Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9481966
    Abstract: A paving machine includes a hopper assembly movable between a lowered position and a raised position and a conveyor frame. A first hopper is pivotally connected to the conveyor frame at a first hopper axis and a second hopper is pivotally connected to the conveyor frame at a second hopper axis. A first apron is connected to the first hopper about a first apron axis. A second apron is connected to the second hopper about a second apron axis. The first apron axis and the second apron axis are respectively perpendicular to the first and second hopper axis. A central apron is pivotally connected relative to the conveyor frame about a central axis that is inline to the first and second apron axis in the lowered position. The first and the second apron axis are planarly translated to the central axis from the lowered to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Toby A. Frelich
  • Patent number: 9481967
    Abstract: A method for repairing asphalt pavement involves passing an emitter over a surface of a damaged asphalt pavement comprising aged asphalt, wherein the emitter comprises a birefringent material through which the electromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter passes, wherein the emitter generates electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from about 2 microns to 1 millimeter, the radiation penetrating into the pavement to a depth of at least 2 inches, wherein a temperature differential throughout a top two inches of pavement is 100° F. or less, wherein a highest temperature in the top two inches of pavement does not exceed 300° F., and wherein a minimum temperature in the top two inches of pavement is at least 200° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: William B. Coe
  • Patent number: 9481968
    Abstract: A system providing environmentally friendly pathway tunnel utilizes bridge units having a bottom configuration with multiple elongated beams and slots. One or more of the beams includes upstanding sedimentation members that are spaced apart along a span of the tunnel. The system interacts with the flowing water and earthen material in the flowing water such that capture and settling of the earthen material at locations along the tunnel occurs to produce a more natural water flow pathway along the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Aston, Michael A. Blank, Edward H. Zax
  • Patent number: 9481969
    Abstract: A safety trailer including first and second platforms, at least one of the first and second platforms having an axle and wheels attached thereto; a plurality of interconnected wall sections positioned between and connected to the first and second platforms, the plurality of wall sections defining a protected work area on a side of the trailer; and wherein each wall section has a plurality of full height and partial height wall members, the full height wall members extending substantially the height and width of the wall section and the partial height wall members extending substantially the width but less than the height of the wall section, the full height and partial height members alternating along a length of the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, David Meyerink, Duane Meyerink, LeRoy Severson
  • Patent number: 9481970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gabion comprising opposed first and second side walls connected together at spaced intervals along the length of the gabion by a plurality of partition walls, the first and second side walls comprising open framework panels, and wherein the first side wall is lined with a first lining material comprising a layer of a sheet material, the sheet material having a relatively low water permeability compared with an unlined open framework panel, and further wherein the second side wall is lined with a second lining material having a higher water permeability than the first lining material. The present invention also relates to a multi-compartmental gabion having similar features. The present invention also relates to a water containment system comprising a gabion or multi-compartmental gabion according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a method of deploying a water containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HESCO BASTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kenny Scott
  • Patent number: 9481971
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water control system with the reservoir level versatility of a weir stack and the relatively easy drainage of a water control gate. Multiple stack beams constrained between two opposed guide channels create a fluid reservoir having an incrementally adjustable fluid level. Increasing or decreasing the reservoir level is a matter of adding or removing one or more stack beams. To create an opening for draining fluid from any level of the reservoir, a picker mechanism captures at least one of the stack beams. By lifting the captured stack beam, and any stack beams atop the captured stack beam, the picker mechanism opens a gate at any level of the reservoir through which fluid may flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by The Secretary of The Army
    Inventors: Coraggio K. Maglio, Brandan M. Scully, Nathan D. Lovelace
  • Patent number: 9481972
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pile splicing system and method uses a pile segment adapted to form part of a spliced pile, the pile segment including an elongated concrete body having first and second ends, one-way anchor embedded in the body that is adapted to resist passage of a post-tensioning strand in a direction toward the first end of the body; and a splicing duct embedded in the body that extends from the first end to the embedded one-way anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Austin Gray Mullins, Rajan Sen, Lawrence Edward Jones
  • Patent number: 9481973
    Abstract: A post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement for concrete foundations is provided. The post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement compresses the concrete to prevent cracking and significantly reduces foundation deflection and distortion which increases rotational stiffness in anchor caps, spread foundations, and like foundation configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9481974
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and kit for repairing the wall of a manhole wherein a material capable of curing and hardening is adhered to the wall. An expandable bladder engages the curable and hardenable material and presses against and smoothes the material. The bladder may be chemically bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LMK Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9481975
    Abstract: A construction machine including: a swivel motor; a working attachment having a boom, a boom cylinder, an arm and an arm cylinder; a hydraulic actuator circuit having a first circuit including the boom cylinder and a boom control valve, a second circuit including the arm cylinder and an arm control valve, and a third circuit including the swivel motor and a swivel control valve; first to third pumps for the first to third circuits; a merge valve having a first position for merge of third pump fluid into the first circuit and connection of an unload line of the third circuit to a tank, and a second position for prohibiting the merge; and a merge selecting control section which holds the merge valve at the first position either of when only a swivel operation is performed and when a boom raising operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshimi Saotome
  • Patent number: 9481976
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a boom, an arm, a bucket, an arm control member, a speed limit determination portion, and a target speed determination portion. The speed limit determination portion determines a speed limit for limiting a speed of a cutting edge of the bucket in accordance with a distance between a cutting edge and a design surface. The target speed determination portion determines a target speed of the boom based on the speed limit. The speed limit determination portion decides on a speed limit calculated based on correlation between the speed limit and the distance between the design surface and the cutting edge when an amount of operation of the arm control member is equal to or greater than a prescribed amount and decides on a speed limit lower than the speed limit calculated based on the correlation when the amount of operation is smaller than the prescribed amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Kami, Takeo Yamada, Yuto Fujii, Takeshi Takaura
  • Patent number: 9481977
    Abstract: A system for controlling a machine during an autonomous material moving operation includes a terrain sensing system, a position sensing system, and a ground engaging work implement. A controller is configured to determine the topography of the work surface, generate a first target profile, generate signals to autonomously operate the machine along a work surface, receive a plurality of signals associated with a plurality of necessary input conditions, and generate a pause command based upon an absence of one of the plurality of necessary input conditions to define a pause condition. The controller may determine the position of the machine, determine an estimate of an amount of material being moved, generate a second target profile, and generate signals to re-start autonomous operation of the machine based upon the second target profile after elimination of the pause condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Clar, Daniel Stanek, Kyle Edwards, Michael Taylor, Robert J. McGee
  • Patent number: 9481978
    Abstract: A thumb for an excavator includes a base with an inner end adapted to be connected to an excavator arm and an outer end, wherein the outer end of the base includes a body mount structure. A thumb body is releasably connected to the base. The body includes an outer working portion, an inner tail portion, and a coupling or pivot portion located between the working portion and the tail portion. The coupling portion of the body is engaged with the body mount structure of the base, and the tail portion of the body is releasably secured or captured to the base so that the body is located in an operative position for use of its working portion. The tail portion of the body includes first and second spaced-apart tail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Paladin Brands Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Seda, Robert J. Sikorski
  • Patent number: 9481979
    Abstract: Provided is a working machine including a console box restrained from wobble. The working machine includes a machine body having an operator's seat and a console box at a side of the operator's seat. The console box includes a box body and a box cover covering the box body. The box cover internally includes a first cover half installed on the box body with first fitting portions and a second cover half internally including second fitting portions fitted with the respective first fitting portions. The second cover half abuts on the first cover half and coupled to the first cover half by respective interfittings of the first and second fitting portions. The box body includes a support portion making contact with an inner surface of the second cover half to support the second cover half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukio Hiraoka, Keiji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9481980
