Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor Designed For Utilities Patents (Class 52/220.1)
  • Publication number: 20030029112
    Abstract: A device for creating a receptacle within preformed walls, the preformed walls having an internal wall and an external wall such that a curable material may be poured therebetween. The device having a first, second, third, and fourth panel that are interconnected and receive a fifth panel at an inner edge thereof such that an opening is defined by the first, second, third, and fourth panel at an outer edge thereof which is distal to the fifth panel. Inserting the device into a cavity defined through the internal wall such that the outer edge of the first, second, third, and fourth panels may be attached to the internal wall during pouring of the curable material. The opening adapted to receive a member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Wise
  • Patent number: 6513289
    Abstract: A retaining clip for trunking includes a fixing base attached locally to a longitudinal wall of a base section of the trunking, such as an internal partition thereof, and a retaining flap which is articulated to the fixing base and can move from a standby position, in which it allows unrestricted access to the underlying interior volume of the base section, to a service position, in which it closes that interior volume at least partly, extending substantially transversely relative to it. The retaining clip includes, independently of any member or component of the base section or of the trunking, a releasable locking system for locking the retaining flap in its service position. Applications include trunking for electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Bertrand Decore, Raphael Decore
  • Patent number: 6510663
    Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Jourden, Karl Heinz Mueller, Genevieve Wing
  • Patent number: 6508037
    Abstract: A flooring system is disclosed which utilizes prefabricated floor panels installed in side by side relationship. The floor panels support a series of upstanding pedestals. The pedestals are positioned such that they provide a geometric pedestal array. The pedestals support panels which collectively define fluid conduit, power cable and communications chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop the pedestals. A heat pump is connected to supply, return and condensate conduits installed in the conduit chase to supply cooling water from a cooling tower. Metal and plastic embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: David D. Owen
  • Publication number: 20030009961
    Abstract: A cast-in-place pass through firestop device for providing a passage in a partition in a structure through which wires, cables, pipes, and the like are run includes a housing having a riser portion with frangible connections that define removable bands that can be readily removed by a user to adjust the height of the device in accordance with the thickness of the partition into which the device is installed. The removable bands include pull tabs that provide grasping means to facilitate removal of the bands by a user along a frangible connection. The housing also includes a base portion including a recess with ribs for maintaining the firestop material in spaced relation from the base portion sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: DuWayne C. Radke, Paul J. Cobian
  • Publication number: 20030009952
    Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a service delivery unit movable relative to a wall of the room between a storage position and a use position allowing the bed to dock to the service delivery unit to receive one or more services from the service delivery unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 6504093
    Abstract: A cabling apparatus that is easily retrofitted into the cabin of an aircraft for allowing containment and routing of cabling. The cabling apparatus is integrated into an interior compartment of an aircraft and may be adjacent to a seat of the aircraft. The cabling apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing comprising a flexible material with a longitudinal opening along its length, thus providing two opposing edges to the opening. The opposing edges comprise first and second locking connectors for inter-engaging to lock the opening of the cabling apparatus. When the first and second locking connectors are urged into engagement the cabling apparatus is locked in a closed position such that cabling contained therein cannot be removed or accessed. In one embodiment the cabling apparatus is affixed to a cabin floor of the aircraft by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John Edward Cawley
  • Publication number: 20020184843
    Abstract: An intersection member is provided for use in a raised floor system having a plurality of support pedestals, a plurality of floor panels, and at least one cable support apparatus wherein the intersection member includes a cable support section, and connecting portions extending from the cable support section, the connecting portions being configured and dimensioned to retain the cable support section in place when positioned at the intersection of at least two cable pathways. A hardware mounting assembly is provided for mounting hardware relative to a cable support apparatus, which includes a bracket portion configured and dimensioned to support various hardware components and position the components relative to a cable support apparatus, and a plurality of notches formed along the bracket portion, the notches being configured and dimensioned to engage portions of the cable support apparatus such that the bracket portion is maintained a predetermined relative distance from the cable support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 6479750
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting two wiring ducts on respective opposite sides of a suspended ceiling includes a back portion which has an opening at one end and upstream of the reference plane for inserting a first wiring duct. The other wiring duct can be butt-jointed to its other end. A cover portion at least partly covers the back portion, which has a reference plane which in use is level with the lower face of the suspended ceiling. Applications include conveying electrical cables or conductors through a suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Planet Wattohm
    Inventors: Dragos Popescu, Gary Bateson
  • Publication number: 20020157324
    Abstract: A fire assembly that can be used for installing recessed electrical fixtures into various structures such as wall assemblies is provided. The fire assembly includes an electrical fixture contained within a generally fire-resistant housing. The housing can enclose the electrical fixture in such a manner that the resulting fire assembly has an integral structure. In some instances, a support structure can be utilized to attach the housing to the electrical fixture. Furthermore, the housing can be a cube-shaped box have a variety of generally fire-resistant walls. These walls can be made from materials such as sheet rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Progress Lighting
    Inventors: Ronald Newbold, Thomas T. White
  • Patent number: 6467226
    Abstract: An improved window frame is provided. The window frame utilizes one or more locking panels coupled to the frame body via a living hinge. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the window frame includes a plurality of frame segments extending between respective corners of the window frame. Each of the frame segments defines a cross section comprising a frame body including a locking structure catch formed therein, a frame locking structure arranged to engage the locking structure catch, and a locking panel secured to the frame body via a living hinge. The living hinge is arranged to permit the first locking panel to pivot relative to the frame body between a closed state and an open state. The locking panel is arranged to engage the frame body and define a window securing dimension between the frame body and the locking panel upon pivoting to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Fukuvi USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Charles Dodson, Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6463704
    Abstract: A cable support apparatus for a raised floor system comprising at least one support member. The at least one support member is configured to be mounted to a pedestal of the raised floor system and connect with portions of cable trays. The support member, in one preferred embodiment includes a first member and a second member, each defining a slot for positioning on the support pedestal. The support member also includes a plurality of holes for the securing of the first member and the second member together as well as for connecting with cable trays. The cable trays are attached to the support member with an attachment mechanism such as a threaded stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Publication number: 20020144477
    Abstract: Metallic network elevated floorboard structure composed a metallic elevated floorboard, leg members, base seats, wire channels, central cover boards and side cover boards. The metallic elevated floorboard is composed of a plane iron panel having multiple punch holes at equal intervals and a concave iron board having multiple concaves riveted with the plane iron panel. Four corners of the elevated floorboard are formed with bores in which the leg member is fitted. The periphery of the elevated floorboard is formed with a flange having notches in which the side cover board is inlaid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 6449912
    Abstract: An intersection member is provided for use in a raised floor system having a plurality of support pedestals, a plurality of floor panels, and at least one cable support apparatus wherein the intersection member includes a cable support section, and connecting portions extending from the cable support section, the connecting portions being configured and dimensioned to retain the cable support section in place when positioned at the intersection of at least two cable pathways. A hardware mounting assembly is provided for mounting hardware relative to a cable support apparatus, which includes a bracket portion configured and dimensioned to support various hardware components and position the components relative to a cable support apparatus, and a plurality of notches formed along the bracket portion, the notches being configured and dimensioned to engage portions of the cable support apparatus such that the bracket portion is maintained a predetermined relative distance from the cable support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Publication number: 20020124511
