Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9945105
    Abstract: In the invention a drain plug linkage device (100) is provided, comprising: a drain plug (4) at least partially disposed in a pipe body (5); a pull rod assembly including a pull rod, a link rod (2) and a pull rod connector (9), wherein the link rod (2) at its upper end comprises a receiving portion, the pull rod connector (9) comprises a central hole and adapted to be snapped into the containing portion, and the pull rod at its bottom comprises a snap portion adapted to be snapped into the central hole; and a lever member (3) comprising a first end operatively connected to the link rod (2), and a second end extending into the pipe body (5) and configured to operate the drain plug (4); wherein the receiving portion comprises an expansion portion (22) for expanding the central hole, and the pull rod connector (9) is configured, when snapped into the receiving part, to be movable between a position where the central hole is unexpanded and a position where the central hole is expanded by the expansion portion (22
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liming Ye, Jianping Zhou, Yan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9945106
    Abstract: A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin. The stopper head assembly includes a stopper head having a seal to sealingly engage the drain system of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a plug position and a strainer to strain fluid passing through the drain system when the stopper head is in a drain position. The stopper head assembly further includes a stopper body operably coupleable to a control element to move the assembly between the drain position and the plug position. The stopper body may be detachably coupled to the stopper head and/or the strainer to enable selective removal of the stopper head and the strainer from the stopper body when the stopper body is installed for use and coupled to the control element. Related methods, systems and components are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Naushad Ali
  • Patent number: 9945107
    Abstract: The invention relates to an odor trap (31) for a transport conduit (10) with a division into a main branch (11) and a side branch (12). The odor trap comprises a mounting part (32) for releasable mounting in the side branch, and a membrane (33) of elastic material which comprises a first membrane part (33) to be received in the side branch (12) and a second membrane part (34) to be received in the main branch (11). The second membrane part (34) lies at an angle relative to the first membrane part (33). The membrane is at least partially movable under pressure of a fluid from a closing position, in which the membrane closes the passage of the main branch to the fluid, to a position allowing passage in which the membrane leaves clear the passage of the main branch for the fluid. The invention also relates to a system of a transport conduit (10) with a division into a main branch (11) and a side branch (12) and an odor trap (1) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligent Environmental Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus Eldert Maria Van Baar
  • Patent number: 9945108
    Abstract: A drain cleaning device with a combination of elements which quickly removes upper-drain hair clogs from bathroom drains without taking the drain apart, and without handling offensive clogs. The drain cleaning device includes a handle section and a disposable drain cleaning section which snap together. The drain cleaning section has an extended rod portion with a multistrand wire core covered with a layer of thousands of miniature hair-grabbing, hook elements embedded in a textile material which covers the rod portion's entire length. In particular, the J-shaped hook elements are circumferentially oriented on the rod portion to snag hair while rotating the device. Also, a method of making the device by assembling the disposable rod section from a length of hook strip, a length of multistrand wire core, a hook-covered tip and a connector, which can then be connected to the handle section before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen S. Turner
  • Patent number: 9945109
    Abstract: A hollow device that surrounds a toilet plunger to maintain contact between the plunger and the toilet bowl as the plunger is moved upward and downward within the device to unplug a toilet. The device has a bottom area for engaging the head of the plunger and a main body on an upper end of the device to grasp in order to apply downward pressure on the device and on the head of the plunger. The device is hollow from its upper end to its lower end so that it can be inserted over the head and handle of a toilet plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Scott L. White
  • Patent number: 9945110
    Abstract: A double-flush light-touch drain valve and double-flush control method. The valve includes a base, a buoy component and a starting component, a valve body installed on the base, the base provided with an outfall, the buoy component capable of moving relatively to the base and capable of opening or closing the outfall. The starting component includes a first starting switch and a second starting switch, and the buoy component is provided with a flowing channel communicated with the inside and outside of a buoy cavity of the buoy component; and the first starting switch is operable to drive the buoy component to rise, and close the flowing channel to implement a first flush; and the second starting switch is operable to drive the buoy component to rise, and the flowing channel is opened by the starting component, to implement a second flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Xiamen R&T Plumbing Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haibin Chen, Rongyu Zhang, Zhijun Zhong, Ruiliang Chen
  • Patent number: 9945111
    Abstract: A toilet that with a cleanout aperture and an access panel or plug that provide access to highest point the siphon section of the toilet. The access panel extends over aperture that extends from the flush water inlet surface to the crest, or apex, of the siphon section. The cover plate extends over the flush valve support surface provides access to the siphon section to provide access to clogs in the up sloping, apex, or down sloping portions of the siphon section. The toilet may be wall-mounted or floor mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CHALLENGE LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Nuncio
  • Patent number: 9945112
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, the present invention is a valve insertable into a sewage line in order to prevent backflow into a structure. The valve includes a mouth formed therein which corresponds to the size of an inlet of the sewage line and means for rotating for rotating the valve within the sewage line. Rotation of the valve to an open position aligns the mouth with the inlet of the sewage line to permit flow through the sewage line and rotation of the valve body to a closed position rotates the mouth away from the inlet of the sewage line to prevent flow through the sewage line. In a second embodiment, the present invention further includes a conduit adapter that replaces a converging section of the sewage line in order to retrofit the valve into a sewage line where the valve would otherwise not fit therein. Additionally, in either the first or second embodiment, the present invention provides for the simultaneous purging of the sewage line by attaching means for purging to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Raymon T. Birchmeier
  • Patent number: 9945113
    Abstract: A method of marketing an elevated prefabricated building includes the steps of: 1) offering to a customer for a quoted price, a building that has a precast concrete chain wall foundation and a prefabricated building that is to be supported by the precast concrete chain wall foundation; 2) the offer in step “a” including an offer to install the building at the site within a span of construction time on site of a week or less; 3) the precast concrete chain wall foundation offered for shipment to a selected site after it has been cast; and 4) the precast concrete chain wall foundation and prefabricated building being offered to be installed at the selected site with a lifting device that lifts each from the transport vehicle to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Gillen
  • Patent number: 9945114
    Abstract: A device comprising a weldment having an upper beam, a vertical beam, and a lower beam, wherein the upper beam further comprises at least two lifting eyes and at least one crane hook, and the lower beam further comprises a plurality of swivel-hoist rings and a plurality of forklift pockets, and wherein the lower beam is a length minimally required to locate a structure laterally underneath an upper level of a platform having an upper level and a lower level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gregory A. Jaccard, Robert D. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 9945115
    Abstract: An anchor particularly adapted to be embedded into a concrete construction for suspension of a ceiling panel, duct or the like, includes a base which receives inserts that have an axial threaded bore. The base is open at its lower end and can receive a threaded rod by virtue of ratcheting inserts received within the base. The inserts and base are particularly shaped to prevent jam and ease of insertion of the rod in the anchor. The anchor also has a head flange that sits above a plurality of fasteners secured to the anchor which is used to simultaneously drive the fasteners into a form for the concrete member. The fasteners are connected to the anchor extending in generally parallel and spaced relation to the anchor. The fasteners can be held by a support or sleeve-like holder which surrounds at least a portion of the base of the anchor or they can be attached to the base of the anchor. The fasteners project downwardly through the bottom of the anchor for driving into the form board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 9945116
    Abstract: A friction-damping energy absorber has at least one sliding post, a sliding sleeve, and two supporting boards. The at least one sliding post has two ends. Each one of the at least one sliding post is composed of multiple first material layers and multiple second material layers arranged in an alternate manner mounted. The sliding sleeve is mounted around at least one part of the at least one sliding post and is composed of at least one sliding unit. The supporting boards are respectively mounted on two ends of the at least one sliding post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 9945117
    Abstract: A customizable closure system comprising panels of a pre-selected size and one or more conversion kits for mounting the panels. A room divider conversion kit comprises a hinge for converting the panels into room dividers, and a bypass conversion kit comprises a header for converting the panels into slidable panel doors, such as a closure for a shower area. Other conversion kits include a swing conversion kit and a hanger conversion kit. One embodiment of the panels further comprises a reinforcing system for securely retaining the panes with the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Coastal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Cobb
  • Patent number: 9945118
    Abstract: A mold for manufacturing interlocking, dry-cast concrete retaining wall blocks in an upright orientation comprises a mold box comprising two side walls joined to end walls to define a mold cavity, a top face, and a substantially open bottom face. Partitions configured to define a space between adjacent blocks or a space between a block and a side of the mold box extend parallel to the side walls of the mold box substantially from the top face into the mold cavity, to form first transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces the blocks which do not include any undercut portion that would impede removal of the mold box in a substantially vertical direction. At least one removable insert comprises insert members which, when positioned in the mold box beneath the partitions, form remaining transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces, the remaining transverse portions including at least one undercut portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: RISI STONE, INC.
    Inventor: Tyler Matys
  • Patent number: 9945119
    Abstract: Methods for making a gypsum board provided with a latex polymer coating layer having a sufficiently low glass transition temperature, a less dense gypsum core layer, and a relatively denser layer of gypsum between the less dense gypsum core layer and the latex polymer coating layer and a gypsum board made by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Naser Aldabaibeh, Suman Sinha Ray
  • Patent number: 9945120
    Abstract: The plastic form is made from a plastic material mixed with a number of glass fiber particles, is formed by melting the plastic material and particles, and then by injection molding through distributing the melted material into a mold via a grid forming machine. The plastic form has a first piece, a second piece, an intermediate layer with a number of connection ribs and through channels. The through channel leads to light weight for convenient transportation and installation. The smooth first and second pieces lead to convenient stripping and well-finished concrete surfaces. The connection ribs enhance the plastic form's strength in withstanding deformation, contributing to the plastic form's reusability and environmental friendliness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Yu-Tsai Wu
  • Patent number: 9945121
    Abstract: A set of panels including a first panel, a second, and a locking device. The locking device includes an edge groove at the first edge and a tongue groove at the second edge. The edge groove includes a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove at a first side of the edge groove. The edge groove includes a first groove surface at a first side of the insertion groove and a second groove surface at a second side of the insertion groove. The second edge includes a first edge surface at a first side of the tongue groove and a second edge surface at a second side of the tongue groove. The locking device is configured to be unlocked by inserting a tool in the tongue groove. The first groove surface is arranged offset in a second direction relative to the second groove surface by a first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Peter Derelöv
  • Patent number: 9945122
    Abstract: A pillar assembly has a first side member, a second side member for connecting to the first side member, a third side member having a first side channel, a second side channel, and an access opening, the third side member for connecting to the second side member, and a fourth side member having an adjustment opening, the fourth side member for connecting to the first side member and the third side member. A pillar assembly having a reinforcing member is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Frederick Thomas
  • Patent number: 9945123
    Abstract: A steel beam comprising a frame formed by a first web part, a second web part, a base plate and a horizontal top part. The first and second web part are arranged side by side at a distance from each other, and joined at a first end of the first web part and the second web part by the horizontal top part. The first and second web part are joined at a second end of the first web part and second web part by the base plate. The base plate, the first web part, the second web part and the horizontal top part are arranged to form a space that can be filled with concrete. The steel beam further comprises a hollow member arranged inside the space sealed to prevent concrete entering. The hollow member is attached to the frame for preventing movement in relation to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PEIKKO GROUP OY
    Inventors: Simo Peltonen, Pavel Nadasky
  • Patent number: 9945124
    Abstract: A shingle underlayment system includes a waterproofing shingle underlayment, drip edge member, and one or more adhesive sealing strips integrated in a single product. The waterproofing shingle underlayment includes a top surface and an adhesive bottom surface. The drip edge member comprises an in-roof portion and an overhang portion, with the in-roof portion affixed to the top surface of the waterproofing shingle underlayment. The one or more adhesive sealing strips are located above the drip edge member on the top surface of the waterproofing shingle underlayment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael S Baker
