Patents by Inventor Michael L. Sams

Michael L. Sams 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: 4218859
    Abstract: A cluster of working bin modules resembling the cells of a honeycomb is used for storing tons of particulate commodities. This structure eliminates the need for corrugated sheet metal walls thereby reducing the explosion hazard. The bins share common smooth walls which are joined where they intersect by connectors which form hollow vertically-extending prisms. After the hexagonal modules have been erected and connected, the prisms are filled with concrete to form a watertight seal between adjacent bins and to permit the prisms to support heavy equipment mounted on top of the cluster. The hexagonal working bins are mounted on columns formed by concrete-filled vertical tubes. Each column is attached to the foundation by a ground anchor having a structure providing high shear strength to resist earthquake damage. Each column includes at its top a short hollow hexagonal prism; horizontal struts connect the hexagonal prisms of adjacent columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventor: Michael L. Sams