    Abstract: An external utilities manager is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. The posts include outwardly protruding flanges which extend along the length of the posts. The external utilities manager includes a vertical raceway having a hollow interior configured to route utilities therealong, and an enclosed exterior disposed between the flanges of an associated post, and extending therealong to an open upper end. A horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and extends along the side face of an associated beam, and includes an interior configured to route utilities therealong. One end of the horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and communicates with the upper end of the vertical raceway to route utilities throughout the furniture system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Karl Heinz Mueller, James N. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20020124495
    Abstract: An embeddable air duct block includes a tubular member extending between a pair of rectangular plate members spaced from each other. The tubular member has a pair of open ends and an interior passageway. One plate member has an inner surface coupled to one open end and a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the interior passageway. The other plate member is coupled to the tubular member and has a duct opening aligned with the interior passageway. Two cement cavities are preferably formed on opposite sides of the tubular member. An air duct is formed in a concrete block wall by installing and securing the air duct block in the concrete block wall. The blocks are coupled together by cementing slurry poured into the cavities. Optionally, reinforcing bars can also be utilized within the cement cavities and at least one cavity of the concrete block wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Harry R. Layne, Harbert S. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20020124510
    Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Michael A. Jourden, Karl Heinz Mueller, Genevieve Wing
  • Publication number: 20020124512
    Abstract: A floor for a bumper car amusement ride is of modular construction. A base of each module may be of wood and has a multitude of openings for inserted reception of threaded studs welded to the underside of sheet metal panels extending lengthwise thereof. Nut elements, upon removal, permit panel removal and replacement. Dielectric spacers on each base insulate metal panels of different polarity. A metal framework supports the floor modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Dean
  • Patent number: 6434890
    Abstract: A simple, economic and rapid method for the reliable and precise erection of sturdy room delimiting means in new and semi-finished building and, respectively, for incorporation in pre-existing room and the room delimiting means includes modular prefabricated elements, stiffening and connecting elements and fastening elements. The prefabricated elements include groove and tongue like recesses and projections at their ends for connecting to other prefabricated elements. The stiffening and connecting elements stiffen, fasten and/or connect the prefabricated elements and are arrangable at a recess and/or space to connect the prefabricated elements. The stiffening and connecting elements may be adapted in an extremely simple fashion for different stiffening and connecting purposes so that erection of the room delimiting means requires only a few different parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Alfred Konnerth
  • Patent number: 6430882
    Abstract: A utility distribution system for open office plans comprising a prefabricated floor construction and a utility post for distributing utilities. The prefabricated floor construction is adapted to be abuttingly supported on a building floor. The prefabricated floor construction includes a substantially hollow interior portion thereof defining at least one raceway to route at least one utility conduit therethrough and a plurality of floor tiles defining an upper surface of the floor construction. The utility post includes a floor tile shaped for installation in a prefabricated floor construction and at least one marginally positioned cutouts thereof disposed above the raceway and communicating therewith. The utility post further includes at least one vertical raceway being in communication with one of the at least one marginally positioned open foot area and a top located above the at least one vertical raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, George V. Weller
  • Patent number: 6415553
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly for work spaces of the type having spaced-apart partition panels forming an opening for user ingress and egress therethrough. The privacy screen assembly includes a privacy screen defining a lower edge, and at least one roller mounted adjacent the lower edge for movably supporting the privacy screen on a trackless floor surface. An attachment member is configured to movably interconnect the privacy screen with a first partition panel. The attachment member positions the privacy screen in an offset position relative to the first partition panel. The privacy screen is movable between an open position wherein the privacy screen is disposed alongside at least a portion of the first partition panel, and a closed position wherein the privacy screen closes off at least a substantial portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Krayer, Jr., Mark D. Swets, Troy A. Wyman, Joseph T. Graceffa, Jon D. Schiff
  • Patent number: 6408594
    Abstract: A structural insulated panel for building construction includes a planar, rigid insulating core such as of lightweight plastic foam having opposed surfaces to which are bonded respective plastic impregnated paper (PIP) sheets. Disposed symmetrically either on the inner surfaces of the PIP sheets, and thus within the panel's insulating foam core, or on the outer surfaces of the PIP sheets are spaced reinforcing strips. The reinforcing strips may be flat or formed, such as in the shape of a channel, may be of metal, gypsum composites, or wood, and are provided with an adhesive coating for bonding to the insulating foam core and a PIP sheet. The spaced metal strips increase the panel's bending strength and serve as an attachment base for internal and external finished faces, while the PIP sheets provide the panel with high tensile strength. The adhesive coating on the metal reinforcing strips further increases panel strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Porter
  • Patent number: 6405491
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of wall panels having various configurations and one or more plumbing units. The wall panels and plumbing units are connectable to each other to form the patient room. Each plumbing unit includes a water conduit and a water-using device that is connected to the water conduit. In some embodiments, the modular patient room includes modular patient service equipment that couples to the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Gallant
  • Publication number: 20020069600
    Abstract: A composite panel includes a first skin including composite material, a second skin including drywall material, and a foam core therebetween. A plastic connector extends along side edges of the skins for connecting the panel to another composite panel including a mating connector. The connector includes a slot extending parallel to the side edges for receiving a pin therein, whereby the panel may be connected to another composite panel having a similar connector and slot. An I-beam is bonded between the skins in the cavity that includes a chase for receiving wiring or other utilities therein. A “U” shaped channel is also bonded between the upper edges of the first and second skins, thereby defining a recess between the upper edges for receiving a top plate to secure a roof structure to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: American Structural Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6393775
    Abstract: For houses and other buildings in remote locations, which are not serviced with mains (municipal) utilities, a module includes the electric generator, water supply, sewage disposal, etc facilities. The module and its utilities are constructed, assembled, and installed into a room-structure, in a factory, whereby the whole module can be tested prior to shipping. The physical and structural integration of the components and systems permits and enhances functional and operational integration of the systems. The module uses co-generation, heat exchangers, etc, for coordinating the hitherto-separate utility systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Udo Ingmar Staschik
  • Patent number: 6389772
    Abstract: A universal building unit comprising a plurality of members connected to each other by at least one adjustable plate. There is also at least one panel connected to the plurality of members. In this case, the plurality of members, the adjustable plate, and the panels all connect together to form a universal building unit that can be repeatedly constructed and combined with adjacent building units to form a building structure. These building units also contain a heating and cooling system for heating and cooling each unit within the structure. In addition, these units can be combined in any manner to create stairs, walls, doors, fixed and movable partitions, windows, roofs, or any other type of building component. These building units comprise a series of simple, easy to install fittings and steel profiles to create framing for any type of building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: William B. Gleckman, Jacques Racine
  • Patent number: 6389778
    Abstract: A prefabricated modular wall panel brace is used in the construction of long wall for buildings. Each prefabricated modular panel brace is placed beside another framing component between a top plate and a bottom plate. Every other panel maybe inverted with respect to the adjacent panel so that the ends of a diagonal brace in each panel is adjacent to the diagonal brace in the adjacent panel. Each panel may have a movable/swiveling section to accommodate an angled portion of the wall. The modular wall panel brace may be used in single or multiple floor structures for either interior or exterior walls to provide shear or diaphragm bracing of the wall units of a building to provide bracing for wind or seismic loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Itec Steel Corporation
    Inventor: J. V. Strange
  • Publication number: 20020046518
    Abstract: A factory layout includes a plurality of substantially triangle units provided in radial directions. The triangle units are combined so as to form a polygonal shape including a triangle shape as a whole. The empty regions with an air-conditioning facility are provided at a part of the central portion of the polygonal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Eguchi, Shintaro Matsuda, Satoru Souda, Akiko Sakai
  • Publication number: 20020043032
    Abstract: A waste water collection arrangement for combining the waste water discharge of several different plumbing fixtures includes a water receiving trap having a chamber in which water is received to provide a gas-tight seal. At least two inlet assemblies deliver waste water to the chamber and at least one outlet assembly discharges water from the chamber. The chamber has a lid part through which the inlet assemblies pass at least substantially perpendicular to the lid part. The inlet assemblies are mounted on the lid part so as to be movable as required to desired positions for connection to waste water conduits. The chamber is essentially isolated from the ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Timo Anttalainen, Raimo Astikainen, Pentti Koskela, Ilkka Seppa, Veikko Laisi, Pertti Paatalo, Rauno Virtanen
  • Patent number: 6370831
    Abstract: A raised floor system for installation over a base floor that allows ready access to the space created thereunder. Raised floor panels are supported above the base floor by and secured to base floor web tile assemblies that interconnect one to another. Each base floor web tile assembly includes a plurality of hollow metal cylinders with a lower portion to which a plastic base floor web tile is over-molded. The base floor web tile has adhesion pads with apertures which allow adhesive to be injected below the tile from above. The adhesive is used to affix the interconnected base floor web tile assemblies to the base floor. Further, an upper surface of each metal cylinder has over-molded thereto a plastic floor panel support boss. The floor panel support boss engages with a threaded panel fastener to secure a raised floor panel to a floor panel support of a base floor web tile assembly. Services such as telephone, electricity and computer cables may be installed in the space under the raised floor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: SMED International
    Inventors: Dale Marshall, Paul Spavor
  • Patent number: 6367211
    Abstract: A floor raceway and monument arrangement extends from a cable inlet location to one or more remote locations at which a floor mounted monument is provided, the latter typically being provided with power receptacles and communication jacks. The raceway arrangement may include an elongate rigid section suitable for extending across a walkway, which rigid section protectively encloses both power and communication cables therein, yet enables such cables to be readily laid therein and accessed. The raceway arrangement also typically includes one or more elongate flexible sections intended primarily for use in non-walkway areas. Each flexible section is defined by a plurality of cable clips which are disposed in directly adjacent relationship and are supportingly engaged on the floor. Each clip has a downwardly opening channel part which embraces a conduit-type power cable, and the clip additionally has at least one channel for receiving communication cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Weener, Jeffrey J. Reuschel
  • Patent number: 6354048
    Abstract: A flexible assembly cell is made up by providing a regular array of fixed, load supporting pedestals on a concrete sub-floor on a meter matrix throughout the assembly area. Jigs and other assembly equipment required in the area are provided with base fixtures on the same meter matrix and the base fixtures are coupled to the relevant pedestals. The gaps between the pedestals are bridged by rectangular load bearing floor panels to provide a raised floor and to provide an underfloor void for routing of services. Moving a jig would be simply achieved by unplugging the relevant services, relocating the jig to a vacant set of pedestals and reconnecting the services, minimising downtime and recurring costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: British Aerospace Plc
    Inventors: David Gillett, Jonathan Dobson, Ian D McManus
  • Publication number: 20020026757
    Abstract: An access floor system including an access floor panel having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface and at least one pedestal. The pedestal includes a base portion for resting on a subfloor, a head portion and a jack interconnecting the base portion and the head portion, the head portion having an upper surface for engaging the bottom surface of the floor panel. A selected one of the upper surface of the head portion of the pedestal or the bottom surface of the floor panel comprises a protrusion extending therefrom, and the other of the upper surface of the head portion or bottom surface of the floor panel defines a receptacle therein, the receptacle being of a size to complementarily and detachably engage the protrusion. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Scissom, Alex Zeif, Bruce E. Mead
  • Publication number: 20020023398
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration into the external wall construction reliably; and a sealing fixture, an external wall panel, and an external wall constructing method, which are used for the external wall construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: NICHIHA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 6347488
    Abstract: A cross-arm for a utility pole, the cross-arm includes an elongated, hollow bar member molded from synthetic material, such as a sheet-molding compound of polyester glass-reinforced plastic. The elongated bar member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a plurality of through-holes for mounting the cross-arm to a utility pole with fasteners and for mounting electrical line support insulators. A groove extends from the first end to the second end of the elongated bar member, for receiving a wire or cable. A recess is provided in a wall of the elongated, hollow bar member which substantially conforms a section of the wall to the utility pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Koye
  • Patent number: 6347493
    Abstract: A support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels, includes a support bracket having first and second end portions being configured and dimensioned to rest upon a portion of a support pedestal. An intermediate portion extends between the first and second end portions, and an article support member depends from the intermediate portion to support articles thereon a distance below the raised floor panels and a distance above a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Publication number: 20020014045
    Abstract: An intersection member is provided for use in a raised floor system having a plurality of support pedestals, a plurality of floor panels, and at least one cable support apparatus wherein the intersection member includes a cable support section, and connecting portions extending from the cable support section, the connecting portions being configured and dimensioned to retain the cable support section in place when positioned at the intersection of at least two cable pathways. A hardware mounting assembly is provided for mounting hardware relative to a cable support apparatus, which includes a bracket portion configured and dimensioned to support various hardware components and position the components relative to a cable support apparatus, and a plurality of notches formed along the bracket portion, the notches being configured and dimensioned to engage portions of the cable support apparatus such that the bracket portion is maintained a predetermined relative distance from the cable support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Publication number: 20020003194
    Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of upright support columns, a plurality of floor panels, and a cable tray support assembly. The cable tray support assembly includes a plurality of support pedestals and a platform section. Each support pedestal has an elongated stringer member, a first upright sleeve member, and a second upright sleeve member. Each first and second sleeve member defines a bore extending from a top end through a bottom end. The stringer member is attached to the sleeve members proximate the respective top ends of the first and second sleeve members so that the elongated stringer member is supported above the respective bottom ends of the first and second sleeve members. At least one of the first and second sleeve members of each first support pedestal is removably connected, in overlying registration, to the body portion of one support column of a pair of support columns. One platform section is suspended from the stringer members of a pair of opposing first support pedestals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: George E. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6323421
    Abstract: Raceway base and cover components define top and bottom wireway channels, and provide a third channel therebetween for housing various outlet devices that need not be placed in the wireway channels. The dividers defining these channels are molded as part of the base, and define hinge lines so that shelf defining doors can be opened for ease of wiring the raceway, and closed for isolating the cabling contained therein. Device brackets are snapped into the third channel and these device brackets are designed to receive the outlet devices as a result of a snap-in feature disclosed in a prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,205.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Pawson, Salvatore A. Cancellieri, Yesfim Shapiro
  • Patent number: 6314692
    Abstract: A cast-in concrete (1), lead-in system (2) for ceilings and walls having a trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal formwork (7) and including a lead-in sleeve (3) for receiving one of a tubular conduit and a cable and having at least three outer, circumferentially spaced from each other, fixing points (4a, 4b, 4c) for securing the lead-in sleeve to the trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal formwork (7), and at least two stiff looking elements (5a, 5b) each having a connection element (12) for a formlocking connection with the fixing points (4a, 4b, 4c) of the lead-in sleeve and a mounting element (6) for securing the locking element (5a, 5b) to peak regions (8) of trapezoidal corrugations of the trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Münzenberger, Arndt Andresen, Jean-Louis Milhes
  • Patent number: 6314691
    Abstract: An inspection opening frame includes frame components each of which is provided with a support portion extending along the inner surface of an inspection opening, a front wall holding portion projecting outward from the front surface of the support portion, a rear lid holding portion projecting inward from the rear surface of the support portion, a front lid holding portion projecting inward from the front surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about a hinge, a rear wall holding portion projecting outward from the rear surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about another hinge, and locking portions each having a hook and a projection for disengageably locking the front lid holding portion and the rear wall holding portion in holding positions. The inspection opening frame can be easily mounted at the inspection opening without using a backing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyozaburo Takagi, Kazuhiko Kise, Shinjiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 6311440
    Abstract: A floor mounted utility post includes a floor tile from a pre-fabricated floor construction, wherein the floor tile has at least two cutouts positioned at separate edges of the floor tile. A pair of vertical raceway channels are secured to the floor tile, and each vertical raceway channel is in communication with one of the cutouts. A door is mounted to a first of the vertical raceways, wherein the door and the pair of vertical raceway channels, in combination, define a partial enclosure. A top is supported by the raceway channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, George V. Weller, Carl V. Forslund, III, Frederick S. Faiks
  • Publication number: 20010034987
    Abstract: A utilities terminal for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The utilities terminal includes a floor tile having an access cavity, a support pan and an upper surface. The support pan is positioned within the access cavity, and has at least one access opening. The utilities terminal further includes a utilities grommet configured to be received within the support pan, and covering at least a portion of the support pan. The utilities terminal further includes a plurality of cover blocks selectively configured and adapted to be received within the support pan, cover the remaining open area of the support pan, and positioned substantially flush to the upper surface of the floor tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert V. Cooper, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, Art Tsubaki, Howard Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6308477
    Abstract: An isolating plate (10) and insulated bolt assembly (51) for electrically insulating a cabinet (22) for holding telecommunications switching equipment. The isolating plate (10) functions as an installation template to assist an installer with locating and installing cabinets (22) in a telecommunications center. The precut cable ways (12) and mounting holes (14) allow the installer to quickly locate and cut the floor as needed for cables (15) and bolts (26) required to install the cabinet (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Oscar Santamaria
  • Patent number: 6301838
    Abstract: An off-the-floor water closet carrier is adapted to sit on flooring structure and has a waste conduit junction therein. The water closet carrier is rigidly constructed without primary reliance upon the waste conduit junction for such rigidity. The waste conduit junction is connected to receive waste from off-the-floor water closets and is also connected to pass such waste to a waste discharge conduit which is also connected to receive waste from one or more bath or shower or combination thereof. The waste discharge conduit is substantially entirely above the flooring structure upon which the water closet carrier is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald W. Hall
  • Patent number: 6298615
    Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure frame including a frame member having a forward facing channel and at least one power transmission wire located within the forward facing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6293062
    Abstract: An incombustible fireproof network elevated floorboard in which the flanges of the cover boards are fitted into multiple grooves of the leg supports of the floorboard. In addition, the cover boards are partially locked with the leg supports by screws. The floorboard is made of metallic material and achieves enhanced fireproof effect to meet the strict requirement for incombustibility of skyscraper building. In addition, the present invention can be easily and quickly manufactured and assembled. The cover boards can be assembled with the leg support by various angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Yao-Chung Chen
  • Publication number: 20010011441
    Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 6269594
    Abstract: A modular medical gas services unit with multiple medical gas outlets supported at the same level on the column. The unit preferably comprises a hollow column with an internal space for housing the gas conduits and power lines. The medical gas supply outlets are mounted so that their longitudinal axes extend radially from the vertical axis of the frame, and the longitudinal axes of adjacent outlets intersect to form an acute angle. In this way, the horizontal dimensions of the column can be minimized while the number of medical gas outlets at the desired height is maximized. In one embodiment, the column is pentagonal in cross-section providing five planar support surfaces for five medical gas outlets. In another embodiment, a square column is equipped with angled outlet panels, each supporting two medical gas outlets. Thus, though the frame is four-sided, as many as eight medical gas outlets can be mounted at the same height on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Gaddis-Walker Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6269598
    Abstract: For the exchange of thermal energy between flowable media and the surroundings, said media are directionally conveyed in sectional structures, etc. The invention relates to sectional elements and sectional modules which are used in combination with paste-like, solidifiable coating materials. The coating material passes through the perforated, flow guiding walls of the elements or modules and results, amongst other effects, in an increase of the surface area and in an intensification of the interaction between the flowing material and the surroundings. In a use according to the invention, the external walls, etc., of buildings are provided with a surface composite comprising sectional elements and modules according to the invention in combination with coating materials, for the purpose of effecting economical air-conditioning of the building from the bottom of the basement to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Wintermantel, Brich
    Inventor: Erich Wintermantel