Having A Passageway Through The Entire Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor Thickness (e.g., Poke-through) Patents (Class 52/220.8)
  • Patent number: 7635110
    Abstract: A bracket system for retaining an outlet box in a hole in a floor. The bracket system includes an insert body configured to be positioned in the hole in the floor, a cover configured to cover the insert body, and at least first and second brackets. Each bracket includes a base plate configured to be mounted in the insert body. The base plate includes at least one leg extending therefrom and at least one barb extending therefrom. The insert body includes holes in an exterior wall thereof through which the barbs of the first and second brackets extend to resistably engage the wall of the hole to retain the insert body in the hole and the legs of the first and second brackets are secured to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Wiremold, Co.
    Inventors: Marc D. Galasso, Phillip Lombardo, Richard Arthur
  • Patent number: 7634967
    Abstract: An improved laboratory station uses a floor box and/or a service column to provide utilities. The floor box preferably provides a waterproof connection with a floor and the service column is installed prior to installation of a drop ceiling. A storage system is preferably utilized to store out of service components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Chip Albright, Brian White, William Szabo
  • Patent number: 7631902
    Abstract: A transition coupling for connecting at least a first and a second piece of electrical conduit is provided, such as for positioning in a concrete slab of a building or other structure. The coupling includes a first opening for receiving the first piece of electrical conduit, a second opening for receiving the second piece of electrical conduit, and a body extending between the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: S-P Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Vrame
  • Patent number: 7596914
    Abstract: A collar positionable about a panel penetrating member for sealing therearound and particularly for firestopping therearound which prevents the flow of smoke and may include an intumescent component for expansion during exposure to heat. A collar assembly is usable with members penetrating various types of panels including walls, ceilings and floors. The sealing member of the assembly includes frangible zones with removable sections which are mated to the construction of the mounting strap. The mounting strap includes engagement prongs and multiple engagement apertures securable with respect to one another in various relative positions for use with respect to panel penetrating members of various standardized sizes. The engagement of the prongs in various apertures is mated with the frangible zones on the sealing member for effective sealing around panel penetrating members of standardized sizes such as 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch and 4½ inch and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Specified Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Stahl, Sr., James P. Stahl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7568314
    Abstract: A flashing kit seals or waterproofs a hole in a wall with a conduit penetrating therethrough. The flashing kit generally includes a first flashing member adapted to be mounted to the wall adjacent the hole, a second flashing member adapted to be mounted to the wall adjacent the hole and the first flashing member, a third flashing member wrapped onto the conduit adjacent the first and second flashing members, and a fourth flashing member adapted to be applied to the wall over the first and second flashing members. The fourth flashing member has an aperture for receiving the conduit and may include one or more leaves spaced about the aperture. The leaves are adapted to bend in order to accommodate the conduit and are covered by a fifth flashing member wrapped around the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: PACC Systems I.P., LLC
    Inventor: P. Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 7569776
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover assembly. The intumescent member being disposed at least partially within the hole in the floor structure. Also, the intumescent cover assembly including a base plate and a retainer member. The base plate supports the intumescent member and the retainer limits and/or restricts expansion of the intumescent member. Further, the retainer is adjustably secured to the base plate in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7549258
    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: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Lajewski
  • Patent number: 7523590
    Abstract: A firestopping apparatus for providing a fire barrier in a construction barrier. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve within which there are located intumescent pads that are oriented to form a confinement area therebetween to accommodate various penetrating members such as cables, conduits and the like that need to pass through the barrier. Upon sensing the heat from a fire, the intumescent pads seal around the penetrating members to prevent the fire from passing through the barrier. One or both of the intumescent pads is movable toward or away from the other so that the confinement area can be adjusted in size, that is, the confinement area can be increased in size to accommodate a large number of penetrating members of decreased to accommodate a lesser number. One or both of the intumescent pads may be biased in the direction toward decreasing the size of the confinement area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Stahl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7510153
