Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170058477
    Abstract: An aggregate pier compacting system for forming a compacted aggregate pier (AP) at a target location includes a mandrel, a tamper device, and a finishing tamper device. The mandrel includes a casing for housing a drilling shaft (DS). An external vibratory hammer (EVH) repeatedly impacts a hammer element (HE) extending from the DS. The DS transfers the impact to a bore head to form a cavity at the target location. The DS is removed and the casing is filled with aggregate. The tamper device includes a compacting shaft. The EVH impacts a second HE extending from the compacting shaft and transfers the impact to a compaction head to form the compacted AP. The finishing tamper device includes a shaft. The EVH impacts a third HE extending from the shaft and transfers the impact to a finishing head compacting a top layer of the AP to form a finished AP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Bahman Niroumand
  • Publication number: 20170058478
    Abstract: An apparatus for remediation of soil includes a drum for storing chemical-permeation grout and a pump for pumping the chemical-permeation grout at a low pressure into a manchette delivery tube while the manchette delivery tube is inserted into the soil. There is a valve for controlling the low pressure and a meter for metering an amount of the chemical-permeation grout that is delivered into the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Keystone Supports, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Kirchendorfer
  • Publication number: 20170058479
    Abstract: A reinforced concrete structure including a reinforcement made from a plurality of elongate longitudinal members of fibreglass or like material, disposed substantially parallel with one another in at least one predetermined direction. The elongate longitudinal members are coupled to one another by means of coupling members of fibreglass or formed by a strip of flexible polymer material. Metal and/or synthetic fibres are mixed with the concrete matrix to provide the structure with shear strength, making it possible substantially to reduce the number of coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Cristiano BONOMI
  • Publication number: 20170058480
    Abstract: An earth anchor comprising a main body having an end that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main body; a tool engagement portion located on the main body; at least one anchor hole located substantially centrally on the main body; and at least one removal hole located on the main body adjacent an end of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ty Hermans, Mayer Jung
  • Publication number: 20170058481
    Abstract: A two piece inflow dish assembly for installation in an enlarged manhole opening to prevent debris from entering the manhole to clog the sewer system and to permit the inflow dish assembly to be removed from the manhole in separate pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Lloyd J. Wander
  • Publication number: 20170058482
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a bulldozer crawler tractor. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly configured to fixedly attach to the bulldozer crawler tractor. A ripper assembly is configured to be operatively attached to the mounting assembly. A winch assembly is configured to be operatively mounted to the ripper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Sheldon Louis SOKOLOSKI
  • Publication number: 20170058483
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a main frame extending along a longitudinal axis and a pair of actuators mounted to the main frame. The actuators are configured to set an orientation of a tool mounted below the main frame, which in a home position center the tool on the longitudinal axis. An operator cabin mounted to the main frame has a pair of structural posts extending from a floor to a roof at a front side of the operator cabin. An operator seat mounted in the operator cabin faces forward so as to create a forward field of view to the tool for an operator seated in the operator seat. The front structural posts are spaced apart laterally on each side of the main frame at a distance from a longitudinal axis such that they each overlap along a reference line one of the actuators within a forward-looking field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Casey J. Hart, John Grice, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Publication number: 20170058484
    Abstract: Vacuum units and vacuum trucks, for example, for excavating material, for instance, around buried utility lines. Multiple embodiments include an air and water nozzle that provides air and water to break up material (e.g., earth) that is picked up by a vacuum system. Various embodiments include a vacuum system, a compressed air system, a water system, and an air and water nozzle configured to be hand guided by an operator while excavating the material. In a number of embodiments, the air and water nozzle can include a body that is hand held by the operator while excavating the material, an air passageway through the body, a water passageway through the body, an air valve, a water valve, an air control that opens and closes the air valve, and a water control that opens and closes the water valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Premier Oilfield Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Buchleiter, Marcus A. Thomas, Christopher R. Hall, Daniel J. Kluesner, Jason E. Habrock
  • Publication number: 20170058485
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is provided with an electric motor, an electrical equipment, a cooling fan, a partitioning member, and a cooling unit. The electrical equipment is connected electrically to the electric motor. The cooling fan generates cooling air. The partitioning member forms a ventilation path for guiding the cooling air. The cooling unit is arranged so as to block the ventilation path. The cooling unit has first and second cooling devices. The first cooling device cools a cooling medium for the electrical equipment. The second cooling device is arranged laterally to the first cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hayao YOSHINO, Takashi SUGIGUCHI, Akira YAMATO
  • Publication number: 20170058486
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic drive apparatus for a construction machine capable of achieving both of cavitation prevention and improvement of regeneration efficiency. The apparatus includes a regenerative motor configured to regenerate energy of hydraulic fluid discharged from a slewing motor, a first regeneration tank line for returning regeneration discharge fluid from the regenerative motor to a tank through a back pressure valve which is provided in a makeup line, a second regeneration tank line for returning the regeneration discharge fluid directly to the tank so as to bypass the back pressure valve, a regeneration-tank-line selector valve, and a regeneration-tank-line-selection control section configured to shift the regeneration-tank-line selector valve to pass the regeneration discharge fluid through the first regeneration tank line during slewing deceleration and otherwise through the second regeneration tank line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidekazu OKA
  • Publication number: 20170058487
    Abstract: A controller sets a target flow rate of a regenerative hydraulic motor at zero or a low flow rate within an extent in which hydraulic pressure in a regeneration hydraulic line does not become negative pressure when a detected pressure PS detected by a pressure sensor is lower than a first set value previously set by overload relief valves, sets the target flow rate of the regenerative hydraulic motor at a value corresponding to the detected pressure when the detected pressure is higher than or equal to the first set value, and controls the revolution speed of a generator/motor in such a manner that a flow rate through the regenerative hydraulic motor equals the target flow rate. With such features, excellent operability equivalent to that in the conventional technology can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Seiji HIJIKATA, Kouji ISHIKAWA, Takatoshi OOKI, Shinya IMURA
  • Publication number: 20170058488
    Abstract: A control device for an implement system of a machine is mounted on a base. The control device includes a handle portion having a rotatable sleeve and a control rod encased in the handle portion. A seat is fixed to the control rod at a proximal end of the handle portion. Two linear actuators connected between the base and the seat form a kinematic chain including the linear actuators and the control rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20170058489
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator (1) includes a wireless authentication starting device (37) for switching conduction or non-conduction between a battery (18) and a starter motor (16) as well as a first electrical component (24) on the basis of an operation of a power switch (12) provided in the vicinity of an operator's seat (9) and authentication of a portable key (38) by wireless communication. The wireless authentication starting device (37) switches an “engine stop/conduction OFF” state to an “engine stop/conduction ON” state when, in the “engine stop/conduction OFF” state, the portable key (38) is within an authenticable range, the gate lock lever (13) is at an unlock position, and the power switch (12) is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Takuya NOMURA, Tatsuo TAKISHITA, Masayuki YUNOUE, Wataru TAKAGI, Yoshikatsu SUMIDA
  • Publication number: 20170058490
    Abstract: A working vehicle is provided with a hydraulic pump is driven using an engine. A hydraulic actuator is driven using hydraulic fluid which is discharged from the hydraulic pump. A power generator motor driven using the engine. An electric actuator is driven using electrical power which is generated using the power generator motor. An exhaust processing apparatus cleans exhaust from the engine. A reducing agent tank retains reducing agent which is supplied to the exhaust processing apparatus. A retention amount detecting section detects the retention amount of the reducing agent inside the reducing agent tank. An engine control section performs output restriction control where the output of the engine is reduced when the retention amount is equal to or less than a first threshold. The electric actuator control section restricts the output of the electric actuator during executing of the output restriction control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko KAMADO, Shinya ARIMATSU, Tomotaka IMAI
  • Publication number: 20170058491
    Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip John KUNZ
  • Publication number: 20170058492
    Abstract: A wear plate assembly for a ground engaging system. The wear plate assembly includes a wear plate, a connection plate, and a lock cavity. The wear plate has a back surface and a front surface spaced from the back surface along a first direction. The connection plate extends from the front surface at least partially in the first direction. The connection plate has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface along a second direction. The lock cavity is formed by the connection plate. The lock cavity extends from a first opening that opens to the inner surface to a second opening that opens to the outer surface. The first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gopalakrishnan Kanniappan, Kadirvel Muthusamy, Venkatesh Madeshi, Gregory Seljestad, Anuop Udayakumar, Ashok Rajendran
  • Publication number: 20170058493
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for detecting a leak in a fluid line. The system includes a plurality of sensors to measure fluid flow in the fluid lines. Additionally the system includes a control module configured to continuously monitor fluid flow entering and leaving the fluid system to detect the leak, the control module regulates fluid flow in the fluid system by comparing fluid use at the point of use sensor to fluid use at the point of entry sensor. The system detects a leak by comparing fluid flow between the point of entry, point of use and point of discharge. The system can notify a user of potential leaks and selectively control valves to regulate fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20170058494
    Abstract: A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Haun, SR.
  • Publication number: 20170058495
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for maintaining the integrity or pressurization of a dry pipe sprinkler system by preventing damage to auxiliary drains from freezing temperatures are taught. An insulated, heated housing, which may be thermostatically controlled provides a controlled environment about an auxiliary drain, insulated and with a heater. An alarm may be used as well to provide warning if said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate and embodiments may be retrofit about an existing auxiliary drain or be provided with an auxiliary drain for installation upon a dry pipe sprinkler system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: George Joseph McHugh, IV
  • Publication number: 20170058496
    Abstract: A touch spray head is in connection with a water supply segment of a water supply pipe which is accommodated in a body of a faucet and includes a water channel, the touch spray head and the water supply pipe are pulled out of and retracted back to an outlet of the body, and the touch spray head contains: a casing, a positioning member, a control valve, and an actuation device. The casing includes a hole arranged thereon, the positioning member includes at least one first through orifice, and each of the at least one first through orifice communicates with the water channel and the hole. The control valve includes a movable stem configured to turn on the control valve, and the actuation device partially exposes outside the casing and is operated by a user so as to urge the movable stem of the control valve to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Huiling Chiu, Chiahua Yuan, Yiping Lin
  • Publication number: 20170058497
    Abstract: A self-rimming sink is provided. The self-rimming sink includes a basin and a rim extending outwardly from an upper end of the basin in a relatively horizontal orientation. The rim is configured to be placed on top of a countertop for supporting the sink. The self-rimming sink also includes an apron coupled to the rim and defining a front portion of the sink. The apron has a front surface extending vertically below the rim and laterally between a first side surface and an opposite second side surface. The first and second side surfaces each having a front vertical lip that extends laterally to an outer periphery of the rim and a rear side wall portion. The rear side wall portion is recessed relative to the front vertical lip and the outer periphery of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Shawn J. Booth, Jason R. Miller, James S. Giefer
  • Publication number: 20170058498
    Abstract: A joint device for drain pipes comprises a structural tube made of a rigid material and providing structural integrity to the joint device. The structural tube defines at least part of a drain passage of the joint device, a bottom portion of the structural tube having diametrical dimensions for complementary sealing engagement with a pipe of a drain network. An annular seal of resilient sealing material is integrally connected to an upper portion of the structural tube to define at least an inner surface of a portion of the drain passage of the joint device, the annular seal having inner diametrical dimensions for sealing engagement with a tailpiece slid downwardly into engagement with the joint device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: MIGUEL CASTELLOTE
  • Publication number: 20170058499
    Abstract: A support device to maintain a mounting assembly on the exterior of a sink flange engaged to a sink adapted to engage a garbage disposal. The support device employs a body portion engaged to one or a plurality of magnets. The body portion is adapted to engage with or upon the sink flange and thereby position the magnets to magnetically hold the mounting assembly upon the exterior of the sink flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Tiffany Walton
  • Publication number: 20170058500
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a bowl, a tank configured to hold water, and a flush valve within the tank. The flush valve includes a valve body fluidly connecting the tank and the bowl, a float moveable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve, and a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding movement of the float, where the guide member includes a chamber that is configured to hold a cleaning compound including a chemical compound and water. The cleaning compound is configured to be dispensed into the bowl through the valve body with the flush valve open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton Garrels, Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20170058501
    Abstract: A toilet insert providing noise, stain and odor-prevention while using a toilet for solid waste. The material of the toilet insert is chosen to be biodegradable and water-soluble. The toilet insert is generally oval in shape, and forms a concave cover on the surface of water in a toilet bowl when in use. The material may further be scented or include odor-masking or odor-degrading treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Shelley Lynn Painter
  • Publication number: 20170058502
    Abstract: A dirt shield system for enhancing cleanliness of a toilet includes a toilet that has a pedestal, a bowl and a tank. A cover is provided and the cover is removably wrapped around the toilet. The cover is positioned to cover the bowl and the pedestal. Thus, the cover prevents the bowl and the pedestal from becoming soiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Michelle Welliver
  • Publication number: 20170058503
    Abstract: A toilet pan is provided with a water replenishing device for flush rim with silence function. The water replenishing device has independent drainage from the drainage of the cisterns. The water replenishing device includes a water storage box with a water inlet on top side and a drainage outlet on bottom side. The drainage outlet is connected to the waterway for flush rim. A lid is installed in the water storage box to open or close the drainage outlet. The water storage box is provided with a water storage area. A back flow channel has one end connected to the water inlet and the other end extending into the water storage area below or equal to the highest level of the water storage area. Such toilet makes less noise by eliminating water inlet noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: KOMOO INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaofa LIN, Xiaoshan LIN, Shan LIN, Dahai QUE, Jinyang ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20170058504
    Abstract: An over grate filter for covering a grate and filtering storm water runoff is claimed and described. The over grate filter of the invention helps to control the flow of waterborne sediment and pollutants into the storm water grate, and it also serves to reduce the amount of sediment entering drainage systems. The invention may be fabricated from any filtration fabrics, including woven and non-woven fabrics. The selection of the specific filter fabric used in the invention depends on the anticipated storm water flow velocities, the anticipated pollutant volume and the expected maintenance schedule. The over grate filter of the invention may comprise multiple layers of filter material and a supporting inner core that enables the filter to lie flat on the storm water grate, providing improved wear resistance against foot and vehicle traffic and street sweeping activity over the prior art methods for filtering storm water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Granite Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20170058505
    Abstract: A connection is provided between first and second building structural members, wherein a connector is made up of a stiffener and a connection element, and the stiffener nests within the connection element, and both the stiffener and the connection element are attached to the second building structural member with the same fastener or fasteners, and similarly, both the stiffener and the connection element are attached to the first building structural member with the same fastener or fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Larry Randall Daudet, Jin-Jie Lin, Timothy M. Stauffer, Hien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20170058506
    Abstract: A system and method determine a size and a shape for identical geodesic modules that are used to form a structure. The system and method may include analyzing input data regarding a size and a shape of the structure to be formed, and determining the size and the shape for each of the identical geodesic modules based on the size and the shape of the structure to be formed. The structure may include a framework including the identical geodesic modules. Each of the geodesic modules has a size and a shape that are the same as all of the other of the geodesic modules. A forming system and method position a framework and a covering skin of the structure in relation to a mandrel, and drill and rivet the framework to the covering skin with a plurality of operating heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sina Golshany, Junghyun Ahn, Derek Alderks, Todd William Erickson
  • Publication number: 20170058507
    Abstract: A grain bin hazard shield apparatus is disclosed in the present invention comprising of outer ring, inner ring and a net wherein the outer ring and inner ring further comprising of first half ring; second half ring; fist locking hinge; second locking hinge; first set of clip connector; first set of clips; second set of clip connectors and second set of clips. The outer ring and inner ring aligned concentrically in a plane where the diameter of the outer ring is substantially larger than the diameter of the inner ring. The outer ring is connected to the outer edge of the inner ring via the net, which spans the circular area of space located between the outer edge of the inner ring and the inner edge of the outer ring. In one of the embodiment, the hazard bin shield may be provided with an electric pulley system in order to suspend the grain bin hazard shield from the roof of the grain bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis Bayne
  • Publication number: 20170058508
    Abstract: A flexible, multi-product, multi-technology, expandable facility for manufacturing products, such as biologicals, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals, and manufacturing processes using elements of such a facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick J. Scannon, Frank Bernard, Alfred C. Dadson, JR., Robert S. Tenerowicz
  • Publication number: 20170058509
    Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure includes a first component disposed in the first plane. The structure also includes a second component extending from the first component and disposed in a second plane. The second plane is inclined at an angle with respect to the first plane. Each of the first component and the second component are constructed by forming layers parallel to each other using an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Babin, John Sherman, Stephen J. Pierz, Christopher M. Sketch, Joseph M. Spanier, Andrew D. Meinert, Todd D. Crawford, Matthew T. West
  • Publication number: 20170058510
    Abstract: There are provided rolls comprising an air and water barrier article having opposing first and second major surfaces, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least the first major surface of the article, and a liner having a first major surface that contacts the opposing second major surface of the article, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive contacts a second major surface of the liner when wound in the roll. There are also provided self adhering air and water barrier articles and building envelopes made using the presently disclosed rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Taylor M. Seabaugh, Martin J. Widenbrant, Daniel R. Fronek, Alan J. Hollo, Jayshree Seth
  • Publication number: 20170058511
    Abstract: A method for filling a construction joint space includes applying a primer layer to one or more construction member edges of one or more construction members, and chemically reacting a filler layer with the primer layer to at least partially fill a remainder of the construction joint space with the filler layer. The construction member edge(s) at least partially form the construction joint space. The primer layer can include an epoxy primer. The filler layer can include at least one of a polyurea and a polyurethane. The epoxy primer can be covered with the filler layer. The method can also include the step of applying a filler retainer to a top surface of the construction member to substantially confine the filler layer within the joint space. A system for filling construction joint spaces includes one or more of a primer layer, a filler layer and a filler retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Carlos E. Pena Ramos
  • Publication number: 20170058512
    Abstract: A modular system for protecting a critical asset includes a plurality of vertical members extending vertically upwardly from a ground surface, and inner and outer stacks of spaced-apart horizontal members connected between adjacent pairs of the vertical members defining a vertical wall. The spaced-apart horizontal members have cross sections and spacings such that no line can be drawn through the wall without intersecting with one or both of the inner and outer stacks. The cross sections of the horizontal members in both stacks include elongated angled surfaces such that projectile on a trajectory toward the critical asset is deflected upwardly or downwardly and away from the critical asset. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal members are angle irons. In a more preferred embodiment the horizontal members are 1/2? 90-degree steel angle irons oriented sideways, such that the elongated plates making up the angle irons are 45 degrees off horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gary Patterson, Tony Mcginnis
  • Publication number: 20170058513
    Abstract: A fire or smoke protection curtain includes a textile fire protection element, which has a first side in the form of a front side and a second side in the form of a reverse side. The textile fire protection element can be put into a compact bearing arrangement and in a protection arrangement in which it counteracts the spread of a fire and/or smoke and while extending along a closing surface. At least one guide track guides the fire protection element while it is in the protection arrangement. The at least one guide track is designed to exert a holding force (FH) that counteracts a bulging of the fire protection element. The at least one guide track is designed to exert the holding force (FH) on the fire protection element to at least 80% from only one of the sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Stefan Siller
