Patents by Inventor Alvin J. M. Smucker

Alvin J. M. Smucker 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).

  • Subsurface barrier retention system and methods related thereto
    Patent number: 10561082
    Abstract: A subsurface retention barrier system installed in situ to retain water in a projected root zone of one or more plants is disclosed. An apparatus and system for installing the subsurface retention barriers and methods related thereto are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Alvin J. M. Smucker
  • SUBSURFACE BARRIER RETENTION SYSTEM AND METHODS RELATED THERETO
    Publication number: 20170181391
    Abstract: A subsurface retention barrier system installed in situ to retain water in a projected root zone of one or more plants is disclosed. An apparatus and system for installing the subsurface retention barriers and methods related thereto are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventor: Alvin J.M. Smucker
  • Subsurface barrier retention system and methods related thereto
    Patent number: 9615518
    Abstract: A subsurface retention barrier system installed in situ to retain water in a projected root zone of one or more plants is disclosed. An apparatus and system for installing the subsurface retention barriers and methods related thereto are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Alvin J. M. Smucker
  • Subsurface Barrier Retention System and Methods Related Thereto
    Publication number: 20130209172
    Abstract: A subsurface retention barrier system installed in situ to retain water in a projected root zone of one or more plants is disclosed. An apparatus and system for installing the subsurface retention barriers and methods related thereto are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Alvin J.M. Smucker
  • Method and apparatus for isolation of trace materials from a heterogenous sample
    Patent number: 6164456
    Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid nozzles (16A) and the low energy air nozzles (20) producing bubbles for flotation and separation of trace materials in a heterogeneous mixture of materials is described. Quantitative separation of trace evidence is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using the water and the air to isolate and deposit trace evidence on a fine mesh screen filter (17) submerged in the water (24) in a container (23). The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for detection of the evidence in soil samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Alvin J. M. Smucker, Jay A. Siegel
  • Separation method and apparatus
    Patent number: 4478710
    Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid jets and the low energy air bubble flotation for the separation is described. A manifolded set of multiple apparatus which increases operator efficiency is described. Quantitative separation of roots is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using water and air to isolate and deposit roots on a sieve submerged in the water. The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for measuring plant root responses to soil biological, chemical, and physical conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Alvin J. M. Smucker, Shawn L. McBurney, Ajit K. Srivastava