Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Neal J. Mosely
  • Patent number: 5536378
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus for production of Lunar oxygen uses feed stocks comprising a particulate hydrogen-reducible enriched feed in the size range from about 20-200 microns, containing 80-90% Lunar ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and ferrous Lunar agglutinates. The reactor apparatus has three vertically spaced fluidized zones with downcomers from the upper to the central fluidized zone and openings for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas stream through the lower fluidized zone. A solid-to-gas RF-dielectric heater has a ceramic honeycomb with small parallel channels separated by thin, ceramic walls and electrodes surrounding the honeycomb connected to an external RF power source for heating the gas stream to a reducing reaction temperature. A top inlet introduces the enriched feed into the upper fluidized zone for fluidization therein and flow into middle and lower fluidized zones countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Carbotek Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibson, Christian W. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5500019
    Abstract: A surgical procedure for breast augmentation is disclosed in which an incision is made at a point on the body remote from the breast which is not ordinarily visible, such as in a pre-nexisting scar, under an armpit or inside the navel or umbilicus. An endotube which has an obturator with a bullet shaped tip is introduced into this incision and pushed from the incision, staying just above the fascia of the interior abdominal and chest wall, and below the subcutaneous tissue and fat, to a position behind the breast. The obturator is removed and an endoscope used to verify the proper location of the tunnel. The endotube is removed leaving a temporary tunnel leading to a space behind the breast. A hollow prosthesis is rolled up tightly, positioned inside the end of the endotube and pushed into the tunnel behind the breast. The prosthesis is held in place by the hand of the surgeon on the breast and the endotube removed. The prosthesis is pumped full of saline solution to about a 50% overfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventors: Gerald W. Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson
  • Patent number: 5493697
    Abstract: A novel communications system for the game of football allows the quarterback to be heard by his teammates over crowd noise. The communications system comprises a plurality of loudspeakers positioned on opposite sidelines of the playing field in the approach to the goal lines at each end of the field, preferably between the 10 and 20 yard lines. The speakers are aimed or focused at ground level toward the players for selective use whenever the crowd noise is excessive as the team is approaching the goal line. A receiver and amplifier and appropriate circuits are associated with the speakers. A small microphone, transmitter and switch are carried by the quarterback, preferably on his helmet and the safety padding, i.e., shoulder pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 5477767
    Abstract: A mounting and optionally resonance adjusting bracket for use with drums of the type having a hollow drum shell, a plurality of lugs, a drum head fitted over at least one end of the shell, and a counterhoop fitted over the drum head and adjustably secured to the lugs. The bracket has a steel band to be secured in a position substantially surrounding a drum shell and having a split portion with bent ends movable between an opened position and a closed position and operated by a threaded screw member. The steel band has a soft elastomeric covering along its upper edge and notches along its lower edge sized and spaced to fit over the drum lugs. A substantially U-shaped plate member is adjustably secured on the steel band having elongated slots on opposite ends thereof and threaded members in the slots securing the plate member to the band. A rod shaped bumper member is secured on the plate member for engaging the drum shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 5467083
    Abstract: A wireless downhole electromagnetic data transmission system and method utilizes microprocessor controlled frequency synthesis for two-way communication between the surface and a downhole guided boring or drilling apparatus in the range of from 100 Hz to 100 KHz. A non-magnetic downhole probe unit connected between a drill motor or drill bit and the drill string contains data gathering and transmission components including accelerometers which measure the earth's gravity vector and fluxgate magnetometers which read the earth's magnetic field and serve as power line proximity sensors. The drill pipe acts as an electrical lossy, single conductor with the earth forming the electrical return path. Sensory data gathered by the downhole probe is encoded in digital format and impressed upon the drill string using frequency shift keying of the electromagnetic energy waves and is picked off at the surface by a signal receiver-demodulator and message processor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: William J. McDonald, Gerard T. Pittard, Charles G. Steele, Karl F. Kiefer, Terry P. Clifton, Curtis E. Leitko
  • Patent number: 5411655
    Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn stalks and husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, grains (corn, sorghum), etc. by treating with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 7-9, to produce a total water content of less than 20%, a pH of about 7.5-8.3, and NaOH content of less than 5.0% in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is produced by a novel electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, cathode compartment and membrane separating the compartments to permit a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. The anode compartment contains a plurality of anodes and bi-polar electrodes supported in a substantially co-planar relation spaced laterally from each other. The anodes are electrically connected and the bi-polar electrodes are insulated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Charles T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5405599
    Abstract: A sprayable composition for deterring criminals, e.g., muggers, robbers, rapists, etc., consists essentially of a sprayable lachrymatory agent, such as MACE (chloroacetophenone) or orthochlorobenzyl-malononitrile dissolved in N,N-dimethyl formamide or N,N-dimethyl acetamide, or the like, admixed with a minor but effective amount of a dye which is substantive for human skin and difficult to remove and a minor but effective amount of a persistent odorant such as oil of skunk (a complex mercaptan), aliphatic diamines, such as putrescine (tetramethylene diamine) or cadaverine (pentamethylene diamine), or the like. The composition is supplied in a pressurized canister of the type conventionally used for containing and spraying MACE and when sprayed on an at-tacker repels the attacker and identifies him both by the stain and the smell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis J. Porrovecchio
  • Patent number: 5396966
    Abstract: A flexible steering sub is disclosed for flexible drilling of horizontal oil and gas wells, horizontal storage wells, geothermal drilling for electric power generation; earth sciences study of and monitoring of earth movement with respect to fault movement; environmental science cleaning up of inaccessible polluted areas; coring to test rock strength prior to large scale constructions such as dams; introduction of chemicals for solution mining logging while drilling short radius well bores, and the like. The flexible sub comprises an elongated housing having a plurality of housing sections connectable at one end to an orientation sub for a PDM drill and connectable at the other end to a wire line connector. An electronics assembly including guidance directional guided sensors, directional probe and logging while drilling probe is positioned in a plurality of the housing sections, interconnected electrically, and connected at one end to the wire line connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Slimdril International Inc.
    Inventors: Albert E. Roos, Jr., Steven W. Drews, William J. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5372548
    Abstract: A longitudinal and rotary vibration dampener or shock absorber for rotary and percussion drill bits comprises a resilient element to absorb axial compression loads, preferably in a compression mode; a resilient element to absorb axial tension loads, preferably in a compression mode; resilient elements to absorb torque loads in clockwise and counterclockwise directions preferably in a compression mode; radial guide surfaces for long wear between the driver and the driven members and preferably spaced apart axially to resist bending couple loads applied across the two members during operation; and a seal and surface to allow passage of air or other fluid through the unit during operation. All resilient elements, guide members, and seals are readily replaceable in the field. The unit is structurally sound and enclosed and is attachable to the drilling rig drive head and drill pipe or to the drill pipe and bit as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: William I. Wohlfeld
  • Patent number: 5368109
    Abstract: A system of apparatus for arcuate drilling into the earth is disclosed which comprises a drill string extending into a well bore in the earth and a fluid operated drill motor and drill bit operated thereby secured on the bottom end of the drill string. The drill motor is connected at its upper end to the drill string and at its lower end to the drill bit for rotating the drill bit independently of rotation of the drill string. The drill motor has a tubular drive section housing constructed of non-magnetic material, preferably a Beta-C titanium alloy containing titanium, aluminum, vanadium, chromium, zirconium and molybdenum in the proportions Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Zr-4Mo. The longitudinal axis of the drill motor housing has its upper and lower ends angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis of its central portion end for directing the axis of rotation of the drill bit such that it is angularly displaced from the axis of the drill string for effecting a curved path for the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Slim Dril International Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Pittard, Jr., Albert E. Roos, Jr., Roger C. Leaf, Steven W. Drews
  • Patent number: 5354521
    Abstract: A magnetically detectable plastic pipe having magnetic particles distributed in the wall of the pipe so that it is easily detected from the surface when buried in the ground, in a wall in concrete or other distant or relatively inaccessible locations. The magnetic particles are preferably distributed in the wall of the pipe by extrusion with the plastic at the time the pipe is formed and the pipe is passed through a magnet to magnetize the pipe diametrically with one pole on one side of the pipe and the other pole diametrically opposite. The pipe magnetization polarity may be selectively reversed to encode a unique magnetic signature to the pipe. Changing the magnetization polarity may also be used to encode data on the pipe. The pipe may be rotated and passed linearly through the magnet, or the magnet may be rotated around the pipe to produce a spiralled diametrically oriented magnetic structure. Another magnetic material used is strontium ferrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William L. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5352340
    Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn stalks and husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, grains (corn, sorghum), etc. by treating with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 7-9, to produce a total water content of less than 20%, a pH of about 7.5-8.3, and NaOH content of less than 5.0% in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is produced by a novel electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, cathode compartment and membrane separating the compartments to permit a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. The anode compartment contains a plurality of anodes and bi-polar electrodes supported in a substantially co-planar relation spaced laterally from each other. The anodes are electrically connected and the bi-polar electrodes are insulated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Charles T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5348696
    Abstract: A feed material which is a mixture of chemically reduced lunar ilmenite and lunar agglutinates having a particle size in the range of 20-200 microns produced by hydrogen reduction in a fine particulate state is compacted into a shape and sintered to produce structural, radiation shielding construction blocks or bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Carbotek Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibson, Christian W. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5329943
    Abstract: A novel surgical procedure is an endoscopic assisted abdominoplasty. This procedure eschews the use of abdominal incisions and obtains the desired result with no visible scars on the abdomen of the patient. A traditional or standard abdominoplasty (also called a dermolipectomy of the abdomen) has always required a surgical incision in the abdomen followed by surgical removal of part of the skin, the underlying fat layer, and suturing the opening. The endoscopic assisted abdominoplasty shown herein uses two small incisions, one in the umbilicus for introduction of the surgical instruments, and a small incision within the pubic hair line for endoscopic observation and control of the procedure. While observing the procedure through the endoscope, the surgical instruments are inserted through the umbilicular incision to remove fat (by liposuction) and plicate and repair the muscles (by use of a tenaculum and fascial staples or a single instrument which combines the function of these instruments).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignees: Jeffrey W. Johnson, Lana L. Davis
    Inventor: Gerald W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5321361
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manipulation by an operator or user for detecting magnetically detectable plastic pipe and other sources of magnetic fields from a distance having a horizontally oriented support member with a handle extending at an acute angle therefrom. A magnetic field gradiometer comprising a hollow non-magnetic tube with two flux-gate magnetometers therein is supported at the distal end of the support member a substantial distance ahead of the operator in a substantially vertical position. A microprocessor is supported on the support member operatively connected through a differential amplifier to the gradiometer for processing signals therefrom. An electronic read-out module is supported on the handle spaced from the gradiometer and operable to receive signals from the microprocessor and convert them into an audible or visual display to be sensed by the operator or user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: William L. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5320179
    Abstract: A flexible steering sub is disclosed for flexible drilling of horizontal wells, geothermal drilling for electric power generation; earth sciences study of and monitoring of earth movement with respect to fault movement; environmental science cleaning up of inaccessible polluted areas; coring to test rock strength prior to large scale constructions such as dams; introduction of chemicals for solution mining, and the like. The flexible sub comprises an elongated housing having a plurality of housing sections connectable at one end to an orientation sub for a PDM drill and connectable at the other end to a wire line connector. An electronics assembly including guidance directional sensors and probe is positioned in a plurality of the housing sections, interconnected electrically, and connected at one end to the wire line connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Slimdril International Inc.
    Inventors: Albert E. Roos, Jr., Roger C. Leaf, Frederick J. Pittard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5314672
    Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for sweetening, i.e., selectively reducing the levels of H.sub.2 S and organic sulfides, in gaseous hydrocarbons streams, particularly natural gas streams. A natural gas in a pipe line, at the well head, or at a common collection point from a number of wells, is contacted with a sweetening agent comprising the reaction product of ethylene diamine with 50% uninhibited aqueous formaldehyde. The reaction product is prepared by reacting one part 99% ethylene diamine with two parts 50% aqueous uninhibited formalin at a temperature of about 55-60.degree. C. (higher temperatures may be used if the reaction is carried out under pressure) and is characterized by having a higher flash point, lower toxicity, and a lower freezing point, and better reaction rates, than other sweetening agents currently in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Sweetchem Corp.
    Inventor: James F. Vasil
  • Patent number: 5311661
    Abstract: A method for producing corrugated tubes of substantially high surface area for use in tube-in-shell heat exchangers which are particularly efficient for cooling water involves pointing a heat exchange tube at both ends to reduce the diameter substantially and increase the wall thickness of the pointed ends and then corrugating the tubes linearly. The tubes each having intermediate portions linearly corrugated to provide equally spaced deep corrugations extending in a straight line parallel to the axis of the tubes. The corrugations, which are equivalent to tubes, multiply the amount of heat transfer attainable from the point diameter selected for attachment to the tube sheets. The ratio of the surface area of the corrugated body portion to the surface areas of said reduced ends, per unit length, is in the range from about 1.5:1 to about 4:1. It also makes possible the contiguous relation of each tube to the surrounding tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Packless Metal Hose Inc.
    Inventor: Lothar R. Zifferer
  • Patent number: 5309810
    Abstract: A mounting and resonance adjusting bracket is disclosed for use with drums of the type comprising a hollow drum shell, a plurality of lugs, a drum head fitted over at least one end of the shell, and a counterhoop fitted over the drum head and adjustably secured to the lugs. The bracket comprises a steel band to be secured in a position substantially surrounding a drum shell and having a split portion with bent ends movable between an opened position and a closed position and operated by a threaded screw member. The steel band has a soft elastomeric covering along its upper edge and notches along its lower edge sized and spaced to fit over the drum lugs. A substantially U-shaped plate member is adjustably secured on the steel band having elongated slots on opposite ends thereof and threaded members in the slots securing the plate member to the band. A rod shaped bumper member is secured on the plate member for engaging the drum shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: RE34701
    Abstract: A magnetically detectable plastic, e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl, etc., pipe for underground use comprises a hollow tubular plastic pipe having particles of magnetic material embedded in plastic and secured integrally with the wall of the pipe. The magnetic particles are of iron oxide or barium ferrite and of a size, shape, distribution and proportion such that the plastic pipe may be easily detected by magnetic detection apparatus on the surface when the plastic pipe is buried at a selected depth under the ground. The magnetic particles are uniformly distributed throughout the thickness and uniformly distributed around the entire circumference of the plastic pipe or the magnetic particles may be distributed in discrete portions of the plastic pipe, as for example, a uniform outer layer of the pipe or in stripes or strips extending along the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William L. Goodman