  • Patent number: 9945125
    Abstract: A cover for a drain is disclosed. The cover may be used with roof drains or other drains and allow for fluid collection into the drain even with buildup of debris around or on the cover. The cover may have a lower flange or portion with a large area and extending outwardly in an arcuate configuration and having openings for fluid flow. The lower portion may be oriented at a small angle with respect to the horizontal. An upper portion may be connected to the lower portion and may be more vertically-oriented than the lower portion and also extend arcuately and having openings. A top may be connected with the upper portion and may have a removable lid. An outer ring may be attached to an outer perimeter of the lower portion and have openings. The cover may include a mount with flex joints for securing the cover to contoured surfaces. The cover may include moveable parts for expansion/contraction of portions of the cover. The cover may be contoured to abut a structure such as a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Roofguard Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Donald G Huber
  • Patent number: 9945126
    Abstract: A gutter protecting apparatus includes a plurality of substantially parallel rods extending in a downward slope from near a roof edge to and beyond the far side of the gutter. The rods extend substantially perpendicular to the gutter's length and to a frame to which the rods connect at the upper edge. Preferably, the lower rod ends are spaced above and slightly beyond the far edge of the gutter to allow debris to pass the gutter without catching. Legs can extend down from some rods to the gutter's far edge to provide support. The apparatus can be pivotably mounted to the roof, the fascia or the gutter, permitting access beneath. The apparatus forms a cage-like covering over the gutter to exclude matter and small creatures, while allowing the liquid to flow past. Sunlight bypassing the rods and movement of air through the gutter make the water exiting the downspout cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: B & J Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9945127
    Abstract: A roofing article having a body, a first channel defined within an upper portion of said body having an inlet through which outside air can enter the first channel, and a second channel defined in a lower portion of said body. A sheet separates the second channel from the first channel. The second channel is operably connected to the first channel through an orifice in the sheet such that the outside air can enter the second channel through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John S. Edwards, Frank W. Klink
  • Patent number: 9945128
    Abstract: A system for installing shingles on a roof is provided. One embodiment includes a navigational apparatus for traversing the roof and a roof shingle installation apparatus attached to the navigational apparatus for installing the shingles. The roof shingle installation apparatus is designed to remove a shingle from a bundle of shingles, and position the shingle, and fasten it to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ROBONAIL LLC
    Inventor: Michael Baird
  • Patent number: 9945129
    Abstract: A method for making a covering is described. The covering includes a first layer made of a flexible material; a second and a third layers made of a preferably rigid material engaged on opposite sides to the first layer. The second and the third layers respectively have a plurality of V-shaped grooves defining respective adjacent rigid and corresponding structural portions. Each rigid structural portion can be oriented with respect to the adjacent rigid structural portion, by folding the first layer so as to model the covering according to three-dimensional configurations and/or a simple or double curvature. The method is preferably performed through a virtual designing of the shape desired to be obtained and a processing of the same for the obtainment of the grooves required to attain such shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WOOD-SKIN S.R.L.S.
