Patents Issued in August 22, 2017
  • Patent number: 9739027
    Abstract: A perimeter pile anchor foundation is built by forming a plurality of individual perimeter pile anchors in a large generally circular pattern to form a perimeter wall. The individual pile anchors are contiguous, each pile overlapping the adjacent piles on either side. The overlapping pile anchors form an arch such that compression and friction between the pile anchors resist soil caving and sloughing pressure when soil inside the perimeter wall is excavated, enabling the perimeter pile foundation to be effectively constructed in weak saturated soils and/or cohesionless sands that will not allow conventional concrete foundation excavations. A concrete foundation ring is formed inside the pile perimeter wall to support a tall and/or heavy tower or other structure subject to high upset forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Henderson
  • Patent number: 9739028
    Abstract: An irregular trapezoidal structural unit configured to be arranged with other like units in courses to form a structure comprises opposing upper and lower surfaces, opposing irregular front and rear faces, and irregular opposed side faces. The side faces each include a general S-shape mating section that are translated images of each other such that each side of the unit will mate with either side face of another like unit. The front and rear faces optionally include S-shaped mating sections that are translated images of each other. Structures are formed in courses by arranging units side to side along a line to form at least a first course, wherein adjacent side faces mate and interlock. Optionally, a second course is disposed laterally adjacent the first course wherein adjacent front and rear faces mate and interlock. Additional courses can be added on top of the other courses forming wall structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas S. Riccobene, Robert A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9739029
    Abstract: A disposable formwork for making ventilated loose stone foundations, in particular for floors, slabs, storage and/or collection tanks, dispersion tanks, alveolar concrete beds, cavities and/or similar building structures is described. The disposable formwork comprises a body having a first substantially convex surface intended to receive at least one binding material casting, optionally concrete, and a second surface, facing the opposite side of the first surface, substantially concave and suitable for delimiting, at least partly, a cavity; at least one support element, in particular four, having at least one contact portion arranged to engage a bottom surface of a cavity of a building structure under construction and arranged to support the body according to a position spaced from the bottom surface of the cavity. The disposable formwork has at least one portion made of polystyrene. Preferably, the entire structure of the disposable formwork is advantageously made of polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SICILFERRO TORRENOVESE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Calogero Scurria, Rosario Scurria
  • Patent number: 9739030
    Abstract: An undercarriage frame is supported by driven tracks. An upper frame is pivotally connected to the carriage frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. Left and right booms are attached to the carriage frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The operator's enclosure is mounted on the carriage frame between rear boom portions. Front portions of the booms are offset toward each other to enter a trench. A forked stick includes a tube coaxial with a stick pivot axis. A stick tine is attached to each end of the tube. A stick portion fixed to the tube between the tines extends away from the tines. Left and right trunnions with center passages are journaled in boom bores and received in the tube. A stick shaft passes through the central passages and fix the trunnions to the tube. Stick and boom cylinders pivot the booms and the stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Emery J. Sova
  • Patent number: 9739031
    Abstract: A material box can telescope between larger and smaller widths to accommodate legal requirements of traveling down the road, making traveling between job sites easier and safer than conventional, unadjustable material boxes. The material box can be used in a wide configuration to plow a wider area, such as empty parking lots, cutting down work time. When cars are present, the material box can be made narrow to accommodate for the vehicles while still being an effective material moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Meyer Products, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9739032
    Abstract: A self cleaning collecting apparatus and method are provided for the collection of seafloor material. The collecting apparatus, which operates on a seafloor, has a plurality of rotating discs in front of a slurry suction pipe with clearing members located between adjacent discs. Any oversize material lodged in the discs during collection is dislodged by the one or more clearing members and prevented from entering the slurry suction pipe, thus preventing blockages caused by oversize material congesting the slurry suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Eda Kopa (Solwara) Limited
    Inventor: Roland Berndt
  • Patent number: 9739033
    Abstract: A rotary ditcher attachment is selectively mounted onto the bottom of an excavator implement. The rotary ditcher attachment has an attachment frame including a mounting bracket for releasable mounting onto a tool mount on the boom of the excavator implement. A rotary disc assembly on the attachment frame includes a rotor supported for rotation relative to the attachment frame about a disc axis, and a plurality of blades supported on the rotor for cutting into the ground as the rotor is rotated. A drive motor for driving rotation of the rotor relative to the attachment frame is supported on the attachment frame so as to be releasable from the boom together with the attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Thompson
  • Patent number: 9739034
    Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of its frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant Douglas Kukuk
