Patents by Inventor Donal Butterfield

Donal Butterfield has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8844114
    Abstract: A system and method for an engineered joint according to one example embodiment includes a hinge pin and loops that extend from membranes around the hinge pin. Multiple embodiments include loops that extend from an upper module membrane and cross to attach to a second upper module membrane and loops that extend from a first lower module membrane and cross to attach to a second lower module membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Donal Butterfield
  • Publication number: 20140079466
    Abstract: A system and method for an engineered joint according to one example embodiment includes a hinge pin and loops that extend from membranes around the hinge pin. Multiple embodiments include loops that extend from an upper module membrane and cross to attach to a second upper module membrane and loops that extend from a first lower module membrane and cross to attach to a second lower module membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Donal Butterfield
  • Publication number: 20130318769
    Abstract: A system and method for an engineered joint according to one example embodiment includes a hinge pin and loops that extend from membranes around the hinge pin. Multiple embodiments include loops that extend from an upper module membrane and cross to attach to a second upper module membrane and loops that extend from a first lower module membrane and cross to attach to a second lower module membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Donal Butterfield
  • Patent number: 6554534
    Abstract: A flexible structure assembled of impermeable modules surrounds a constant volume of liquid so as to control its quality. The modules may join together so that they can adjust to changing water levels. They may have a single layer or an impermeable membrane may sandwich a foamed core. Anchor sacks may hold the structure tightly to the sea bottom, or conventional anchors embedded in the sea bottom may anchor floating structures whose modules close their bottoms. Seals over joints reduce seepage so that conventional filters may clean and treat the liquid. The foamed core modules buoy the structures and insulate against heat transfer. A floating mat of modules comprising flexible transparent membranes may cover the enclosed liquid to prevent heat loss while achieving a solar energy gain. The structure may also be made in one piece from a flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Donal Butterfield