    Inventors: Giulio Masotti, Stefano Baruffaldi, Gianluca Lo Presti, Susanna Todeschini
  • Patent number: 9945130
    Abstract: Building panels, such as floorboards, provided with a mechanical locking system. The mechanical locking system includes a displacement groove at a first edge of a first floorboard and a tongue groove at a second edge of a second floorboard. A tongue is arranged in the displacement groove and is configured to cooperate, in a second position, with the tongue groove for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. The tongue includes, in a first position, an inner element and an outer element. The inner element is removable along the displacement groove, and is configured to cooperate with the outer element to obtain a displacement of the outer element towards the tongue groove and thereby obtain the second position. The inner element and the outer element vertically overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Per Nygren, Marcus Bergelin
  • Patent number: 9945131
    Abstract: Snap-in trim systems include a mounting element securable to or integrated with a structural component of a building. Structural components include modular wall components suitable for having decorative or structural trim attached thereto. The mounting element extends longitudinally along a length of the structural component. A longitudinal connection element is secured to the mounting element along the length thereof. The connection element attaches to the mounting element at an attachment interface either anterior-perpendicularly, lateral-parallelly, or anterior-lateral-diagonally. A trim element is connected to or integrated with the connection element. Connected trim elements include an alignment element for ensuring proper positioning of the trim element relative to the connection element. Trim elements include baseboard, crown molding, window casing, door casing and door stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DIRTT Environmental Solutions, LTD
    Inventors: Geoff W. Gosling, Thomas A. Brown
  • Patent number: 9945132
    Abstract: A finisher box includes a housing having a front end and a rear end. The housing includes a floor and a plurality of adjoining sides defining a cavity between them. The finisher box also includes a pressure plate pivotably coupled near the rear end of the housing about a pivot axis and a blade holder projecting from the front end of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. A blade slot for receiving a removable blade is defined by the blade holder and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: AXIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew W. Jungklaus, Timothy Joseph Beran
  • Patent number: 9945133
    Abstract: A tile aligning and leveling system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: New Standards Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: James P Hoffman, Ernest L Perry, IV, Michele Volponi
  • Patent number: 9945134
    Abstract: A load-adjustable vertically moving scaffold comprises a base unit, a work support provided on an upper part of the base unit and a lift supporting unit supporting the work support to vertically move with respect to the base unit, and the lift supporting unit comprises fixed guide members extended upward from both sides of the base unit, slope guide members installed at front sides of the fixed guide members and configured to be tilted with respect to the fixed guide members, a lift supporting shaft configured to vertically move along the slope guide members, and an elastic member having one end fixed to one side of the work support adjacent to the fixed guide members and other end connected with the lift supporting shaft to apply an elastic bias to the lift supporting shaft toward the fixed guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Byeong Ki Go
  • Patent number: 9945135
    Abstract: An anchoring system and method for anchoring a climbing head to a concrete slab. The anchoring system includes a support and adjustment means for adjusting the positioning of the support with respect to anchoring means of the support. The adjustment means includes a first element fixed to the support, a second element fixed to the anchoring means, both the first element and second element being coupled to one another through a plurality of respective teeth forming a laterally detachable attachment which allows varying the relative longitudinal position of the first element with respect to the second element through the engagement of the corresponding teeth (32, 36) regulating the positioning of the support with respect to the anchoring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ULMA C Y E, S. COOP.
    Inventors: Angel Maria Aranburu Etxezarreta, Aritz Zuloaga Agirrebalzategi, Ander Egaña Urrutia
  • Patent number: 9945136
    Abstract: A waler bracket for use with a concrete wall form includes a main frame portion connecting arm attached to a framing wall stud projecting from the wall form, a spring including a first and second end, a handle attached the connecting arm and to a cam-lock. The handle moves between non clamping and clamping configurations thereof, and rotates the cam-lock, which in turn engages the spring such that the first and second ends act in torsion, such that the first end engages the second end in compression, which in turn causes an abutment against a waler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Philip T Ward
  • Patent number: 9945137
    Abstract: A wraparound cover for a step or a seat includes rods on opposed ends beneath the step and tie wraps engaging the rods through holes in the opposed ends to secure the cover to the step. Each opposed end may be bifurcated into two parts to accommodate a riser supporting the step. In such configuration, a rod and holes are formed at each of the parts to accommodate tie wraps for drawing the rods in opposed parts of the opposed ends toward one another to secure the wraparound cover about the step or the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PREST-O-FIT MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: J. David Prest
  • Patent number: 9945138
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety barrier system for use at construction sites. An inventive, simple to use, reusable, efficient to assemble and disassemble safety guard rail system for use in construction of multistory structures, primarily multistory apartment complexes is described. The inventive system allows for common 2?×4? or 2?×6? wooden posts to be used for a railing system. The system includes a single reversible centerline safety rail, or guard rail post having apertures on its central region, and keyholes along the folded edges thereof. The post may be installed on any horizontal or vertical surface that is usually above the ground. In operation, the guard rail post is mounted on a flat surface, such that a keyhole engages with a fastener attached to the flat surface. Guard rails are received in the apertures formed on the support plate to create a safety rail arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Michael P. Cahoon
  • Patent number: 9945139
    Abstract: A floating weir basket (40) that eliminates the need for hinged doors on conventional fixed pool skimmers (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WATERDROP ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Norberto, III, Frank Norberto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9945140
    Abstract: A cleaner includes an external casing forming a suction hood, an upper suction mouth, the casing also being provided with a drive arranged on each side and equipped with independent motors and corresponding transmission mechanisms on each side, and cleaning rollers; sets of internal cleaning rollers disposed close to the center of the hollow interior of the casing and having a width approximately equal to the distance between the side elements of the casing; sets of external cleaning rollers located close to the front and rear edges of the casing of the cleaning device and having a total width slightly greater than the width of the casing; a resilient joint at the support for the external rollers; a pair of adhesion turbines; auxiliary drive wheels on the internal cleaning rollers; a flotation body connected to the casing and having a fixed and/or variable volume; and laterally mobile turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ingenieria y Marketing, S.A.
    Inventors: Jesús LaCalle Bayo, Juan Ignacio Vaquer Perez, José Ignacio Rosello Garcia
  • Patent number: 9945141
    Abstract: A pool skimmer basket includes a basket rim, a basket bottom opposite the basket rim, and a lower basket portion. The lower basket portion includes porous sidewalls positioned between the basket rim and the basket bottom. The pool skimmer basket also includes a fluid inlet above a first part of the basket rim, and within a perimeter of the basket rim. The pool skimmer basket also includes a fluid outlet below a second part of the basket rim, and above the basket bottom. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 9945142
    Abstract: A building system for housing electronic equipment is described. The building system includes a building stack that includes an instrumentation modular building unit, with an internal configuration of space in the instrumentation modular building unit configured to house electronics equipment, a power modular building unit, with an internal configuration of space in the power modular building unit storing power distribution equipment, power filtering equipment and uninterruptible power supplies and further configured to deliver electronic power to the instrumentation modular building unit; and a cooling modular unit comprising an air conditioner unit and a water chiller unit, with the instrumentation modular building unit, the power unit modular building unit and the cooling modular unit stacked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FMR LLC
    Inventors: Joseph B. Maselli, Scot Blessington, Robert J. Stein
  • Patent number: 9945143
    Abstract: A swiveling joint for use in a pole such as a light pole is disclosed. The swiveling joint connects a first member mounted to a lower leg of a pole with a second member mounted to an upper leg of the pole. The second leg has a skirt which sits around an annular portion of the first member, with a bearing member located between the first and second members. The bearing member can be moved from outside the second member between a locked position where the joint is fixed, and a released position where the joint can rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Swivelpole Patent Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert John Pannekoek, Peter Pannekoek
  • Patent number: 9945144
    Abstract: A stake for including a vertical shaft having a cork screw or a helical coil formed in the bottom end, a top end capable of supporting a decorative element, and having an S-shaped handle formed in the center for enabling the screwing of the cork screw into the ground for vertical stabilization of the stake. The bottom helical coil ends with a sharp tip for easing the installation into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Decoy Stake Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Brooks
  • Patent number: 9945145
    Abstract: An embedded pole installation method including applying a rotational force to a leading pole and an intermediate pole. The leading pole comprises a first helical plate disposed on a first portion of the leading pole. The intermediate pole is coupled to a second portion of the leading pole and comprises a second helical plate disposed on a first portion of the intermediate pole. The diameter of the intermediate pole is greater than a diameter of the leading pole. Applying the rotational force embeds the first helical plate and the second helical plate into a foundation such that a second portion of the intermediate pole does not penetrate the foundation. The method further includes coupling a utility pole to the second portion of the intermediate pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TRINITY MEYER UTILITY STRUCTURES LLC
    Inventors: Guy L. Faries, Jonathan P. Girard, Mark H. Fairbairn
  • Patent number: 9945146
    Abstract: A cylinder alignment monitoring system for a mast or derrick hingedly connected to a substructure wherein at least a pair of extending cylinders move the mast or derrick between a storage position and an upright use position. The monitoring system includes a distance measurement device to determine the extension distance of each of the extending cylinders. A comparison device compares the extension distances measured for each of the extending cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Woolslayer Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Robb
  • Patent number: 9945147
    Abstract: A modular crypt structure comprising a frame, a module insert defining a chamber and a closure panel and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The chamber functions as a crypt module and is adapted to receive bodily remains or portions thereof. The chamber is closed by attaching a closure panel, such as a stone crypt front to the frame, thereby encapsulating bodily remains The modular crypt structure may comprise a plurality of chambers, thereby providing a plurality of crypt modules, and the frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars and a plurality of vertical bars. A method of constructing a modular crypt structure comprises erecting a frame, providing at least one module insert, configuring the insert to define a chamber adapted to receive bodily remains, and closing the crypt module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Matthews International Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Bridgeman, Charles T. Young
  • Patent number: 9945148
    Abstract: A vehicle hitch support hut tent preferably includes a telescoping hitch tube, a telescoping height tube, a canopy support tube, a plurality of canopy support rods and a canopy sheet. The telescoping hitch tube is retained in a female vehicle hitch. The telescoping height tube preferably includes a base height tube, an adjustment height tube, a support tube receiver and an adjustable support tube. An opposing end of the telescoping hitch tube is secured to the base height tube. An end of the canopy support tube is attached to a top of the adjustment height tube. The canopy support tube preferably includes a base canopy rod and a canopy extension tube. The plurality of canopy support rods extend from the base canopy rod and the canopy extension tube. An opposing end of the plurality of canopy rods are retained in pockets formed on opposing edges of the canopy sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Michael D. Schell
  • Patent number: 9945149
    Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9945150
    Abstract: A latch handle is disclosed. The latch handle may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may comprise a high aspect ratio. The second portion may have a width greater than the second portion. A nacelle is disclosed. The nacelle may comprise a first panel and a latch assembly. The latch assembly may include a latch housing and a latch handle. The latch handle may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may comprise an aspect ratio greater than one. The second portion may have a width greater than the width of the first portion. A cut-out configured to accommodate the latch assembly may be disposed on the first panel. The first panel may be a fan cowl panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Aten, Kristian Sitson, John J. Lee, Yibin Deng
  • Patent number: 9945151
    Abstract: A refrigerator door includes a handle that is secured to the door utilizing connectors at first and second ends of the handle. The connectors do not have exposed screws, thereby improving the appearance of the refrigerator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Neomar Giacomini, Axel Julio Ramm
  • Patent number: 9945152
    Abstract: A clutch driving module is disposed in a lock which is able to drive the clutch driving module selectively to control an exterior handle assembly whether be able to drive a latch assembly in lock or unlock or not. And the clutch driving module is able to respectively make an interior handle assembly and the exterior handle assembly controlling the lock in lock or unlock independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Wen-Chieh Lee
  • Patent number: 9945153
    Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a chamber for receiving a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to restrain the spring latch. A pivotable spring latch lifter is positively driven by the keeper, and a pivotable dead latch release platform is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is locked within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and then may be rotated which causes rotation of the dead latch release platform, allowing the dead latch to enter the chamber. The keeper positively drives the spring latch lifter to lift the spring latch onto the external ramp of the strike. In an alternate embodiment, an internal ramp feature may be used instead of the spring latch lifter to positively lift the spring latch out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominik Scheffler, Scott Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9945154
    Abstract: A key assembly includes a key: defining a retaining recess, being slideably received in a key rail, and having a key pin; a slider: with extensions, defining a pin void receiving the key pin, and being configured to both pivot and translate with respect to the key pin; the extensions slideably received in a curved slider rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gerardo Brigido Delgado, Jorge Alejandro Rodriguez Melendez, Mark Vargas Morelli Luna, Alan Rodrigo Saucedo Osorno