Patents by Inventor William F. Lehr

William F. Lehr 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: 6573087
    Abstract: An absorbent package for containment and bioremediation of hydrocarbons and method thereof are disclosed. The package comprises a concentration of microorganisms, a timed release mechanism including a time release capsule, a matrix of fibrous material which is hydrophobic and oleophilic, and a porous casing. The fibrous material may be selected from synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers for storing accumulation of hydrocarbons. The method includes positioning a concentration of microorganisms capable of degradation of the hydrocarbons. Further, the method also provides the matrix which is absorbent, and such method includes filling the casing with the matrix and the microorganisms to form a hydrocarbon containment and degradation package. Then the method employs the action of absorbing and storing hydrocarbons passing through the casing and wicking hydrocarbons via capillary action through the matrix and absorbing the hydrocarbons into the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: William F. Lehr
  • Publication number: 20020048807
    Abstract: A mass of hydrophobic, oleophilic absorptive material forming a matrix in juxtaposition to a core (A) of concentrated biologically active material containing microbial organisms and nutrients. The matrix (B) stores an accumulation of petroleum based hydrocarbons from an external source for wicking into the matrix for controlled reduction into a more benign material. Preferably, the microbial organisms comprise bacteria, and the core and the matrix are biodegradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: WILLIAM F. LEHR
  • Patent number: 5692547
    Abstract: Absorbent devices for receiving fuel spill during the filling of a fuel tank include a gasket (A) constructed from a matrix of melt blown polypropylene fibers and frictionally held upon the fuel nozzle below the handle on the spout having outer surfaces (B) for engaging an entrance to the fuel tank and a central passageway defined by compliant walls for preventing fuel surges from backing up out the fuel tank. A squeezable pillow (D) provides adhesive attachment for positioning for receiving spillage from a fuel vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: William F. Lehr