Patents by Inventor Brian A. Hilk

Brian A. Hilk 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).

  • Ceramic tile and method of making and using the same
    Patent number: 9506254
    Abstract: A ceramic tile includes an opening that is used to help fasten the ceramic tile to a mounting object. The opening can have a relatively small width that can obviate the need for a cap and can allow for less abrading of a polymer compound that is exposed adjacent to a major surface of the ceramic tile. In an embodiment, an insert is placed into the opening in the ceramic tile, and the ceramic tile is fastened to a wall using a welding technique. In other embodiments, different shapes of openings and fastening techniques can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian A. Hilk
  • CERAMIC TILE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20150184396
    Abstract: A ceramic tile includes an opening that is used to help fasten the ceramic tile to a mounting object. The opening can have a relatively small width that can obviate the need for a cap and can allow for less abrading of a polymer compound that is exposed adjacent to a major surface of the ceramic tile. In an embodiment, an insert is placed into the opening in the ceramic tile, and the ceramic tile is fastened to a wall using a welding technique. In other embodiments, different shapes of openings and fastening techniques can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventor: Brian A. Hilk