Patents by Inventor Alexander G. Innes

Alexander G. Innes 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: 11267024
    Abstract: Manual, automated, or semi-automated programmable tank cleaning nozzle systems, devices and methods for providing safe and efficient methods for breaking up oil, tar, chemical, radioactive, hazardous, or any other liquid, solid, or sludge waste inside storage tanks, ballast tanks, floating roof tanks, void tanks, rail tank cars and the like with nozzles which utilize fluid jets to break up, liquefy, and motivate tank material. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle incorporates two degrees of freedom and can be mounted to existing booms, robotic arms, gantry systems, rigid beams, manways, or any other rigid structure. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle can be a standalone, independent unit or integrated into new designs and/or existing systems. Simplified programming and user interface allowing an operator to remotely operate the system without the need for a camera system. The system is hydraulically controlled and can work in the presence of flammable vapors and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: AGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes
  • Patent number: 10864640
    Abstract: Manual, automated, or semi-automated articulating arm programmable tank cleaning nozzle systems, devices and methods for providing safe and efficient methods for removing paint, rust, scale, debris, and contaminants as well as methods to apply new coatings to tanks. A hydraulically controlled articulating arm can have up to 11 or more degrees of freedom and a working envelope ranging from approximately 10?×approximately 10?×approximately 10? up to approximately 50?×approximately 50?×approximately 50?. Modularity and light weight components allow quick setup with minimal manpower, and therefore, make relocation in confined tanks feasible. Simplified programming with scanning methods can aide in quick generation of toolpaths. Dust free blasting techniques can be employed, making the operation safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Surface coatings can be applied with the same device further increasing efficiencies. The systems, devices and methods can work in the presence of flammable vapors and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: AGI Engineering, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander G. Innes, Shon S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20200130029
    Abstract: Manual, automated, or semi-automated programmable tank cleaning nozzle systems, devices and methods for providing safe and efficient methods for breaking up oil, tar, chemical, radioactive, hazardous, or any other liquid, solid, or sludge waste inside storage tanks, ballast tanks, floating roof tanks, void tanks, rail tank cars and the like with nozzles which utilize fluid jets to break up, liquefy, and motivate tank material. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle incorporates two degrees of freedom and can be mounted to existing booms, robotic arms, gantry systems, rigid beams, manways, or any other rigid structure. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle can be a standalone, independent unit or integrated into new designs and/or existing systems. Simplified programming and user interface allowing an operator to remotely operate the system without the need for a camera system. The system is hydraulically controlled and can work in the presence of flammable vapors and dust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes
  • Patent number: 10406571
    Abstract: Extended reach sluicer systems, devices, and methods for breaking up and retrieving chemical, radioactive, hazardous materials and/or other waste from storage tanks, with mechanical arms and nozzles which utilize fluid jets to break up and liquefy in-tank material. The invention can work with tanks having additional issues, such as but not limited to high temperature or low temperature conditions. An upper assembly attachable to a tank can control the transverse rotation of a vertical mast and with a lower end pivotally attached to a boom having a nozzle assembly attached to an outer end. The boom can telescopically retract and extend to different length positions by cables and pulleys. Controls with take-up mechanisms can elevate up and down or transverse left and right the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes
  • Patent number: 10280063
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of transferring liquids or mixtures/slurries of liquids and solids between vessels having challenging and difficult configurations and locations, and over long and short distances in a continuous or near continuous discharge for storage or transport using a combination of vacuum and pressurized fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes
  • Publication number: 20170259309
    Abstract: Extended reach sluicer systems, devices, and methods for breaking up and retrieving chemical, radioactive, hazardous materials and/or other waste from storage tanks, with mechanical arms and nozzles which utilize fluid jets to break up and liquefy in-tank material. The invention can work with tanks having additional issues, such as but not limited to high temperature or low temperature conditions. An upper assembly attachable to a tank can control the transverse rotation of a vertical mast and with a lower end pivotally attached to a boom having a nozzle assembly attached to an outer end. The boom can telescopically retract and extend to different length positions by cables and pulleys. Controls with take-up mechanisms can elevate up and down or transverse left and right the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes
  • Publication number: 20170240414
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of transferring liquids or mixtures/slurries of liquids and solids between vessels having challenging and difficult configurations and locations, and over long and short distances in a continuous or near continuous discharge for storage or transport using a combination of vacuum and pressurized fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander G. Innes