Patents Issued in December 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9523165
    Abstract: A bed covering product, system and a process of manufacturing such product is disclosed to form a one-piece, multi-panel upper and lower sheet assembly. The lower sheet fits on a mattress in a removable manner and the upper sheet is connected to the lower sheet through expandable flaps of material made from elastic, stretchable material. An expansion flap zipper runs between the sides of the upper and lower sheets so as to close the assembly when it is zipped, whereby the upper sheet is pulled tightly against the lower sheet but when it is opened by unzipping the upper sheet is allowed to move away from the lower sheet to the extent of the expandable flaps of material. Another release zipper is disposed adjacent the expansion flap zipper and interior for allowing laundering the upper and lower sheets separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: KaDe Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Kathleen Crispino
  • Patent number: 9523166
    Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Dolsey, Francis J. Kronzer
  • Patent number: 9523167
    Abstract: A garment dyeing machine (10) includes a container (12), a roller (22) to which brassieres are releasably attachable, the roller (22) being within the container (12) and rotatable relative to the container (12) about an axis of rotation (R-R), the garment dyeing machine having two nozzles (24) for spraying a dye solution onto the roller (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Clover Mystique Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sze Ngok Lee, Kuan Yau Nancy Chang
  • Patent number: 9523168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a component for joining structures at intersection regions thereof, comprising the following steps: forming a first fiber having a meandering shape which includes a plurality of first loops; forming a second fibre having a meandering shape which includes a plurality of second loops; and swivelling a first loop portion of a respective first loop and a first loop portion of a respective second loop such that a respective first loop and a respective second loop engage with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Seack, Alexander Bruns
  • Patent number: 9523169
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning apparatus for cleaning at least one soiled substrate with a multiplicity of solid particles, the apparatus comprising: an external casing defining the external perimeter of the apparatus, said external casing defining at least an upper internal volume and a lower internal volume; a perforate drum arranged in the upper internal volume and configured for rotation about a horizontal axis, for agitation of the at least one soiled substrate during a cleaning process; a partition sealingly dividing the upper internal volume from the lower internal volume, the partition including a collecting region configured to collect and retain wash liquor and solid particles of said multiplicity of solid particles released from the drum during a cleaning process; a recirculating arrangement configured to transfer particles of said multiplicity of solid particles from said collecting region to said drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Xeros Limited
    Inventors: Michael David Sawford, Simon Paul Wells
  • Patent number: 9523170
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl David McAllister, Andrew J. Leitert, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 9523171
    Abstract: A washing machine having a balancer to offset unbalanced load generated during rotation of a drum. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet, and a balancer mounted to the drum to offset unbalanced load generated in the drum during rotation of the drum. The balancer includes a balancer housing having an annular channel defined therein, at least one mass movably disposed in the channel, a magnet provided at one side of the balancer housing to restrain the mass, and a magnet case to receive the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Jin Cho, Doo Young Ryu, Won Young Jung, Jeong Hoon Kang
  • Patent number: 9523172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyvinyl alcohol non-woven films and fabrics which have been modified so as to have a breathable coalesced lower porosity surface polyvinyl alcohol layer attached to a fibrous polyvinyl alcohol layer by a transition layer. The fabrics are useful as clothing or wraps for inert articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Lakeland Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Novis Smith, Charles Roberson
  • Patent number: 9523173
    Abstract: A press apparatus is disclosed for removing water from a web that has been supported on an upstream forming wire. The press apparatus includes a first roll which cooperates with the forming wire for transferring the web from the forming wire to the first roll, the first roll being a suction roll. A second roll is disposed downstream relative to the first roll, the second roll cooperating with the first roll for defining therebetween a first nip for the removal of a first portion of the water from the web during passage of the web through the first nip. The second roll is a suction roll. A third roll is disposed downstream relative to the second roll, the third roll cooperating with the second roll for defining therebetween a second nip for the removal of a second portion of the water from the web during passage of the web through the second nip. The third roll is a plain roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: PMT ITALIA S.L.A., CHINA PAPER MACHINERY CORP.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Tonello
  • Patent number: 9523174
    Abstract: A system for fastening a rail on a subsurface, includes a support plate having a contact surface, and at least one guide plate that is seated on said support plate and has a passage opening for a clamping element, which leads from the free top side thereof to the bottom side thereof. The clamping element is guided through the passage opening and is fixedly connected to the subsurface. A latching connection between the support plate and the guide plate is formed in the region of the passage opening by at least one latch arm. The latch arm engages through said passage opening and has a latch projection which interacts in an interlocking manner with a stop formed on said guide plate. A recess is molded into the circumferential surface delimiting said passage opening of said guide plate, in which recess the respectively associated latch arm is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Vossloh-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Bosterling, Adrian Bednarczyk
  • Patent number: 9523175
    Abstract: A binder composition comprising water glass and psyllium, which can be combined with aggregate to form a traffic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Stone Gesellschaft Fuer Mineralische Baustoffe Gmbh
    Inventor: Sven Fritsche
  • Patent number: 9523176
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dieter Simons
  • Patent number: 9523177
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a piling to a planar member extending around the piling comprises a base collar sized to surround the piling at a first location and having a planar base flange extending therefrom and an upper collar sized to extend around the piling at a second location, the upper collar being sealable around the piling. A longitudinally extendable sleeve extends between the base collar and the upper collar sealing the base collar to the upper collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Andrew Snethun
  • Patent number: 9523178
    Abstract: The concrete panel anchoring assembly including a concrete panel having a rear face and a connector member projecting from a rear face of the concrete panel. The connector member includes an attachment loop and a saddle element assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: OFFICINE MACCAFERRI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ferraiolo
  • Patent number: 9523179
    Abstract: A window well drainage system and method are provided. According to an aspect, the system comprises a window well base defining a window well cavity having a lowest end, a main drainage conduit opening in the window well cavity, a window well screening component engageable to cover the window well cavity and a drainage conduit screening component engageable to cover the upper port of the main drainage conduit, the window well screening component and the drainage conduit screening component being spaced apart from one another when engaged. According to another aspect, the system further comprises at least one secondary drainage conduit connectable to the main drainage conduit, said at least one secondary drainage conduit extending from the main drainage conduit to the foundation drain when connected to the main drainage conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Gestion Jacques Quirion Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Quirion
  • Patent number: 9523180
    Abstract: A position of a loading device on a conveying vehicle, relative to a receiving area, is calculated. The loading device is automatically positioned based on the relative position. The relative position of the loading device relative to the receiving area is output. An operator input is received and material is automatically unloaded from the loading device to the receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Steven D. Deines
  • Patent number: 9523181
    Abstract: A digging machine configured to bury a continuous elongated member in the bed of a body of water has a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; a guide assembly fitted to the frame to move crosswise to the longitudinal axis, and configured to engage and move along the continuous elongated member; and a control device configured to adjust the position of the guide assembly with respect to the frame and the continuous elongated member according to the conformation of the continuous elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Formenti, Alberto Serena, Mauro Bettanin
  • Patent number: 9523182
    Abstract: A wheel loader is provided with an engine compartment, a urea water injection device, a second side plate, a guiding member, and a suction part. The second side plate has a first outdoor air intake port. The guiding member is configured to guide outdoor air sucked in through the first outdoor air intake port onto the urea water injection device. The suction part sucks air into the engine compartment. The urea water injection device is disposed within an air flow produced between the suction part and the guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yabe, Akihiro Ohsawa, Toshiya Shintani, Teruyuki Matsuki, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Yosuke Yamagoe, Masahiro Tazou, Hiroyuki Kitaoka
  • Patent number: 9523183
    Abstract: A system for determining optimized shift locations of a transmission of a machine as the machine moves along a work surface includes a position sensor, a transmission having a low gear and a high gear, and a controller including a machine controller. The controller is configured to determine the position of the work surface, store a shift threshold, and control shifting between the low gear and the high gear based upon the position of the work surface and the shift threshold. The machine controller is configured to control shifting between the low gear and the high gear based upon operating parameters of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Wei, Michael Taylor, Thandava K. Edara
  • Patent number: 9523184
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid excavator which reduces the impact generated at the start of the operation of the boom cylinder, or the like, of a hybrid excavator. The hybrid excavator according to the present invention comprises: a hydraulic pump motor connected to an electric motor and operated in the forward or reverse direction; a hydraulic cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump motor and operated in an expanding manner; a first and second hydraulic valve installed in a first and second passage, respectively, between the hydraulic pump motor and the hydraulic cylinder, for blocking the first and second passages when switched by an external control signal; a third hydraulic valve installed in the connecting path connected to first and second dividing passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Jae-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 9523185
    Abstract: A fixture concealing module for a stand-alone bathtub is comprised of an enclosure extending upwardly from a support floor and surrounding plumbing conduits extending through the support floor for the supply of domestic cold and hot water. The enclosure has an access opening for access to an interior thereof. A removable closure member is removably secured to the access opening. At least one faucet control is secured in an upper region of the module and accessible to a bather person positioned in the bathtub. A water channelling element projects from the upper region of the module and is in communication with a faucet outlet conduit secured downstream of a valve controlled by the faucet control to direct a flow of water into the bathtub from a top side of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GESTION ULTRA INTERNATIONALE INC.
    Inventors: Henry Brunelle, Louis Gendreau
  • Patent number: 9523186
    Abstract: A device and method for advertisements upon a ring has a gage of a short cylindrical shape with a centered tip. The gage aligns a planar material, or ring, placed outwardly upon it. The tip fits into any hole of a drain in a sink. The tip then aligns the gage, centering it upon the drain which leads to a centered application of the planar material upon the drain or nearby sink bowl. The gage has two surfaces, a top and an opposite bottom that has the tip joined thereto. Between the two surfaces and upon its perimeter, the gage has a wall with a slight outward flare with its wide portion towards the bottom. The flare centers the ring as a user places it upon the gage and moves it down to the drain. The user then removes the gage through the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Ann B. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9523187
    Abstract: A decking assembly is provided. The decking assembly includes a pair of support joists and a plurality of planks made from a cementitious composite. Each of the plurality of planks includes a first lip portion and a second lip portion. The second lip portion is mutually opposite the first lip portion. A protruding portion of the each of the plurality of planks is configured to be received into a recess defined on one of the pair of support joists at a first end and on the other of the pair of support joists at a second end of the each of the plurality of planks. A locking panel is configured to interconnect with the second lip portion of one of the plurality of planks. One or more fastening means are defined on a first end and a second end of the locking panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Halder Rempert, Kevin L. Martin
  • Patent number: 9523188
    Abstract: A framing structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core. The elements include a hollow-interior column and a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material. The hollow interior of the column and the cavity of the beam form a continuous volume that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DIVERSAKORE LLC
    Inventors: Housh Rahimzadeh, Marc Rahimzadeh
  • Patent number: 9523189
    Abstract: Water vapor control, which is arranged facing the inside of a building, comprising a first layer having a water vapor diffusion resistance (sd-value) of 1-5 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of an atmosphere surrounding the layer of 30-50%, and having a Sd-value of <1 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of 60-80%, and a second layer having a Sd-value of >0.6 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of 80-100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventor: Maria Hubert Pierre Tijssen
  • Patent number: 9523190
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing unbonded loosefill insulation material configured for distribution in a blowing insulation machine is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing apparatus configured for making fibrous materials, the apparatus including structures configured to provide molten materials to fiberizing apparatus and collection apparatus configured to collect the formed fibrous materials, determining whether the formed fibrous material will be further processed as loosefill insulation material or other fibrous products, and formulating a composition of the molten material in response to the determination of whether the formed fibrous material will be further processed as loosefill insulation material or other fibrous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Evans, Patrick M. Gavin, Scott E. Colangelo
  • Patent number: 9523191
    Abstract: A mobile terminal booth which provides an area where a mobile terminal can be used in a public place. This mobile terminal booth is provided with a sound absorbing unit which is placed in a public place and partially partitions a space as viewed from the above where a user of a mobile terminal can have a telephone conversation. The sound absorbing unit is made of a laminate consisting of a plurality of sound absorbing layers. The sound absorbing layers are joined together in the form of the laminate with a viscous adhesive which does not solidify after formation of said laminate, and maintains its viscosity when the mobile terminal booth is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INTERMAN Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeki Uetabira
  • Patent number: 9523192
    Abstract: Disclosed are a sound-absorbing material with improved sound-absorbing performance and a method for manufacturing the sound-absorbing material. The sound-absorbing material may improve sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss by forming large surface area and air layer, so as to induce viscosity loss of incident sound energy, and may provide light-weight design of a sound absorbing part or material since sound-absorbing performance may be substantially improved using reduced amount of fiber. Further, the sound-absorbing material may improve sound-absorbing performance by using binder fiber having rebound resilience, so as to maintain enough strength between fibers and also to maximize viscosity loss of sound energy transmitted to fiber structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Toray Chemical Korea Inc.
    Inventors: Hyo Seok Kim, Do Hyun Kim, Chi Hun Kim, Kie Youn Jeong, Bong Hyun Park, Jung Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 9523193
    Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventor: Donald A. Pilz
  • Patent number: 9523194
    Abstract: A method of forming a structure comprising reinforced concrete filled masonry units is provided. A hollow masonry unit is laid in a first course. The hollow interior of the masonry unit is filled with reinforced concrete so that the concrete overflows and is spread out across the upper surface of the masonry unit to form a bed joint. A further masonry unit may be laid upon the bed joint to form a second course. A header end of the masonry unit may be vertically slotted to allow the unit to be threaded transversely over pre-installed elongate reinforcements such as rebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: WEMBLEY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Liam Clear
  • Patent number: 9523195
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a halogen free wall system is described. The wall system includes wall studs that are coupled together to form a frame and polyisocyanurate insulation boards that are positioned on an exterior side of the frame to form an exterior wall. The polyisocyanurate foam boards include a polyisocyanurate core having a halogen free fire retardant. Wall boards are attached to an interior side of the frame to form an interior wall. The wall boards are free of a halogenated fire retardant. The wall studs, polyisocyanurate foam boards, and wall board define a plurality of wall cavities within which an insulation material is positioned. The insulation material is free of a halogenated fire retardant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Malay Nandi, Lance Wang, Jawed Asrar
  • Patent number: 9523196
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching bridging members to a thermal stud being generally C-shaped with parallel spaced apart flanges connected by a central web having opening in the web of the stud which spans the majority of the width of the web and where the openings are provided with flanges extending perpendicularly from the edges of the opening into the interior of the stud. The bracket is a generally L-shaped bracket having a leg with a means to properly locate a bridging member centrally within the bracket and the stud wall and a base for overlying the web of the stud. The base has a width approximately the same as the stud and preferably has flanges extending perpendicularly from the base at either end thereof to engage and be able to attach to the flanges of the stud. The base is also provided with a centrally located tab extending perpendicularly from the base to allow the bracket to be properly positioned within the web of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Patent number: 9523197
    Abstract: An acoustic dampening dual-stud construction member is disclosed herein. The dual-stud construction member is composed of two single studs adhered to each other with an acoustic dampening material and spaced a fixed distance apart from each other as a single unitary member which may be used in building construction. Walls having a high sound transmission coefficient may be quickly and easily assembled using the unitary member composed of two studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Sessler, Michael Sessler
  • Patent number: 9523198
    Abstract: A coalescing additive is used in the manufacturing process for gypsum wallboard. Such an additive increases the surface area and density of the slurry at the paper to core interface by coalescing the foam cells away from the paper core interface. This permits a stronger paper to core bond to form and increases the compressive strength of the gypsum wallboard as compared to standard wallboards made from slurries with reduced water levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: National Gypsum Properties, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Martin, Eli Stav, Matthew J. Plante, Maryn L. Heermann
  • Patent number: 9523199
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an impact resistant panel for building construction, and, more particularly is related to panels having a multilayered structure having three or more layers and which may be interconnected to form a resistant surface for a floor, wall or roof of a building. The panel includes a first cladding board layer. An impact layer is affixed to the first cladding board layer and has a toughness to prevent penetration upon impact from flying items travelling due to high wind storms. A second cladding board layer is affixed to the opposite side of the impact resistant layer from the first cladding board layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Fortified Housing, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Flick
  • Patent number: 9523200
    Abstract: This invention presents a wall mounted receiver to accommodate insulated or non-insulated pipes and at least one inlet or portal for at least one pipe conduit or wiring per portal and with a high degree of flexibility and unique mechanical connection security; this receiver is arranged to receive the piping from any directional angle with a unique flexible inlet capability; without limitation, this receiver is for use with refrigeration or air conditioning equipment and related connections, such as insulated pipes, non-insulated pipes, condensation piping, conduit and wiring. The receiver can also be mounted to different wall surface types without the assistance of a wall bracket; can also be fit into tight space service areas depending on refrigeration equipment requirements; can be installed in new construction applications; and can also upgrade existing installations without the need to cut the existing piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Gabriel V. Lechuga, Alex Lechuga
  • Patent number: 9523201
    Abstract: A construction component provides structural reinforcement of structures built therewith, by embedding an internal support structure within a substrate component such as a cast concrete block during fabrication of the construction component. The embedded internal support structure can include interface plates that are structurally coupled to the internal support structure and are made accessible outside of the substrate to permit the internal support structures of the individual construction components to be mechanically tied together in constructing a structure therewith. The internal support structure can be triangular, and can be coupled together using threaded bolts, rivets or welds. The substrate block is formed with vertical channels to provide access to the interface plates of components being coupled during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Sergei V. Romanenko
  • Patent number: 9523202
    Abstract: Metal roofing panels have a forward edge portion with a downwardly extending skirt and return flange and a rear edge or headlap portion with an upwardly open channel and a locking tab extending over a portion of the upwardly open channel. A method of installing the roofing panels includes nailing a lower course of panels in end-to-end overlapping relationship to a roof deck. The forward edge portions of panels in the next higher course of panels are then pressed downwardly into the upwardly open channels of the lower course panels. The return flanges of the upper course panels snap beneath the locking tabs of the upwardly open channels thus locking the panels together and forming a watertight connection between courses of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Anderson, Sudhir Railkar
  • Patent number: 9523203
    Abstract: A roof assembly comprising: a roof deck; a thermoplastic membrane covering the deck; and a fabric having disposed thereon expandable graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Co., LLC
    Inventors: Wensheng Zhou, Michael J. Hubbard, Allen Sopko, Joseph Carr
  • Patent number: 9523204
    Abstract: A gutter protecting apparatus includes a plurality of substantially parallel rods extending in a downward slope from near a roof edge to and beyond the far side of the gutter. The rods extend substantially perpendicular to the gutter's length and to a frame to which the rods connect at the upper edge. Preferably, the lower rod ends are spaced above and slightly beyond the far edge of the gutter to allow debris to pass the gutter without catching. Legs can extend down from some rods to the gutter's far edge to provide support. The apparatus can be pivotably mounted to the roof, the fascia or the gutter, permitting access beneath. The apparatus forms a cage-like covering over the gutter to exclude matter and small creatures, while allowing the liquid to flow past. Sunlight bypassing the rods and movement of air through the gutter make the water exiting the downspout cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: B & J Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9523205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device comprising: at least one metal sheet, especially a metal sheet used for cladding, suitable for covering at least one section of a surface of a building structure, fastenings for definitively attaching the metal sheet to the structure, at least one accessory suitable for applying to a receiving area on the metal sheet, and means for removably attaching the accessory to the receiving area, that are suitable for attaching the accessory once the metal sheet is already attached to the structure by means of the fastenings, maintaining the structural integrity of the metal sheet, and also the integrity, especially in terms of tightness, of the attachment of the metal sheet to the structure by means of the fastenings, said attaching means including a head of the fastenings, that can enable the assembly, and if need be, the disassembly, of the accessory, without affecting the attachment of the metal sheet to the structure by means of the fastenings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BACACIER 3 S
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Vigouroux, Julien Faisandier, Joffrey Bertrand
  • Patent number: 9523206
    Abstract: A cement pouring device may include an elongate vessel supported by a frame. The frame may enable the vessel to cooperate with and be transported by a vehicle such as a skid steer. Due to the elongate shape of the device, it may be particularly suitable for depositing a cement charge at a distal pour site that would be difficult to access otherwise, or may only have been accessible manually with a conventional wheel barrow and shovel. This may be particularly advantageous in smaller pour jobs where equipment such as cement pumps are impractical or economically infeasible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Dominic Charles Frisina
  • Patent number: 9523207
    Abstract: A tensioning device and method for post-tensioning a concrete member having at least one crack is provided. The tensioning device may include an elongated body, a stitch catch arm and an anchor. The catch arm may be perpendicularly joined to one end of the elongated body, wherein the catch arm is inserted into a hole in the concrete member. The elongated body may form an anchor recess therein, wherein an anchor interface surface is defined by the anchor recess. The anchor interface may form an anchor aperture for receiving the anchor. The thickness of the anchor interface may uniformly decrease as the anchor interface extends toward the catch arm end of the anchor recess so that when ratcheting the anchor into the concrete member and onto the anchor interface a portion of the applied compressive force and/or torque may be transformed into an axial force along the elongated body so as to provide post-tensioning through the tensioning device and across the at least one crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Mark E. Weber
  • Patent number: 9523208
    Abstract: A portable shelter kit is usable for erecting a temporary or long term structural shelter. The portable shelter kit includes a two-part shipping container which comes apart into pieces which are usable as component parts of the shelter. A method of using the kit to construct a portable shelter is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Al S. Athanasiou, Ralph Thomas Varney
  • Patent number: 9523209
    Abstract: An immersive theater is provided having a screen oriented with respect to a pitched seating area to provide an immersive theater experience for all of the viewers. The theater can include a three-dimensional, concave shaped screen, defining a central axis that extends perpendicularly from the center point of the concave screen directed toward the seating area. The screen is oriented at a prescribed pitch angle (?) relative to the horizontal. The theater has a seating area having a plurality of seats for viewers and is set up in a stacked arrangement along a planar region and pitched at a prescribed angle (?). The seating area is further confined within a viewing area that is centered on the central axis of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Vision 3 Experiential, LLC
    Inventors: Pierre J. de Lespinois, John E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9523210
    Abstract: A device for skimming a pool surface to collect floating debris includes an elongate handle, a hollow body, and a spool on which an elongate continuous length of webbing is wound in a spiral configuration. The spool is housed within the body and the webbing is extendable from the spool through a slot formed in the body and is retractable onto the spool through the slot via spool rotation. The webbing has a proximal end to which an end piece is connected. The end piece is shaped to prevent passage through the slot and has a fastening element for being secured to an edge of a pool structure for removably mounting the end piece to the structure. The handle and body are sufficiently portable and lightweight to enable carrying by hand and ready removability of the entire device from the pool when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Calvin Hargis
  • Patent number: 9523211
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements for controlling the tension of tensioning cables in precompressed towers are disclosed. The towers may comprise a tower section (5), a pair of flanges (15, 15?), a plurality of tensioning cables (10A-10D) and at least one tensioner (30AB, 30CD). The pair of flanges may be arranged around an upper and a lower part of the tower section. The at least one tensioner may be arranged between two of the plurality of tensioning cables (10A-10D). The tensioner may pull the tensioning cables in response to a load signal to increase the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Jaume Betran Palomas
  • Patent number: 9523212
    Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: US Tower Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Pereira, Karen Eredia, Stacey A. Perez
  • Patent number: 9523213
    Abstract: A portable building for all seasons combines elegant design with durability and functionality. An air pocket between two walls creates efficient thermal insulation in winter. Endures high winds with a flexible wall and frame system. Self supportive, ground-anchored with steel stakes and sewn as a single hemisphere provide strength and stability. 100% renewable and breathable fabric promotes health, allows intimate nature contact and is affordable. Lightweight, foldable to 0.6% of assembled volume, transportable by car, it can be assembled by one person repeatedly. Detachable, replaceable mosquito screens, clear vinyl and privacy blinds maximize use of each passageway. Skylights, natural toned UV filtered light, arched passageways and vaulted high ceilings free of angular shapes combine to create an atmosphere of serenity and simple elegance enhancing creativity and physical wellbeing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Adonata Pyaga
  • Patent number: 9523214
    Abstract: This document provides an apparatus including an awning fastener configured for attaching to an awning. The apparatus can further include a first airfoil connected to the awning fastener. The apparatus can further include a second airfoil connected to the awning fastener and positioned opposite of the first airfoil such that the first and second airfoils are positionable on opposite sides of the awning when the awning fastener is connected to the awning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Phillip Ross Prewitt
    Inventor: Phillip Ross Prewitt