Patents by Inventor Michael J. Steffes

Michael J. Steffes 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: 11916509
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Patent number: 10670283
    Abstract: A desiccant wheel for a dehumidifier includes a band of material around an outer circumference of the desiccant wheel and a plurality of sprocket holes formed in the band of material. The plurality of sprocket holes are configured for coupling the desiccant wheel to a sprocket. The desiccant wheel is configured to rotate when the sprocket is rotated by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Patent number: 10626885
    Abstract: An air mover comprising a housing with a top portion is disclosed. A mounting bracket is recessed into the housing through the top portion of the housing. The mounting bracket comprises a plurality of top chords intersecting at a first portion of an inner web and a plurality of bottom chords intersecting at a second portion of the inner web. The mounting bracket also has a base plate coupled to the plurality of bottom chords. A motor is coupled to the base plate of the mounting bracket. An impeller is coupled to the motor. The air mover further comprises a housing cover that has an inlet ring positioned on the top portion of the housing. The housing cover is coupled to the mounting bracket via the mounting flanges and a portion of the inlet ring protrudes into the impeller inlet inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Marco A. Tejeda, Michael J. Steffes, James A. Scharping, Jr., Richard G. Giallombardo, Jared M. Stearns
  • Patent number: 10401053
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, first and second fans, and a bracket. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The bracket is configured to mount the first fan within the dehumidifier. The bracket includes a first portion coupled to the first fan that supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in an upright position. The bracket also includes a support member coupled to the first portion and a side of the dehumidifier. The side member supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Patent number: 10359203
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a wheel-shaped desiccant, a first fan, and a second fan. The wheel-shaped desiccant is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. The first fan is configured to generate a process airflow that flows through a first portion of the wheel-shaped desiccant in order to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters a first side of the wheel-shaped desiccant and exits a second side of the wheel-shaped desiccant, the first being opposite from the second side. The second fan is configured to generate a reactivation airflow that flows through a second portion of the wheel-shaped desiccant in order to dry the wheel-shaped desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the second side of the wheel-shaped desiccant and exits the first side of the wheel-shaped desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Patent number: 10260769
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, a cabinet, a first fan, and a second fan. The cabinet comprises a process airflow inlet, a process airflow outlet, a reactivation airflow inlet, and a reactivation airflow outlet that is located adjacent to the desiccant. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters the cabinet through the process airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the process airflow outlet. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the cabinet through the reactivation airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the reactivation airflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Publication number: 20180372347
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a wheel-shaped desiccant, a first fan, and a second fan. The wheel-shaped desiccant is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. The first fan is configured to generate a process airflow that flows through a first portion of the wheel-shaped desiccant in order to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters a first side of the wheel-shaped desiccant and exits a second side of the wheel-shaped desiccant, the first being opposite from the second side. The second fan is configured to generate a reactivation airflow that flows through a second portion of the wheel-shaped desiccant in order to dry the wheel-shaped desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the second side of the wheel-shaped desiccant and exits the first side of the wheel-shaped desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Publication number: 20180372367
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, a cabinet, a first fan, and a second fan. The cabinet comprises a process airflow inlet, a process airflow outlet, a reactivation airflow inlet, and a reactivation airflow outlet that is located adjacent to the desiccant. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters the cabinet through the process airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the process airflow outlet. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the cabinet through the reactivation airflow inlet and exits the cabinet through the reactivation airflow outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: LAURENCE A. CARLSON, JEREMY DANIEL COYNE, TODD R. DEMONTE, STEVEN S. DINGLE, SEAN MICHAEL EBERT, RICHARD G. GIALLOMBARDO, MICHAEL J. STEFFES, JOSHUA ALEXANDER TRUMM
  • Publication number: 20180372368
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, first and second fans, and a bracket. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to provide dehumidification. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant as it rotates in order to dry the desiccant. The bracket is configured to mount the first fan within the dehumidifier. The bracket includes a first portion coupled to the first fan that supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in an upright position. The bracket also includes a support member coupled to the first portion and a side of the dehumidifier. The side member supports weight of the first fan when the dehumidifier is in a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Publication number: 20180372346
    Abstract: A desiccant wheel for a dehumidifier includes a band of material around an outer circumference of the desiccant wheel and a plurality of sprocket holes formed in the band of material. The plurality of sprocket holes are configured for coupling the desiccant wheel to a sprocket. The desiccant wheel is configured to rotate when the sprocket is rotated by a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Publication number: 20180372358
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, a first fan, a second fan, and a circuit. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters the dehumidifier through a process airflow inlet and exits through a process airflow outlet. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant to dry the desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the dehumidifier through a reactivation airflow inlet and exits through a reactivation airflow outlet. The circuit includes a power setting switch that controls whether the dehumidifier operates in a low or high power setting. In the low power setting, the dehumidifier operates on power from a first electrical outlet type. In the high power setting, the dehumidifier operates on power from a second electrical outlet type that is different from the first electrical outlet type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Patent number: 10161653
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a desiccant, a first fan, a second fan, and a circuit. The first fan generates a process airflow through a first portion of the desiccant as it rotates to provide dehumidification. The process airflow enters the dehumidifier through a process airflow inlet and exits through a process airflow outlet. The second fan generates a reactivation airflow through a second portion of the desiccant to dry the desiccant. The reactivation airflow enters the dehumidifier through a reactivation airflow inlet and exits through a reactivation airflow outlet. The circuit includes a power setting switch that controls whether the dehumidifier operates in a low or high power setting. In the low power setting, the dehumidifier operates on power from a first electrical outlet type. In the high power setting, the dehumidifier operates on power from a second electrical outlet type that is different from the first electrical outlet type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Therma-Stor LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A. Carlson, Jeremy Daniel Coyne, Todd R. DeMonte, Steven S. Dingle, Sean Michael Ebert, Richard G. Giallombardo, Michael J. Steffes, Joshua Alexander Trumm
  • Patent number: 10161417
    Abstract: An air mover comprising a housing with a top portion is disclosed. A mounting bracket is recessed into the housing through the top portion of the housing. The mounting bracket comprises a plurality of top chords intersecting at a first portion of an inner web and a plurality of bottom chords intersecting at a second portion of the inner web. The mounting bracket also has a base plate coupled to the plurality of bottom chords. A motor is coupled to the base plate of the mounting bracket. An impeller is coupled to the motor. The air mover further comprises a housing cover that has an inlet ring positioned on the top portion of the housing. The housing cover is coupled to the mounting bracket via the mounting flanges and a portion of the inlet ring protrudes into the impeller inlet inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Marco A. Tejeda, Michael J. Steffes, James A. Scharping, Richard G. Giallombardo, Jared M. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20180306206
    Abstract: An air mover comprising a housing with a top portion is disclosed. A mounting bracket is recessed into the housing through the top portion of the housing. The mounting bracket comprises a plurality of top chords intersecting at a first portion of an inner web and a plurality of bottom chords intersecting at a second portion of the inner web. The mounting bracket also has a base plate coupled to the plurality of bottom chords. A motor is coupled to the base plate of the mounting bracket. An impeller is coupled to the motor. The air mover further comprises a housing cover that has an inlet ring positioned on the top portion of the housing. The housing cover is coupled to the mounting bracket via the mounting flanges and a portion of the inlet ring protrudes into the impeller inlet inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Marco A. Tejeda, Michael J. Steffes, James A. Scharping, Richard G. Giallombardo, Jared M. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20160327063
    Abstract: An air mover comprising a housing with a top portion is disclosed. A mounting bracket is recessed into the housing through the top portion of the housing. The mounting bracket comprises a plurality of top chords intersecting at a first portion of an inner web and a plurality of bottom chords intersecting at a second portion of the inner web. The mounting bracket also has a base plate coupled to the plurality of bottom chords. A motor is coupled to the base plate of the mounting bracket. An impeller is coupled to the motor. The air mover further comprises a housing cover that has an inlet ring positioned on the top portion of the housing. The housing cover is coupled to the mounting bracket via the mounting flanges and a portion of the inlet ring protrudes into the impeller inlet inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Marco A. Tejeda, Michael J. Steffes, James A. Scharping, JR., Richard G. Giallombardo, Jared M. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20140245656
    Abstract: A method for killing pests including bed bugs in an affected area comprises heating a fluid to a first temperature and supplying the fluid to each of a plurality of heat exchanger units. The method continues by positioning each of the plurality of heat exchanger units within an associated region of an affected area, each heat exchanger unit being operable to emit heated air by transferring heat from the fluid to ambient air within the affected area. The method concludes by positioning a plurality of air movers proximate to each of the plurality of heat exchanger units, the plurality of air movers being operable to circulate heated air emitted by the plurality of heat exchanger units and inhibit stratification of the heated air. In operation, a temperature difference between the fluid received by the plurality of heat exchanger units and the ambient air within the affected area results in the affected area being raised to a target temperature greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Todd R. DeMonte, Sean M. Ebert, Michael J. Steffes
  • Patent number: 8756857
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for killing pests in an affected area includes a burner for heating a fluid. Heat exchanger units are placed within associated regions of the affected area. Each heat exchanger unit receives the fluid from the burner and emits heated air by transferring heat from the fluid to ambient air within the affected area. Air movers are positioned to circulate the heated air emitted by the heat exchanger units and prevent stratification of the heated air. A temperature difference between the fluid received by the heat exchanger units and the ambient air within the affected area results the affected area being raised to a target temperature greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd R. DeMonte, Sean M. Ebert, Michael J. Steffes
  • Patent number: 8479440
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for killing pests in an affected area includes a fuel source, a first air inlet configured to receive a first air flow from the affected area, and a second air inlet configured to receive a second air flow from an unaffected area. The system further includes a premix system operable to generate an air-fuel mixture by mixing a fuel flow received from the fuel source with the second air flow received from the second air inlet. The system further includes a burner operable to generate combustion air by combusting the air-fuel mixture. The combustion air is mixed with the first air flow subsequent to combustion to generate a heated air flow, and the heated air flow is discharged into the affected area. The fuel source, the premix system, and the burner are configured for positioning in the affected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd R. DeMonte, Keith Teakell, Eric P. Camenga, Michael J. Steffes
  • Patent number: 8479439
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for killing pests in an affected area includes a fuel source, a first air inlet configured to receive a first air flow from the affected area, and a second air inlet configured to receive a second air flow from an unaffected area. The system further includes a premix system operable to generate an air-fuel mixture by mixing a fuel flow received from the fuel source with the second air flow received from the second air inlet. The system further includes a burner operable to generate combustion air by combusting the air-fuel mixture. The combustion air is mixed with the first air flow subsequent to combustion to generate a heated air flow, and the heated air flow is discharged into the affected area. The fuel source, the premix system, and the burner are configured for positioning in the affected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Todd R. DeMonte, Keith Teakell, Eric P. Camenga, Michael J. Steffes
  • Patent number: D782022
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Marco A. Tejeda, Michael J. Steffes, James A. Scharping, Jr., Richard G. Giallombardo, Jared M. Stearns