IP Library Granted Patent US 8,495,840
Granted Patent B2
US 8,495,840 · App. 12/624,712 · Granted Jul 30, 2013

Solar wall tube

Inventors: Nicholas Loomis (Pittsburgh, PA); Peter R. Atherton (Export, PA)
Assignee: Pittsburgh Corning Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,495,840
App. No.
12/624,712
Granted
Jul 30, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A Solar Wall Tube, including a tube and one or more glass blocks, that integrates with masonry construction and guides natural light into a building is described. The tube structure provides a much cleaner aesthetic over previous glass block installation methods while guiding more natural light to the building interior. The Solar Wall Tube also offers advantages of significantly improved thermal insulation and structural integrity over a single glass block and longevity of an enclosed building material.

Claims (6)

1. An apparatus for use in building construction, comprising:

a tube having a first end and a second end;

one or more glass blocks positioned within said first end;

one or more glass blocks positioned within said second end;

a sealant between said glass blocks and the interior of said tube; and

a jacket around the exterior of said tube.

Assignments (4)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 3, 2024
From: VITRABLOK, S.R.O.
To: SEVES GLASS BLOCK S.R.O.
Reel/Frame 069105/0172 →
MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 6, 2018
From: VITRABLOK, S.R.O.; EDGERTON GROUP, S.R.O.
To: VITRABLOK, S.R.O.
Reel/Frame 047416/0137 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 29, 2016
From: PITTSBURGH CORNING CORPORATION
To: VITRABLOK, S.R.O.
Reel/Frame 040439/0882 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 3, 2010
From: LOOMIS, NICHOLAS; ATHERTON, PETER R
To: PITTSBURGH CORNING CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 023893/0719 →
Continuity (4)
Provisional Application 61200059 · Nov 24, 2008
Provisional Application 61120298 · Dec 5, 2008
Provisional Application 61163787 · Mar 26, 2009
Related Publication 20100126094A1 · May 27, 2010