Patents Issued in February 9, 2021
  • Patent number: 10914075
    Abstract: A bracket and related method to construct stairways is provided. The bracket includes a top horizontal leg having a first width and a first spacer of a first dimension and a second spacer of a smaller second dimension, and a vertical leg joined with the top leg, the vertical leg having a first height, with a ratio of the first width to the first height being at least 1:2. The method can include placing the top leg adjacent an underside of stair boards, selectively altering or not altering the first spacer based on a preselected gap between the boards, fastening the top leg to the underside of the boards with fasteners while the first spacer and/or the second spacer maintains the preselected gap, placing the bracket vertical leg adjacent a stringer, and fastening the vertical leg to the stringer, optionally while the installer remains above the stairway and stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: National Nail Corp
    Inventors: Roger A. Vandenberg, Todd E. A. Schwartzkopf
  • Patent number: 10914076
    Abstract: A pipe extrusion includes a cross-section with a substantially round outer perimeter. A round portion of the substantially round outer perimeter preferably has an included angle of less than 300 degrees. A pair of inward facing flanges terminate the round portion. A cross member is formed across an inner area of the round portion. The cross member is parallel with the pair of inward facing flanges. A position of the cross member relative to a centerline of the round portion is between 0-20 degrees from the center line of the round portion. The pipe extrusion is preferably fabricated from any suitable aluminum alloy, such as T-6 aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Patrick J. Santini
  • Patent number: 10914077
    Abstract: A wall (or roof) system includes: an exterior sheathing covers a frame, a plurality of spaced apart battens are affixed on the sheathing, and a siding in contact with the battens. Each batten includes: a backweb having two sides and a length, a plurality of elongated piers upstanding on each side of the backweb, each pier running the length of the backweb, and each pier having a distal surface, and a first air flow channel defined between adjacent piers and a horizontal pier cutting through adjacent piers. Air flows between airspaces created between the exterior sheathing and the siding by the batten. Air also flows through the first air flow channel and this air flow may reduce moisture entrapment between the batten and the siding or the exterior sheathing. The batten may also have a second air flow channel at an angle to the first air flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Roy, Keith A. Lolley
  • Patent number: 10914078
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for anchoring facade panel elements includes a substructure on a building shell and a plurality of facade panel elements. The fastening arrangement has an adhesive component and a mechanical securing component. The fastening arrangement is characterized in that per facade panel element, at least two securing straps are provided as mechanical securing components, each having at least two fastening points. At least one fastening point of the two securing straps has a sliding point which uses an oblong hole. Furthermore, the longitudinal extent of this oblong hole defines an axis which is tilted at an angle ? of between 5° and 20° relative to the vertical axis. The fastening arrangement is constructed by preparing the substructure and at least one facade panel element for fastening, attaching the securing straps to the facade element and applying an adhesive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventor: Erich Palm
  • Patent number: 10914079
    Abstract: A magnetic holding system for securely affixing an object to a wall surface including a first magnetic sheet layer having specific polarity line spacing, a second layer having magnetic receptive properties, and finally an object with a mounting surface designed to abut the second layer, the mounting surface including a magnetic material having specific polarity line spacing that is substantially the same as the specific polarity line spacing of the first layer and a sheet of steel, such that, when the object polarity line spacing is aligned with the first layer polarity line spacing, the object is securely held to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Deetz Family, LLC
    Inventor: Dayton J. Deetz
  • Patent number: 10914080
    Abstract: Described herein are resilient floor coverings produced by using digitally printed UV-cured inks and exhibiting high adhesion properties between an ink layer and a wear layer. Also described herein are methods for manufacturing same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Tom Odum, Jay Vecsey, Jeff Wright
  • Patent number: 10914081
    Abstract: An interlocking modular mat having four sides has female connectors on two sides and male connectors on the other two sides so that the modular mat can interlock with an adjacent mat and its connectors. The modular mat is configured with a plurality of structures surrounding a periphery of a top portion of the mat. The plurality of structures in combination with an underside of the top portion of the mat form a cavity. A sponge insert is configured to fit in the cavity and have a height such that a portion of the sponge insert extends from a bottom side the mat body. With the sponge insert extending beyond the bottom side of the mat body, the sponge insert bottom face generally become the supporting bottom of the modular mat to provide a more cushioned feel for a mat user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Wearwell, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Huss
  • Patent number: 10914082
    Abstract: A mesh tape bonded to the outer edge or outward side of sheet panel products. The mesh tape is applied so that the tape overhangs the edge of the panel for the purpose of adjoining to the adjacent panel following installation of the panels at a job site. The mesh may be applied to two edges of the sheet panel, one along the panel width and another along the panel length. When installed, the panel edge with the mesh tape applied is overlapped with the edge of an adjacent panel that does not have tape applied, both along the length and width, thus allowing for a faster, more robust and reliable installation of panel sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Brian St. Germain
  • Patent number: 10914083
    Abstract: A self-climbing concrete wall form hoist for forming a concrete wall section atop a previously formed wall section has a wall mounting releasably secured to the previously formed wall section, a plurality of moveable vertical masts, an extendable cylinder inside each mast, and a platform alternatively supported on the masts, which in turn are supported alternatively on the upper and lower wall mountings. The apparatus cycles between a platform raising position when the masts and platform are supported on the upper wall mounting and a lower wall mounting raising position when the masts and platform are supported on the upper wall mounting. The extendable cylinders are extended to raise the mast and platform relative to the lower wall mounting when the masts are supported on the upper wall mounting, and the extendable cylinders are retracted when raising the lower wall mounting relative to the platform when the masts and platform are supported on the upper wall mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Co.
    Inventors: James Johnson, Thomas Waldschmitt, Andrew Gray, Robert McCracken
  • Patent number: 10914084
    Abstract: A connecting system is for dismountably connecting two intersecting formwork beams. The system includes a resilient single-component structure having two intermediate arms joining together respective regions for pressing the two intersecting formwork beams together at support regions. The resilient single-component structure is configured to slide longitudinally over one of the two intersecting formwork beams. Pressure or impact on the resilient single-component structure produces elastic deformation of the resilient single-component structure so as to clamp or hold the two intersecting formwork beams and press them together. The two intermediate arms extend at their upper ends into respective extensions for pressing on support regions of one of the beams to be connected, while at the other end they extend into a U- or V-shaped bridge for pressing on the support region of the opposite beam to be joined. Each of the intermediate arms has double elbows joined to respective straight-parallel extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SISTEMAS TECNICOS DE ENCOFRADOS, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Ubiñana Felix
  • Patent number: 10914085
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a level flooring surface includes a plurality of groups of leveling blocks, wherein each of the plurality of groups has a defined height different from the others of the plurality of groups of leveling blocks and a defined color different from the others of the plurality of groups of leveling blocks. Each of the leveling blocks has an adhesive layer so that the leveling blocks can be fixed to a surface. The leveling blocks are selectively adhered to a surface in a grid-like pattern so that upper surfaces of each of the leveling blocks are substantially planar with a pre-identified zero-level elevation so that a level flooring surface can be installed based on visual confirmation of elevation levels along the grid-like pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: John Mucciarone
  • Patent number: 10914086
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed, including a rigid housing having a slot with an engagement axis, and a shaft extending parallel to the engagement axis. The apparatus further includes a tab member on a distal end of the shaft and a rotational actuator on a proximal end of the shaft. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the shaft, causing the tab member to move between a hooked position and an unhooked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Boyd, Kevin Marek, Eric Bellman, Maxwell C. Simmons, Robert J. Simmons, Kyle Joseph Palmiscno
  • Patent number: 10914087
    Abstract: Ammunition boxes may be equipped with a cohesive and adhesive shell restraining overlay adapted to restrain ammunition shells in a stabilized position. The shell restraining overlay provides sufficient adhesiveness to restrain a housed ammunition shell at a desired shell position, but allows for relatively effortless shell release without creating excessive movement or noise. The stabilizing overlay also stabilizes the shells from inadvertent spillage from the ammunition box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tak Logic, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Wayne Kriesel, Troy Bradley Goodenough
  • Patent number: 10914088
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a telescopic support prop, which has a leg with a lower leg part and an upper leg part. The upper leg part has a plurality of vertically spaced through holes. A locking pin is releasably connected to one of the vertically spaced through holes of the upper leg part. A cap is connected to the locking pin, the cap having a fastening sleeve put over an end of the locking pin, the cap further having a spring for bearing against the exterior of the lower leg part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: DOKA GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Hochgatterer
  • Patent number: 10914089
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modular walled systems, such as modular walled spas and modular walled privacy fences and can protect pool and spa equipment from the public. In one embodiment, the modular walled system includes an outer frame disposed within a medial frame, and an inner frame disposed within the medial frame, wherein each frame includes a set of brace assemblies that connect to rebar grids. The brace assemblies may include a foot plate and threaded couplers. The wall system also provides protective room for electrical raceways and a secure anchor substrate to attach electronics, panels, boxes or lighting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Consolidated Manufacturing International, LLC
    Inventors: Reuben E. Clark, Gary Weise
  • Patent number: 10914090
    Abstract: A quadratic surface grate cover for a swimming pool including a hyperbolic paraboloid shaped frame having front side, a back side, a top side that runs parallel to a bottom side and two non-parallel ends that connect the top and bottom sides. The quadratic surface grate includes at least four trapezoid-shaped vented portions positioned within and across the frame so that the frame and the trapezoid-shaped portions flex in a concave direction between the two non-parallel ends and a convex direction between the two parallel sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Nicolae Badita, William J. Wright
  • Patent number: 10914091
    Abstract: A two-part dispensing device for a pool having a dispensing saddle with a static port therein for continual delivery of a first dispersant and a hold for floatingly supporting itself and an exchangeable dispensing pod therein with the dispensing pod having a dynamic port and a static port for a continual delivery of a dispersant wherein the static port delivery of a dispersant maintains the pool at a safe level when there is no human bather load on the pool and the condition of the disperant in the dispensing pod can be determined by the orientation of the dispensing saddle and the dispensing pod in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey Johnson, Paul Freeberg, David Guy, Terry Goeman
  • Patent number: 10914092
    Abstract: Swimming pool cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit intended to be immersed in a swimming pool and at least one liquid filter circuit between at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet via a filter chamber removable from the body of the cleaning unit. The filter chamber may include a cover and a filter basket. The cover may include components for fastening the filter basket and locking the filter chamber to the body of the cleaning unit. The locking component may be releasable and, when released, may cause an extraction handle to be deployed from the filter chamber and urged toward a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Blanc Tailleur, Faustine Munoz, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 10914093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a volumetric compression restrainer (100), characterised by: an outer casing (101) comprising a pair of C-shaped structures interconnected to one another to form a cylinder; a plurality of partitions (102) arranged in a parallel manner along length of an inner surface of the pair of C-shaped structures with a spacing therebetween; an inner core (103) extending through the outer casing (101), whereby the plurality of partitions (102) enclosed the inner core (103); a plurality of hollow plates (104) mounted on the inner core (103), for spacing and upholding the inner core (103); a plurality of damping means (105) wrapped over the inner core (103), arranged in a manner of the plurality of damping means (105) positioned between the plurality of partitions (102) and the plurality of hollow plates (104); and a connecting means having a front connector (106) engaged to one end of the inner core (103) and an end connector (107) engaged to the other end of the inner core (103), for ins
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Universiti Putra Malaysia
    Inventors: Farzad Hejazi, Mohd Saleh Jaafar
  • Patent number: 10914094
    Abstract: A slide lock post assembly repairs a damaged post. The assembly has a post slide plate and a wedge plate, collectively forming an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly fits within an inner cavity of an anchor receiver. The post slide plate attaches to a repair post and the anchor receiver attaches to a base post. The post slide plate slides into the anchor receiver and the resulting assembly holds the two posts rigidly together. The post slide plate has side walls that flare outwards ensuring that the post slide plate can't be pulled upwards and out of the anchor receiver. Security pins can be tightened against the post slide plate and anchor receiver such that the plate is secured within the receiver. A decorative shroud can be slid over the other parts of the slide lock post assembly to conceal said components and beautify the resulting post repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Christian Charrin
  • Patent number: 10914095
    Abstract: A tower assembly for a wind turbine includes a tower and a freestanding internal tower structure assembly. The tower has a tower wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface separated by a tower wall thickness, with the inner surface defining a tower interior. The internal tower structure assembly is positioned within the tower interior. The tower structure assembly includes a plurality of stackable support structures configured to support one or more internal tower components. Further, the tower structure assembly is freestanding within the tower interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Eric Reed, Ronald Lawrence Yenser, Gary Wayne Holladay, Eduardo Moreno Benito, Sergi Unzueta Garcia
  • Patent number: 10914096
    Abstract: A tent includes a domed-shaped modular frame and a tent cover attachable to the frame and having a door, a transparent top, and rain cover. The rain cover also has a transparent top. A shield is selectively positioned on the interior of the tent cover to cover the transparent top. The transparent top of the tent cover and rain cover are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Holly Hovagimian-Beck, Brian Polk
  • Patent number: 10914097
    Abstract: A landing door locking mechanism of an elevator system includes a body housing key-engagement elements and having a first end and a second end, the key-engagement elements located at the first end and a keyway structure, wherein in a first position the first end of the body is exposed such that a key may be inserted into a keyway of the keyway structure and interact with the key-engagement elements. A biasing mechanism is configured to bias a moveable portion of the body toward a second position, wherein in the second position a key cannot interact with the key-engagement elements and a solenoid is configured to apply a force on the moveable portion of the body when the solenoid is energized such that the moveable portion of the body is moved from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicolas Fonteneau, Clement Schach, Christophe Taudou, Raphael Picard, Thierry Chopineau, Patrice Degardin, Alexandre Renard
  • Patent number: 10914098
    Abstract: A latch system has a latch hook pivotably mounted in the housing between a closed position and an open position. It further includes an actuating lever pivotably mounted in the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the actuating lever is in the locked position and the latch hook is in the closed position, the actuating lever maintains the latch hook in the closed position, and when the actuating lever is in the unlocked position, the actuating lever does not interfere with movement of the latch hook between the open position and the closed position. The system can further include a mechanical indicator, and when the actuating lever is in the locked position, the indicator provides a locked indication, and when the actuating lever is in the unlocked indication position, the indicator provides an unlocked indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 10914099
    Abstract: A gate unit includes a gate mount that is adapted to mate with a frame bordering a passageway and formed to include a latch receiver and a gate mounted on the gate mount for pivotable movement about a gate-pivot axis between an opened position opening a walkway passage formed in the gate mount and a closed position closing the walkway passage formed in the gate mount. The gate unit further includes a gate lock configured to lock the gate in the closed position closing the walkway passage formed in the gate mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Gentil
  • Patent number: 10914100
    Abstract: A lockable equipment rack for a backpack blower is presented. A lockable equipment rack includes adjustable components configured to storage of a variety of backpack blowers. The equipment rack can be installed in a variety of locations, for example a trailer, and securely store the backpack blower. The lockable equipment rack prevents theft of the backpack blower and tampering of its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Green Touch Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Keegan
  • Patent number: 10914101
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle door assembly including a door handle assembly and a door latch assembly that includes a door latch device operatively connected to the door handle assembly using a latch release lever that moves along a travel path to place the door latch device in an unlatched configuration. A latch release blocking structure is located within an interior volume of the vehicle door assembly. The latch release blocking structure includes a first leg that is mounted to a support portion. An overhang portion is connected to the first leg. The overhang portion extends over at least a portion of the travel path of the latch release lever. A second leg extends from the overhang portion toward the support portion to a free end that is spaced from the mounting structure providing a gap along the travel path of the latch release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10914102
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door latch, in particular a servo latch, which is equipped with a locking mechanism including of a catch and a pawl. Furthermore, a spindle drive with a motor, spindle and spindle nut located thereon is executed at least to close the locking mechanism. The spindle nut impinges the catch at least in the closure direction via a closure lever. The closure lever is simultaneously formed as an opening lever to open the locking mechanism and consequently as a combined closure/opening lever. The combined closure/opening lever impinges either the catch in a closing direction or the pawl in an opening direction dependent on the actuating direction of the spindle drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Robert J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10914103
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle for a vehicle door having an activation lever configured for rotating around an activation axis from a rest position to an activation position for activating a latch of the vehicle door, and a bracket intended to receive the activation lever. One of the activation lever and the bracket comprises a driving element, and the other comprises a stop element, the driving element cooperating with the stop element such that when the activation lever is actuated from the rest position to the activation position, the driving element passes from a first side of the stop element corresponding to an initial position, to a second side corresponding to a final position, when the activation lever comes back from the activation position to the rest position, the driving element and the stop element cooperates to make the activation lever come back in the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: U-Shin Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Cousin, Anthony Guerin
  • Patent number: 10914104
    Abstract: A pivoting mechanism includes a first hollow tube and a second hollow tube. The second hollow tube is rotatably sleeved on the first hollow tube to generate a torsion force with the first hollow tube. An electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chao-Di Shen, Kai-Lin Chang, Yan-Lin Kuo
  • Patent number: 10914105
    Abstract: A cabinet door assembly for a household appliance that couples a cabinet door to the household appliance. The cabinet door assembly can include a cabinet door and hinge assembly. The hinge assembly can include one or more braces that secure to the cabinet door and repositionable hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Jaroslav Ridilla
  • Patent number: 10914106
    Abstract: An actuation device for a lifting system for door leaves of furniture, the actuation device comprising a fixing plate that can be connected to the body of the piece of furniture, a supporting lever for the door leaf, which is connected, so that it can oscillate, to the fixing plate at a fulcrum and comprises, at the fulcrum, a connecting portion that extends eccentrically with respect to the fulcrum, and elastic means that comprise a body for accommodating at least one elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ARTURO SALICE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 10914107
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a landing platform located in a first plane, a sliding door mating with the landing platform and located in a second plane approximately parallel to the first plane, and a driving assembly configured to drive the sliding door to move translationally in the second plane to open or close the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingxi Wang, Xiangyu Chen