    Abstract: An apparatus can detachably fix the lower glass of the cab according to a working environment through simple adjustment of an adjustment knob. The apparatus detachably fixes the lower glass of the cab according to a working environment includes a lower bracket fixedly installed on a lower side of a window frame of the cab and including a rubber member to prevent a secession of the lower glass; a knob support plate including a fixing plate having a guide groove and a position setting hole, and a support plate having a compression pad, wherein the fixing plate is fixedly installed on an upper side of the window frame and the support plate compressively supports one side of an upper portion of the lower glass; and an adjustment knob provided with a projection portion that is fitted into the guide groove to be slidably guided clockwise or counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Jang-Hoon Bang
  • Patent number: 9481981
    Abstract: A shovel includes a cabin in which a display monitor is provided, a main pump that generates a hydraulic pressure, an internal combustion engine that drives the main pump, and a display control part configured to generate display information to be displayed on the display monitor based on information communicated between the display control part and the internal combustion engine, and cause the generated display information to be displayed on the display monitor. The display control part is configured to cause a graph showing the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine over time and the operational work mode of the shovel corresponding to a time for which the fuel efficiency is calculated to be simultaneously displayed on the single display screen of the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideto Magaki, Kiminori Sano, Ryota Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 9481982
    Abstract: A Method for generating scaled terrain information while operating a bulldozer. The bulldozer may include a driving unit comprising a set of drive wheels, a motor connected to at least one of the drive wheels, a blade for altering the surface of the terrain, at least one camera for capturing images of the environment, the camera being positioned and aligned in a known manner relative to the bulldozer, and a controlling and processing unit. A method may include moving the bulldozer while concurrently generating a set of image data by capturing an image series of terrain sections with the at least one camera so that at least two images of the image series cover an amount of identical points in the terrain, and either applying a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm or a stereo photogrammetry algorithm to the set of image data and thereby deriving terrain data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Bo Pettersson, Benedikt Zebhauser
  • Patent number: 9481983
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement. In one embodiment, the method includes using a non-contact based measurement system to determine a first measurement comprising the position of the implement relative to a mobile machine coupled with the implement, determining a second measurement comprising the geographic position of the mobile machine and determining the geographic position of the implement using the first measurement and the second measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Arthur James Taylor, Mark Nichols, Philip Jackson
  • Patent number: 9481984
    Abstract: A calibration device for a work machine includes: a working equipment parameter acquiring unit acquiring working equipment parameters of members of first and second actuation units; a measurement value acquiring unit acquiring respective measurement values of the work machine body and first and second actuation units measured by an external measurement device; a first calibration unit calibrating the parameter related to the member of the first actuation unit acquired by the acquiring unit based on the measurement value of the first actuation unit acquired by the acquiring unit; and a second calibration unit calibrating the working equipment parameter of the member of the second actuation unit based on the working equipment parameter of the first actuation unit calibrated by the first calibration unit and the respective measurement values of the reference points of the work machine body and first and second actuation units acquired by the acquiring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Iwamura, Jin Kitajima, Masanobu Seki, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 9481985
    Abstract: A faucet has a main body, a cold water control device mounted onto a first end of the main body, a hot water control device mounted onto a second end of the main body and an outlet device mounted onto a top of the main body. The cold water control device selectively guides cold water flowing into the main body and flowing out from the outlet device. A drive device is laterally mounted onto the hot water control device for driving the hot water control device to selectively guide hot water flowing into the main body and flowing out from the outlet device. The drive device has a first magnet secured to a tube in a casing of the drive device and a second magnet disposed on a clutch shaft of the drive device to provide a repelling force for the clutch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jui-Chien Chen, Jui-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 9481986
    Abstract: A sanitary insert, which is arranged in a water line, is provided. The sanitary insert includes a mixing device with at least one throttling or closing element, which can be moved under the pressure of the inflowing water from a mixing or open position into a throttling or closed position against a restoring force. The mixing device offers a relatively large clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element in the mixing or open position, and, by contrast thereto, a reduced clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element is in the throttling or closed position. The installation element always offers an optimum flow cross section both in low and high pressure ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Zoller, Christoph Weis, Hermann Grether
  • Patent number: 9481987
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for clearing drain lines are disclosed. A device comprising a body with an internal cavity extending between a nozzle aperture and a coupling section, the body including a base configured to couple the body to a drain line. A nozzle body disposed within the internal cavity. A bias spring configured to retain the nozzle body in a retracted position, the nozzle body configured to extend into the drain line when the nozzle body is pressurized and the nozzle body including a nozzle configured to expel fluid in a direction of flow of the drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Ray Salzer
  • Patent number: 9481988
    Abstract: A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. The present invention is also directed to a flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a rigid piston into a diaphragm flush valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Patent number: 9481989
    Abstract: A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston and a solenoid configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. A flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a piston valve into a diaphragm flush valve body includes a rigid piston and solenoid configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn D. Bush, Ryan W. Nottage
  • Patent number: 9481990
    Abstract: A filtration system to filter air from a toilet bowl includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to draw air from the toilet bowl; a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Sollami
  • Patent number: 9481991
    Abstract: A macerating apparatus for a toilet in which the problem of jamming the macerator at startup is solved by rapidly detecting the flushing of the toilet and accelerating the macerator before motion-jamming solid objects in the effluent from the toilet can reach the macerator. The macerating apparatus may be comprised of a macerating cutter operatively connected to a motor, and a sensor in communication with the motor. The sensor may detect the flow of effluent from the toilet toward the macerator, the flow of makeup water from the supply tank into the toilet, or the mechanical action of the mechanism used to flush the toilet. The apparatus may include an intake basket having an asymmetric inlet tube and containing the macerating cutter, wherein the asymmetry of the inlet tube provides additional operating clearance between a cutting blade of the macerating cutter and the intake basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Pohler, David M. Williams, Matthew S. Heinsler
  • Patent number: 9481992
    Abstract: Free-standing toilet with cast-on toilet tank, comprising a ceramic toilet body and a ceramic toilet tank, wherein the pressure cast toilet body (2) has an annular flange (11) located on the upper rim of its bowl section (10), which annular flange continues circumferentially around and extends substantially horizontally toward the inside of the bowl section (10) and serves as a border for flushing water that is introduced below the annular flange (11) by means of an introduction unit (14), and in that the toilet tank (3), which is also pressure cast, is fixedly joined to the toilet body (2) by means of a ceramic bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DURAVIT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Stammel, Juan De La Corte, Emil Vuck, Werner Griebe
  • Patent number: 9481993
    Abstract: A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arced formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lock-Block Ltd.
    Inventor: James Joseph Drew
  • Patent number: 9481994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal insulation device comprising at least one panel (100) defining a gas-tight chamber (104) containing at least two flexible films (150, 160) suitable for being selectively switched between two states: one of thermal conduction wherein said flexible films (150, 160) are at least partially in mutual contact, and the other of thermal insulation wherein the flexible films (150, 160) are separated, under the influence of pressure variations in said gas-tight chamber (104), applied by fluid control means (170), characterized in that, in the thermal insulation state, the distance separating the flexible films (150, 160) is shorter than the average free path of the gas molecules in the space (158) defined between said flexible films (150, 160). The invention also relates to a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
    Inventors: Thierry Duforestel, Pierre-Henri Milleville
  • Patent number: 9481995
    Abstract: Methods of applying a foam composition to a cavity in a building structure are provided. The methods include introducing a foam composition into a cavity defined by a wall, a plurality of structural members, and a plastic membrane affixed to one or more faces of the structural members and one or more sides of the structural members defining the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Gaco Western, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan William Bemis
  • Patent number: 9481996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal insulation device comprising at least one panel (100) provided with two walls (110, 120) separated by a peripheral main spacer (102) in order to define a gas-tight chamber (104) containing a partial vacuum, and at least two flexible films (150, 160) locally attached to secondary spacers (140) at intermediate points between the two walls (110, 120) and defining tight secondary compartments (158) between each other. As a result of applying successive potentials of selected polarity between the walls (110, 120) and the flexible films (150, 160), the flexible films (150, 160) are moved between a first thermal insulation position wherein the films (150, 160) are separated from each other and a second position wherein the films (150, 160) are in mutual contact at least on a substantial part of the surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
    Inventors: Thierry Duforestel, Diane De Cacqueray, Pierre-Henri Milleville
  • Patent number: 9481997
    Abstract: An insulating panel structure has an inner surface for attachment to a building exterior and an outer surface for attachment to cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers for attachment of the cladding, connectors extending perpendicularly from the inner surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the cladding to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the cladding to the building, and insulating foam embedded between the panel inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Peter W. Harding
  • Patent number: 9481998
    Abstract: The present application is directed toward 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, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 9481999
    Abstract: A method for building and installing a ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Martin Integrated Systems
    Inventor: Alvin Geller
  • Patent number: 9482000
    Abstract: Hanger devices for a ceiling tile grid suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Martin Integrated Systems
    Inventor: Alvin Geller
  • Patent number: 9482001
    Abstract: An adapter for securing a cross beam to a main beam in a suspended ceiling. The adapter includes a first leg having a ramp portion on a top edge of the first leg and a hook portion on a bottom edge of the first leg, a second leg attached to the first leg on a first side of the first leg. The second leg includes a larger portion which extends above the first leg to a second side of the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett Wayne Sareyka, Joshua Lee Neal
  • Patent number: 9482002
    Abstract: A multi-use block (170) including a block body (172) having at least a first leg (192). The blocks (170) can be placed in different orientations with respect to each other to form multiple interlocking structures. The block (170) can be of a variety of materials, including concrete. It is used for making walls and columns. Methods of making and methods of use of the block (170) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay J. Johnson, Robert B. Burnquist, Steven Paul Bennett
  • Patent number: 9482003
    Abstract: A insulated masonry wall system having insulation blocks between structural and face blocks to provide structures that are strong, inexpensive, avoid thermal bridges, and resist transmission of heat. The walls are attractive and versatile, and an enormous variety of decorative face members may be utilized. The face blocks are attached to the structural blocks to prevent facing materials from falling even if fire destroys the insulation blocks between the structural blocks and the facing. The system resists water penetration and effectively drains water that does penetrate any portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Oldcastle Architectural, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Browning, Robert J. Lundell, Stephane Beliveau
  • Patent number: 9482004
    Abstract: A method for producing a panel sandwich (2, 17, 40) for use as a wall, ceiling or floor panel (1, 16) comprising at least the following steps: providing a base panel (7, 20, 31) made of wood-based material, arranging a sound-insulating layer (9, 18) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), arranging a cover panel (11, 22, 38) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), pressing the sandwich, wherein an elastic plastic material is used to produce the sound-insulating layer (9, 18), wherein according to a first alternative of the invention, a closed-cell foam (9a) is arranged as the elastic plastic material, wherein the plastic material before being introduced into the sandwich panel has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.5 MPa, according to a second alternative of the invention, the elastic plastic material applied is a self-adhesive plastic material (18c) which connects the base panel (20) to the cover panel (22), is elastic when set, has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Flooring Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Braun
  • Patent number: 9482005
    Abstract: There is provided an H-section steel in which a number density of oxide particles having an equivalent circle diameter of 0.005 ?m to 2.0 ?m per unit area is 100 pieces/mm2 to 5000 pieces/mm2, the oxide particles includes Ca, Al, and O as a composition, the amount of Ca is 5% or more, the amount of Al is 5% or more, and a total amount of Ca and Al is 50% or more by mass ratio excluding O in the oxide particles, a thickness of the flange is 100 mm to 150 mm, a bainite fraction in a metallographic structure of the flange is 80% or more at a strength evaluation position, and an average prior austenite grain size in the metallographic structure of the flange is 200 ?m or less at a toughness evaluation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Mizoguchi, Kazutoshi Ichikawa, Kazuaki Mitsuyasu, Hirokazu Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9482006
    Abstract: This application relates to the field of reveal architectural panels and a tool/clamp for assembly thereof. The apparatus and method replace prior art assembly methods and fasteners with adhesives and a dedicated particularly designed clamp to facilitate assembly. The frame members are modified to facilitate assembly with adhesive sealants and removal of mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy Koetje
  • Patent number: 9482007
    Abstract: A laminated asphalt shingle including a base layer, a first decorative layer, and a second decorative layer is provided. The first decorative layer may be affixed to the base layer and to the second decorative layer by a flexible adhesive that permits the first decorative layer to move relative to both the base layer and the second decorative layer without de-bonding. The relative movement of the shingle layers permits the shingle to be folded over the ridge line of a roof without de-bonding or breaking the layers. Additionally, the relative movement of the layers when the shingle is installed over a ridge creates opposing transverse edges in which each layer is offset from the other layers as a result of the shingle bending about a different radius of curvature, thereby providing a dimensional appearance along the transverse edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Grubka, Jennifer L. Frey, James E. Loftus, Donn R. Vermilion, Jason D. Guerra
  • Patent number: 9482008
    Abstract: A gutter cover heater (30) for a gutter cover comprises a shield (31), a base plate (32), and a heat cable (33). The shield (31) is a longitudinally extended sheet that covers the heat cable (33), is curved over the heat cable (33), has apertures (34), a first long edge (35), and a second long edge (36). The base plate (32) is a flat longitudinally extended sheet under the heat cable (33) and the shield (31), with a first long edge (37) and a second long edge (38); wherein the first long edge of the base plate (35) is debossed. The first long edge (35) of the shield wraps under the debossing of the first long edge of the base plate (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony M. Iannelli
  • Patent number: 9482009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector element for use in a flashing assembly for roof windows mounted side-by-side comprising at least two flashing members. The exterior side of the connector element having an exterior side intended for facing the exterior in the mounted state comprises a gutter with two longitudinal edges each being adapted for engagement with an engagement section of a flashing member. At least two flanges projecting from the interior side, which is intended for facing the roof in the mounted state, and in parallel with the longitudinal edges of the gutter are adapted for coming into engagement with a mounting bracket arrangement including at least two mounting brackets associated with two different roof windows and adapted for a locking engagement with the mounting bracket arrangement thereby fixating the connector element in relation to the mounting bracket arrangement in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: VKR HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Torben Krogsgaard, Michael Nygaard
  • Patent number: 9482010
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for cornerbead or corneraide for finishing the junction between two or more walls. Embodiments include at least one generally central web portion with at least a portion thereof extending and/or deformed away from a person viewing that web portion as assembled in the finished assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: David Kartler
  • Patent number: 9482011
    Abstract: A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen W. Steffes, Robert D. Shaw, Brian W. Kirn, David J. Stucky
  • Patent number: 9482012
    Abstract: Building panels, such as floorboards, provided with a mechanical locking system. The mechanical locking system includes a displacement groove at a first edge of a first floorboard and a tongue groove at a second edge of a second floorboard A tongue is arranged in the displacement groove and is configured to cooperate, in a second position, with the tongue groove for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. The tongue includes, in a first position, an inner element and an outer element. The inner element is removable along the displacement groove, and is configured to cooperate with the outer element to obtain a displacement of the outer element towards the tongue groove and thereby obtain the second position. Said inner element and said outer element vertically overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Per Nygren, Marcus Bergelin
  • Patent number: 9482013
    Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventors: Bernard Thiers, Mark Cappelle
  • Patent number: 9482014
    Abstract: A vertically-adjustable support structure (10) for supporting paving slabs or the like includes a base plate (20) on which four wedge-like support blocks (30) are provided. Each support block (30) has an inclined surface defining a series of teeth/steps, and a horizontal top surface. A chock (40) is placed on top of each support block (30) to support a corner of a paving slab. Each chock includes an upper support surface (70) for supporting the paving slab, and a sloped underside (280) which defines teeth (290) which engage the teeth of the support block and secures each chock against displacement towards the base plate. Moving the chock up or down the inclined surface adjusts the height of the support structure. Additional height adjustment is provided by adjusting the height of the chocks themselves. In particular, each chock includes wings (320) which are hinged to the sides of the chock. In one orientation with the side elements disposed on opposed sides of the chock the chock has a first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELMICH PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Alan Sian Ghee Lee, Henry Greaves
  • Patent number: 9482015
    Abstract: Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. Building panels, each having a surface layer on a front side, a backing layer on a rear side and an intermediate core, wherein the intermediate core and the surface and the backing layer all comprise wood fibers and thermosetting resins, said building panels are provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge of a second building panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CERALOC INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan