Patents by Inventor Christopher Y. Tuan

Christopher Y. Tuan 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: 6825444
    Abstract: A heated bridge deck (20) uses electrodes (24, 26) embedded within conductive concrete and connected to a power source to remove snow and ice accumulation. A cement-based mixture containing optimal amounts of conductive materials is molded into pre-formed slabs (22) placed atop the paved surface of a bridge deck. Alternatively, the conductive concrete may be cast in place on top of an existing bridge deck. A control unit with temperature and moisture sensors may be coupled to the heated bridge deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents of University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Christopher Y. Tuan, Sherif Yehia, Bing Chen, Lim Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6138309
    Abstract: A tension member is provided for use in erecting structures that has an elongated body with an outer wall defining an inner space. A tendon extends from one end of the body to the other within the defined inner space. The tendon has a tension force placed upon it. Concrete material is added to the inner space to form a concrete holding member which surrounds the tendon and which is in turn surrounded by the outer wall. The concrete holding member thus contacts the tendon and, upon curing, maintains the tension force placed upon the tendon. The tension member is placed in compression when the tension force is released from the tendon. In another aspect of the present invention, an arch member is provided for use as a compression member in a bridge. The arch member has an elongated arcuate body with an outer wall defining an inner space. The inner space of the body is filled with a concrete so that the body provides support for the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Regents of University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Maher K. Tadros, Christopher Y. Tuan