Patents by Inventor James H. Neal

James H. Neal 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: 5269627
    Abstract: The boom comprises a series of mesh bands connected end-to-end by buoyant spars to form an oil-containing wall for isolating and oil spill recovery. Bands of the boom are made of oil-impermeable material and include a locking bead extending along the ends of the bands. Each band is connected between spaced spars that have an elongated cylindrical shape. An upper section of the spar includes a locking channel extending diametrically through the spar. The locking channel divides the upper section of the spar into a pair of clamping sections. Two bands are connected together by inserting an end of each band in opposite directions through a spar's locking channel such that locking beads of the two bands are positioned on opposite sides of the spar. The bands are secured in a locked position within the locking channel by pressing the clamping sections together to reduce the width of the locking channel and prevent the locking beads from passing through the locking channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: D.S.C.A.R. International
    Inventor: James H. Neal
  • Patent number: 5267813
    Abstract: Flotation spars are detachably connected along the length of an oil containment curtain to insure the verticality of a floating containment boom. Spaced tubular sleeves extend vertically along one side of each band. The sleeves are so configured as to pivotally or hingedly mount the flotation spar to the curtain in such a manner as to permit a free pivotal action of the sleeve and spar with respect to the face of the curtain. The flotation spar is also secured to the sleeve by a pair of locking tabs that extend upwardly from the top edge of the sleeve. A cap slides over the top end of the spar and fixes the locking tabs between the cap and spar wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: O.S.C.A.R. International
    Inventor: James H. Neal