Static Structure, E.g., A Building Component Patents (Class 29/897.3)
  • Publication number: 20140341649
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MatLok, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 8887399
    Abstract: A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Mattamy Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Gilgan, Jurgen Dirks, William Meevis, Walter Mitchell, Peter Vohsemer
  • Patent number: 8881404
    Abstract: A method of making a seamless edge, metal clad door having foam or polystyrene core, wherein the seam can be welded by cold metal transfer (CMT) welding without melting the polystyrene. The welded seam is appropriately finished by grinding, if necessary, and painting to produce a door with completely seamless edges. The invention encompasses a seamless edge door manufactured by the disclosed process and equivalents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Signature Hardware, LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Dowling, William D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8875401
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a solar panel clamp system for mounting solar panels on ground-level and raised purlins. Such systems include left-handed and right-hand clamps that can be attached to opposite sides of solar panel assemblies that include mounting frames. Left-handed clamps can attach to the mounting frame of a solar panel and include surfaces that can rest on the top surfaces of purlins and include a lip or shelf surface onto which the right-handed clamps of a mounting frame of a neighboring solar panel can rest to increase the speed and safety of installing solar panels on raised purlins. Through holes in the left-handed and right-handed clamps can then be used as guide holes for drilling into the purlins. The majority of, if not all of, the solar panel installation using the clamps of the present invention can be completed from underneath the raised purlins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Solarcity Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Jolley
  • Publication number: 20140319743
    Abstract: A dock bumper is provided. The dock bumper includes a housing holding a plurality of rollers arranged in an array. The plurality of rollers are arranged to absorb impact from a reversing vehicle. Upon impact, outer surfaces of the rollers are arranged to rotate relative to the frame. Consequently, scrubbing between the vehicle and dock bumper is reduced as are excess forces acting on fixings between the frame and wall. Also, a surface area at each contact location is increased as a cushioning effect is provided by rotation of the roller, thereby prolonging the operation life of the rollers. Furthermore, in one form, the dock bumper is modularised so that only worn or damaged rollers need be replaced at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Luke SMITH
  • Publication number: 20140305887
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting rail for a solar array support structure that includes a main body having a top and a bottom, the main body extending from a first end to a second end, the main body including a dual web having a first vertical element and a second vertical element. Further, the mounting rail includes a solar panel mounting portion extending along the top of the main body, the solar panel mounting portion configured to secure the solar panel to the mounting rail. Finally, the mounting rail includes a first flange extending from the bottom of the first vertical element, the first flange including a first pair of holes configured to receive two ends of a U-bolt, the first pair of holes spaced apart substantially equal to a width of a horizontal rail of a solar array support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis
  • Publication number: 20140304991
    Abstract: A shaping apparatus of the invention is used for shaping a chassis and includes a machine body, a first die, a second die and a plurality of shaping members. The first die is disposed at a side of the machine body and the chassis is suitable to be placed and positioned at the first die. The second die is disposed at another side of the machine body. The machine body drives the second die to move relatively to the first die so that the second die moves close to or far away from the first die. The shaping members are detachably assembled to at least one of the first die and the second die so that when the first die and the second die approach each other, the shaping members press and deform the chassis thereon. A shaping method for a chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Lung Lin, Ta-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20140298658
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, SR.
  • Publication number: 20140260000
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. One embodiment relates to a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. Another embodiment is a module which can, in additional to forming a weatherproof covering, be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. Yet another embodiment is a module which can, in addition to forming a weatherproof covering, and optionally in addition to being useful as part of a thermal energy recovery system, bears an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy. Assemblies, systems, uses, and methods of manufacture are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Zinniatek Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes, Ashton Cyril Partridge, John Wason McKee, Christopher Charles Morrow, Samuel Gwynn Buckingham, Johan Miros Kvasnicka, Gabriel Ioan Giurgiu
  • Publication number: 20140251735
    Abstract: The door sill unit includes a bottom support, a support construction extending upwards from the bottom support and a support member being supported by a pivot on the support construction so that the support member can be rotated around the pivot between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventor: Harri ANTTILA
  • Publication number: 20140248834
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a roof vent comprising a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The second portion is connected to the first portion. The third portion is connected to the second portion and defines one or more openings therein. The fourth portion is connected to the third portion. In a first region of the roof vent when the first portion and the third portion are resting on a horizontal surface, the second portion angles upward away from the first portion and the third portion angles downward towards, but does not contact, the first portion so as to create a gap in a bottom of the roof vent in gaseous communication with the one or more openings. In a second region of the roof vent, the second portion is substantially coplanar with the first portion, and a part of the second portion is pressed directly against a part of the third portion, which is pressed directly against a part of the fourth portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Martin K. Kolt, Ethan J. Kolt
  • Patent number: 8820033
    Abstract: A composite member provides support to a structure. A wooden core of the composite member has a perimeter and a length. The wooden core provides support to the structure. A metal jacket is tightly wrapped to an optimum circumferential pre-stress around the entire perimeter of the wooden core of the composite member and spans the entire length. The metal jacket provides also support to the structure. Furthermore, the interaction between the wooden core and the metal jacket provide a combination of strength that surpasses the sum of individual strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: WeiHong Yang
  • Patent number: 8806744
    Abstract: Efficiency of installation work of equipment such as an ECCS pump is enhanced. In an installation method of equipment, a pit can unit in which an upper side frame, a pit can, various reinforcing steels including vertical reinforcing bars reinforcing the above from a periphery, and an anchor plate supporting mechanism are integrated is manufactured in advance, and the pit can unit is placed on an MMR via a lower side frame. Further, an anchor bolt unit is disposed on the anchor plate supporting mechanism after primary concrete is deposited, a relative positional relationship of respective foundation bolts relative to the pit can is corrected by using a template, and secondary concrete is deposited under the state in which the positional relationship is corrected. After that, the ECCS pump is carried into the pit can, and an installation of the ECCS pump is completed by fixing the carried ECCS pump through the respective foundation bolts of which bottom sides are embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Hoshi
  • Patent number: 8800150
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing floorboards with a surface layer and a core involves joining a surface layer formed of flexible and resilient fibers to a core to form a floor element having a surface layer of flexible and resilient fibers, such that the flexible and resilient fibers are exposed on an outermost surface of the floorboards, cutting the surface layer of the floor element to form a cut line, and machining a joint edge with a set of rotary milling tools to provide at least part of an upper joint edge of a floorboard. At least a portion of the machining of the joint edge occurs at the cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Valinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 8793876
    Abstract: A method of assembling a portable support structure is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first platform member, then securing a first support member to the first platform member, and then securing a second platform member to the first platform member to form a continuous platform surface. The method includes positioning a plurality of platform members to form a first continuous platform surface, then securing a support member to at least one of the plurality of platform members. The method includes forming a continuous surface from a plurality of platform members, the plurality of platform members including one or more female connectors, aligning one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors, and engaging the one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Davis, James Fairorth, Michael Tait
  • Patent number: 8789279
    Abstract: A scaffold assembly permits a single individual to install the assembly on an open stud wall. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented walkway supporting member, a vertically oriented rail support member, and a support unit extending from the walkway supporting member to the ground. An attachment assembly is connected to the walkway supporting member and includes a pair of rotatable members, one of which bears against the outer edges of a pair of adjacent studs and the other of which bears against the inner edges of the adjacent pair of studs in order to secure the scaffold assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: W. Floyd Samons, Walter Thomas Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140202445
    Abstract: Exhaust hood methods, devices, and systems are disclosed herein that improve the performance of short-circuit hoods. Such improvements can be provided relatively inexpensively by utilizing existing features of the structure of short-circuit hoods. The resulting enhancement in performance may exceed that of a regular exhaust hood while avoiding the pitfalls associated with make-up air injection into the exhaust hood recess. The components of the short-circuit system that inject make-up and/or conditioned air into the exhaust hood recess can be converted into a combination of horizontal and vertical jets at a lower edge of the exhaust hood. A retrofit jet generator can be installed into the short-circuit system outlets. A series of openings in the jet generator can generate the combination of horizontal and vertical jets at a lower edge of the exhaust hood when air from the make-up air or conditioned air source is supplied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: OY HALTON GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Gregory Lyons, Derek W. Schrock
  • Patent number: 8782898
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a hollow bar that forms elements of a grille or railing of a metalwork piece where the bar is twisted manually, machine-assisted or automated machinery, into a spiral form for decorative or ornamental purposes. By providing the hollow bar to be comprised of separate longitudinal parts which may be hinged-joined to complementarily fastened to each other to form the hollow bar, the longitudinal joints are thus amenable to increased torsional stress, such that each of the parts may be twisted without breaching the material's fatigue limit and the bar as a whole capable of being twisted with more spiral turns within its elasticity limits. The twisted bar may thus be released for re-working for adjustments or re-installation. A number of exemplary joint embodiments, internal and external bracing accessories are also disclosed to cater for the different longitudinal part fabrication, e.g. by extrusion or roll-milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Kian Yong Heng
  • Publication number: 20140196492
    Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprising, a flexible rubber sheet having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the second end thereby forming a sidewall, wherein the sidewall is positioned on a horizontal surface to form the border of a closed geometric shape thereby defining a skating surface area, and a flexible, water-proof slip draped over and connected to the sidewalls, thereby forming a liner of a structure capable of containing a liquid inward of the sidewalls to create a skating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Ruffino, Joseph Pinelli
  • Publication number: 20140165498
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assembling frameless metal buildings by means of securing together a selected number of roll formed corrugated sheets by the use of cyclically bent corner members roll formed to identically match the roll formed sheets and holding the secured together sheets and bent corner members by mechanical fastening means to provide total load connectivity. The formed frameless buildings can be any desired shape limited only by the strength of the assembled components and the fastening elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Wallace S. Paulson
  • Patent number: 8752296
    Abstract: A scaffold assembly permits a single individual to install the assembly on an open stud wall. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented walkway supporting member, a vertically oriented rail support member, and a support unit extending from the walkway supporting member to the ground. An attachment assembly is connected to the walkway supporting member and includes a pair of rotatable members, one of which bears against the outer edges of a pair of adjacent studs and the other of which bears against the inner edges of the adjacent pair of studs in order to secure the scaffold assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: W. Floyd Samons, Walter T Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140144025
    Abstract: Efficiency of installation work of equipment such as an ECCS pump is enhanced. In an installation method of equipment, a pit can unit in which an upper side frame, a pit can, various reinforcing steels including vertical reinforcing bars reinforcing the above from a periphery, and an anchor plate supporting mechanism are integrated is manufactured in advance, and the pit can unit is placed on an MMR via a lower side frame. Further, an anchor bolt unit is disposed on the anchor plate supporting mechanism after primary concrete is deposited, a relative positional relationship of respective foundation bolts relative to the pit can is corrected by using a template, and secondary concrete is deposited under the state in which the positional relationship is corrected. After that, the ECCS pump is carried into the pit can, and an installation of the ECCS pump is completed by fixing the carried ECCS pump through the respective foundation bolts of which bottom sides are embedded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Hoshi
  • Patent number: 8726512
    Abstract: A contoured metal building panel comprising an inner layer formed from a piece of flexible material that has been manipulated to create contours along its surface and an outer coating that substantially encases and hardens the flexible material so that the contours are substantially rigid and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: A. Zahner Company
    Inventors: L. William Zahner, III, Reilly Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8720067
    Abstract: A contoured roller set and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A male roller having a convex surface and a pair of female rollers each having a concave surface can receive a generally thin sheet of material and impart a doubly-curved shape to the sheet. The convex and concave surfaces of the male and female rollers can have a radius of curvature chosen to match a radius of curvature of the sheet of material. The rollers are positioned and shaped to urge the sheet between the female rollers to cause the sheet to curve toward the male roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Origin, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher M. Gil
  • Publication number: 20140115989
    Abstract: A prefabricated wall assembly receives an exterior covering of a building. The prefabricated wall assembly comprises a frame assembly and an outer foam layer. The outer foam layer is coupled to the frame assembly. The outer foam layer extends from the frame assembly to an exterior surface of the outer foam layer. The exterior surface of the outer foam layer is configured to receive the exterior covering of the building. The outer foam layer comprises a plurality of particles and a binder that define a plurality of pathways. The pathways extend vertically through the prefabricated wall assembly from the top member to the bottom member of the frame assembly for allowing airflow and drainage between the frame assembly and the exterior covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Basf SE
    Inventors: Michael J. Sievers, Michael J. McNulty, Michael Drewery, Rick Davenport, Mary Poma, Paul J. Fox, Colby A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8707653
    Abstract: A modular truss system includes six-way box connectors to which truss beams can be bolted and pinned together in a wide variety of configurations and to any or all of the six identical faces. Each box connector face and each truss beam endplate is fitted with matching center holes for bolts and spring pin arrangements on the peripheral corners. These make aligning and attaching the truss beams and box connectors to one another a quick and simple job that does not require any tools. The truss beam endplates have one or more spring pins and a center hole that matches the ones in each of the six faces of the box connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Calleja
  • Publication number: 20140101940
    Abstract: A positioner used to fasten a pair of structural members together includes side walls, lateral flanges extending from the side walls, and an interior web interconnecting the side walls. Each side wall is interconnected at vertices to one of the lateral flanges and to the interior web, and the interior web includes web sections interconnected at a vertex to each other. Each vertex interconnecting one of the side walls with the interior web terminates at a void extending between adjacent portions of the one of the side walls and the interior web, and the vertex interconnecting the web sections is displaced from the lateral flange surfaces so as to avoid contact with a positioner supporting surface. A support frame and a fastening process utilizing such a positioner are also discussed. The positioner is particularly suitable for use in constructing photovoltaic panel supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNIRAC, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan SCHUIT, Darren WOMACKS
  • Patent number: 8683697
    Abstract: A large scale structure includes a plurality of panels, wherein each panel has at least one opening therethrough. And each panel has opposed edge profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels and opposed end profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels. A plurality of rods extend through aligned openings so as to interconnect the plurality of panels to one another. And a plurality of coupling nuts, each coupling nut attachable to an end of one of the rods, wherein the coupling nuts secure the panels to one another. An insert with apertures aligned with the openings allows a rod to extend through the insert and facilitate securement of the insert to the plurality of panels so as to form a section. Additional sections can be assembled as needed to form the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Randy L. Gaigler, Kishan L. Goel, Tushar K. Shah
  • Patent number: 8683695
    Abstract: A pre-notched drip edge assembly and related method includes a plurality of drip edge sections interconnected end-to-end to form a continuous water barrier along a roof edge. Each drip edge section has a formed one-piece construction with a top flange and a bottom flange having an inverted L-shape with upper and lower legs. The forward edges of the top flange and the upper leg are integrally interconnected along a folded-over nose having a wedge-shape. A pair of notches are formed in the opposite ends of each drip edge section which extend through the upper edge of the lower leg and the forward edges of the upper leg and the top flange to define flat end tab areas that are inserted into the noses of the next adjacent drip edge sections to horizontally and vertically locate the same along the building roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quality Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Scott Rasmussen, Paul W. Vander Laan
  • Patent number: 8671568
    Abstract: Efficiency of installation work of equipment such as an ECCS pump is enhanced. In an installation method of equipment, a pit can unit in which an upper side frame, a pit can, various reinforcing steels including vertical reinforcing bars reinforcing the above from a periphery, and an anchor plate supporting mechanism are integrated is manufactured in advance, and the pit can unit is placed on an MMR via a lower side frame. Further, an anchor bolt unit is disposed on the anchor plate supporting mechanism after primary concrete is deposited, a relative positional relationship of respective foundation bolts relative to the pit can is corrected by using a template, and secondary concrete is deposited under the state in which the positional relationship is corrected. After that, the ECCS pump is carried into the pit can, and an installation of the ECCS pump is completed by fixing the carried ECCS pump through the respective foundation bolts of which bottom sides are embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Hoshi
  • Patent number: 8667690
    Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jose A. Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Patent number: 8656594
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20140049040
    Abstract: A flexible contoured boot for transmitting air to or from a room register in a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ductmate Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin L. Jefferson, Branden Butella, David Agee
  • Publication number: 20140052417
    Abstract: A high efficiency HVAC duct system for residential ductwork that is useable for multiple residential houses and is sealed from the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ductmate Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Gudenburr, Alvin L. Jefferson, Branden Butella, David Agee, David E. Overdorff, II, Duane Fetko
  • Patent number: 8650756
    Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture bonded corrugation truss-based structures. This allows the ability to change the dimensions of the individual structural features of the corrugations, i.e. thickness of the core, face sheet thickness, relative density of the core, and the alloys. The nodal design which provides ideal stress/strain distribution for in-plane and out-off plane loading. The node has a curved/smooth triple point intersection which in turn can provide best load transfer interface with high integrity/toughness. The bonded corrugation truss based structure can be continuous to any length only limited by the volume of the extrusion billet and the press capacity. An aspect of the bonded corrugation structures may include friction stir welding of the face sheets or any fusion welding of panels with edge members for strengthening allows fabrication of panels of any width and length. Bonding panels enables the fabrication of structures of any width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Haydn N. G. Wadley, John J. Wetzel, Yellapu V. Murty
  • Patent number: 8640340
    Abstract: Installation vessels and methods for offshore wind turbine installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cantilever mast is used to transfer of wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site and guide the transfer to prevent undesired swinging movements of the wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a main crane is used in cooperation with a guide arm to transfer and guide wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd, Offshore Technology Development Pte Ltd, Keppel Fels Ltd
    Inventors: Kok Seng Foo, Hock Chye Michael Chia, Asbjørn Mortensen, Cheng Choong Chan, Teng Kiat Lim, Toh Tung Wong, Tom Aksel Waitz Østvold, Rune Henriksen
  • Patent number: 8627815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support arm for a cylindrical-parabolic collector, which is intended to be coupled to a central body (1) of the collector in the form of a bracket in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a focal line (2) of the collector. The inventive arm takes the form of a wedge comprising: a first side (10) which is provided with support devices (11) for supporting at least one mirror (3), a second side (20), and a third side (30) which is provided with support devices (31) such that the arm is supported by the central body (1). The arm is formed by at least one press-formed plate such as to obtain a resistant structure that provides stiffness and a carrying capacity by means of a plurality of ribs (42) which form a lattice comprising a plurality of laminar segments (41) between said ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sener, Ingenieria y Sistemas, S.A.
    Inventors: Jorge Vazquez Ingelmo, Miguel Domingo Osle
  • Publication number: 20140000209
    Abstract: The present invention is a wide channel door frame cooperating with a wide width knife edge of a door and latching mechanism: to accommodate a gap between finger stock seals when the wide knife edge door is in the open position, to provide electrical connectivity between the door and door frame when the wide knife edge door is received into the wide channel door frame in the closed position, to accommodate ease of manufacturing a straight channel, to accommodate ease of cleaning the channel after installation of the finger stock seals, and to accommodate ease of closing/latching and opening/delatching the door. An alternative embodiment includes a third strip of beryllium copper finger stock seals attached to the base of the channel for increased electrical conductivity or the addition of weather seals for exterior applications. Wide channels and knife edges can be made of desirable material, for example 304 stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: John J. Gaviglia
  • Patent number: 8595937
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced concrete beam which greatly increases the effectiveness of stirrups in contributing to shear resistance. The method for fabricating a reinforced concrete beam generally includes the steps of positioning a plurality of rebars parallel with respect to each other to form the internal reinforced frame of the beam. A plurality of stirrups may then be extended around the plurality of rebars to provide additional support. An equivalent spacing value is computed in terms of transverse spacing (sw), longitudinal spacing (sL) and effective depth (d) and efficiency is then maximized in light of practical considerations by varying the transverse spacing (sw), In a preferred embodiment, after calculating the longitudinal spacing (sL) of the stirrups and the effective depth (d) of the rebars, the stirrups are positioned within the rebars using a transverse spacing (sw) calculated by the following equation: s w = ( s L d ) 0.5 ? d .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Ahmed B. Shuraim
  • Publication number: 20130312364
    Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Neil Krovats
  • Patent number: 8590263
    Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring—within the façade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Architectural Glass and Aluminum Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Brescia
  • Patent number: 8590160
