Patents Issued in March 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9297118
    Abstract: In a method of making a superamphiphobic paper, a fibrous pulp is refined in water to generate fibrils of an average diameter. The water is drained from the fibrils through a mesh. A less polar than water liquid is added to the fibrils, thereby suspending the fibrils therein so as to inhibit agglomeration between the fibrils. The less polar than water liquid and any remaining water are drained from the fibrils. The fibrils are pressed and dried so as to form the paper in which the fibrils have an average spacing. Amorphous phase cellulose is removed from the paper. A predetermined compound is deposited onto a selected surface of the paper. The average diameter and average spacing are chosen so that the paper is phobic to the first liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Lester Li, Victor Breedveld, Dennis Hess
  • Patent number: 9297119
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for trimming unwanted edges from a moving paper web. The disclosure also relates to the trimming of unwanted edges while the web is traveling on a structured papermaking fabric. The method uses a water nozzle having a diameter of 0.02? or less. The method also includes the removal of the unwanted edge trimmings to a trim chute through the use of moving air, for example, an air knife. The disclosure also relates to an edge trimming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: David Drew Raines, Farminder S. Anand, Theodore D. Kennedy, David S. Veldhuizen, Mark S. Hunter, Dean J. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 9297120
    Abstract: Embodiments of a process for manufacturing a paper-based malleable dough for moulding and sculpting applications are described herein that include: soaking and mixing shredded paper in water, yielding a paper dough; and adding and mixing at least one setting-type joint compound with the paper dough. The at-least one setting type compound is added in a weight ratio of setting type compound to shredded paper of between about 11:8 to 17:8. The paper-based malleable dough allows creating objects that are ecological, durable, malleable and lightweight and that brings out the creative side of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mario Lessard, Christine Thibeault
  • Patent number: 9297121
    Abstract: A process for the production of ballast for railway track laying, road construction, dam construction and bank protection, wherein ballast stones are spread out to form ballast and a reaction mixture for the preparation of a polyurethane foam, produced from components by a low-pressure process, is applied between the spread ballast stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hoffmann, Torsten Erwe, Udo Maier, Hans-Guido Wirtz, Thomas Kleiner, Ralf Busch
  • Patent number: 9297122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide plate for a system for fastening a rail to a substrate on which there is provided, laterally of the railway track, a shoulder, which absorbs the forces occurring when the rail is traveled on by a rail vehicle, the guide plate having an underside which is associated with the substrate and an upper side which is exposed in the installation position, is remote from the underside and on which it is possible to support a spring element provided for applying resiliently elastic holding-down forces to the rail to be fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Vossloh-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Bösterling, Lutz Rademacher, Farhad Esfandiyari, Michael Steidl
  • Patent number: 9297123
    Abstract: The water-filled stairs involves a modular staircase that is to be used on a temporary basis, and which is of hollowed construction so as to be filled with water when in use for the purpose of weighing down the staircase. The water-filled stairs is further defined with a plurality of steps adorning a top surface, and a flattened bottom surface. Distal ends of the water-filled stairs include a hook or connecting bar such that consecutive staircases may be attached to accommodate the needs of a particular application. Each staircase includes a male threaded port adjacent a top distal end as well as a bottom distal end. A flexible hose attaches in between the male threaded ports of adjacent staircases in order for a single water source to fill all staircases simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Gordon Benjamin
  • Patent number: 9297124
    Abstract: Method of handling at least one mat with the use of a crane-mounted grab head includes extending the first tooth of a first jaw of the grab head at least partially through a first hole in the mat and the first tooth of a second jaw of the grab head at least partially through a second hole in the mat. At least one actuator moves the jaws toward one another. The grab head is raised to lift the first mat. The mat is positioned at the desired location and the grab head is disengaged from the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Hugh Stewart Robertson
  • Patent number: 9297125
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction vehicle for preparation of a road surface, more particularly a road milling machine or a ground stabilizer, comprising a rotatably driven milling cutter, more particularly a milling rotor or a milling drum, and a drive unit for a milling tool, comprising a drive motor and a gear unit interposed between the drive motor and the milling cutter, wherein the gear unit is in the form of a cogwheel gearbox and comprises at least two gear pairings having different gear ratios, wherein the gear pairings can be selectively engaged to form part of the drive connection or disengaged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Hammes, Jens-Martin Zehbe
  • Patent number: 9297126
    Abstract: Traffic monitoring apparatus with a housing 1, which has several longitudinal profiles 2, 3, 4, 5, which are aligned parallel to a vertical axis H and which are arranged circumferentially around the vertical axis H and enclose an inner housing chamber 18, wherein at least one of the longitudinal profiles 2, 3, 4, 5 has an outer wall 6, forming the outer face 8, and an inner wall 7, forming the inner face 9, facing to the inner housing chamber 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: VITRONIC Dr.-Ing. Stein Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Burghard Hoffmann, Reiner Bobak
  • Patent number: 9297127
    Abstract: A barricade assembly comprises a pair of laterally spaced uprights for supporting at least one barricade board, and a foldable leg assembly for selectively supporting the uprights in a generally upright position. The leg assembly comprises two pairs of legs, one of which has a sliding connection with the respective uprights, and the other of which has a pivotal connection with the respective legs of the one pair and with the respective uprights. When the legs of both pairs are unfolded, the legs of both pairs support the uprights in a generally upright position, whereas when the legs of both pairs are folded, the legs of the one pair are nested within the legs of the other pair substantially in line with the inner sides of the respective uprights to provide a substantially flat barricade assembly for ease of stacking of a plurality of such barricade assemblies on top of one another during storage and/or transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 9297128
    Abstract: A spike strip for disabling vehicle tires is disclosed which is formed from a scissor arm assembly of a plurality of arms engaged at pivots. Moveably from a collapsed position to an elongated position the assembly has a plurality of spikes engaged thereon for puncturing vehicle tires. The spikes can be removed and replaced and can be formed into spike nets by an engaged cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Xue Bing Tang, Quan Yong Tang, Pin Yin
  • Patent number: 9297129
    Abstract: Provided is a cost effective apparatus that can be attached to a preexisting guardrail end terminal infrastructure to gradually decelerate a vehicle, after a collision, in a controlled manner to prevent the guardrail from impaling the vehicle and the projection of debris on the highway. The safety guardrail comprises a front plate having an anterior surface and posterior surface. One or more support plates are connected to the posterior surface of the front plate. The safety guardrail also comprises one or more four-walled non-linear diverters defining a path between an open anterior end and open posterior end, the one or more diverters connected to the one or more support plates. One or more guardrails having an anterior end and a posterior end, the anterior end of one or more guardrails located inside the path of the diverter. One or more posts are distributed in a first plane, the first post in the plane having a top part connected to the one or more diverters and the one or more support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Supreme Safety Gaurdrail, Inc.
    Inventor: Olof A. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 9297130
    Abstract: A terminal post for a cable barrier which is of a unitary post construction. The integrally formed post has a cable barrier portion for retaining barrier cable(s) and an anchor-cable portion for retaining anchor cable(s). The cable barrier includes at least one cable-barrier portion which, in use, receives and retains one or more barrier-cables used in the cable barrier and at least one anchor-cable portion in the form of a central groove, which, in use, receives and retains one or more anchor-cables which are anchored so as to counter balance the force applied to the terminal post by the barrier-cable(s). The cable-barrier portion(s) and the anchor-barrier portion(s) within the post body are configured so that, in use, at least one of the anchor-cable(s) and barrier-cable(s) are releasable from the body during a collision with a vehicle where the anchor-cables act as a ramp and/or snag during the collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Valmont Highway Technology Limited
    Inventor: Dallas Rex James
  • Patent number: 9297131
    Abstract: A snow removal device may include an auger assembly, a mobility assembly, a housing and a blowback prevention assembly. The auger assembly may include a rotatable auger that imparts momentum to draw material engaged by the auger toward an ejection path. The auger may extend substantially transversely with respect to a front portion of the snow removal device. The mobility assembly may be configured to enable the snow removal device to move with respect to a surface. The housing may be disposed proximate to a portion of the auger assembly to direct at least some of the material toward the ejection path responsive to rotation of the auger. The blowback prevention assembly may be disposed to inhibit blowback of material between the housing and the surface. The blowback prevention assembly may include a scraper bar and a trailing shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Shawn Bullington, Mark Holloway
  • Patent number: 9297132
    Abstract: A sea turtle friendly beach cleaning assembly designed for removal of seaweed and other debris from a sand beach. The device includes a beach raking assembly including a plurality of tines, in conjunction with a drag bar and a wire basket. When pulled across a sand surface, the device functions by pulling a plurality of “S” shaped tines across the sand surface in a substantially non-invasive manner, thereby eliminating any possible damage to turtle nests. The cooperation of the tine assembly and drag bar function to leave behind a smooth and clean surface free of ruts that would otherwise impede the movements of turtles and hatchlings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: WD THOMPSON INC.
    Inventor: Raymond Thompson
  • Patent number: 9297133
    Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releaseably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Layfield Group Ltd.
    Inventors: James Andrew Mills, Gregory Allan Parrent
  • Patent number: 9297134
    Abstract: A barrier for damming or channeling surface water flow is comprised of a non-woven polymer fabric sleeve within which is contained a water absorbent material which, upon contact with sufficient water, swells up to 20 or more times its initial weight. Preferred barriers have a D-shape front lobe and a rear lobe that inhibits overturning of the barrier during use. The water absorbent material is contained within a sheet that is captured by stitching which is the separator between the front and rear lobes. Barriers made of a dark color such as black or brown non-woven polypropylene fabric, and containing a super absorbent polymer (SAP), only minimally degrade in function when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Carol J. Dancer
  • Patent number: 9297135
    Abstract: A lining system for a ditch or canal constructed with tight tolerances so a gasket is not required to connect liner channel sections. Each channel liner has a female slot on a first end and a male protrusion on a second end for adjoining channel liners. Flushing strips with male protrusions are installed in female slots in between channel beams. Flushing strips with variable Manning coefficients can be inserted based on a user's needs. Self-anchoring tabs can be inserted into anchoring slots on the outside of liner channels for anchoring the liner by soil compaction. Elbow sections can be used to change the direction of flow of the liquid. Elbow sections are adjoined to a liner channel similar to the adjoinment of in series channel liners to result in a desired angle for the change in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FAST DITCH, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Suazo
  • Patent number: 9297136
    Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable dam assembly. The assembly includes a combined inflation, sealing and anchoring arrangement for a self-supporting dam. The inflatable dam assembly has an inflatable membrane and structure for inflating the membrane. An anchoring element operably engages with the inflatable membrane. A duct houses the anchoring element and provides at least a part of said membrane. The duct includes retaining structure configured to retain the anchoring element within the duct. In use, the anchoring element is moveable relative to the duct in a first direction towards the retaining means and in a second direction away from the retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Eugene Lee, Eamonn Henry Lee-Barrett
  • Patent number: 9297137
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide frame for guiding a cutting apparatus within a pipe incorporated into the ground, having a framework body which can be inserted into the pipe and comprises a guide, along which the cutting apparatus can be displaced, a bracing means for tensioning and fixing the framework body in the pipe, and an adjusting means, with which the cutting apparatus can be adjusted within the pipe in a transverse direction relative to the pipe axis. The invention further relates to a method for anchoring a pipe in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Herrmann, Leonhard Weixler, Maximilian Arzberger
  • Patent number: 9297138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to both a trench box, the use of a trench box and the method for using said trench box. When assembled, said trench box comprises at least two oppositely placed side walls, each side wall having a thickness, a length and a height, an outer wall area and an inner wall area, said trench box further comprising a number of distance struts. Said distance struts are arranged to be secured between said oppositely placed side walls. A trench box according to the invention is new in that a side wall comprises at least a frame part with a first thickness, a length and a height being substantially the same as the length and height of the side wall, said side wall further comprising a center part placed inside the frame part, said center part having a second thickness and comprising one or more strengthening elements, and said side wall further comprising a cover on the outer area of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: STENGER APS
    Inventor: Preben Stenger
  • Patent number: 9297139
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an anchorage for underpinning and bearing walls. The anchorage includes at least one head module and a brace tube which are joined coaxially together. The head module has a tapered point which serves as a guide and in the proximity to this point, the head module has at least two foldable blades on both sides of the brace tube. The blades present reinforcement ribs and tabs on their outer part and they are joined at one of their ends to the brace tube with a joint hinge and held at an upper third of the blades by a clamping device which is linked to the brace tube with a removable bolt. This removable bolt includes a knuckle pin with an end linked by a connector to the brace tube. The opposite end includes a clearance drilling angled at a slant, at 45 degrees of its axle, this end being inserted in the brace tube in correspondence with a bolt clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Vicente Luis Chrestia
  • Patent number: 9297140
    Abstract: A mining shovel includes a base for supporting the shovel on a support surface, a boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, and a support member. The boom includes a first end pivotably coupled to the base and a second end positioned away from the base, the boom being pivotable about a boom pivot axis extending transversely to the boom proximate the first end. The elongated member is pivotable about a shaft positioned between the first end and the second end of the boom. The support member biases the boom against pivoting movement about the boom pivot axis, and the support member extends between the base and the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hren, James M. Hutsick, Patrick M. Severson, Samuel F. Haworth, Jason Knuth
  • Patent number: 9297141
    Abstract: A coupler for an excavator or other apparatus comprising a body for receiving an excavator attachment; a first latch member movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining the attachment on the body. The first latch member being movable into and out of the latching state by an actuator, wherein a gravity operated valve is associated with the actuator. The valve has a first state wherein fluid can flow through the valve as the latch member is moved out of its latching state, and a second state, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve thus preventing operation of the actuator to move the latch member out of its latching state. The valve is adapted to adopt the first state when the coupler is in a non-working orientation and the second state when the coupling is in a working orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Ian Hill
  • Patent number: 9297142
    Abstract: A system for recovering immerged sediments from a seabed and discharging them. From a free sailing extraction ship a mixture of water and sediment is suctioned by a submerged pump unit through a flexible hose adapted to be rolled on a rotative reel positioned on the extraction ship, while the ship is sailing over the concession. The suctioned mixture is then immediately delivered to one of a series of free sailing carrier and transport units that sail alongside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DAMEN DREDGING EQUIPMENT B.V.
    Inventors: Marius Otto Winkelman, Hendrik Ratering
  • Patent number: 9297143
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine which is capable of disposing a manually-operated unit at a position where it can be manually operated by a worker located around an upper slewing body, while suppressing an increase in size of the upper slewing body in a horizontal direction. The manually-operated unit comprises a unit body, and a rotary lever attached with respect to the unit body in such a manner as to be rotatable about a preset rotational axis, in a posture where it extends beyond an outer peripheral surface of the unit body in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. A fuel tank has an undersurface opposed to the bottom plate, and a lower-outer lateral surface extending upwardly from the undersurface in such a manner as to face an outer edge portion side of a bottom plate. The unit body is disposed above the bottom plate and beneath the undersurface of the fuel tank, in a posture where the rotational axis extends approximately horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Murakami, Hideyuki Okura
  • Patent number: 9297144
    Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body, the machine body includes a bottom plate having an air outlet, and an exhaust air duct, the air outlet includes a major opening portion and a wide portion that is disposed with the major opening portion side by side in a left and right direction, the wide portion including a portion located immediately under an engine and having a greater width in a front and rear direction than a width of the major opening portion in the front and rear direction, the exhaust air duct includes a duct base portion including a lower opening that communicates with the air outlet, and an extension portion having an upper opening that is provided at an upper end thereof, and the duct base portion includes a wide-portion covering portion that covers the wide portion at a position immediately under the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichi Hanada, Hiroshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 9297145
    Abstract: An excavation system includes a work tool, and linkage connecting the work tool to the machine. The excavation system also includes at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an angle of the linkage, a display, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and the display. The controller is configured to selectively cause the display to notify a user of the excavation system when the angle of the linkage is within a desired material penetration range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stephen Alig, Brad Robert Van De Veer, Yongliang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9297146
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting a need for a ripping pass to be performed by a machine along a work surface is provided. The method may include monitoring one or more of machine parameters of the machine and profile parameters of the work surface, determining whether one or more predefined trigger conditions suggestive of the need for the ripping pass are met based on the machine parameters and the profile parameters, and generating a ripping pass request if one or more of the trigger conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Wei, Thandava Krishna Edara, Michael Allen Taylor, Troy Kenneth Becicka, Seth J. Rodenbo, Matthew E. Kontz, Kenneth L. Stratton
  • Patent number: 9297147
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for removing a crest end ramp along a work surface using a machine is provided. The computer-implemented method may include defining a volume threshold corresponding to a crest end region of the work surface where the volume threshold may be adjustable based on one or more parameters associated with the machine and the work surface, calculating a volume of material within the crest end region, comparing the calculated volume with the volume threshold, issuing a ramp cut if the calculated volume approximates but does not exceed the volume threshold, and issuing a short cut if the calculated volume exceeds the volume threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Wei, Thandava K. Edara, Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 9297148
    Abstract: An intelligent knuckle boom control system is disclosed where hoist and stick cylinders raise and lower main and stick booms, respectively, a base end control valve controls flow to the hoist and stick cylinder base ends, a hoist rod control valve controls flow to the hoist cylinder rod end, and a stick rod control valve controls flow to the stick cylinder rod end. A microprocessor computes control signals to direct flow through the control valves based on operator commands and boom position readings. The system can include an energy storage system for storing excess energy and releasing the stored energy, where the microprocessor directs storage of excess energy and release of stored energy. The energy storage system can include a hydraulic accumulator, an accumulator control valve and hydraulic pressure sensors; where the microprocessor receives pressure sensor readings and computes accumulator control valve control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Deere and Company
    Inventors: Henry J. Stulen, Calin Raszga
  • Patent number: 9297149
    Abstract: A ripper tip includes a front end, a rear end, and a mounting cavity extending into the rear end. The ripper tip further includes an upper surface extending between the front end and the rear end, wherein a portion of the upper surface at the rear end of the ripper tip includes an upwardly projecting ridge having ridge sides and a ridge top that extend rearwardly on the ripper tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Emily J. Rivera, Clifford O. Jeske, Murray A. Smith, Craig Harder
  • Patent number: 9297150
    Abstract: The present invention is a water damage prevention system that has a residential or industrial/commercial facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a remotely controllable base station with shut-off/on mechanism that is in wireless or wired communication with a convenient controller. The base station with shut-off/on mechanism is interposed within a water line from a water main to the living or operating quarters portion of a residential or a industrial/commercial facility or building, such that activation of the base station with shut-off/on valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters when the residential home or industrial/commercial facility or building is vacated or unsupervised. In this manner, damage to the living quarters or the industrial/commercial facility or building from failure of water pipes running through the living or working quarters is prevented during times that the shut-off mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Edward Klicpera
  • Patent number: 9297151
    Abstract: A sanitary conduit, in particular for a shower device, is useful, for example, as a shower arm conduit in a shower system. The sanitary conduit has a rigid, hollow conduit housing including a base body (10?a) and a housing wall removably attached to the base body. At least one flexible conduit (12a, 12b) is inserted in the hollow conduit housing and is made from a flexural conduit material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Gerd Blessing, Bernd Werner
  • Patent number: 9297152
    Abstract: An internally mountable water flow device includes a water restriction element having a first end, a second end and a middle section, through which a centrally located aperture is provided. One or more gaskets are disposed adjacent to the first end of the restriction element, and a tightening member having a plurality of threaded elements functions to engage the restriction element and impart a pressure onto the one or more gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Kerei Alexander
  • Patent number: 9297153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water saving aerator that can generate high quality babble foam water including the fine bubble entirely. The water saving aerator is attached to the water facilities such as the water tap for generating bubble foam water and flowing the bubble foam water. The water saving aerator comprises a water flow forming portion 110 for forming the water flow through the water saving aerator; a ventilation pass 120 for supplying the outer air to the water flow from the side direction via an air intake hole 121 installed on the side surface of a water flow cylinder; and a water flow accelerator 111 for accelerating the water flow supplied from the water flow forming portion and jetting an accelerated water flow jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Masaaki Takano
  • Patent number: 9297154
    Abstract: An adaptable toilet plumbing riser shroud provides for fast and simple field installation of toilet plumbing riser shrouds without requiring custom prefabrication of shrouds or constraining the plumbing design to a predetermined shape. Two cover portions, one of which is slidably inserted inside the other are secured together. The cover portions are also secured to a wall behind a toilet plumbing riser using brackets. A bottom cover may be provided and cut to permit the riser to pass therethrough. The bottom cover may also be formed from two portions one slidably inserted in the other and then glued together after cutting with plastic cement. The bottom is then attached to the bottom of the shroud using screws. The cover portions may be molded as a single piece and then singulated, and the bottom cover portions may also be formed as a single piece prior to singulation, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BEHAVIORAL SAFETY PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Lee deLoache, III, David Cory deLoache
  • Patent number: 9297155
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning system is disclosed, including (a) a brush adapted to clean an inner surface of a toilet bowl of a toilet; (b) a brush control mechanism adapted to control movement of the brush in the toilet; and (c) a support assembly adapted to operationally couple the brush control mechanism and the brush to the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Cristiana Maria Ralea
  • Patent number: 9297156
    Abstract: A toilet bowl provides maximum flexibility in installation and use. Substantially, the bellows-like closing and opening (foldability) of the bowl allows the mounting in very restricted settings, even if the bowl preferably has a standard size. The use of simple, manual or automatic systems in order to pass from open to closed positions, and vice versa, allows an easy use that does not nullify the advantages in terms of bulk. The advantages are also increased by the possibility to use a suction pump, since in such a manner not only will there be the benefits regarding bulk but also those due to the possibility of using a minimal quantity of water during discharge; of course, it is still possible to equip the pump with the normal “siphon” discharge system. The bowl is perfectly watertight, since between the strips of the “bellows”, there are suitable, perfectly cleanable gaskets with self-cleaning function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NON SOLO YACHTING S.A.S. DI SALZANO ALESSANDRO E GRIMALDI ORFEO PAOLO
    Inventor: Folco Grimaldi
  • Patent number: 9297157
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a square closet flange support for overall support of closet flange and toilet bolts and to be used with new construction projects as well as in renovation projects to level, support and determine the final height of the closet flange and to prevent a need of cutting circular forms from floor tiles, hardwood or other floor covering. The square support has a seam that allows it to be snapped into two identical halves for use in renovation projects to enable sliding the support halves under the flange without a need to remove and reinstall an already installed flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew Brian Wendorff
  • Patent number: 9297158
    Abstract: A shearwall adapted for use in a building or other structure includes a main concrete portion and structural reinforcement positioned within the main concrete portion. The shearwall is configured to resist lateral forces to which the building or other structure may be subjected. Further, the shearwall is configured to accommodate a vertical load such that the need for at least one separate structural column is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Green Valley Corporation
    Inventors: Bo J. Lundmark, Clifford B. Swenson, Don R. Peoples, Hardip S. Pannu
  • Patent number: 9297159
    Abstract: A power lock system for stage truss towers for remotely locking a climbing truss sleeve block with its tower, thereby distributing the downward load directly into the tower and preventing upward motion. The power lock system for stage truss towers generally includes a remotely controlled locking mechanism that is mounted within a truss tower section with adjustable locations. The sleeve that slides or rolls up the tower is equipped with stirrups to provide a structural receptacle for the locking forks. The sleeve and the locking mechanism are equipped with sensors that indicate the sleeve is in the correct location for locking. The control system displays the status of the sensors and limit switches and uses logic to exercise the rules of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce William Darden
  • Patent number: 9297160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite panel made from cementitious mortar characterized in that a plurality of openings pass through its complete width, each of which is filled with a transparent to light material. The invention also relates to methods for producing this panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ITALCEMENTI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Cangiano, Aronne Carminati
  • Patent number: 9297161
    Abstract: A roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate that is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate. A locating tab extending longitudinally with respect to the base plate abuts an edge of the top plate, thereby locating the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from the edge of the wall construction top plate. The base plate further includes first and second fastening openings oppositely located with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface. The first and second fastening openings define first and second fastening positions in the base plate, thereby providing torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SR Systems LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth
  • Patent number: 9297162
    Abstract: A rotating arbor has a hollow interior and a forward end provided with a number of fingers which are spaced apart from adjacent fingers by longitudinally extending slits. The hollow interior and the slits are dimensioned such that a conventional concrete pin may be inserted into the arbor and be rotated by it. In one version of the apparatus, three rollers are situated side by side and a space separates each roller from an adjacent roller. A length of wire is positioned such that one of its segments extends through one space and extends to and through the aperture in the head of the concrete pin. A second segment of the wire doubles back from the concrete pin to and through the second space. As the arbor rotates, the segments of the wire twist around each other to attach them to the pin. In another version of the apparatus, the segments the wire are received in grooves formed in two blocks, one stationary and the other pivotal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Guy Chouinard
  • Patent number: 9297163
    Abstract: An assembly includes a reinforcement bar and a plurality of bar chair attached at spaced locations thereto. The bar chairs have an upper concave seat portion, and pairs of legs. The legs are spot welded to the reinforcement bar at locations, and at a height ‘h’ for the prescribed concrete cover for the reinforcement bar. The legs are located on opposing or alternating sides of the reinforcement bar to evenly distribute the construction loads onto the chair legs. As the reinforcement bar is attached to the legs of the wire form, the concave seat portion is oriented to support a reinforcement bar oriented at 90° to the reinforcement bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BFRE PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: Malcolm Alexander Golledge, Lyndon Alexander Golledge, Brad Frank Golledge
  • Patent number: 9297164
    Abstract: An insulating composite panel (ICP) 100, has an initial thermal resistance (R value) greater than about 50 ft2·° F.·h/Btu (8.8 K·m2/W) at a thickness less than 2.0 in (51 mm). The ICP is preassembled with a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) 102 protected by a lower rigid cover board 104 adhered to a lower surface of the VIP by a lower grid of adhesive ribbons 108, and by an upper rigid cover board 106 adhered to an upper surface of the VIP by an upper grid of adhesive ribbons 110. Each of the adhesive grids 108, 110 is augmented by a respective continuous ribbon of adhesive 112, 114 along the entire perimeter of each respective interface between the VIP 102 and each respective cover board 104, 106. The ICP has high resistance to wind uplift, mold, and fire, and low mass per unit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: JROC Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard O. Collins, Dwight S. Musgrave, Kenneth C. Areskog
  • Patent number: 9297165
    Abstract: A method for applying plaster to an external wall (1), wherein a plaster carrier in the form of plates (2) is attached to a lathwork or corresponding spacer elements (8, 14) on the external side of the wall (1), whereupon the plaster is applied in a substantially continuous surface extending over joints (9, 13) between the plates (2). For the plaster carrier, a composite plate (2) is used comprising a central supporting layer (4) of insulating material and an inner and outer reinforced, fire retardant plaster layer (5, 6) on either side of the supporting layer (4). The plaster carrier plates (2) are attached to the wall (1) by means of fastening devices (10) which are inserted through the plaster carrier plates (2) from the outside, a reinforcement (11) is placed over the joints (9, 13) between the plaster carrier plates (2) and at least some of the fastening devices (10), and a finishing plaster layer is applied to said reinforcement (11) and the outer plaster layer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SELVAAG GRUPPEN AS
    Inventor: Ola Øystein Thorsnes
  • Patent number: 9297166
    Abstract: A cladded structure having rows of spaced-apart fixing devices with engagement members mounted to the support structure for supporting rows of partially overlapping cladding boards. Each row of cladding boards being supported by a respective row of fixing devices. Each cladding board having a recess being provided in and along its rear surface into which the engagement members of the fixing devices engage to support the cladding board on the support structure. Retaining gaps are formed between sections of the upper surface of each cladding board and protruding surfaces of the fixing devices supporting the next upper adjacent cladding board, and a plurality of resiliently deformable retaining components are located in a deformed state in at least one retaining gap associated with each cladding board to exert a downward force on the cladding boards to retain them in an engaged state with their fixing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Jenkin Timber Limited
    Inventor: Richard James Carbines
  • Patent number: 9297167
    Abstract: A method of constructing a tile bathroom includes providing a prefabricated wall, wherein the prefabricated wall includes a planar substrate and a plurality of ceramic tiles secured to the planar substrate. The prefabricated wall includes at least one opening positioned between the plurality of tiles. The method also includes placing the planar substrate adjacent to a wall of a building and placing a fastening mechanism in the at least one opening to secure the prefabricated wall to the wall of the building. The method also includes covering the fastening mechanism and the at least one opening with an epoxy grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Baymont, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Stockton