Patents by Inventor Don M. Conrad

Don M. Conrad 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).

  • Joist assembly and chord for use in such joist assembly
    Patent number: 6993881
    Abstract: A joist assembly having a top chord with a slot formed therein, a bottom chord with a slot formed therein, and a tubular member of serpentine configuration having an upper portion received within the slot of the top chord and a lower portion received within the slot of the bottom chord. The tubular member extends between the chords so as to maintain the chords in parallel spaced relationship. The chords are formed of a length of cold roll-formed steel. The tubular member is of a single length of square tubular steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Varco Pruden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Ruble, Steven J. Thomas, Steve R. Norman, Lee A. Sparks, Don M. Conrad
  • Method of forming a joist assembly and a chord used in such joist assembly
    Patent number: 6912787
    Abstract: A method of forming a joist assembly including the steps of forming a top chord, forming a bottom chord, bending a tubular member into a serpentine configuration, positioning an upper bent portion of the tubular member into the top chord, positioning a lower bent portion of the tubular member into the bottom chord, and welding the tubular member to the top chord and to the bottom chord. The top and bottom chords are cold formed of a single length of generally rectangular tubular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Varco Pruden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Ruble, Steven J. Thomas, Steve R. Norman, Lee A. Sparks, Don M. Conrad