    Abstract: A wall-mounting frame is used to mount fixtures to building walls having siding. The wall-mounting frame includes two major parts, a base section and a holding section which are non-detachably connected to each other. The holding section is separated into two halves which pivot about the base section to hold surrounding siding to the base section once it has been attached to a wall substrate. The present design eliminates the need for special hardware to attach the holding section to the base section, and helps prevent awkward mounting situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Hendricks
  • Patent number: 7482536
    Abstract: An underfloor cable junction unit for installation in a raised-floor system used as cooling air supply duct for devices arranged on the raised floor and having floor panels with cooling air outlets has a top side. The top side or at least a major part of it is open to enable the passage of cooling air through the top side toward a floor panel with cooling air outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Traugott Marquardt
  • Patent number: 7478503
    Abstract: A fire stop assembly for bordering a conduit access through a building separation, includes a rigid body portion with an access opening with the access opening being adjustably closed to define a conduit fitting opening within the access opening. The remainder of the access opening is adjustably closed by a fire block arrangement comprising a lining of intumescent material on opposite sides of a conduit fitting opening and a series of non intumescent flame retardant members cooperating with the lining of intumescent material to close the remainder of said access opening. Preferably the non-intumescent flame retardant members are a series of plastic sleeves filled with mineral wool or other suitable insulation material. The sleeves and fill material are removable to adjust the opening size. The sleeves serve to protect the insulation material during the normal life of the fire stop assembly until a fire condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Columbia-MBF, Inc
    Inventors: Walter Milani, Larry Whitty, Brian Didone
  • Patent number: 7464507
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Zierer Investment Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Donald R. Zierer
  • Patent number: 7461483
    Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Todd Ryan
  • Patent number: 7442883
    Abstract: A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defined by a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through device includes a basket, thermal barrier, lower plate and at least one coupling member. The basket including a coupling support surface. The thermal barrier being disposed below the basket. The lower plate supporting the thermal barrier. Also, the at least one coupling member extending through the thermal barrier and securing the basket to the lower plate. The coupling member including an upper portion disposed within the basket. The upper portion including an undersurface, wherein a first portion of the undersurface is in direct contact with the support surface and a second portion of the undersurface does not directly engage the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7438324
    Abstract: A broken conduit end portion is repaired by reducing its radial wall thickness and attaching thereto a repair coupling that is configured to provide an internal passage therethrough that is not smaller than the internal passages in the broken conduit end portion and in a second conduit that is attached to the repair coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Michael C. Keiper
  • Patent number: 7427050
    Abstract: A multi-part mounting assembly for securing a plurality of individual pathway conduits relative to one another extending through a wall panel between adjacently positioned wall studs including two support members extending parallel to one another and defining therebetween a pathway conduit zone for receiving the individual conduits along with end members for providing sealing at the outermost edges and one or more partitioning means securable at a plurality of discrete positions within slots defined in the support members and being securable with respect to the support members and including set screws for safely holding pathway conduits in position extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Stahl, Sr., James P. Stahl, Jr., Julio Lopes, Leonid Kreyman
  • Publication number: 20080196334
    Abstract: A floor pod (100) for indoor use, includes a vertically movable bollard adapted to present utilities and provide security function, presented in a watertight housing (110) is disclosed. The floor pod (100) provides a watertight seal (132) in both its distended and retracted state and also provides a flush, cleanable top surface with respect to the surrounding floor when retracted. The floor pod (10 may optionally be adapted with a universal adaptor for presenting gas and other like utilities All utilities are sourced from beneath th ground. The floor pod (100) is powered and may be controlled directly on the bollard or distant to the bollard by a wired or wireless connection thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: John R. Mangiardi
  • Publication number: 20080190053
    Abstract: A punch (42) is used to form a circular opening (46) in the web (28) of a framing member (26). A first tool (50) is provided having a head (56) with a first end and a circular cross section that increases in diameter as it extends from the first end axially inwardly of the tool (50). The first end of this head (56) is inserted into the circular opening (46) and the tool (50) is rotated and is moved axially into the opening (46), for stretching the metal surrounding the opening (46) and forming a flare (60) that surrounds the opening (46). A second tool (62) is provided having a head (68) with a first end and a circular cross section that increases in diameter from the first end axially inwardly of the tool (62). The first end of this tool is inserted into the flare (60) from the second side of the web (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Matt F. Surowiecki
  • Patent number: 7389616
    Abstract: A flashing panel mount for a plurality of air-conditioning lines of an air-conditioning unit located about an exterior of a building is provided. The plurality of air-conditioning lines defines an outer periphery. The panel mount may comprise a hood member and a cover. The hood member may be attachable to the building and may have a hood member aperture sized and configured to accommodate at least two of the plurality of air-conditioning lines so as to extend the air-conditioning lines from within the building to the air-conditioning unit located about the building exterior. The cover may be attached to the hood member aperture and may be sized and configured to accommodate the air-conditioning lines therethrough. The cover may be conformable to the outer periphery of the air-conditioning lines once the air conditioning lines are fed through the hood member aperture to prevent entrance of undesirable material from a building outside to a building inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Patent number: 7387288
    Abstract: A fitting for attaching ENT tubing to a concrete form has an inverted cup-like configuration with a bottom opening and an internal cavity within a fitting wall. A flange extends outwardly from the fitting wall around the bottom opening and has fastener-receiving holes for attaching the fitting to a plane surface of a concrete form. A socket extends through the fitting wall into the cavity for receiving an end portion of an ENT tube. The socket has a plurality of circumferentially-spaced resilient fingers that are inclined inwardly toward the socket axis for gripping an ENT tube. A pair of opposite fingers have teeth that are receivable in an annular groove in an end portion of a corrugated ENT tube. The teeth have rounded ends to facilitate ratcheting movement of the ENT tube end portion both into and out of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Gregory D. Turcovsky, Robert M. Gudin
  • Publication number: 20080128040
    Abstract: A leadthrough for passing conduits through constructional components includes a thread-forming thread (13) provided on an outer circumference (12) of a jacket tube (11) and extending from a first axial end region (15) toward a second axial end region (16), and a centering section (24) provided in the first axial end region (15) between the thread (13) and an end (25) of the jacket tube (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Manfred Klein, Herbert Muenzenberger
  • Patent number: 7373761
    Abstract: A self-adjusting firestopping apparatus for holding of intumescent material within poke-through openings in construction barriers usually being floors but also possibly being walls or ceilings wherein cables or other penetrating members extend therethrough. The self-adjusting apparatus includes a sleeve with the intumescent material centrally located therein and preferably two plates extending along the sleeve and movably attached thereto by a flexibly resilient support device such as a coil spring or flat spring. This plate provides a movable false panel which is adapted to expand responsive to the placement of increasing numbers of penetrating members extending therethrough to increase the capacity of the intumescent firestopping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Stahl, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20080088128
    Abstract: A hydro penetration prevention sleeve is used when building a basement wall wherein said basement wall is subject to leakage from ground water especially pipes that have to be placed through the wall. The pipe, mostly a sewage pipe, has to placed into the wall at a height which is just above the sewage pipe located outside the building or house so that gravity can carry the sewage toward the outside pipe. A main sleeve is placed into a concrete casing that will form the wall just prior to casting the concrete into the casting. The sleeve consists of PVC and is made of two halves that interfit with each other and are glued together to accommodate any preset dimension that matches the preset dimension of the concrete forms prior to casting. The main sleeve has an interior hard rubber sleeve that has rings extending to an interior of the sleeve and the rings are slanted in the direction of the insertion of the pipe to be inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery Gene Staskal
  • Patent number: 7350822
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 7347031
    Abstract: A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist including a body having a central portion with a base wall. An upper portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a first wall secured to and extending forwardly from the top of the base wall and a second wall secured to and extending from the front of the first wall. A notch in the top of the base wall extends upwardly through the first and second walls. A lower portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a third wall secured to and extending at right angles from the bottom of the base wall and a fourth wall secured to and extending at right angles from the third wall. A brace is rigidly affixed to the base wall beneath the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20080067806
