Patents by Inventor Mark Vanderbeken

Mark Vanderbeken 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: 7866196
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circular metal tank, from an elongated sheet of metal. The upper and lower longitudinal edges of the metal sheet are bent to produce a first “L” bend and a second “chair” bend, respectively. The sheet of metal is moved in a helical trajectory such that the second bend comes into proximity above the first bend. The second bend and the first bend are welded together such that the wall of the cylindrical tank is formed. Welding of the bends serves to stress relieve or anneal the bent metal, thereby preventing cracks in the metal which may result in leaks and/or compromise the structural integrity of the tank. The first and second bends additionally cooperate to form a helical roller track on the outside of the tank. The tank is supported and rotated about its longitudinal axis on a plurality of rollers that engage the roller track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Tanks, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vanderbeken
  • Publication number: 20070261455
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circular metal tank, from an elongated sheet of metal. The upper and lower longitudinal edges of the metal sheet are bent to produce a first “L” bend and a second “chair” bend, respectively. The sheet of metal is moved in a helical trajectory such that the second bend comes into proximity above the first bend. The second bend and the first bend are welded together such that the wall of the cylindrical tank is formed., Welding of the bends serves to stress relieve or anneal the bent metal, thereby preventing cracks in the metal which may result in leaks and/or compromise the structural integrity of the tank. The first and second bends additionally cooperate to form a helical roller track on the outside of the tank. The tank is supported and rotated about its longitudinal axis on a plurality of rollers that engage the roller track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Vanderbeken