Patents by Inventor Ronald D. Tabler

Ronald D. Tabler 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: 7097385
    Abstract: A three-dimensional multi-pod windblown particle control device is used to control the deposition, accumulation and retention of windblown particles. The multi-pod device is formed by connecting beams to create legs which intersect one another at a crossing area. The ends of some of the legs contact the earth surface to support the device while the ends of the other legs extend in three dimensions to interact with the wind. The device may be formed by substantially identical X-shaped frame structures which intersect and connect with one another. The optimal spacing for using the devices in an array is within a range of approximately 0.5–1.5 of a transverse dimension across the surface area occupied by each particle control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler
  • Patent number: 7048474
    Abstract: A windblown particle control device which, when attached to the surface of the earth assumes a generally tubular cross-sectional shape, stabilizes particle cover and controls deposition and retention of windblown particles. A sheet of netting material is curved in an arched configuration. Webs of the sheet are linked together to define apertures through the sheet. The apertures create aerodynamic effects in the wind which stabilize, deposit and retain the particles on the earth surface. A kit of components, which includes the netting sheet and a plurality of frame structures to support and maintain the netting sheet in the arched configuration may be employed to assemble the control device for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler
  • Patent number: 6986624
    Abstract: Windblown particles are controlled by a porous tubular control device formed from a sheet of netting material having a plurality of interconnected webs which define a plurality of apertures. The sheet of netting material assumes a three-dimensional tubular configuration. The tubular configuration is oriented to confront the wind and cause the wind blown particles to flow through the apertures of two vertically oriented portions of the tubular netting sheet to create aerodynamic drag and turbulence altering effects which stabilize, deposit and retain the windblown particles. The control device is effective in preventing the wind erosion of snow, sand or dust over an area much greater than the area occupied by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler
  • Patent number: 5184800
    Abstract: A portable fence system including a snow fence panel having a wood frame of 2".times.6" posts bolted together at the corners, with a 4-foot wide strip of plastic snow fence material pulled taut across the center. Each panel is 8 feet long, with a height of 6'-8" or 8'-0", depending upon the application. In both cases the geometry of the frame is optimized for maximum snow trapping efficiency and maximum snow storage, and an opening at the bottom is optimized to eliminate the tendency for snow deposition at the fence. Panels are connected to one another by rebar pins passing through specially designed rotatably mounted U-clips, which also provide attachment to rebar anchors driven into the ground. The U-clip-and-pin connections allow rapid installation and take-down, and add flexibility needed for proper installation in irregular terrain. Panels can be overlapped at either the top or bottom as required to limit space between panels to 11/2", which improves trapping efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: The Tensar Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler