Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
  • Patent number: 9926656
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing machine for identifying the embroidery frame correctly by using the existing mechanism and embroidery frame. A photography unit photographs an attached embroidery frame from a height direction, an embroidery frame transfer unit moves the embroidery frame from a specific location within a region surrounded by the embroidery frame until the photography unit photographs an image of the embroidery frame corresponding to one of the plurality of embroidery frame images registered in the database, a calculation unit calculates a size of the embroidery frame based on a moving distance of the embroidery frame moved by the embroidery frame transfer unit, and an embroidery frame identification unit identifies the embroidery frame based on the size of the calculated embroidery frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: JANOME SEWING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kongo, Takehiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 9926657
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable floor covering comprises a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer attached to the textile substrate. The reinforcement layer includes an adhesive backing compound and reinforcement fibers surrounded by the adhesive backing. The fibers may form a continuous layer on the back side of the floor covering or may be dispersed within the adhesive backing compound. The adhesive backing compound may be hot water-soluble to facilitate recycling of the floor covering. The floor covering may optionally include additional backing layers (including cushions) and may be used as a broadloom carpet, a carpet tile, or other modular floor covering products. Methods of manufacturing, installing, and recycling the present floor coverings are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Higgins Research & Development, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Higgins
  • Patent number: 9926658
    Abstract: A washing machine for treating laundry comprising a basket rotatable about a first rotational axis, having a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall to at least partially define a treating chamber; a clothes mover proximate the bottom wall, having a base with a centrally located hub concentric with a second rotational axis about which the clothes mover reciprocally rotates; and at least one vane having an elongated body extending away from the hub and projecting upwardly from the clothes mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, David W. Carr, Dale E. Mueller, Basak Oguz, Jon D. Strait
  • Patent number: 9926659
    Abstract: A washing machine having a plurality of tubs includes a cabinet having a first tub disposed therein, a first door, having a second tub disposed therein, to open and close a laundry introduction opening formed at the cabinet, a second door to open and close a laundry introduction opening of the second tub, a first water supply part and a second water supply part to supply washing water to inside of the first tub and the second tub, respectively, and a first water discharge part and a second water discharge part to discharge washing water from the first tub and the second tub, respectively. This configuration allows a washing process to be performed at a plurality of spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sungmin Kim, Daeyun Park, Jongseok Kim
  • Patent number: 9926660
    Abstract: A washing machine has a lye container, a lye drainage system disposed at a base of the lye container, a drive motor for a drum, and a heating unit. The washing machine has a device for supplying air into the lye, the device can be switched independently of the drum, and the device is an air compressor pump having an outlet to the lye container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Schulze, Harald Moschütz
  • Patent number: 9926661
    Abstract: The present application relates to a steaming device. The steaming device comprises a steam generator (8) having a heated surface (6), a pump configured to direct fluid against the heated surface (6) to generate steam, an orientation detector to detect orientation of the heated surface (6), and a control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the pump to adjust the flow rate of the pump in dependence on the orientation of the heated surface determined by the orientation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Sahil A. Wadhwa, Mohankumar Krishnan Valiyambath, Chee Keong Ong, Kin Leong Yip
  • Patent number: 9926662
    Abstract: A water/oil repellent composition which comprises a copolymer (A) comprising from 40 to 95 mass % of monomer (a1) units, from 1 to 60 mass % of monomer (a2) units and from 0 to less than 5 mass % of monomer (a3) units, a copolymer (B) comprising from 40 to 91 mass % of monomer (b1) units, from 2 to 20 mass % of monomer (b2) units, from 5 to 20 mass % of monomer (b3) units, and from 2 to 20 mass % of vinyl chloride (b4) units, and a liquid medium (C), wherein monomers (a1) and (b1) are (Z—Y)nX [Z is a C1-6 polyfluoroalkyl group, etc., Y is a divalent organic group having no fluorine atom, etc., n is 1 or 2, and X is a specific group having a polymerizable unsaturated group], monomers (a2) and (b2) are vinylidene chloride or vinylidene fluoride, and monomers (a3) and (b3) are a (meth)acrylate having a saturated hydrocarbon group having at least 12 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Minako Shimada, Sho Masuda, Kazunori Sugiyama, Kyoichi Kaneko, Yuichi Oomori, Motonobu Sakakibara, Masahiro Miyazaki, Kazuhiro Kawakami
  • Patent number: 9926663
    Abstract: An article comprises a textile material and a flame retardant, phosphorus-containing polymer. The flame retardant, phosphorus, containing polymer can be present in the form of a plurality of microprotuberances. The flame retardant, phosphorus, containing polymer can contain a relatively low amount of residual hydroxyalkyl groups bonded to the phosphorus atoms in the polymer. A process for producing a treated textile material is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Petr Valenta, Rajib Mondal, James A. Rogers, Michael Todd Moore, Jason M. Spruell, Keith A. Keller, Warren W. Gerhardt, Nathan B. Emery
  • Patent number: 9926664
    Abstract: A continuous dyeing method for long original tufted carpets, including applying a dyeing liquid to the carpet while running it in the longitudinal direction with a continuous dyeing machine that includes a dyeing liquid supply applicator having an independent supply route A and supply route B, each having a plurality of nozzles capable of applying dyeing liquid to the original tufted carpet so as to uniformly flow onto the original tufted carpet through a plate. The nozzles of supply route A and supply route B are alternately aligned in the width direction, with at least one of the nozzles of each of supply routes A and B opened by the control of an opening means. The present continuous dyeing method is capable of easily dyeing an original tufted carpet a mixture of colors and/or various patterns by gradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOABO MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakichi Kono, Toru Kubo, Itsuo Kawakita
  • Patent number: 9926665
    Abstract: A pulp in accordance with a particular embodiment includes crosslinked cellulose fibers. The pulp can have high brightness, reactivity, and intrinsic viscosity. The pulp, therefore, can be well suited for use as a precursor in the production of low-color, high-viscosity cellulose derivatives. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes forming a pulp from a cellulosic feedstock, bleaching the pulp, crosslinking cellulose fibers within the pulp while the pulp has a high consistency, and drying the pulp. The bleaching process can reduce a lignin content of the pulp to less than or equal to 0.09% by oven-dried weight of the crosslinked cellulose fibers. Crosslinking the cellulose fibers can include exposing the cellulose fibers to a glycidyl ether crosslinker having two or more glycidyl groups and a molecular weight per epoxide within a range from 140 to 175.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: Mengkui Luo
  • Patent number: 9926666
    Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GP Cellulose GmbH
    Inventors: Arthur J. Nonni, Charles E. Courchene, Christopher Michael Slone, Peter R. Abitz
  • Patent number: 9926667
    Abstract: A seamless unitary deflection member. The seamless unitary deflection member can have a backside defining an X-Y plane and a thickness in a Z-direction. The seamless unitary deflection member can also have a reinforcing member and a plurality of protuberances positioned on the reinforcing member. Each protuberance can have a three-dimensional shape such that any cross-sectional area of the protuberance parallel to the X-Y plane can have an equal or lesser area than any cross-sectional area of the protuberance being a greater distance from the X-Y plane in the Z-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Allen Manifold, John Leslie Brent, Jr., James Michael Singer
  • Patent number: 9926668
    Abstract: A substantially dry composite material comprising a nanofibrillated polysaccharide and two or more additives, wherein the composite nanofibrillated polysaccharide is a microfibrillated cellulose and wherein the additives are lime milk and carbon dioxide, wherein the additives are allowed to react with each other and forming a precipitated calcium carbonate on the nanofibrillated polysaccharide, thereby forming a composite product comprising precipitated calcium carbonate and nanofibrillated polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Stora Enso OYJ
    Inventors: Lars Axrup, Heidi Saxell, Veikko Jokela, Henri Kastinen, Anna Kauppi, Kaj Backfolk, Nina Ruohoniemi, Risto Laitinen, Isto Heiskanen, Teija Laukala
  • Patent number: 9926669
    Abstract: An assembly and method for removably installing a round linear track to a floor is provided. The assembly includes a track guide having a plurality of curved bearing surfaces to support a round track segment and a clamp to removably capture the round track in the track guide. The method includes placing a segment of round track on a lead portion of the track guide; moving the segment of track into a supporting portion of the track guide; and capturing the segment of round track in the track guide with a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Carl White
  • Patent number: 9926670
    Abstract: A movable fixture for milling rail heads of slide rails arranged in a track bed includes: a rotating milling head mounted in a milling head drive mechanism supported by a chassis. The milling head has at least one cutting tooth comprising several cutting plates for milling the rail heads and a disc-shaped tool carrier connected to the milling head drive mechanism. The tool carrier includes cassettes assembled with cutting plates arranged around their periphery. The cassettes are arranged in several carrier segments connected to the tool carrier so they can be detached. The cassettes are arranged peripherally on the tool carrier with at least two assembled cutting plates, the cassettes being different with regard to at least one of: a number of cutting teeth; distances of the cutting teeth from each other; rake angle of the individual cutting plates; or inclination angle of the individual cutting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SCHWEERBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Frank Mevert
  • Patent number: 9926671
    Abstract: A method for repairing a paved road comprises forming a repair section by removing a damaged part of a concrete pavement or an asphalt pavement, and repairing by shooting in the repair section rapid-set blended concrete wherein concrete having improved fluidity as a result of mixing normal concrete having compressive strength of 21-30 MPa with bubbles of 20-40% of the volume of the normal concrete is mixed with a high-early-strength mixture material; and high-performance rapid-set blended concrete wherein a high-early-strength mixture material and a high-durability mixture material are mixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY—INDUSTRY COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Kyong Ku Yun
  • Patent number: 9926672
    Abstract: Reinforcing fibers, such as aromatic polyamide (“aramid”) fibers, are treated by coating with or embedding in a binder such as a Fischer-Tropsch wax. The treated fibers are divided into suitably-sized units, which are added to bitumen, aggregate and other ingredients in an asphalt cement concrete mix. The units shed fibers into the mix during the manufacturing process so that the fibers are distributed fairly evenly throughout the asphalt mixture. The binder may also impart beneficial qualities to the finished asphalt concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Surface Tech LLC
    Inventors: Tracy H. Lang, Joseph A. Sturtevant
  • Patent number: 9926674
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a construction machine which performs a working operation along a working trajectory on a ground depending on at least one operating parameter. A method according to the present invention comprises placing at least one mark, detectable by a sensor device, stationary on the ground in a region which, regarded from at least one position of the construction machine on the working trajectory, is located in the detection region of the sensor device. The mark is detected by the sensor device, resulting in the generation of sensor data which is processed by the data processing device of the construction machine. A control command is generated for the machine control of the construction machine for changing at least one operating parameter of the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventor: Michele Orefice
  • Patent number: 9926675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface compactor and a method of operating a surface compactor. The surface compactor is provided with at least one compacting surface for compacting a substrate an excitation system that generates a substantially square wave vibrational displacement or force that vibrates the least one compacting surface during compaction to increase the compaction rate of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Michael P. MacDonald, Dale W. Starry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9926676
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a base plate of a vibratory compactor includes a locking actuator configured to alternately lock and unlock the base plate relative to the vibratory compactor, and a hydraulic control circuit in fluid communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the locking actuator. The hydraulic control circuit includes a hydraulic pilot-pressure-actuated, 2-position spool valve, wherein the spool valve is configured to move to a first position when pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a first direction, and move to a second position when the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a second direction. In the first position of the spool valve the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves the locking actuator to a locked position, and after the locking actuator is in the locked position, the pressurized hydraulic fluid operates a hydraulic motor configured to power the vibratory compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan R. Beckhusen
  • Patent number: 9926677
    Abstract: A vibratory compactor for a work machine, includes a support frame that defines an interior space and includes a base disposed at a lower end thereof configured to contact a work surface. A guide member is attached to the support frame. A vibratory mechanism includes a vibratory housing and includes a contact plate. The contact plate is configured to compact the work surface. An excitation device is configured to vibrate the contact plate. A guide opening is formed through the vibratory housing configured to movably receive the guide member and to permit the vibratory mechanism vertical movement relative to the support frame. At least one biasing member is disposed between the support frame and the vibratory housing and generates a selected force between the support frame and the vibratory housing when the base is in contact with the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan R. Beckhusen, Ryan Rochel
  • Patent number: 9926678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screed for a paving machine that includes a flexible smoothing plate, a vertex block a first actuator, and a second actuator. The flexible smoothing plate is provided with a longitudinal length and an outer longitudinal end. The vertex block is located on top of the flexible smoothing plate. The first actuator is connected to the outer longitudinal end and adapted to selectively adjust an elevation of the outer longitudinal end so that the outer longitudinal end of the flexible smoothing plate forms a berm by flexing about the vertex block and extending upward at an angle relative to an inner portion of the flexible smoothing plate. The second actuator is connected to the vertex block and configured to adjust the length of the berm by selectively repositioning the vertex block along the longitudinal length of the flexible smoothing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Lynn D. Vogel
  • Patent number: 9926679
    Abstract: A barricade with a plurality of interlocking barricade members hingedly coupled to each other. Each of the interlocking barricade members include two vertical posts between which horizontal barricade members are mounted. The interlocking barricade members includes a base assembly onto which the vertical post is supported, such that the base assembly is rotatable and removable with respect to the vertical post. The base assembly is entirely behind and extends away from the barricade's rear face, thereby keeping the barricade and all its components out of a given walkway to avoid becoming a hazard to pedestrian traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Miguel Vila
  • Patent number: 9926680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus incorporating erosion preventing mats or blankets having oyster spat are placed to prevent or reduce erosion. The method and apparatus incorporates seeding with oyster spat and/or oyster larvae onto a blanket having rough surfaces and comprising calcium. After seeding and setting natural growth of the oyster larvae can create a barrier that helps prevent erosion by breaking the kinetic energy of waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Walter J. Boasso
  • Patent number: 9926681
    Abstract: A frame rail assembly for a boat dock structure includes a frame rail member and a removable resilient rub-rail member. The frame rail member includes a first side configured for securing the frame rail member to a side of the boat dock structure; a second side opposing the first side; a first channel extending along a length of the frame rail member; and a second channel below the first channel, the second channel extending along the length of the frame rail member. An interlocking frame rail system for boat dock structures includes a first frame rail member, a second frame rail member, and an upper connector member extending along at least a portion of a length of the first frame rail member and at least a portion of the length of a second frame rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Steven Edward DeMay
  • Patent number: 9926682
    Abstract: To make it possible to raise a door body even if it is damaged by an impact of vehicle traffic or falling objects when it is in a lowered state, and to keep the door body in a raised state even if it is damaged by a water pressure of a tsunami or a high tide when it is in a raised state. A door body 2 of a floating flap gate 1 is disposed at an opening or at an access way. When water flows in, a forward end 2b of which swings upwards, in a direction in which the water flows in and within a plane in a height direction, around a base end 2a thereof which serves as a center of rotation, to block the opening or the access way. The door body 2 is formed from a hard polyurethane foam 4 in the form of a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Hideyuki Niizato, Koji Kitamura, Jun Okada, Satoshi Ashida, Kyouichi Nakayasu, Yoshito Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 9926683
    Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: VERSABAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jon Khachaturian, E. John Greeves
  • Patent number: 9926684
    Abstract: Roof runoff water control systems for a building with gutters and a downspout and buildings without gutters. Both systems employ a swale in the ground that is lined with rock filled bags that are opened and laid overlapped end-to-end. For the downspout, a closed bag filled with rock is placed under the downspout with open bags filled with rock laid overlapped end-to-end in the swale and overlapped downstream from the closed bag. For a building without gutters and having a drip line in the ground, open bags filled with rock are laid overlapped end-to-end in the swale. The swale and the open bags are aligned with the drip line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: R & J East, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Neal Alfred Hawkinson, James Earl Hawkinson
  • Patent number: 9926685
    Abstract: An adjustable coupler includes a frame, a first bracket, and a second bracket. One or both of the first bracket and the second bracket are slidably combined with the frame along a slot formed in the frame. A fastener extends from each bracket and is received into the slot allowing the bracket to slide along the frame. The fastener also serves to securely fasten the bracket to the frame after it is moved to its desired position. The slidable engagement of the brackets with the frame allows the distance between the brackets to be selectively changed allowing them to be secured to different types and sizes of mobile attachment devices. The frame further includes an attachment opening adapted to receive a pin for connecting a motor or prime mover vehicle with the adjustable coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Pengo Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Reinert
  • Patent number: 9926686
    Abstract: A gear mechanism of a power train includes first and second planetary gear mechanisms, which respectively include first to third rotating elements and fourth to sixth rotating elements which are each different to each other. The transmission section transfers the drive force of the second rotating element to the fourth rotating element. A rotating shaft fixing section of a power train integrally operates the rotating shafts of the third and fifth rotating elements. A variable transmission section of a power train includes an input section where drive force is input and an output section configured to output drive force equal to or less than the input drive force. A drive force conversion control section of a controller controls the variable transmission section to enable the output of the engine to be converted to an appropriate drive force and the converted drive force to be transferred to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuki Kishimoto, Hiroshi Monden, Shunsuke Miyamoto, Yasunori Ohkura
  • Patent number: 9926687
    Abstract: A lock assembly (1) including a main body (4) and a protruding member (5). The protruding member (5) is biased to normally protrude outwardly of the main body (4) by a biasing component (6), which is formed of rubber or like material. An operating mechanism, operated by a key (9) effects movement of the protruding member (5) between a protruded or locked position, and, a withdrawn or unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Keech Castings Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Edward Hand, Luke Daniel Giudice, Balamurali Manjil Hebbar
  • Patent number: 9926688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting unit for a kitchen mixer tap which is configured to supply cold water, warm water, and water of at least one other type. The connecting unit is provided with a cold water supply connection for supplying cold mains water, a cold water discharge connection for discharging cold water, a warm water discharge connection for discharging warm water, an auxiliary water discharge connection for discharging water of another type to the kitchen mixer tap, an apparatus discharge connection for discharging cold water to be heated to a warm water preparation apparatus, an apparatus supply connection for supplying water coming out of the warm water preparation apparatus, an inlet combination coupled to the apparatus discharge connection, and a mixer element coupled to the warm water discharge connection for mixing cold water and warm water. The connecting unit is configured to be placed under a worktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FLOWW B.V.
    Inventor: Tido Willem Tuin
  • Patent number: 9926689
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting for dispensing of hot and cold water or a mixture thereof; said fitting including an elongate spout or spigot and a mounting portion for locating said plumbing fitting at a surface; said elongate spout provided with a dispensing orifice arranged at an underside of said elongate spout and proximate a tip portion of said spout; a passage through said spout communicating with said orifice and an inlet at said mounting portion; said plumbing fitting characterized in further including a pair of partially conjoined, generally globular structures at a base portion of said elongate spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Alberto Arbelaez
  • Patent number: 9926690
    Abstract: A dispensing arrangement for water comprises a tap, in particular a kitchen tap such as a boiling water tap, provided with a shut-off valve and an operating element, such that the dispensing arrangement is operable with a compound movement of the operating element. For dispensing of the water at least a portion of the compound movement serves to release the shut-off valve prior to operation and comprises at least one of a movement to-and-fro, a repeated movement and a movement of at least a predetermined duration and wherein a subsequent portion of the compound movement serves to operate the shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HENRI PETERI BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Niels Theodoor Peteri
  • Patent number: 9926691
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop a flow into a piping system or an enclosed environment comprises a housing having an upper flow passage, a gasket, and a lower flow passage, wherein said gasket is between said upper flow passage and said lower flow passage, wherein said gasket has an inner diameter less than an inner diameter of said upper flow passage; a rotary valve inside said housing, wherein said rotary valve further comprises a main body and two guides affixed to said main body in opposition to each other, wherein said main body of said rotary valve is configured to be between said inner diameter of said gasket and said inner diameter of said upper flow passage, and wherein said rotary valve can move inside said upper flow passage and above said gasket; and two guide rails inside the upper flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Di Monte, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9926692
    Abstract: An apparatus for a urinal is described. The apparatus comprises a plate member adapted to form a seal with a urinal outlet, the plate member defining a throughbore permitting the passage of liquid, in use, from the urinal to a soil pipe and a diaphragm located in the plate member throughbore, the diaphragm adapted to permit the passage of liquid through the throughbore in one direction only from the urinal to the soil pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: McAlpine & Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: James Edward McAlpine
  • Patent number: 9926693
    Abstract: A water-saving accessory for a toilet includes a basin, a three-port valve, and first and second lengths of tubing. The basin has inlet and outlet ports and is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl or toilet seat. The valve is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply line. The first length of tubing is configured to be attached at a first end to the valve and at a second end to the basin inlet port. The second length of tubing is configured to be attached at a first end to the basin outlet port. The valve can be configured to be coupled to a flush line for the toilet bowl such that fluid is normally supplied from the fluid supply line to the flush line, and to be actuatable to divert fluid from the fluid supply line to the first length of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Larry McCall
  • Patent number: 9926694
    Abstract: An operating device for a flush water tank assembly includes: a rotary shaft, an operating handle, an operating wire, and a drive unit, wherein the drive unit includes: a rotary member, a rotary winding member, a locking unit for mutually locking the rotary member and the rotary winding member when the rotary winding member rotates in a forward rotational direction from operating position P1 and reaches operating position P3, and a lock release portion for releasing the lock between the rotary member and the rotary winding member when the rotary member and the rotary winding member rotate in a forward rotational direction from operating position P1 and reach operating position P3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Koki Shinohara, Hideki Tanimoto, Kenji Hatama, Makoto Abe
  • Patent number: 9926695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet cleaner for receiving solid or gel preparations, comprising a plurality of containers for receiving at least one preparation. The containers can be positioned below the toilet rim such that flushing water can flow over the containers when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening and outlet opening are formed in each container wall for the flushing water. A flushing water conducting element is arranged and configured on the toilet cleaner such that flushing water is supplied to the flushing water conducting element when the toilet is flushed and the flushing water is conducted to the inlet opening of the container. The inlet openings are asymmetrical relative to the vertical axis V of the containers and are arranged at an angle of incidence ? of 1°-60° relative to the longitudinal central axis M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Detlef Lehmann, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 9926696
    Abstract: A deodorizing urinal includes a urinal body and a deodorizing device. The deodorizing device is connected to the urinal body, and includes a cooling unit, a releasing unit and a processing unit. The cooling unit is configured to generate a unit of low-temperature deodorizer. The releasing unit is configured to receive and store the unit of low-temperature deodorizer from the cooling unit. The processing unit is coupled to the releasing unit and is configured to generate a releasing signal in response to a trigger condition. The processing unit is configured to send the releasing signal to the releasing unit to enable the releasing unit to release the unit of low-temperature deodorizer stored therein into the urinal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ARTEPOZA International Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 9926697
    Abstract: A panelized complex polyhedron structure can be constructed quickly and inexpensively from a plurality panels. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a plurality of panels, wherein a first panel comprises an integrated connecting feature formed unitarily with the first panel and including a faceted feature connected to a plain end of a second panel. According to another embodiment, the first panel includes integrated connecting features including a plurality of planar faceted features, wherein one of the faceted features is connected to a plain end of the second panel. The plurality of planar faceted features are oriented at angles selected to enable a plurality of panel connections necessary to construct the structure. In one embodiment, the panel comprising the integrated connecting features is formed unitarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Martin P. Hedler
  • Patent number: 9926698
    Abstract: The process includes forming a concrete form at least one end wall where the concrete form is adapted to receive concrete placed thereinto. The process also includes setting a fixed end anchor and a tensioning end anchor on at least one end wall where the fixed end anchor and tensioning end anchor are each adapted to receive a tendon. The process further includes threading the tendon through the fixed end anchor and tensioning end anchor such that a tensioning end portion of the tendon extends from the tensioning end anchor and placing concrete into the concrete form. The process includes installing a cap about the circumference of the tensioning end portion of the tendon. The cap includes a cap body. The cap body includes an inner bore, where the inner bore has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Felix Sorkin
  • Patent number: 9926699
    Abstract: A retention clip for use with a panel system has a base plate having a pair of opposing flanges at least one of which is configured for attaching to a support structure. An upright extends between the base plate and a top plate having a pair of opposing flanges and defines opposing first and second surfaces that in use are dimensioned to engage opposing first and second ends of a pair of first and second adjacent panels. At least the first surface supports a spacer element that is configured to prevent mutual abutment of opposing ends of the first and second panels at least during construction of the panel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dan-Pal
    Inventor: Micha Ben David
  • Patent number: 9926700
    Abstract: A rubber part for use as a structural component for incorporation into a brick or masonry wall structure in a reinforced concrete frame, to be located within the plane of the wall, has a length x and a stiffness along its length of Sx, a width y and a stiffness across its width of Sy, and a thickness z and a stiffness across its thickness of Sz, the stiffness of the part being anisotropic with Sy>Sx. The part is adapted such that, when in use, it is capable of controlling vibrations of the wall caused by seismic activity and also of having a damping effect thereby increasing the energy dissipation capacity of the structure. The rubber part is preferably in the form of a sheet and can be laminated on one or both major surfaces. The two major surfaces of the sheet may be contoured, for instance being corrugated across its width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre
    Inventors: Hamid Reza Ahmadi, Alberto Dusi
  • Patent number: 9926701
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a concrete slab system places bed of a first concrete on a base. The bed has a top surface, a bottom surface, and edge surfaces. The bed is exposed to a drying environment such that the top surface develops shrinkage cracks and portions of the bed separate from the base. A force applied to the top surface induces non-shrinkage cracks in the bed that extend to the bed's bottom surface. Non-concrete material is placed on the bed's top surface and on each of its edge surfaces. The non-concrete material and bed are covered with a second concrete having stretchable fibers mixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GCP APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: S. Allen Face, Gregory M Scurto
  • Patent number: 9926702
    Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony L. Rockwell, James William Rinne, Glenn Eric Haley, Liang Gwee, Harry Alter, Andrew Broderick, David Herman Wolf, Mikael Salonvaara, Robert J. O'Leary, Zachary Phillip Homoelle, Elaina Carpino
  • Patent number: 9926703
    Abstract: A hollow prefabricated masonry wall panel is made at a fabrication site and is configured for transportation to a build site. The hollow prefabricated wall panel has a base row and an upper row formed of hollow blocks. A slit is formed in the top of each of the two side walls of the hollow blocks of the base row and upper row, the slit having a width no larger than 20% a width of a side wall. Provisional reinforcement is provided within each slit with a bonding material, a size of the slit and the provisional reinforcement configured to provide tensile strength during transportation of the hollow prefabricated wall panel from the fabrication site to the build site. At least one mid-row is laid between the base row and upper row so the hollow cavities are aligned to preserve hollow wall cavities that can accept code required reinforcement once transported to the build site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CONSTRUCTIVE, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Muirhead, Jim Gendron
  • Patent number: 9926704
    Abstract: The invention is a roof system having panels attached by battens and adjustable hangers. The hangers have a leg, a tail and a hook. The hanger is supported by a batten strip material, typically made of metal with slots. These hangers are permanently secured within the battens and are non removable once the batten is fastened to a roof deck. The hangers themselves are adjustable to different lengths by sliding them within the slot with a predetermined amount of force to accommodate staggered panel edges. This dramatically reduces the labor and costs required to install roofing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: David Carl Nowacek
  • Patent number: 9926705
    Abstract: A covering employing a fascia gutter is disclosed. The fascia gutter includes a front member, bottom member, a rear member, a ledge, a guiding groove, a protrusion and a receiving space. The bottom member connects the front member to the rear member. The receiving space is defined by the front member, the bottom member, and the rear member. The ledge is connected to the rear member. An opening is defined by the ledge and the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Mike Adams
  • Patent number: 9926706
    Abstract: A snow guard includes a plate having a front side and a back side, a first and second flange extending from the opposite edges of the front side of the plate, wherein the first flange defines a first vertical slot and the second flange defines a second vertical slot, such that the first vertical slot faces the second vertical slot. The snow guard also including base extending from the back side of the plate and terminating in a distal end. A groove is defined through the plate and the base, the groove extending from the front side of the plate to the distal end of the base, and one or more holes extend transversely through the base, the one or more holes in communication with the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Hockman