Patents by Inventor Brian Cecil Stearns

Brian Cecil Stearns 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: 9973142
    Abstract: An accessory for a solar panel assembly includes a bracket defining an elongated portion extending in a first direction and including a slot, a connector coupled to the bracket and configured to engage at least one panel frame of the solar panel assembly, and a fence member including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion including a planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the bracket portion, and the second portion includes a projection that removably engages the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Vermont Slate and Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Cecil Stearns
  • Publication number: 20180131314
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a roof mounting system may comprise a short base, a tall base, a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly. The short base may have a first body and a first slot. The first slot may be formed on the first body at an angle. The tall base may have a second body and a second slot. The second slot may be formed on the second body at the angle. The first clamp assembly may be configured to be operatively couple to the first slot. The second clamp assembly may be configured to be operatively couple to the second slot. The first clamp and the second clamp may be configured to engage and retain a solar panel on the short base and the tall base at the angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Publication number: 20180013379
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof haying a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20170366131
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a mounting system may comprise a downslope rail, an upslope rail, a first clamp and a second clamp. The downslope rail may have a first profile and comprising a downslope face and an upslope shelf. The upslope rail may have a second profile and comprising a downslope shelf and an upslope face. The first clamp may be configured to engage the downslope face and accept the installation of a first end of a solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Publication number: 20170356189
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a flashing system may comprise a flashing having a uniform top surface having at least one of a flat profile, an S profile, and a W profile. The flashing system may further include a hook capable of being attached to the decking of a roof and disposed beneath the flashing. The flashing may be customizable by a user in the field to adjust a slot in the flashing to install the flashing on the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20170353143
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stabilization assembly may comprise a shaft, a foot, a snap plate and a nut. The foot may be operatively coupled to the shaft. The snap plate may be configured to surround and retain the shaft. The nut may be installable on the shaft and engagable to raise and lower a foot. The stabilization assembly may be installed in a solar panel coupling. The foot may be driven to engagement with a roof surface in response to the coupling being installed on the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: BRIAN CECIL STEARNS, ALEXANDER GRANT BORNEMANN
  • Patent number: 9793853
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Rillito River Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 9774292
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Rillito River Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 9774291
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Rillito River Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20170187326
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20170107723
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20170067258
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20170025987
    Abstract: A roof mount for mounting at least one solar panel to a roof surface including a base. The roof mount includes a clamp connected to the base and a first recess sized to support a first solar panel. The first recess has a first height extending between a first top flange and a first bottom flange. The clamp also includes a second recess sized to support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. The second recess has a second height extending between a second top flange and a second bottom flange. The roof mount further includes a fastener connected to the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first and second heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, the first height increases and the second height decreases, and upon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases and the second height increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20160352283
    Abstract: A roof mount for mounting at least one solar panel to a roof surface including a base. The roof mount includes a clamp connected to the base and a first recess sized to support a first solar panel. The first recess has a first height extending between a first top flange and a first bottom flange. The clamp also includes a second recess sized to support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. The second recess has a second height extending between a second top flange and a second bottom flange. The roof mount further includes a fastener connected to the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first and second heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, the first height increases and the second height decreases, and upon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases and the second height increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20160344333
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20160344332
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Publication number: 20160268965
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mounting brackets. In various embodiments, a mounting bracket may comprise a middle portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The middle portion may comprise a channel and a lip. The top portion may be operatively coupled to the middle portion. The top portion may comprise a first engagement structure. The top portion may also define a first aperture. The bottom portion may be operatively coupled to the middle portion. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount a container to a structure. The mounting bracket may also be configured to create a bond path between the container and the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 9431953
    Abstract: A roof mount for mounting at least one solar panel to a roof surface including a base. The roof mount includes a clamp connected to the base and a first recess sized to support a first solar panel. The first recess has a first height extending between a first top flange and a first bottom flange. The clamp also includes a second recess sized to support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. The second recess has a second height extending between a second top flange and a second bottom flange. The roof mount further includes a fastener connected to the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first and second heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, the first height increases and the second height decreases, and upon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases and the second height increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Rillito River Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Alexander Grant Bornemann
  • Patent number: 9422721
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury
  • Patent number: 9422723
    Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Vermont Slate & Copper Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cecil Stearns, Douglas Timothy Lounsbury