Patents by Inventor William C. Batten
William C. Batten 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: 11786843Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed including a sealed enclosure. In one example, a cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed in some examples. Also disclosed are apparatus, system and methods for a sealed container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Randolph Batten, Travis McBride
-
Publication number: 20230279655Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Jan Fischer, Randolph Batten
-
Patent number: 11708691Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Jan Fischer, Randolph Batten
-
Patent number: 11619037Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emulsions in kitchen effluent discharging to a FOG removal apparatus includes a pre-rinse sink, a tank positioned below the pre-rinse sink to receive effluent from the pre-rinse sink, an outlet from the tank and leading to a pipe, a valve in the outlet having an open position and a closed position, a dishwasher having a drain connected to the pipe, and a control for the valve to be in its closed position when the dishwasher is discharging to the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles
-
Publication number: 20220357297Abstract: An apparatus senses the proportion of FOG flowing with effluent from a sink to a p-trap. A pipe portion is connectable for use as a tailpipe for a sink with a first electrode within the pipe portion and a second electrode outside the pipe portion. Conductors connect the first and second electrodes to a capacitance sensor, so changes in capacitance between the electrodes caused by changes in proportions of FOG content in effluent from the sink can be detected and/or monitored. The monitoring can be remote and can cause an action when an excess FOG content is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: WILLIAM C. BATTEN, SIANNA HAWS, FRED LEHMAN, LEE ATKINSON, PATRICK STURM
-
Patent number: 11358886Abstract: A gel emulsification system and method for converting fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a solid acceptable for landfill disposal. The method may include mixing FOG with a detergent and water to form an emulsion, adding viscosifier and a cross-linking agent to the emulsion, and mixing the emulsion and the viscosifier and cross-linking agent to form a gel. The system may include a container adapted to hold solids and liquids without leaking, a powdered detergent in the container to mix with water and a FOG to form an emulsion, and a powdered viscosifier and powdered cross-linking agent in the container adapted to thicken and cross-link the emulsion to form a gel. The gel formed passes a paint filter test (SW-846 Test Method 9095B).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: Andree Elliott, William C. Batten
-
Publication number: 20220112097Abstract: A separator assembly for separating fat, oil, and grease from effluent includes a container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil, grease and solid waste to be removed from the effluent water and a communications module having a processor, memory and transmitter at the facility site to communicate over cellular or WiFi signals with a remote station. The separator may include a skimmer to skim F.O.G. from the effluent water held in the container or be of a grease trap mode collecting F.O.G. for subsequent removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Randolph Batten
-
Patent number: 11267726Abstract: A grease trap for separating waste from wastewater includes a tank having an outer wall, bottom and open top. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming wastewater, and an outlet invert removes water from the tank. The tank has a cover on the open top, and the cover has a hatch. A barrier spans a diameter of the open top below the cover and has an opening vertically below the hatch. A divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber and has a hole for allowing FOG into the upper chamber from the lower chamber, the hole being colinearly aligned with the hatch and the opening in the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Thermaco, IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Zachary Michael Rubeor, Erwin F. Hani
-
Patent number: 11255083Abstract: An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Thermaco, IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles
-
Patent number: 11168004Abstract: A separator assembly for separating fat, oil, and grease from effluent includes a container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil, grease and solid waste to be removed from the effluent water and a communications module having a processor, memory and transmitter at the facility site to communicate over cellular or WiFi signals with a remote station. The separator may include a skimmer to skim F.O.G. from the effluent water held in the container or be of a grease trap mode collecting F.O.G. for subsequent removal.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Randolph Batten
-
Patent number: 11130084Abstract: A grease trap or solids collector for separating waste from waste water has a tank having a multilayer outer wall made of an outer layer of un-foamed plastic, an intermediate layer of foamed plastic, and an inner layer of unfoamed plastic; an inlet invert in the tank for receiving incoming waste water; and an outlet invert for removing water from the tank. An extension collar made up of segments can be included.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Gavin Rumble, Zachary Michael Rubeor, Erwin Hani
-
Publication number: 20210246055Abstract: A gel emulsification system and method for converting fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a solid acceptable for landfill disposal. The method may include mixing FOG with a detergent and water to form an emulsion, adding viscosifier and a cross-linking agent to the emulsion, and mixing the emulsion and the viscosifier and cross-linking agent to form a gel. The system may include a container adapted to hold solids and liquids without leaking, a powdered detergent in the container to mix with water and a FOG to form an emulsion, and a powdered viscosifier and powdered cross-linking agent in the container adapted to thicken and cross-link the emulsion to form a gel. The gel formed passes a paint filter test (SW-846 Test Method 9095B).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2019Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: Andree Elliott, William C. Batten
-
Publication number: 20210164215Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2018Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Jan Fischer, Randolph Batten
-
Patent number: 10960324Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed. Also disclosed are apparatus, system and methods for a sealed container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Randolph Batten, Travis McBride
-
Publication number: 20200399876Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emulsions in kitchen effluent discharging to a FOG removal apparatus includes a pre-rinse sink, a tank positioned below the pre-rinse sink to receive effluent from the pre-rinse sink, an outlet from the tank and leading to a pipe, a valve in the outlet having an open position and a closed position, a dishwasher having a drain connected to the pipe, and a control for the valve to be in its closed position when the dishwasher is discharging to the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Thermaco IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles
-
Publication number: 20200385975Abstract: An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2018Publication date: December 10, 2020Applicant: Thermaco, IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles
-
Patent number: 10830718Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating between liquids having differing thermal conductivities includes a thermally conductive substrate, a resistor and a thermistor mounted to the thermally conductive substrate. Two leads on the resistor enable a current to be passed through the resistor to generate heat, and two leads on the thermistor enable a current to be passed through the thermistor to generate a datum indicative of thermistor temperature. An electrical insulator encapsulates the resistor, the thermistor and part of the thermally conductive substrate. A remainder of the thermally conductive substrate may extend beyond the electrical insulator to provide a thermal path from the resistor and thermistor to a liquid in which the apparatus may be immersed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: Jan Robin Fischer, Bruce W. Kyles, William C. Batten
-
Publication number: 20200246736Abstract: A grease trap or solids collector for separating waste from waste water has a tank having a multilayer outer wall made of an outer layer of un-foamed plastic, an intermediate layer of foamed plastic, and an inner layer of unfoamed plastic; an inlet invert in the tank for receiving incoming waste water; and an outlet invert for removing water from the tank. An extension collar made up of segments can be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Applicant: Thermaco, IncorporatedInventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Gavin Rumble, Zachary Michael Rubeor, Erwin Hani
-
Patent number: 10526216Abstract: An apparatus and method for a grease trap for separating grease and solid waste from waste water. The grease trap includes a tank having a downwardly shaped bottom. An upwardly shaped baffle insert divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An outlet port near an upper part of the baffle allows waste into the upper chamber. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming waste water, while an outlet invert removes water from the tank. A removable cover covers the tank and allows access for removal of accumulated grease and solid wastes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles, Kenneth Kaie Prochnau
-
Publication number: 20190137423Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating between liquids having differing thermal conductivities includes a thermally conductive substrate, a resistor and a thermistor mounted to the thermally conductive substrate. Two leads on the resistor enable a current to be passed through the resistor to generate heat, and two leads on the thermistor enable a current to be passed through the thermistor to generate a datum indicative of thermistor temperature. An electrical insulator encapsulates the resistor, the thermistor and part of the thermally conductive substrate. A remainder of the thermally conductive substrate may extend beyond the electrical insulator to provide a thermal path from the resistor and thermistor to a liquid in which the apparatus may be immersed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: JAN ROBIN FISCHER, Bruce W. Kyles, William C. Batten