Dimpled Or Embossed Sheet Patents (Class 52/789.1)
  • Patent number: 11920405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shaker doors with solid cores and methods for making the same. The shaker doors contain different core materials at the recessed panel than the raise peripheral region to provide dimensional stability and reduced distortion when the doors are exposed to high humidity. The devices and methods also provide for easy assembly of solid core shaker doors, including fire rated doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MASONITE CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Robinson, Steven B. Swartzmiller, Steven Gutkowski, Robert C. Allen, Roland Karsch, Michael Macdonald
  • Patent number: 11834847
    Abstract: A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a barrier layer that is exposed to percussive and/or point-applied forces. The load distributing and absorbing system has one or more load distributing and absorbing tiles. At least some of the tiles have an underlayment infrastructure positioned below a barrier layer. The underlayment infrastructure includes one or more hat-shaped absorbing members. Each has a ceiling primarily for load distribution and a curvilinear wall primarily for load absorption extending from the ceiling. A transition feature is provided to smoothly graduate from one height and type of load distributing and absorbing tile to a load distributing and absorbing tile of another type and height. He system distributes and absorbs forces applied to the barrier layer over a broad area when applied either on a seam between adjacent tiles or within a tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: VICONIC SPORTING LLC
    Inventors: Joel Matthew Cormier, Jackson Alexander Elliott, Richard Francois Audi, Donald Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 11585102
    Abstract: A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: VICONIC SPORTING LLC
    Inventors: Joel Matthew Cormier, Jackson Alexander Elliott, Richard Francois Audi, Donald Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 10794058
    Abstract: A structural panel includes a core and first and second facing sheets. The core has bonding surfaces on first and second, opposite sides thereof. The first facing sheet is a non-thermoplastic, fire retardant facing sheet having an inner surface bonded to the bonding surface on the first side. The second facing sheet is bonded to the bonding surface on the second side. The first facing sheet is fire retardant or non-flammable and the core is at least fire retardant. The structural panel finds particular utility as a building-cladding panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Pro Design Group
    Inventor: Christopher A. Raab
  • Patent number: 10753527
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements on thermal performance of multilayer insulation for hot and cold feedlines. Insulation on feedlines has always been problematic, and can perform ten times worse than tank insulation contributing as much as 80% of total system heat leak. The poor performance of traditional MLI wrapped on feed lines is due to compression of the layers, causing increased interlayer contact and heat conduction. The MLI performance is not only much worse than expected, but also difficult to predict. Spacer structures are presented which provide a well-defined, accurately characterized support between the thermal radiant barriers in a multilayer insulation. The invention provides a robust, structural insulation that is much less sensitive to wrap compression and installation workmanship allowing for more predictable, higher performance insulation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Quest Thermal Group LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Dye, Phillip N. Tyler
  • Patent number: 10683619
    Abstract: A trestle mat construction panel configured for use with building equipment and a method of manufacture and use thereof. The trestle mat construction panel is preferably formed of a partially hollow core body and strong support material to allow the construction panel to be easily placed and moved and to support various materials, such as construction equipment including cranes and the like, when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventors: Valery Tsimmerman, Kevin E Lathan, Dimitrios Aikaterinidis
  • Patent number: 10386077
    Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 10190322
    Abstract: Tiles having a matrix of interconnected vaults on its underside surface provides space for flow of heated or conditioned air, passages for electrical service conduits and wiring, or passages for drainage. In particular, each tile may comprise a solid rigid body having a substantially planar upper surface and thickness substantially less than upper surface linear dimensions. The underside surface has a set of concavities forming a matrix of vaults bounded and interconnected by archways. Each archway is characterized by a rise dimension that is less than a span dimension. The matrix of vaults defines a set of pendentives at each vault corner whose load-bearing bases are all substantially coplanar with one another so as to contact a supporting subfloor. Edges of the tile body have corresponding alternating laterally projecting extensions and indentations for forming (with some desired leeway) mortise-and-tenon joints between adjacent tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas C. Haas
  • Patent number: 10010237
    Abstract: A dish treating appliance for treating dishes having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening and a door movable between opened/closed positions to selectively open/close the access opening. The door having an inner door panel confronting the treating chamber in the closed position, and an outer door panel spaced from the inner door panel to define a door cavity there between. A foam panel located within the door cavity, the foam panel have areas of differing densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Venkata S. Dirisala, Aaron P. Bennett, Amirkhan A. Modi
  • Patent number: 9228361
    Abstract: A pallet cap for covering and connecting with at least one existing pallet includes a reinforced platform having a flat top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. Four vertical, peripheral edges connect the top and bottom surfaces. Three or more of the edges form at least one edge extension continuing outward from the reinforced platform, and at least one edge notch proximate the edge extension and recessed from the edge extension. At least one notched corner is formed by distal edge extensions of edges meeting perpendicular to one another. A plurality of retaining walls extend downward from the bottom surface of the platform and define the edge notches, proximate a junction of the platform and the edge extensions, for securing the pallet cap over a shipping pallet. Multiple caps may be connected to form an expandable raised flooring system or other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Good Works Studio, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Arthur Brisendine, Scott Austin Key
  • Patent number: 9108239
    Abstract: Within an area of substantially regular hexagons arranged at regular intervals on an imaginary reference plane, a sheet material includes a concave-convex section (20) having a basic pattern in which one first region (A1) is surrounded by six second regions (A2). This basic pattern repeats in regular intervals in lateral and longitudinal directions of the sheet material. The concave-convex section includes first protruding portions (21) and second protruding portion (22), which protrude in opposite directions from each other in the thickness direction in the first regions and the second regions, respectively. The first and second protruding portions may have a hexagonal pyramidal shape or a truncated hexagonal pyramidal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO LIGHT METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Masaya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9010044
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8945699
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet that comprises protrusions comprising a first portion extending from a base by a second portion where a second portion diameter is less than a first portion diameter. Also disclosed is a sheet that comprises a first portion and a second portion extending from a symmetry plane, where the protrusions repeat across a length of the sheet along the symmetry plane where the first portion has a first portion diameter and the second portion has a second portion diameter and where the second portion diameter is less than the first portion diameter. A sheet comprising a plurality of cavities across a width of the sheet where each cavity extends the length of the sheet and the cavity has an opening diameter that is smaller than a body diameter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sabic Global Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Chinniah Thiagarajan, Frans Adriaansen
  • Patent number: 8932700
    Abstract: A panel which includes, among protrusions protruding from a predetermined reference surface, flat sections being flush with the reference surface, and recesses being recessed from the reference surface, the protrusions, and the flat sections or recesses, wherein; when the panel includes the flat sections, the entire periphery of each of the protrusions is surrounded by the flat sections, and the entire periphery of each of the flat sections is surrounded by the protrusions, while when the panel includes the recesses, the entire periphery of each of the protrusions is surrounded by the recesses, and the entire periphery of each of the recesses is surrounded by the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Shimizu, Koji Hanya
  • Patent number: 8915339
    Abstract: An interdigitated cellular cushioning system includes an array of void cells protruding from each of two binding layers interdigitated between the two binding layers. Peaks of each of the void cells are attached to the opposite binding layer forming the interdigitated cellular cushioning system. The interdigitated cellular cushioning system may be used to absorb and distribute a source of kinetic energy incident on the interdigitated cellular cushioning system (e.g., an impact or explosion) so that the amount of force transmitted through the interdigitated cellular cushioning system is low enough that it does not cause injury to personnel or damage to personnel and/or equipment adjacent the interdigitated cellular cushioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Kanous, Peter Maurice Foley, Collin Metzer, Eric Sugano, Gerald Buchen, Mark Massmann, Jon Neal
  • Patent number: 8835016
    Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a corrugated layer with at least one core layer (structure) made of a periodic array of adjacent truncated upward facing peaks and truncated downward facing valleys. Each truncated peak has a bonding land of an area A1. Each truncated valley has a bonding land of an area A2. A ratio of A1/A2 is less than 2. A distance D is between neighboring peaks, and a distance D is also between neighboring valleys. The corrugated layer is made from an initially flat sheet thickness of t. A first sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated peaks. A second sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated valleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Celltech Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Fabien Ebnoether
  • Patent number: 8800245
    Abstract: A piece for flooring which includes a wear layer, a pattern layer, a base layer, and a backing layer. The base layer may be made of a mixture including ilmenite powder. About one third of the mixture may be ilmenite powder. The mixture may also include calcium carbonate, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is calcium carbonate. The mixture may further include polyvinylchloride, wherein about one quarter of the mixture is polyvinylchloride. The backing layer may include a plurality of devices which are hexagonally shaped, wherein the plurality of devices form a honeycomb structure which contacts a top floor surface when the piece is placed on the top floor surface. The backing layer may have a bottom surface including anti-slip backing film, which may be comprised of polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Advancecd Vinyl Floor Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Chao Kang Pien
  • Patent number: 8557395
    Abstract: A heat insulator is provided which can ensure satisfactory rigidity without increasing plate thickness. A number of convex portions are formed in an aluminum flat plate by embossing in an aligned state so that the flat plate part does not remain linearly between the convex portions. Each one convex portion has a hexagonal shape as viewed planarly, and the longitudinal section thereof, which includes vertices formed by opposing corners of the hexagonal shape, has a circular arc shape. The optimal value of convex height/convex width is a value in an experiment example, i.e., about 16.3% which is a value just before the start of blunting of the percentage performance improvement. From the viewpoint of a satisfactory percentage performance improvement, however, the convex height/convex width value is suitably not less than 12% and not more than 20.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fukai Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Sunaga
  • Patent number: 8474197
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8468773
    Abstract: Carved solid face doors having a raised panel design and methods of manufacture thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a carved, solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a raised panel design carved into at least one section of the face, the raised panel design framed by flat portions carved into the face; and one or more overlays attached to the flat portions of the face and framing the raised panel to emulate the appearance of a floating raised panel construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Fimbel, III, Jeffry T. Deal
  • Patent number: 8112950
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8091289
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a floor constructed from one or more floor panels. The floor panels, which may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, may include a pattern disposed on the upper surface. The floor panels may also include depressions that are formed in the lower surface and extend towards the upper surface. If desired, the depressions may be generally aligned with a portion of the pattern in the upper surface and the depressions may have a length that is less than the distance separating the upper surface and the lower surface. Advantageously, the depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength of the floor panels. In addition, the floor panels may include a pattern disposed on the lower surface and the depressions may be at least partially disposed in the pattern. The patterns on the opposing sides of the panels may be generally offset and/or have different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 7877938
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7870694
    Abstract: The panelized roof sheathing construction system includes a plurality of panels attached to a building frame structure in substantially abutting relationship. Each panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop the outward facing surface of the panel. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. Joints between panels are sealed by strips of water resistant tape or the like. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki
  • Patent number: 7823353
    Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Robert C. Allen, Greg Wysock
  • Patent number: 7721506
    Abstract: The panelized roof sheathing construction system includes a plurality of panels attached to a building frame structure in substantially abutting relationship. Each panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop the outward facing surface of the panel. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. Joints between panels are sealed by strips of water resistant tape or the like. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki
  • Patent number: 7690163
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door facing formed from a polymeric composite material. The door facing has a first major surface intended to be interiorly disposed and a second major surface intended to be exteriorly disposed. At least a portion of the first major surface is to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses during door assembly. The first major surface has a textured pattern in the portion to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses. The textured pattern includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending into the first major surface and minimizing thermal and mechanical stresses. A door formed with the disclosed polymeric door facing and a method of forming a door facing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: David McMahan, James Pfau, Tamra Williams, Liqun Xu, Thomas Ruffin
  • Patent number: 7677002
    Abstract: The invention comprises a wall sheathing barrier system having moisture permeability and simple improved installation method. The system comprises adjoined structural panels. Each panel has an overlay paper bonded permanently to the structural panel, which provides a moisture permeable barrier and a textured skid-resistant surface. The skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. Further, the seams of adjoining panels are sealed with a sealing means to complete the moisture barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7658040
    Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Huber Engineered Woods LLC
    Inventors: John L. Bennett, Joel F. Barker, Rick D. Jordan, Thomas L. Schuman, Nian Ou, Neil C. Swiacki, Kelly R. Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20090049772
    Abstract: A storm panel is provided for shielding a structure. The storm panel includes at least one corrugation, and comprises a first wall and a second wall disposed in spaced-apart relation. An angled wall is disposed between and connected to the first wall and the second wall to support the second wall away from the first wall. At least one ridge is disposed proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall, and may have a shape configured to strengthen the panel proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall. In addition, a storm panel assembly is provided comprising at least one storm panel and a mounting extrusion for attachment to the storm panel to provide support for the storm panel on a mounting surface, such as the side of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Shawn Milliken, Les Milliken, Kim Smiley
  • Patent number: 7297390
    Abstract: A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventors: Richard A. Simmons, John R. Stoll, Keith Panik, F. Arthur Simmons
  • Patent number: 7069614
    Abstract: A bridge is constructed using simply structured, longitudinal, modular deck sections or cells that are fabricated in a shop and shipped to the jobsite for quick assembly and erection. Each section has generally horizontal upper and lower members and at least one generally vertical member connected between the upper and lower horizontal members. The sections may be C-shaped, Z-shaped, or shallow U-shaped, and are connected in series. The upper and lower horizontal members of each section overlap respectively portions of the upper and lower horizontal members of the adjacent section to form overlapped regions. The connection sections define a plurality of closed cells. Open cells at the ends may be closed using appropriate end section(s) that may be shallow C-shaped or J-shaped. The sections are roll-formed or press braked from metal sheets or plates. The sections are connected together to form a multi-cell box girder bridge module by mating and welding or bolting the overlapped regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Manufacturers Equity Trust
    Inventors: Eugene Sivachenko, Jiri Strasky
  • Patent number: 6952903
    Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about ?0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. West, G. Daniel Templeton
  • Patent number: 6939599
    Abstract: A dynamic structural panel having one or more compliant dimple layers connected together by one or more reinforcing layers engaging ends of dimples on the dimple layer to create a cavity between the layers. The dimples are spaced apart from one another to form a dimple layer region. The dimple layer region may be either curved relative to the dimples or corrugated, thereby providing compliancy for the dynamic structural panel. The connection of the dimple layer and reinforcing layers creates an integral structural panel that can be planar by having identical heights of the dimples on the dimple layer to create a planar panel (flat) or nonplanar (curved) by varying the heights of the dimples on the dimple layer or through planar spacing adjustment. The panel can be modified in various ways such as by choice of materials and/or geometries of the various layers and/or incorporation of additional structural features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Hall Clark
  • Patent number: 6877286
    Abstract: A thermal window insert includes at least two substantially parallel, substantially transparent sheets of flexible polymer material having a gap therebetween. The two sheets are bonded together at deformations formed in at least one of the sheets, and have a size approximately corresponding to the dimensions of a window opening in a building. A strip of resilient material is directly bonded to the sheets around the perimeter thereof, so as to seal the gap between the transparent sheets and to provide a seal between the window insert and the window opening. The invention is similar to storm windows, but is of a simpler and less expensive construction, and is easy to install, remove and store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Clearview Windows Mfg. L.L.C.
    Inventor: Terry L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6878432
    Abstract: A panel structure for a transport machine is disclosed which is constituted by an integral combination of an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel has reinforcing protuberances and recesses, possessing a higher rigidity than the outer panel. The protuberances of the inner panel and a back side of the outer panel are bonded together through insulating layers present on the protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Hiroki Ueda, Koji Fukumoto, Toshimitsu Tanaka, Akio Sugimoto, Akibumi Fujiwara, Kazuhisa Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 6612092
    Abstract: A wall for making tanks includes two superimposed plates connected to each other at respective spaced apart connected points distributed on a surface of the plates, at least one of the two plates, between respective connecting zones, bulging outward, so that separation between the two plates increases in every radial direction with distance from each connected point to a maximum separation midway between neighboring connected points. The wall has a quilted appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Societe d'Etudes et de Constructions Aero-Navales
    Inventors: Thierry Edmond Sylvestre Mabru, Jean-Luc Albert Reis
  • Publication number: 20030110730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled sheet comprising a web formation having first and second opposite ends; a first panel segment extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the first end thereof and a second panel segment, extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the second end thereof. The first and second panel segments extend in opposite directions from the web formation and the sheet further comprises a lip formation extending generally transversely from the first panel segment at an end defined by the said panel segment distal to the web formation and extending in a direction towards the plane wherein the second panel segment is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Carlo Vos
  • Patent number: 6487824
    Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about −0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. West, G. Daniel Templeton
  • Patent number: 6481175
    Abstract: A structural member including a web portion having a plurality of triangular regions to provide additional strength and stiffness. The triangular regions are recessed from the web and may have a floor area or the floor may be cut out to provide apertures with lip portions. An additional element secures a flanged bracing panel in the opening between the studs and the top and bottom plates of a building frame and clads both sides of the braced frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Rocheway Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Graeme George Potter, Peter Anthony Ryan, Cecil Benjamin Appleton
  • Patent number: 6256941
    Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system includes an improved acoustic and tackable cover pad. The cover pad includes an interior molded panel which is compressed about its peripheral edges wherein the compressed edge sections provide the required rigidity for the cover pad. While edge rails are provided in these edge sections, the edge rails are not rigidly connected to each other but instead are adhered to the molded panel. The edge rails are provided for mounting the cover pad to a wall panel frame and provide rigid edge areas to which a cover fabric is adhered. The molded panel is formed of a fiberglass having layers of a scrim material embedded therein for tackability. The molded panel further includes a compressed mounting region which has an increased rigidity to facilitate mounting of receptacle bezels thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Yu, Harv Pastunink, Steven Heyer
  • Patent number: 6250027
    Abstract: A glazing element for an architectural opening comprises a transparent or translucent laminar element having a major, generally planar portion and at least one secondary portion inclined thereto which meets the said major portion at a surface discontinuity. A three dimensional surface shaping is thus formed which may represent cut glass or glazing bars or a stained glass window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Michael Richards
  • Patent number: 6207256
    Abstract: A space truss composite panel is excellent in structural mechanics and capable of being efficiently and economically produced. The space truss composite panel has a construction in which a sheet 1 provided with a series of slits 2 is formed into a space framework 3 through a press working. The space framework 3 is provided with a series of polygonal unit lattices in one of its opposite sides and a series of polygonal pyramids in the other of the opposite sides, wherein each of the polygonal unit lattices has an intersection of its adjacent sides 3a, 3a connected with a ridgeline portion 3b of each of the polygonal pyramids, and the space framework 3 has at least one of its opposite sides connected with a board-like member 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Kan Tashiro