Patents Issued in April 6, 2021
  • Patent number: 10968602
    Abstract: A machine routing and planning system for mobile machines at a work site includes a plurality of haul trucks, at least one loading machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to generate an initial material movement plan based upon an initial number of loading machines and haul trucks and the initial carryback threshold, and generate initial movement command signals to operate the loading machines and haul trucks at the work site based upon the initial material movement plan. The controller is further configured to generate a modified material movement plan based upon a modified number of loading machines and haul trucks and the modified carryback threshold, and generate modified movement command signals to operate the loading machines and haul trucks at the work site based upon the modified material movement plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Carl F. B. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10968603
    Abstract: A operator supporting electrohydraulic drive and control system based on, position sensors (8) (9), a electronic control unite ECU (2), a recovery, storing and re-use system for energy, and with actuator (3) (4) and the drive control valve (6) (7) bolted together in one (3+6) (4+7) unite and with the valve (6) (7) independently of the ECU (2) is controlling effective use of pump capacity and recovery of energy and with control of speed for low speeds, or prevented speed by valves (6) (7) or pump (10) (10a) (11) (11a) displacement and for higher speed with control of deplacement of pumps and motors and with valves (6) (7) at the same time controlled to be fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FLUTRON AB
    Inventor: Stig Stenlund
  • Patent number: 10968604
    Abstract: A work machine includes directional control valves 43 and 44 each controlling a direction and a flow rate of a pressurized fluid supplied to each a boom cylinder 32 and a bucket cylinder 36; operation amount sensors 51a, 52a, and 52b detecting operation amounts of operation devices 51 and 52; a variable flow control valve 45 that can restrict the flow rate of the pressurized fluid in a meter-in passage of the directional control valve 44 related to the bucket cylinder 36; and a controller 60 controlling the variable flow control valve on the basis of the detection results by the operation amounts from the operation amount sensors, and the controller changes over an action mode to any one of a normal mode for restricting the flow rate of the pressurized fluid by the variable flow control valve and a responsiveness priority mode for not restricting the flow rate of the pressurized fluid by the variable flow control valve in response to the detection results of the operation amounts of the plurality of operation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Hiroaki Amano, Shinji Nishikawa, Masafumi Hita
  • Patent number: 10968605
    Abstract: An embodiment of this invention provides a swivel joint for a working machine that makes it easy to install a device for detecting rotation angle and is able to suppress the increase of the size due to the installation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Taro Kawamura, Takashi Sasajima
  • Patent number: 10968606
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for estimating yaw of an implement relative to a machine. The yaw is estimated using gyro signals. The gyro signals may be provided by gyro sensors such as IMUs that are coupled to the implement and machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Francisco R. Green
  • Patent number: 10968607
    Abstract: When correcting an error caused by deviation of an attitude detection device with respect to a work machine including a swing body which swings, a working implement being attached to the swing body, the attitude detection device outputting an attitude of the work machine, the error is corrected by using a first position which is a position of a part of the work machine when the work machine is in a first attitude and a second position which is a position of the part when the work machine is in a second attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Iwamura, Masanobu Seki, Masashi Ichihara, Kenjiro Shimada, Satoru Shintani, Yuki Shimano, Eiji Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 10968608
    Abstract: A water distribution pipe comprises an elbow formation along its length, an aperture-defining formation defining an aperture in a radially distal wall of the elbow formation along a radius of the curvature of the elbow, and an openable closure that is mounted or mountable to the aperture-defining formation and that closes the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DESERT BLOOMS LLC
    Inventors: Gary Alan Larsen, Rebecca Lily Oppenheimer
  • Patent number: 10968609
    Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic of a fluid inside a fluid distribution system includes receiving a fluid inside a channel of a vein of a stem of a hydrant; recording data corresponding to the characteristic of the fluid with a sensing device, the sensing device including: a housing; a vein in sealing contact with the housing, the vein defining a channel extending from a lower end of the vein to an upper end of the vein; a sensor facing the channel and in sealing contact with the vein; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor and positioned within the housing; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor; and transmitting the data to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno, Diego Aguilera, Daryl Lee Gibson
  • Patent number: 10968610
    Abstract: The faucet insulator apparatus is a device which enables one to help protect a faucet and by extension connected pipes from cold weather elements. The invention is comprised of an insulation region and a capturing recess which provide a faucet cover for protecting a faucet against inclement weather. The portion of the inner walls of the faucet insulator, which come in contact with the faucet, are configured to deform and grasp the faucet to secure the faucet insulator apparatus to portions of the faucet's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Rose Elizabeth Modica
  • Patent number: 10968611
    Abstract: The water diversion assembly of the present invention herein diverts and preserves the water supply when water supply is currently below the threshold temperature. The present invention relates to a water diversion assembly having a hot water inlet connected to a hot water supply and a cold water inlet connected to a cold water supply. An appliance outlet, for use by the user of an appliance, is configured to connect and deliver a water mix at an outlet temperature. The appliance outlet is in fluid communication with the hot water inlet, the cold water inlet, and a water collection outlet. Within the water diversion assembly, a thermostatic diversion valve having a hot water threshold temperature setting and arranged such that water from the hot water supply via the hot water inlet is delivered to the water collection outlet until the hot water threshold temperature is reached and then thermostatically diverted to a thermostatic mixing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Anthony James Cortez
  • Patent number: 10968612
    Abstract: A double shower device comprises a water inlet pipe, a first water separator, a first shower bar, a second shower bar, and a second water separator. The first water separator comprises a first water inlet end connected to the water inlet pipe, a first chamber connected to the first water inlet end, and a block member disposed in the first chamber to be moved vertically. The second water separator is connected to one end of the second shower bar opposite to the first water separator, and comprises a second water inlet end connected to the second shower bar, a second chamber connected to the second water inlet end, and a valve member disposed in the second chamber. The valve member comprises an open state and a close state for moving the block member downward and upward respectively to force a water flow to flow downward and upward respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NCIP Inc.
    Inventor: Rong-Chyan Tzeng
  • Patent number: 10968613
    Abstract: For a sanitary outlet piece (1), it is proposed to have at least two hose connection points (3, 4, 5), which are laterally offset to each other, formed on an inlet side (6) and are guided in the sanitary outlet piece (1) separate from one another from the inlet side (2) to an outlet side (6) of the sanitary outlet piece (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Stein
  • Patent number: 10968614
    Abstract: An accumulator for a vacuum drainage system. The accumulator includes a body having a bottom wall, sidewalls and top wall, the bottom wall, sidewalls and top walls all cooperating to define a reservoir within the body. A first inlet port and a first outlet port are provided toward a first end of the body, and a second inlet port and a second outlet port are provided toward a second end of the body. The first and second inlet ports respectively define first and second inlet openings into the reservoir, and the first and second outlet ports respectively define first and second outlet openings from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas K. Zinn, Carlos J. Galeazzi
  • Patent number: 10968615
    Abstract: A system that uses a flushometer for residential toilets in which adjustments and additions are made in order to allow the flushometer to operate correctly. There is an immediate flush water assembly that provides enough water, under pressure to pas through the flushometer. Also, a check valve can be used to isolate the pressurized water stored for the flush so as to reduce effect on the residential plumbing system and to provide control over flush and recharge. Also, a reduced diameter supply piping portion allows for additional control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Norman Usher
  • Patent number: 10968616
    Abstract: A drainage system for removing groundwater from underneath a water impervious surface including a first housing located below grade having a continuous sidewall, a floor, an open top extending to or through the surface through which stormwater collecting on the surface may enter into the housing, an outlet extending through the sidewall immediately adjacent to the floor and an inlet through the sidewall. A locking ring is fixed within the inlet, and a drain wick is coupled to the locking ring, the drain wick being configured for collecting groundwater underneath the surface and directing the groundwater through the inlet and into the housing. The drain wick includes a pipe having and plurality of radial openings, a perforated first end cap, a second end including screen and a locking nut configured for coupling to the locking ring and a filter bag located between the screen and end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ben Smith, Lance Smith, Robert A. Saldeen
  • Patent number: 10968617
    Abstract: A lift station maintenance device having as its essential features, a circular housing constructed from bars, interleaving self-centering augers for lifting flushable wipes through the system, spring snap options for retaining the bar in slots in top and base plates, and capability to remove large flushable wipes or equivalent materials from liquid sewage systems without clogging. Also disclosed is a lift station maintenance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Terry Duperon, Steven Dill
  • Patent number: 10968618
    Abstract: A catch basin that configured to receive runoff water includes a first tube, a second tube, and a perforated cap. The first tube extends downward from an upper end to a lower end of the catch basin. The first tube has a first cross-sectional area that is defined along a first plane that extends horizontally though the first tube. The second tube extends horizontally outward from the lower end of the first tube at position that is below the upper end. The second tube is in fluid communication with the first tube and has a second cross-sectional area that is defined along a second plane that extends horizontally though the second tube, wherein the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area. The perforated cap is secured to a horizontal end of the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Sherwood
  • Patent number: 10968619
    Abstract: A construction technique, for example for residential, light commercial and multifamily building construction, involving pre-fabricated elements. The elements include prefabricated structural components and prefabricated surface components. A technique of incremental building includes assembling a building structure using these pre-fabricated elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: David L. Harmon
  • Patent number: 10968620
    Abstract: A sandwich structure includes two face plates, with a lattice structure between the plates, and with hard points at selected locations. The face plates, and the lattice structure with its hard points, may all be made as a single continuous piece by an additive manufacturing process. The hard points may be strengthened and/or stiffened areas of the lattice that may be used for connecting fasteners, or for other purposes. The hard points may be located at the junction between the lattice and one of the faces, and may be a locally thickened portion on one of the faces, for example being a cylindrical or parallelepiped protrusion out from the face. The hard points may serve the purpose of a built-in nut plate, such as themselves containing threaded holes, or by having a threaded inserts put into holes or recesses in the hard points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Andrew Truxel
  • Patent number: 10968621
    Abstract: The present disclosed subject matter relates to a connector for two workpieces, which are in particular made of wood. The connector comprises a first and a second fitting which may be mounted on one of the workpieces each by their one side and may be anchored to one another by their other sides, and which each have a circumferential edge between their one and other side. At least the first fitting has a projection with an undercut on its other side and the second fitting has a slot, starting from its edge and corresponding to the undercut, for anchoring the projection. At least one of the fittings has a protrusion on its other side and running transverse to the direction of the slot for resting of the edge of the other fitting when the projection is in the position anchored in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KNAPP GMBH
    Inventor: Friedrich Knapp
  • Patent number: 10968622
    Abstract: An expandable safe room (ESR) defining a protected space therein is provided and comprises a main upright frame, a pair of side walls hingedly connected to the main upright frame, and a front wall parallel to the main upright frame and hingedly connected to the side walls, wherein deploying the ESR in an expanding direction moves the front wall in a forward direction and away from the main upright frame. Floor and roof are also provided wherein the deployment of the ESR can be automatically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Amos Klein
  • Patent number: 10968623
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system which allows users to mount multiple pieces of equipment to a tower and it has the unique capability to adjust a steel frame to level without additional equipment. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a duel locking system that includes a taper adjusting bolt to adjustably position the frame level with the earth. Further, the dual locking system of the present invention preferably further includes the use of retaining bolts to keep the assembly positioned correctly. According to a further aspect of the present invention, once the taper adjusting bolt is in its desired position, the retaining bolts are preferably tightened to lock the frame in place, with the taper adjusting bolt acting as a redundant measure to help maintain the level state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10968624
    Abstract: A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core containing a termiticide with poor water solubility, wherein the gypsum core has a first end region, a center region, and a second end region having an equal thickness and extending along a thickness direction from one surface side to another surface side, the termiticide is contained in each of the first end region, the center region, and the second end region, and a content of the termiticide in the center region is lower than a content of the termiticide in the first end region and in the second end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: YOSHINO GYPSUM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Niimi, Itaru Yokoyama, Kazuyuki Umehara, Yuji Ataka, Keiichi Ohki, Shinji Yoshida, Saburou Yamato, Tadashi Nakagaki, Ayaka Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 10968625
    Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels, methods for manufacture thereof, and applications thereof are described. The vacuum insulation panels comprise a porous insulating core encapsulated in an envelope to which a vacuum is applied. The envelope is coated with a waterproof coating layer which increases the robustness of the vacuum insulation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Kingspan Insulation Limited, Kingspan Holdings (IRL) Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Mack, Malcolm Rochefort
  • Patent number: 10968626
    Abstract: A mounting for acoustically insulating a first building component from a second building component, said mounting having a first insulating portion extending around a fastener, a second insulating portion extending around said fastener, a neck insulating portion extending between said first insulating portion and said second insulating portion, such that a shaft of the fastener is covered by one or more of the insulating portions between the first building component and the second building component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ben Stevens, Nigel Ryan Grimshaw, Simon McKechnie
  • Patent number: 10968627
    Abstract: A structure for blocking heat transfer through a thermal bridge of a building, includes an inner visual glass curtain wall, an outer visual glass curtain wall, an indoor metal frame, an outdoor metal frame, an outer decorative metal cover, a first thermal break strip, a second thermal break strip, a first nylon thermal break block and a second nylon thermal break block. The first thermal break strip, which is located in contact with the outdoor metal frame, the indoor metal frame, the first nylon thermal break block and the second nylon thermal break block, is an aerogel thermal insulation blanket. The second thermal break strip, which is located in contact with the indoor metal frame, the second nylon thermal break block, the outer decorative metal cover and the inner visual glass curtain wall, is another aerogel thermal insulation blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Weiping Yu
  • Patent number: 10968628
    Abstract: A greenhouse has a roof including a plurality of substantially parallel crossbeams, at least two longitudinal sections which are mounted to the crossbeams and extend at a distance from each other in transverse direction of the crossbeams, a transparent foil which is mounted to the longitudinal sections at respective foil attachment locations thereof so as to form a cover between the longitudinal sections. The roof also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing one of the longitudinal sections with respect to the other between a non-foil-stretching position and a foil-stretching position. The distance between the respective foil attachment locations is larger in the foil-stretching position than in the non-foil-stretching position. The displacement mechanism can be operated and is lockable at an upper side of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: BOAL SYSTEMEN B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus Jacobus Maria Van Holsteijn
  • Patent number: 10968629
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fiber insulating board comprising i) spraying a formaldehyde free aqueous binder solution onto a plurality of mineral fibers, the aqueous binder solution comprising binder reactants comprising a) a reducing sugar reactant and b) an amine reactant, wherein the reducing sugar reactant is selected from the group consisting of: a reducing sugar; a reducing sugar yielded by a carbohydrate in situ under thermal curing conditions; and combinations thereof, wherein the percent by dry weight of the reducing sugar reactant with respect to the total weight of the binder reactants in the binder solution ranges from about 73% to about 96%, and wherein the percent by dry weight of the amine reactant with respect to the total weight of the binder reactants in the binder solution ranges from about 4% to about 27%, ii) dehydrating the aqueous binder solution such that a dehydrated binder is disposed on the plurality of mineral fibers, and iii) curing the dehydrated binder on the plurality o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Knauf Insulation, Inc., Knauf Insulation SPRL
    Inventors: Roger Jackson, Tony Aindow, George Baybutt
  • Patent number: 10968630
    Abstract: The apparatus of the Invention is a modular gas utility raceway for providing gas service within a clean room. The modular utility raceway has a front face and a back face coinciding with the inside and outside surfaces of the clean room walls. The utility raceway includes a vertically-oriented box-shaped beam that is open at the top to allow escape of any leaked gas above the ceiling of the clean room for the safety of clean room occupants. A support bracket supports gas pipes and connectors and extends above the top side of the clean room ceiling and discourages a user from blocking the open top of the box-shaped beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: AES Clean Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dobson, Ralph J Melfi, Gilberto R Perez, John M Thomas
  • Patent number: 10968631
    Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures with only partially accessible circumference, such as columns closely adjacent to or protruding out of a wall or beams holding a ceiling. Some of these structures may be partly or completely submerged in water, such as retaining walls on the sides of rivers and water-ways. In some embodiments a prefabricated shell will fully or partly cover the exposed and reachable part of the structure and will be secured in place by various means. The shell may hug the structure tightly or loosely and the space between the shell and the structure may be filled with such curable materials as glue, epoxy, grout, concrete and the like. In various embodiments additional reinforcement such as rebar may be placed in the space between the shell and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Mohammad R. Ehsani
  • Patent number: 10968632
    Abstract: The invention relates to ceramic granules with a high UV opacity and high solar reflectance, which is produced by forming a calcined clay mineral powder into green body and re-calcining, featured with a water absorption of 15-35%; ?97% crystalline content and 90-100% UV opacity. The invention further relates to a method for preparing ceramic granules with a high UV opacity and high solar reflectance and the use thereof for reflectance-improving application on building surface for the purpose of energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SHIJIAZHUANG NIKKA MINTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhijie Li, Hongwei Lu
  • Patent number: 10968633
    Abstract: A roof system includes a roof deck, a weighted cover board disposed upwardly adjacent the roof deck and a plurality of fasteners coupling the weighted cover board to the roof deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10968634
    Abstract: A covering system provides a structural insulated panel for covering a roof having standing seams. The insulation is a composite core made of EPS and other polymers such as polyurethane. At least one panel covers a mounting surface, like a roof, and at least one protruding seam on the roof. The panel utilize a deformation, or crimping to form connections with adjacent panels and attachments with the mounting surface. A bracket fastens to the mounting surface by crimping onto the protruding seam. An exterior portion includes a pair of stabilizers that extend outwardly. A pair of stabilizer ends crimp onto a support portion of the mounting bracket for fastening. The crimping mechanism minimizes the need for penetrating the mounting surface with fasteners and reduces space between seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Scott Timothy Bolo
  • Patent number: 10968635
    Abstract: A roof edge blocking with cleat having a blocking assembly with a top flange, a first lateral flange, a second lateral flange, an anchoring flange, and a locking tab; and a cover assembly having a cover top flange, an angular wall, a side flange, and a channel, whereby the cover assembly mounts onto the blocking assembly. The first lateral flange perpendicularly extends from the top flange. An upper wall and a lower wall of the anchoring flange extend perpendicularly from the first and second lateral flanges respectively, and are substantially parallel to the top flange. The upper wall and the lower wall are joined at the anchoring flange to define an elongated aperture. The locking tab extends outwardly from the second lateral flange defining a first predetermined angle. The first lateral flange has a first predetermined height and the second lateral flange has a second predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Bernardo Duran
  • Patent number: 10968636
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to stair systems and methods for allowing stair movement between building levels while maintaining the structural integrity of the stair system for safe egress passage. The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for independent movement of the surrounding building walls, landings, floor slabs, and/or any other portion of the surrounding building structure or stair system. The embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use in both new constructions as well as in existing constructions for retrofit applications to allow for movement between levels, landings, or within stairwell structures. The present disclosure reduces stair damage during building movement whether it is from wind, thermal, or seismic activity, and/or any other type of suitable force or experience, as the present disclosure allows for directional movement, or a combination thereof, including tension and compression, lateral, or vertical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: EMEH, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan I. Charles, Roger W. Barr, Kevin Wayne Smith, Anthony J. Peachey, Timothy A. Fisher, Harold Dale Mathias, Justin Eugene Moon, Gabriel Patrick Blasi, Robert James Belvin, Charles S. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 10968637
    Abstract: A handrail system comprising a top rail (50) and one or more support posts (25). The rail and post/s may be formed from a synthetic material such as a fibre reinforced plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PIPEX LIMITED
    Inventors: Simon Eves, Matthew John Hewstone
  • Patent number: 10968638
    Abstract: A wall anchor for use in a cavity wall configured to connect to a veneer tie that joins an inner wythe, and an outer wythe of the cavity wall is disclosed. The wall anchor includes an elongated shaft having a first longitudinal axis, a fastening end section, a receiving end section, and a middle section. The wall anchor system further includes a panel including an interior positioned between at least two end surfaces, and a first insulating member spanning at least a portion of the interior of the panel. The receiving end section of the wall anchor system includes apertures defining an aperture wall for accepting sections of the veneer tie. The wall anchor system further includes a plurality of insulating members covering the aperture wall configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy by the veneer tie between the inner wythe and the outer wythe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald Hohmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10968639
    Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical locking system on short edges including a displaceable tongue that is displaced in one direction into a tongue groove during vertical displacement of two panels. Building panels provided with a locking system for vertical locking of a first and a second building panel by a vertical displacement of the panels relative each other, a displaceable tongue is in a sidewardly open displacement groove provided at an edge of a first panel, said tongue cooperates with a tongue groove provided at an adjacent edge of a second panel for locking the edge and the adjacent edge vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CERALOC INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
  • Patent number: 10968640
    Abstract: The present invention provides stone-plastic hot pressing flooring including a stone-plastic base material part which includes a middle material layer, a stone-plastic substrate layer, and a bottom material layer sequentially arranged side by side; —a color film layer, located at one side of an upper surface of the stone-plastic base material part; —a first wear-resistant layer, located at one side of an upper surface of the color film layer; and —a second wear-resistant layer, located at one side of a lower surface of the stone-plastic base material part; and wherein the middle material layer and the bottom material layer are mainly composed of polyvinyl chloride, plasticizer, stabilizer, carbon black, and stone powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG KINGDOM PLASTICS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huibin Dai
  • Patent number: 10968641
    Abstract: A decoupling mat (1) for a surface covering structure that can be covered by covering elements has a strip- or plate-shaped compensation element (2) which has upwardly projecting formations (4) arising from a lower support plane (3), which formations from an upper covering plane (6) at a distance from the lower support plane (3) and are arranged spaced apart from one another and have at least in sections an undercut (8) along their periphery. A water-permeable cover is fixed on a bottom side (12) of the lower support plane (3) and prevents penetration by a viscous adhesive into the upwardly projection formations (4). On at least some formations (4), the undercuts (8) are arranged along a region, extending in a curved manner, along a side wall of the upwardly projecting formations. A plurality of the first undercuts (8) is oriented in a first direction and a plurality of second undercuts (8) is oriented in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Walter Gutjahr
  • Patent number: 10968642
    Abstract: A siding tool for siding installation in building construction to efficiently measure the distance between adjacent siding panels and to install siding. The body of the siding tool is preferably approximately 3/16? ( 3/16 inches) wide, and a depth of approximately two inches (2?). The width and depth are used to measure distances according to building code. The body has a lip at one end that extends from the base of the body. The lip is configured to position the siding tool in place by catching the bottom edge of a panel of siding that has been placed. The lip of the siding tool is also configured for a user to position the siding tool upside down and use the lip to draw measurement lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Chadillac 10 Siding Tool LLC
    Inventors: Chad Rasmussen, Steven Evans
  • Patent number: 10968643
    Abstract: Provided are examples of transportation systems, elevator systems, and kits for use in towers, as well as tower sections and methods for performing assembly or maintenance operations in towers, particularly wind turbine towers, guides mounted in tower sections for transporting an operator or robot along an inside of a tower and an elevator carrying parts of such guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ALIMAK GROUP MANAGEMENT AB
    Inventor: Carlos Legua Gracia
  • Patent number: 10968644
    Abstract: A kit for erecting a platform. The kit comprises a plurality of quad-chord trusses. Each truss is attachable to others of the truss by eyelets on the ends of the chords. When the chords are spaced horizontally, the eyelet apertures are vertical for receiving pins, which allows a single pin to be inserted in eyelet apertures on one side of the truss so that one truss is swingable horizontally into position for rigid attachment end-to-end by inserting another pin in eyelet apertures on the other side of the truss. Each truss comprises a plurality of connector members for attachment to the trusses along their lengths. The kit further comprises a plurality of cross beams having connector members at their ends to mate with and attach to the truss connector members, and a plurality of tie-up mechanisms attachable to the trusses and to which a supporting line from an overhead structure is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Paul Kristen, Inc.
