinations of construction members offer a cost effective building block array of mounting panels, wind turbines, and any appliance on a roof and/or anywhere in a building. A two recess mounting bracket is ideally suited to mount solar panels on a roof. A lower recess can be fastened to a bolt anchor on the roof. The opposing recess can secure a mounting clip which attaches directly to the solar panel. Identical support posts can interlock. Various embodiments include conduit clasps, slider tracks, mounts for cabinets, sign posts, and thru roof screwed anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: D Three Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman, Don N. Tamm
  • Patent number: 8661766
    Abstract: A wall anchor for use in an insulated cavity wall has an elongated body extending from a driven end to a driving end. The driven end is adapted to be mounted on an inner wythe of a cavity wall structure. A rotation control portion of the elongated body may include teeth formed on the surface. A collar with at least one aperture for a veneer tie is located near the driving end. The collar may have a pawl associated with it and positioned to engage the teeth on the elongated body. The teeth of the elongated body and the pawl of the collar form a ratchet structure. The collar can be rotated relative to the wall anchor only in a single direction, with the interengaging ratchet structure preventing rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8661767
    Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.R. Smith, LLC
    Inventor: Bill Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8661768
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing a concrete slab or balcony are disclosed. The systems and methods may include cutting a groove in a portion of the concrete slab and inserting a rod into the groove. The groove may then be filled with a resin. The rod may optionally be secured by other or additional methods. The integrity of the concrete slab or balcony may then be strengthened by the inclusion of the rod in the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Structural Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tarek Alkhrdaji, Jay Thomas
  • Patent number: 8661769
    Abstract: A 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 backer 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, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Gossamer Space Frames
    Inventor: Glenn Alan Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8661770
    Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: PN II, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Wrass, James K. Petersen, Robert P. Broad
  • Patent number: 8661771
    Abstract: A sealing device and a medicine packaging apparatus that includes the sealing device, wherein an engaging mechanism for coupling frames has good operability and the frames can firmly engage each other. The sealing device (10) can couple roller frames (20a, 20b) by an engaging mechanism (40) to integrate the roller frames. The engaging mechanism (40) has an engager (45) and a receptor (46) formed of a recess or the like. The engager includes a manipulation lever (50) and an engaging lever (51). The engager (45) is provided in the roller frame (20a), while the receptor (46) is provided in the roller frame (20b). When the manipulation lever (50) is pushed and pivoted toward the roller frame (20b), the engaging mechanism (40) can integrate the roller frames (20a, 20b). When the manipulation lever (50) is pulled and pivoted toward a front portion, the engaging mechanism can release the engagement caused by the engaging mechanism (40) to allow the roller frames (20a, 20b) to be separable from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyama MFG Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 8661772
    Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a bag that has therein a gas filling compartment, including the steps of: placing a blow-out port of a nozzle, which is connected to a pressurized gas supply source, against a cut-in or a hole of the bag and holding the back surface side of the bag with a backing member; blowing a gas from the nozzle into the gas filling compartment of the bag through the cut-in or the hole; gripping and thus closing the gas flow path in sealed portions surrounding the periphery of the cut-in or the hole by a blocking gripper while the gas blow-in continues, thus cutting off the flow of the gas between the cut-in or the hole and the inside of the gas filling compartment; and then sealing the cut-in or the hole, thus allowing the gas to be sealed in the gas filling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Yasuhira
  • Patent number: 8661773
    Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alec L. Gordon, David R. McKenna, Derek J. Vote
  • Patent number: 8661774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for packaging at least two products with individual weights in a package in a quantity corresponding to a target weight. The device comprises a feed, packaging means, weighing means (9) and throughfeed means. The device further comprises at least two adding means with associated weighing means (17) in a weighing unit (14) for the purpose of selectively adding unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging, and with selection and control means for selecting at least one of the at least two unrelated products or groups on the basis of the weight of the initial group, the target weight and the weights of the at least two unrelated products or groups determined with the weighing means (17) associated with the adding means for the purpose of actuating the adding means in order to add at least one selected of the at least two unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Visser 'S-Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Adrianus De Vos
