Patents by Inventor Monty Mullins
Monty Mullins 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: 8273978Abstract: A solar panel tracking system that can simultaneously rotate large arrays of solar panels position in multiple rows utilizing a single drive system. The drive system comprises a single actuation device that drives multiple rotational translation stages at each solar array row for tilting the panels to the correct position. A dual beam structure within each row insure appropriate panel support during rotation and provide the framework for simplified installation and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Thompson Technology Industries, Inc.Inventors: Daniel S. Thompson, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Anthony Zante
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Patent number: 8267359Abstract: An adjustable tilt solar panel support system including a support post, a pivot bracket attached to the support post in a generally upright orientation and having a pivot pin hole for accommodating a pivot pin, and further having at least one adjustment opening; a rotational support cradle having a pivot pin hole in alignment with the pivot pin hole of the pivot bracket, such that the support cradle is pivotally attached to the pivot bracket, the support cradle further including at least one adjustment opening which aligns with the adjustment opening of the pivot bracket. An adjustment pin is selectively inserted into and through the adjustment openings of the support cradle and pivot bracket to secure the support cradle at a selected angle, and wherein the removal of the adjustment pin permits the rotational support cradle to pivot on the pivot bracket about the pivot pin. Beam holders for securing support beams are disposed atop the rotational support cradle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Thompson Technology Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Zante, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Daniel S. Thompson
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Publication number: 20120031859Abstract: An adjustable tilt solar panel support system including a support post, a pivot bracket attached to the support post in a generally upright orientation and having a pivot pin hole for accommodating a pivot pin, and further having at least one adjustment opening; a rotational support cradle having a pivot pin hole in alignment with the pivot pin hole of the pivot bracket, such that the support cradle is pivotally attached to the pivot bracket, the support cradle further including at least one adjustment opening which aligns with the adjustment opening of the pivot bracket. An adjustment pin is selectively inserted into and through the adjustment openings of the support cradle and pivot bracket to secure the support cradle at a selected angle, and wherein the removal of the adjustment pin permits the rotational support cradle to pivot on the pivot bracket about the pivot pin. Beam holders for securing support beams are disposed atop the rotational support cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: THOMPSON TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Anthony A. Zante, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Daniel S. Thompson
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Patent number: 8052100Abstract: An adjustable tilt solar panel support system including a support post, a U-shaped pivot bracket attached to the support post in a generally upright orientation and having a pivot pin hole for accommodating a pivot pin, and further having at least one adjustment opening; a rotational support cradle having a pivot pin hole in alignment with the pivot pin hole of the pivot bracket, such that the support cradle is pivotally attached to the pivot bracket, the support cradle further including at least one adjustment opening which aligns with the adjustment opening of the pivot bracket. An adjustment pin is selectively inserted into and through the adjustment openings of the support cradle and pivot bracket to secure the support cradle at a selected angle, and wherein the removal of the adjustment pin permits the rotational support cradle to pivot on the pivot bracket about the pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Thompson Technology Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Zante, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Daniel S. Thompson
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Patent number: 7921607Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Thompson Technology Industries, Inc.Inventors: Daniel S. Thompson, Monty Mullins, Richard I. Proctor, Zhan Zhang
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Publication number: 20100243827Abstract: An adjustable tilt solar panel support system including a support post, a U-shaped pivot bracket attached to the support post in a generally upright orientation and having a pivot pin hole for accommodating a pivot pin, and further having at least one adjustment opening; a rotational support cradle having a pivot pin hole in alignment with the pivot pin hole of the pivot bracket, such that the support cradle is pivotally attached to the pivot bracket, the support cradle further including at least one adjustment opening which aligns with the adjustment opening of the pivot bracket. An adjustment pin is selectively inserted into and through the adjustment openings of the support cradle and pivot bracket to secure the support cradle at a selected angle, and wherein the removal of the adjustment pin permits the rotational support cradle to pivot on the pivot bracket about the pivot pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: THOMPSON TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Anthony A. Zante, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Daniel S. Thompson
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Publication number: 20100088996Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: THOMPSON TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Daniel S. Thompson, Monty Mullins, Richard I. Proctor, Zhan Zhang
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Publication number: 20080251115Abstract: A solar panel tracking system that can simultaneously rotate large arrays of solar panels position in multiple rows utilizing a single drive system. The drive system comprises a single actuation device that drives multiple rotational translation stages at each solar array row for tilting the panels to the correct position. A dual beam structure within each row insure appropriate panel support during rotation and provide the framework for simplified installation and maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: THOMPSON TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Daniel S. Thompson, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Anthony Zante
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Publication number: 20060156648Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2006Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Daniel Thompson, Monty Mullins, Richard Proctor, Zhan Zhang