Patents by Inventor Michael Webster Sparks

Michael Webster 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: 7776222
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ballast water, cooling water, and/or auxiliary service water to a marine vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of pumps coupled to a docking facility. Each of the pumps collect water surrounding the docking facility and provides filtered water to the marine vessel as the vessel is moored. One or both of the docking facility and pumps may include a filtering device configured to prevent marine species from being entrained in the collected water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks
  • Publication number: 20090218297
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a marine vessel water intake filtering system is described. The apparatus includes a filtering device adapted to couple to the marine vessel over a water intake port in the hull of the vessel. The filtering device lowers the flow velocity of the water on the incoming surface of the filter while maintaining a suitable flow to the intake port of the vessel. The filtering device prevents marine species of a certain size from becoming entrained in the water flow and entering the intake port, and provides for marine species that may be in the area of the intake do not become impinged on the filtering device as a result of intake water flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NORTHERNSTAR NATURAL GAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks, Constantyn Engelbert Gieskes
  • Publication number: 20080302738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a marine vessel water intake filtering system is described. The apparatus includes a filtering device adapted to couple to the marine vessel over a water intake port in the hull of the vessel. The filtering device lowers the flow velocity of the water on the incoming surface of the filter while maintaining a suitable flow to the intake port of the vessel. The filtering device prevents marine species of a certain size from becoming entrained in the water flow and entering the intake port, and provides for marine species that may be in the area of the intake do not become impinged on the filtering device as a result of intake water flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks
  • Publication number: 20080298899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a marine vessel landing site barrier is described. The apparatus includes a barrier adapted to at least partially surround a marine vessel and partition the water surrounding the marine vessel to prevent or minimize marine species from entering water intake systems located on the marine vessel. The barrier prevents ingress and egress of marine species from entering the water surrounding the marine vessel, which facilitates efficient operation of water intake and exchange systems on the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks
  • Publication number: 20080295758
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing ballast water, cooling water, and/or auxiliary service water to a marine vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of pumps coupled to a docking facility. Each of the pumps collect water surrounding the docking facility and provides filtered water to the marine vessel as the vessel is moored. One or both of the docking facility and pumps may include a filtering device configured to prevent marine species from being entrained in the collected water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks