Patents by Inventor William E. Michaud
William E. Michaud 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: 11920551Abstract: A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Gregory E. Browne, Christopher M. Meninno, William G Michaud, Nicholas D. White, Daniel G. MacDonald, Mehdi Raessi
-
Patent number: 9022245Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: National Steel and Shipbuilding CompanyInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Publication number: 20130240541Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: General Dynamics NASSCOInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Patent number: 8430263Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: General Dynamics NASSCOInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Publication number: 20110132912Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Patent number: 7896188Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: National Steel and Shipbuilding CompanyInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Patent number: 7748336Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: General Dynamics National Steel and Shipping CompanyInventors: David L Jordan, William E Michaud
-
Publication number: 20090151618Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: NASSCOInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Patent number: 7469650Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: National Steel and Shipping CompanyInventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
-
Publication number: 20080223858Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud