Patents Issued in May 4, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170121953
    Abstract: A waterless trap for use in a drain assembly includes flow enhancing features to promote the vortex water flow of water received in the trap, an improved sealing arrangement to enhance the seal between a seal member and the housing to inhibit sewer gas leaks from an attached drain pipe by maintaining an evaporation barrier that assists in retaining water in a corresponding p-trap, and a plurality of air passages can allow the trap seal to open with ease when the drain pipe is pressurized. These features may be used in combination with one another or may be independently employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Michael T. Benesh, Jason E. Morris, William E. Verdecchia, Donald J. Bissell
  • Publication number: 20170121954
    Abstract: A toilet tank structure is formed by a primary-secondary water tank set, a tap water inlet control valve, a secondary water tank inlet control valve and a flush control module, and the tap water inlet control valve, the secondary water tank inlet control valve and the flush control module are provided for controlling the flushing and water supply to minimize the waste of water resources effectively, so as to achieve the effects of saving water and improving functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Shun-Jie CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170121955
    Abstract: A modular toilet is disclosed comprising a toilet shell and a hydraulic core. The hydraulic core module is a separate unit from the toilet shell module and may be non-symmetrical with the internal and external form of the shell. The core module comprises a toilet bowl connected to a siphon drain comprising a weir. The drain may be a vertical loop drain. The toilet shell and the hydraulic core may comprise mutual sealing surfaces. The drain may comprise openings for connection to a toilet ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20170121956
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20170121957
    Abstract: A drain closure apparatus has a catch basin, a drain, a valve and a valve controller operably connected to the valve. The catch basin has a top, a bottom, an opening in the bottom, and first flange extending radially outward from the top. The drain is disposed within the opening of the catch basin, and has a top, a bottom, a second flange extending radially outward from the top of the drain that attaches to the bottom of the catch basin such that the opening of the catch basin is sealed, and a third flange extending radially outward from the bottom of the drain. The valve is attached to the third flange of the drain such that the valve opens and closes the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Edward Brasberger
  • Publication number: 20170121958
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to masonry construction of residential houses using prefabricated masonry panels or blocks, such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) panels or Concrete Masonry Units (CMU). Unlike existing masonry construction methods, this masonry structure is reinforced by common wood studs as join keys. All wood studs are individually strap-tied directly to the foundation and horizontally bound together to form a network of cells enclosing masonry blocks throughout the entire building. Considerations are given to prevent wood studs absorbing moisture from masonry material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Youxuan Jin
  • Publication number: 20170121959
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for contour crafting. The system includes a work tool configured to form a first layer by depositing material from a print head and following a path for depositing a second layer of material atop the first layer. The system further includes an optics assembly configured to produce a light pattern directed toward previously deposited material, and a camera configured to capture image data of the previously deposited material. The system further includes a processing device being configured to obtain, from the image data, a visible formation of the light pattern as it is projected onto the previously deposited material, and make a comparison of the visible formation to a predicted formation. The processing device is further configured to determine that the second layer is not aligned with the first layer, and adjust of the path being followed by the work tool based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sam M. Kherat, Matthew T. West, John A. Sherman
  • Publication number: 20170121960
    Abstract: A roll form framing system has a plurality of support beams being interconnected by a plurality of couplers and a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of support beams including a beam body, a first structural channel, and a second structural channel. The first structural channel and the second structural channel are formed into an outer lateral wall of the beam body, wherein the first structural channel and the second structural channel provide a recess for aligning a plurality of fasteners utilized to secure the plurality of support beams, the plurality of couplers, and the plurality of splines to each other. The outer lateral wall and an inner lateral wall of the beam body delineate a coupler receiving volume for accepting one of the plurality of couplers, while the inner lateral wall delineates a spline receiving volume for accepting one of the plurality of splines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Alan Ledford
  • Publication number: 20170121961
    Abstract: A structural insulated building unit is provided for constructing a building. The structural insulated building unit includes an insulating core, first and second cementitious panels, and a connecting portion. The insulating core is defined by multiple sides and opposing first and second faces. The first and second cementitious panels are coupled to the first and second faces of the insulating core. The connecting portion is provided on one of the sides of the insulating core, and aligns the structural insulated building unit with an adjacent structural insulated building unit having a complementary connecting portion when constructing a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Earth Technologies USA Limited
    Inventors: Simon HODSON, Jonathan HODSON
  • Publication number: 20170121962
    Abstract: A storage unit which is substantially water proof is provided. The storage unit may comprise a shell having lower edges which mate into a groove formed in a top surface of a base to provide a substantially waterproof barrier therebetween. The junction between the lower edge of the side walls and the first groove may be sealed with a water proof sealant. A front side wall of the shell may have an aperture therethrough to allow users to move items into and out of the storage unit. A door may be attached to the storage unit to prevent water from entering into the storage unit through the aperture. Moreover, a lower edge of the door body may be inserted into a second groove formed in the top surface of the base to prevent water from entering into the storage unit from under the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: MARSHALL DUFFIELD
  • Publication number: 20170121963
    Abstract: An adjustable location anchor with a greatly increased strength having wide versatility regarding the types of straps or attachments which are usable therewith. The invention includes an extended housing having an interior cavity which includes a main slot and which can include a pair of anterior flanges or wings, wherein the extended housing can be placed into the uncured concrete such that it is rigidly embedded therein upon curing. A sliding insert can then be provided within the interior cavity being configured to slide along a slot formed thereby. The extended housing can also have one or more reinforcement attachment means for connecting to existing concrete reinforcement structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: A.L. Patterson, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jablonsky, Greg Fleck
  • Publication number: 20170121964
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to ceiling panels formed from a porous scrim that is coupled to an acoustical substrate using a scrim attachment system that includes an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: ANTHONY L. WIKER, PETER J. OLESKE, LIDA LU
  • Publication number: 20170121965
    Abstract: This application relates to I-joists which are configured to resist fire damage. Specifically, the present application relates to reinforcing I-joists with reinforcing members configured to provide structural support and/or to provide a physical barrier to fire. This may help the I-joists to maintain structural integrity during a fire and so help improve safety during evacuation of a building and during fire-fighting operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Dettbarn
  • Publication number: 20170121966
    Abstract: An aisle containment roof system includes a frame configured to be supported by two rows of racks or by the one row of racks and a wall or by a dedicated frame structure independent of the two rows of racks. The aisle containment roof system further includes a fixed perforated panel fixedly secured to the frame. The fixed perforated panel includes a pattern of openings formed therein. The aisle containment roof system further includes a movable perforated panel movably secured to the frame. The movable perforated panel has a pattern of openings corresponding to the pattern of openings of the fixed perforated panel. The aisle containment roof system further includes a mechanism configured to move the movable perforated panel relative to the fixed perforated panel to align the openings of the movable perforated panel to the openings of the fixed perforated panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Yuchun Jiang, Barry Rimler
  • Publication number: 20170121967
    Abstract: A concrete panel system includes first, second, and third rectangular precast concrete panels, each defining a respective top edge, bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges. A first type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the top edge of the first panel and along the first lateral edge of the first panel. A second type connector is formed in the concrete material at least along the second lateral edge of the second panel, and along the bottom edge of the third panel. The first type connector and the second type connector are configured to connect together so as to form a cavity between the respective panel edges. This cavity extends along the first lateral edge of the first panel to facilitate positioning rebar between adjacent panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Convergent Market Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Daiber, Clark Isaac Miller, Robert James Tingley, Michael Torres
  • Publication number: 20170121968
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a prefabricated wall system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Armando Sada
  • Publication number: 20170121969
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a workspace based on a central-themed geometric configuration, wherein a circular area is divided into pie segments that relate a first team of working associations, separated radially, from a second team of working associations, first and second teams of associations collocated circumferentially into teams of differing and similar tasked members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Neeti Mehta Shukla
  • Publication number: 20170121970
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for removably deploying a floor assembly from a compacted state to a deployed state by varying tensioning forces to removably interconnected individual floor segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew M. Huckey, Jake A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170121971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ceiling in a building, having the following steps: a) a plate-shaped ceiling element which later remains in the structure, preferably in the form of a ceiling cladding or as a mounting for the ceiling cladding, in particular a dry building panel, is placed and/or fixed on the already completed walls; b) the plate-shaped ceiling element is supported in a closely spaced manner, optionally by means of supported horizontal bars; c) optionally, insulation and/or heating coils and/or an electric installation is placed on the plate-shaped ceiling element; d) a curable compound, for example concrete or prestressed concrete and/or a screed or heating screed or the like, is filled thereon; and e) the support elements are removed after the curable compound has been cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jan FRANCK
  • Publication number: 20170121972
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a panel member to an overhead support structure or cross support member includes an elongate planar body with a first planar surface and second planar surface separated by a thickness dimension, having side edges and end edges. Each end portion includes an enlarged partially rounded shape. The first end portion is a fixing portion and the second end portion is a locating portion. The fixing portion includes a fixing unit to removably affix one connector to the panel capping member, overhead support structure or cross support member. The fixing portion includes a first camming body extending outwardly, having a base portion extending from the first end portion, leading to a platform portion forming at least one recessed gap for locating the camming surfaces. The fixing portion includes a further fixing unit to affix the connector to the overhead support structure or panel capping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Seymour MOUNTFORT, Luke Clifford WALKER
  • Publication number: 20170121973
    Abstract: The invention relates to interlocking building blocks for changeable modular assemblies. The set of interlocking building blocks consists of a female block (1) and a set of male blocks (2-5), wherein the female block (1) has rectangular indentations (7) and the male blocks (2-5) fit inside the rectangular indentations (7) of female blocks (1), so that a female block (1) may simultaneously fit in its rectangular indentations (7) two male blocks (2-5), and a male block (2-5) may simultaneously fit inside at least two female blocks (1). In that way, each male block (2-5) simultaneously fills in at least half the rectangular indentations (7) of at least two female blocks (1) and thus fixedly connects said at least two female blocks (1). The set of interlocking building blocks further comprises a terminal block (6) to fill in empty spaces and provide straight edges on the assembly, and a filling block (11) to extend the assembly eight, width or length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Miguel BRANDAO, Catarina BRANDAO, Artur BRANDAO
  • Publication number: 20170121974
    Abstract: A retaining wall having a plurality of courses of retaining wall blocks including a first upper course and a second lower course. Each retaining wall block has opposed front and rear faces, opposed first and second side surfaces, and opposed and substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, and at least one weight bearing pad extends from one of the upper and lower surfaces. The at least one weight bearing pad extends substantially from the rear face to the front face of the block. The weight bearing pads are the only areas of contact between the blocks in the first upper course and the blocks in the second lower course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: David M. LaCroix
  • Publication number: 20170121975
    Abstract: A shear panel building material that includes a first facing membrane, a core matrix disposed on a face of the first facing membrane, and a semi-rigid or rigid material attached to the core matrix. The core matrix can include microspheres having a size of about 200 microns to about 800 microns, sodium silicate, and ethylene vinyl acetate. In one aspect, the shear panel is substantially free from glue and cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Dilworth L. Pugh, Michael D. Ridges, William T. McCarvill
  • Publication number: 20170121976
    Abstract: Prefabricated wall assemblies for the construction of buildings have a corrugated panel and preferably include at least one backside panel. The corrugated panel has one or more vertical channels and several horizontal channels. The vertical channels extend the entire panel height and are recessed from the front face. The horizontal channels extending the entire panel width and are also recessed from the front face so they intersect with the vertical channel. The horizontal channels are almost as wide as the vertical channels, and are greater than one-half the channel width of the vertical channel. The backside panel is connected to the corrugated panel to form a structural panel assembly. The backside panel can be a shear panel or other backside flat panel, a backside corrugated panel symmetrically mirroring the corrugated panel, a backside corrugated panel asymmetrically mirroring the corrugated panel, a sandwiched corrugated panel, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Neumayr
  • Publication number: 20170121977
    Abstract: A composite material may be used as a building material to provide desirable visible aesthetics, such as in a roof or facade. The composite material may include two or more materials, wherein a first material provides desirable qualities for appearance and a second material provides desirable qualities for strength or other characteristics desirable of a building material. Each of the first material and the second material may be transparent, such that the composite material is also transparent. The first material may be Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) and the second material may be Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: SC Innovation, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Augustyniak
  • Publication number: 20170121978
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses that allow water from canales to be captured and communicated with water collection systems for storage or dispersal. Embodiments of the present invention accommodate existing canales with minimal or no modification to the canale or building or roof structure. Example embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus with a catchment portion defining a volume that accepts water from a canale and communicates water to a collection system (where a collection system can communicate with a storage system or a dispersal system). The catchment portion is mounted to the canale using an attachment portion of the apparatus such that water from the canale enters the catchment portion, but such that excess water can overflow the catchment portion and fall to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Rees
  • Publication number: 20170121979
    Abstract: A ski device for use in combination with a snow removal device (such as a roof rake) is disclosed. The ski device includes ski portions that may be used to protect a surface (such as a roof surface) from damage by preventing a head of the snow removal device from directly contacting and scraping along the surface from which snow, ice, and/or debris is to be removed. The ski device also allows the amount of clearance between the head of the snow removal device and the surface to be adjusted. This allows a user to position the ski device to provide for a desired amount of clearance, which allows for adjustment of the amount of snow, ice, and/or debris that is to be removed, as well to allow for clearance of other structures (such as rain deflectors, etc.) on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph S Cohen
  • Publication number: 20170121980
    Abstract: A curb assembly is provided for mounting on a sloped, standing seam metallic roof, in order to provide support for a roof fixture, such as an exhaust fan or skylight. The curb assembly includes a box-like structure mounted atop the roof in surrounding relationship to a roof opening. The curb assembly further includes an underlying, below-roof frame assembly. Specialized upper and lower end connection structure serves to securely mount the curb assembly to the metal roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Standard Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek M. Mills, Brian H. Blackmore
  • Publication number: 20170121981
    Abstract: A building-mounted awning. The awning includes a support frame, and a covering provided over the support frame to act as shelter from precipitation, or act as a shade from the sun. The support frame is attached to the building at only one location along a width of the support frame by a single bracket attached to the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: GLEN RAVEN, INC.
    Inventors: DANIEL G. FOURATT, JONATHAN S. COLTON
  • Publication number: 20170121982
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a building panel having a laminate structure, the laminate structure including a topcoat layer comprising a first intumescent composition, a cellulosic veneer layer, an adhesive layer formed from an adhesive composition comprising a second intumescent composition, and a metallic substrate layer and wherein the cellulosic veneer layer is at least partially bonded to the metallic substrate by the adhesive layer. The resulting building panel exhibits superior flame retardancy resulting in a Class A fire rating, according to ASTM E-84.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Marsha S. Bischel, Kenneth P. Kehrer, Lida Lu, Michelle X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20170121983
    Abstract: A panel assembly (34) has a plurality of panels (30), of which each includes a base element (10) which has a decorative paper (12) on the surface thereof facing away from the substrate, which decorative paper reproduces the appearance of a natural material, wherein each panel (30) is provided, using an embossing element, with a surface structure substantially synchronous to the decoration (16) of the visible face of the decorative paper (12), and the decoration (16) of a first number of panels (30-1) is subdivided by means of an imitation joint (32) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the respective panel (30-1) into a first decorative portion (16a) of a first predetermined width and into a second decorative portion (16b) of a second predetermined width, whereas the decoration (16) of the remaining panels (30-2) is free of such subdivisions in the width direction (B). An embossing element and a decorative paper sheet for producing such a panel assembly can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Gerhard Dürnberger
  • Publication number: 20170121984
    Abstract: A crown moulding system includes at least one first member that may be coupled to a horizontal support surface. At least one second member is provided. The at least one second member may be coupled to the vertical support surface. A panel is removably coupled between the at least one first member and the at least one second member. Thus, the at least one first member, the at least one second member and the panel may present the appearance of crown moulding. At least one line is provided. The at least one line is positioned behind the panel such that the at least one line may be concealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Gene Koenigsmark, David Black
  • Publication number: 20170121985
    Abstract: A safety platform scaffold apparatus is provided having a plurality of wall-supportable units, each with a floor support portion. A work platform is removably mountable on the floor support portions by suitable connectors affixed to the opposed ends of the platform. The opposed connectors are complimentary to each other so that they can be nested together on the same floor support portion thereby enabling a multiplicity of wall supportable units to be mounted on a wall with juxtaposed side-by-side platforms defining a smooth, flat, continuous work surface and wherein the platforms interlock with each other and the wall-supportable unit floor portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Brough
  • Publication number: 20170121986
    Abstract: A scaffolding coupler intended for fixed attachment to the ends of a ledger of a scaffolding system. The scaffolding coupler comprises a foot and a hook which is integrally connected with the foot. The hook has a radial inside contour which is substantially circular segmental. The scaffolding coupler has at least one supporting surface which is formed by the foot and the hook and which, with the scaffolding coupler connected to a standard, rests on a supporting projection of the respective standard. The scaffolding coupler further comprises a pin which is slideably connected to the hook. The pin is configured as a bent pin, having a substantially circular segmental inside contour, which, in use, abuts directly against a pipe wall of a standard to be coupled to the first ledger or a ledger. The bent pin has a substantially circular segmental outside contour which abuts against the substantially circular segmental inside contour of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Franciscus Jozef Leonardus Hubertus BRINKMANN, Guus Franciscus Johannes KUUNDERS
  • Publication number: 20170121987
    Abstract: Building structural connector having at least one longitudinal two-part distancing member fitted with technical measures allowing to adjust its length, as well as fixing members connected thereto on both sides for the fixing of the connector to the shuttering panels, as well as fitted with vertical plates perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, characterized in that the entire distancing member (1) is placed between the inner surfaces of the shuttering panels (9) and ends on its both ends with distancing plates (5) having sockets (6) with a thread corresponding to the threaded end (10) of the fixing member (2) inserted therein, where the fixing member (2) ends on its other end with the limiting plate (11) and takes the form of a rod slipped into the ducts (12) of the shuttering panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: andervision sp. z o.o.
    Inventor: Mariusz Androsiuk
  • Publication number: 20170121988
    Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material over a footing. The tie system includes multiple wall ties configured to be directly interconnected to form a wall tie stack such that multiple wall tie stacks can be positioned over the footing in a spaced apart, vertically extending arrangement. Each wall tie includes first and second planar surfaces to be directly fastened to respective first and second panel structures. In one embodiment, the tie system includes tabs for supporting multiple insulation panels positioned between the vertically extending tie stacks and between the first and second panel structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory M. McDonagh
  • Publication number: 20170121989
    Abstract: A safety system may include a shield for protecting or shielding personnel operating in a personnel working area from a hazard provided on a structure. The structure may be a wind turbine, the hazard may be a projecting flange of the wind turbine tower, and the personnel working area may be a ladder inside the wind turbine tower. The shield may have a bend or curvature when installed in order to cover the hazard. The shield may include a plurality of wings projecting from an intermediary portion of the shield. The wings may be separated from each other by a wing gap. Other structures, working areas, and hazards are contemplated and described in the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Inventus Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Garcia, Grayling Vander Velde
  • Publication number: 20170121990
    Abstract: Conversion of intermodal shipping containers to a Universal Building Modules for construction industry. The intermodal shipping container is modified to have a plurality of common, framed apertures, adapted to receive a standardized infill panel to define a configurable and reconfigurable structural module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Stevan Miller Armstrong, David Ray Cross
  • Publication number: 20170121991
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an entrance to a theater of the type normally used to show motion pictures. The motion picture theater entrance has distinctive outer walls separating a vestibule from a lobby. The vestibule has a curved image projection wall located inside said vestibule and is connected to a viewing area by a curved walkway. The entrance also may include border lighting along the upper and or lower edges of its walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Wilhelm OEHL, David HERMAN, Vincent VORON, Donald BURLOCK, Pascal SIJEN, Christopher Roy KUKSHTEL
  • Publication number: 20170121992
    Abstract: A cover for a spa includes a first cover member and a second cover member hingedly connected to one another about a seam. The cover further includes a sleeve associated with of one of the cover members at an approximate midpoint between an outer edge of the cover member and the seam. The sleeve is configured to receive a connecting rod of a lifting mechanism therethrough for transmitting an uncovering and/or covering force from the lifting mechanism to the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Strong Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: WADE SPICER, CHARLES WOODS, RYAN FORCE
  • Publication number: 20170121993
    Abstract: The swim in place pool can have a basin for receiving water therein, the basin having a rear end and a front end and being adapted to receive a swimming user; at least one circulation subsystem having: a primary conduit, a circulation conduit leading to a circulation outlet located at the front end of the basin, a diverter conduit having a diverter outlet, a pump operable to pump water from the primary conduit inlet, a diverter valve connecting the primary conduit to both the circulation conduit and the diverter conduit and having a valve actuator operable to adjust the relative ratio of the water pumped from the primary conduit inlet between the circulation conduit and the diverter conduit; and a controller connected to control the valve actuator and having a user interface accessible to the swimming user in the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas Robert WYATT
