Patents Issued in November 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9506252
    Abstract: An extruded connection profile for connecting to each other an upper portion and a lower portion of a fitted panel adapted to be hung to a wall and comprising a panel slot for receiving and hooking an object hung on said panel, a coupling portion which extends transversely from said abutment surface, and an anchoring rib (20) for hanging the panel (1) to a wall. The invention also relates to a fitted panel comprising such an extruded profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: UNIFOR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Molteni
  • Patent number: 9506253
    Abstract: A bathroom wall unit includes a molded wall panel formed of a polymer and defining a recessed pocket. A flexible substrate supporting mosaic tiles is illustratively coupled to a rear wall of the recessed pocket. Surface treatment is illustratively provided within linear indentations in the wall panel to simulate grout lines. A connecting bracket illustratively includes first and second pairs of arms supporting seals and defining first and second recesses for receiving mounting flanges of a pair of the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael Scot Rosko, Bernd Seckler, Paul V. Patton
  • Patent number: 9506254
    Abstract: A ceramic tile includes an opening that is used to help fasten the ceramic tile to a mounting object. The opening can have a relatively small width that can obviate the need for a cap and can allow for less abrading of a polymer compound that is exposed adjacent to a major surface of the ceramic tile. In an embodiment, an insert is placed into the opening in the ceramic tile, and the ceramic tile is fastened to a wall using a welding technique. In other embodiments, different shapes of openings and fastening techniques can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian A. Hilk
  • Patent number: 9506255
    Abstract: A modular mat comprises mirror image layers. At least one fitting receiver is integrally formed in a central portion of each layer, and at least one aperture is formed in a flange portion of each layer. The layers are congruently mated and affixed such that the fitting receiver of one layer is disposed through a corresponding aperture of the flange of the opposite layer. The outer surfaces of the layers comprise traction elements, which may be of different grades, such as industrial grade on one layer and pedestrian grade on the opposing layer. A floor covering system is also disclosed comprising a plurality of modular mats disposed in partially overlapping and interlocking relation with adjacent mats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Signature Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Chad H. Jones, Andrew Sneeringer, Andrew Wolff, Daniel Himes, Bart Berghuis
  • Patent number: 9506256
    Abstract: A floor covering is composed of a plurality of hard floor panels wherein the floor panels show a common general decor and may differ from each other in respect to their appearance and/or on their own have zones of a differing appearance. The floor panels, at least at two opposite sides or edges thereof, are provided with coupling parts allowing that two of such floor panels can cooperate with each other at these sides. At least some of the floor panels possess at least one chamfer, such as a beveled edge or the like, wherein the surfaces of these chamfers are provided, at least partially, with a separately applied decorative covering including at least a decorative layer. The appearance of the decorative covering is realized in a manner varying in function of differences occurring in the decor of the floor covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FLOORING INDUSTRIES LIMITED, SARL
    Inventor: Bernard Thiers
  • Patent number: 9506257
    Abstract: A portable fencing track that is readily assembled and disassembled at different venues includes a series of modular panels disposed adjacent to one another and interconnected to form an elongated central fencing floor. A piste or strip of electrically conductive material is placed and positioned with respect to the elongated central floor, and a perimeter floor is arranged so as to surround the central floor and the piste or strip. A threshold, preferably adjoining each of the modular panels located adjacent to the perimeter flooring, has lateral and end sections overlying adjacent portions of the strip and the perimeter floor, and at least one of the threshold sections defines a channel to receive wiring. Support elements are mounted to each of the floor panels and the perimeter floor to resiliently support the floor panels and the perimeter floor on a base surface and minimize damage over time to the ankles or hips of fencers. A process of assembling the track is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Radical Fencing, LLC
    Inventors: Philippe Bennett, Konstantin Bardakh