  • Publication number: 20170058514
    Abstract: A construction component provided with a vibration damper includes a quadrangular frame in a front elevational view including four structural members, and the vibration damper includes: a vibration damping tool provided inside the frame; and four braces radially extending from the vibration damping tool and connected to the frame. The vibration energy deforming the frame is transmitted via the braces to the vibration damping tool to plastically deform the vibration damping tool, thereby absorbing the vibration energy in the vibration damping tool to damp vibration. The construction component further includes a bridging member configured to bridge a gap between two facing members of the four structural members. A part of the bridging member configured to overlap with the vibration damping tool in the front elevational view is defined as an interference avoidance portion in which interference between the part and the vibration damping tool is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: DongHang Wu, Akiyoshi Takamiya, Takashi Nagumo, Haruhiko Hirata
  • Publication number: 20170058515
    Abstract: The present invention is a framing system for resolving vertical and horizontal movements in light gage, cold formed, steel stud framing. It utilizes at least one corner hinge and a plurality of pivoting stud clips (one for each stud) that accommodate for the deflection of a building as it encounters environmental changes. Additional hinges may be placed axially, along the wall and at the top and bottom of the corner for increased flexibility. Two embodiments of stud pivot clips, one utilizing direct attachment and arcuate slots, the other utilizing a pivotable connection plate, are disclosed; as are two hinge embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Steven G. Judd
  • Publication number: 20170058516
    Abstract: A modular building system is provided which includes modular wall sections. Each wall section has a concrete support column reinforced within by metal rods and at least two wall panels which are formed of concrete. Spline panels are attached to the wall panels at one or both ends of each wall section to connect the wall section to an adjacent wall section. The spline panels are formed of concrete and have a width less than half a width of any of the wall panels. The spline panels are positioned so that a portion thereof extends further in a longitudinal direction of the wall section than the respective wall panels to which the spline panels are joined, so that the spline panels cover joints between wall panels of adjacent wall sections when the adjacent wall sections are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Barnet L. Liberman, Aaron Liberman
  • Publication number: 20170058517
    Abstract: A prefabricated integrated access deck panel includes a bottom flange, one or more structural webs, and an optional top flange. The bottom flange acts as a ceiling soffit, and may include radiant tubing for heating or cooling. The top flange, when present, acts as the floor surface and also supports components of the access floor system. Alternatively, only support rails are used to secure the removable and reconfigurable access floor panels. The webs includes apertures to allow the passage of air and components of the building's electrical, communication, water, and mechanical systems. Individual deck panels may either be directly interconnected to each other or joined by a common beam to form a diaphragm. Alternative embodiments are disclosed including different deck panel connection and support arrangements, different numbers and configurations for the webs and flanges, and single and dual plenum constructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: CLARK PACIFIC PRECAST, LLC
    Inventors: JON F. MOHLE, MARK L. ROBISON
  • Publication number: 20170058518
    Abstract: This invention refers to a weight-lightening disc for making light reinforced concrete structures such as slabs, prefabricated slabs, foundation slabs, partition walls and beams; to a mesh, specifically designed for this invention and to the construction method to make such structures. The method allows manufacturing the components that make it possible to construct buildings with light reinforced concrete structures. The field of application of the invention is construction in general, such as houses, buildings and bridges. The invention provides a solution to the problem of lightening of the structures, including a construction method that comprises a set of weight-lightening discs in combination with electro-welded meshes (specially designed for the each specific thickness of the slab) and the hooks that hold together the meshes. The compound of elements and the method allow lightening minimum-thickness slabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Ricardo Horacio Levinton
  • Publication number: 20170058519
    Abstract: An insulated concrete panel comprising an insulation layer having one or more openings extending therethrough, a first concrete layer adjacent to a first surface of the insulation layer, a second concrete layer adjacent to a second surface of the insulation layer, and a wall tie received within one or more of the openings. The wall tie includes a central section received within the one or more openings of the insulation layer, a first concrete engaging at least partially embedded within the first concrete layer, and a second concrete engaging section embedded within the second concrete layer. The second concrete engaging section has a maximum width that is larger than a maximum width of the central section. The central section of the wall tie is configured to transfer shear forces and resist delamination forces between the first and second concrete layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joel Foderberg, Keith Jensen
  • Publication number: 20170058520
    Abstract: Ties, and related methods, for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The tie includes features that allow it to readily be either axially pushed through the insulating layer (e.g., by hand), or screwed through the insulating layer, (e.g., using a powered tool such as a drill). Thus, a tie of a single configuration is provided which is suitable for both methods of installation. The tie may include discontinuous helical ribs including limited prominence so as to not interfere with the ability to axially push the tie into the insulating layer by hand, yet, the ribs are prominent enough to catch the insulating layer as the tie is drilled in, helping it to “screw” into the insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: David O. Keith, Jordan O. Keith
  • Publication number: 20170058521
    Abstract: This invention is designed as a rigid, stationary, non load bearing, exterior wall panel for installation in semi enclosed rooms, additions and outdoor structures such as decks, patios, gazebos, hot tub or spa enclosures, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, and as skirting for the enclosure of spaces beneath elevated constructs such as certain foundations, mobile homes, crawl spaces, porches, stairs, and walkways. It is an improvement upon conventional wooden lattice panel in that in addition to ventilation, privacy, and prevention of entry by unauthorized persons, the incorporation of wire mesh insect screen prevents entry by flying insects, birds and other animals, blowing leaves and other debris, as well as reduce the quantity of snow and dust blown into said enclosure by wind. The wooden latticework grid structure secures the screen layered within preventing it from becoming loose or sagging over time, a problem wherefor conventional insect screen is notorious.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Jon Timothy Olomon
  • Publication number: 20170058522
    Abstract: Rodent Resistant Drywall is a drywall with an embedded metal aggregate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: James Matthew Carroll, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170058523
    Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an insulated modular roof system for a roof structure. The system comprises a plurality of modular panels suitable for installation onto the roof structure and a water-proof membrane. Each of the modular panels comprises a first planar member, an insulating layer covering substantially all of the first planar member and a plurality of lateral edges. Each of the plurality of lateral edges provides either a step-like configuration or a reverse step-like configuration. When installed on the roof structure, the plurality of modular panels are positionable so as to place the plurality of lateral edges of any two adjacent modular panels in a generally overlapping arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: David KENNEDY
  • Publication number: 20170058524
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide rollable and deployable composite booms that may be used in a wide range of applications both for space and terrestrial structural solutions. Various embodiment composite booms may be bistable, i.e. having a stable strain energy minimum in the coiled configuration as well as the in the deployed configuration. In various embodiments, a boom may be fabricated by aligning two independent tape-springs front-to-front encircled by a durable seamless polymer sleeve. The durable seamless polymer sleeve may allow the two tape-springs to slide past each other during the coiling/deployment process so as to reduce, e.g., minimize, shear and its derived problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Juan M. Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20170058525
    Abstract: A timber I-beam 701 has a top chord 702 and a bottom chord 704 forming the flanges of I-beam and a series of side by side timber blocks 706 each separated from the next by a gap 722, together forming a uniplanar, intermittent web. Cables and pipes for a building may run transversely through the gaps 722. A method of making the I-beam is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: DARREN ROBERT HERCUS
  • Publication number: 20170058526
    Abstract: A structural truss module employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords. The web comprises a plurality of metal support rods. Each of the support rods has opposed threaded sections which are each threadably engaged to opposed chords preferably at an angle thereto. In one embodiment, a matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of support rods is employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Mark A. Dicaire