  • Patent number: 9739035
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an outer cover, an engine compartment, a cooling compartment, a partition wall, an inverter, and a capacitor. The engine compartment contains an engine. The cooling compartment contains a cooling device. The partition wall separates the cooling compartment from the engine compartment. The inverter and the capacitor are disposed between the partition wall and the cooling device. The inverter is positioned above the capacitor. A length of the capacitor in the vehicle width direction is greater than a length of the inverter in the vehicle width direction. At least one of a first side surface of the outer cover positioned leftwards of the left side surface of the inverter and a second side surface of the outer cover positioned rightwards of a right side surface of the inverter is separated from the inverter by a gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Naito
  • Patent number: 9739036
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a hydraulic system of construction equipment is implemented as a close center system, which converts an input signal of an electric or hydraulic joystick into a speed signal of a work apparatus, and controls a speed of the work apparatus regardless of an external load condition, thereby minimizing fatigue of a worker to improve work efficiency, improving a work apparatus operation ability of an unskilled person, and patterning standardized work to implement automation of construction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Chan Lee, Lim Gook Choi, Young Min Kwon, Jong Hyung Yim
  • Patent number: 9739037
    Abstract: A construction machine includes an engine, a load estimation unit that estimates a pump power absorption, a regeneration/powering power demand calculation unit that calculates a regeneration/powering power demand according to a state of charge in an electrical storage device, an engine power demand calculation unit that calculates an engine power demand based on the power absorption and regeneration/powering power demand, and a motor generator control unit that performs rotational speed control or torque control. The control unit includes a control switching unit that switches the rotational speed and the torque control according to the engine power demand and the rotational speed of the engine. The control switching unit switches from the torque control to the rotational speed control when during performance of the torque control, the engine power demand increases and the rotational speed of the engine becomes lower than a predetermined rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hoshino, Shinji Ishihara, Kentarou Itoga
  • Patent number: 9739038
    Abstract: A posture computing apparatus for a work machine includes a detection apparatus that is provided to the work machine and detects angular velocity and acceleration; a first posture angle computing unit that is provided to the detection apparatus and obtains a posture angle of the work machine from the angular velocity and the acceleration detected by the detection apparatus; a low-pass filter that allows the posture angle obtained by the first posture angle computing unit to pass therethrough to output the posture angle as a first posture angle; a second posture angle computing unit that outputs, as a second posture angle, a posture angle obtained from the angular velocity and the acceleration detected by the detection apparatus; and a selecting unit that outputs the first posture angle and the second posture angle in a switching manner, based on information about a change in an angle of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Baba, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 9739039
    Abstract: A faucet for switching between multiple water sources may include a faucet body, a ceramic control valve, a filtered water source, and a water outlet tube. A water inlet chamber and a water outlet chamber are formed at a bottom portion and a top portion of the faucet body respectively. A valve channel formed at a lateral side of the faucet body is configured to provide loading for the ceramic control valve. A water outlet tube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube is formed inside of the water outlet chamber. By using the long grooving-shaped water channel penetrating the annular wall located at a cross section of the valve channel and the water outlet chamber, the faucet is able to provide plentiful multiple water sources from the outer tube of the water outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Patent number: 9739040
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting having at least one first actuating element, in particular for setting the temperature and/or volume of mixed water, and having at least one second actuating element for setting the volume of hot water. In order to set the volume of hot water, a valve element, in particular a solenoid valve, which is electrically controllable by the second actuating element, is arranged in the hot water flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Grohe AG
    Inventors: Werner Gnauert, Wulf Woesthoff
  • Patent number: 9739041
    Abstract: A flush toilet comprised of a tank having a first compartment for holding a first type of water, and a second compartment for holding a second type of water. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by a divider that prevents the first type of water from mixing with the second type of water. The first type of water can be city water while the second type of water can be rainwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Verhaverbeke
  • Patent number: 9739042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water disposable system comprised of a connecting member having first side connected to at least one unwanted water source and one valve to control the flow of an unwanted water. A toilet water tank is connected a second side of the connecting member, wherein the water tank comprises: a strainer in a stand pipe; a two float system, wherein a first float is set at a minimum tank volume water line, and a second float set at maximum tank volume water line. A button is coupled with a second float allowing the intake of the fresh water from the fresh water pipe upon actuation. A transparent window or gauge is positioned on the front wall of the tank for determining the volume of water in the toilet tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Kim Gavin
  • Patent number: 9739043
    Abstract: A urinal for receiving and discharging urine having a bowl portion having a bowl surface for receiving urine; a spouting device disposed on a top portion of the bowl portion for spouting flush water onto the bowl surface; and a discharge trap portion, communicating with a discharge port disposed on a bottom portion of the bowl portion, for discharging flush water and forming a water seal on a downstream side of the bowl portion. The discharge trap includes a descending conduit, a horizontal conduit, and an ascending conduit, and a cross section perpendicular to a discharging direction of either the horizontal conduit or the ascending conduit on the discharge trap portion is formed so that an inner side of the urinal from a center of the cross section has a smaller cross sectional area than an outer side of the urinal from the center of the cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Seki, Satoshi Matsunaka, Yuichi Furuta, Hironori Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9739044
    Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a trench drain comprises first and second end portions, a channel portion extending longitudinally from the first end portion to the second end portion, a continuous, unobstructed slot portion extending from and in fluidic communication with the channel portion, wherein the slot portion and the channel portion form an internal flow passage, and at least one gusset coupled to the slot portion and the channel portion and disposed external to the internal flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Rapid Trench, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick T. Files, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9739045
    Abstract: A concealed-shower drain assembly has a rigid vertical flange continuously joined in fixed orientation along one side of a rigid horizontal deck member. An opening in the horizontal deck leads to a sealed drain box on the underside of the deck. A drain pipe at the bottom of the drain box provides egress of waste shower water from the drain box. A removable access panel is supported in the deck opening by a plurality of support posts affixed to the interior wall of the drain box. A continuous gap between the periphery of the access panel and the sides of the opening in the horizontal deck provides a flow path for shower waste water into the drain box. The drain assembly can be securely attached in place in a shower stall by nailing or screwing the rigid vertical flange directly to the framing of the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Keith Douglas Jones
  • Patent number: 9739046
    Abstract: A modular storm water retention system and method for exemplary uses collecting and temporarily retaining storm water run-off. The system includes a plurality of modular retaining units which are selectively connected together to form an interior chamber volume for collecting storm water run-off directed into the chamber volume. A plurality of modular trays are engaged with the top portions of the respective retention units to prevent relative movement of the retention units and eliminate, or substantially reduce, the need for porous material to be installed in and around the retention units greatly increasing the excavation void space usable for water collection and retention. The trays further support the backfill material and prevent passage of the backfill material into the void space below the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph S. Miskovich
  • Patent number: 9739047
    Abstract: Provided is a non-point pollutant source treatment apparatus. The non-point pollutant source treatment apparatus includes an inlet pipe for allowing initial polluted rain (raw) water to flow therethrough, a settling tank coupled to the inlet pipe and storing raw water flowing from the inlet pipe, a drain part disposed at one side of an inside of the settling tank directly under the inlet pipe, and coupled to a drain pipe so as to discharge raw water contained in the settling tank into the outlet pipe, a purifying member disposed at the other side of the settling tank and including purifying plates with inlet holes, a filtering part coupled to an upper portion of the settling tank and filtering foreign substances from raw water, and a backwashing tank coupled to an upper portion of the filtering part and including a purified water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Soon Bok Lee
  • Patent number: 9739048
    Abstract: A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge Cueto, Maria Garzon
  • Patent number: 9739049
    Abstract: An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Schul International Company, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9739050
    Abstract: A watertight, integrated wall and roof expansion joint seal system includes an expansion joint seal for a structure. The seal includes a central portion having an underside and at least one central chamber disposed around a centerline, a first flange portion extending outwardly from the centerline and a second flange portion extending outwardly from the centerline in a direction opposite the first flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, Walter Jones
  • Patent number: 9739051
    Abstract: A manner by which to form a thermal barrier upon a surface, utilizes a pneumatic blower to form a layer of thermal insulation material and a layer of radiant barrier material. The pneumatic blower is first charged with the thermal insulation material, and the thermal insulation material is metered upon the surface. Then, the pneumatic blower is charged with the radiant barrier material, and the radiant barrier material is metered upon the thermal insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Donald Leo Peek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9739052
    Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 9739053
    Abstract: A multi-tiered recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. At least one energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.
    Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
  • Patent number: 9739054
    Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Pilz, Raymond E. Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 9739055
    Abstract: A temporary, non-load bearing wall panel that when joined together with other one or more like panels, is used as a barrier (also known as a barricade wall) that keeps a construction area, vacant store, or any other undesirable element out of the reach and view of pedestrians. If required by the end user, the panels could be laminated with a visual graphic for reasons of aesthetic enhancement, advertisement of service, announcement of future business expectations, etc. A door and/or window display, dust curtains, etc. may be added to the panels as dictated by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DeZaio Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DeZaio
  • Patent number: 9739056
    Abstract: An improved lath is disclosed having a water drainage layer provided in association with the lath. The water drainage layer serves to remove water that might otherwise build up between the lath and wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Innovation Calumet LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9739057
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd Bergman, Scott Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 9739058
    Abstract: A modular construction block comprises a masonry block shell including first and second opposing side walls, and an intermediate cross-web formed between the side walls. Each of the first and second side walls comprises first and second opposing end edges, a relatively thin wall section extending from the cross-web to the first end edge, and a relatively thick wall section extending from the cross-web to the second end edge. The relatively thick wall section of each side wall tapers from the cross-web toward the second end edge of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Concrete Company
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Newsome, Jody Ryan Wall, William Clyde Meade
  • Patent number: 9739059
    Abstract: Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: Vincent B. Thomas, Rochelle Bradford, Christopher J. Sanders, Yi-Hsien Harry Teng
  • Patent number: 9739060
    Abstract: A pre-engineered metal building configured to reduce air leakage through the shell of the building by providing an insulation system for fully sealing an enclosed space within the structural frame of the building. The insulation system includes a vapor barrier that defines the enclosed space, at least one insulation layer, and a continuous air barrier. Roof sheeting and side wall facing are attachable to the structural frame to form a shell about the building, and at least a portion of the insulation system is positioned between the shell and the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THERM-ALL, INC
    Inventor: William D. Beals
  • Patent number: 9739061
    Abstract: Structural members having enhanced load bearing capacity per unit mass include a skeleton structure formed from strips of material. Notches may be placed on the strips and a weave of tensile material placed in the notches and woven around the skeleton structure. At least one pair of structural members can be jointed together to provide very strong joints due to a weave patterns of tensile material, such as Kevlar, that distributes stress throughout the structure, preventing stress from concentrating in one area. Methods of manufacturing such structural members include molding material into skeletons of desired cross section using a matrix of molding segments. Total catastrophic failures in composite materials are substantially avoided and the strength to weight ratio of structures can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Ian Brockwell
  • Patent number: 9739062
    Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle is disclosed comprising a posterior layer with tabs and an anterior layer with tabs spaced apart by openings, wherein each posterior tab is partially covered by a corresponding anterior tab, wherein at least one anterior tab has a first anterior tab breadth and at least another anterior tab has a second anterior tab breadth, and wherein at least one anterior opening has a first anterior opening breadth that is about equal to the second anterior tab breadth and wherein at least another anterior opening has a second anterior opening breadth that is about equal to the first anterior tab breadth. Also disclosed is a roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventor: Olan Leitch
  • Patent number: 9739063
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a halogen free roof system is described. The roof system includes a structural deck that is positioned above joists or other support members. Polyisocyanurate foam insulation is positioned atop the structural deck. The polyisocyanurate foam insulation has an isocyanate index greater than 200 and includes a polyisocyanurate core having a halogen free fire retardant. A water proof membrane is positioned atop the polyisocyanurate foam insulation. The polyisocyanurate core is able to form a sufficiently stable char when exposed to flame conditions such that the polyisocyanurate core is able to pass the ASTM E-84 test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Malay Nandi, Lance Wang, Jawed Asrar
  • Patent number: 9739064
    Abstract: A drainage system, comprising a collector which is arranged to collect liquid and a drainage pipe having a pipe inlet that opens into the collector such that liquid collected by the collector drains through the pipe inlet. The drainage pipe is provided with a vent spaced away from the pipe inlet. The vent is arranged such that, when liquid collected by the collector occludes the pipe inlet, liquid flowing through the drainage pipe draws air into the drainage pipe through the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro International Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Yaw Gyamfi Andoh, Jeremy Paul Lecornu, Jeremy Fink, Kwabena Osei
  • Patent number: 9739065
    Abstract: A railing attachment clip to couple a guardrail to a rail topper, the clip including left and right portions with respective surfaces contoured to match the guardrail and the rail topper, and a central portion laterally coupled to the left and right portion. The central portion separates the left and right portions by a fixed distance. The matching contoured surfaces determine a position of the railing attachment clip on the guardrail, and determine a position of the rail topper on the railing attachment clip. In some embodiments, the central portion is removed after the railing attachment clip is attached to the guardrail, but before the rail topper is attached to the railing attachment clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Matthew DeSalle, Christopher Michael Schneider, Wayne Elbert Dixon, Randall Lewis Reed
  • Patent number: 9739066
    Abstract: Panels usable for construction of a surface, to provide the surface with a desired appearance, durability, water, air, and fire resistance, dimensions, and weight include a layer of substrate material having first and second sides. Finish elements are positioned on the first side, while a backing material is positioned on the second side, such that the substrate bonds the finish elements to the backing material. Particulate material can also be included, such as within spaces between finish elements. Manufacture of such panels can include use of a vacuum system that acquires finish elements in a selected orientation, acquires particulate material into spaces unoccupied by finish elements, then deposits the arranged finish elements and particulate material into a mold for subsequent manufacturing steps. Use of lightweight, durable materials, such as magnesium oxide, can enable panels having a reduced thickness and weight to be manufactured, without sacrificing durability or longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Crate Right, LLC
    Inventor: Joel W. Bolin
  • Patent number: 9739067
    Abstract: The present invention provides is a lightweight environment-friendly polypropylene composite floor comprising, from top to bottom: 1) a scratch-resistant coating layer, 2) a super-transparent wear-resistant layer, 3) a decorative layer, 4) a first substrate layer, 5) a second substrate layer, 6) a bottom connective layer, and optionally 7) a back adhesive layer. Also provided is a preparation process of the composite floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MING HE (LUTAI) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mingqi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9739068
    Abstract: A concrete curing blanket includes an absorbent sheet having a wicking layer, super absorbent materials, and a tissue layer, which are laminated together to form the absorbent sheet. The absorbent sheet is sized for being spread over a curing concrete slab. A vapor barrier is bonded to the tissue layer of the absorbent sheet to inhibit evaporation from the concrete curing blanket, and includes a plurality of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ramshorn Corporation
    Inventors: Randall C. Richards, Gary M. Crowel
  • Patent number: 9739069
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modules for heat exchange for use in cooling towers and methods of assembling cooling towers using such modules. The aforementioned modules for heat exchange may include fill packing and a structural system configured to provide support for at least the fill packing, in which the structural system includes a plurality of structural members configured to provide compression and tension support. The aforementioned modules for heat exchange may be assembled prior to being transported to a job site and installed in a cooling tower. A method for assembling a cooling tower using the aforementioned modules for heat exchange includes: constructing a cold water basin; assembling an air inlet structure on the cold water basin; and placing a heat exchange module on top of the air inlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SPX COOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hongjun Jiang, Andjelko Piskuric
  • Patent number: 9739070
    Abstract: A bracket has: a plate having bolt holes and a utility pole mount; a clamp secured to the plate, the clamp comprising cooperating screw pile shaft receiving parts having laterally extending flanges, the flanges having fastener receiving openings for securing the clamp around a screw pile. A combination has: a bracket; a utility pole extended from a ground surface, in which the plate is bolted to the utility pole through the bolt holes in the plate; and a screw pile fastened to the clamp and penetrating the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin M. Bushore
  • Patent number: 9739071
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for erecting drilling structures including drill floors and drilling masts include attaching a rigging line to the drilling structure and to a strand jack arranged with at least one hydraulic jack and a plurality of clamps that alternatingly secure onto the rigging line and pull the rigging line in tension. Pulling the rigging line with the strand jack raises the drilling structures to an upright or elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Nabors Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Deel, Christopher Magnuson
  • Patent number: 9739072
    Abstract: A retractable awning apparatus for use with a vehicle with enhanced durability and storage ability is secured to an existing vehicle's roof rack. The awning apparatus includes a plurality of telescoping arms coupled to the roof rack, each telescoping arm having an outer tubular member coupled to the roof rack and an inner tubular member slidably mounted to the outer tubular member, each inner tubular member designed to slidably adjust to an extended position into a side area of the vehicle or a retracted position within the outer tubular member, a support bar coupled to exposed ends of the inner tubular members of the telescoping arms, and a canopy detachably coupled to the support bar, vehicle's roof rack and at least one of the telescoping arms when in the extended position, thereby securing the canopy in place over the side area of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Lane Richard Melland
  • Patent number: 9739073
    Abstract: A roof rack of a collapsible tent includes a tent rack and roof poles. The tent rack includes stand columns, tent poles and support poles. The top end of the stand column is fixedly disposed with a top base, a slide base is slidably connected to the stand column to slide up and down along the stand column, the first end of the tent pole is pivoted joint to the top base, the first end of the stand column is pivoted joint to the slide base, the second end of the support pole is pivoted joint to the tent pole; the stand column, the slide base, the tent pole and the support pole form a linkage mechanism, the slide base slides up and down along the stand column to drive the tent rack to unfold and fold; the roof pole is movably connected to the linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN ROADZUP OUTDOOR PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Changjiu Huang
  • Patent number: 9739074
    Abstract: A twist handle latch assembly is provided for use on compartment doors of a utility vehicle. The assembly includes a plastic housing with a steel backer plate to which the latch pawl is mounted. A T-handle is rotatably mounted on the front of a housing with a post extending through the housing and the steel plate for connection to the latch pawl. Rotation of the handle rotates the latch pawl between locked and unlocked positions. A power actuator may be provided to remotely lock and unlock the latch pawl. A key cylinder actuator allows manual locking and unlocking of the latch pawl. A cam connected to the actuator has a window to receive a portion of the pawl in the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TriMark Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lane, Julie M. Houdek, Tom F. Sonnek
  • Key
    Patent number: 9739075
    Abstract: A key for operating a mechanical lock, which key includes a head portion for holding by a user, a lock-engaging portion for inserting into the lock for operating the lock by the application of a turning force, and a joining portion between the head portion and the lock-engaging portion and fixing the head portion to the lock-engaging portion. The joining portion includes a shape memory material, which reversibly deforms without breakage when a first turning force on the key is exceeded, where the first turning force is lower than a second turning force. The second turning force being a turning force which if exceeded causes breakage of the lock-engaging portion or the head portion. The shape memory material may exhibit a superelastic effect in which the shape is restored when the turning force ceases, or shape memory effect in which the shape is restored on heating above a state-transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Abdul Baki, Colin J. Holyoake, Matthew J. Kockott, John A. Owen, Richard Postlethwaite, Joanne E. Woods
  • Patent number: 9739076
    Abstract: The present invention is referred to as a theft prevention strap operable to secure one or more zipper sliders. In embodiments, the strap may include at least two strap ends and a tag end, wherein each strap end includes an opening. A first strap end may be passed underneath a handle of a piece of luggage, a second strap end may be passed over the top of the handle, and a padlock shackle may be passed through both openings and one or more openings associated with one or more zipper sliders. Thereby, the strap may be held in place by the handle, and the zipper sliders may be held in place along a corresponding zipper track such that the zipper sliders cannot be moved along the zipper track to cover up an attempted theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Jim Dunn