Patents by Inventor Olan T. Leitch

Olan T. Leitch 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).

  • Publication number: 20240091804
    Abstract: Systems and methods of applying self-seal strips of multiple different adhesives are disclosed. In one embodiment, two spaced apart spoked applicator wheel assemblies are positioned beneath a web of moving shingle stock such that each of the applicator wheels applies dots of different adhesives in an alternating pattern. In other embodiments, a layer of a second adhesive is deposited onto previously applied dots of a first adhesive to form layered adhesive dots with dual properties of both adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: James A. Svec, Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11919030
    Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for applying sealant to a moving substrate. The applicator includes a wheel having a periphery. A plurality of spaced apart footprints extends around the periphery of the wheel and each footprint has a sealant receiving feature. A reservoir is provided for containing a supply of sealant to be applied to the moving substrate. The wheel is rotatably mounted at least partially in the reservoir such that as the wheel rotates, each of the spaced apart footprints repeatedly moves through a supply of sealant in the reservoir to pick up a charge of sealant, around one side of the wheel toward the moving substrate, adjacent the moving substrate to transfer the sealant charge to the substrate, and around the other side of the wheel back toward the supply of sealant. At least one stop is formed on each of the footprints for inhibiting sealant picked up by the footprint from being urged rearwardly on the footprint by high speed rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventors: Olan T. Leitch, Timothy A. Machelski
  • Publication number: 20240052637
    Abstract: Shingles have self-seal strips with features that include sealant dashes or dots separated by drainage gaps. The self-seal strips are registered with each shingle so that the features are positioned at the same locations on each shingle. A method of making such shingles includes synchronizing the rotation of sealant applicator wheels with the shingle chop cutter so that cuts are made at repeated designated locations along the applied self-seal strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11865569
    Abstract: Systems and methods of applying self-seal strips of multiple different adhesives are disclosed. In one embodiment, two spaced apart spoked applicator wheel assemblies are positioned beneath a web of moving shingle stock such that each of the applicator wheels applies dots of different adhesives in an alternating pattern. In other embodiments, a layer of a second adhesive is deposited onto previously applied dots of a first adhesive to form layered adhesive dots with dual properties of both adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventors: James A. Svec, Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11834831
    Abstract: Shingles have self-seal strips with features that include sealant dashes or dots separated by drainage gaps. The self-seal strips are registered with each shingle so that the features are positioned at the same locations on each shingle. A method of making such shingles includes synchronizing the rotation of sealant applicator wheels with the shingle chop cutter so that cuts are made at repeated designated locations along the applied self-seal strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20230203813
    Abstract: A roofing shingle has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sealant material applied along the lower surface. A pressure relief channel is formed along the lower surface of the roofing shingle, with a release strip applied over the pressure relief channel. When the roofing shingle is paired with another roofing shingle in a stack, the sealant material of the roofing shingle is arranged in registration with the release strip and pressure relief channel of the other roofing shingle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20230193630
    Abstract: Roofing shingles are disclosed that are capable of being attached to a roof deck, underlayment, and/or other roofing shingles and that require fewer mechanical fasteners for attachment. The roofing shingles are formed with a first layer and a second layer of shingle materials that are laminated together, and with the first and second layers further being mechanically attached with indentations, including a first plurality of indentations formed along an upper surface of the first layer and a second plurality of indentations formed along a bottom surface of the second layer at spaced locations along the roofing shingles. A roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the roofing shingles is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20230069674
    Abstract: Roofing shingles are disclosed that are capable of being attached to a roof deck, underlayment, and/or other roofing shingles and that require few mechanical fasteners to remain attached to the roof. The roofing shingles are formed with a first layer and a second layer of shingle materials that are laminated together, and with the first and second layers further being mechanically attached with indentations in the first and second layers at spaced locations along and across the roofing shingles. A roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the roofing shingles is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Olan T. Leitch, Timothy H. Lock
  • Publication number: 20230063983
    Abstract: A process for in-line extrusion of polymeric coatings onto roofing shingles during manufacturing includes moving a web of shingle substrate material in a downstream direction and extruding a liquefied coating of polymeric material onto at least one surface of the moving web to form a thin film. The liquefied coating may be a molten polymeric material that forms a thin film on a back surface of the shingle material to prevent sticking and eliminate the need for a traditional back dusting with material such as powdered stone. The polymeric film further may be applied to the substrate material in lieu of a saturation coating of asphalt, thus reducing cost and weight while providing a comparable moisture barrier and a lighter more flexible shingle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Olan T. Leitch, Mark L. Keaten, Mike M. Kiik
  • Publication number: 20230003025
    Abstract: A first plurality of roofing shingles installed in a first plurality of rows on a roof deck, and a second plurality of roofing shingles installed in a second plurality of rows. An edge of one of the second roofing shingles in each of the second rows is offset from the edge of another one of the second roofing shingles in another adjacent one of the second rows. An edge of a first photovoltaic shingle is juxtaposed with the edge of a first roofing shingle of the second roofing shingles in a first row of the second rows. The edge of at least another photovoltaic shingle in at least one of another row of the second rows is substantially aligned with the edge of the first photovoltaic shingle. An additional roofing shingle is installed intermediate one of the second roofing shingles and one of the photovoltaic shingles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michael David Kuiper, Evan Michael Wray, Daniel East, Olan T. Leitch, Ming-Liang Shiao
  • Patent number: 11519176
    Abstract: A roofing shingle has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sealant material applied along the lower surface. A pressure relief channel is formed along the lower surface of the roofing shingle, with a release strip applied over the pressure relief channel. When the roofing shingle is paired with another roofing shingle in a stack, the sealant material of the roofing shingle is arranged in registration with the release strip and pressure relief channel of the other roofing shingle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11454027
    Abstract: A first plurality of roofing shingles installed in on a roof deck, and a second plurality of roofing shingles installed in a second plurality of rows. An edge of one of the second roofing shingles in each of the second rows is offset from the edge of another one of the second roofing shingles in another adjacent one of the second rows. An edge of a first photovoltaic shingle is juxtaposed with the edge of a first roofing shingle of the second roofing shingles in a first row of the second rows. The edge of at least another photovoltaic shingle in at least one of another row of the second rows is substantially aligned with the edge of the first photovoltaic shingle. An additional roofing shingle is installed intermediate one of the second roofing shingles and one of the photovoltaic shingles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Kuiper, Evan Michael Wray, Daniel East, Olan T. Leitch, Ming-Liang Shiao
  • Publication number: 20220282487
    Abstract: Shingles have self-seal strips with features that include sealant dashes or dots separated by drainage gaps. The self-seal strips are registered with each shingle so that the features are positioned at the same locations on each shingle. A method of making such shingles includes synchronizing the rotation of sealant applicator wheels with the shingle chop cutter so that cuts are made at repeated designated locations along the applied self-seal strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20220213689
    Abstract: A first plurality of roofing shingles installed in a first plurality of rows on a roof deck, and a second plurality of roofing shingles installed in a second plurality of rows. An edge of one of the second roofing shingles in each of the second rows is offset from the edge of another one of the second roofing shingles in another adjacent one of the second rows. An edge of a first photovoltaic shingle is juxtaposed with the edge of a first roofing shingle of the second roofing shingles in a first row of the second rows. The edge of at least another photovoltaic shingle in at least one of another row of the second rows is substantially aligned with the edge of the first photovoltaic shingle. An additional roofing shingle is installed intermediate one of the second roofing shingles and one of the photovoltaic shingles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Michael David Kuiper, Evan Michael Wray, Daniel East, Olan T. Leitch, Ming-Liang Shiao
  • Publication number: 20220186498
    Abstract: A roofing shingle has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sealant material applied along the lower surface. A pressure relief channel is formed along the lower surface of the roofing shingle, with a release strip applied over the pressure relief channel. When the roofing shingle is paired with another roofing shingle in a stack, the sealant material of the roofing shingle is arranged in registration with the release strip and pressure relief channel of the other roofing shingle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11346108
    Abstract: Shingles have self-seal strips with features that include sealant dashes or dots separated by drainage gaps. The self-seal strips are registered with each shingle so that the features are positioned at the same locations on each shingle. A method of making such shingles includes synchronizing the rotation of sealant applicator wheels with the shingle chop cutter so that cuts are made at repeated designated locations along the applied self-seal strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: BMIC LLC
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20220081906
    Abstract: A cap shingle configured to be installed over a hip or ridge of a roof structure, and a method for creating scored hinge lines in hip and ridge cap shingles during manufacturing while minimizing the likelihood of breakage along the scored hinge lines due to lane tension are disclosed. The method includes forming score lines with a scoring cylinder across lanes of shingle material just before the lanes are cut into individual cap shingles with a pattern cutter. The scoring cylinder and pattern cutter are controlled so that the score lines are consistently applied along the centerlines of the cap shingles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch
  • Patent number: 11255088
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer coated mat is disclosed to form a moisture barrier. The method includes moving a substrate mat along a processing path and heating the substrate mat to a predetermined temperature. A curtain of molten polymer is extruded through a slot die onto a surface of the heated substrate mat as the mat moves along the processing path to create a composite mat comprising a thin polymer film coating on at least one side of the substrate mat. The composite mat is then cooled in a controlled manner to cure and solidify the polymer film. The resulting composite mat may be used as a construction wrap, or it may be incorporated into other products such as an underlayment. A novel asphalt shingle may be fabricated using the composite mat in lieu of a traditional asphalt saturated mat or other substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Coporation
    Inventors: Olan T. Leitch, Mark Logan Keaten, Matti Kiik
  • Publication number: 20210276036
    Abstract: Systems and methods of applying self-seal strips of multiple different adhesives are disclosed. In one embodiment, two spaced apart spoked applicator wheel assemblies are positioned beneath a web of moving shingle stock such that each of the applicator wheels applies dots of different adhesives in an alternating pattern. In other embodiments, a layer of a second adhesive is deposited onto previously applied dots of a first adhesive to form layered adhesive dots with dual properties of both adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: James A. Svec, Olan T. Leitch
  • Publication number: 20210214945
    Abstract: Shingles have self-seal strips with features that include sealant dashes or dots separated by drainage gaps. The self-seal strips are registered with each shingle so that the features are positioned at the same locations on each shingle. A method of making such shingles includes synchronizing the rotation of sealant applicator wheels with the shingle chop cutter so that cuts are made at repeated designated locations along the applied self-seal strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: Olan T. Leitch