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Publication number: 20080022612
    Abstract: A simple-to-use apparatus install around a pipe which passes through or under a building partition and maintains the structural integrity of the pipe in accordance with a typical building codes. More specifically, the apparatus preferably includes an inner sleeve composed of an elastomer (e.g. synthetic or natural rubber) or a foam-like material that surrounds the entirety of the portion of a pipe or conduit that passes through the building partition. The inner sleeve is entirely surrounded by an outer sleeve composed of a harder material than the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve can each be formed by extrusion, molding, or any other conventional manner. The inner sleeve maintains a circumferential spacing between a pipe passing through the apparatus at the outer sleeve thereby isolating the pipe from forces exerted by the building partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas P. JONES
  • Patent number: 7305801
    Abstract: There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Publication number: 20070277457
    Abstract: A floor tile assembly comprises a floor panel supported above a floor surface by at least one frame member, wherein the floor panel includes an aperture, and an insert assembly including a first plate including a top surface, a bottom surface and a side edge having a first indentation, wherein the first plate covers at least a portion of the aperture. A second plate is adjacent to the first plate and includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side edge located adjacent the side edge of the first plate, wherein the second plate covers at least a portion of the aperture and a side edge of the second plate cooperates with the first indentation of the first plate to form a first opening. A structural reinforcement member is connected to the bottom surface of the first plate and abuts the bottom surface of the second plate, thereby reinforcing the first and second plates against vertically applied loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Shanell M. Langston, David E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7290376
    Abstract: A wall device for supporting fittings includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical uprights (2), which can be assembled together to form the wall device. The horizontal and vertical uprights are mutually coupled together by at least one first adjustable fixing device (10), with connection elements (20) used for joining the fittings. The uprights (2) include at least a first channel section (5) and a second channel section (6), each including, starting from a respective bottom side (50), two respective opposed side parts (51) nearly orthogonal to the bottom side (50), and two respective first portions (52), parallel to the bottom side (50). The sides, parts and portions (50, 51, 52) of at least the first channel section (5) and the second channel section (6) define a respective cavity (55) and longitudinal openings (8) for the first fixing device (10) and for the connection elements (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: DE Agency S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fausto Emiliani
  • Patent number: 7281356
    Abstract: A support module interconnects with other support modules to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining first and second cutouts. Each cutout has an arc shape so that when modules are assembled, the cutouts of different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. Each cutout has a first peripheral arc portion and a concentric second arc portion larger than the first portion. The first portion provides an aperture of a first diameter, and upon removal of the first portion, the second portion provides an aperture of a larger second diameter. The frame having connection elements that to connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The module may include a separately formed arcuate insert fastened to the cutout to provide a smaller aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bowco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Sanftleben, Douglas E. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7183503
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an in-floor fitting for providing access to an underfloor electric distribution system. The in-floor fitting includes a cover configured to move between open and closed positions and being moved to an open position to allow a cable to pass therethrough. The in-floor fitting includes a receptacle positioned below the cover and configured to operatively connect to a cable comprising at least one of an electrical cable and a communication cable, wherein the cover is substantially flush with a surface of a floor when the cable is operatively connected to the receptacle and the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bowman, Michael T. Cole
  • Patent number: 7183504
    Abstract: An electrical floor access system (100) is provided so as to be accessible to the electrical equipment of an office system (50). The electrical system (100) includes a number of access floor modules (102) jpositioned beneath an access floor (30). The electrical system (100) also includes junciton block cables (104) and junction blocks (108) which can be connected the junction block cables (104). The junciton blocks (108) serve to provide electrical interconnection and mounting for electrical receptacles and similar devices for interconnection with electrical equipment. The access floor modules (102) are substantially interchangeable with each other, and the junction block cables (104) are substantially interchangeable with each other so as to provide an electrical system as a modular system adapted to be sized and configured in a manner which does not require any substantial number of different types and/or sizes of cables and other electrical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7175207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for efficiently connecting components and subassemblies with the most diverse configurations to wall, ceiling and floor surfaces of buildings or frames. The connecting element has two coupling halves (1a, 1b) that can be interconnected by jointing and can be fixed to components or subassemblies to be connected by fixing means. The coupling halves and the fixing means are proportioned to guarantee that the connected components or subassemblies maintain a predetermined mechanically stable state during the exertion of operational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Prochiner
  • Patent number: 7152884
    Abstract: A weatherproof non corrosive, non-metallic conduit box molded preferably of a sturdy plastic material, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride, which is a fire resistant and resilient material. The conduit box is ultraviolet (UV) resistant and has high tensile strength for good impact resistance. The conduit box is resistant to corrosion from water exposure and has high impact resistance, with resistance to cracking. The polyvinyl chloride pipes also resist acid rain, which reacts to accelerate corrosion of either the aluminum or the metallic fasteners used for attachment due to differences in contact potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 7150131
    Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. A cavity formed in the sidewalls and bottom wall is filled with concrete through apertures in the sidewalls. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: EDE Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Barker
  • Patent number: 7114303
    Abstract: A fire stopping apparatus for fire stopping a through-penetration includes fire stop material arranged within the through-penetration, a frame arranged adjacent the top opening of the through-penetration, and a plurality of slats arranged on the frame adjacent the through-penetration top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brandon L. Cordts, Stephen A. Miller, Matthew D. Reier
  • Patent number: 7114301
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flashing for weatherproofing an aperture made in an inclined roof to allow passage of a vertical member such as chimney through the inclined roof. This flashing has a base member adapted to be mounted over the aperture and a surrounding member that is tubular in shape and extends upwardly from the base member to fit around the vertical member. The base member comprises a covering panel of quadrilateral shape having a top edge adapted to be positioned on an upper part of the inclined roof, a bottom edge adapted to be positioned on a lower part of the inclined roof, two opposite side edges and an opening large enough to allow passage of the vertical member therethrough. A bottom side wall projects downwardly from the bottom edge of the covering panel and two lateral side walls respectively extend downwardly from the opposite side edges of the covering panel and sidewardly from the bottom side wall in a tapering fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Compagnie de Cheminees Industrielles, Inc.
    Inventors: André Bibaud, Simon Groulx
  • Patent number: 7107725
    Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has a first, fixed member for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and a second member rotatably mounted on the first member for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The first member has a series of spaced annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Albert E. Johnstone, III, Frank W. Ratliff
  • Patent number: 7082729
    Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for preventing water infiltration into an in-floor receptacle fitting, such as a poke-thru fitting. The cover assembly includes a trim flange which overlies the fitting and is adapted to support at least one receptacle within the fitting. A cover plate is mounted on the trim flange includes access doors for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles. A first seal member is interposed between the cover plate and the trim flange for sealing against water infiltration therebetween. The first seal may be in the form of a planar gasket or O-ring. A second seal, in the form of at least one compressible gasket, extends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is adapted to be compressed between the trim flange and the surface of the floor. The cover plate may also include top and bottom portions and a third seal member interposed between the top and bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Walker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Cole, Tim Bowman, Stephen T. English, John Kohaut, Joe Young
  • Patent number: 7082730
    Abstract: A sealing system (11) for sealing off a passage of a pipeline (2) in a wall (1) including a sealing strip (3) for sealing off the passage and three support members (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) for supporting the sealing strip (3). Each support member (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) has a fastening section (41.1) for attaching the support member (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) to the wall (1). The support elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) each have three sleeve sections (42, 43.1, 43.2). Engagement mandrels or points for engaging in the sealing strip (3) are provided on two of the sleeve sections (42.1, 43.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Monden, Manfred Klein
  • Patent number: 7083515
    Abstract: A vibration-inhibiting flooring structure for use in a facility housing vibration sensitive equipment includes a perforated bearing floor which includes a number of openings configured to inhibit the propagation of vibrations across the floor. Such a flooring structure may be used, for example, in connection with advanced clean-room facilities, where a facilities room and one or more plenums are provided in conjunction with the vibration-inhibiting floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: SpeedFam-IPEC Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Rapisarda, Timothy Colley
  • Patent number: 7080486
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: DuWayne C. Radke, Paul J. Cobian
  • Patent number: 7078616
    Abstract: A small round floor box installs through a two inch diameter hole in a floor to provide a small footprint that improves the appearance of the installation and makes it less obtrusive. The box accommodates a single power receptacle or data plugs that attach to mounting plates that snap connect within the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Roesch, David A. Maccarone, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7055863
    Abstract: A hose bib containment device having a back portion, middle portion, and a front portion. The back portion can be secured to an exterior wall of a building, and mortar and bricks can be installed around the front portion side and at least part of the middle portion. The containment device includes a tube that allows a hose bib to be inserted therein and guided into an opening on the exterior wall. When the containment device is used, the hose bib can be installed after the bricking process has been completed. Once installed, the hose bib blends in with and is flush with the surrounding bricks that are held in place with mortar. Repair and replacements can be made to the hose bib without disturbing the bricks and mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: Marc J. Commeville, Corey D. Louks
  • Patent number: 7053296
    Abstract: A flush poke-through fitting, with both electrical power and data communication access, includes a data jack face plate that can be replaced without disassembly of any other part of the fitting. The data jack face plate is also removable without disruption of power to the electrical outlets. Increased wiring space for flexibility in electrical outlet orientation and improved conductor organization during assembly is also provided by pins that support the electrical contacts in the electrical receptacle when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Daniel K. Michaelis
  • Patent number: 7032353
    Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has an inner, fixed spindle for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and an outer casing rotatably mounted on the spindle for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The spindle has a series of spaced annular flanges defining a series of annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Albert E. Johnstone, III, Frank W. Ratliff
  • Patent number: 7024824
    Abstract: An entry port including at least one cylinder with a lip on the attachment portion surrounding each hole in a plate. The rim surrounding each hole is rolled over a lip on a corresponding cylinder to secure each cylinder to the plate to form the entry port. Each cylinder preferably has a flared circumference on the portion away from the attachment to the plate to allow a boot to be clamped on each cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Felix Widlacki, Frederick Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7021013
    Abstract: A compensator (18) is provided for compensating thermal expansions of ducts or pipelines (10) for carrying flows of hot media, especially ducts that are lined with fire-proof material. The compensator (18) is easy to maintain and is relatively simple in its design. This compensator (18) permits inspection of the operability of the expansion gap (19) between adjacent sections of the pipeline (10) and its elastic temperature-resistant jointing material (20) from the outside of the pipeline. The expansion gap (19) in the flame-proof lining is arranged in a cross section plane of the pipeline that is adjacent to but below the cross section plane of the corrugated pipe compensator (18) attached to the steel sheet jackets (15) of adjacent sections of pipeline (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: KHD Humboldt Wedag AG
    Inventors: Horst Schilling, Ralf Filges
  • Patent number: 7010889
    Abstract: A riser clamp mateable with a riser, wherein the riser clamp supports a column of the riser as material passes therein, and the riser clamp further covers or seals the opening in the partition formed through which the riser passes. The riser clamp comprises a pair of clamp members adjoined to a riser. The clamp members comprise a semi-annular jacket seated against the riser, a collar circumscribing the jacket, wherein the collar covers an opening formed in a partition through which the riser passes. The clamp members further have a pair of mounting flanges depending from the jacket and the collar, with the mounting flanges extending laterally in opposing directions from the jacket and coplanar to a medial margin. Each one of the mounting flanges accommodates a fastener for adjoining the pair of clamp members securely about the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Bill J. Renfro