Patents Examined by David H. Corbin
  • Patent number: 5733066
    Abstract: A hazardous waste containment vessel, and a method for its use, for safe, permanent disposal of hazardous waste in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel is dropped into deep ocean water, descends through the water and penetrates the deep ocean pelagic sediment, thus burying the hazardous waste containment vessel in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel has an elongated laminar walled container having first and second ends. The first end tapers to an apex having an angle selected to enhance penetration of the deep ocean pelagic sediment by the hazardous waste containment vessel. A dense filler material is carried within the elongated laminar walled container and isolates at least one hazardous waste containing drum member that is suspended within the dense filler material, from the interior layer of the elongated container member and from additional drum members suspended within the dense filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Myers
  • Patent number: 5568694
    Abstract: A quick hitch-unhitch attachment for mounting a snow working implement on a vehicle, comprising a vehicle mount attachment (VMA) frame secured to the vehicle, has a pair of spaced sockets which are positioned below and behind the vehicle bumper when mounted on the vehicle. A first pair of reaction bearing surfaces are aligned with and to the rear of the spaced sockets and a transverse latch bar means extends transversely of the sockets. An intermediate support frame has a rearward end with a pair of latching arms extending in a rearward direction and in general alignment with the sockets, respectively. Each latching arm has a further reaction bearing surface for bearing against respective ones of the first pair of reaction bearing surfaces. A support frame has a forward end attached to the snow working implement and a rearward end pivotally connected to the intermediate frame for rotation about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: M. J. Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Capra, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 5516233
    Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device that operates on minimal volume to create a single heads up righting moment that reliably stabilizes an unconscious victim with his airway out of the water. This is accomplished with a minimal amount of lift, less deflated bulk, improved cosmetic appeal and reduced cost. These combined advances result in a safety vest conducive to actually being worn, a key feature for a safety vest. The system also provides for incorporation of a separating second inflatable life ring, rescue board, artificial respiration assist platform and ultimately a raft for removal of the victim from the water to protect him from hypothermia. This sequentially inflated, multi-chambered, multi-faceted inflatable rescue product is incorporated within the body of the safety vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: William L. Courtney
  • Patent number: 5512702
    Abstract: Solid calcium phosphate materials are used for in-situ immobilization of lead contaminated soils, wastes, and sediments by mixing the solid calcium phosphate material with the lead contaminated material and leaving the mixture in place. The solid calcium phosphate material includes, for example, naturally occurring apatite, synthetic hydroxyapatite, dibasic calcium phosphate, or phosphate rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: James A. Ryan, Terry J. Logan, Qi Y. Ma, Samuel J. Traina
  • Patent number: 5507599
    Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks from counterbores or slots in the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5505563
    Abstract: A cellular structure for sustaining an embankment is comprised of a vertical facing structure including generally a lattice (1) connected to an embedding structure (2, 3). The embedding structure (2, 3) is extended from the facing structure (1) into the embankment. In a first embodiment, the embedding structure is configured like two lattice sections (2) vertically mounted at the vertical edges of the facing structure (1) and prolonged generally in parallel to the embankment. The embedding structure may also be comprised of at least one U-shaped stirrup (3) connected at each of its free ends to a respective vertical edge of the facing structure (1). In this case, the stirrup (3) is generally extended horizontally in the embankment. The masonry of the facing structure (1) may be carried out in different ways in order to achieve various finishings. The cellular structure may also include a sunk framework (5) between the embankment and the facing structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Valerian Curt
  • Patent number: 5503090
    Abstract: A portable fertilizer root feeder for fertilizing plants which fertilizer root feeder operates on the principle of gravity and positioning of an applicator tube in order to regulate the flow of the fertilizer. The fertilizer root feeder includes a portable tank with a hose extension, a frame which supports the tank and which tank may be strapped to an operator's back for transport of the tank and a T-stake for making a hole in an area about plant roots such that the hose extension may be placed within the hole to deposit fertilizer. The invention operates without any mechanical parts and operates based on the principles of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Donald A. Guzan
  • Patent number: 5498108
    Abstract: An anchoring device comprises an elongated element (1) introduceable into a hole (10) and means for securing the element against withdrawal from the hole. The securing means comprise at least one part (5, 13, 16) movably connected to the elongated element (1) and adapted to project transversely beyond the periphery of the element to be brought into contact with a wall (12) of the hole. The part is adapted to move, on traction of the element (1) introduced into the hole (10) in a direction out of the hole, relative to the element (1) by means of friction generation against the hole wall (12) while increasing the combined transverse dimension of element (1) and part (5, 13, 16) to the corresponding transverse dimension of the hole and to tend to increase this combined transverse dimension further on continued traction in the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Lars Frandberg
  • Patent number: 5487623
    Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Civile des Brevets Henri C. Vidal
    Inventors: Peter L. Anderson, Michael J. Cowell, Dan J. Hotek
  • Patent number: 5486070
    Abstract: A method for conducting offshore well operations is disclosed in which a compliant platform is restrained out of its normal position substantially over a well pattern by adjusting a first lateral mooring system connecting the compliant platform to a first array of anchors secured to an ocean floor. An offshore drilling vessel is then positioned over a selected well site of the well pattern at a location at the surface of the water not accessible to the offshore drilling vessel with the compliant platform in its normal position by adjusting a second lateral mooring system connecting the compliant platform to a second array of anchors on the ocean floor. Well operations are then conducted through a substantially vertical riser while maintaining a clearance to prevent direct contact between the compliant platform and the offshore drilling vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: David A. Huete
  • Patent number: 5482405
    Abstract: A counterbalancing device and method for a diver for automatically diving, surfacing or floating at a predetermined water depth including a control element for setting the predetermined water depth, a pressure sensor for measuring a water depth of the diver, an electronic control unit for determining a rate of descent and a rate of ascent based on a change of the measured water depth over time, such that the electronic control unit controls at least one valve for one of filling air into and releasing air from at least one life jacket associated with the diver for controlling the diver's rate of ascent and descent, respectively, as a function of a difference between the determined rate of ascent or descent and a predetermined rate of ascent and descent, respectively, until the predetermined water depth is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: Michael Tolksdorf, Thomas Tolksdorf
  • Patent number: 5482403
    Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hail Mary Rubber Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Jones, Louis A. Esposito
  • Patent number: 5482408
    Abstract: Prefabricated concrete assemblable elements are fastened together so as to form a light cellular leading structure with high resistance. The elements can be three-dimensional, box-shaped or angle-shaped, or they can be of a two-dimensional board type, provided with connection joints at their edges. A lower slab and an upper slab, preformed or laid in situ, complete the embankment and allow the elements to cooperate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Impresa Concari Prefabbricati di P. Concari
    Inventor: Pietro Lunardi
  • Patent number: 5479726
    Abstract: A padding machine attachment for a vehicle is provided. When padding of a ditch for a pipeline or cable is required, the padding machine is removably attached in a position at one end of a conventional bucket loader, bulldozer, or other base machine or vehicle, whereby said attachment moves along the path of travel of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves the padding machine attachment along one side of the pipeline ditch, the padding machine attachment picks up at least a portion of a pile of excavated material placed parallel to and along the same side of the ditch and processes the excavated material into padding material for placement into the ditch for padding the pipeline or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ozzie's Pipeline Padder, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5479728
    Abstract: A backfiller and tamper unit (10) is disclosed which is a self contained unit that acts to both backfill and compact soil into a trench for complete restoration. The unit includes a tractor (12) which mounts a vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) and a backfill auger assembly (16). The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) is mounted on a mast (50) which is pivotally secured to the tractor for limited arcuate motion from vertical. This permits the mast to be tilted so that the compaction force of the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is most effectively directed to compact the soil in the trench. The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is free floating on the mast which isolates the tractor from vibration generated by the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly and provides greater compaction efficiency. Further, the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly can be lifted vertically on the mast by a lift mechanism (62) for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur D. Deken, James E. Franklin, Cody L. Sewell
  • Patent number: 5480266
    Abstract: A tensioned riser deepwater platform suitable for offshore oil and gas applications is disclosed having a foundation secured to the ocean floor, a topside facility above the ocean surface, and a vertically extending tower jacket secured to the foundation and supporting the topside facility. A plurality of substantially vertically extending risers provide fluid communication between the wells and the topside facility. These risers are connected to riser supports near their upper ends and the riser supports provide the principal load transfer between the risers and the tower jacket. Thus, the conductor guides and attendant horizontal bracing of conventional deepwater design can be substantially eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter W. Marshall, David A. Huete, Denby G. Morrison, Susan L. Smolinski
  • Patent number: 5480260
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting ground water segregated from storm water are provided in which an existing storm sewer pipe may be retrofitted by forming a ground water channel and a storm water channel therein. The two channels may be formed by disposing a lining within the existing pipe which segregates the pipe into two distinct flow passageways. A new pipe may also be similarly used for collection of ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Dames & Moore
    Inventors: Dennis R. Shattuck, Eric C. Volpenhein
  • Patent number: 5478166
    Abstract: A boat lift having opposite sides with a pair of air bladders secured to the sides, respectively. An air bladder enclosure surrounding each air bladder. The enclosures defining the size and shape of the bladders when the bladders are inflated. The lift is more buoyant when the bladders are inflated whereby the lift may be floated to and from position and sunk as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: James R. Starr
  • Patent number: 5478168
    Abstract: An arrangement for containing oil spillage comprises an inflatable boom and suspended in the water therefrom an anti-pollution skirt and/or a deformable tube, cables and a generally horizontal membrane to restrict movement of the boom. The boom may be deployed in an uninflated condition and then inflated from an adjacent buoy. The deformable tube is arranged to pump fluid in response to forces on the cables caused by motion of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Rupert E. Carr, Dominic Michaelis
  • Patent number: 5478167
    Abstract: A streamwise-vortex generating diverter is placed upstream from a structure to protect the structure. The diverter is positioned to induce a vortex, or rotation, in the current flow whose axis is essentially parallel to the streamwise flow. This rotating flow persists downstream of the diverter effectively guiding debris away from the protected structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: M. Leonard Oppenheimer, Walter S. Saunders