Patents Issued in May 24, 2016
  • Patent number: 9347220
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member including a flange defining a bottom surface and a ceiling panel supported by the grid support member. A first facing sheet includes a peripheral edge portion attached to the grid support member. An integral cutting guide groove is formed in the bottom surface of the grid support member. The peripheral edge portion of first facing sheet includes an edge which is axially aligned with the groove. A second ceiling panel includes a second facing sheet including a peripheral edge portion having an edge axially aligned with the groove and disposed adjacent the edge of the first facing sheet to form a seam. The first and second facing sheets conceal the grid support member. A related method of installation is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Christopher David Gaydos, Brian L. Springer
  • Patent number: 9347221
    Abstract: A lightweight structural panel which comprises a planarly extended outer skin having a thickness and stiffening elements which are connected to the outer skin and arranged at a distance from one another. The outer skin is formed by component layers which are each extended in the planar direction of the lightweight structural panel and complement one another to form the thickness of the outer skin and are interconnected, the stiffening elements being formed in one piece with one of the component layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Alexei Vichniakov
  • Patent number: 9347222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a roof assembly for a modular building unit that comprises a roofing sheet that is welded to the frame of the modular building unit to form a unitary, continuous sealed weld between the roofing sheet and the generally horizontal structural frame of the modular building unit, and that is pitched to downwardly direct water toward one end of the modular building unit. The welded roof assembly prevents water infiltration into the modular building unit, and such watertight structure may then receive any gutter configuration the user wishes to implement without risking water infiltration into the building unit. The welded roofing sheet avoids the use of screws or other fasteners, and the associated possibility of water leakage around the screws and into the building unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Herve Bottin
  • Patent number: 9347223
    Abstract: The gutter cleaning device removes wet or dry debris in the gutter after being attached to a leaf blower, and is designed to be used while standing on the ground to reach gutters at the first, second and even third story levels without the need for a ladder. The gutter cleaning device includes a nozzle arranged at an angle to the gutter so that the flow of air drives debris in a direction away from the operator, and a fluid-driven agitation device powered simply by air pressure to mechanically stir up heavy debris in the gutter or to prevent the debris from clogging the nozzle. In addition, the gutter cleaning device includes a plough that protrudes forward relative to the nozzle and mechanically lifts compacted debris from the gutter to be blown away by the same flow of air that is used to drive the agitation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Viper Tool Company LLC
    Inventors: James A Ashton-Miller, Jeffrey E Terrell
  • Patent number: 9347224
    Abstract: A precast step-wall block including a step portion projecting perpendicularly out of a wall system and a wall block portion, is disclosed. Wall blocks used in constructing the wall system are T-shaped in plan view with exemplary dimensions of 400 mm×200 mm×200 mm. These wall blocks are arranged in Flemish bond courses to facilitate the projection of the precast steps from the wall system. A mold designed for preparation of the precast steps of different lengths is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Umm Al-Qura University
    Inventor: Khaled I. Nabil Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9347225
    Abstract: A system for securing plank panels together includes at least one connector clip to secure a pair of plank panels with one another. The at least one connector clip receives the retaining mechanism of each plank panel. The at least connector clip has a body with first and second retaining pockets. The retaining pockets couple with the retention mechanisms. A locator hump is coupled with the body. The locator hump positions the connector clip in place with respect to at least one of the pair of plank panels to secure the connector clip as well as the plank panels with a framing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Kingspan Insulated Panels, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Glancy, Taylor Vail
  • Patent number: 9347226
    Abstract: A deck plank has an elongated length, two opposite sides extending along the elongated length, two ends located on opposite ends of the elongated length, and a continuous cross-section along the elongated length. The deck plank comprises an insertion member extending the length of one of the two sides and forms a groove extending the length thereof and shaped to retain a sealing gasket therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Houle
  • Patent number: 9347227
    Abstract: A floating floor system and a floor panel and method for use with the same that includes a snap-fit locking assembly that provides vertical locking between adjacent floor panels to minimize and/or prevent ledging therebetween. In one embodiment, a protuberance and a recess are also provide on the floor panels to provide horizontal locking. The snap-fit locking assembly comprises: a locking member protruding from a first flange and comprising an undercut surface; and a locking slot formed in a second flange. The snap-fit locking assembly is configured so that when the locking member of a first one of the panels is disposed within the locking slot of a second one of the panels, the first and second panels are vertically locked together via mechanical interaction between the undercut surface of the locking member of the first panel and a locking surface of the second flange of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil Ramachandra, Anna J. Totaro
  • Patent number: 9347228
    Abstract: A tile spacing device and accompanying system and method are disclosed for spacing a plurality of tiles having a contour. In one embodiment, the tile spacing device includes two parallel bodies connected by at least one spanning member. The first body, the second body, and the at least one spanning member form a cage-like fused-member structure having a four-tile engagement configuration, a three-tile engagement configuration, and a two-tile engagement configuration, respectively. Within each of the three engagement configurations, engagement of a tile with a spacer can be seen by a user through the cage-like fused-member structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
  • Patent number: 9347229
    Abstract: The invention provides a sawhorse comprising a base assembly movable between a folded position for storage and an open position for use and a workpiece support assembly having a workpiece supporting surface which faces upwardly when the base assembly is in the open position for use thereof, said workpiece support assembly being mounted on the base assembly for vertical movement in opposite directions with respect to the base assembly through a range of vertical positions. The base assembly and the workpiece support assembly has a cooperating structure operable to enable the workpiece support assembly to be manually moved in said opposite directions into a selected vertical position with respect to the base assembly, which adjustably engages the workpiece support assembly in the selected vertical position and which is operable to move the workpiece support assembly when the base assembly is in the folded position or in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: Boaz Ken-Dror, Sharon Fella Bar-Erez, Yosi Sabbag
  • Patent number: 9347230
    Abstract: An end connector for a horizontal scaffold member includes two sidewalls that are substantially parallel joined to a pipe. Each side wall has two spaced apart engagement section. The sidewalls extend into the interior of the pipe and remain substantially parallel in the interior of the pipe. A movable latch is positioned between the two sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Excel Modular Scaffold and Leasing Corporation
    Inventor: Yates W. Hayman
  • Patent number: 9347231
    Abstract: A construction hanger comprising a brace including a first elongated member; an arm extending from one end of the first elongated member at an angle thereto, the arm and the elongated member cooperating to engage the surface of a construction support member; a guide at the end of the elongated member opposite the one end, the guide being capable of receiving a hanger member, the guide being positioned on or formed within the brace and at an angle thereto; the guide tying the hanging member to the construction support member by means of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cormier, Andrew P. Magee, Richard G. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 9347232
    Abstract: A lifting and leveling assembly configured to be embedded in a precast concrete slab for lifting a leveling a precast concrete slab includes a base plate, a threaded sleeve, an anchor plate, a thread protecting sleeve, a threaded lifting bolt and an end cap. Rotating the threaded lifting bolt in a first direction positions a bolt head on the threaded lifting bolt above a top surface of a precast concrete slab to accommodate the attachment of a lifting device. Rotating the threaded lifting bolt in a second direction positions the bolt head beneath the top surface of the concrete slab and causes the threaded shaft to exert a force on the base plate to level the precast concrete slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Sidney E. Francies, III
  • Patent number: 9347233
    Abstract: A data center comprises a plurality of sections (15a-15h) assembled together to define a unitary structure (10) such that there exists at least one personnel area that spans at least two sections; wherein the sections comprise a first section with which there is associated a first service—carrying chassis (40, 50, 60, 70) and a second section with which there is associated a second service—carrying chassis 40, 50, 60, 70), each of the first and second service—carrying chassis comprising a frame (41, 51, 61, 71) onto which is mounted components of at least two different services (42-44, 46); the first and second chassis are connected to each other by means of a junction (47) between the first and second chassis; and the first and second sections each include a ceiling (22) and the first service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the first section and the second service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BRIPCO BVBA
    Inventor: Paul Rogers
  • Patent number: 9347234
    Abstract: An improved pool skimmer basket assembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer vent tower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of a skimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/or any pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any pool skimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent tower without requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assembly utilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of an existing design to provide a means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the user requires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easily remove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basket and place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmer vent tower altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GVT, Inc.
