Patents by Inventor Michael H. Yount

Michael H. Yount 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: 9236514
    Abstract: A solar module riser assembly that is configured to allow a solar module attached thereto to fall-to-flat when not being forced into an angular position is provided. A riser assembly includes a riser support and a tube support attached to the riser support. A torque tube may extend across a plurality of riser assemblies and be retained by tube supports attached to each of the riser assemblies. A torque tube support is configured to rotate about the riser support and thereby position a solar module coupled thereto at an optimum angular orientation for solar exposure and track the sun. A first riser and second riser may be configured on opposing sides of a central drive device and lever arms attached to link bars drive tube supports when the link bar is moved. The first and second riser may be configured to create equal and opposite force on the link bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: ViaSol Energy Solutions
    Inventors: Daniel J. Tarico, James Kenneth Smith, Michael H. Yount, Michael Kremer
  • Patent number: 8362631
    Abstract: A marine energy hybrid includes a support structure locatable at or near the surface of a body of water and at least two of (a) a hubless upper carriage movable along an upper track of the support structure with at least one wind vane mounted at the upper carriage to induce motion of the upper carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the wind stream, (b) a hubless lower carriage movable along a lower track of the support structure with at least one water vane mounted at the lower carriage to induce motion of the lower carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the water current, and (c) at least one wave energy conversion device integral with the support structure and operable to generate electrical or mechanical power in response to wave motion of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Justin C. Roe, Michael H. Yount
  • Publication number: 20120211987
    Abstract: A marine energy hybrid includes a support structure locatable at or near the surface of a body of water and at least two of (a) a hubless upper carriage movable along an upper track of the support structure with at least one wind vane mounted at the upper carriage to induce motion of the upper carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the wind stream, (b) a hubless lower carriage movable along a lower track of the support structure with at least one water vane mounted at the lower carriage to induce motion of the lower carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the water current, and (c) at least one wave energy conversion device integral with the support structure and operable to generate electrical or mechanical power in response to wave motion of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Justin C. Roe, Michael H. Yount
  • Patent number: 8174135
    Abstract: A marine energy hybrid includes a support structure locatable at or near the surface of a body of water and at least two of (a) a hubless upper carriage movable along an upper track of the support structure with at least one wind vane mounted at the upper carriage to induce motion of the upper carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the wind stream, (b) a hubless lower carriage movable along a lower track of the support structure with at least one water vane mounted at the lower carriage to induce motion of the lower carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the water current, and (c) at least one wave energy conversion device integral with the support structure and operable to generate electrical or mechanical power in response to wave motion of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Justin C. Roe, Michael H. Yount
  • Publication number: 20120091717
    Abstract: A marine energy hybrid includes a support structure locatable at or near the surface of a body of water and at least two of (a) a hubless upper carriage movable along an upper track of the support structure with at least one wind vane mounted at the upper carriage to induce motion of the upper carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the wind stream, (b) a hubless lower carriage movable along a lower track of the support structure with at least one water vane mounted at the lower carriage to induce motion of the lower carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the water current, and (c) at least one wave energy conversion device integral with the support structure and operable to generate electrical or mechanical power in response to wave motion of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Justin C. Roe, Michael H. Yount