Patents by Inventor Joseph B. Sparks

Joseph B. Sparks 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: 4560304
    Abstract: A buoyant high aspect ratio delta wing having an inverted airfoil shape for producing a downward lift force is anchored at a negative angle of attack adjacent the bottom of a waterway having a current. The net vertical deflection and turbulent trailing wake generated as the water flows past the wing prevents sediments from depositing on the bottom of the waterway for a predetermined distance downstream of the wing. Cascading arrays of such wings may be anchored in succession along the waterway to resuspend sediments and thereby maintain sufficient water depth for navigation while avoiding the cost and environmental drawbacks of dredging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Scott A. Jenkins, Joseph B. Sparks