Patents by Inventor J. Tad Heyman

J. Tad Heyman 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: 6550492
    Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Publication number: 20030053862
    Abstract: A drain seal for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal composed of a mat of polymeric material and having a pair of opposing sealing surfaces and internally disposed reinforcement members to increase structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6530722
    Abstract: A drain seal for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal composed of a mat of polymeric material and having a pair of opposing sealing surfaces and internally disposed reinforcement members to increase structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6435226
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Publication number: 20020069931
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Publication number: 20020069936
    Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6305569
    Abstract: A liquid containment device for capturing and retaining any liquid falling into the device, such as from a leak, spill or run-off of another liquid container, where the device is designed to fit between the parallel rails of a railroad track with a railroad car positioned above, comprising a generally rectilinear pan or tray and gasket members sealing the space between the pan and the rails. Multiple pans may be connected in line through connector fittings in their end walls, or drain conduits may be connected to the fittings for removal of the liquid from the pan. Apertured grating members and absorbent mats may be placed within the pans. The pans may be used in conjunction with lateral pans positioned on the outside of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence M. Bierce, J. Tad Heyman, Mark D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6173856
    Abstract: A liquid containment device for capturing and retaining any liquid falling into the device, such as from a leak, spill or run-off of another liquid container, where the device is designed to fit between the parallel rails of a railroad track with a railroad car positioned above, comprising a generally rectilinear pan or tray and a removable cover which directs rain water into a drain opening which corresponds to an apertured drain column rising from the bottom of the pan, such that with the cover in place rain water is directed into the drain column and passed underneath the pan rather than into the pan itself. Multiple pans may be connected in line through connector fittings in their end walls, or drain conduits may be connected to the fittings for removal of the liquid from the pan. Apertured grating members and absorbent mats may be placed within the pans. The pans may be used in conjunction with lateral pans positioned on the outside of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence M. Bierce, J. Tad Heyman, Mark D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6092686
    Abstract: A collapsible liquid containment device having a floor, side walls and peripheral skirt made of a flexible, foldable, liquid-impermeable material, where the side walls are supported by foldable brace members having an angled buttress member and an insertion member joined by a hinge, the buttress members being attached to the skirt. The insertion members are inserted into vertical pockets mounted on the exterior of the side walls, and the upper rim of the side walls is provided with a retention flap having a lower opening which receives the hinged joint between the buttress member and the insertion member. Preferably a rim support tab is affixed to the hinged joint to support the uppermost portion of the side wall. The brace members can be folded into a flat configuration when the insertion member is removed from the vertical pockets, allowing the entire device to be collapsed and folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5924461
    Abstract: A liquid containment apparatus which has an automatically resilient, collapsible wall whereby vehicles can drive into and out of the apparatus. The side walls are supported by brace members having a generally vertically oriented upper member joined by a resistance-type hinge to a base member, such that the upper member can be flexed in either an outward or inward direction. The upper members preferably support the side walls such that they lean inwardly, and preferably the brace members are removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5891223
    Abstract: A vent filter assembly for use with containers containing hazardous chemical or radioactive waste, the assembly having a first stage attached to the container having a first filter media, preferably sintered steel, which allows unaltered passage of pure gas but which blocks passage of particulate matter, and a second stage removably attached to the first stage, the second stage allowing passage of gas but blocking passage of particulate matter and volatile organic solvents. Removal of the second stage from the first stage allows a pure sample of gas to be drawn through the first stage, whereupon the second stage can be reattached to the first stage to provide the required filtering of volatile organic solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, Laurence M. Bierce, J. Tad Heyman
  • Patent number: 5813680
    Abstract: A handtruck for transporting and supporting in a generally horizontal position liquid dispensing drums, the handtruck having a secondary containment means to retain any spills or leakage, the secondary containment means having one or more expandable containment means connected in fluid communication, such that a large volume of liquid will force the expandable containment means into the expanded state, thereby greatly increasing the liquid retention capacity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5642834
    Abstract: A secondary containment reservoir device having a bottom and side walls forming a reservoir, and communicating with the reservoir an expandable retention bladder which automatically expands to receive liquid from the reservoir, allowing the total capacity of the device to greatly exceed the capacity of the reservoir alone. The device can be adapted to receive or support any type of primary liquid container above the reservoir, including drums, barrels, tanks, IBC's, tanker vehicles, tanker trailers or railroad tankers. In one embodiment, the reservoir is formed within a pallet having a support deck to receive drums or barrels of liquid. A single bladder or multiple bladders may be used, and the bladders may be mounted internally or externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: 5636753
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for plural drum stacks comprising a relatively planar web member having a plurality of annular drum retaining rings extending from both sides of said web member, the retaining rings adapted to fit within the rims of the drums being stacked to align and stabilize the vertical columns of drums. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining rings comprise bevelled shoulders for easy placement of the drums on the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: Dennis Wilkinson, Mark D. Shaw, Laurence M. Bierce, J. Tad Heyman
  • Patent number: 5615608
    Abstract: A containment pallet for supporting large capacity drums is disclosed, the pallet having a large volume sump area to retain liquid. Cross members are provided which join the upper portions of opposing side walls without interfering with the sump area, the cross members restraining the side walls from the tendency to bend outward due to the weight of the drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: 5577539
    Abstract: A drainfield funnel suitable for use with either 55 gallon or 30 gallon drums, the funnel comprising a bottom having two drum rim receiving channels, one sized to correspond to a 55 gallon drum and the other sized to correspond to a 30 gallon drum, a perimeter lip, a funnel surface sloping to a spout and a generally horizontal drainfield surface formed by a number of discrete object support members, where preferably the linear openings between the object support members are relatively limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: 5429437
    Abstract: A liquid container especially suited for use in the capture of liquid hazardous materials is disclosed, the container comprising a bottom, preferably circular, and a generally vertical wall, preferably annular or conical, attached to the perimeter of the bottom to form a container with a large open top. The bottom and wall are composed of a flexible, liquid impermeable material, preferably a material that is also chemical resistant and wear resistant. The container may further comprise a liner. The top edge of the wall incorporates a semi-rigid floating member which completely encircles the opening, the floating member being collapsible or foldable for storage purposes. The perimeter portion of the bottom incorporates a structural or frame member which is composed of a flexible, resilient material which provides rigidity to the perimeter and acts to spread the bottom to its maximum size. The frame member is collapsible on itself such that the device can be collapsed into a small size for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Dorian T. True, III, Marion L. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5117878
    Abstract: A drainfield funnel having a substantially horizontal drain surface sloping towards an opening, a substantially vertical rim around the perimeter of the drain surface and a tube extending down from the opening. The slope of the drain surface is less than 10 degrees. Preferably, the drain surface is uneven, having ridges and channels aligned with the opening. Additionally, a relatively horizontal lip extends from the top of the rim towards the interior of the device. In another embodiment, an annular shoulder connects the opening to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: D364255
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: D364629
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt