The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 16, 2011
Filed:
Sep. 21, 2009
James A. Bland, Rhome, TX (US);
Jesse Q. Seawell, Granbury, TX (US);
Dustin L. Troutman, Hopewell, PA (US);
Shane E. Weyant, Bedford, PA (US);
Charles J. Bardo, Keller, TX (US);
James A. Bland, Rhome, TX (US);
Jesse Q. Seawell, Granbury, TX (US);
Dustin L. Troutman, Hopewell, PA (US);
Shane E. Weyant, Bedford, PA (US);
Charles J. Bardo, Keller, TX (US);
Composite Cooling Solutions, L.P., Fort Worth, TX (US);
Abstract
A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column. Additional plastic components, such as a firewall and toe/trim member, for use in a cooling tower are also provided.