Patents by Inventor Don A. Vroblesky

Don A. Vroblesky 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: 7757757
    Abstract: A baffle apparatus and method for use in a well to mitigate convective in-well flow. The baffle apparatus includes a baffle member attached to a rod. The baffle member prevents vertical flow of water in the well after the baffle apparatus is deployed in the well. At least one centralizer is attached to the rod to maintain correct orientation of the baffle member within the well. The baffle member and the at least one centralizer allow well water to pass during deployment and recovery of the baffle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Don A. Vroblesky
  • Patent number: 7430929
    Abstract: A method and device for sampling pore water, including an elongated tubular outer body having a grid framework forming multiple perforations throughout the entire outer body. The grid framework surrounding the perforations has raised and beveled sides. An elongated, perforated tubular inner body is contained within the outer body. The inner body has a diameter less than a diameter of the outer body, which forms a cavity between the inner body and the outer body. The cavity is filled with an inert granular filler material. A first outer cap and a second outer cap cover respective ends of the outer body. A coupling is placed in fluid communication with the inner body and protrudes through the first outer cap. A tube is attached to the coupling protruding through the first outer cap to transfer a water sample to a sample collection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Don A. Vroblesky
  • Patent number: 5804743
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, in groundwater is provided comprising a semipermeable membrane defining an inner chamber therein. The membrane is permeable to contaminants but impermeable to a reference fluid, which is preferably distilled water. The method of sampling comprises placing the semipermeable membrane, which contains the reference fluid, in contact with contaminated groundwater, thereby allowing contaminants to diffuse through the semipermeable membrane and into the inner chamber. Sufficient time is allowed for the contaminant concentrations in the groundwater and in the reference fluid to reach equilibrium. The semipermeable membrane is then removed from contact with the groundwater, and a sample withdrawn from the inner chamber for analysis, preferably through a port communicating with the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Don A. Vroblesky, William Thomas Hyde, Jr.