  • Patent number: 8661775
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bedknife for a reel cutting unit comprises providing a base having a tool steel insert that forms a cutting edge of the bedknife. The base comprises a heat treatable steel. Both the base and the insert are heat treated prior to joining the insert to the base. The insert is then integrally joined to the base by brazing the two together using a silver based filler between the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Coffin
  • Patent number: 8661776
    Abstract: A link chain is made of chain links connected by chain joints, a chain joint comprising at least one bearing and a pin guided in a pivotable manner and in contact with this chain joint bearing. At least one bearing surface of the pin or chain joint bearing has a hard material layer applied by a PVD process, formed from a compound including at least two metals and a non-metal, at least C, N or Si being selected as the non-metal and the two metals being selected from Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Cu, Zn, Zr, Ta, Nb, Al, B, V, Hf, whereby the two metals differ from each other and the first metal is present in the hard material layer in a crystal structure that differs from the crystal structure of the second metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IWIS Motorsysteme GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Gerald Joergensen, Stefan Belmer
  • Patent number: 8661777
    Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided including at least one solar power plant including a concentrating dish configured to concentrate solar radiation; a solar receiver disposed and configured to utilize concentrated solar radiation for heating a first working fluid, and a first turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated first working fluid, and at least one recovery power plant including a heat recovery unit configured for utilizing exhaust heat of the first turbine to heat a second working fluid, and a second turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated second working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Yeda Research Development Co. Ltd, Heliofocus Ltd.
    Inventors: Yotam Zohar, Eli Mandelberg, Jacob Karni
  • Patent number: 8661778
    Abstract: A solar power plant in a new split configuration of a solar Brayton cycle or Brayton/Rankine combined cycle which comprises an array of heliostat mounted mirrors, a solar receiver and a high pressure section of a Brayton cycle power plant mounted near a top of a solar tower, a low pressure section of the Brayton Cycle power plant and the electric generator mounted near or at ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ormat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien Y. Bronicki, Joseph Sinai
  • Patent number: 8661779
    Abstract: A fuel injector (36) for alternate fuels (26A, 26B) with different energy densities. Vanes (47B) extend radially from a fuel delivery tube structure (20B) with first and second fuel supply channels (19A, 19B). Each vane has first and second radial passages (21A, 21B) communicating with the respective fuel supply channels, and first and second sets of apertures (23A, 23B). The first fuel supply channel, first radial passage, and first apertures form a first fuel delivery pathway providing a first fuel flow rate at a given fuel delivery pathway backpressure that is essentially common to both sets of fuel delivery pathway apertures. The second fuel supply channel, second radial passage, and second apertures form a second fuel delivery pathway providing a second fuel flow rate that may be at least 1 about twice the first fuel flow rate at the given fuel delivery pathway backpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Laster, Weidong Cai, Timothy A. Fox, Kyle L. Landry
  • Patent number: 8661780
    Abstract: A gas turbine plant is provided with exhaust gas recirculation and includes a main gas turbine having a main compressor and main turbine driving a main generator, and a combustion chamber, with an outlet connected to the inlet of the main gas turbine, has a fuel feed, and via the recuperator's high-pressure side obtains combustion air from the main gas turbine's compressor outlet. The outlet of the main turbine and the inlet of the main compressor are connected via the recuperator's low-pressure side and a cooler for exhaust gas recirculation. On the recuperator's low-pressure side, a charging unit, with a compressor and a turbine is arranged, and draws in air via an air intake and by the outlet of its compressor is connected to the recuperator's low-pressure side outlet and by the inlet of its turbine is connected to a surplus-gas extraction line on the recuperator's low-pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Hans Wettstein, Manfred Wirsum, Steffen Schulz