    Inventor: Sara Voss Weyman
  • Patent number: 9347235
    Abstract: In a structure which forms an upper structure and a lower structure divided by an anti-vibration pad for vibration isolation therein, since the concavo-convex type shear key is formed using the precast concrete shear-key block, the construction can be precisely performed according to the predetermined standard. Therefore, a vibration isolation structure using a precast concrete shear-key block and an anti-vibration pad which are capable of effectively blocking vibration and noise, and a constructing method thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Young-Chan You, Ki-Sun Choi, Sang-Ki Park
  • Patent number: 9347236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tower or a tower segment of a wind turbine, having a door for entering the inside of the tower, comprising a door frame, which has a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf. The Invention further relates to a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, said frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and to a wind turbine having a tower, a door provided for entering the inside of the tower, and a staircase leading to the door on the outside of the tower, preferably of a tower described above. The underlying object of the invention is to provide an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Senvion SE
    Inventors: Rüdiger Gawrisch, Roberto Klugmann
  • Patent number: 9347237
    Abstract: A cord assembly is disclosed for use in connection with a variety of purposes including with a portable hunting blind. In one embodiment of the invention, the cord assembly has a plurality of resilient cord members forming a main panel and additional resilient cord members extending outward from the main panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Covercraft Industries, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Ponciano
  • Patent number: 9347238
    Abstract: A shelter configuration for a portable human transport system comprises a canopy attachment, optionally with a rain-fly closure, for protecting a casualty from inclement weather or external interference by pests or animals. The attachment enables aerial lifting or elevation of the patient in a fully enclosed transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ERIPIO, LLC
    Inventor: Damien H. Dominick
  • Patent number: 9347239
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: J&M INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gaudet, Jr., Aaron Gummer
  • Patent number: 9347240
    Abstract: The invention relates to pocket door hardware. Devices are disclosed that include a plate configured to fit over a surface pull of a pocket door, and members protruding from the plate away from the broad plane of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Kent Herman
  • Patent number: 9347241
    Abstract: A pushbutton type easy-code-change handle lock includes an outdoor assembly, a latch bolt arresting member, a latch bolt, and an indoor assembly. The outdoor assembly is mounted to an outside surface of a door panel and is coupled to an end of the latch bolt arresting member. The latch bolt arresting member drives the latch bolt to move. The indoor assembly is coupled to an opposite end of the latch bolt arresting member. The outdoor assembly includes a mechanical combination lock. When a user enters a correct combination of codes, the mechanical combination lock is operated and the external door handle and the latch bolt are operated synchronously to open the door; and if no code is provided, a key may be used to open the door; and if both codes and key are not provided, the external door handle and the latch bolt cannot be operated synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: FU CHANG LOCKS MFG. CORP., LEON SPECIALTY INC.
    Inventor: Fu-Chang Peng
  • Patent number: 9347242
    Abstract: A door lock/unlock system for a building automatically controls locking and unlocking of a door. A door lock controller interfaces with an electronic door lock and receives messages including door lock commands from a local receiver. In turn, the local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network. The hub applies a rule set to make lock operation decisions, and sends messages comprising commands to operate the door lock through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the commands to the door lock controller to automatically control the electronic door lock. A door state device checks the state of the door. When the checking mechanism indicates that the message was not received or the lock operation failed, the system alerts the user to take appropriate lock action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SMARTLABS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Brian Cregg, Marcus Paul Escobosa
  • Patent number: 9347243
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operable locking device for locking a gate. The electrical lock has a frame for mounting the locking device to the gate, and a housing slidably movable with respect to the frame between an upper position and a lower position and comprising a drop bolt arranged to move between an extended drop bolt position and an retracted drop bolt position and a mechanical locking mechanism arranged to lock and unlock the housing to the frame and comprising a key-operated cylinder lock to unlock the housing to the frame. The gate is locked if said housing is in the lower position and said drop bolt is in the extended position. The locking device further has a resilient element positioned between the frame and the housing and arranged to lift the housing relative to the frame when the housing is unlocked from the frame by operation of the key-operated cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Talpe
  • Patent number: 9347244
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing, a printed circuit board received in the housing, a key, and an adjusting member. The housing defines a through hole. The key is coupled to the housing and partially received in the through hole. The adjusting member is across the through hole. The adjusting member is movably coupled to the housing and contact the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Pen-Uei Lu
  • Patent number: 9347245
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the arm includes a block-side portion and a follower portion. The block-side portion can have a first end connected to the connector block. The follower portion can be connected to a second end of the block-side portion with a linear clutch. The linear clutch can include a bolt, a spring, and two sliding members. The bolt can pass through the block-side portion and the follower portion. A force on an end of the arm can cause the clutch to slip allowing the follower portion to move independently of the block-side portion. A sensor can detect a slippage of the linear clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Henge Docks LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Leigh Vroom
  • Patent number: 9347246
    Abstract: An opening and/or closing mechanism for a motor vehicle, with a lock having a housing, in which there is arranged at least one retention element, which has a pawl and a rotary latch, and with a closing element, which is in operative connection with the lock in the closed position, it being possible for the rotary latch to be moved between a release position and a retention position, in which it catches the closing element. In the event of deformation of the housing, the housing is contacted at least partially by the retention element in order to prevent the door from opening, wherein at least one stop surface of a rotary latch section of the rotary latch enters into a positive-locking connection with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Udo Orzech, Hans-Günter Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9347247
    Abstract: A latch assembly with a first magnet and a second magnet is provided. The first and second magnets engage each other when the latch assembly is in a closed position. The latch assembly also includes features for determining when the latch assembly is in the closed position. Knowledge of when the latch assembly is in the closed position can assist with operation of an associated appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Tarr, Srinivas Mallampalli
  • Patent number: 9347248
    Abstract: A blind hinge structure used for furniture, comprising a movable cup seat provided on the furniture door body, a regulating base provided on the main body of furniture, a rotary arm connected between the movable cup seat and the regulating base, an elastic element which is designed to generate start-stop acting force on the movable cup seat at least, wherein the front of the rotary arm is designed as “” shaped structure, the arm lever at its small end is hinged with the movable cup seat through pin shaft and forms an arc-shaped surface which is connected with the elastic member; The top surface of its big end is a plane, and regulating components are provided on the plane and are in coordinated connection with the regulating base; fasteners are provided on the regulating base and are used in coordination with the regulating components for positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GUANGDONG TAIMING METAL PRODUCTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Tai Wai Ng
  • Patent number: 9347249
    Abstract: A door release system for a tactical armored vehicle having a vehicle door frame with a receptacle and a vehicle door hinged to the frame is disclosed comprising a pair of releasable hinge bodies carried by the door. The hinge bodies include a head portion for abutting an area of the door frame surrounding the receptacle. A plug portion fits within the frame receptacle, and a lock portion follows the plug portion. An end portion follows the lock portion and is dimensioned smaller than the frame receptacle. A hinge release assembly includes a latch means for locking the hinge bodies in place in the receptacles to prevent removal of the hinge bodies in a locked position. An actuator disengages said means to release said hinge bodies for removal from said door frame and vehicle in a hazardous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Marshall, Robert LeRoy Marshall
  • Patent number: 9347250
    Abstract: A universal hinge alignment fixture for mounting different types of hinges to a cabinet have a cabinet box opening is disclosed comprising a fixture plate and a grip for holding the fixture plate during use. A detachable hinge plate mount is carried by the fixture plate for affixing different types of hinge plates to the fixture plate to operate with different types of hinges. A face plate is carried by the fixture plate for engaging a face of the cabinet surrounding the cabinet box opening and spacing the door and cabinet for alignment and attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Leslie A. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 9347251
    Abstract: The invention is a simple, low-cost, mechanical device to be inserted in the hinge area of an open door of a parked vehicle to keep the door open while people or equipment are added to or removed from the automobile. A particular use of the invention is as a safety mechanism to hold the passenger-side door open while a disabled passenger is assisted in exiting the vehicle without the care-giving individual having to hold the door open or having the door slam shut on the disabled person. After this use, the device may be removed and stored in the glove compartment for easy access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Jerry Glenn Lewis
  • Patent number: 9347252
    Abstract: A foot-operated door opener, with a foot-operated actuator element is located in the lower region of a door for opening the door, and the foot-operated actuator element has a one foot tread element which, when actuated by a foot, at least partially pivots downwards and inwards. The foot tread element is also guided in a forcibly guided manner by way of a forcibly guided element and one forcibly-guided moving element. The foot tread element is connected rotatably to an articulated element and rotatably connected to the forcibly-guided moving element in such a manner that, upon actuation by a foot, the foot tread element both executes a movement downwards and is also moved as a whole at least partially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Metiba Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventor: Sascha Klein
  • Patent number: 9347253
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device, which enhances the operation feeling during opening and closing of a vehicle door, includes: an outside door handle provided to a power sliding door for opening and closing a door opening, the outside door handle being supported to move between an initial position and a maximum movement position relative to the power sliding door, and being operated to open and close the power sliding door; a spring unit urging the outside door handle to move from the maximum movement position to the initial position; an opening/closing operation detection unit for detecting movement of the outside door handle from the maximum movement position to the initial position; a door drive mechanism for driving the opening and closing of the power sliding door; and a control unit for actuating the door drive mechanism on the basis of a detection signal outputted from the opening/closing operation detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Shibayama, Takeshi Nishikibe, Toshio Machida
  • Patent number: 9347254
    Abstract: An access controller apparatus and method for controlling physical access to an area are provided to determine a current priority level setting of the access controller and to ignore a received command in response to a comparison of the priority level of the received command to the current priority level setting of the access controller. Thus, a prioritized response to commands is provided such that commands of certain priority levels can be acted upon in certain situations. This helps allow for proper responses to multiple conflicting commands and for prioritized responses to commands of greater importance or of universal impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward S. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9347255
    Abstract: Channel reinforcements configured to move between open and closed location along with a window sash are described herein. The channel reinforcements may provide reinforcement to window jambs proximate the latch bolts that extend into jamb channels in the window jambs. The channel reinforcements may be coupled or uncoupled to the balances located in the window jambs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Dominick Benevenga, Juan Cornejo
  • Patent number: 9347256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an insulating glass pane comprising a plastic spacer, wherein two glass panels (25, 49) arranged parallel to each other have a target distance from each other, by ?forming a composite strand (26) by the temporal and spatial overlapping extrusion of at least two plastic partial strands (23, 24), wherein a first partial strand (23) is made of an adhesive first sealing compound (3), in which a moisture-binding substance is embedded, and a second partial strand (24) made of an adhesive and binding second sealing compound (4), a first glass panel (25) along the edge of the glass panel (25), specifically such that the beginning and end of the composite strand (26) abut and form a frame in that the first partial strand (23) is extruded with a predetermined first target thickness, which is greater than the target distance, and the second partial strand (24) is extruded with a predetermined second target thickness, which is greater than the target distance, on the glass
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Bystronic Lenhardt GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schuler
  • Patent number: 9347257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting door, comprising a movable door leaf made of slats, the slats being connected to one another so as to bend, and comprising structure-mounted frames. Lateral guides for the door leaf having a vertical section and a lintel section, and frame sealing elements of a sealing assembly are arranged thereon, which close a gap between the door leaf and a section of the frames facing the door opening when the lifting door is closed. The lintel sections of the guides, together with the vertical sections of the guides, are displaceably mounted on the frames, wherein the guides can only be displaced in a direction that is diagonal to the door leaf plane, but not in a moving direction of the door leaf. Thus, an improved lifting door having greater operational safety, and at the same time an improved sealing effect between the door leaf and the door opening can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: EFAFLEX IN{hacek over (Z)}ENIRING d.o.o. Ljubljana
    Inventors: Jure Letonje, Janez Küzmi{hacek over (c)}, Andrej Mazej
  • Patent number: 9347258
    Abstract: According to some aspects, provided are curtain assemblies comprising two or more curtains selectably moveable between an open position and a closed position. Some embodiments include a track guide for at least one of the curtains having a first track and second track insert coupled to respective sides of the track guide and the curtain, wherein the curtain is moveably coupled to the first and second track inserts, and moveable along the channel of operation during transition between the open and the closed position. The curtains can be configured to define an air pocket that improved the energy efficiency of the curtain assembly (e.g., improving heat and/or noise properties). Some embodiments include a roller guide to maintain spacing between the curtains and can define a boundary of the air pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Rajiva A. Dwarka
  • Patent number: 9347259
    Abstract: A portable arrangement is provided for ensuring privacy during use of a public toilet. The arrangement includes a screen in the form of a generally rectangular or square piece of sheet material with an embedded suction cup or other attachment means at each corner. Secured to the screen is a smaller pouch into which the screen can be folded for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Anissa Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9347260
    Abstract: A curtain controller capable of preventing pull cord from jumping away. The curtain controller is applied to a lower rail to prevent the pull cord from jumping away. The front end of the controller main body has a connection seat main body. A stopper bar is transversely rotatably connected with the connection seat main body. The stopper bar can be rotated to block or unblock the space above the pull cord winder so as to prevent the pull cord from jumping out of the pull cord winder and facilitate the winding of the pull cord on the pull cord winder. The pull cord winder is assembled with the controller main body by an inclination angle so as to lower the height of the pull cord winder. In this case, the curtain controller can be mounted on a lower rail to speed the assembling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Ming Lu Wong
  • Patent number: 9347261
    Abstract: A motorized shading system may include a housing, a roller tube, a sheer shade material, and a bottom bar. The shading system may be configured such that opposed ends of the roller tube are adjustable relative to the housing. The shading system may include first and second sliding members that couple opposed ends of the roller tube to the housing and that are configured to translate along first and second rails defined by the housing. The bottom bar may define a cross-sectional profile such that when the shade material is in a closed position, a first lower most edge of the bottom bar is spaced from the roller tube by a first distance, and when the shade material is in a view position, a second lower most edge of the bottom bar is spaced from the roller tube by a second distance that is substantially equal to the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy, Nathan Butler
  • Patent number: 9347262
    Abstract: A gate for use in closing the opening in a fence may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars separated by open spaces, with at least some of the horizontal bars being formed of hollow tubing having a primary perimeter wall with an interior surface defining an interior lumen. A plurality of vertical elements may connect the horizontal bars, and at least one reinforcement member may be inserted into the interior lumen of one of the horizontal bars. The at least one reinforcement member may have an exterior surface with locations on the exterior surface in snug contact with the interior surface of the primary perimeter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Leroy Richard
  • Patent number: 9347263
    Abstract: An extendable ladder having a collapsed mode and an extended mode, characterized in that when the ladder is transformed from the collapsed mode to the extended mode, at least one ground stabilizer extends laterally from the ladder to widen the footprint of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: TELETOWER.COM LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Weston
  • Patent number: 9347264
    Abstract: An apparatus to secure a ladder to a ferromagnetic support such as an exposed ferromagnetic support comprises a pair of bracket clamping assemblies removably attached to a rung on a ladder. The brackets are pivotally bolted to magnet mounts, which each hold a permanent magnet that releasably holds the ladder in place against the support. The apparatus prevents the ladder from slipping, and further serves to hold the ladder at the proper angle for safe use. The apparatus finds particular application where exposed ferromagnetic metal beams are available in the workspace but tying a ladder for safety would be impractical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ladder Safety Magnet, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Mosier, John Hill
  • Patent number: 9347265
    Abstract: A gear system has a gear housing and a lower planetary carrier disposed in the gear housing, the lower planetary carrier being adapted to rotate relative to the gear housing. A top drive system is operatively coupled to the gear system, the top drive system having a top drive shaft that is adapted to be driven by the gear system. A single bearing that is adapted to facilitate rotation of the lower planetary carrier is positioned between the gear housing and the lower planetary carrier. A motor apparatus is operatively coupled to and adapted to drive the gear system by rotating the lower planetary carrier relative to the gear housing, wherein a rotational axis of the single bearing is adapted to move in a lateral translational direction with respect to the gear housing while the motor apparatus is rotating the lower planetary carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Bastiaan De Jong, Arthur William Braman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9347266
    Abstract: The present invention recites a downhole motor and method of manufacture wherein a mandrel having an outer geometry that is complimentary to a desired inner geometry for the stator is provided. A flexible sleeve is provided over the mandrel and the flexible sleeve and the mandrel are provided into a mold. Additionally, a reinforcing material is introduced into the mold to fill space between the flexible sleeve and the mold. Said material is then solidified to bond the reinforcing material and the flexible sleeve. The solidified reinforcing material and flexible sleeve are then removed from the mold such that a stator insert is fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hossein Akbari, Julien Ramier, Tony Camuel
  • Patent number: 9347267
    Abstract: A horizontal drilling device according to the invention includes a linear drive, a rotary drive that can be displaced by means of the linear drive, a drill rod assembly and a rod assembly pipe receiver, the drill rod assembly being hollow and the rod assembly receiver being designed as a receiving mandrel, which allows the drill rod assembly to be placed on the receiving mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: GDF SUEZ, TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Koch, Sebastian Fischer, Andreas Joachim Hanses
  • Patent number: 9347268
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the drilling of a deviated borehole. The system and method employ a flexible conveyance. A hydraulic actuation assembly is coupled to the flexible conveyance and a whipstock is releasably coupled to the hydraulic actuation assembly. The whipstock and hydraulic actuation assembly are conveyed downhole in the wellbore. The hydraulic actuation assembly provides a hydraulic fluid under pressure to anchor the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Grigor, Shantanu N. Swadi, Joseph M. Crow
  • Patent number: 9347269
    Abstract: A downhole motor for directional drilling includes a driveshaft assembly including a driveshaft housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the driveshaft housing. In addition, the downhole motor includes a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within the bearing housing. The bearing mandrel has a first end directly connected to the driveshaft with a universal joint and a second end coupled to a drill bit. Further, the downhole motor includes an adjustment mandrel configured to adjust an acute deflection angle ? between the central axis of the bearing housing and the central axis of the driveshaft housing. The adjustment mandrel has a central axis coaxially aligned with the bearing housing, a first end coupled to the driveshaft housing, and a second end coupled to the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Marchand, Jonathan Ryan Prill