Patents Issued in April 6, 2021
  • Patent number: 10968652
    Abstract: A fastening system is disclosed for forming modular, reconfigurable, and scalable data center infrastructure support systems which may permit construction of self-supporting multi-story data centers capable of supporting substantial loads without requiring external attachment points to walls, ceilings, or building support columns. It may be seen that data center infrastructure support systems formed from there herein described fastening systems may be capable of supporting substantial loads, even when scaled in the vertical direction to include multiple stories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Jonathan Harinck
  • Patent number: 10968653
    Abstract: A buckling resistant spring clad bar (BRSCB) assembly is described. The BRSCB assembly includes a plurality of bars arranged to form a perimeter, each of the plurality of bars having a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of springs are provided, wherein at least one of the plurality of springs is wrapped around each of the plurality of bars. A diameter of the at least one of the plurality of spring is greater than a diameter of the each of the plurality of bars. The at least one of the plurality of springs is wrapped around each of the plurality of bars in close contact to provide buckling resistance against a load applied over each of the plurality of bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Venkata Rangarao Vemuri, Badri K Prasad
  • Patent number: 10968654
    Abstract: An anchor for supporting an elongate tubular object, the anchor including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; a nozzle at said proximal end, the nozzle having an opening remote from said elongate tubular member; and, a funnel at the distal end, the funnel tapering from a minimum diameter at the tubular member to a maximum diameter remote from the tubular member; wherein the funnel, the elongate member, and the nozzle are in liquid communication. The anchor may further include at least one fin extending outwardly from the tubular member, a fixation device for securing an elongate tubular object inserted through the funnel and into the tubular member, and/or a collar having an outside diameter greater than that of an outside diameter of the elongate tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Kurt Franklyn Laffy
  • Patent number: 10968655
    Abstract: An anchoring device for supporting a post from a support surface. The anchoring device comprises a base, at least one stanchion extending from the base, and a plate attached to the stanchion opposite the base. A plurality of side supports is included with each side support attached to and extending from the base. The side supports are also attached to the plate and extend past the plate. First and second guides are included with each guide attached to the plate and each side support. Each guide extends away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FOX HARDWOOD LUMBER COMPANY, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Tommy Fox
  • Patent number: 10968656
    Abstract: A support system for supporting power distribution or transmission lines includes a support pole having a first end and a second and a crossarm attached to the support pole, proximate the first end of the support pole. The crossarm has a first end, a second end and one or more side walls extending between the first and second ends of the crossarm. The side walls of the crossarm define an elongated interior space. The support system further includes an internal conduit formed in the interior space of the crossarm. The internal conduit extends along an axial direction of the crossarm. The internal conduit is made from insulative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: GEOTEK, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler R. Burbank, Ricardo Felty, Bruce Blumentritt, Eugene Flowers, Brian Hornberg, David Sheldon, Michael Steven Schoenoff
  • Patent number: 10968657
    Abstract: A lightweight shelter for hikers that uses two trekking poles for support. This shelter includes an outer canopy (or “fly”) that is rectangle shaped at the base, and a sleeping area which is uniquely positioned on a diagonal relative to the rectangular outer wall. This shelter also includes a ridgeline supported by two trekking poles which are positioned on the crossing diagonal to the sleeping area and inwards from the base of the outer wall such that this shelter can erect into a stable position without additional support beyond what is provided by the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Josiah Durston
  • Patent number: 10968658
    Abstract: A foldable canopy and method of use. The foldable canopy may include a foldable base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side and substantially parallel therewith; a foldable canopy portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; and wherein the first end of the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the first side of the foldable base portion and the second end of the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the second side of the foldable base portion, and wherein the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the foldable base portion such that in an unfolded state the foldable canopy portion is substantially arch shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ENFANT TERRIBLE DESIGN AB
    Inventor: Lisa Furuland
  • Patent number: 10968659
    Abstract: The Wedge-Lock Safe-T-Puller is a tool that provides a safe and simple way to extract a T-post. The tool uses a captured sliding shackle that travels along a wedge to provide a positive grip between the bumps on a T-post and the Post Alignment Groove on the post side of the Wedge-Lock. Using a lifting shackle or sling attached to the lifting eye at the top of the tool, force is exerted vertically, causing the tool with its wedge to slide up the T-post thereby tightening the sliding shackle against the front of the T-post. This sliding action causes the wedge and sliding shackle to “lock” together to grip the T-post. The greater the force applied, the tighter the wedge and shackle grip. The Wedge-Lock Safe-T-Puller is intended to be operated with mechanical lifting equipment such as a front-end loader, track hoe, backhoe, Skid Steer Loader, etc. The tool may also be used in conjunction with lever and stand type manual or hydraulic extractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Dwaine Hoff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10968660
    Abstract: An electronic door lock includes a controller, a first touch sensor, and a lock operator. The first touch sensor detects touch on an exterior an exterior side of a door. The lock operator is selectively operated by the controller to unlock a deadbolt according to the touch detected by the first touch sensor. The electronic door lock is located on an interior side of the door. The first touch sensor may be electrically coupleable to a deadbolt lock for the deadbolt to act as an electrode of the touch sensor. The first touch sensor may detect the touch capacitively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PassiveBolt, Inc.
    Inventors: Kabir Zachary Maiga, Philip Michael Johnson, Simon Forster
  • Patent number: 10968661
    Abstract: A motor with a shaft and a shaft axis is disposed within a housing. A lead screw has an axis and is rotatably mounted in the housing. A deadbolt linearly extends from the housing based on rotation of the lead screw. A gear set with a plurality of gears, each having an axis, is disposed in the housing and operably connects the motor and the lead screw. A circuit board is disposed within the housing and has a plurality of portions communicatively connected by a ribbon. Each portion is disposed substantially orthogonal to the motor shaft axis, the lead screw axis, and the plurality of gear axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Amesbury Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Tagtow, Michael Lee Anderson, Tracy Lammers, Bruce Hagemeyer, Douglas John Criddle
  • Patent number: 10968662
    Abstract: The dual lock system can have a primary lock having a first bolt, a first external access control interface, a handle on an internal face of the door, a first mechanism to control the retraction of the first bolt based on either one of the first external access control interface and the handle, the first mechanism having an actuator which is moveable vertically in response to the activation of the handle; a secondary lock having a second bolt, a second external access control interface, a second mechanism to control the retraction of the second bolt based on the second external access control interface, the second mechanism having a rotary shaft linked to the retraction of the second bolt; a connecting element connected to transfer the vertical movement of the actuator to a rotary movement of the rotary shaft, wherein both the first bolt and the second bolt are retracted upon activation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: dormakaba USA Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Dunnigan, Brian Craycraft, James Lawhorn, Kenney Clay Sledd
  • Patent number: 10968663
    Abstract: Fenestration systems and associated methods include use of a lock assembly having a housing, a cam gear, a reversal gear, and one or more catches. Various aspects relate to enhanced locking/security, including repeatability and overall efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Pella Corporation
    Inventors: Mario Van Klompenburg, Ted L. Hansen, Evan R. Vande Haar, Todd M. Leathers
  • Patent number: 10968664
    Abstract: An exit device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of sensors and an electronic dogging mechanism. The exit device is configured to locally analyze sensor data to determine the security state of the exit device, report data to a management system via a wireless communication channel established between the exit device and the management system, and receive and process instructions to perform an electronic dogging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Arlinghaus, Jack R. Lehner, Jr., Evan Ballard
  • Patent number: 10968665
    Abstract: A latch system includes an actuation module having first and second actuation mechanisms. The first actuation mechanism includes a first handle coupled to a locking rod having an end slot and an oppositely disposed rod insert. The second actuation mechanism includes at least one second handle, a conversion block and an outer rod coupled together. The outer rod has an open end and a slot. At least one latch module has a retractable latch. A control cable connects the conversion block and the latch module such that rotation of the conversion block in a first direction retracts the latch. A lock is operably engagable with the end slot to selectively allow and prevent rotation of the inner rod. Selective rotation of the locking rod in the first direction rotates the conversion block. Rotation of the outer rod in the first direction rotates the conversion block without rotating the locking rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Jay Brittain, Joshua Andrew Emrich, Theo Theofilopoulos, Richard Vincent
  • Patent number: 10968666
    Abstract: An inside handle device for vehicle includes a handle unit and a cable unit. In the handle unit, an operation handle including a connecting recess is rotatably connected to a handle base. The cable unit is connected to the handle unit while holding one end of an operating force transmission cable in which an inner cable is movably inserted into an outer cable. The connecting recess is locked to a connecting body formed at a tip end of the inner cable in a state where the handle unit is connected to the cable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichiro Sugimoto, Takao Toyama
  • Patent number: 10968667
    Abstract: A method and to a device for impinging on a motor vehicle door in the sense of a deceleration, in particular for avoiding collisions. There is at least one sensor assigned to the motor vehicle door. Furthermore, as a function of signals from the sensor, the control unit actuates the locking device for locking the motor vehicle door. The locking device applies a preferably variable braking torque to the motor vehicle door, taking into account a braking start predetermined by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Nottebaum, Markus Berghahn
  • Patent number: 10968668
    Abstract: A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. The first and second guide pins are configured to deflect in response to a load. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and the bearing member coacts with the profile and is supported on the first and second guide pins and is configured to slide thereon in response to movement of the check arm relative to the bearing member. The bearing member transfers the load from the check arm to the first and second guide pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Gruber, David Edward Carswell
  • Patent number: 10968669
    Abstract: A system and method for a door is disclosed. The system includes a frame magnetic lock assembly mounted to a door frame, and a door magnetic lock assembly mounted to a door for receiving inductively transferred power from the frame magnetic lock assembly. The door system also includes a door electronics subsystem mounted to the door that includes a power management system that provides power to the door from the inductively transferred power, and charges an energy storage element at the door from the inductively transferred power. The power management system provides power to the door from the energy storage element when the inductively transferred power is not available at the door, such as when the door is open, and resumes providing power to the door from the inductively transferred power once the inductively transferred power is restored. Once restored, some of the inductive power recharges the energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Murdo Jamie Scott McLeod, Walter A. Martin
  • Patent number: 10968670
    Abstract: An articulated lever for a device for moving a furniture part received on a furniture carcass of an item of furniture, which has a spacer member in the form of a first and a second embossing. The first embossing is present on a first side of the first articulated lever, and the second embossing is present on a second side of the first articulated lever. The first and the second side of the first articulated lever are present opposite and spaced from one another. The first and the second embossing are present opposite one another. The first embossing has in the azimuthal and/or radial direction, about a center, an elevation and a depression relative to a remaining surface of the first side. The second embossing has in the azimuthal and/or radial direction, about the center, an elevation and a depression relative to a remaining surface of the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Boris Kruedener, Markus Herper
  • Patent number: 10968671
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a vehicle closure panel includes a body mounting member configured to mount the hinge assembly to a vehicle body, a closure panel mounting member configured to mount the hinge assembly to the vehicle closure panel and a hinge connecting arm pivotally connected by a first pivotal connection at a first end to the body mounting member and pivotally connected by a second pivotal connection at a second end to the closure panel mounting member. A first fastening member is movably received by the closure panel mounting member. A first stop member limits movement of the first fastening member in a first direction toward the closure panel mounting member. A second stop member limits movement of the first fastening member in a second direction away from the closure panel mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Debraj Dey, Scott Watson, David Kovie, Ryohei Moriya
  • Patent number: 10968672
    Abstract: A furniture fitting for moving a furniture part movably supported relative to a furniture carcass includes a first fitting portion to be fixed to a furniture carcass, and a second fitting portion to be fixed to a movable furniture part. The second fitting portion is pivotally connected to the first fitting portion, and a limiting device limits an opening angle of a relative pivoting movement of the first and second fitting portion. The limiting device includes at least one movably mounted actuating element, and the opening angle can be adjusted by a manual or by a tool-assisted actuation of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventor: Malte Schmid
  • Patent number: 10968673
    Abstract: A low-pressure hinge includes a plurality of segments with at least one upper frictional element and at least one lower frictional element where the at least one upper frictional element and the at least one lower frictional element are positioned on opposing sides of a segment of the plurality of segments. The hinge further includes a compression element that compresses the at least one upper frictional element and at least one lower frictional element against the segment with a compression force having a pressure less than 5,000 pounds per square inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt, Brian David Bitz, Joseph Benjamin Gault, John Stephen Campbell
  • Patent number: 10968674
    Abstract: Tilt latch apparatus and sashes incorporating the same are described herein. The tilt latch apparatus tilt latch apparatus may provide a convenient mechanism for a user to release the tilt latches on a sash with one hand while controlling movement (e.g., rotation) of the sash with another hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Johnson, Sean Grainger, Todd Bruchu
  • Patent number: 10968675
    Abstract: A lifting system (11) for a liftable sliding leaf (10) comprises a lifting mechanism (16) which can be connected to a top part (12a) of the leaf (10), said lifting mechanism (16) being able to move between a first configuration and a second configuration where the leaf may slide or be locked, and a control member (12), which can be located on the fixed frame of the door and can be connected to the lifting mechanism (16) so as to switch it between the two configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
  • Patent number: 10968676
    Abstract: Movable barrier monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly responding to barrier travel obstructions and other abnormal occurrences to cause the movable barrier operator to halt barrier travel or stop and reverse barrier travel, while ignoring typical and normal impediments to barrier travel. Alternate methods are described for programming the barrier operator controller to compare characteristics of the monitored barrier run over the defined travel path with the characteristics of a good barrier run without interruption to barrier travel, with the degree of differentiation of such characteristics determinative of whether the operator controller is to interrupt barrier travel or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: GMI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Buescher, Mike Dragomier, Robert E. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10968677
    Abstract: A combination door operator assembly and door, wherein the door operator assembly includes an operator unit mounted to the door on the pulling side or the pushing side thereof, an arm linkage having a driving arm and a driven arm, a mounting bracket preferably mounted on the frame to which the door is hinged, a rechargeable power storage pack having at least one of a rechargeable battery and one or more capacitors, and a controller, for monitoring a speed and a position of the door, wherein when the door moves faster than a predetermined speed, the motor is used as a generator to charge the rechargeable power storage pack and the speed of the door is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Accessories and Door Controls Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Hass
  • Patent number: 10968678
    Abstract: An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding panel that is configured to move the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism also includes a power source and a rack attached to a second component of the sliding panel and including a base with rack teeth extending from a plane thereof. A gear is rotated by the motor and has gear teeth shaped to mesh with the rack teeth. A manual release mechanism is adapted to move the gear along its axis of rotation, from an engaged position, wherein the gear teeth mesh with the rack teeth to a released position, wherein the gear teeth are disengaged from the rack teeth. The manual release mechanism also includes a holding mechanism adapted to hold the gear in the engaged position and in the released position as selected by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Emily Brimhall, Austin Carlson, Jerome Miles
  • Patent number: 10968679
    Abstract: An automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system for a building having at least one existing ventilation fan and at least one ventilation passageway to outside the building is provided. The system includes a microprocessor and a smoke/carbon monoxide sensor coupled to the microprocessor and configured to detect presence of smoke/carbon monoxide and send a trigger signal to the microprocessor in response to detecting smoke/carbon monoxide. A power switch is coupled to the existing ventilation fan and is configured to automatically connect the existing ventilation fan to a power source in response to the trigger signal, so that the ventilation fan rotates at a high speed to ventilate the detected smoke/carbon monoxide via the existing ventilation passageway. An alarm device is further communicably coupled to the microprocessor and is configured to issue an alarm in response to the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: COEVAC, LLC
    Inventor: Dan Combe
  • Patent number: 10968680
    Abstract: A modular armor, having a rear armored panel including a first rear lateral edge, a second rear lateral edge and a rear bottom edge, where multiple lateral connectors are disposed on the first rear lateral edge and on the second rear lateral edge, the rear armored panel further having a rear bottom extension extending from said rear bottom edge, a first side armored panel, a second side armored panel, and a base armored panel, where the modular armor includes at least one ground connector designed to be threaded through the at least one aperture in a first intermediate platform thereof, at least one aperture in a bottom extension of the first side armored panel and into the ground, and at least one ground connector designed to be threaded through a second intermediate platform thereof, a bottom extension of the second side armored panel and into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: EMSN INITIATIVE AND RESOLUTIONS 2013 LTD.
    Inventors: Shmuel Neufeld, Elazar Modizinsky, Omer Levi, Harel Oberman
  • Patent number: 10968681
    Abstract: A smart locker system includes an enclosure unit and a cassette unit. The smart locker is extendable by adding additional enclosure units and the cassette units. The cassette unit includes storage bins and a control bin. The cassette unit contains different size of storage bins and a control bin. The smart locker system further includes a touch screen and authentication devices. The smart locker system can arrange the storage bins and the control bins to maintain the height of the smart locker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: John Paul Schmider, Kieran Maguire, Eloisa Vera, Yong Suk Jin, Shamira Jaffer
  • Patent number: 10968682
    Abstract: A door system may include a threshold assembly having a base including a base drain channel having a major drain surface inclined from a second edge to a first edge thereof, a base drain hole defined in a second base sidewall to convey water from said base drain channel out through the second base sidewall to an exterior side, on a first base sidewall a first base seat configured for mating seated engagement with a first crown seat in a first seat connection, on the second base sidewall a second base seat configured for mating seated engagement with a second crown seat in a second seat connection, a crown supported by the base, the crown including a crown minor side above the first crown seat and a crown major side above the second crown seat, a crown gutter intermediate the crown minor side and crown major side, a gutter drain hole defined in the crown gutter to convey water into the base drain channel, the crown selectively installable on the base in a first position for in-swing movement of a door element
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Portella Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Misrraim Cardenas Salmeron
  • Patent number: 10968683
    Abstract: A door include a first skin, a second skin, and a glazing unit. The first skin includes a first skin body portion, and a first flange portion extending inward from the first skin body portion. The first skin body portion has a first tip. A second skin includes a second skin body portion, and a second flange portion extending inward from the second skin body portion. The second skin body portion has a second tip. A glazing unit has an edge disposed adjacent to and between the first tip and the second tip. The first flange portion and the second flange portion provide an interlocking structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Plastpro 2000, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirley Wang, Jared Andrew Garrett, Scott Evert Johnson, Sungste Lin
  • Patent number: 10968684
    Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cardinal IG Company
    Inventors: Eric Bjergaard, Andrew DeMiglio
  • Patent number: 10968685
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for replacing air with an interpane gas during manufacture of a sealed insulating glass unit (IGU). The method includes forming an unsealed IGU assembly defining an IGU passage for fluid communication between an interpane space and an ambient environment; positioning the unsealed IGU assembly within an enclosure and sealing the enclosure around the unsealed IGU assembly; evacuating air from the enclosure; introducing a first gas into the interpane space through the IGU passage; introducing a second gas into the enclosure, wherein the second gas has a different composition than the first gas; and closing the IGU passage to seal the interpane space. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PDS IG Holding LLC
    Inventor: Paul Trpkovski
  • Patent number: 10968686
    Abstract: Molded articles are provided. An exemplary molded article includes an inner panel portion, a main body portion, and a contoured portion extending between and interconnecting the inner panel portion and the main body portion so as to surround the inner panel portion and be surrounded by the main body portion. The contoured portion includes contoured corner segments and contoured elongated segments extending between respective pairs of the contoured corner segments. The contoured corner segments have a first maximum thickness. The contoured elongated segments have a second maximum thickness that is greater than the first maximum thickness. Related methods, assemblies, and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Gouge, Robert C. Allen, Allen R. Hill
  • Patent number: 10968687
    Abstract: Compound fenestration assembly mull joints, compound fenestration assemblies using those mull joints, and methods of making and using the same are described herein. The mull joints in compound fenestration assemblies as described herein use universal joining strips to form both sides of a mull joint, as well as other universal components such as, e.g., corner gussets, locator plates, end plugs, seal members, etc. that may be used as needed to form mull joints as required in a compound fenestration assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kelley, Duane Fier, Jeremiah Boe, Jon Dekko
  • Patent number: 10968688
    Abstract: A window security assembly includes a plurality of first brackets that is each mountable on a window in a wall of a building. A plurality of second brackets is each mountable on the window in the wall of the building. A plurality of fasteners is each extended through a respective one of the apertures in a respective one of the first brackets and the second brackets. In this way the first brackets and the second brackets are coupled to the window. A panel is positionable in the first brackets and the second brackets when the first brackets and the second brackets are positioned on the window. The panel is comprised of an impact resistant material to inhibit an intruder from gaining access through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Weldon Bedford
  • Patent number: 10968689
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an opening in a metal sheath surrounding an insulated pipe is provided, the apparatus including a base comprising an outer flange securable within the opening, and defining an inner passage therethrough, the base having an annular ridge extending into the inner passage; a flexible waterproof body positionable within the inner passage, the body having a periphery therearound and a groove located within the periphery adapted to engage around the annular ridge; and a flexible metal element within the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: INTEGRITY PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES INC.
    Inventor: Graham Brigham
  • Patent number: 10968690
    Abstract: A sunshade system includes a frame unit including a first frame and a second frame that extends from a side of the first frame, a sunshade unit located at the frame unit and configured to slide relative to the frame unit to cover and uncover a window opening; a power transmission unit located between the first frame and the second frame and configured to drive the sunshade unit, a washing brush configured to be operated by the power transmission unit and to reduce foreign materials on the sunshade unit based on a sliding movement of the sunshade unit; a control unit configured to control the power transmission unit, and a cover that covers the power transmission unit and the washing brush. The control unit includes a sensor configured to monitor a temperature and a brightness level of an indoor area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Seungho Kang
  • Patent number: 10968691
    Abstract: The present invention is a breakaway door with a padded bottom bar to protect vehicles that collide with said breakaway door. The padded bottom bar is mounted adjacent the bottom of the breakaway door. It includes a padded bottom bar having a bumper, a first tab extending from the bumper, and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is fixed to the bottom of the door with the first tab sandwiched between the plate and the door to mount the bumper to the door. A bottom loop suspends from the bottom of the breakaway door. The bottom loop has a cushion and a second tab sandwiched between the plate and the breakaway door to mount the bottom loop too the breakaway door. The bottom loop provides additional sealing and security to the breakaway door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Performax Global
    Inventor: Grzegorz Przydzial
  • Patent number: 10968692
    Abstract: A blind having a blind operating mechanism and a blind control element and having an enclosure for the blind control element, with the element completely enclosed, a connector supporting the enclosure on the blind, and depending downwardly, and a drive device at the lower end of the enclosure for operating the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MAXXMAR INC.
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 10968693
    Abstract: A multi-piece valance body is configured to extend lengthwise along the front of an adjacent headrail (e.g., of a covering for an architectural opening) between opposed lateral ends. The valance body may include a first valance body portion and a second valance body portion, with the body portions configured to be coupled together via a joint defined between the body portions in the lengthwise direction across the length of the headrail (e.g., a width of the architectural opening) to form the complete valance body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stout, Ajit Singh, Alberto Gonzalez, Ronnie Sullivan, Ryan Peters, Stephen Jones, Maureen Carroll
  • Patent number: 10968694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system for an architectural covering comprising a roller and a bearing for rotatably mounting the roller to a holding member. The bearing comprises a length variation member which is biased to be in a first state yielding a bearing length which allows the roller to be held by the holding member, and which can be manipulated into a second state, in which the bearing length is reduced such that the roller is removable from the holding member. The length variation member comprises at least one sloped portion that extends along at least part of its outer circumference and in the first state extends largely or completely outside the roller. The sloped portion is dimensioned such that the length variation member can be urged to the second state by applying a force on the sloped portion in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Jorg Bohlen, Lars Koop
  • Patent number: 10968695
    Abstract: A fixing assembly is adapted to fix a main body of a roller shade to an environment, and is adapted to be installed at an end of a roller tube of the main body. The fixing assembly includes a fixing member, which corresponds to the roller tube when installed, and a fixing support corresponding to the fixing member. The fixing member includes a connecting portion and a snap-fitting portion connected to the connecting portion with an end thereof exposed out. The connecting portion can be connected to the end of the roller tube, whereby to fix the fixing member to the roller tube. The fixing support includes a fixing portion and a snap-fitted portion provided on a surface of the fixing portion facing the fixing member. The snap-fitting portion is detachably connected to the fixing support, and can be optionally engaged with the snap-fitted portion at different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Hai Bo Liang, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10968696
    Abstract: A battery-powered window treatment, such as a roller shade, may include a battery compartment that provides access to batteries while the window treatment is assembled and mounted to a structure. The battery compartment may be pivotally supported by a housing of the window treatment, and operable between opened and closed positions. The batteries may be concealed when the battery compartment is closed, and may be accessible when the battery compartment is open. The battery compartment may be operated opened and closed while a shade of the window treatment is at any position, such that removal of the batteries does not result in the loss of tracking information for the shade. The window treatment may include a fascia that is operably connected to the battery compartment, such that when the battery compartment is opened, the fascia does not obstruct access to the batteries, and does not interfere with the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Samuel F. Chambers
  • Patent number: 10968697
    Abstract: A system includes a window treatment adjacent to a window of a room. At least one motor drive unit is associated with the window treatment, for varying the position of the window treatment. A sensor measures a light level (e.g., an outdoor light level) at the window. A controller provides signals to the motor drive unit to automatically adjust the position of the window treatment so as to control a penetration distance of sunlight into the room when the window treatment is partially opened. The controller is configured to position the window treatment in a bright override position if the measured light level is at least a bright threshold value. The controller is configured to select the bright threshold value from among at least two predetermined values. The selection depends on an angle of incidence between light rays from the sun and a surface normal of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Lundy, Brent Protzman, Brian M. Courtney
  • Patent number: 10968698
    Abstract: A door includes a door leaf (1) with a vertical running direction and a drive (7) for opening and closing the door. A braking device (8) is provided, and this is configured such that the door leaf (1) cannot be moved in the closure direction solely by a weight force thereof, but only with the assistance of the drive (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FRINOVA GMBH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Dück
  • Patent number: 10968699
    Abstract: A fluid displacement apparatus includes a stator section with a rotor therein. The stator section includes a cylindrical casing, a helically-convoluted chamber section within the cylindrical casing, and a rigid sleeve within the cylindrical casing and separate from the helically-convoluted chamber section. The rigid sleeve includes a circular internal bore. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical casing. The rotor includes a helically-lobed section disposed within the helically-convoluted chamber section, and a circular cylinder section disposed within the rigid sleeve. The circular cylinder section provides a fluid passageway between the rigid sleeve and the circular cylinder section. Side loads from the rotor are distributed along a contact line at any point of rotation of the circular cylinder section within the rigid sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Roper Pump Company
    Inventors: Tyson Bentley Anderson, Edmond Tate Coghlan, Zachariah Paul Rivard
  • Patent number: 10968700
    Abstract: A ball transfer mechanism for a harmonic drive and linear piston motor is disclosed. The ball transfer mechanism includes a spherical ball and a cylindrical seat portion. The seat portion defines a hemispherical shaped recess with a contour for receiving the ball. The ball transfer mechanism is in an exterior wall of a housing for converting rotary motion to linear motion, driving a linear piston motor. The harmonic drive drives a rotor of the linear piston motor. The harmonic drive includes a hollow cylindrical coupler portion engaging a rotor portion for transferring torque to the rotor portion. Transfer mechanisms disposed along a housing wall of the linear piston motor engage the coupler portion. The coupler portion includes harmonic cam grooves for receiving spherical balls in the ball transfer mechanism that drives rotational motion in the rotor in response to axially linear movement of the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: David W. Raymond
  • Patent number: 10968701
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a drillable drill bit of a drilling assembly and a method of manufacturing of the apparatus for driving the drillable drill bit is provided. The apparatus employs a drilling assembly that includes one of a casing string or a tubular string suspendable in a borehole and a drill pipe housed within one of the casing string or the tubular string. The drillable drill bit is fixed at the bottom of the drill pipe. The drilling assembly further includes a plurality of motors mounted circumferentially on the one of casing string or tubular string, wherein the plurality of motors is attached to wall of the one of casing string or tubular string and are partially outside the one of casing string or tubular string in the borehole, and the plurality of motors are configured to drive the drillable drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Steel Space Casing Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Phillips