    Abstract: An elongated grid runner, and its manufacture, comprising a pair of overlying metal strips roll-formed together into a shape suitable for use in a rectangular grid to support ceiling panels, one of said strips serving as a visible cap for concealing the other strip forming the main body of the grid runner when the grid member is employed in a completed ceiling, the strips being lanced at each end of the grid runner to lock the cap strip on the main body strip whereby when the overlying strips are simultaneously cut to a finish length prior to finish roll-forming, the ends of the strip are maintained in substantially overlying end-to-end registration where the cap is visible in a finished ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Steven E. Farley, Donald J. Leahy, Ronald J. Koval, Paul A. Pomeroy
  • Patent number: 8533955
    Abstract: An apparatus for a universal bracket support including an L frame including a short arm coupled at a substantially right angle to a long arm with each having a plurality of spaced holes extending along each corresponding length; and a slider arm including an extension leg having a slide guide coupled on one end of the extension leg, wherein the slide guide includes a plurality of spaced holes and an opening sized to slide over and be secured to the L frame, and a shoe coupled via a pivot coupling to another end of the extension leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Pawan Agnihotri
  • Publication number: 20130229141
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to electric vehicle (“EV”) infrastructure, which includes a customizable charging station that comprises a modular bollard assembly having a structural tubular form that is secured to an electrical vehicle supply equipment to provide fuel to an EV. The modular bollard assembly is optionally fashioned with expansion elements, such as a solar canopy, which accommodate EV infrastructure requirements. The invention also includes methods of determining and manufacturing EV infrastructure based upon data pertaining to demographic, energy, EV, financial and geographic metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130231019
    Abstract: The present invention is a backerboard having a fiberglass mesh on one side, and a impervious reinforcement membrane on the other side. The backerboard incorporates a low density, high compressive strength concrete core having an upper principal surface and a lower principal surface. The upper principal surface of the core is covered by a fiberglass mesh reinforcement layer, itself covered and bonded to the core by a thin layer of Portland cement. The lower principal surface of the backerboard is covered with a high tensile strength, impervious reinforcement membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Dinkel
  • Publication number: 20130219821
    Abstract: A method of assembling a tubular building structure 1 comprising a circumferential wall structure formed from a plurality of wall elements 2,20. The method comprises mutually assembling at least some of the wall elements 2,20 by use of screw sockets 4 mounted in holes in the wall elements 2,20 and bolts. The wall elements may be superposed tube sections 2 arranged on top of each other, and these tube sections 2_may be formed by interconnecting axially extending tube segments 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the screw sockets 4 are mounted at the manufacturing site, and the wall elements 2,20 are subsequently transported to the erection site of the tubular building structure 1. Preferably the mutual assembly of the wall elements 2,20 is performable solely by people working inside the tubular building structure 1 fastening the bolts 5 to the pre-mounted screw sockets 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Andresen Towers A/S
    Inventor: Tom Andresen
  • Patent number: 8517006
    Abstract: A stacked steam oven construction with a nested stacking component is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Premark FEG. L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Frock, Larry W. Lyons, Atul Saksena
  • Publication number: 20130202878
    Abstract: A thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer (A) comprising recurring units derived from ethylene and at least one of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), said polymer having a heat of fusion of at most 35 J/g and from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on weight of said semi-crystalline polymer (A), of particles of at least one inorganic UV blocker compound, said particles having an average particle size of 1 to 150 nm, said composition being suitable for manufacturing UV-opaque films having outstanding transparency and haze properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS ITALY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Serena Carella, Mattia Bassi, Paolo Toniolo, Julio A. Abusleme, Stefano Mortara
  • Publication number: 20130192927
    Abstract: A scaffolding system comprises two sets of boards 30o to 30s and 30u to 30z laid side by side on transoms 32, 34 etc with their ends aligned. The ends of the boards 30o etc are interconnected by a connector 40 tied to ledgers 36, 38 of the scaffolding by means of cable ties 42 passed through perforations 40e in a dependent flange 40d of the connector 40. The perforations 40e are spaced apart along the flange 40d by an amount equal to the pitch p of the scaffolding. The connector has an upper strip 40a overlying the boards and a lower strip 40b underlying the boards and joined to the upper strip by a web 40c. The web 40c separates the upper and lower strips 40a and 40b by an amount sufficient to receive the boards 30o etc snugly. Preferably the boards and the connector are formed of the same synthetic plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: F-BOARD LIMITED
    Inventor: F-BOARD LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8496051
    Abstract: A stage tool apparatus is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the stage tool apparatus is part of tubular string or casing positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Top-Co Cementing Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Cejero, Hoang The Truong, Steve Giordano