Patents by Inventor R. West

R. West 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: 20130140416
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Tyrus Hudson, Brian West
  • Publication number: 20130133270
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Tyrus Hudson, David Molina
  • Publication number: 20130126124
    Abstract: A connecting device is used in combination with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has orthogonally oriented first and second mount members. The connecting device includes a body having opposed first and second sidewalls. A first sidewall extension is integrally connected to and extends orthogonally with respect to the first sidewall, and includes a first planar mount surface. A second sidewall extension is integrally connected to and extends orthogonally with respect to the second sidewall. The second sidewall extension is oppositely facing with respect to the first sidewall extension and includes a second planar mount surface. A mounting wall extension is integrally connected to and extends orthogonally with respect to the first and second sidewall extensions and includes a third planar mount surface. The first, second and third planar mount surfaces are oriented coplanar with respect to each other and are connected to the first mount member using brazing joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Zuber, Timothy R. West, Kevin S. Bockstanz
  • Publication number: 20130063279
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for accessing information regarding one or more shipments. There is provided a computer-implemented method for accessing information regarding one or more shipments. The method includes receiving sensor information associated with the one or more shipments at a tracking center. The method also includes analyzing rules associated with a party to determine whether the party is authorized to access the received sensor information. The method further includes restricting the party from accessing the received sensor information based on the analyzed rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Mark D. Hamm, James B. Greer, Daniel A. Ost, Miley E. Ainsworth, William S. Murphy, Zachary S. Perry, Ole Petter Skaaksrud, Kenneth L. Milman, Michael R. West, James Randy Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8375654
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: 8353476
    Abstract: An aircraft engine pylon comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The left side wall includes a left truss structure along with a left upper ledge and a left lower ledge. The right side wall includes a right truss structure along with a right upper ledge and a right lower ledge. The top wall is joined with the left upper ledge and the right upper ledge and an upper truss structure is formed in the left upper ledge, the right upper ledge, and the top wall. The bottom wall is joined with the left lower ledge and the right lower ledge and a lower truss structure is formed in the left lower ledge, the right lower ledge, and the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Crook, Randall R. West, George Larimore Huggins
  • Publication number: 20120298188
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Hans-Cristoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20120298186
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Zep Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. West
  • Patent number: 8316632
    Abstract: A thrust reverser comprises a translating sleeve, a torque beam, a plurality of cascades, a plurality of blocker doors, and a plurality of actuators. The translating sleeve is positioned at the rear of an aircraft nacelle and is translated rearward during thrust reverser deployment. The torque beam is positioned within the nacelle and configured to prevent airflow into the nacelle during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of cascades are positioned around the circumference of the torque beam during thrust reverser stowage and are translated rearward during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of blocker doors are positioned in alignment with the plurality of cascades and direct airflow through the plurality of cascades during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of actuators are coupled to the forward edge of the sleeve and configured to translate the sleeve rearward during thrust reverser deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall R. West, Henry A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20120279558
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: 8299920
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for tracking one or more items. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for tracking one or more items. The method may include periodically detecting, by a sensor device, sensor information of the one or more items, and periodically transmitting, by the sensor device, the sensor information. The method may also include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information. The method may also include transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties. The method may further include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information and the periodically transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties based on a set of one or more permissions that grants or restricts access of the one or more parties to the sensor information based on the set of one or more permissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Hamm, James B. Greer, Daniel A. Ost, Miley E. Ainsworth, William S. Murphy, Zachary S. Perry, Ole Petter Skaaksrud, Kenneth L. Milman, Michael R. West, James Randy Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20120260972
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20120255598
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: John R. West
  • Patent number: 8203790
    Abstract: A micro-lens enhanced element comprises a substrate bearing sequences of printed image elements, each sequence containing image elements from more than one image. A transparent spacer layer is coated over the interlaced image strips. Lenticular lenses are fashioned over each sequence of image elements by deposition of a transparent layer of low surface energy polydimethyl siloxane based material and ablation of the same to create strips of material abhesive to a polymeric lens forming material between consecutive sequences of printed image elements. During deposition of a liquid lens forming material, the liquid withdraws from the liquid abhesive low surface energy strips to form a meniscus, thereby providing lenticular lenses. The transparent low surface energy material comprises a near infrared dye with low absorption in the visible range of the spectrum to render the material both transparent and ablateable by infrared laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Harry Booyens, Murray Figov, Daniel J. Blondal, Paul R. West
  • Publication number: 20120125410
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: ZEP SOAR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20120066934
    Abstract: An improved attachment system for attaching shoes having toe and heel areas to a wide variety of sports equipment, in particular to a rowing boat or a rowing machine. One embodiment of the system comprises an attachment device (1) that is connected to or otherwise a part of the equipment, and a shoe block assembly (3) that accepts the attachment device (1). These parts generally removably lock together for use of the equipment, which provides users custom features, better control over the force applied to the equipment via the shoe, and automatic emergency functions. An adjustment device (2) generally fits into the shoe block assembly (3) and is fixed thereto with screws or any other attachment means, or could be formed as a part thereof, and the shoe block assembly (3) is removably attachable to the attachment device (1) by means of magnetic force. Non-magnetic embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen R. West
  • Patent number: 8137896
    Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be imaged with infrared radiation and processed in a single step using a single processing solution having a pH of from about 3 to 11. The precursor has a primary polymeric binder that comprises recurring units derived from one or more N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamides, provided that such recurring units are present in the primary polymeric binder in an amount of at least 10% based on the total dry primary polymeric binder weight. In addition, the primary polymeric binder is present in an amount of from about 12 to about 70% based on total imageable layer dry weight. The imaged precursor can be processed off-press or on-press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jayanti Patel, Paul R. West, Shashikant Saraiya, Nicki R. Miller, Frederic E. Mikell
  • Patent number: 8109048
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zap Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20110312019
    Abstract: The invention provides biomarker profiles of metabolites and methods for screening chemical compounds including pharmaceutical agents, lead and candidate drug compounds and other chemicals using human stem-like cells (hSLCs) or lineage-specific cells produced therefrom. The inventive methods are useful for testing toxicity, particularly developmental toxicity and detecting teratogenic effects of such chemical compounds. Specifically, a more predictive developmental toxicity model, based on an in vitro method that utilizes both hSLCs and metabolomics to discover biomarkers of developmental toxicity is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Stemina Biomarker Discovery, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. WEST, April M. WEIR-HAUPTMAN, Alan M. SMITH, Elizabeth L.R. DONLEY, Gabriela G. CEZAR
  • Publication number: 20110188928
    Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly includes a hub bounding an opening. The interior surface of the hub includes an annular coupling surface and a receiving surface, the receiving surface sloping away from opening. An alignment rib projects from the receiving surface into the opening. An elongated shaft includes a driver that is configured to be received within the opening of the hub. The driver has an exterior surface that includes an annular engaging surface, a guide surface, and a guide rib radially, outwardly projecting from the guide surface. The guide rib is configured such that when the driver is being inserted within the opening with the guide rib being aligned with the alignment rib, the guide rib contacts the alignment rib so that the guide rib must be offset from the alignment rib before the driver can be fully received within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Derik R. West, Nephi D. Jones