Patents by Inventor Bill J. Hughes

Bill J. Hughes 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: 11717846
    Abstract: A pair of identical, specially-shaped, and specially-sized flow diverters is provided. In order to concentrate the flow of water passing over a waterfall, such as an ornamental backyard spa or swimming pool waterfall, a first flow diverter is attached adjacent a first sidewall of the waterfall structure, and a second flow diverter is attached adjacent a second sidewall of the waterfall structure. Water passing by the sidewalls is directed inwardly away from the sidewalls, thereby narrowing the flow of water over the fall and reducing overspray and reducing mineral build up and scale problems. In one novel aspect, an assemblage (a saleable product) includes a product container, the pair of flow diverters disposed in the container, a tube of silicone adhesive disposed in the container, and a set of printed usage instructions disposed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Opti Pool Products, LLC
    Inventors: Bill J. Hughes, Kevin E. Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20230080603
    Abstract: A pair of identical, specially-shaped, and specially-sized flow diverters is provided. In order to concentrate the flow of water passing over a waterfall, such as an ornamental backyard spa or swimming pool waterfall, a first flow diverter is attached adjacent a first sidewall of the waterfall structure, and a second flow diverter is attached adjacent a second sidewall of the waterfall structure. Water passing by the sidewalls is directed inwardly away from the sidewalls, thereby narrowing the flow of water over the fall and reducing overspray and reducing mineral build up and scale problems. In one novel aspect, an assemblage (a saleable product) includes a product container, the pair of flow diverters disposed in the container, a tube of silicone adhesive disposed in the container, and a set of printed usage instructions disposed in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Bill J. Hughes, Kevin E. Brehmer
  • Patent number: 6345473
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning mild steel reinforcing bars within a precast, moment resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a hand-receiving access component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame so as to permit convenient access to the reinforcing bars that are slidably carried within bar receiving passageways formed within the concrete beams. Additionally, the apparatus includes a bladder-receiving component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame in a manner to permit an expandable bladder to be conveniently positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam. When in position within a cable-receiving passageway, the expandable bladder spans the interface between the beam and the column and effectively prevents grout from entering the cable passageway during the grouting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Charles Pankow Builders, Ltd.
    Inventors: Albert W. Fink, Frank E. Woodman, Bill J. Hughes, Brian J. Liske