Patents by Inventor William J. Roantree

William J. Roantree 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).

  • Solar energy collector
    Patent number: 4175540
    Abstract: A radiation concentrating solar energy collector and a dual axis tracking support system which positions collector units to receive the maximum incident solar radiation are disclosed. A system of pressurized air is utilized as a multiple function medium which activates the tracking mechanism, inflates and supports the reflective concentrators and acts as the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Assignee: Mel Modern Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Roantree, Paul S. Bartini
  • Variable speed transmission
    Patent number: 3987682
    Abstract: A positive infinitely variable transmission mechanism employs sprags to transmit torque from a driving member to a driven member. By varying the extent by which the driving and driven members depart from a concentric relationship, the sprags impart additional motion, by a toppling action, thus providing different drive ratios. The invention is exemplified by a bicycle transmission arrangement wherein a chain driven input drum is mounted in selectively eccentric driving relationship with an output drum on the axial shaft of a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: Cyclecentric Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Roantree