Patents by Inventor Luc DuPont

Luc DuPont 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: 9331629
    Abstract: A photovoltaic frame fastener is provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a strut or rail defining a generally U-shaped channel and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes a strut-engaging surface, at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. Yet another aspect of a photovoltaic frame fastener includes laterally projecting tabs abutting against a top of a strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont
  • Patent number: 8894424
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided including a strut defining a generally U-shaped channel; an electrically conductive grounding clip; and a panel retainer. Upon insertion of the panel retainer into a housing receptacle of the clip, a clip slot and a panel body slot are aligned to allow passage of the portion of the solar panel frame. Advancing the solar panel frame through the aligned clip slot and panel body slot compresses a spring to secure the solar panel frame while barbs electrically connect and provide a ground to the solar panel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Luc DuPont
  • Patent number: 8745935
    Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
  • Patent number: 8713881
    Abstract: A solar panel securing system is provided. In another aspect, a solar or photovoltaic panel assembly is mounted to a building roof in a screw-free manner. Another aspect employs a snap-in connection between a member pre-assembled to a solar panel and a roof-mounted bracket. A further aspect adhesively bonds a bracket directly to a glass surface of a solar panel. A method of securing a solar panel is additionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
  • Publication number: 20140003861
    Abstract: A photovoltaic frame fastener is provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a strut or rail defining a generally U-shaped channel and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes a strut-engaging surface, at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. Yet another aspect of a photovoltaic frame fastener includes laterally projecting tabs abutting against a top of a strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont
  • Publication number: 20140000085
    Abstract: A tool for use with a fastener is provided. Another aspect employs a removal tool for use with a photovoltaic fastener. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a photovoltaic module including a peripheral frame, a strut or rail and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. In a further aspect, a tool is rotated to disengage a central tongue of a fastener from a photovoltaic frame. Yet another aspect employs a tool to compress a finger and/or wing to allow fastener removal from a strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: William Teller, Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont, Elio G. Evangelista, Dorian J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 8590223
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a single piece and entirely metallic grounding clip is employed. A further aspect includes a clip or fastener which provides both frame grounding and a frame-to-strut attachment. In still another aspect, a grounding clip having barbs is linearly slid onto a solar panel frame and the clip additionally includes one or more flexible wings which are removably snap-fit into a slot of an elongated and rigid strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Dorian J. Kilgore, William Teller, Elio G. Evangelista, Justin McCullah, Thomas Wagner, Luc DuPont, James VanBoxel
  • Publication number: 20130192150
    Abstract: A solar panel securing system is provided. In another aspect, a solar or photovoltaic panel assembly is mounted to a building roof in a screw-free manner. Another aspect employs a snap-in connection between a member pre-assembled to a solar panel and a roof-mounted bracket. A further aspect adhesively bonds a bracket directly to a glass surface of a solar panel. A method of securing a solar panel is additionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
  • Publication number: 20130102165
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided including a strut defining a generally U-shaped channel; an electrically conductive grounding clip; and a panel retainer. Upon insertion of the panel retainer into a housing receptacle of the clip, a clip slot and a panel body slot are aligned to allow passage of the portion of the solar panel frame. Advancing the solar panel frame through the aligned clip slot and panel body slot compresses a spring to secure the solar panel frame while barbs electrically connect and provide a ground to the solar panel frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Luc DuPont
  • Publication number: 20130091786
    Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
  • Publication number: 20130048056
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a single piece and entirely metallic grounding clip is employed. A further aspect includes a clip or fastener which provides both frame grounding and a frame-to-strut attachment. In still another aspect, a grounding clip having barbs is linearly slid onto a solar panel frame and the clip additionally includes one or more flexible wings which are removably snap-fit into a slot of an elongated and rigid strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Dorian J. Kilgore, William Teller, Elio G. Evangelista, Justin McCullah, Thomas Wagner, Luc DuPont, James VanBoxel
  • Patent number: 7265677
    Abstract: System for indicating when a tank is full. The system includes a signal and control box. A container is connected to the tank. The container has a base, a float, an upper portion, and a lower portion. An orifice is arranged at the upper portion of the container. The float has an electrical contact connected to the signal and control box. The base of the container is arranged one of above a maximum filling level of the tank and substantially at the same level as the maximum filling level of the tank. A communication conduit is connected to each of the base of the container and an area of the tank which is in proximity to an upper portion of the tank. The system generates at least one warning signal after the tank is completely filled and when the container is partially filled by the communication conduit. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Dupont
  • Publication number: 20050099284
    Abstract: System for indicating when a tank is full. The system includes a signal and control box. A container is connected to the tank. The container has a base, a float, an upper portion, and a lower portion. An orifice is arranged at the upper portion of the container. The float has an electrical contact connected to the signal and control box. The base of the container is arranged one of above a maximum filling level of the tank and substantially at the same level as the maximum filling level of the tank. A communication conduit is connected to each of the base of the container and an area of the tank which is in proximity to an upper portion of the tank. The system generates at least one warning signal after the tank is completely filled and when the container is partially filled by the communication conduit. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Dupont