  • Patent number: 10914108
    Abstract: An opposed type sliding door device includes a center rail mounted on a center of a door in a longitudinal direction of the door. A center roller is mounted on a vehicle body and a lower rail is mounted on a lower portion of the vehicle body. A lower roller is mounted on the door and moves along the lower rail to pivot the door toward the outside of the vehicle. The lower roller includes a pinion gear which engages in a rack gear mounted on a lower portion of the lower rail, a planetary gear reducer coupled to an upper portion of the pinion gear, a swing bracket moving the door toward the outside with rotation of the pinion gear, and a mounting bracket having one end coupled to the door and another end coupled to the swing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyung-In Yun, Jae-Hong Choi
  • Patent number: 10914109
    Abstract: In a hinge device comprising a first member attached to a main body, a second member attachable to a door and rotatable about a vertical rotation axis with respect to the first member, a cam provided in the first member, and a linear damper provided in the second member and actuatable by the cam, the linear damper is disposed below the lower surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUGATSUNE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ken Shinmura
  • Patent number: 10914110
    Abstract: A detection system and method of operating the detection system are provided. The system includes a power supply unit and at least one sensor for sensing at least one of an object and a motion. A communication unit is electrically coupled to the power supply unit for communicating with a plurality of vehicle system controllers. A microprocessor is operable in a plurality of modes and electrically coupled to the power supply unit and the at least one sensor and the communication unit. The microprocessor is configured to determine which of the plurality of modes should be active based on communication with the vehicle system controllers and to receive and process the data from the at least one sensor. The microprocessor is also configured to initiate movement of the closure panel in response to processing the data corresponding to the at least one of the object and the motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: J. R. Scott Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10914111
    Abstract: A spindle drive apparatus includes a spindle, a spindle nut, a drive assembly with a drive unit, which is adapted for driving the spindle or the spindle nut, an output shaft of the drive unit and a drive assembly housing, in which the drive assembly is housed, at least one bearing, a coupling element, which prevents a displacement of elements houses therein from each other, wherein the drive assembly housing is free from forces, which are transmitted from one of the superordinate assemblies through the spindle drive apparatus to the other of the superordinate assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Oster, Andreas Ritter
  • Patent number: 10914112
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle liftgate control for cargo management. An example vehicle includes a liftgate with a sensor on an inner surface and a processor. The liftgate provides access to a cargo area. The processor, when an object is in the cargo area, detect when the object is banked against the liftgate using measurements from the sensor, and when the object is banked and a command to open the liftgate is received, autonomously opens the liftgate to an intermediate position between fully open and fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Brian Bennie
  • Patent number: 10914113
    Abstract: A window with multiple elements which are suitable for installation in a building exterior wall as part of designing and/or retrofitting building facades is disclosed. The building structure comprises one or more movable members movably attached to a frame member where the frame member is secured in a wall opening. The building structure may further comprise a sash member attached to the one or more movable members. The connection of these members may be such that an enclosure is created when the building structure is in an extended or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Aldana Florencia Ferrer Garcia
  • Patent number: 10914114
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The shutter's conductor may have a modified surface, e.g., to promote diffuse reflection, reduce total internal reflection, etc. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Blush, Timothy J. Frey
  • Patent number: 10914115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Karine A. Luetgert, Mark E. Richter, William R. Immell, Stephen G. Huhn
  • Patent number: 10914116
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic detachable door of a detachable type for a showcase. The automatic detachable door includes a plurality of foldable screens (30), of which a cover cap (40) is respectively fitted into upper and lower portions of the respective foldable screens (30), a first fitting protrusion (41) is mounted to one side of the upper cover cap (40), and a second fitting protrusion (47) is mounted to one side of the lower cover cap (40); and upper and lower frames (20 and 22) which are provided with a plurality of fitting holes (23) at a certain interval. Power transmission members (70) are fitted into the fitting holes (23) of the upper frame (20). A center of the power transmission member (70) is provided with a protrusion receiving hole (71) for receiving the first fitting protrusion (41). Two rod receiving holes (73) are formed at symmetric positions at an equal distance from a center the protrusion receiving hole (71).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Sang-Woo Kwon
  • Patent number: 10914117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vertically movable gate with a gate panel comprising several gate panel segments, where two adjacent gate panel segments are each hingedly connected to one another by way of at least one hinge, and with a motorized drive which transmits a force for lifting and lowering the gate panel via at least one drive means to the gate panel, and a connection means for connecting the drive means to the gate panel. Gates of the type mentioned at the outset are improved according to the invention such that, though such a gate can be moved easily between an open and a closed position largely independent of the forces arising, it nevertheless provides a compact and simultaneously stable and fail-safe design in that several gate panel segments are each individually connected to the drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Gabrijel Rejc
  • Patent number: 10914118
    Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: VIEW, INC.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Robin Friedman, Vinod Khosla, Rao Mulpuri, Anshu A. Pradhan
  • Patent number: 10914119
    Abstract: A drilling tool includes a tubular housing, a bit drive shaft configured to rotate in the housing and support a rotary drill bit at a lower end of the bit drive shaft, and a plurality of bracing devices arranged in the housing. The drilling tool also includes a control device configured to actuate the bracing devices, wherein the bracing devices include anchoring elements and an actuator assembly to which the anchoring elements are coupled The anchoring elements are distributed over the circumference of the housing, wherein the anchoring elements are movable radially outwardly and inwardly and are configured to be retracted into grooves in the housing The radial movability of said anchoring elements is temperature-controlled by the actuator assembly which includes at least one heat-expandable pressure medium, and wherein the pressure medium includes at least one of a gas and a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Werner Vorhoff
  • Patent number: 10914120
    Abstract: A Rotary Steerable System (RSS) includes a flexible collar coupled therein that reduces the stiffness of the RSS and permits a tighter turning radius to be achieved. The positioning of the flexible collar between the steering section and the controller of the RSS further improves the turning radius, and may permit a push-the-bit system to operate similar to a point-the bit system. The flexible collar permits communication therethrough between controller and the steering sections of the RSS. The RSS may be arranged as a modular system to receive various configurations of a flexible collar and may operate with no flexible collar installed. The modularity enables tuning of the stiffness of an RSS to achieve different steering objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Menger, Satish Rajagopalan, Daniel Winslow
  • Patent number: 10914121
    Abstract: Embodiments and methods relate to pulling and installing a product line along an underground arcuate path beneath an obstacle, including pulling the product line for an extended length (i.e. a length that might otherwise be deemed impracticable) along the underground arcuate path beneath the obstacle. A sealing/locking mechanism is located at one end of an outer pipe and at an end of an inner pipe at a position within the underground arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Halderman, Pablo Esteban Guerra, Richard Neil Smith, John Steven Meaders, James Williams
  • Patent number: 10914122
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid injection type reamer bit, which comprises a drilling and reaming rod (1), a drilling tool (2) and reaming tools (3). The reamer bit is adopted to perform drilling and reaming operations respectively in a water pressure adjusting manner, has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, small volume, light weight, flexible and reliable technology, unified power sources for drilling and reaming, stable reaming, easy recovery of tools, and realization of reaming while drilling, greatly improves the anchoring reliability of anchor bolts, and ensures the safety of workers during underground work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HENAN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hua Nan, Deyi Nan, Faqiang Su, Bingjian Wang
  • Patent number: 10914123
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool may include a plurality of blades extending axially and radially from a body. A first plurality of cutting elements may be disposed along rotationally leading faces of the plurality of blades. A pocket may be formed within a blade, and the pocket may extend angularly into the blade from a rotationally leading face of the blade within a shoulder region of the blade. A second plurality of cutting elements may be disposed within the at least one pocket. A rotational pathway of at least one cutting element of the second plurality of cutting elements may at least partially overlaps with another rotational pathway of at least one cutting element of the first plurality of cutting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Craig Russell, William Schoen, David Gavia
  • Patent number: 10914124
    Abstract: Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may include a polycrystalline, superabrasive material secured to an end of a substrate. The polycrystalline, superabrasive material may include a first transition surface and a second transition surface. A waveform may extend around a circumference of the second transition surface, a surface of the waveform tapered toward from the substrate and extending radially from the second transition surface toward the central axis. The surface of the waveform may extend from the second transition surface to a planar surface of the polycrystalline located at a same distance from the substrate as troughs of the waveform surface, the planar surface oriented perpendicular, and located proximate, to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Wayne Borge