Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
  • Patent number: 9290903
    Abstract: The invention concerns a support for offshore foundation structures, in particular for tripods, having a bearing surface for receiving gravitational force, a base surface for applying gravitational force to the ground, and a supporting structure for the transfer of force from the bearing surface to the base surface. The invention concerns in particular such a support having two separate frame elements which respectively have a bearing sub-surface and a base sub-surface, as well as a bridge member which can be coupled to the frame elements in the region of the bearing sub-surfaces for the transfer of force between the frame elements in a substantially horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BLG LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Hebestreit, Carsten Rogge
  • Patent number: 9290904
    Abstract: A shovel includes a lower-part movable body, an upper-part turnable body turnably mounted on the lower-part movable body, a boom including a first end rotatably attached onto the upper-part turnable body, an arm including a first end rotatably attached to a second end of the boom, a work element rotatably attached to a second end of the arm, an electrical energy storage device including multiple electrical energy storage cells, and mounted on the upper-part turnable body, a controller configured to control the charge and discharge of the electrical energy storage device, and multiple voltage measurement parts configured to measure the respective cell voltages of the electrical energy storage cells. Information on the cell voltages is transmitted to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jitsutaka Takeo
  • Patent number: 9290905
    Abstract: The remote excavator tool fastens to a robotic arm on a remotely controlled robotic platform that includes a track drive. The tool uses high speed tilling elements rotating at about 1500 rpm to dig, efficiently, a trench using a small amount of power. The tilling elements are hardened steel, rotating counterclockwise to a conventional tiller. The tilling elements are symmetrically mounted on a polygonal shaft, and include right and left multiple couples of paired facing disks with staggered curved tines, where the tines are thick and have tapered hardened edges. Round brushes are interspaced between couples. The loosen soil is pushed forward and to the sides to help protect the robotic platform and maintain control of the tool especially as the rate of the excavation partially depends on the characteristics of the material being excavated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Angel Diaz, Lee Foltz, Bruce James Strackbein, David Rivera Marchand
  • Patent number: 9290906
    Abstract: To provide a construct ion machine in which the temperature of a battery and aqueous urea within an aqueous urea tank can be prevented from rising and high stability can be secured in the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kobayashi, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kensuke Sato, Hiroyuki Azuma
  • Patent number: 9290907
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an engine, and engine compartment, a cooling chamber, a radiator, a cooling fan, a dividing wall, and a cover. The cooling fan is arranged inside the cooling chamber and discharges air toward a direction that is isolated from the engine compartment. The dividing wall separates the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The dividing wall includes a passage opening that links the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The cover includes a main cover section, and a connecting section. The main cover section is arranged inside the cooling chamber next to the dividing wall with a gap therebetween. The main cover section is arranged to face the passage opening. The connecting section includes an open region. The connecting section connects the main cover section and the dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Shintarou Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9290908
    Abstract: A hybrid construction machine is capable of performing satisfactory operations even when trouble occurs that disables the electric motor from outputting torque. The hybrid construction has both a hydraulic motor and an electric motor driving the swing structure and a controller for switching between a hydraulic/electric hybrid swing mode (using both the hydraulic motor and the electric motor) and a hydraulic-alone swing mode (using only the hydraulic motor). The switching is executed while achieving satisfactory operability and performance in each mode. Normally, an energy saving operation is performed in the hydraulic/electric hybrid swing mode. When the electric amount of an electricity storage device has gone out of a prescribed range or an abnormality has occurred in an electric system (e.g., failure of an inverter), the swing mode is switched to the hydraulic-alone swing mode so that driving with normal braking torque is possible by the hydraulic motor alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takenori Hiroki, Manabu Edamura, Toshihiko Ishida, Manabu Sugiura, Hidetoshi Satake, Kouji Ishikawa, Takatoshi Ooki, Shinji Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 9290909
    Abstract: A rope guide that includes an arm, a rope-contacting element, and a spring damper. The rope guide is pivotably coupled to the boom of a mining shovel. The combination of the arm, spring damper, and rope-contacting element maintains a nominal tension in the rope, thereby reducing the likelihood of wear and fatigue on the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Brenny
  • Patent number: 9290910
    Abstract: Activation of an automatic articulation control function in an articulated machine is delayed until error conditions are cleared or a steering angle to alignment angle mismatch is corrected. A controller monitors a selector setting indicating a desire to activate the automatic articulation control function. The controller also evaluates whether conditions such as low ground speed, loss of signal from needed sensors, or articulation misalignment are present. If so, the conditions are monitored and when corrected, the automatic articulation control function is activated. An indicator may be set to inform an operator that the automatic articulation control function is pending activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Sharma, Steven C. Budde, Brad Van De Veer
  • Patent number: 9290911
    Abstract: An energy recovery system is disclosed for use with a hydraulic machine. The energy recovery system may have a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, an actuator, and an actuator control valve movable to direct pressurized fluid from the pump to the actuator and from the actuator to the tank to move the actuator. The energy recovery system may also have a motor mechanically connected to a rotary device and configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the actuator, and at least one valve movable to selectively redirect fluid exiting the motor back to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Tonglin Shang, Jiao Zhang, Dayao Chen, Gang Victor Wen
  • Patent number: 9290912
    Abstract: An energy recovery system for a machine is disclosed. The energy recovery system may have a boom circuit with at least a one linear actuator configured to move a work tool, and a boom accumulator configured to selectively collect pressurized fluid from the at least one linear actuator and to discharge pressurized fluid back to the at least one linear actuator. The energy recovery system may also have a swing circuit with a swing motor configured to move the work tool, and a swing accumulator configured to selectively collect pressurized fluid from the swing motor and discharge pressurized fluid back to the swing motor. The energy recovery system may further have a common accumulator passage fluidly connecting the boom accumulator and the swing accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Victor Wen, Pengfei Ma, Jiao Zhang, Tonglin Shang
  • Patent number: 9290913
    Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Minesense Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Sherliker Bamber, Darcy James Houlahan
  • Patent number: 9290914
    Abstract: A ground engaging tool system comprising a ground engaging tip. The ground engaging tip includes an interior surface with a coupler pocket having an opening. The interior surface has a base wall and a first and second side wall. The tip defines a first and second coupler face walls having a planar portion and a curved portion. The planar portion is adjacent the base wall, and the curved portion adjacent the opening. The ground engaging tool system includes a coupler movably connected to the ground engaging tip between a nominal position and a maximum rotated pitch position. The coupler includes a mounting nose with a first and second exterior face surface and is within the coupler pocket. Between the nominal position and the maximum rotated pitch position, the curved portion coupler face walls are in non-contacting, spaced relationship with the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip J. Kunz
  • Patent number: 9290915
    Abstract: A mechanical system includes a wear part and a support, belonging to the equipment of a construction machine. The support includes a base, a nose which extends from the base along a main axis, and to each side of the base, a housing for receiving a lug of the wear part. The nose includes a first area located near the proximal end of the nose and which includes at least six planar faces arranged in opposite pairs delimiting sections of a first type, and a second area located near the distal end of the nose and which includes at least six planar faces arranged in opposite pairs delimiting sections of a second type, each planar face of the second area being less inclined, relative to the main axis, than the planar face of the first area, which is located in the extension of the planar face in the proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAFE METAL
    Inventor: Fabrice Marchand
  • Patent number: 9290916
    Abstract: A removable hydrant nozzle with a locking arrangement for securing the nozzle in a nozzle opening. The locking arrangement includes an axially movable slide configured to selectively engage a portion of the hydrant adjacent the nozzle opening, such as a lug mouth in a quarter-turn fitting. The slide is mounted to a slide housing and is spring loaded. In use, the slide automatically retracts as the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening and automatically extends into locking engagement with the mouth when the nozzle becomes fully seated. Once engaged, the slide prevents removal of the nozzle until manually disengaged. The slide may be movably mounted on a pair of shoulder bolts. The slide may include a paddle that extends outwardly where it is accessible to the operator. The nozzle may include a handle and a seal fitted onto the inner axial end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: EJ USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Nelson Hoogerhyde, Patrick Francis Brennan, Bryan James Griffin, Kyle Thomas Peters
  • Patent number: 9290917
    Abstract: An outlet box housing a stop valve that is connected to a water supply line of a building. The outlet box enables a user to control the internally housed stop valve by axial movement of a handle assembly linked to a handle on the valve. The outlet box has a faceplate with at least one aperture through which the handle assembly and water outlet line can pass. Valve inlet shanks (or adaptors) connect the stop valve to the water supply line and allow for quick and easy replacement of the stop valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Condon, Bill A. Ghiglieri, Marshall W. Henningsen
