Patents Issued in March 15, 2016
  • Patent number: 9284738
    Abstract: A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Keith Thomas Potts, Sherrill Dean Teaster
  • Patent number: 9284739
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged door frame, wherein a jamb patch has a first portion adaptable to replace a removed section of the door frame and a second portion coupled to the first portion and adaptable to fit behind a remaining section of the door frame to align the first portion with the remaining section of the door frame. The second portion of the jamb patch may be slidably coupled to the first portion for location into a first position, wherein the first portion of the jamb patch overlaps the second portion, and into a second position, wherein the second portion of the jamb patch extends from the first portion. Alternatively, the second portion of the jamb patch may fixedly extend from the first portion of the jamb patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Sci-Pro.Org, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Allen Behr, Kevin John Rucinski
  • Patent number: 9284740
    Abstract: [Problem] A mortar peeling method which can keep a sound generated during a peeling work to an allowable quiet sound and can peel a mortar off a concrete framework smoothly. [Solution] In a mortar peeling method, by gradually extending a piston rod 42 of a hydraulic jack 13 in a mortar peeling device 10A forward in one direction, a cutter 14 is gradually advanced forward in one direction so as to execute a mortar peeling process of peeling a mortar 21 with a predetermined thickness off a concrete framework 20 by using the cutter 14. In the mortar peeling method, after the piston rod 42 of the hydraulic jack 13 is extended forward in one direction and the mortar 21 is peeled, by retreating the piston rod 42 rearward in one direction, a session of the mortar peeling process is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Marutaka-Kogyo Inc.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Takagi, Eizou Takagi, Masayuki Asakura, Tatsuya Ida
  • Patent number: 9284741
    Abstract: A cover apparatus includes a frame, a cover assembly at least partially supported by the frame, and a drive mechanism. The cover assembly includes a generally planar main portion, and at least one edge portion adjoining a side edge of the main portion. The drive mechanism engages the edge portion and moves the cover assembly relative to the frame to advance or retract the cover assembly. The drive mechanism may include first engagement elements, and the edge portion may include second engagement elements that interengage with the first engagement elements. The cover apparatus may be used for covering a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: PALLADIUM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN INC.
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Scheps, Alan Gaensbauer, Robert Rotenberg
  • Patent number: 9284742
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing water from gathering within the vertical well of the skim filter port of a swimming pool filtration system. A plug assembly is provided that has an expandable body and a shaft that extends below the expandable body. The plug assembly is inserted into the vertical well of a pool's skim filter port. The shaft under the expandable body is mechanically interconnected to the intake port within the vertical well. The expandable body is then expanded within the vertical well by being either vertically compressed or internally inflated. The expandable body fills the vertical well and prevents any significant amounts of water from collecting in the vertical well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: William Deckard, William Deckard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9284744
    Abstract: A pole base provides a secure mounting structure that can easily be adapted for use with multiple configurations of poles. The pole base may include a body having an upper portion and a pole attachment device disposed on or within the upper portion of the body. The pole attachment device may be a plate configured to removeably receive a plurality of fasteners such that each of the plurality of fasteners may be received in the separate plate in a plurality of locations. Alternatively, the pole attachment device may be a plurality of recesses formed within the upper portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Patterson, Isaac Anthony, Robinson Usagani, Jackson Bishop
  • Patent number: 9284745
    Abstract: A memorial for outdoor display is disclosed. The memorial includes a post for mounting in the ground and a display case. The display case is further comprised of a frame and a center display. The frame comprises three pieces situated on the bottom, left and right of the display case. Each piece includes a groove along an interior surface. Adapted to fit within the groove are two components of the center display: a transparent face and a print. A backing member is adapted to be disposed on the back of the frame pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Nick Marco, David Welter
  • Patent number: 9284746
    Abstract: An insulated fence tensioner for use with a flexible polymer fence rail having at least one electrically conductive member has a metal barrel including a slot for receiving an end of the fence rail. An electrically non-conductive tubular liner is situated within the metal barrel, the liner including two edges defining a slot aligned with the metal barrel slot. An electrically non-conductive sleeve surrounds the metal barrel, the sleeve including two edges defining a slot aligned with the metal barrel slot. One set of the liner and sleeve edges are formed as a pair of folded edges positioned to penetrate the metal barrel slot and overlap the other set of the edges. An electrically non-conductive flange is positioned between the electrically conductive member of the flexible polymer fence rail and the metal mounting bracket of the fence tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 9284747
    Abstract: A door hardware locating tool includes a first side wall having a first side, a second side opposite, and a cavity defined between the first and second sides. The door hardware locating tool further includes a second side wall coupled to the first side wall and extending substantially parallel to the first side wall, a center wall disposed between the first and second side walls, a clamping mechanism operable to clamp a door between the first and second side walls, and an insert at least partially located within the cavity and translatable along the first side wall between a first position and a second position. The insert includes an aperture sized to receive a cutting tool. In the first position, the aperture is located a first backset distance from the center wall, and in the second position, the third aperture is located a second backset distance from the center wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan C. Ward
  • Patent number: 9284748
    Abstract: A paddle latch having a pan with a well, a paddle handle, a handle pivot, a rotary latch portion, and a trigger arm arrangement. The paddle handle pivot has a pin that non-rotatably engages with the paddle handle to pivotally attach the paddle handle in the well of the pan and has a pin trigger. The rotary latch portion has a housing containing a rotary hook with a mouth and a rotary trigger. The rotary trigger retains the rotary hook in either an open position where the mouth of the rotary hook is accessible from outside of the housing, or semi-closed or completely closed positions, where the mouth is blocked by the housing. The trigger arm arrangement is adapted to transfer of pivotal movement of the paddle handle to the rotary trigger to release the rotary hook from the semi-closed position or the completely closed position to its open position. Only when the rotary hook is in the semi-closed position will the paddle handle be automatically partially tilted out from the well of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: S.P.E.P. ACQUISITION CORP.
    Inventor: Tam Le
  • Patent number: 9284749
    Abstract: A lock assembly that includes an interior locking actuator, a biasing member that biases the interior locking actuator toward an unlocked position, a retaining member that retains the interior locking actuator in a locked position, and a driver rotatable from a locked position to an unlocked. The interior locking actuator is manually pushed and manually rotated to move the interior locking actuator from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the interior locking actuator is in the locked position, movement of the interior handle to retract a latch causes the biasing member to move the interior locking actuator toward the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Sundar Raj Dore Vasudevan
  • Patent number: 9284750
    Abstract: Provided is a door mortise lock that may improve product safety and user convenience by enabling a latch bolt operates to be unlocked after a dead bolt of the door mortise lock completely operates. To this end, the door mortise lock includes: a dead bolt driving unit that operates a dead bolt; a latch bolt driving unit that unlocks a latch bolt when a time interval passes after the dead bolt is unlocked by the dead bolt driving unit; and a connection unit that is disposed between the dead bolt driving unit and the latch bolt driving unit, and selectively operates the dead bolt driving unit and the latch bolt driving unit so that the dead bolt and the latch bolt are sequentially unlocked with a time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chul-Ho Maeng, Young-Kwon Kim
  • Patent number: 9284751
    Abstract: A high security locking assembly for an above-ground communications network enclosure comprises a claw-like structure having, at one end, a slide bar with an end plate that carries a first set of locking pins, and a base plate, at the other end, having an end plate that carries a second set of locking pins. The slide bar travels axially in a guide channel below a rigid frame that holds a captive locking bolt positioned to engage one of a series of axially spaced locking holes on the slide bar. The locking pins face one another and are adapted for sliding into corresponding locking pin holes in the sides of enclosure. The claw-like structure is closed by sliding the slide bar into the guide channel, and positioning the pins in the locking pin holes, followed by locking the captive locking bolt in a selected one of the locking holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Chanell Commercial Corp.
    Inventor: Gene E. Rickman
  • Patent number: 9284752
    Abstract: Anti-overturn locking system for furniture drawers, with electronic blocking module, where: the locking system consists of: strip (7), support (6), mobile blocking device (9) and punch (5) which moves linearly guided on a cover (8) on being operated by the blocking module or by an associated punch spring (10); the mobile blocking device (9) may or may not move on the strip (7) according to the position of the punch (5); and the electronic blocking module consists of: tab (2) that can move linearly on casing (1) by the action of a motor (3) that transfers the movement to a cam (4) the shaft of which (4a) continuously supports it due to the force exerted by a tab spring (11); and electronic plate (12) equipped with a first sensor (12a) and a second sensor (12b) on which an arm (2a) of the tab (2) is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: OJMAR, S. A.
    Inventor: Jon Zabala Zabaleta
  • Patent number: 9284753
    Abstract: A method of protecting a lock on the latch of a shipping container or trailer door without modifying the door latch includes a ring having a bar that is connected at both ends to the inside of the ring. The bar has an aperture dimensioned similarly to the bore on the retainer and handle elements of the door latch. The ring has a rim on one side including a saddle at each end of the bar so that when the rim is placed over the latch the saddles straddle the handle and the bores on the bar, the handle and the retainer are aligned. A shackle of a lock is placed through the bores on the handle, bar and retainer. The ring prevents cutting tools from directly accessing the shackle thereby protecting the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Garry L. Catlin
  • Patent number: 9284754
    Abstract: A restraint device and method for securing an individual in a vehicle is presented. The device increases the safety and security of the individual who is in custody. Further, the device increases the safety for the arresting or attending officer. The device is portable and can be used in a variety of vehicles and properly adapted modes of transportation. As presented the device comprises three belts which coordinate and are sized to secure the individual in a seated position. Once secured with the device, the seated individual who has his hands cuffed behind his back is unable to maneuver his hands to the front of his body. Further, the individual's movements are restricted so that the individual is maintained in a fixed, upright seated position. The connections presented in the device allow for flexibility and ease of use by the user while preventing tampering by the individual being restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: John R. Stevens, Mark A. Rusco
  • Patent number: 9284755
    Abstract: A system for detecting the locked status of a vehicle having an electrical power door lock system includes a status transmitter configured to transmit a signal indicating when the vehicle is in a locked status having at least an input that is connected to the vehicle system to detect a voltage indicating a command to lock all vehicle doors. A remote receiver is responsive to the status transmitter and is configured to indicate whether the vehicle is in a locked status based upon the transmitter signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ingenuity Automotive, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Brian Rowe
  • Patent number: 9284756
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a door of a storage container is provided. The storage container defines a door frame, and the door is movably mounted to the door frame. The locking assembly may include a first keeper secured to the door frame, a first locking cam configured to movably engage the first keeper, and a handle assembly coupled to the first locking cam. The handle assembly may be movable between a first position in which the handle assembly is in contact with the door frame and the first locking cam engages the first keeper to maintain the door in the closed position relative to the door frame and a second position in which the first locking cam disengages the first keeper to allow the door to open. The first and second positions of the handle assembly illustratively define an obtuse angle therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Robert Kleinschnitz, Danny L. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9284757
    Abstract: An emergency release device for a trunk of a vehicle includes an arrestor device for limiting an opening movement of the trunk, a trunk lock and a coupling module including first and second coupling elements, each shiftably supported in the coupling housing, wherein the first and second coupling elements respectively operatively couple an emergency actuation device of the vehicle to the arrestor device, and an actuation device of the vehicle to the trunk lock, and are detachably coupled to each other during a first stroke of the first coupling element caused by an actuation of the emergency actuation device, wherein the first stroke causes the second coupling element to open the locking device and causes the first coupling element to perform an idle stroke relative to the arrestor device, and wherein the coupling between the first and second coupling elements is released in response to a second stroke advancing past the first stroke and is caused by the actuation of the emergency actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Anton Kempel, Marco Ikker, Heiko Lowak
  • Patent number: 9284758
    Abstract: An operating device for a vehicle door latch comprises an inside handle, a base member fixed to a door, and inside lever connected to the inside handle, a locking lever, a housing, a motor, an output lever, a detected lever coupled to the inside handle and an inside-handle detecting switch. The motion of the inside handle is detected by the inside-handle detecting switch via the detected lever of the device to make the door open or close. Another detecting switch detects motion of a swinging member outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Kohei Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9284759
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lock body (20) and two pull bars (23, 24). The arrangement further an installation frame (14, 44) for the lock body (20), attachment ends (25) in the ends facing the lock body (20) of the pull bars (23, 24) and an attachment part (30) in the lock body (20). The installation frame (14, 44) is provided with attachment arrangements (16, 45) for fastening the installation frame to the passive door blade as well as with support parts (18) for the attachment ends (25) of the pull bars. The attachment parts (30) are arranged movably in the height direction of the lock body (20) and the attachment parts comprise mating surfaces (31, 40) for the attachment ends (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Juha Raatikainen
  • Patent number: 9284760
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panelboard guard assembly configured to restrict access to a panelboard having a cover and a door defined therein, the cover having first and second side edges. The panelboard guard assembly includes a first strap, a second strap and an adjusting mechanism. The first strap has a first outer end and a first inner end. The second strap has a second outer end and a second inner end. The adjusting mechanism extends between and couples the first strap and the second strap at the first and second inner ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ADK Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Kit Canaday, Christopher Anthony Canaday
  • Patent number: 9284761
    Abstract: The displacement device includes a guide carriage that is slidable along a running rail and that is pivotally connectable to a first separation element. The guide carriage includes a carriage body with a carriage head and a carriage foot, which carriage head and carriage foot are connected with one another by a connecting beam, wherein the carriage head holds at least one support wheel and at least two guide wheels and wherein the carriage foot is connected torque proof with a first end piece of a hinge lever, whose second end piece is pivotally held by a hinge shaft that is connectable to a sidewall of the first separation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: HAWA AG
    Inventors: Gregor Haab, Peter Ettmüller, Martin Frei, Stefan Hagger
  • Patent number: 9284762
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adapter configured to be secured to an edge of a container. The adapter may include a top portion configured to conform to a top surface of the edge of the container. The adapter may also include a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The bottom portion may include a raised portion configured to conform to a bottom surface of the edge of the container. Further, a bottom surface of the bottom portion may include a substantially planar slot configured to receive a mounting clip. In one example, the mounting clip may be connected to a food guard configured to cover an opening in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Craig Gundersen
  • Patent number: 9284763
    Abstract: Various implementations of a hinge-mounted door stop are disclosed. In some implementations, the door stop is fashioned to be unobtrusive when installed on a door hinge assembly in order to reduce a possibility of being noticed in plain sight. Moreover, the door stop has a simple construction that allows quick and easy installation on a door hinge assembly relative to other configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lawrence Karcher
  • Patent number: 9284764
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism for an overhead door employs a sliding pin or rod that passes into the path of the rollers in the track, and obstructs the roller from movement in the direction to open the door. A spring in the door lock frame biases the sliding pin towards a proximal open position. The sliding pin has a swing arm that extends radially from the pin's proximal end, and which engages retaining structure at the proximal end of the door lock frame. In the lock position the distal end of the sliding pin blocks movement of wheels or rollers in the vertical track. The arm is rotated out of engagement with the retaining structure to release the pin so it may slide proximally to an unlocked position. A microswitch in the interior of the lock switches on when the sliding pin is moved to the locked position and turns off when the pin is returned to its unlocked position. A sleeve disposed over the proximal part of the spring engages the actuator of the microswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Jamas Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Hudson, Jay Tillman
  • Patent number: 9284765
    Abstract: A combination doorbumper and doorstopper includes a mounting plate, spindle, bumper, toggle bolt, and toggle bolt anchor. The doorbumper is installed on a wall so that a doorknob or door handle will engage the bumper when the door is fully opened. The spindle is positioned between the mounting plate and the bumper, and includes a narrow neck region. The door can be held in an opened position by placing a loop end of a flexible cord over the doorknob or handle on the opposite side of the door from the doorbumper, and stretching the cord so that a hook at the opposite end of the cord can be placed over the neck of the spindle. The doorbumper together with the flexible cord acts as a doorstopper to hold the door open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Robert O. Duff
  • Patent number: 9284766
    Abstract: In a device for moving a furniture part, in particular a shutter, door or drawer, which is accommodated in a movable manner on a basic furniture structure, having an actuating drive, which, in a drive mode, is connected to the movable furniture part and drives the movable furniture part, and having a sensor means, which is connected to the actuating drive and is intended for activating the actuating drive, the sensor means has a database and is designed such that, with the device installed in the use state, physical state variables to which the movable furniture part is subjected via the user, and which serve for monitoring the movement of said furniture part, can be sensed and read into the database, wherein the database has, or can have, stored in it movement profiles which are each assigned to a certain movement situation of the movable furniture part which is initiated by external action on the movable furniture part and can be described by physical state variables, and wherein, with the aid of at least o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GRASS GMBH
    Inventor: Holger Wenzel
  • Patent number: 9284767
    Abstract: A side spoiler arrangement for a motor-driven tailgate of a motor vehicle is provided. The side spoiler arrangement case includes at least one spoiler element arranged along a lateral edge of a rear window. The spoiler element provides a function for improving the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. An obstruction sensor device is fastened to the spoiler element and coupled to a drive of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Brandscheid, Ute Schaaf
  • Patent number: 9284768
    Abstract: A power door opening/closing apparatus includes: a first unit including the motor, a first unit case including the motor, a first transmission mechanism received in the first unit case, and a rotation sensor which is received within the first unit case, and which is one of electrical components; and a second unit which includes a second unit case connected to the first unit case by a fixing member, a second transmission mechanism rotatably received within the second unit case, and connected to the first transmission mechanism, and an output shaft connected to an output side of the second transmission mechanism, and arranged to transmit a rotation of the second transmission mechanism to the door, and which does not include an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUI KINZOKU ACT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9284769
    Abstract: An intelligent safety deposit including a case, a card slot, and an antenna, the card slot is inside the case to receive a folder with a tag thereon, and the tag comprising a RFID antenna and a chip, the reader antenna is set correspondingly to the folder, information recorded in the chip with the tag is read and identified separately via transmitting data between the reader antenna and the RFID antenna. The reader antenna includes a RF connector, RF ground planes, a plurality of antenna traces with unequal widths and a plurality of load impedance, the RF connector is connected with the plurality of antenna traces via buried holes, the plurality of antenna traces with unequal widths are respectively connected with the plurality of load impedance by running through the buried holes, the antenna traces with unequal widths are connected without overlapping, and values of each load impedance are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 9284770
    Abstract: An adjustable screen re don system is presented. The present invention screen retention system comprises a mesh Of perforate screen retained within a frame composed of frame members have channel cross sections. The screen is formed with a rolled or U-shaped edge hem. The edge hem having a free edge that folds inwardly over the inner face of the screen and is parallel to, and spaced above, the inner face of the screen. The framing members are channel section extrusions which contain features for retaining, tensioning and locking the screen. The adjustable screen retention system herein presented improves upon the prior art by providing a more secure attachment of the screen within the channel of the frame members thereby providing increased resistance to screen impact loading. The new system also provides for a broader range of screen of tensioning adjustment than has heretofore been available and further electrically isolates the screen from the walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: C.R. LAURENCE CO., INC.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 9284771
    Abstract: A trolley for supporting equipment on an overhead door using the existing track for the overhead door is described. The invention may be used to allow utility items such as lighting, electrical outlets, and safety devices to be mounted conveniently and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Victor J. Doherty
  • Patent number: 9284772
    Abstract: A reverse molded, plant-on decorative panel component comprises a panel portion lying on a first plane, a skirt portion, and a contoured portion. The skirt portion has a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a planar surface. The contoured portion extends outwardly from and surrounds the panel portion and interconnects and is integral with the panel portion and the skirt portion. The skirt portion extends peripherally about the contoured portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Patent number: 9284773
    Abstract: A pet door system for allowing pets to enter and exit a building is provided. The pet door system comprises a pet door having a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a bottom edge with the pet door pivotally mounted within the opening. An aperture is formed in the top edge only of the pet door. A groove extends from along each side of the aperture. A plunger is moveable into and out of the aperture with the plunger riding in the groove. A solenoid moves the plunger into and out of the aperture with an activation mechanism activating the solenoid. Upon the activation mechanism being positioned within a predetermined distance from the pet door, the solenoid causes the plunger to automatically unlock the pet door. Upon the activation means being positioned outside the predetermined distance from the pet door, the solenoid causing the plunger to automatically lock the pet door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Marlene E. Fridley, Jerry W. Fridley
  • Patent number: 9284774
    Abstract: An actuating system for a window shade comprises a transmission axle, a spring drive unit operable to urge the transmission axle to rotate in a first direction for raising a shading structure of the window shade, and a control module including an arrester assembled around the transmission axle, and an operating cord operatively connectable with the transmission axle. The arrester has a locking state in which the arrester acts against the spring drive unit to block a rotational displacement of the transmission axle in the first direction, and an unlocking state in which rotation of drive axle is allowed. The operating cord is operable to turn the arrester from the locking state to the unlocking state and to drive rotation of the transmission axle in a second direction opposite to the first direction for lowering the shading structure of the window shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang
  • Patent number: 9284775
    Abstract: The invention provides a closure system comprising an obstacle detection system for detecting objects in or near the path of a moving closure. The system comprises a remote module, a remote module timer, and a communication unit. The system further comprises a motor to drive the closure between open and closed positions, a controller for controlling operation of the motor, and a base station coupled to the controller for communication with the remote module and to transmit synchronization signals at first prescribed intervals. The remote module is arranged to have at least three modes of power usage: an operation mode, a standby mode, and a sleep mode. The system is further arranged such that, when in sleep mode, the remote module is configured to switch for a preset duration to said standby mode at or substantially at said first prescribed intervals to detect said synchronization signals so as to monitor the communications link between the base station and the remote module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOMATIC TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
    Inventor: Serguei Pimenov
  • Patent number: 9284776
    Abstract: This invention is directed to providing an entertainment table from a readily accessible ladder, preferably an extension ladder, available in most households. In particular, the ladder is supported by a pair of saw-horse type supports at opposite ends of the ladder and various sized and shaped open-ended containers with extensions at their respective open ends are supported from and between pairs of spaced rungs of the ladder. The ladder may also be provided with an elongated planar support with one or more various sized and shaped openings therein and which planar support is supported by and along the rungs of the ladder or by and along the rails of the ladder. Also, the ladder may be provided with a plurality of support plates aligned side by side and supported by the opposing rails of the ladder with some of said support plates having a shaped opening therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: William Ralph Bond
  • Patent number: 9284777
    Abstract: A fall restraint system having a retractor assembly including a housing assembly that is mounted onto an aerial apparatus. A base pulley assembly is also mounted onto the aerial apparatus. A cable having first and second ends is partially stored within the housing assembly, whereby the first end is fixed within the housing assembly. The second end is threaded around the base pulley assembly and is also fixed onto the aerial apparatus. Tensioning means keep a predetermined tension on the cable while the aerial apparatus extends from a retracted position to an extended position and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: William Licea, John Rojas
  • Patent number: 9284778
    Abstract: A method to horizontally support substantially parallel railed ladder (3) with box (4) against vertical surface (17), with ladder footed (5) on horizontal ground (6). Box substantially has front side (32) open, facing ladder. Ladder top end (2) supports against box uppermost portions (36), ladder lower upper portion (94) supports against box bottom wall front portions (13), and box back side (11b) supports substantially flat against the vertical surface. Box top wall (10) and bottom wall (12) are both substantially perpendicular to the box back side. Ladder leans at a substantial angle, substantially at 4-up-to-to-1-out angle (U to O angle). Box on ladder can: provide two platforms to place supplies laddertop; distance ladder from the vertical surface; and improve ladder utility and user safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jean V. Rittmann
  • Patent number: 9284779
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a housing, a drill bit having a head end, a connection end, and a bearing mandrel between the head end and the connection end, a bearing pack associated with the bearing mandrel and the housing for transmitting forces between the drill bit and the housing, the bearing pack including at least one bearing interposed between the bearing mandrel and the housing, and a drive mechanism connected with the connection end of the drill bit, for driving the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DRILFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Sean Gillis
  • Patent number: 9284780
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of subassemblies for drilling an open-hole extension from within an existing cased borehole located in a geological formation for the production of oil and gas. In one embodiment, one subassembly includes a motor located within a cased section of the borehole that rotates a drill pipe segment attached to a rotary drill bit in the open-hole to drill the open-hole extension of the well. In another embodiment, a shroud encloses the motor located within the cased portion of the well that is used to control the mud flow to and from the bit in the open-hole during the drilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smart Drilling and Completion, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Chitwood, William Banning Vail, III, Damir S. Skerl, Robert L. Dekle, William G. Crossland
  • Patent number: 9284781
    Abstract: The invention being designed in this application relates to a radial drilling method. Boreholes are placed into oil and gas formations to provide openings for the removal of the product. Oil and gas wells extend to different depths and downhole well conditions. The radial system has been designed to accommodate the well conditions and to jet or drill different oil and gas formation. The radial system provides a mill/bit which is rotated from a downhole motor or a surface swivel. The mill ports, the steel casing, and the bit extend outward into the formation forming a borehole to a predetermined length. The borehole is provided without an entrance radius into the formation. Several radial holes can be provided considering a one trip event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Patent number: 9284782
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for steering a drill string and including an eccentric steering device. The eccentric steering device may comprise an eccentric sleeve configured for mounting exterior to a portion of the drill string and permitting the drill string to rotate within the eccentric sleeve and a brake positioned to selectively cause rotation of the eccentric sleeve with the drill string. In one embodiment, the eccentric steering device may further comprise one or more bearings positioned between the eccentric sleeve and the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Patent number: 9284783
    Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for providing a laser beam to borehole surface in a predetermined and energy deposition profile. The predetermined energy deposition profiles may be uniform or tailored to specific downhole applications. Optic assemblies for obtaining these predetermined energy deposition profiles are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Patent number: 9284784
    Abstract: A reaming tool includes a body having a longitudinal axis and an upper end opposite a lower end and a blade located on said body, the blade including a reaming surface having one or more reaming inserts disposed on at least a portion thereof and a cutting surface having one or more cutters disposed on at least a portion thereof. One or more of said cutters are configured (a) so that an extended longitudinal axis of said cutter is positioned at an angle ? between 5 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body, or (b) on said cutting surface at a radial distance from said longitudinal axis less than said radial distances between said reaming inserts and said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tercel IP Ltd.
    Inventors: Magdy M. Zaki, Omar Ahmed, Karim A. Aguib, Ahmed Galal Abdel-Kader
  • Patent number: 9284785
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a bit body having a bit axis and a direction of rotation about the bit axis; at least two blades extending azimuthally from the bit body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades; the plurality of cutting elements forming a cutting profile in a rotated profile view, each cutting element having a radial distance from the bit axis. At least one blade, at its formation facing surface, may include, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the bit axis intermediate the radial distances from the bit axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kjell Haugvaldstad
  • Patent number: 9284786
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a tool body having a tool axis and a direction of rotation about the tool axis; at least two blades attached to the tool body, the at least two blades having a leading face facing the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, a trailing face facing away from the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, and a formation facing surface extending between the leading face and the trailing face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades, each cutting element having a radial distance from the tool axis; wherein at least one blade, at its formation facing surface, comprises, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the tool axis intermediate the radial distances from the tool axis of the radially adjacent cutt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kjell Haugvaldstad
  • Patent number: 9284787
    Abstract: A cutting head for a drill bit comprises four substantially identically shaped cutting arms extending radially from a common central axial point, each cutting arm comprising a cutting edge extending, outwardly and axially backwards from the common central axial point. The cutting edges are equianguiarly spaced apart from each other about the central axis of the cutting head. Each cutting, arm further comprises a side chamfer extending between its radially outer face and its rotationally trailing side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Hammer, Steve Brocket, Christoph Gastinger, Christian Bluemel
  • Patent number: 9284788
    Abstract: A drill bit that includes a body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation, the end face having a plurality of raised ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween; and at least one of the plurality of ribs having a cutting portion of the at least one rib comprising a first diamond impregnated matrix material and at least a portion of a gage surface region thereof comprising a second diamond impregnated matrix material, the gage surface region backed by a third matrix material is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Lockwood, Jonan Fulenchek