Patents by Inventor Robert D. Steffes

Robert D. Steffes 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: 20240171117
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Robert D. LIVSEY, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Sophia Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Publication number: 20240102291
    Abstract: A method of fabricating panels includes providing an insert having an interior portion with a top portion and a positioning stop opposite the top portion, and an exterior portion including a fastener hem. Further, the method includes placing the insert in a mold such that only the fastener hem and the positioning stop contact the mold and centering the insert in the mold with the top portion and the positioning stop. The method also includes filling the mold with a casting material such that the interior portion is submerged in the casting material including the top portion, but some of the positioning stop is not submerged in the casting material, curing the casting material to form a panel on the insert, and removing the panel form the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, David J. STUCKY, Andrew Clyde BRANDT, Robert D. SHAW, Nikki J. FULTON
  • Patent number: 11916509
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Livsey, Joseph Charles Gombarick, Peter Chihlas, Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Michael E. Blackburn, Stephen W. Steffes, Gregory F. Jacobs, Michael J. Noone
  • Patent number: D798592
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Robert D. Steffes
  • Patent number: D871758
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Robert D. Steffes
  • Bag
    Patent number: D885045
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Robert D. Steffes
  • Patent number: D885050
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Robert D. Steffes