    Inventors: Lambros Apostolopoulos, Paul Apostolopoulos, Davy E. Passucci, Brian Bortz
  • Patent number: 10968645
    Abstract: Anchors, clutches, and lifting systems are described herein that increase the size of a shear cone within a precast concrete panel without using multiple clutches and without increasing the complexity of the lift system. A shear cone is the volume within the panel that the anchor and clutch pull on when orienting and positioning the precast concrete panel. Anchors described herein encompass a larger volume of the panel in different ways to produce a larger shear cone. Similarly, the clutches described herein have features that allow a clutch to accommodate the improved anchors. As a result, the anchors, clutches, and lifting systems provide a larger shear cone in the panel to increase the load capacity of the lifting system and reduce the likelihood of failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Meadow Burke, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Kelly, Michael J. Recker
  • Patent number: 10968646
    Abstract: A roofing safety line engagement assembly includes a plate that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge has a plurality of slots therein. Each of the slots engages a nail extended into a roof. The slots are angled toward the front edge such that an angle between each of the slots and the first lateral edge is less than 60°. A catch is attached to and extends upwardly from the plate. The catch is positioned adjacent to the rear edge and releasably engages a safety line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: William Brown
  • Patent number: 10968647
    Abstract: A walk-behind floor scraper machine for removing floor covering from a floor surface is disclosed. In one aspect, the machine includes a base frame, an electric motor secured to the base frame, and a scraper assembly movably secured to the base frame and driven by the electric motor. The machine also includes a rear wheel arrangement including a pair of wheels having a rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine includes a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor has a drive axle coupled to the wheels, wherein the drive axle is coaxially aligned with the rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine can include a hydraulic tank-frame integral to the chassis of the machine that simultaneously stores hydraulic fluid and structurally supports the hydraulic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Anderson Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Martin L. Anderson, Quinn M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10968648
    Abstract: A computer-assisted shingle sawing method for recovery optimization using a 0-1 defect relative to the clear line, comprising the steps of taking an image of a next slab to be cut from a wood block; defining from that image, a clear line there-across; and locations of defect on that slab relative to the clear line, determining edge lines of shingles recoverable from the slab according to optimal shingle grade recovery; sawing the next slab along these edge lines, and sawing the next slab from the wood block, thereby releasing an optimum recovery of shingles from the slab. In another aspect there is provided a method for shingle recovery optimization using an optimization by inversion strategy, wherein the inclination of a parting line for cutting the next slab from the wood block is determined for optimal shingle grade recovery. There is also provided an installation for carrying out these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CLAIR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD.
    Inventor: Pierre Michaud
  • Patent number: 10968649
    Abstract: A coupler comprises a first channel having a first axis of extension in a first horizontal direction and a second channel having a second axis of extension in the first horizontal direction. The second axis of extension is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis of extension in a second horizontal direction. The second axis of extension has a pitch angle relative to the first axis of extension in a vertical direction, the pitch angle being less than 180 degrees. The first and second channels each include head-mounting features, the head-mounting features constructed and arranged to retain an elongated head to the coupler while permitting movement of the elongated head relative to the coupler in the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 10968650
    Abstract: A rolling cover for a spa or a pool, which can be a rolled-up into generally cylindrical configuration, and an unrolled into a generally flat configuration. The rolling cover includes a flexible top cover, a flexible sealed insulation bag, a bag support structure, a top cover support structure and a cover tightening arrangement. Further, a spa including the rolling cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Masterspas, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Coelho
  • Patent number: 10968651
    Abstract: Autonomous, mobile cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas are detailed. The cleaners are especially useful for cleaning spas, although they may function adequately in connection with certain other vessels as well. They may be designed and constructed in particular to avoid high centering so as not to become stuck when encountering obstacles within the spas or other vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLP
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden, Phillip Newman