  • Publication number: 20170121994
    Abstract: A pool skimming system for removing debris from a pool water surface comprising a pool water skimmer; a stationary back plate removably connected to the pool water skimmer, the back plate comprising a front, a back, and an aperture; and a vertically mobile, buoyant front module comprising a rear slot disposed vertically, an aperture and a weir, the front module being slideably connected to the front of the back plate by connecting means at the vertical rear slot, wherein the front module moves up and down with the level of water in the pool to maintain a substantially constant position of the weir relative to the pool water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Keeler, Eric Wisnefsky
  • Publication number: 20170121995
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: ERIC RESH
  • Publication number: 20170121996
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Donald J. Gaudet, JR., Aaron Gummer
  • Publication number: 20170121997
    Abstract: A pole arrangement comprising:—a pole (2) with a tubular external wall (4) of sheet metal;—a foundation (5) with a cavity (7) for receiving a lower section (8) of the external wall (4) of the pole;—a wedge element (6) for securing the pole in the cavity by wedging; and—a reinforcement element (23) mounted to a part of the section (8) of the external wall (4) of the pole received in the cavity, in order to counteract buckling of this part. The wedge element bears against the external wall of the pole through supporting projections, wherein there are free spaces be—tween the supporting projections in order to allow parts of the external wall of the pole to be pressed into some of these spaces when the external is buckled in connection with a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Fredrik Moberg, Peter Larsson, Lars Johansson
  • Publication number: 20170121998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine assembly system which proposes an alternative to conventional cranes, having a main lifting structure configured to withstand the load of at least one tower section or at least one wind turbine component, and at least one secondary lifting structure configured to perform the lifting of the main lifting structure with respect to the wind turbine tower, in addition relating to a wind turbine assembly method according to the previous system, as well as the wind turbine assembled with the previous method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Luis Carrillo Alonso, Manuel Biedma Garcia, lván García Maestre, Ander Gastón Lujambio, Teresa Arlabán Gabeiras, Jose Miguel García Sayés, Miguel Núñez Polo
  • Publication number: 20170121999
    Abstract: A shelter that includes a slider and a strut mechanism mounted on support posts of the shelter that automatically actuate and extend from the side of the support posts when the shelter is expanded from its collapsed state. The strut mechanism provides support for an eave that extends outside from all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter defined by the corners of the support posts. An automatic hard-stop mechanism is incorporated into the support posts that prevent the eave sliders and strut mechanisms from becoming over-extended. The support posts are configured and oriented relative to the other components of the shelter frame and shelter boundary so to minimize the footprint or size of the shelter when in the collapsed state. Accordingly, the protected and shaded area offered by the shelter is greatly increased without sacrificing the stability and strength of the shelter, complicating the operation of the shelter, or increasing the weight, storability or cost of the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Oliver Ma
  • Publication number: 20170122000
    Abstract: A fence post having an eyelet with wire capture structure to capture a fence wire passing through the fence post and prevent it from escaping once the fence post has been inserted into the ground. Tension is applied to the fence wire during insertion of the fence posit into the ground, the wire being restrained from passing through the eyelet once the lock bar has been allowed to fall into a closed position. This then ensures that each length of wire is restrained in place under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: FERAL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Rodney James TATE
  • Publication number: 20170122001
    Abstract: An overall device is provided for supporting one or more pickets of a fence in alignment at the same height, in a horizontal plane in order to replace a damaged fence picket or in order to assemble a new fence unit. The overall device may be comprised of a first rail; a first device fixed to the first rail at a first location; and a second device fixed to the first rail at a second location spaced apart from the first location. The first device may include means for temporarily attaching the first device to a horizontal rail of a fence. The second device may include means for temporarily attaching the second device to the horizontal rail of the fence while the first device is temporarily attached to the horizontal rail of the fence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: AMERICAN FENCE SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventors: Jesus Molina, Gerardo Molina
  • Publication number: 20170122002
    Abstract: A privacy lock assembly and method of operation are provided. The lock assembly has a push button offset from the central axis of the lock assembly for locking and unlocking the assembly. The lock assembly includes compression springs to maintain integrated handles in predetermined orientations when the handles are not subject to a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: THOMAS P. MORSE, Eric Xin, James Lin