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).
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Patent number: 9331629Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont
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Patent number: 8894424Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventor: Luc DuPont
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Patent number: 8745935Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
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Patent number: 8713881Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
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Publication number: 20140003861Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont
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Publication number: 20140000085Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventors: William Teller, Brian C. Cheung, Luc DuPont, Elio G. Evangelista, Dorian J. Kilgore
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Patent number: 8590223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Dorian J. Kilgore, William Teller, Elio G. Evangelista, Justin McCullah, Thomas Wagner, Luc DuPont, James VanBoxel
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Publication number: 20130192150Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
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Publication number: 20130102165Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventor: Luc DuPont
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Publication number: 20130091786Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Luc DuPont, Brian C. Cheung
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Publication number: 20130048056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: A. Raymond et CieInventors: Dorian J. Kilgore, William Teller, Elio G. Evangelista, Justin McCullah, Thomas Wagner, Luc DuPont, James VanBoxel
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Patent number: 7265677Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventor: Jean-Luc Dupont
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Publication number: 20050099284Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: May 12, 2005Inventor: Jean-Luc Dupont