  • Patent number: 9290918
    Abstract: An outlet fitting for discharging a fed liquid, in particular a sanitary water supply fitting, has a basic body with a connection for connecting to a liquid supply, and an outlet body connected to the basic body. The disclosure concerns a basic body for use with an outlet body, an outlet body for use with a basic body, as well as their combination in an outlet fitting wherein the outlet body forms a liquid container that is removable from the basic body and can be mounted, for example, on a washbasin or sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Stefan Armbruster, Joachim Blattner, Ulrich Kinle, Hubert Moosmann
  • Patent number: 9290919
    Abstract: An assembly for undermounting a sink to a support surface includes a central sink support supporting a front center portion of a sink. The central sink support includes an elongated block member having an upper surface, a lower surface and extending sidewalls. The central sink support also includes first and second screw holes shaped and dimensioned for the passage of screws that will be secured to a front wall of a sink cabinet and a threaded locking pin hole with a similarly threaded locking screw. The assembly also includes a mounting driver having a support bar shaped and dimensioned for positioning between an underside of the sink and a wall of a cabinet at an angular orientation relative to the wall. The support bar includes a first end and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Dow Blaine
  • Patent number: 9290920
    Abstract: A toilet vent comprising a first fluid connection and a second fluid connection. Said first fluid connection is between an upper portion of a tank of a toilet above a sanitary fluid level and a gas outlet outside of said tank. Said second fluid connection is between a supply line outside of said tank and one or more tank components inside of said tank. Said toilet vent is capable of housing said first fluid connection and said second fluid connection. A portion of said toilet vent, containing a portion of both said first fluid connection and said second fluid connection, passes through a fluid input in a bottom of said tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Throne Cyclone, LLC
    Inventor: Randy White
  • Patent number: 9290921
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control apparatus for a toilet seat apparatus which generates electric power by a user's pressing operation, the remote control apparatus being capable of balancing design quality and transmission accuracy of a signal at a high level. A remote control apparatus RC has a main button group MB, including a water spray button WB and a water stop button MB1, and a sub-button group SB, including a stronger button SB1, etc. Each button in the sub-button group SB has a circular shape with a diameter smaller than that of each button in the main button group MB from a front view. When a button in the main button group MB is pressed, mechanical energy is transferred to a power generation unit GU by a first slide member 10 and a second slide member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Satoko Morioka, Toshio Koguro, Masahiro Kuroishi, Masateru Miyazaki, Yuta Sakai, Masami Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9290922
    Abstract: A ceramic bowl obtained by means of casting in moulds comprises: a liquid collection pan (2) having a main axis (Z) of extension; a liquid distribution rim (3) having at least one portion configured to reproduce the top edge (7) of the pan (2) along a common plane (P) of lie; the rim portion (3) has a tubular chamber (4) with toroidal cross-section for the passage of liquids and having as axis of rotation the axis (Z) of the pan (2); a separate outer casing (5) for housing the single component formed by pan (2) and rim (3); the bowl comprises a first set of perimetral surfaces (8, 14, 31) which define one part of the tubular chamber (4) of the rim (3) and the surface joining the rim portion (3) to the pan (2) and which are parallel to each other and extend in a direction transverse to the common plane (P) of lie, and a second set of perimetral surfaces (6, 12) which define the other part of the tubular chamber (4) and extend parallel to the plane (P) of lie and are connected to the first set of surfaces (8, 1
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Alessandro Bernabei, Vasco Mazzanti
  • Patent number: 9290923
    Abstract: A flow control device for a storm water management system includes a storage chamber and a number of discharge openings extending through the storage chamber. Associated with each opening is a valving mechanism that opens or closes the opening in response to changes in water level in the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Joel Lang, Patrick X. Collings, Douglas K. Graham
  • Patent number: 9290924
    Abstract: A liquid run-off disposal system 10 comprising an elongate tank structure 22 having one or more sections adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. The tank structure 22 also includes a plurality of apertures 14 provided in the side walls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the tank structure 22 it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Michael John Wynne
  • Patent number: 9290925
    Abstract: A stabilizing collar which is adapted to fasten to a drain pipe for stabilizing a drain. The stabilizing collar in the form of a ring includes an opening between an inner surface for receipt of a pipe and defines an engagement member for securing the body to the pipe and a support receiving member adapted to receive a support member for supporting the drain on the stabilizing collar. The present invention further provides for a method of installing the stabilizing collar to stabilize a receptacle body of the drain. The receptacle body is attached to the pipe and the support members are adjusted so that they contact the receptacle body and therefore provide support to keep the receptacle body at the same slope as the floor level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Majocka, David Gomo, Doug Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 9290926
