Patents Assigned to O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20100040421
    Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material from a container to an application site includes a mill that is operative to reduce the particle size of the material. The apparatus further includes a blower. Pneumatic lines are configured to connect the blower pneumatically with the application site through the container to convey material-laden air from the container to the application site. The pneumatic lines are configured for connection in alternative milling and non-milling arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: O'BRIEN & GERE ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric T. Fleckten, David M. Gerber, Stephen C. Palin
  • Publication number: 20090301399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined interdependent fish and plant factory. An embodiment of the present invention includes a fish house connected to a greenhouse, a biofuel source, and a generator connected to the biofuel source and to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse, where the generator is adapted to utilize biofuel as a fuel source and to provide electrical power to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse. An embodiment can also include a waste heat recovery boiler or an algae reactor. Another embodiment includes a method for growing plants and farming fish in a combined interdependent fish and plant factory including a fish house connected to a greenhouse, including the steps of utilizing biofuel from a biofuel source to create electric power, and providing the electric power to at least one of the fish house and the greenhouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc
    Inventors: Terry L. Brown, George Mezey
  • Publication number: 20090194618
    Abstract: The present invention provides an in-line system for milling sorbent material to be used in a pneumatic conveying system. The system provides for optimal particle size in a duct injection system, regardless of the original sorbent particle size, and is designed to prevent clogging of the milled material through the system. Methods of operation for milling, as well as cleaning the mills while providing various sorbent material by-pass configurations to minimize system down-time while enhancing material throughput and that support the unique aspects of the system, are also described in detail below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: O'BRIEN & GERE ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Palin, Jonathan Norman, Eric Fleckten
  • Publication number: 20090031698
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to power plants, and, more particularly, to liquid and solid biofueled power plants that make renewable energy and utilize waste heat for a variety of applications including waste treatment plant processes, biofuel treatment and processing (e.g., sludge drying), fish farms, green houses, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: O'BRIEN & GERE ENGINEERS INC.
    Inventors: Terry L. Brown, George J. Mezey
  • Publication number: 20070205544
    Abstract: A rotary hearth sintering furnace composed of a debinding system, a part loading station, a rotary hearth furnace having multiple heating zones, an atmosphere system for maintaining certain atmospheres within different zones of the furnace, an unloader station and a cooling conveyor that are preferably controlled with a single programmable logic controller and operating station for sintering powder metal parts in a minimal amount of space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete Komrowski, Steve Palin
  • Publication number: 20060075899
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, for filtering, containing and removing mold spores and other undesirable particulates in conjunction with a conventional vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing that contains a HEPA filter. The cylindrical housing is connected to an exhaust tubular connection which connects to a conventional vacuum or other vacuum source. The cylindrical housing is also connected to an intake tubular connection for drawing in a stream of air from which particles will be filtered. The cylindrical housing also includes a valve for selectively sealing the interior of the cylindrical housing from the atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a pressure relief valve for controlling the vacuum pressure. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp for securing the apparatus to hoses of various sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Applicant: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: James Evans
  • Patent number: 6592757
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a wastewater contact tank that is broken into three distinct zones: a selector zone positioned between a stabilization zone and a contact zone. The entire influent is introduced into the selector zone which is maintained in an anoxic condition. Baffles positioned within the selector zone permit control of microorganisms levels present in the zone. The wastewater introduced into the selector zone and treated via the microorganisms present therein, flows over a weir into the contact zone. In the contact zone, the solids suspended in the liquor (the mixture of the wastewater and activated sludge) settle to the bottom and pass through a line which returns it to the selector zone. The return line, however, includes a valve which controls the rate of passage. The treated wastewater (which includes waste activated sludge and treated water) passes from the contact zone into the clarifiers for final processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami M. Nasr
  • Patent number: 6565750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two stage process for treating wastewater that subjects the influent to anoxic and oxic filtering processes. The first stage performs anoxic nitrification i.e., the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by bacteria operating in the absence of oxygen. Influent (effluent from the primary clarifiers) is fed into the bottom of the anoxic dentirification tank, preventing contact with the atmosphere and thus reducing the amount of unwanted dissolved oxygen. The influent passes upwards through a layer of sludge biomass before contacting bacteria coated media which performs the denitrification process. This arrangement permits the influent to contact the sludge and the biomass to circulate through the filter, enhancing deoxygenation and the performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami M. Nasr