Patents by Inventor John E. Hoots

John E. Hoots 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: 6838002
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Patent number: 6821428
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots, Binaifer S. Bedford, Martin R. Godfrey
  • Publication number: 20040185472
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and controlling membrane separation systems are provided. The present invention uses measurable amounts of one or more inert fluorescent tracers added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the unit operation of processing such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots, Binaifer S. Bedford, Martin R. Godfrey
  • Publication number: 20040132195
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and controlling the cleaning of membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention uses detectable amounts of one or more inert fluorescent tracers added to a membrane cleaning process stream to evaluate and control the removal of contaminants and impurities during cleaning. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20040118776
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention uses measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20040104171
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20040104169
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Patent number: 6730227
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20040047036
    Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Meade Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, John E. Hoot, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
  • Publication number: 20030197930
    Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
  • Publication number: 20030183575
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: E.H. Kelle Zeiher, Bosco P. Ho, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20030156324
    Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Meade Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, John E. Hoot, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
  • Patent number: 6566139
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the addition rate of Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Product and Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Product to a Boiler System is described and claimed. The method is based on the inherent fluorometric properties of certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers in their reduced (unreacted) form and also, for the Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers, in their oxidized (reacted) form. It has also been found possible to enhance the fluorescent signal of certain Oxygen Scavengers by adding a borate buffer to the sample stream. By using the method of the instant claimed invention it is now possible to improve the overall control of Boiler Systems using certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Ondeo Nalco Company
    Inventors: Barbara H. Davis, Linda M. Link, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20030071212
    Abstract: A method of tracing drains using non-toxic fluorescent tracers is described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Weiland, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20020192830
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the addition rate of Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Product and Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Product to a Boiler System is described and claimed. The method is based on the inherent fluorometric properties of certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers in their reduced (unreacted) form and also, for the Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers, in their oxidized (reacted) form. It has also been found possible to enhance the fluorescent signal of certain Oxygen Scavengers by adding a borate buffer to the sample stream. By using the method of the instant claimed invention it is now possible to improve the overall control of Boiler Systems using certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Barbara H. Davis, Linda M. Link, John E. Hoots
  • Patent number: 6472219
    Abstract: A method to determine whether the desired amount of treatment product is present in water that cut flowers are placed in, is described and claimed. The method comprises formulating the treatment product so that it contains an inert fluorescent tracer, wherein the inert fluorescent tracer is added in a known proportion to the rest of the treatment product, then using a fluorometer to detect the fluorescent signal of the fluorescent tracer. The fluorescent signal of the fluorescent tracer is used to determine the amount of fluorescent tracer present and the amount of fluorescent tracer present is then used to determine the amount of treatment product present in the water that cut flowers are placed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ondeo Nalco Company
    Inventors: Heleen Nieuwenhuis, Jan A. M. Janssen, John E. Hoots
  • Patent number: 6436711
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the addition rate of Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Product and Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Product to a Boiler System is described and claimed. The method is based on the inherent fluorometric properties of certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers in their reduced (unreacted) form and also, for the Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers, in their oxidized (reacted) form. It has also been found possible to enhance the fluorescent signal of certain Oxygen Scavengers by adding a borate buffer to the sample stream. By using the method of the instant claimed invention it is now possible to improve the overall control of Boiler Systems using certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Barbara H. Davis, Linda M. Link, John E. Hoots
  • Publication number: 20020110918
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the addition rate of Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Product and Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Product to a Boiler System is described and claimed. The method is based on the inherent fluorometric properties of certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers in their reduced (unreacted) form and also, for the Ultimate Oxygen Scavengers, in their oxidized (reacted) form. It has also been found possible to enhance the fluorescent signal of certain Oxygen Scavengers by adding a borate buffer to the sample stream. By using the method of the instant claimed invention it is now possible to improve the overall control of Boiler Systems using certain Fresh Oxygen Scavenger Products and certain Ultimate Oxygen Scavenger Products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Barbara H. Davis, Linda M. Link, John E. Hoots
  • Patent number: 6392799
    Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Meade Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
  • Patent number: 6369894
    Abstract: Described and claimed is a modular fluorometer and a method of using same to control an industrial water system, wherein said modular fluorometer comprises: one or more units with each unit comprising: a channel comprising an optically appropriate cell through which a water sample flows; a light source positioned outside said optically appropriate cell; an optional excitation filter positioned between the light source and the optically appropriate cell; a reference detector positioned outside the optically appropriate cell; an emission detector positioned outside the optically appropriate cell; an optional emission filter positioned between said emission detector and said optically appropriate cell; wherein if more than one unit is present in said modular fluorometer, said optically appropriate cells through which said water sample flows are aligned such that only one channel through which a water sample flows exists in said fluorometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: NALCO Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Rasimas, Michael J. Fehr, John E. Hoots