  • Patent number: 9506258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: a toilet flange template apparatus comprising: a first arm having a first head and a first connecting member extending therefrom, the first head formed with a first centered boss extending therefrom; and a second arm having a second head and a second connecting member extending therefrom, the second arm being pivotally connected to the first arm, and the second arm configured to be parallel to the first arm when a tile is placed therebetween, the second head defining a perimeter edge corresponding to and providing circumferential clearance for an outer circumference of a toilet flange that the first centered boss is configured to mate with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Amer, Danny Alvarez
  • Patent number: 9506259
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 9506260
    Abstract: Continuous inflatable tube for canvas pools comprising an inflatable perimeter ring or tube that defines the upper edge of the swimming pool, wherein the ring or tube is a continuous and whole strip, without seams or seals, and comprising a lower longitudinal flange of about 3 or 4 cm which is used to weld said tube to the edge of the canvas pool. Said continuous inflatable tube consists in a strip of flexible material, preferably PVC, which forms a continuous cylindrical ring welded by radio frequency to the upper end edge of the sidewalls of the canvas pool, comprising at least one inflating valve, whereby the user will inflate the tube to the desired volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Eduardo Alberto Mussa
  • Patent number: 9506261
    Abstract: A device for covering a pool, for example a swimming pool, has an upper component composed of a closed cell polymeric foam and a lower component composed of an open cell polymeric foam. The device can have, or can acquire in use, a convex upper surface which reduces the danger that it will be blown off the pool by wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: John F. Krumme
  • Patent number: 9506262
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner comprising a housing (1, 2), drive means (4, 41), a water inlet (11), a water outlet (12), a filter (20) and a pump (3), arranged so that, in a first operation mode of the swimming pool cleaner, the pump (3) displaces water from said inlet (11) to said outlet (12) through said filter (20), so that debris entering with the water is retained in a first part of said filter (20). A dirt sensor (6) is provided to trigger switching between at least two cleaning programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: AQUATRON ROBOTIC SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Avraham Tavor, Shahar Schloss, Benjamin Attar
  • Patent number: 9506263
    Abstract: A pool cleaner for cleaning a pool surface includes a wing having an inner edge, a lower outer edge, and an underside extending between the inner edge and lower outer edge. The inner edge and lower outer edge depend from the underside. Engagement holes formed through the inner edge are configured to and capable of non-rigidly engaging the wing to a pool cleaner. Projections are carried on the underside of the wing, and the projections extend beyond both the inner edge and the lower outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9506264
    Abstract: A ramped garage draining system is provided having a parking area that is designed to receive a vehicle or other moveable object that may drip liquids. The draining system is designed to reside inside a garage or other structure and direct the liquid outside of the structure. The parking area is bordered on three sides with walls that extend above the parking area to contain the fluids. The ramp slopes toward a draining portion to direct the liquid towards a seal in the door to the structure. Seal interrupters extend under the seal and displace the seal upwards, creating a gap for the liquid to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Melvin Hyman
  • Patent number: 9506265
    Abstract: A cross-type earthquake platform includes a bearing block, two guide rails, two roller holders and multiple needle rollers. The bearing block has sliding grooves located at opposing top and bottom walls thereof and respectively extended in X-axis and Y-axis, and needle roller guide grooves located in horizontal bottom wall and upright sidewalls of each sliding groove. Each guide rail has needle roller guide grooves located at the top wall thereof. The needle rollers are mounted in the roller holders to support the guide rails at the opposite top and bottom walls of the bearing block. Further, retractable dust covers are respectively capped on the guide rails to protect the needle rollers against external dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mao-Tu Lee
  • Patent number: 9506266
    Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The modular concrete deck platform includes a concrete slab having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and a structural grid pattern of reinforcing bar within the concrete slab. The concrete slab further includes sleeve openings located around a perimeter of the concrete slab, the sleeve openings surrounded by sleeve structures, the sleeve structures surrounded by concrete. Each sleeve opening extends from the top major surface of the concrete slab to the bottom major surface of the concrete slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ADITAZZ, INC.
    Inventors: Donald J. Foldenauer, Ehab Hamouda, Sungmin Kim, Mark Moore, Nicholas Reid, Zigmund Rubel
  • Patent number: 9506267
    Abstract: A method is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The method comprises providing a base which includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container. The hollow interior is filled by concrete through an opening in one of side panels so that the set solid material substantially fills the hollow interior up to the top and bottom panels and surrounds the sleeve so that the set concrete is in intimate contact with an outer surface of the sleeve and at least part of the inside surfaces of the top and bottom panels. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Tuffbuilt Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Vetesnik
  • Patent number: 9506268
    Abstract: A protective canopy is intended for use over existing structures undergoing roofing replacement or repairs, for the protection of workers from direct sunlight and inclement weather. An upper surface is comprised of a weatherproof tarpaulin. The tarpaulin is anchored along edge portions to the ground surface using guy lines, and supported by a plurality of adjustable poles which are positioned upon the roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael W. Bright, Scott C. Daniels, Scott Gordon
  • Patent number: 9506269
    Abstract: A shade device for protecting a user from harmful sunrays is provided. The shade device may be held in the erected position with nubs such that to erect the shade device, frame support members are pushed to the erected position. To collapse the shade device, the frame support members are pushed past nubs. Accordingly, the shade device incorporates a simple push release mechanism to erect and collapse the shade device such that no assembly or disassembly of the shade device is required for tear down or set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: AMERICAN QUALITY HOUSING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Armstrong, Robert Friedman
  • Patent number: 9506270
    Abstract: A fence panel can include a plurality of modular fence panel components that can be assembled modularly to form the fence panel. The fence panel components can include a system of keys and keyways that allow the components to interlock with one another when the fence panel is assembled to lock the components to one another to simplify the assembly process and to minimize the number of mechanical fasteners needed to assemble the fence panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9506271
    Abstract: A frame is supported for vertical movement by a vehicle and has an inclined shaft supporting a roll of silt fence material. The frame also supports a vertical plow plate having a forward edge surface and an inclined rearward edge surface spaced adjacent an inclined foldover member to define a narrow gap which receives fence material directly from the roll. The plow supports a removable, flexible and resilient panel which projects rearwardly to extend within a slit formed in the ground by the plow plate to prevent debris from snagging the material. The inclined shaft is adjustable vertically, and the roll is adjustable axially on the shaft to maintain an edge of the fence material adjacent the bottom of the plow plate. The frame may also support a rotatable and vertically movable boom from which depends an impact hammer for installing stakes in the ground adjacent the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory M. Vreeland
  • Patent number: 9506272
    Abstract: A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Gerlings, Michael James Schmidt, Gary Edward Will, Bryan K. Solace
  • Patent number: 9506273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock cylinder (1), comprising a housing (2), in which a sleeve (3) having a cylinder core (4) accommodated therein is rotatably supported and the cylinder core (4) has spring-loaded tumblers (5), which form a form closure with recesses arranged in the sleeve (3) when a key is removed. Inside the housing (2), the sleeve (3) is coupled to a coupling element (7) by means of a disengaging sleeve (6), wherein the coupling element (7) is supported inside the housing (2) and the coupling element (7) is connected to a bearing (8) in a rotationally-fixed manner, wherein the bearing (8) is used to support an output (9), wherein at least one means (6, 7), which forms a form closure with the bearing (8), is provided to block the rotation of the output (9) about the axis (A) if an improper object is used in operative connection with the cylinder core (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Low
  • Patent number: 9506274
    Abstract: Locks, lock mechanisms, lock assemblies, retro fit kits, and methods of using locks with cables and chains inside of strengthened flexible sleeves can conform to shape surfaces to which they are mounted, for preventing thefts of bicycles, motorcycles and other applications, such as but not limited to securing gates and doors, and other objects together. The flexible sleeve can include a series of ball and socket segments arranged next to one another, having a hollow conduit through which the cable or chain can pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Darrell Miracle
  • Patent number: 9506275
    Abstract: A lock device is achieved, which can prevent a battery, for supplying power to a microcomputer of an electronic control unit, from going flat by reducing the consumption power of the microcomputer, said lock device provided with a lock mechanism which holds an opening-and-closing body, for an opening in a vehicle body, an electronic control unit which operates in a microcomputer normal power mode or a microcomputer power-saving mode; and an open-state detector which detects the state of the lock mechanism. The electronic control unit transfers from the microcomputer normal power mode to the microcomputer power-saving mode when the open-state detector detects that the lock mechanism continuously remains at one of the opening state, the half-latched state and the fully-latched state for a predetermined period of time when operating during the microcomputer normal power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Kurita, Takao Koba, Takaharu Kiyama
  • Patent number: 9506276
    Abstract: A closing device pivots on a vehicle body between a closing position and an opening position, such as a rear flap of a motor vehicle, with a closing element on the body side and an opposite closing element on the flap side for locking and unlocking the flap and with at least one ejection element. A plunger can be moved in a guide at least between a working position and a rest position, which upon movement into a working position can be tensioned against the force of a tensioning device. The plunger interacts with the flap for the manual opening and closing through the at least partial relaxing of the plunger. The plunger is lockable and unlockable through a locking device in a locking position in which it is tensioned at least as far as to the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rasel, Gregor Zoledzki, Peter Kahler, Hans Geiser, Heiko Dietrich
  • Patent number: 9506277
    Abstract: A device is capable of preventing a door and a user from being damaged by automatically locking the door during a cab tilting of a truck. An automatic door locking device having a new shape in which a locked state of the door can be forcibly maintained in a cab tilted state by an associated operation between a weight and a key lever when the cab is tilted, is implemented so that door unlocking when the cab is tilted cannot be performed and thus damage of the cab caused by opening of the door and user injury can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Hyun Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9506278
    Abstract: A modular multi-point lock system that is both simple to install and easy to service. By inserting the lock case into a recess for containing the lock case that is located in the edge of the door, the shootbolt drive mechanism located within the lock case will engage first and second shootbolts respectively installed into recesses in the top and bottom of the door that communicate with the recess for containing the lock case, without requiring a manual interconnection to be made between the lock case and shootbolts. Similarly, the lock case can be removed from the door without removing the first and second shootbolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HOPPE Holding AG
    Inventor: Daniel D. Mattrisch
  • Patent number: 9506279
    Abstract: According to various, but not necessarily all examples of the disclosure, there may be provided an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises: a substrate configured to support a bendable display wherein the substrate comprises at least one bendable portion configured to enable the substrate to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and wherein the at least one bendable portion comprises a plurality of rod members and the rod members comprise interlocking portions wherein the interlocking portions comprise a projection configured to fit into a corresponding recess on an adjacent rod member so as to restrict relative movement of the rod members when the substrate is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Ilpo Kauhaniemi, Mikael Kontkanen, Esa-Sakari Maatta, Kalevi Salo, Vesa Nevalainen
  • Patent number: 9506280
    Abstract: An adjustable corner fitting for a door element is disposed on a center of rotation and/or an axis, including first and second fitting elements, which, at least sectionwise, each include a locating portion for the abutment against the door element and are interconnectable while restraining the door element. A restraining area is formed between the two fitting elements, into which the door element is insertable, and the fitting elements are formed such that a holding element is disposed between the two fitting elements, which is displaceable in relation to the fitting elements. A holding element is non-positively and/or positively connectable to at least one fitting element, wherein the holding element is in operative connection with the connecting element, which serves for supporting the door element on the center of rotation and/or the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: DORMA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Kenan Aykas
  • Patent number: 9506281
    Abstract: A load bearing rotation lock mechanism including disks or cylinders with teeth or a combination of both that interlock radially between their inner and outer surface areas, or frontal areas, or both, where one of the disks or cylinders is attached to a fixed surface area and the other disk or cylinder is attached to a pivoting arm, plate, or other kind of load bearing support element, and where one of the disks or cylinders is able to mesh (lock) and un-mesh (unlock) from the other disk or cylinder by protruding, retracting, or sliding laterally over a common, continuous or divided axis, shaft, or channel thereby freezing the angular position of the pivoting arm, plate, or other kind of load bearing support element with respect to the fixed surface area at the time the disks, cylinders, or a combination of both, mesh (lock) with each other and unfreezing the pivoting arm, plate, or other kind of load bearing support element to pivot freely with respect to the fixed surface area when the disks, cylinders, or c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Zaloom
  • Patent number: 9506282
    Abstract: A support arm for a sliding door of a mobile platform may include a first housing slidably attached to the mobile platform proximate to an opening of the mobile platform and a second housing attached to the sliding door of the mobile platform and to the first housing. The second housing may be moveable relative to the first housing between a retracted state and an extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Robbie M Linkner
  • Patent number: 9506283
    Abstract: An actuator, for moving a flap of a furniture item, has a pivotally mounted actuating arm for moving the flap, a spring device for acting on the actuating arm and having a pivoting moment in an opening direction, an adjustment device for adjusting the actuator, wherein the adjustment device comprises a gear mechanism having a first pinion and a crown gear, the crown gear axis of which forms an angle, preferably a right angle, with the pinion axis, wherein the gear mechanism comprises a second pinion, which engages with the same crown gear as the first pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Folie
  • Patent number: 9506284
    Abstract: An automatic door system includes a door controller having a plurality of door operation modes. A door driver mechanism is electrically coupled to the door controller, and operatively coupled to a door. A door system user interface is communicatively coupled to the door controller. The door system user interface has a processor unit configured to store a plurality of door operation schedules, with each door operation schedule having an execution date, an execution time, and a door operation mode of the plurality of door operation modes. The processor unit is configured to execute program instructions to: monitor a current date and time; select as an active operation schedule the door operation schedule having the execution date and the execution time that corresponds to the current date and the current time, and select at the door controller the door operation mode corresponding to that of the active operation schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Braverman, Michael S. Tignor, Michael A. Salvietti, Anthony R. Ranaudo
  • Patent number: 9506285
    Abstract: A sealing system for doors and windows includes a reservoir device, a sealing tube configured to expand and to contract, and a transfer valve configured to couple the reservoir device to a first end of the sealing tube. Responsive to either of a door or window closing, a medium may be transferred from the reservoir device via the transfer valve to the sealing tube. Responsive to receiving the medium, the sealing tube may expand to substantially seal a gap between an edge of either of the door or the window and a surface in proximity to the edge. Responsive to either of the door or window opening, the medium may be discharged from the sealing tube via the transfer valve. The sealing tube may contract in response to discharging the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Norman David Eansor
  • Patent number: 9506286
    Abstract: A barrier employed to keep children and/or pets in or out of certain areas in the house. The barrier includes four panels. Two main panels slide parallel to each other to lengthen or shorten the barrier as a whole. Two side panels stabilize the main panels and extend to the front and rear faces of the main panels to provide a self-supporting in-house barrier. Each of the panels includes a wooden frame. The wood lends less weight, less sharp edges, and more pleasing aesthetics than, for example, a metal gate. Legs are connected to the side panels to further stabilize the side panels and main panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Carlson Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Porter R. Million
  • Patent number: 9506287
    Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff S. Giest, Gary E. Moss, Galen B. Rhodes, Kent A. Smith, Brian C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9506288
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a headrail bracket configured to be inserted into a headrail at an angle from a top thereof. The headrail bracket includes clips to engage a top edge of the headrail, and an attachment mechanism to attach to a gearbox assembly configured to rotate a tilt rod of a window blind tilting mechanism. In certain embodiments, the headrail bracket is a single component with a substantially low profile. This headrail bracket may span a top of the headrail. In other embodiments, the headrail bracket includes a first component to secure a first end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail and a second component to secure a second end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail. In certain embodiments, the first component slides over the first end of the gearbox assembly and the second component slides over the second end of the gearbox assembly. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9506289
    Abstract: A shade covering for a blind having a plurality of horizontal slats and at least one cord ladder configured to support the slats may generally include a plurality of attachment portions configured to be spaced apart from one another along a first direction of the shade covering. Each attachment portion may define an insertion slit. The shade covering may also include a plurality of shade portions extending between each adjacent pair of attachment portions. Moreover, the insertion slit may be defined through a rear end of each attachment portion such that an insertion end of the insertion slit is open at the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Rupel
  • Patent number: 9506290
    Abstract: A tension device for a corded-loop drive system has a base with a sprocket on the base such that the cord loop travels over the sprocket. At least one resilient finger has a first end attached to the base and a free end. Each finger is sized and positioned to engage the cord loop when the tension device is not properly mounted to a wall or window frame and prevent movement of the cord loop around the sprocket. There is a hole in the finger through which a screw passes. When the base is placed on a mounting surface and the screw is driven into the mounting surface, the free end of the finger will have moved from the first position to a second position away from the cord so that the cord loop may move around the sprocket and the window covering can be fully raised and fully lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 9506291
    Abstract: An automatic reset device for curtain pull bar is fixed on a rod of a curtain fabric and comprises a fixed base, a pull bar having a handle, and a torsion-supplying element. One end of a rotation axis of the pull bar is located at the fixed base, and the pull bar can be rotated relative to the fixed base. The torsion-supplying element that preserves torsion is connected between the pull bar and the fixed base. When the curtain fabric is furled and the pull bar is released, the pull bar is automatically rotated and reset by the preserved torsion force of the torsion-supplying element. The handle of the pull bar will not collide with the door trim of a vehicle, and the abutting pressure forced against the door trim by the handle of the pull bar can be efficiently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MACAUTO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Lin, Hung-Ming Yen
  • Patent number: 9506292
    Abstract: A ladder specially designed for attachment to a rear door of a cargo van to facilitate the ability of a person to climb onto the vehicle's roof. The ladder has two parallel rails joined by a plurality of transversely extending rungs. Affixed to the upper and lower ends of the ladder rungs are length adjustable brackets supporting door engaging clips designed to fit about the upper and lower edges of a van door without interfering with the ability of the door to open and close. The ladder rails are preferably bent to conform to the contour of the van door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROM ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Avraham Y. Levi
  • Patent number: 9506293
    Abstract: A paint roller tray mounting device includes a platform with a width sized to fit between first and second side rung supports of a ladder or step ladder, a length to support a paint roller tray with at least two tabs located at upper edges of the tray. The tabs have mounting holes in them. The platform has a recess in an upper surface sized and shaped to provide a gripping surface for a ladder rung. At least two bolts are symmetrically attached through opposite edges of the platform. The bolts extend from a lower surface of the platform through the mounting holes in the tabs at the upper edge of the paint roller tray. The bolts are tightened, urging the tray and the platform together. The platform is located beneath and the paint roller tray is located above the ladder rung or a top shelf of a step ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Marvin E. Beachy
  • Patent number: 9506294
    Abstract: A method of configuring a depth of cut controller (DOCC) of a drill bit includes determining a first desired depth of cut for a first radial swath associated with a bit face of a drill bit. The first radial swath is associated with a first area of the bit face. The method further includes identifying a first plurality of cutting elements located on the bit face that each include at least a portion located within the first radial swath. The method additionally includes configuring a first depth of cut controller (DOCC) for placement on the bit face within the first radial swath. The first depth of cut controller is configured based on the first desired depth of cut for the first radial swath and each portion of the first plurality of cutting elements located within the first radial swath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Shilin Chen, James R. Ashby, Robert W. Arfele
  • Patent number: 9506295
    Abstract: An auger assembly designed for creation of bores at sites where solid earth has a layer of loose overburden comprising an elongated auger shaft presenting a working end, with outwardly extending, helical flighting along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. Apparatus proximal to the working end is operable to compress the loose material as the auger assembly is rotated in a first direction, and preferably is in the form of arcuate rake structure above the working end; the auger serves to compress the loose material during rotation in the first direction until the solid earth is encountered, whereupon the auger assembly is rotated in the opposite direction to form the bore within the solid earth. The auger assembly preferably includes an upper auger section and a detachably secured lower auger bit assembly. The auger assembly is particularly useful in the formation of cast-in-place cementious piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Berkel & Company Contractors, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Blum, Brian R. Zuckerman
  • Patent number: 9506296
    Abstract: A drill bit matrix is provided that contains a powdered abrasive material and a refractory metal powder in which the refractory metal powder is a coated powder in which each granule of the refractory metal powder is coated by a coating material. A core drill bit is further provided, containing a powdered abrasive material, a refractory metal powder and a steel tube onto which the powdered abrasive material and refractory metal powder are alloyed. The refractory metal powder is a coated powder in which each granule of the refractory metal powder is coated by one or more coating materials. A method is finally provided for manufacturing a core drill bit. First a matrix is formed by mixing together a powdered abrasive material and a coated refractory metal powder. The matrix is placed in a mould and a steel tube is placed on top of the mould to form a drill bit assembly. The drill bit assembly is then heated under atmospheric conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Kenneth Miller
  • Patent number: 9506297
    Abstract: An abrasive wear-resistant material includes a matrix and sintered and cast tungsten carbide pellets. A device for use in drilling subterranean formations includes a first structure secured to a second structure with bonding material. An abrasive wear-resistant material covers the bonding material. The first structure may include a drill bit body and the second structure may include a cutting element. A method for applying an abrasive wear-resistant material to a drill bit includes providing a bit, mixing sintered and cast tungsten carbide pellets in a matrix material to provide a pre-application material, heating the pre-application material to melt the matrix material, applying the pre-application material to the bit, and solidifying the material. A method for securing a cutting element to a bit body includes providing an abrasive wear-resistant material to a surface of a drill bit that covers a brazing alloy disposed between the cutting element and the bit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James L. Overstreet
  • Patent number: 9506298
    Abstract: A drill bit for forming a hole in a formation. The drill bit has a shank and a full face crown that cooperate to define an interior space that receives water or other drilling fluid. The full face crown defines a plurality of bores that extend from a cutting face of the full face crown to the interior space. The full face crown completely circumferentially encloses the interior space of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Cody A. Pearce, Michael D. Rupp, Christian M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 9506299
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body supported from a running string; and a releasing assembly for releasing from set liner hanger portions of the tool to be retrieved to the surface. The releasing assembly includes a connecting member for engaging the tool with a liner hanger, a piston hydraulically moveable in response to fluid pressure within the tool body from a lock position to a release position for releasing the connecting member, and a clutch for rotationally releasing the tool body from the liner hanger. Rotation of the running string moves a nut upward along the body so that the running string may then be picked up to disengage the tool from the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Aju Abraham, Taylor Latham
  • Patent number: 9506300
    Abstract: A slip joint (10) having a tubular inner barrel (11b) and a tubular outer barrel (11a), the inner barrel (11b) lying at least partially within the outer barrel (11a), the slip joint further comprising a sealing assembly (12a), (12b), (12c) which is operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between two sealing surfaces comprising an interior surface of the outer barrel 11a and an exterior surface of the inner barrel (11b), the sealing assembly (12a), (12b), (12c) including an actuator (20) and a seal (46), the actuator (20) being movable to push the seal (46) into engagement with one of the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Christian Leuchtenberg, Alexander John Macgregor
  • Patent number: 9506301
    Abstract: A connection assembly allowing a pipe (12) extending from the seabed (14) to be connected to a flexible pipe (26) leading to the sea surface (22). The assembly includes a turret (32) having an upper end (42) connected to a float (20) and a lower end (40) connected to the pipe (12). The turret (32) has a duct (50) extending towards the upper end (42) and having a free end (66) provided with an end fitting (68). The turret includes retaining members (70, 72, 74, 76) that keep the connector (30) between the turret and the end fitting, facing the end fitting (68). The connector (30) is in a fixed position in relation to the retaining members (70, 72, 74, 76) and a drive device (112) drives the end fitting (68) toward the connector (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Sylvain Routeau, Yasser Saleh