Patents Assigned to PSI-ETS
  • Publication number: 20080169229
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Publication number: 20080128344
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Publication number: 20080087586
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Willard Tormaschy, Gary Kudrna, Tait Obritsch, Joel Bleth, Corey Simnioniw
  • Publication number: 20080087610
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Willard Tormaschy, Gary Kudrna, Tait Obritsch, Joel Bleth, Corey Simnioniw
  • Patent number: 7332074
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R Tormaschy, Gary A Kudma, Talt J Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M Simnioniw
  • Publication number: 20080002517
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS
    Inventors: Willard Tormaschy, Gary Kudrna, Tait Obritsch, Joel Bleth, Corey Simonlonhv
  • Publication number: 20080000818
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: PSI-ETS
    Inventors: Willard Tormaschy, Gary Kudrna, Tait Obritsch, Joel Bleth
  • Publication number: 20070295672
    Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: PSI-ETS
    Inventors: Willard Tormaschy, Gary Kudrna, Tait Obritsch, Corey Simnioniw, Joel Bleth, Lawrence Weber, Jonathan Zent, Ronald Crail
  • Patent number: 7306719
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
  • Patent number: 7285208
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Patent number: 6439853
    Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. By placing the impeller above and out of the draft tube it enables to lift water through the draft tube and imparts a centrifugal force on the water above the impeller which aids in moving the water radially outward from the impeller. The water is directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water. This design ensures that most of the energy imparted to the water by the impeller is retained once it leaves the diffuser plate, making the invention operate efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: PSI-ETS and Partnership
    Inventors: Willard Richard Tormaschy, Wayne Everet Ruzicka, Joel John Bleth, Gary Allen Kudrna, Tait Joseph Obritsch
  • Patent number: 6432302
    Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. The water drawn up and directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located within the invention. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is specifically designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water as little as possible. Additionally, a means of providing a floating water circulation apparatus with the ability to operate effectively in weather conditions in which a layer of ice is likely to form over the diffusor plat of the apparatus in the nighttime hours is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: PSI-ETS, A ND Partnership
    Inventors: Tait Joseph Obritsch, Willard Richard Tormaschy, Wayne Everet Ruzicka, Joel John Bleth, Gary Allen Kudrna
  • Patent number: 6428656
    Abstract: A water-cooled distilling apparatus for purifying or distilling raw water. The apparatus includes a boiler, cooling tray assembly, and collection vessel. In use, raw water is initially poured into the boiler which has a self-regulating screen in it. As the water beings to boil, the screen rises to float above the raw water. The height of the screen above the water automatically adjusts proportionately to the rate of boil to proportionately expose more or less surface area of the screen. A water film forms on the exposed surface area of the screen and clean steam rises therefrom into the cooling tray assembly where it is deflected into a condensing area on each level of the assembly. In each condensing area, heat is transferred from the steam into coolant water in a reservoir, causing the coolant water to evaporate from the reservoir and the steam to condense on the bottom of the surface of the reservoir. Distillate formed by the condensing steam is then collected and transferred to a collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota Partnership
    Inventors: Joel J. Bleth, Edward T. Strickland, Doug Walter
  • Patent number: 5964959
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device using liquid sprays and including a housing with a base portion and two side portions. The side portions are spaced from each other and extend upwardly from the base portion to form a U-shaped opening through the housing. In the preferred embodiment, rollers support the user's shoe as it is moved through the housing. Crisscrossing, upwardly directed sprays then strike and clean the shoe bottom while downwardly directed side sprays clean the shoe sides. Any portions of the upwardly directed, crisscrossing sprays not striking the user's shoe are captured in the opposing side portions and directed into the base portion. In this manner, the bottoms and sides of the user's shoes can be effectively cleaned without getting the user's leg or the tops of the shoes wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: PSI-ETS
    Inventor: Joel J. Bleth