Patents by Inventor Christiana Chang

Christiana Chang 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: 10036560
    Abstract: A system and method for heating structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on an exposed outer surface of the structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a structure to apply thermal energy to the exposed outer surface of the structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the structure. Optionally, the structure is a concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignees: University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Houston System
    Inventors: Zhaohui Yang, Ting Yang, Gangbing Song, Mithun Singla, Christiana Chang
  • Publication number: 20180087782
    Abstract: A system and method for heating structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on an exposed outer surface of the structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a structure to apply thermal energy to the exposed outer surface of the structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the structure. Optionally, the structure is a concrete structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: ZHAOHUI YANG, TING YANG, GANGBING SONG, MITHUN SINGLA, CHRISTIANA CHANG
  • Patent number: 9829202
    Abstract: A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Houston System
    Inventors: Zhaohui Yang, Ting Yang, Gangbing Song, Mithun Singla, Christiana Chang
  • Patent number: 9775196
    Abstract: Electric, self-heating concrete systems that uses embedded carbon macrofiber or nanofibers paper as electric resistance heating elements are disclose. The self-heating concrete systems may utilize the conductive properties of carbon macrofiber or nanofiber materials to heat a surface overlay of concrete with various admixtures to improve the concrete's thermal conductivity. The self-heating concrete systems allow concrete roadways or the like to be heated to above freezing temperatures in a freezing environment in a reasonable amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
    Inventors: Gangbing Song, Christiana Chang, Yi Lung Mo
  • Publication number: 20140069908
    Abstract: A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: University of Houston System, University of Alaska Achorage
    Inventors: Zhaohui Yang, Ting Yang, Gangbing Song, Mithun Singla, Christiana Chang
  • Publication number: 20120018415
    Abstract: Electric, self-heating concrete systems that uses embedded carbon macrofiber or nanofibers paper as electric resistance heating elements are disclose. The self-heating concrete systems may utilize the conductive properties of carbon macrofiber or nanofiber materials to heat a surface overlay of concrete with various admixtures to improve the concrete's thermal conductivity. The self-heating concrete systems allow concrete roadways or the like to be heated to above freezing temperatures in a freezing environment in a reasonable amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventors: Gangbing Song, Christiana Chang, Yi Lung Mo