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting adjacent parallel spaced apart joists from a perpendicular beam. Each of the joists extends between first and second ends and has top and bottom edges. The apparatus comprises an elongate member sized to extend between a first end proximate to a top edge of a first joist and a second end proximate to a bottom edge of an adjacent joist. The apparatus further comprises a joist support platform extending from the second end of the elongate member adapted to receive a bottom edge of a first joist thereon, at least one bottom beam engaging panel extending from the joist support platform and a joist cap extending from the first end of the elongate member adapted to overly a top edge of a second joist adjacent to the first joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Geoffrey Rajay Sidhu
  • Patent number: 9290927
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a mobile ATM that may be completely self-contained, including having its own power source and communications capability. The mobile ATM may be designed to be transported and installed so that the mobile ATM can be fully functional and ready for customer usage within approximately one hour of arrival at the installation site. The mobile ATM may be constructed of rigid, durable, weatherproof materials. The mobile ATM may include a platform and ramp that are foldable against the ATM for transportation. The mobile ATM may be ADA compliant and may include a charging station supporting the charging of portable electronic devices, in addition to providing financial transaction services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventor: William S. Sheley
  • Patent number: 9290928
    Abstract: A connector clip configured to interconnect a sill member to a stud within a sheet-metal wall assembly is disclosed herein. The innovative connector clip comprises: a piece of sheet-metal that defines a planar web; and at least a first web flange perpendicular to the web. The innovative connector clip may be characterized in that the web includes at least a first transverse web slot positioned for receiving a first sill flange of the sill member when the sill member is positioned adjacent to one of the ends of the stud, and wherein the first transverse web slot defines a right angle with the first web flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: James Alan Klein
  • Patent number: 9290929
    Abstract: A system for installing trim installations at external corners of a building includes trim and a bracket. The trim serves both an aesthetic purpose in adding a decorative feature to building envelopes and also adds an additional weatherproofing purpose in allowing for more complete weatherproofing of building envelope corners and openings. The disclosed system relates to a concealed fastening building finishing element system that enables concealed fastening of finishing trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ply Gem Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Daniel Hawk, John M. Wade
  • Patent number: 9290930
    Abstract: A pre-engineered metal building configured to reduce air leakage through the shell of the building by providing an insulation system for fully sealing an enclosed space within the structural frame of the building. The insulation system includes a vapor barrier that defines the enclosed space, at least one insulation layer, and a continuous air barrier. Roof sheeting and side wall facing are attachable to the structural frame to form a shell about the building, and at least a portion of the insulation system is positioned between the shell and the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Therm-all, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Beals
  • Patent number: 9290931
    Abstract: A wall installation system and method include providing a first wall panel with tape extending vertically from top to bottom on one side of the first wall panel and on a back of the first wall panel; securing the first wall panel at a site; placing a second wall panel adjacent to the first wall panel; and connecting the tape to the second wall panel to form a fire barrier seal between the first wall panel and the second wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: EMEH, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Grace
  • Patent number: 9290932
    Abstract: Fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to the tracks such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall. Various assemblies and methods can be used to cover the deflection gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 9290933
    Abstract: A multi-purpose interlocking masonry unit includes support members extending from its lower surface and port depressions formed in its upper surface. Each masonry unit can be placed on top of a previously placed masonry unit. The interlocking masonry unit allows for the rapid creation of a wall that is substantially straight and aligned while minimizing the need to perform precise measurements and make alignment adjustments during the creation process. Bonding material can be poured through the resultant wall ports, creating a matrix pattern of bonding material throughout the wall, which results in a stronger more durable construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Joe Balducci, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9290934
    Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Donald A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 9290935
    Abstract: An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: molo design, ltd.
    Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Stephanie J. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 9290936
    Abstract: A portable floor includes floor panels connected in an edge to edge relationship to form an extended temporary floor surface. Each of the panels includes a foam layer having a top face and a bottom face with a first aluminum sheet placed on the top face and a second aluminum sheet placed on the bottom face. The aluminum sheet placed on the bottom face is coated with a paint over the bottom surface while a laminate is applied over the upper aluminum sheet. Extruded edge pieces attach along the sides of the floor panels and include complementary tongues along two edges and grooves along the other two edges. The panels also include latches for securing the edges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher C. Dickey, Todd A. Schilling
  • Patent number: 9290937
    Abstract: This invention provides suspension fabric product, methods of making such product, and methods of installing such product, in fall protection systems used in metal building construction. The fabric product is presented Z-folded on a core, with essentially all surface air removed, and wrapped in a protective plastic wrapping which extends into the roll alongside outer layers of the roll of fabric. Essentially all surface air is removed from the Z-folded fabric at a compression station as the roll is being fabricated. Use of the roll includes extending a shaft through the core, elevating the roll to a working height at the roof elevation, temporarily mounting the shaft to existing roof structural members of the building being constructed, and drawing a leading edge of the fabric from the roll and along a run of the space between next adjacent ones of the purlins and across the space between first and second ones of the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Mate, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pendley, Michael J. McLain
  • Patent number: 9290938
    Abstract: A construction system for releasing moisture from a building is provided. The system is especially suitable for use in buildings having a hip, valley or gable roof. More specifically, the device gives the hip, valley or gable roof adequate ventilation and moisture vapor release portals so as to allow air and water vapor to properly rise through the interior of the hip, valley or gable roof and out through ridge vents without becoming trapped by rafters of the hip, valley or gable roof. The system has a first unit and a second unit, wherein the first unit allows air and water vapor to pass through passageways of the first unit up through the underside of the hip, valley or gable roof up and out through the ridge vent(s) and the second unit allows air from the exterior to pass into the roof cavity to circulate through the roof cavity and into the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Wickright, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9290939
    Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Romeo Ilarian Ciuperca
  • Patent number: 9290940
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist contains three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower chord. The upper chord further contains a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Dizenio Inc.
    Inventors: Irving Stal, Hormoz Sayyad
  • Patent number: 9290941
    Abstract: A modular fiber reinforced plastic flange for a structural composite beam which comprises a body formed of a plurality of elongate elements arranged in an array, wherein the dimensions of the body are substantially determined by the number and arrangement of the elongate elements in the array, and a skin member at least partially surrounding the array. Also, a structural composite beam comprising the modular fiber reinforced plastic flange and a shear web connected to the skin member of the modular flange. A method of making the modular flange and beams, and a kit of parts for making the modular flange are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Blade Dynamics Limited
    Inventors: Paul Trevor Hayden, Harald Behmer
  • Patent number: 9290942
    Abstract: A roofing shingle may include a shingle body having a buttlap portion with a butt edge and a headlap portion. An exposure zone may extend from the butt edge toward the headlap portion and may be configured to be exposed to the environment when the roofing shingle is installed on a roof. The butt edge may be variegated and may include at least one tab. A first shadowline may be on at least a portion of the at least one tab. A second shadowline may be in the exposure zone. The first and second shadowlines may differ from each other in at least one aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert L. Jenkins, Gregory F. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9290943
    Abstract: A shingle blank includes a substrate coated with asphalt. A substantially V-shaped perforated cut line is formed in the substrate, and a substantially straight cut line extends from an apex the V-shaped perforated line toward a leading edge of the shingle blank. The V-shaped perforated cut line and the substantially straight cut line are structured and configured to facilitate separation of the shingle blank into discrete portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Grubka, Jennifer L. Frey, Hyun Gun Yu, Hun Song
  • Patent number: 9290944
    Abstract: A laminated roofing product can include a first sheet including a first coating that is substantially free of recycled roofing material, and a second sheet adjacent to the first sheet. The second sheet can include a second coating having a second sheet recycled roofing material. In another embodiment, the laminated roofing product can include a first sheet including a first sheet recycled roofing material, and a second sheet adjacent to the first sheet. The second sheet can include a second sheet recycled roofing material, wherein the second sheet has a higher recycled roofing content as compared to the first sheet. In another embodiment, a method of forming a laminated roofing product includes laminating a first sheet and a second sheet together. The second sheet has a higher recycled roofing content as compared to the first sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Gregory F. Jacobs, Paul A. Benensky
  • Patent number: 9290945
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to systems, articles, materials, and methods for roofing a structure including, for example, hybrid shingles comprising a first material and a second material. A hybrid shingle may comprise, in some embodiments, a first layer comprising a metallic substrate or a polymeric substrate and at least partially defining a headlap region of the shingle, a buttlap region of the shingle comprising one or more tabs interspersed with inter-tab openings, an outward-facing surface of the first layer, and a substrate-facing surface of the first layer; and a second layer comprising a base and asphalt, having a smaller area than the first layer, and at least partially defining a buttlap region of the shingle, wherein the second layer is fixed to the substrate-facing surface of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Margie A. Beerer, Matti Kiik, Sudhir B. Railkar
  • Patent number: 9290946
    Abstract: A roofing profile installation guide includes a rectangular bottom skid having a front edge, a back edge, and opposing longitudinal side edges. A first side rail and a second side rail are attached to the opposing longitudinal side edges and a front rail is attached to the front edge of the bottom skid. A guide rail is attached to the first side rail. The guide rail is configured to contact a first roofing profile that is attached to a roof surface as the bottom skid is moved atop the roof surface to maintain an orientation of the bottom skid relative to the first roofing profile and thereby, via the second side rail, align a second roofing profile with the first roofing profile atop the roof surface. The second roofing profile is unattached to the roof surface prior to alignment of the two roofing profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Henry Marsh, William Runyon
  • Patent number: 9290947
    Abstract: A stair system according to one illustrative embodiment comprises: a support body mountable in a wall and comprising a connecting region; a stair body; and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus comprises: a connector connectable to the connecting region of the support body in any one of a plurality of different positions in the connecting region of the support body; and a holder configured to hold the stair body such that when the connector is connected to the connecting region of the support body, the stair body is spaced apart from the support body to permit a wall panel between the stair body and the support body. Wall assemblies comprising such stair systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond Stairs Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Colin Meier
  • Patent number: 9290948
    Abstract: Floor panel, which, at least at two opposite sides, includes coupling parts with which two of such floor panels can be coupled to each other; wherein these coupling parts form a horizontally active locking system and a vertically active locking system; wherein the horizontally active locking system comprises a male part in the form of a downwardly directed projection and a female part with a seat open towards the top, which have horizontally active locking surfaces; and wherein the vertically active locking system includes a vertically active locking element, which forms part of an insertion piece provided in the female part; wherein the insertion piece is formed at least of the combination of a bottom part; a back part adjoining thereto and an elastically movable lock-up body directed downward with a free extremity, which lock-up body, by means of a hinge portion, is connected directly or indirectly to the back part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventors: Mark Cappelle, Guy Van Hooydonck
  • Patent number: 9290949
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sealing strip and a floor tile unit. The sealing strip has two edge strips intersecting each other. Each edge strip of the sealing strip is sandwiched in a gap between floor tiles and a gap between baseplates of the floor tile unit, ends of adjacent edge strips of adjacent sealing strips are connected with each other in both a gap between the adjacent baseplates and a gap between the adjacent floor tiles. With the reasonable structural arrangement of the sealing strip in the present invention, the sealing strip is easy to be assembled, the splicing in the floor tile unit is stable and reliable, and liquids and dust are prevented from permeating into gaps between adjacent floor tiles and gaps between the floor tiles at the intersection of the edge strips of the sealing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Yat Man Choy
  • Patent number: 9290950
    Abstract: A panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system, allows two of such floor panels to be connected to each other at their sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement, in the other panel. The vertically active locking element comprises a locking element in the form of an insert. The locking element comprises at least a pivotable lock-up body and an attachment portion. The locking element comprises a bending zone including a first boundary surface with the lock-up body as well as a second boundary surface with the attachment portion. The lock-up body and the attachment portion, in the non-coupled condition, extend underneath each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventor: Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 9290951
    Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: UNILIN BEHEER B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
  • Patent number: 9290952
    Abstract: A transition strip is used to install, replace, and repair a floor panel in a floating floor system in accordance with the invention. The transition strip may be a film or tape that may comprise plastic, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyolefin, or nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Buckwalter, Michael T. Pham