Patents by Inventor Frank J. Gallegos

Frank J. Gallegos 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).

  • Wind turbine tower washing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8057605
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning tapered towers such wind turbine towers. A semicircular member hugs the tower surface. A plurality of nozzles affixed to the semicircular member sprays high pressure cleaning fluid on the tower surface as the semicircular member is raised and lowered. The spray nozzles are kept at a constant distance from the tower surface by a plurality of wheels affixed to the semicircular member. At least one constricting structure is used to force the plurality of wheels to be in constant contact with the tower surface. The constricting structure can be a spring loaded scissor apparatus and/or a bungee cord with rolling beads. A brush can be optionally added to the semicircular member to aid in cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Frank J. Gallegos
  • Wind Turbine Tower Washing Apparatus and Method
    Publication number: 20100018551
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning tapered towers such wind turbine towers. A semicircular member hugs the tower surface. A plurality of nozzles affixed to the semicircular member sprays high pressure cleaning fluid on the tower surface as the semicircular member is raised and lowered. The spray nozzles are kept at a constant distance from the tower surface by a plurality of wheels affixed to the semicircular member. At least one constricting structure is used to force the plurality of wheels to be in constant contact with the tower surface. The constricting structure can be a spring loaded scissor apparatus and/or a bungee cord with rolling beads. A brush can be optionally added to the semicircular member to aid in cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Frank J. Gallegos