Animal Blocking Lateral Projection, Trap, Or Scarer Patents (Class 52/101)
  • Patent number: 8640397
    Abstract: An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8627613
    Abstract: An avian nesting diverter system for inhibiting a bird from building a nest on a structure includes a base and a spring member. The base is adapted to be mounted on the structure. The spring member has first and second ends. The first and second ends are secured to the base and the spring member extends over the base. The spring member presents a resilient, unstable platform for a bird attempting to perch on the spring member. The spring member also presents an impediment to a bird attempting to perch on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen M. Parker
  • Publication number: 20140007524
    Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having upper and lower raised portions and a plurality of spikes coupled thereto. The spikes can each be configured to extend from the base such that such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8618412
    Abstract: A plastic shield for a cable and insulator is described having a center section for covering the insulator. The center section has an opening at both its ends for the cable. Proximate each opening is a pivotable flange, where the flange pivots at one end of the flange. An arm extends from each of the cable openings of the center section, and each arm covers the cable exiting the center section. Each arm is pivotally attached to the other end of the associated flange. The length of the flange will typically be about 2-3 inches. The flange allows its associated arm to be moved over a wide range of lateral angles (e.g., up to 45 degrees) and allows the arms to have a lateral offset relative to the center line of the center section and insulator to accommodate a cable that is offset from the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8601747
    Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Publication number: 20130291451
    Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Publication number: 20130247481
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8528271
    Abstract: A multi-module vent cover system for installation onto a roof ventilation vent is provided, including both a solid module and a screen module that are cooperatively useable to cover a roof vent. The screen module is designed to permanently cover the ventilation vent and is designed with a mesh sized to exclude the animal or animals of interest from access into the roof and/or attic. The solid module is configured with holes adapted to receive fastening studs extending from the screen module, allowing for removable mounting of the solid module over the screen module when needed. The solid module is designed to removably cover the ventilation vent to prevent a pressure differential, flying debris damage and water intrusion during hurricanes, to prevent airborne embers from entering during a firestorm, and to protect the screen module against accidental paint splatters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Hemmer
  • Patent number: 8511002
    Abstract: A magnetic bird screen for an opening of a steel structure such as a bridge or the like includes a magnetic sheet sized to cover the access opening and at least partially overlap the steel structure at the opening so that the sheet is magnetically secured to the steel structure. The sheet has a plurality of spaced-apart holes sized sufficiently large to permit the passage of air and water therethrough and to be used as finger holes for installation and removal and sized sufficiently small to prevent the passage of pigeons therethrough. The sheet can be folded or rolled upon itself so that the sheet remains secured at one side of the opening or the sheet can be entirely removed when it is desired to have access through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Burgess & Niple, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bowie, Matthew W. Lewellyn, Rodney D. Holbert
  • Publication number: 20130205687
    Abstract: A composite termite barrier (10) comprising a mesh sheet (13) and two membranes (15, 25) bonded to opposed sides of the mesh sheet to provide structural rigidity. In the arrangement illustrated, the mesh sheet (13) is woven wire mesh comprising strands (17) cooperating to define openings (19) in the mesh. The mesh sheet (13) functions as an active termite barrier; that is, the mesh sheet is configured to exclude the passage of termites therethrough, and the membranes (15, 25) provide support for the sheet to prevent it from distorting to an extent that it would no longer provide an effective barrier to termites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Tonio Umberto Sala, Geoffrey Wayne Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130199109
    Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8479457
    Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8479456
    Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8438998
    Abstract: Generally, an avian flight diverter fixed to an aerial line to divert the flight of birds. Specifically, an avian flight diverter having a body coupled to an avian flight diverting member having a first component and a second component generally a mirror image of the other joined in opposed fixed angled relation, each of the components of generally flat material having a first face and a second face having a surface area sufficient to divert flight of an avian animal when secured to an aerial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Power Line Sentry, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald K. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8434209
    Abstract: An animal deterrent device and methods for installing and producing an animal deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest, or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. The bottom layer unfolds outward to allow sewing of the conductive elements to the top layer of the elongated base, while preventing the stitching from penetrating the bottom layer of the elongated base. The bottom layer is then folded back into place after sewing is completed, thereby insulating any hole, fastener, or conductive element that pushed through the top layer of the elongated base from water or other material that may congregate at the bottom exterior, preventing unwanted arcing to the exterior surface below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Bird Barrier America, Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron A. Riddell
  • Patent number: 8434274
    Abstract: A nest exclusion device is releasably attachable to a tower such as a cell tower, such that when installed it deters Osprey and other raptors from nesting on the tower structure, but is easily disengaged to permit worker access to the tower antenna mount structure, and can be easily reassembled. The device includes a center pole that extends upwardly away from the tower. A cap is attached to a top of the center pole, and a plurality of brackets are spaced about a periphery of the antenna mount structure with a maximum spacing between adjacent brackets of 18 inches. A plurality of cable assemblies extend from the cap to the brackets to define a tapering structure, converting the snag-shaped tower to a more conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Clifford M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8436247
    Abstract: A terminal cover (A) includes an escaping portion (20) formed by cutting off a part of a peripheral wall portion forming a first accommodating portion (11) to allow an internal space of the first accommodating portion (11) to communicate with a second accommodating portion (12), thereby avoiding interference with a linking portion (53) of a terminal fitting (B). The terminal cover (A) also includes a multi-functional portion (26) which can be assembled with the first accommodating portion (11) and is arranged to close at least a part of the escaping portion (20) and capable of pressing the terminal fitting (B) to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting (B) in an assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Mase
  • Publication number: 20130104463
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: George W. Keeney
  • Patent number: 8430063
    Abstract: An animal deterrent device and methods for installing and producing an animal deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest, or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. The bottom layer unfolds outward to allow sewing of the conductive elements to the top layer of the elongated base, while preventing the stitching from penetrating the bottom layer of the elongated base. The bottom layer is then folded back into place after sewing is completed, thereby insulating any hole, fastener, or conductive element that pushed through the top layer of the elongated base from water or other material that may congregate at the bottom exterior, preventing unwanted arcing to the exterior surface below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bird Barrier America, Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron A. Riddell
  • Publication number: 20130055657
    Abstract: An avian nesting diverter system for inhibiting a bird from building a nest on a structure includes a base and a spring member. The base is adapted to be mounted on the structure. The spring member has first and second ends. The first and second ends are secured to the base and the spring member extends over the base. The spring member presents a resilient, unstable platform for a bird attempting to perch on the spring member. The spring member also presents an impediment to a bird attempting to perch on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen M. Parker
  • Publication number: 20130042544
    Abstract: A bird repellent system comprising a shaft and shaft base installation securely fastened to a tower, wherein the shaft base comprises a tubular projection that is perpendicular to the shaft base into which the shaft is inserted and held upright. The shaft comprises bores running through the interior of the shaft, through which links can be formed to create a mesh or grid pattern to repel birds from landing or roosting and nesting on top of, or in, a tower structure. The shaft can comprise a cross-shape cross section whose base acts as a male part to a corresponding female part on the tubular projection to prevent the shaft from shifting around. Alternatively, the shaft can be screwed into, or fixedly connected to, a shaft base without the tubular projection. The shaft base can be securely fastened to the tower structure with screws, cords, nails, straps and/or magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Gordon Sabine, Areanna Sabine
  • Publication number: 20130031847
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8359784
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of protecting a man made structure containing wood and cellulose materials from subterranean termite damage, including reducing termite tubing on building surfaces, comprising applying a termiticidal composition in a band to the lowest portions of the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the structure, wherein the composition comprises a bifenthrin component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Sommer, Bruce W. Ryser, James B. Ballard
  • Patent number: 8359791
    Abstract: A bird guard having a body supporting outwardly extending projections for deterring birds and a pair of opposing elastically biased clamping ears for gripping onto a railing or cable. The use of body material and/or line hinges cast from elastic material are taught for biasing the clamping ears. An encasing apparatus is also taught using encasing ears. An adhesive strip is also taught for securing the encasing ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: David Glenn Nixon, Charles Calloway
  • Publication number: 20130014453
    Abstract: A sheet piling member comprising including a base construction material forming a rigid shape and an aversive agent incorporated with respect to the base construction material. The aversive agent deters contact with the base construction material by living rodents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CRANE MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Steven E. HARGRAVE, John E. IRVINE
  • Patent number: 8353224
    Abstract: An electrical substation is shown and described. The electrical substation has a plurality of substation components selected from a group consisting of circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, switchgear, control houses, and structural members. Each of the plurality of substation components is supported above ground-level. An animal mitigation system surrounds each of the plurality of substation components. The animal mitigation system is a shroud constructed around a substation component or a portion of a substation component to provide a barrier to entry to an internal volume of the shroud in which the component or portion of the component is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: W. Scott Lehman
  • Publication number: 20130000221
    Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8312678
    Abstract: A roof framing structure (20) is disclosed, and includes a plurality of primary supports (30) (e.g., rafters) that may be disposed in parallel relation and extend along the roof pitch (14). One or more secondary supports (40) extend between each adjacent pair of primary supports (30). Each secondary support (40) is of a triangular cross-sectional configuration, and may extend orthogonally to the various primary supports (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Robert M. M. Haddock
  • Patent number: 8293044
    Abstract: An animal deterrent device and methods for installing and producing an animal deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest, or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. The bottom layer unfolds outward to allow sewing of the conductive elements to the top layer of the elongated base, while preventing the stitching from penetrating the bottom layer of the elongated base. The bottom layer is then folded back into place after sewing is completed, thereby insulating any hole, fastener, or conductive element that pushed through the top layer of the elongated base from water or other material that may congregate at the bottom exterior, preventing unwanted arcing to the exterior surface below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Bird Barrier America, Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron A. Riddell
  • Patent number: 8276324
    Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Publication number: 20120227334
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8250814
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8245435
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8240094
    Abstract: A bird defense system for a dock system. The bird defense system consists of a series of support arms that are mounted to the stringers of the dock. The support arms are manually attached to the stringer and have an adjustable height support rod that allows the user to set the height of the bird defense system. At the end of the support rods are hollow tubes that accommodate a cord that is threaded through each support arm creating a perimeter around the dock preventing birds from landing or hoping on the top surface of the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Serschen
  • Patent number: 8225558
    Abstract: A conventional grounded steel tower, or other structure, supports multiple wires (e.g., 6) carrying multi-phase high voltage electricity (e.g., >100 kV). Each wire is supported by a ceramic insulator connected to a horizontal arm of the structure, where an angled strut helps support the arm. There are usually three tiers of wires. The closest distance between a wire and ground is typically between the wire and an angled strut below the wire, where the angled strut helps support a lower-tier wire. A guard formed of a dielectric is affixed to and covers the lower portion of the steel strut as well as any steel that outward extends beyond the strut. The guard prevents flashover between a wire and the underlying grounded strut if a large bird perches on the guard, since the bird will not be grounded by the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Publication number: 20120174498
    Abstract: A nest exclusion device is releasably attachable to a tower such as a cell tower, such that when installed it deters Osprey and other raptors from nesting on the tower structure, but is easily disengaged to permit worker access to the tower antenna mount structure, and can be easily reassembled. The device includes a center pole that extends upwardly away from the tower. A cap is attached to a top of the center pole, and a plurality of brackets are spaced about a periphery of the antenna mount structure with a maximum spacing between adjacent brackets of 18 inches. A plurality of cable assemblies extend from the cap to the brackets to define a tapering structure, converting the snag-shaped tower to a more conical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Clifford M. Anderson, JR.
  • Patent number: 8215051
    Abstract: A pest control material (11), such as mosquito netting, has a surface (12) with abrasive/absorptive microprojections (13). Insect pests such as mosquitoes suffer damage to their cuticle, resulting in dehydration and/or invasion by microbial pathogens. The material is made by coating a fabric with abrasive and/or absorptive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Insectshield Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Alexander, Stephen John Russell
  • Patent number: 8209923
    Abstract: A vent hood and flashing assembly for use on a metal roof. A vent hood overlies and is joined to flashing. A cover and a screen overlie an upper end portion of the flashing to exclude rain, snow and pests. The flashing includes a resilient, flexible, water-repellant, flexible flange that extends outward from, and is attached to, a lower end portion of the flashing and a flexible, ring seal that overlies an upper surface of the flange. The assembly can be placed over a projection through an opening in a metal roof such that the cover and screen overlie an upper end of the projection and with the flashing surrounding the projection, and the flange can be bent to sealingly conform to the roof surface and secured thereto by fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel L. Rich
  • Publication number: 20120159874
    Abstract: A barrier and a method to bar the passage of termites across the surface of a structure is provided, the barrier being applied to the surface of the structure and comprising a sticky adhesive substance capable of obstructing and entrapping termites which venture onto the surface of the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: James Carter Harrington
  • Patent number: 8191303
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Publication number: 20120124918
    Abstract: A parapet protector is disclosed which generally discourages birds, small mammals, and other nuisance animals from the rooftops of buildings. The parapet protector includes a first insulator detachably attached to a surface of a building; a first suspension eye coupled to the first insulator, the first suspension eye extending outwardly from the first insulator in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the surface of the building; a first spring that is detachably attached to a distal end of the first suspension eye; a wire that that connects the first spring to a second spring located on a second suspension eye coupled to a second insulator; and an electrical input that is configured to electrify the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: William Bing Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8171677
    Abstract: An insert (1) for a weep hole opening in a masonry wall is disclosed. The insert (1) includes a hollow body (2) defining an air flow conduit (3) and including a first open end (4) and a second open end (5). A stainless steel mesh screen (6) extends across the conduit (3) near the first open end (4) and is adapted to prevent fire brands and sparks from passing through the body (2). A locating member, in the form of a grate (7), is hingedly connected to the body (2) adjacent the first open end (4). The screen (6) is located in a recess (8) in the rear of the grate (7) and friction between the screen (6) and the grate (7) retains the screen (6) in the recess (8). The grate (7) is formed from a material that substantially retains its spatial integrity when exposed to the heat flux profile generated by a typical forest fire, such that the grate (7) continues thereafter to locate the screen (6). The grate (7) also has a plurality of ventilation apertures (9) to allow air to pass through the air flow conduit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: John Noel Flint, Lynne Patricia Oldfield
  • Patent number: 8156693
    Abstract: A wildlife deterrent for a utility support structure member between two conductors includes a bracket for attachment to the supporting member, a center support piece with a variable height arm connector, and two adjustable arms pivotally attached to the arm connector. No tools are required for the adjustments or attachments. Since the effective lengths of the support and arms are adjustable, either by elongation or using different length parts, the same angle of the arms can be achieved no matter what the separation between the conductors, and the gap between the arms and the conductor can be optimal for both deterrence and flashover prevention. The different pieces forming the deterrent can be selected by the lineman to quickly build an optimal deterrent in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eco Electrical Systems
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8115102
    Abstract: A wildlife guard assembly for use with an electrical insulator body includes first and second guard members and an actuator member. The first and second guard members define a seat to receive the insulator body and are connected to one another to permit relative movement between an open position. The first and second guard members define a sideward opening to laterally receive the insulator body into the seat, and a closed position, wherein the first and second guard members at least partially encircle the insulator body to capture the insulator body in the seat. The actuator member is configured to be inserted between the first and second guard members in the open position and, when forcibly displaced radially to an installed position, to force the first and second guard members to move from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Edward Frye
  • Publication number: 20120031016
    Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BIRD-B-GONE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Donoho
  • Patent number: 8104235
    Abstract: A bird deterrent system includes a first riser attached to a structure, and a second riser attached to a structure. The bird deterrent system also includes a line attached between the first riser and the second riser. A riser includes a free end, and an attachment end. The attachment end includes an attachment mechanism for universal attachment to a frame member of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Paul McCulloch, Richard M Irish
  • Patent number: 8091296
    Abstract: A storm collar includes a shield, an upper anchoring collar, support arms, and a lower anchoring collar. The upper anchoring collar secures the shield to an exhaust stack. The support arms are attached to the underside of the shield and the lower anchoring collar. Gaskets are placed between the joints of the storm collar pieces and between the exhaust stack for a tight fit. The angle of the support arms and the shield provide a compression fit based on the load supported by the shield. The storm collar protects the flashing and joints around an exhaust stack from damage caused by moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA)
    Inventor: Michael William Horn
  • Patent number: 8065842
    Abstract: A bird deterrent device is presented having a base that is at least partially composed of a metal or metal composite. The base can be configured such that the base has sufficient resiliency to revert to an original form after being bent at least 15°. A plurality of spikes can be coupled to the base so that the device is stackable with other such devices while the spikes are oriented at least 5° out of parallel with respect to a plane of the base. It is contemplated that the devices can be stacked such that the base of one device is less than 3 cm from the base of an adjacent device in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Bird-B-Gone, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Donoho, Rajen Rathod
  • Patent number: 8020341
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel, but simply structured pest control system that protects structures such as buildings and humans by providing a system that is selectively attached to the exterior of structures and/or to the surrounding perimeter of structures which creates a physical and chemical barrier where crawling insects and/or pests cannot survive without food and/or exposition to chemical agents such as pesticide. Alternatively the pest control system provides for the possibility that the crawling insects and/or pests agents may abandon the structure without exposition to the chemical agent, thus furthering an ecological homeostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Hector M. Ramos-Santiago
  • Patent number: 8015757
    Abstract: Sill seal and termite shield (SSTS) devices are disclosed. SSTS devices for residential housing are shown for poured concrete, masonry block, and frost protected shallow foundations. The polymeric foam pad of the SSTS device seals the rough foundation wall surface. For the termite shield function, the SSTS devices use a metallic web—either foil or an impenetrable screen—or a nonmetallic web—either plastic sheet or impenetrable scrim. The termite shield or barrier layer is shown as adjacent to a weatherproofing membrane or as an interior layer of an polymeric laminate weatherproofing membrane. Hot melt adhesives attach the foam pad to the weatherproofing membrane and, where applicable, the barrier layer to the weatherproofing membrane. Pressure-activated, hot melt adhesives attach the SSTS device to the sill plate. A release sheet is applied forming a peel-and-stick device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr.