Patents by Inventor Robert C. Pearce

Robert C. Pearce 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).

  • Publication number: 20220174910
    Abstract: An absorbent core for a diaper for a non-human has a total superabsorbent polymer (SAP) load. The absorbent core includes a first zone including a first absorbent section and a second absorbent section, a second zone including a third absorbent section, and a third zone including a fourth absorbent section and a fifth absorbent section. The absorbent sections each include a range of 15% to 20% of the total SAP load. The second zone is between the first zone and the third zone. The absorbent core further includes seals surrounding each of the first absorbent section, the second absorbent section, the third absorbent section, the fourth absorbent section, and the fifth absorbent section. One of the seals extends through the first zone between the first absorbent section and the second absorbent section, and another of the seals extends through the third zone between the fourth absorbent section and the fifth absorbent section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Scott Allan Plasek, Pi-Gi Brite
  • Publication number: 20220112445
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition and method for treating stains and odors using an oxidizing agent and Bacillus spores. The composition preferably comprises a two part formula, a first part comprising the oxidizing agent and water and optionally an ionic surfactant and fragrance, and a second part comprising a liquid Bacillus spores composition or a dry Bacillus spores powder composition. The preferred Bacillus can include B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. pumilus, and B. megaterium spores. The preferred oxidizer is hydrogen peroxide. The parts of the treatment composition are mixed together in-situ at the site of treatment to maintain the viability of the Bacillus spores. The preferred composition and method allow for the combined treatment of stains and odors with an oxidizer and Bacillus spores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Scott Plasek, Judy Pruitt, Christina Bond Burton, Alisha Farrington, Robert C. Pearce, III
  • Patent number: 10590640
    Abstract: A standing water alert system comprises two conductive wires or a float extending into a drain and connected to an audible or visual alarm that is triggered when standing water is present. A drain alert system and method comprises a plurality of sensors, such as pressure or acoustic/vibration sensors, at various locations within a plumbing or fluid filtration system to measure pressure or an acoustic profile at that location and a control system to compare the measured parameters to a threshold value or range and/or to other measured parameters from nearby sensor locations. A signal is sent to a remote user or computer or an alarm is triggered when the comparison shows a potential blockage, a leak, or indicating that a filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. An approximate location of the blockage, leak, or fouled filter is determined by comparing measured parameters at nearby sensor locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Christopher James Laney, Alesia Sigler, Alex Erdman
  • Patent number: 10323226
    Abstract: A bacteria starter material for use in biomass generators without causing jamming of the feeder mechanism, particularly under high temperature and/or high humidity conditions, the starter material comprising one or more species of waste-decomposing bacteria, sucrose, and a soy based protein. Preferably, DI-PAC® sugar (sucrose and maltodextrin) and powdered KIKKOMAN® Soy Sauce are used as the sugar and protein ingredients. The starter material may also comprise a dried bran culture comprising Pseudomonas. The starter material ingredients are blended together and formed into a tablet or pellet having a particular shape, size, and hardness characteristics suitable for use in the feeder mechanism of a biomass generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Judith G. Pruitt, Robert C. Pearce, III, Daniel Aberle, Charles J. Greenwald, Gabriel F. K. Everett
  • Publication number: 20180371740
    Abstract: A standing water alert system comprises two conductive wires or a float extending into a drain and connected to an audible or visual alarm that is triggered when standing water is present. A drain alert system and method comprises a plurality of sensors, such as pressure or acoustic/vibration sensors, at various locations within a plumbing or fluid filtration system to measure pressure or an acoustic profile at that location and a control system to compare the measured parameters to a threshold value or range and/or to other measured parameters from nearby sensor locations. A signal is sent to a remote user or computer or an alarm is triggered when the comparison shows a potential blockage, a leak, or indicating that a filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. An approximate location of the blockage, leak, or fouled filter is determined by comparing measured parameters at nearby sensor locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Christopher James Laney, Alesia Singler, Alex Erdman
  • Publication number: 20180282685
    Abstract: A bacteria starter material for use in biomass generators without causing jamming of the feeder mechanism, particularly under high temperature and/or high humidity conditions, the starter material comprising one or more species of waste-decomposing bacteria, sucrose, and a soy based protein. Preferably, Di-Pac sugar (sucrose and maltodextrin) and powdered Kikkoman Soy Sauce are used as the sugar and protein ingredients. The starter material may also comprise a dried bran culture comprising Pseudomonas. The starter material ingredients are blended together and formed into a tablet or pellet having a particular shape, size, and hardness characteristics suitable for use in the feeder mechanism of a biomass generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Judith G. Pruitt, Robert C. Pearce, III, Daniel Aberle, Charles J. Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20170266918
    Abstract: A selectively repositionable mat having a liquid-absorbing layer backed by a moisture impermeable backsheet having peripheral margins including oppositely disposed, laterally extending side margins each comprising a longitudinally extending V-fold containing a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied between two opposed surface portions of the underside of the backsheet. The V-fold can open to the outside when configured as the top part of a Z-fold disposed above the backsheet or can open to the inside when configured as a single fold disposed below the backsheet, but is desirably configured so as to permit repositionable attachment of the mat to an underlying surface or substrate for which the selectively releasable, pressure-sensitive adhesive demonstrates sufficient tackiness to hold the mat in place relative to the substrate during normal use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Alan Plasek, Robert C. Pearce, III, Alisha Farrington, Alexander C. Erdman, Katrell Deon Copeland, Craig Cain
  • Patent number: 9495508
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wayne Anthony Fleming, William Pierre Boesch-Deveze, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert C Pearce, III, Miguel Eugene Rushing, Michael Joseph Trevino
  • Publication number: 20160304367
    Abstract: A system, composition and method of treating a body of water with an active in a tablet form or contained in a water soluble container to improve overall water quality and ensure adequate dispersion of the active. The composition preferably comprises active(s) and an effervescent couple in solid form. The method preferably comprises dispensing a treatment composition by dropping or throwing the pellets or water soluble containers into the water. The water soluble containers preferably are bag-within-a-bag containers, with an inner bag and outer bag each having the treatment composition and air. Upon contact with the water, the effervescent couple will react to form carbon dioxide, which aids in dispersing the active and any optional ingredients in the treatment composition throughout the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kelly A. Gillespie, Christina Bond Burton, Spencer Naquin, Jonathan James B. Aykroyd, Alex Erdman, Lyle Steimel, Robert C. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20160280402
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Anthony Fleming, William Pierre Boesch-Deveze, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert C. Pearce, III, Miguel Eugene Rushing, Michael Joseph Trevino
  • Patent number: 9452457
    Abstract: A composition for treating a water system to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. Depending on the water system being treated, the composition may be a solid dissolved by water in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A treatment system particularly suitable for flowing water systems comprises a container for holding such a treatment composition and mixing it with a portion of water from the water system, a filter for removing solids dislodged during treatment, and a corrosion monitor. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises draining substantially all existing water in the water system, filling or rinsing the system with fresh water, contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system, and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Denvir, David F Vela, Christina B Burton, Katrell D Copeland, Scott M Boyette, Robert C Pearce, III
  • Publication number: 20160001315
    Abstract: A system and method for conveying and dispersing a fluid, particularly a low-shear tolerant fluid, onto a granulated material using at least two spray nozzles. Using at least two spray nozzles achieves the same total flow rate as a single nozzle, but reduces the pressure and shear forces on the fluid, allowing fluids containing biological components to be sprayed at the same total flow rate without damaging the biological components. A conveyor or chute transports the granulated material in a wide, thinner laminar plane under the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are supported above the conveyor or chute and are adjustable as to height and angle. An optional blow-off nozzle directs compressed gas to clean the spray nozzles when fluid spraying has stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: William P. Boesch, Alexander C. Erdman, Robert C. Pearce, III
  • Patent number: 8961820
    Abstract: An granular composition for absorbing liquids, the composition comprising perlite, super-absorbent polymer, a pH-indicating dye, and a minor amount of water. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the subject composition comprises about 80 weight percent perlite, about 5 weight percent SAP, about 0.0125 weight percent pH indicating dye (most preferably phenolphthalein), and from about 7 to about 9 weight percent water in the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Katrell Deon Copeland, Alisha D. Farrington, Ecaterina Henderson
  • Publication number: 20150013723
    Abstract: A chemical meting system to dispense a known or pre-determined amount of cleaning or treating fluid without requiring any moving mechanical parts or power source, for use in fluid tanks having a volume of liquid periodically varying between a high and low level. The system utilizes the pressure changes created by the varying volume of liquid in the tank to push air from a first chamber into a second chamber containing the cleaning or treating fluid to be dispensed. The volume of air displaces a volume of the fluid to be dispensed. Once the pressure in the first chamber is equalized, the dispensing stops until the next cycle when the volume of liquid in the tank changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Christina Bond Burton, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert C. Pearce, III, Scott Martell Boyette
  • Publication number: 20140007977
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Anthony Flemming, William Pierre Boesch-Deveze, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert C. Pearce, III, Miguel Eugene Rushing, Michael Joseph Trevino
  • Publication number: 20140005030
    Abstract: An granular composition for absorbing liquids, the composition comprising perlite, super-absorbent polymer, a pH-indicating dye, and a minor amount of water. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the subject composition comprises about 80 weight percent perlite, about 5 weight percent SAP, about 0.0125 weight percent pH indicating dye (most preferably phenolphthalein), and from about 7 to about 9 weight percent water in the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Katrell Deon Copeland, Alisha D. Farrington, Ecaterina Henderson
  • Patent number: 8551356
    Abstract: An granular composition for absorbing liquids, the composition comprising perlite, super-absorbent polymer, a pH-indicating dye, and a minor amount of water. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the subject composition comprises about 80 weight percent perlite, about 5 weight percent SAP, about 0.0125 weight percent pH indicating dye (most preferably phenolphthalein), and from about 7 to about 9 weight percent water in the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Katrell Deon Copeland, Alisha D. Farrington, Ecaterina Henderson
  • Publication number: 20130239991
    Abstract: A composition for treating a water system to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. Depending on the water system being treated, the composition may be a solid dissolved by water in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A treatment system particularly suitable for flowing water systems comprises a container for holding such a treatment composition and mixing it with a portion of water from the water system, a filter for removing solids dislodged during treatment, and a corrosion monitor. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises draining substantially all existing water in the water system, filling or rinsing the system with fresh water, contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system, and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Denvir, David F. Vela, Christina B. Burton, Katrell D. Copeland, Scott M. Boyette, Robert C. Pearce, III
  • Publication number: 20110253930
    Abstract: An granular composition for absorbing liquids, the composition comprising perlite, super-absorbent polymer, a pH-indicating dye, and a minor amount of water. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the subject composition comprises about 80 weight percent perlite, about 5 weight percent SAP, about 0.0125 weight percent pH indicating dye (most preferably phenolphthalein), and from about 7 to about 9 weight percent water in the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Pearce, III, Katrell Deon Copeland, Alisha D. Farrington, Ecaterina Henderson
  • Patent number: 7670989
    Abstract: An absorbent and process for the neutralization and absorption of acidic and alkaline liquid spills comprising a mixture of superabsorbent polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, sodium bicarbonate, and optionally a chlorine neutralizer. The absorbent preferably also contains a chlorine neutralizer for the neutralization of any chlorine vapors and a pH indicator to indicate that the spill has been neutralized and is safe for handling and disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Benton, Katrell Deon Copeland, Robert C. Pearce, III, Alisha D. Roach, John R. Roheim