Patents by Inventor Robert Dufresne

Robert Dufresne 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: 11975916
    Abstract: An anchor assembly and related system for holding an underground tank below a ground level, including a lightweight anchor base defining a slot, and a retention mechanism that is locatable at multiple locations along the slot of the anchor base to securely maintain a strap assembly in place. The system can include the anchor assembly and the strap assembly, with the retention mechanism of the anchor assembly being movable along the slot of the anchor base to facilitate placement and adjustment of the strap assembly with respect to the anchor base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 11926915
    Abstract: A liftable electrolytic vessel including at least one anchor assembly being at least partially embedded in each of two opposed core walls to provide anchorage to a lifting accessory of a lifting device; and related method for lifting the electrolytic vessel. Each anchor assembly comprises an anchor having a strap slot, and a strap connected to the anchor and extending from the anchor along and inside at least a portion of the corresponding core wall. The anchor further includes a connector which is sized and configured to receive a fastener or engage a lifting accessory such as a chain or a hook. The anchor assembly may include one anchor provided at each end of the strap. A plurality of anchor assemblies may extend vertically and horizontally within a core of the vessel to offer various anchorage points from an outer surface of the core. Design of the anchor of a first anchor assembly may differ from the design of a second anchor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20230348179
    Abstract: An anchor assembly and related system for holding an underground tank below a ground level, including a lightweight anchor base defining a slot, and a retention mechanism that is locatable at multiple locations along the slot of the anchor base to securely maintain a strap assembly in place. The system can include the anchor assembly and the strap assembly, with the retention mechanism of the anchor assembly being movable along the slot of the anchor base to facilitate placement and adjustment of the strap assembly with respect to the anchor base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Robert DUFRESNE
  • Publication number: 20220154871
    Abstract: There is provided an electrolytic tank assembly facilitating alignment and levelling of an electrolytic tank with respect to adjacent electrolytic tank. A levelling assembly can include a plurality of adjustable levelling mechanisms being independently actuable to cause upward or downward movement of the electrolytic tank. A sole assembly can include friction and sliding soles for controlling transversal movement of an electrolytic tank with respect to support beams onto which the tank is supported. A strap assembly comprising a vertically extending strap and a connector provided at an end of the vertically extending strap can be connected to each adjustable levelling mechanism of the levelling assembly. Various type of connectors can be provided at the other end of the strap to provide anchorage to accessory for operation, lifting, maintenance, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20220106696
    Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to an article, including an electrolytic tank for refining metals, and related production techniques, wherein the article defines a channel or cavity receiving a corrosive medium including sulfuric acid. The article includes a corrosion-resistant lead coating including at least one layer of lead solidified onto at least a portion of the cavity. The corrosion-resistant coating can be combined with additional layers including fiberglass-based material for further protection against corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20210277532
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell assembly for hydrometallurgical refining of metal and related method for lifting thereof. The cell assembly comprises a rectangular base for contacting a floor; four walls extending upward from the rectangular base and defining an electrolysis cavity for receiving electrolyte and electrodes; anchor apertures provided through the base and/or the walls for providing anchor points for lifting the electrolytic cell assembly off of the floor; and plugs and/or protective layer for plugging and/or covering the anchor apertures to seal the electrolysis cavity during hydrometallurgical refining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventor: Robert DUFRESNE
  • Publication number: 20210062352
    Abstract: A liftable electrolytic vessel including at least one anchor assembly being at least partially embedded in each of two opposed core walls to provide anchorage to a lifting accessory of a lifting device; and related method for lifting the electrolytic vessel. Each anchor assembly comprises an anchor having a strap slot, and a strap connected to the anchor and extending from the anchor along and inside at least a portion of the corresponding core wall. The anchor further includes a connector which is sized and configured to receive a fastener or engage a lifting accessory such as a chain or a hook. The anchor assembly may include one anchor provided at each end of the strap. A plurality of anchor assemblies may extend vertically and horizontally within a core of the vessel to offer various anchorage points from an outer surface of the core. Design of the anchor of a first anchor assembly may differ from the design of a second anchor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Robert DUFRESNE
  • Patent number: 10781968
    Abstract: Various anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank are provided. The anchor includes a base and at least one retention mechanism connected to the base for retaining various configurations of hooks and straps for holding the tank. The retention mechanism includes an opening and a retention member that is configured to open or close the opening by displacing or collapsing said retention member. The anchor may include a composite base having a footing and a spine extending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine. The footing and the spine may have a composite composition that includes a matrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrix material. The retention mechanism may be connected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 10689772
    Abstract: An electrolytic cells for refining metals, and more particularly components, assemblies and methods making use of conductive elements configured to enhance distribution of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20200103072
    Abstract: Various anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank are provided. The anchor includes a base and at least one retention mechanism connected to the base for retaining various configurations of hooks and straps for holding the tank. The retention mechanism includes an opening and a retention member that is configured to open or close the opening by displacing or collapsing said retention member. The anchor may include a composite base having a footing and a spine extending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine. The footing and the spine may have a composite composition that includes a matrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrix material. The retention mechanism may be connected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 10533701
    Abstract: Various anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank are provided. The anchor includes a base and at least one retention mechanism connected to the base for retaining various configurations of hooks and straps for holding the tank. The retention mechanism includes an opening and a retention member that is configured to open or close the opening by displacing or collapsing said retention member. The anchor may include a composite base having a footing and a spine extending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine. The footing and the spine may have a composite composition that includes a matrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrix material. The retention mechanism may be connected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 10233553
    Abstract: A contact bar and related techniques allow enhanced electrolytic refining of metals, e.g. avoiding or reducing electrical short circuits. The contact bar is adapted to rest on an insulating capping board for contacting symmetrical electrodes to provide locations for electrical contact therewith. The contact bar includes a central portion laying on the capping board and branch portions extending laterally outward from the central portion, such that the branch portions fit in between seats of the capping board. The contact bar may include a retention member enabling to reduce lateral movement of the electrodes, and may include a plurality of apertures to engage corresponding holding arms of the capping board. There may be a plurality of adjacent similar contact bar segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20180187827
    Abstract: Various anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank are provided. The anchor includes a base and at least one retention mechanism connected to the base for retaining various configurations of hooks and straps for holding the tank. The retention mechanism includes an opening and a retention member that is configured to open or close the opening by displacing or collapsing said retention member. The anchor may include a composite base having a footing and a spine extending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine. The footing and the spine may have a composite composition that includes a matrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrix material. The retention mechanism may be connected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20180148852
    Abstract: There is provided a product that generally relates to hydrometallurgical equipment and more particularly to a reinforced electrolytic vessel for refining non-ferrous metals. The vessel includes a core shaped to hold an electrolytic liquid, the core comprising a rectangular core base and four walls extending upwardly from peripheral edges of the core base; and at least two flat elongated pultruded fiberglass rebars embedded in each wall of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20180087168
    Abstract: An electrolytic cells for refining metals, and more particularly components, assemblies and methods making use of conductive elements configured to enhance distribution of electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20160122887
    Abstract: A contact bar and related techniques allow enhanced electrolytic refining of metals, e.g. avoiding or reducing electrical short circuits. The contact bar is adapted to rest on an insulating capping board for contacting symmetrical electrodes to provide locations for electrical contact therewith. The contact bar includes a central portion laying on the capping board and branch portions extending laterally outward from the central portion, such that the branch portions fit in between seats of the capping board. The contact bar may include a retention member enabling to reduce lateral movement of the electrodes, and may include a plurality of apertures to engage corresponding holding arms of the capping board. There may be a plurality of adjacent similar contact bar segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 9234287
    Abstract: A contact bar and related techniques allow enhanced electrolytic refining of metals, e.g. avoiding or reducing electrical short circuits. The contact bar is adapted to rest on an insulating capping board for contacting symmetrical electrodes to provide locations for electrical contact therewith. The contact bar includes a central portion laying on the capping board and branch portions extending laterally outward from the central portion, such that the branch portions fit in between seats of the capping board. The contact bar may include a retention member enabling to reduce lateral movement of the electrodes, and may include a plurality of apertures to engage corresponding holding arms of the capping board. There may be a plurality of adjacent similar contact bar segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 8870088
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rail clamp for fastening rail equipment, said rail clamp being integrally composed of a polymeric composition produced by pultrusion or molding, vacuum molding or compression molding. It has high mechanical strength. It is anticorrosive and insulating and is preferably composed of a resin and reinforcing fibers and/or a thermoplastic. It is advantageously formed as a one piece structure. The rail clamp is especially used to fasten rails to base slabs and has economic advantages compared to the rail clamps known in the art, which are made of steel coated with rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Publication number: 20140131196
    Abstract: A contact bar and related techniques allow enhanced electrolytic refining of metals, e.g. avoiding or reducing electrical short circuits. The contact bar is adapted to rest on an insulating capping board for contacting symmetrical electrodes to provide locations for electrical contact therewith. The contact bar includes a central portion laying on the capping board and branch portions extending laterally outward from the central portion, such that the branch portions fit in between seats of the capping board. The contact bar may include a retention member enabling to reduce lateral movement of the electrodes, and may include a plurality of apertures to engage corresponding holding arms of the capping board. There may be a plurality of adjacent similar contact bar segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PULTRUSION TECHNIQUE INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 8147662
    Abstract: The invention concerns a capping board assembly and its multiple connectable sections. Each pair of sections is connected with an interlocking joint, each of which comprises at least one projection and at least one recess that cooperate and prevent the longitudinal and lateral movement of the sections. Each interlocking joint is reinforced by a rod embedded within the section and extending within the projection. The rod has a tip that anchors the projection. The interlocking joints allow precision assembly of the sections of the capping board which greatly benefits strength, installation, replacement and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne