Patents by Inventor Austin Tyler Little

Austin Tyler Little 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: 10124968
    Abstract: A simplified submerged chain conveyor system for handling ash produced by large-scale coal fired boilers. The system incorporates an endless chain conveyor system moving a coal/ash aqueous mixture within a conveyor segment having a hydraulically closed duct. The system is adapted for retrofit applications of existing coal-fired boiler installations. In each embodiment the chain conveyor elevates the aqueous ash solution to dewater the ash. In several embodiments the boiler ash hopper is partially flooded with water and the system moves the ash mixture through a water column to the dewatering section. In one embodiment the ash mixture is not submersed but is subjected to water sprays before reaching the dewatering section. Great flexibility is provided in locating and positioning the conveyor system. One unit may be implemented to provide ash handling for multiple boilers. Embodiments are described operable in continuous or batch mode processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignees: THE BABCOCK & WILCOX COMPANY, BABCOCK & WILCOX LOIBL GMBH
    Inventors: Loius A Zotti, Randy Jay Reynolds, Manfred Reinsch, Karl Josef Zeitler, Austin Tyler Little
  • Publication number: 20170313527
    Abstract: A simplified submerged chain conveyor system for handling ash produced by large-scale coal fired boilers. The system incorporates an endless chain conveyor system moving a coal/ash aqueous mixture within a conveyor segment having a hydraulically closed duct. The system is adapted for retrofit applications of existing coal-fired boiler installations. In each embodiment the chain conveyor elevates the aqueous ash solution to dewater the ash. In several embodiments the boiler ash hopper is partially flooded with water and the system moves the ash mixture through a water column to the dewatering section. In one embodiment the ash mixture is not submersed but is subjected to water sprays before reaching the dewatering section. Great flexibility is provided in locating and positioning the conveyor system. One unit may be implemented to provide ash handling for multiple boilers. Embodiments are described operable in continuous or batch mode processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Loius A. Zotti, Randy Jay Reynolds, Manfred Reinsch, Karl Josef Zeitler, Austin Tyler Little
  • Patent number: 9345992
    Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DIAMOND POWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Tyler Little, Louis A. Zotti, Tony F. Habib, Alan J. Dore
  • Publication number: 20160001202
    Abstract: A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Austin Tyler Little, Louis A. Zotti, Tony F. Habib, Alan J. Dore
  • Patent number: 8702058
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve for controlling the flow of abrasive particles along a predetermined path from the outlet of a hopper to a conveying line in a particle collection or transportation system. The design of the valve reduces the occurrence of erosive wear resulting from contact with the flow of abrasive particles. A method of making the valve that enhances the hardness of localized areas in the valve that are subject to high wear conditions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Tyler Little, Clint M. Sowers, Tony F. Habib, Billy G. Springer, Jr., Stephen J. Lukezich
  • Publication number: 20110259251
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve for controlling the flow of abrasive particles along a predetermined path from the outlet of a hopper to a conveying line in a particle collection or transportation system. The design of the valve reduces the occurrence of erosive wear resulting from contact with the flow of abrasive particles. A method of making the valve that enhances the hardness of localized areas in the valve that are subject to high wear conditions is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Austin Tyler Little, Clint M. Sowers, Tony F. Habib, Billy G. Springer, JR., Stephen J. Lukezich