Patents by Inventor Norm Krantz

Norm Krantz 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: 12142930
    Abstract: A portable hybrid generator system includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first housing, a first output port, and a primary energy source disposed within the first housing. The primary energy source is electrically coupled to the first output port. The second unit is separate from the first unit. The second unit includes a second housing, an input port, a second output port, and an energy storage device disposed within the second housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the input port and the second output port. The energy storage device includes at least one battery. The input port and the first output port facilitate selectively electrically coupling the first unit to the second unit to charge the energy storage device. The primary energy source is specifically calibrated or calibratable to charge the energy storage device based on the at least one battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Hank Howell, Preston Evan Price, Norm Krantz, Keyvan Vasefi
  • Publication number: 20220393478
    Abstract: A portable hybrid generator system includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first housing, a first output port, and a primary energy source disposed within the first housing. The primary energy source is electrically coupled to the first output port. The second unit is separate from the first unit. The second unit includes a second housing, an input port, a second output port, and an energy storage device disposed within the second housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the input port and the second output port. The energy storage device includes at least one battery. The input port and the first output port facilitate selectively electrically coupling the first unit to the second unit to charge the energy storage device. The primary energy source is specifically calibrated or calibratable to charge the energy storage device based on the at least one battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Hank Howell, Preston Evan Price, Norm Krantz, Keyvan Vasefi
  • Patent number: 11444464
    Abstract: A portable hybrid generator may comprise a sturdy portable housing configured for easy movement and transport, an inverter for managing renewable and non-renewable energy sources, one or more batteries with or without a battery management system, one or more solar panels and solar panel combiner box, a communications systems, and a generator. In some instances the portable hybrid generator may comprise a communications system equipped to simplify the usage, maintenance, and control of the portable hybrid generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Hank Howell, Preston Evan Price, Norm Krantz, Keyvan Vasefi
  • Patent number: 9771729
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAREBONES SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Publication number: 20160215512
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Patent number: 9303426
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BARE BONES SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Patent number: 9024570
    Abstract: A charging device is provided. The charging device includes an input interface configured to receive electrical power from a power source and charge a removable energy storage device using the electrical power from the power source. The power source may be a solar panel. The charging device may include multiple input interfaces configured to receive electrical power at different voltages. The charging device may include an output interface configured to provide electrical power to an electrical device connected to the output interface, and the circuit may be configured to provide electrical power to the output interface from at least one of the removable energy storage device and the input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz, Walker Ford, Joseph R. Atkin
  • Publication number: 20130276382
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Patent number: 8434894
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a body portion, a conduit coupled to the body portion, and one or more illumination components coupled to the body portion, where the one or more illumination components are in electrical communication with the conduit. A lighting apparatus kit is also disclosed. A daisy-chained lighting apparatus assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Publication number: 20130043826
    Abstract: A battery pack power system includes a plurality of modular, portable, battery modules having various capacities that can be mixed and matched with one another to suit any of a wide variety applications or provide the desired power to any of a wide variety of loads at off-grid locations. The individual battery modules are stackable or otherwise nestable or connectable with one another to permit multiple users to each separately transport a module to a desired location and then combine the modules to assemble the battery power pack. One or more flexible connectors are provided for electrically chaining the assembled battery modules to one another and that permit only one-way, correct-orientation connection of the battery modules to one another, and have no exposed electrically conductive surfaces. An inverter module is connectable to any one of the battery modules, and operates to deliver 110 VAC in a first mode and 220 VAC in a second mode to provide electrical power to a wide variety of electrical loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Publication number: 20120281392
    Abstract: A charging device is provided. The charging device includes an input interface configured to receive electrical power from a power source and charge a removable energy storage device using the electrical power from the power source. The power source may be a solar panel. The charging device may include multiple input interfaces configured to receive electrical power at different voltages. The charging device may include an output interface configured to provide electrical power to an electrical device connected to the output interface, and the circuit may be configured to provide electrical power to the output interface from at least one of the removable energy storage device and the input interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz, Walker Ford, Joseph R. Atkin
  • Publication number: 20110290307
    Abstract: A modular solar panel system includes solar panels mechanically and electrically interconnectable to create a modular solar panel array, and an electrical connection module on each panel, the module having an input connection and an output connection for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array. A peripheral frame member is disposed about each panel, and includes a first set of receptacles arranged on a back face, and a second set of receptacles arranged along an outside edge. The second set of receptacles are arranged along each side so that the receptacles on one panel align with the receptacles on another panel when placed adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to-edge manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Publication number: 20110162690
    Abstract: A transportable solar panel and support system has a flexible base, and a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels coupled to the flexible base. The solar panels are spaced apart from one another by gaps to permit the flexible base to be configured in an unfolded condition so that the solar panels can receive sunlight, and a folded condition where the solar panels are arranged at least partially adjacent to one another. A storage compartment and receptacles are disposed on the flexible base, with at least a portion of the receptacles axially aligned with one another to span one or more of the gaps between the solar panels. Support rods are provided that are movable between a stowed position within the storage compartment when the flexible base is in the folded condition, and a deployed position within the receptacles and spanning one or more of the gaps between the solar panels when the flexible base is in the unfolded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Patent number: D651564
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin
  • Patent number: D664499
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz, David Smith, Henry J. Howell
  • Patent number: D670244
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Erik R. Workman, Norm Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: D693765
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Erik R. Workman, Norm Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: D695680
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Patent number: D697028
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Erik R. Workman, Norm Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: D716726
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norm Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford