Having A Passageway Through The Entire Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor Thickness (e.g., Poke-through) Patents (Class 52/220.8)
  • Patent number: 8689503
    Abstract: An embeddable device (11, 41) for passing conduits through a constructional component (6), includes a tubular housing (12, 42) having an attachment flange (14) provided at one of its ends for temporary securing the device on a formwork (7) of the subsequently cast constructional component (6), and a receptacle (15) for isolation means (8) and which surrounds, at least regionwise, an axially extending through-opening (16). A connection device (21, 44) connects a plurality of embeddable devices (11) with each other and includes at least one connection element (23, 24, 26, 27) provided on the housing (12) and extending parallel to a plane (E) defined by the attachment flange (14) at a distance from the plane (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marco Fischer, Thomas Monden
  • Patent number: 8689504
    Abstract: A fire protection module is provided for wall and ceiling openings. The fire protection module includes a sheath for insertion into the wall or ceiling opening and a flange to be placed at the wall or ceiling. The assembly of the fire protection module may be performed with few steps. For example, the sheath and the flange are embodied in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Monden, Ulf Mordau
  • Patent number: 8683762
    Abstract: A barrier element for forming a component of a floor covering of a floor in a data center includes a substantially laminar part, the laminar part having a cross member attached to one surface. The cross member mounts a plurality of filaments which can form a layer impervious to air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Rodriquez, Emmanuel Tong-Viet
  • Patent number: 8677704
    Abstract: Designed for office interior environments and layouts, there is provided a module wall system that comprises a module having a number of cavities and opposite cavities. The modules may include board plates, lateral plates, cover plates, and internal rails that are built to accommodate cables and utilities. The internal rails may be posted throughout the length of such modules and may interconnect with columns. The cavities may have cover plates positioned conveniently to form a structural, functional and decorative composition. The modules are interconnected, structured and fixed with the columns, which can be posted vertically and sitting on feet, to provide better stability. The columns are hollow and fitted with removable column cover for access to wiring or complementary accommodation of decorative objects. Modules may form various convenient work areas or cubicle layouts with functional and aesthetic environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Luciano Trindade de Sousa Monteiro
  • Patent number: 8641492
    Abstract: A directional flow raised floor air-grate is provided for the enhanced thermal management of a raised floor computer room. The air-grate includes a load bearing frame. The frame has four vertical girders connected, in a ninety-degree alignment, so that four corners of the frame are capable of supporting the air-grate as an air handling separation barrier on a raised floor pedestal support system. A plurality of vertical reinforcing beam members is connected to the frame so that the reinforcing beams are aligned in a longitudinal spaced relationship. At least two vertical airfoil vane members have an upper inclined and, lower vertical planar surfaces. These surfaces are demarcated by a longitudinal axis of the vane members. The vane members are connected to the frame in a crosswise spaced relationship to the reinforcing beam members, so that a plurality of openings are created between the reinforcing beams and the airfoil vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Meyer
  • Patent number: 8637780
    Abstract: A portal and method facilitate routing and holding at least one electrical cable having a plug end. The portal may include a body which fits into a hole in a mounting surface and has a cable opening therein. A closure member moves between a closed position and an open position relative to the cable opening. A retainer movably mounted to the closure member confines the cable in a desired position to inhibit the plug end from moving back toward the interior of the portal body and to permit the plug end to be pulled substantially freely away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Spectrum Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hunt, Thomas E. Veloskey
  • Patent number: 8621796
    Abstract: A conduit duct for sealing at least one conduit includes an elastomer body for sealingly contacting the conduit. The elastomer body comprises at least two elastomer parts, wherein each of the elastomer parts includes a plurality of hollow sleeves. In an assembled condition of the elastomer body parts, the hollow sleeves of one of the body parts are arranged with the hollow sleeves of the other one of the body parts to form a sequence of layers surrounding the conduit. A tensioning device positioned on the elastomer body compresses the elastomer body to thereby sealingly press the body onto the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hauff-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Senol Egritepe, Martin Heck, Michael Seibold
  • Patent number: 8615933
    Abstract: A one story high building block with the capability of having window or door openings, or a variety of other desirable features; pre-cast within the body of the building block itself. The building block can be colored and stamped or etched to provide an almost endless variety of visual effects. The building block can be connected to a number of other building blocks, each with their own variety of features, to create a dynamic building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Day Broderick, Dennis LaMar Broderick
  • Publication number: 20130337205
    Abstract: A non-woven fabric includes flame retardant fibers and binding material mixed with the flame retardant fibers. The binding material sets a thickness of the fabric. Application of a flame to the fabric causes the binding material to degrade and the flame retardant fibers to expand to prevent a flame from passing through a hole in a wall of an appliance, a building, or an appliance and/or to protect wiring of an appliance, a building, or an appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony L. Rockwell, Phillip J. Johnson, Jason Seward, Jason C. Bragg, Paula Miller, Jeffrey A. Tilton, William Kunkler
  • Patent number: 8572913
    Abstract: A system, device and method for plugging core holes. A core hole plug includes a top compression plate, a bottom compression plate and a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates. A beveled screw hole can be created on the top compression plate. The beveled screw hole matches the angle of bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt to ensure that the bolt remains flush with the top compression plate. The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and bottom compression plates as the flat head bolt is screwed into a threaded receiver nut formed on the bottom compression plate. An installation tool can be utilized to install the core hole plug so that the top compression plate remains flush with an existing floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Chris Stubblefield, Eddy Mindlin
  • Patent number: 8555585
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: RADVA Corporation
    Inventor: Luther I. Dickens
  • Publication number: 20130247487
    Abstract: An assembly for protecting a utility conduit passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A sleeve and a plate are provided. The sleeve has a body forming a hollow trough with a length, a circular side section and a width The circular side section is changeable to adapt to the hole in the stud. The body has opposed inserted and worked end to permit engagement of the sleeve into the hole in the stud. The body portion can include a sleeve fillant within the trough. A stop portion at the worked end of the body stops sleeve insertion a proximate stud. A retention portion then affirmatively retain the sleeve in the hole. The plate has a surface conforming to a stud face, an opening to receive the sleeve, and a mechanism to attach the plate to the stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce H. Turner
  • Publication number: 20130233164
    Abstract: A foundation wall includes a frame having a front side and a back side. The frame further includes a plurality of vertical stud members having a first end and a second end, a top beam attached to the first end of the plurality of vertical stud members, and a bottom beam attached to the second end of the plurality of vertical stud members to define a plurality of cavities between adjoining vertical stud members. Rigid insulation is adapted for positioning in the plurality of cavities to become a load-bearing part of the frame. One or more structural sheets is affixed to the front side of the frame and to the back side of the frame. A waterproof bond is formed along an interface between edges of the one or more structural sheets and a periphery around the front side and the back side of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Wesley F. Kestermont
  • Patent number: 8528292
    Abstract: A support system securable between pairs of metal bar joists or beams includes one or more end brackets secured to the top of a first bar joist at one end, and another corresponding number of end brackets secured to the top of a second bar joist opposite the first two end brackets. One or more elongate bars span the distance separating the bar joists. Each elongate bar is secured to one of the end brackets secured to the first bar joist at a first end, and to the respective, aligned end bracket secured to the second bar joist at a second end. Cross members, each defined by a pair T-shaped bracket assemblies having cross bars secured thereto, are secured between the elongate bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas H. Morey
  • Patent number: 8522497
    Abstract: A device for leading pipes (6) of a solar cell through a roof, which device is characterized by a connecting sleeve having an upper end with an annular cross section, the connecting sleeve being mounted onto the straight-cut upper end of a dome-like collar (2a) of a conventional pipe duct (2) to surround the opening of the collar (2a), as well as by a cap (4) turnably installed on the upper end of the connecting sleeve (3) and provided with a sideward-facing receiving opening (5) for pipes (6) to be led from a solar cell into the building, whereby the receiving opening (5) is sealable around the pipes (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: SK Tuote Oy
    Inventor: Eero Saikkonen
  • Patent number: 8505251
    Abstract: An adapter with a female portion in connected to a conduit extension at a location within a barrier. The female portion can include female threads that extend beyond the barrier. Alternately, a modular adapter including an adapter element and elongated element can be releasably connected to the female portion with the elongated element extending beyond the barrier. Conduit damage proximate to the barrier is repaired by removing a damaged portion extending beyond the barrier and connecting a male adapter to the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Keith Scruggs
  • Patent number: 8499511
    Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Plattforms Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Platt, John E. Charchenko, Daryl G. Hodgson, Russell J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8490353
    Abstract: A system for providing a sealed transit for a situation wherein one or a plurality of cables, pipes, or ducts extend through the transit, wherein the system comprises a frame which is sealingly fixed or fixable into or onto an opening, wherein the frame comprises one or a plurality of conduits which are each suitable for receiving at least one of the plurality of cables, pipes or ducts and for receiving an elastically deformable plug for sealingly filling space between an inner circumferential wall of the conduits and at least one of the plurality of cables, pipes or ducts, wherein the system further comprises at least one blocking element for hindering in each conduit movement of one end of a plug which is inserted in that conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Beele Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Alfred Beele
  • Patent number: 8479455
    Abstract: A flashing assembly comprising a base plate, flashing, flashing adapter and O-ring is disclosed. The flashing assembly components fit tightly together, creating a waterproof seal. The flashing assembly has no exposed rubber pieces, which prevents erosion and extends the life of the assembly. The waterproofing and durability of the disclosed flashing assembly make it ideal for enclosing electrical wires and running plumbing needs through the roof or wall membrane. The disclosed flashing assembly is capable of attaching to a number of products, including, but not limited to junction boxes, combiners, and service panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: D Three Enterprises
    Inventors: Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman, Don N. Tamm
  • Patent number: 8448398
    Abstract: A vent includes an outer element including an outer perforated area having at least one perforation and an inner element having at least one perforation and a peripheral portion. The outer element and the inner element are separated by a distance to define a plenum between the outer element and the inner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Stockton Products
    Inventors: David Perez, Richard L. Alsager
  • Patent number: 8438807
    Abstract: A firestop drain assembly for mounting in a partition to prevent fire on one side of the partition from moving through the firestop drain assembly to the other side of the partition. The firestop drain assembly can achieve an F-rating and a T-rating of at least one (1) hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Patent number: 8438803
    Abstract: A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough having side edges, wherein each said side edge portion has overlapable or interlockable fingers. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole is achievable by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A stop portion at the worked end stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once thus inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce H. Turner
  • Patent number: 8438804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall passage opening for passing a conduit through a through-penetration defining at least one reveal, of a building with a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the conduit is covered with an insulation material (10) comprising an insulation shell (16), at least in the region of the passage opening, the diameter of the insulation element substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the passage opening, wherein the insulation shell (16) includes a cavity for accommodating a conduit section (22) having an enlarged outer diameter and wherein the insulation shell (16) is made of mineral fibers, to accommodate the conduit section (22) having the enlarged outer diameter in a quick and easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Deutsche Rockwoll Mineralwoll GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Andreas Nowoczin, Gerd-Rüdiger Klose
  • Patent number: 8424267
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a protective device for use with a metal stud. This invention protects in-wall piping, conduit and wiring from inadvertent puncturing by drywall screws during the installation of wall boarding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Buildings and Matters, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent F. Cannistraro, Thomas J. Kosik, David Duncanson, Otto D. DeRuntz
  • Publication number: 20130091789
    Abstract: In a ceiling passage with an opening through which a pipe extends in the vertical direction, the pipe being surrounded by a fire-prevention sleeve, the fire-prevention sleeve includes, for example, fire-prevention additives embodied in a rectangular strip. A plurality of notches are provided along only one longitudinal side of the rectangular strip. The plurality of notches are used to form flaps at a bottom edge of the rectangular strip and are bent backwards. The flaps are supported at an inner wall of the ceiling passage near a bottom of the ceiling passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Sebastian Simon, Christian Forg, Mario Paetow
  • Patent number: 8397451
    Abstract: A ceiling wiring access point device is comprised of a frame panel that can be temporarily placed in a grid ceiling system during the installation of wire and cable into a ceiling space. The frame panel has an opening through which wire and cable may be inserted as it is threaded up into the ceiling. The internal edges of the opening are provided with roller members to provide a relative frictionless edge against which the wires may pass. Dust guards are provided at the opening to prevent debris from the ceiling area from falling to the room below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hepacart, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Pirner
  • Patent number: 8397438
    Abstract: Flashing systems for use with metal and non-metal roof systems are provided having a generally planar lead base defining an aperture, a generally cylindrical structure attached to the base in surrounding relation with the aperture and projecting upward therefrom, and an adhesive sealing membrane attached to the bottom of the base for connecting the flashing to a roof. A flexible plastic downspout allows flashing system to adapt to various roof slope and roof penetration configurations. The downspout may be include a plurality of diametrically reducing stepped sections such that the installing technician is able to simply cut the stepped plastic downspout to the size that will accommodate the roof penetration pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Heartland Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hoy, Jack Edgemon, John Hoy
  • Patent number: 8393121
    Abstract: A thermally expandable fire-stop system for placement in a thermally stable conduit having an inner wall defining an inner space through which a single pipe, being a, relatively, thermally weakenable pipe having an outer wall, extends, or will extend, the system comprising at least a device which includes at least one component having a non-linear thermal expansion characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Beele Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Alfred Beele
  • Publication number: 20130014454
    Abstract: A prefabricated ribbed panel for installation either in a horizontal, vertical or inclined condition, characterized in that said panel comprises a caisson block (1) made of an inert insulating material, defining a plurality of recesses (2) for housing therein a longitudinal reinforcement structure (10) which can be embedded in a first concrete casting (11) made at a concrete casting shop; a first finishing slab floor (13) with an electrowelded network (15) at panel joining regions being moreover provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michele Caboni
  • Patent number: 8336832
    Abstract: A metal casing strip for a fire collar to be arranged around a duct has a line of successive tongues and cutouts in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The tongues and cutouts are arranged in the strip in an alternating fashion. The tongues are bendable out of the surface of the casing strip such that in use, when the casing strip is arranged around a pipe such that two end regions overlap, an outwardly bended tongue from the one end region is inserted in a cutout of the overlapping other end region and folded over the edge of the cutout to retain the casing strip in the closed collar shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: J. Van Walraven Holding B.V., Rolf Kuhn GmbH
    Inventors: Jan van Walraven, Jurgen Wied
  • Patent number: 8336833
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide modular grid systems for use with aperture-forming devices. The modular grid system includes a plurality of modular grids, wherein each modular grid includes an outer frame, an outer partial ring coupled to the frame, and at least one inner partial ring coupled to the outer partial ring via at least one securable connection, wherein the outer partial ring and the at least one inner partial ring form arcs of greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. Each modular grid is coupled to an adjacent modular grid. In some embodiments, the outer frame comprises a removable bar. In some embodiments, the plurality of modular grids are oriented in the same direction. In some embodiments, the modular grid is configured to couple to an aperture-forming device, where the aperture-forming device has a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: M.A. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobbie Don Peacock, Bryan N. Wilmoth, Edward G. Green, Thomas W. Windham, Jr., Brian Scott Peacock, Thomas Joseph Holak
  • Publication number: 20120321029
    Abstract: An electrical penetration arrangement through the wall of a containment structure, comprising a pipe penetration having a pipe which is disposed in the wall of a containment structure, penetrating the wall, so that a first opening of the pipe is disposed outside of the containment structure, and a second opening is disposed inside the structure. Power feedthroughs are disposed in the pipe penetration having conductors sealed along their axial direction by a hermetically sealing, electrically insulating material, in which cables coming from outside can be connected to first conductor ends, and cables coming from inside the containment structure can be connected to second conductor ends. Power feedthroughs are fastened in the pipe of the pipe penetration and sealed by hermetically sealing material, so that the power feedthroughs form a hermetically sealing barrier, and the first conductor ends are disposed in the interior of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Johann BERNAUER
  • Patent number: 8316612
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Radva Corporation
    Inventor: Luther I. Dickens
  • Patent number: 8307592
    Abstract: An assembly for a pipe finishing work includes a support bracket supported on side walls, facing each other, of a pair of studs separated from each other and having a guide rail formed long in a direction crossing the pair of studs, a panel member penetrated by a pipe arranged between the pair of studs and having a finishing member coupled thereto to close a gap between the pair of studs in a state in which the penetrating pipe is exposed outside, and a guide rib installed at the guide rail to be capable of sliding with the panel member along the guide rail to position align the panel member with respect to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Kyung Kun Chang
  • Patent number: 8291658
    Abstract: An electrical conduit flashing system for efficiently replacing existing flashing for an electrical conduit without disconnection of electrical services. The electrical conduit flashing system generally includes a lower cover having a first base, a second base and a third base movably attached to one another, and an upper cover having a pair of mating portions positioned above the lower cover. A grommet may be attached to an upper opening formed within the upper cover to seal the same against the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Lorne G. Johnston, Mona A. Bareham
  • Patent number: 8273998
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for separating and insulating higher voltage power conductors from lower voltage data conductors. The assembly includes a housing, a housing divider and a bracket. The housing including at least one vertically extending side wall defining an interior space therein. The housing divider disposed within the housing and extending across the interior space forming a vertical barrier between a first housing compartment and a second housing compartment. The bracket capable of having secured thereto at least one of the higher voltage power conductors and at least one of the low voltage data conductors. The bracket including at least one partition separating conductor compartments therein, the at least one partition extending vertically and substantially perpendicular to the divider. A floor of each conductor compartment extends across at least a portion of both the first housing compartment and the second housing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8266854
    Abstract: A grommet closure device for sealing a cable opening in a raised floor, the device comprising: a frame structure defining an aperture; and a sealing member having flexible sealing means attached along its length in cantilever fashion, the sealing member being arranged to span the aperture such that unattached ends of the sealing means can extend away from the sealing member and rest on the frame structure, thereby covering the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cannon Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Edward Reddicliffe
  • Patent number: 8240092
    Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a wall unit mounted relative to a wall of the room and a floor unit extending along a floor of the room. The bed docks to the floor 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 located in a cavity of the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 8225563
    Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly for mounting to a wall is disclosed. The assembly generally includes a back plate having a flange that defines an axis extending perpendicularly from the back plate and a front plate disposed in parallel relationship to the back plate. A connector connects the plates in the parallel relationship at various distances longitudinally along the axis. The connector includes co-acting male and female components extending circumferentially about the axis and at least one of the male and female components is spaced longitudinally along the axis for connecting the plates at any one of the various distances in response to relative rotation between the male and female components about the axis. The connector may also include a mounting ring separate from the back plate and the front plate that couples the front plate to the back plate. The mounting ring allows for additional distances to be obtained between the front plate and the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Lajewski
  • Patent number: 8201369
    Abstract: A conduit adapter system enables routing of conduit through one or more structural members of width W with minimal weakening of the structural member or members, and includes a first section of conventional round conduit on one side of the structural member or members, and a second piece of round conduit on an opposite side of the structural member or members, and a bridge conduit section of sufficient length to pass through the structural member or members, the bridge conduit section having a symmetrical cross-section with a first dimension significantly less than a second dimension, and an area at least as large as the area of the round conduit sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur Raymond Coughlin
  • Patent number: 8196359
    Abstract: A wind turbine system for safe and reliable installation in a building. The Wind Turbine System generally includes of a tower pole having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower pole includes a wind turbine which extends through the roof through a hole. The lower end of the tower pole includes a tower base which is installed underground in the base of a building. The tower base may be anchored in the ground with a concrete footing. The tower pole is connected to a building support member by a clamp member. An anti-vibration ring surrounds the tower pole at its interface with the building support member to dampen vibrations. A tower-roof seal surrounds the interface between tower pole and roof at the hole. In this manner, wind power can be provided to a building without the use of guyed wires and without damaging the structure of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Home Energy Innovations, LLC.
    Inventors: Shugnang Jiang, John L. Walker, Meian Zhang
  • Patent number: 8191330
    Abstract: A firestop drain assembly for mounting in a partition to prevent fire on one side of the partition from moving through the firestop drain assembly to the other side of the partition. The firestop drain assembly can achieve an F-rating and a T-rating of at least one (1) hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Patent number: 8191323
    Abstract: A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A provided body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole can be achieved by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A provided stop portion at the worked end then stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a provided retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once it is thus inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce H. Turner
  • Patent number: 8181406
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled building houses sensitive telecommunications equipment in operation. A secure outdoor shelter within a closed perimeter abutting the building utilizes the exterior of one wall of the building as a portion of its perimeter. The outdoor shelter contains outdoor-hardened telecommunications equipment, also in operation, which dissipates large quantities of heat to the atmosphere. There are coax cable and waveguide operative interconnections between the sensitive telecommunications equipment and the outdoor-hardened telecommunications equipment, the interconnection being made through the one wall without affecting control of the temperature and humidity in the building. There is a further coax cable and waveguide connection from the outdoor equipment to a cell tower where wireless transmission takes place. The outdoor shelter can be expanded modularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tan, Roger Y. Finley
  • Patent number: 8161696
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ted D Colwell, Kristen A. Jensen, Rebecca C. Lee, Ernst L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8156700
    Abstract: An assembly for sealing such as a rooftop which can include at least one type of projecting conduit such as a projecting pipe or an HVAC duct. A plurality of thermoformed membranes are provided in sheet form and are configured for applying over an exterior of the rooftop. The membranes are heat welded to one another along overlapping edges. A further plurality of membranes are configured for applying about an extending length of the conduit and are likewise being directly heat welded to one another along overlapping edges. A boot shaped membrane is applied over and directly welded to an interfacing location established between a proximate rooftop membrane and a further conduit wrapped membrane, such that the assembly provides a sectionalized and continuous vapor barrier across the roof and conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Umlor
  • Patent number: 8146305
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Brandon L. Cordts
  • Patent number: 8122655
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a frame (1) for receiving one or more elastic modules (2) forming cable entries, pipe penetrations or the like. The frame (1) has a form automatically compressing the one or more modules (2) at mounting to an appliance (7). The compression is made in that the modules (2) are received in a central opening of the frame (1) formed by inclining walls (3) and that the overall dimension of the modules (2) received in the central opening is somewhat larger than the inner dimension of the central opening. The modules (2) protrude from the frame (1) and are therefore further compressed when the frame is mounted to the appliance (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Roxtec AB
    Inventor: Tomas Kreutz
  • Patent number: RE43997
    Abstract: An intumescent firestopping apparatus used in poke-through applications for selectively sealing an opening through a construction barrier such as a wall, floor or ceiling having cables or other penetrating members extending therethrough. The apparatus effectively seals this barrier responsive to a fire to prevent unwanted transmission of fire through conventional construction barrier areas. The apparatus includes a sleeve with two intumescent pads positioned therein. At least one of the pads has an arcuate curved central section to be biased against the other intumescent pad to define therebetween a confinement area for holding of cables centrally located therein in a dynamically adjustable sealing throat defined therebetween. These pads can be variously mounted with respect to the adjacent wall structures and one or both of the pads can be arched toward the other pad to facilitate defining of the dynamic throat for receiving cables extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Stahl, Sr.
  • Patent number: RE44033
    Abstract: An intumescent firestopping apparatus used in poke-through applications for selectively sealing an opening through a construction barrier such as a wall, floor or ceiling having cables or other penetrating members extending therethrough. The apparatus effectively seals this barrier responsive to a fire to prevent unwanted transmission of fire through conventional construction barrier areas. The apparatus includes a sleeve with two intumescent pads positioned therein. At least one of the pads has an arcuate curved central section to be biased against the other intumescent pad to define therebetween a confinement area for holding of cables centrally located therein in a dynamically adjustable scaling throat defined therebetween. These pads can be variously mounted with respect to the adjacent wall structures and one or both of the pads can be arched toward the other pad to facilitate defining of the dynamic throat for receiving cables extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James P Stahl, Sr.