Patents by Inventor Brian D. Riha

Brian D. Riha 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: 9168574
    Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Riha, Brian B. Looney
  • Publication number: 20120264196
    Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Riha, Brian B. Looney
  • Patent number: 8211687
    Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Brian D. Riha
  • Publication number: 20110003368
    Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Brian D. Riha
  • Publication number: 20100307754
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for delivering aerosol-based amendments into a subsurface region is provided. The apparatus used to form the aerosol has an ability to restrict the aerosol particle size to a preferred particle size range such that undesired particle sizes are not introduced. By maintaining a proper ratio of aerosol particle size to subsurface pore size, the efficiency of an aerosol introduction can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicants: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Clemson University
    Inventors: Brian D. Riha, Lawrence C. Murdoch, Richard J. Hall
  • Publication number: 20080219773
    Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Washington Savannah River Co. LLC
    Inventor: Brian D. Riha
  • Patent number: 7350428
    Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus and process is provided in which a standard crimping tool is modified by an attached collar. The collar permits operation of the crimping tool while also facilitating the introduction of a supply of gas to be introduced into a storage vial. The introduced gas supply is used to purge ambient air from a collection chamber and an interior of the sample vial. Upon completion of the purging operation, the vial is sealed using the crimping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company LLC
    Inventors: Dennis G. Jackson, Kurt D. Peterson, Brian D. Riha
  • Patent number: 6971820
    Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventors: Joseph Rossabi, Warren K. Hyde, Brian D. Riha, Dennis G. Jackson, Frank Sappington
  • Publication number: 20040190994
    Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Rossabi, Warren K. Hyde, Brian D. Riha, Dennis G. Jackson, Frank Sappington
  • Patent number: 6591700
    Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis G. Jackson, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha
  • Patent number: 6425298
    Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining volume flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the volume flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis G. Jackson, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha
  • Patent number: 6367563
    Abstract: A device for removing a non-aqueous phase liquid from a groundwater system includes a generally cylindrical push-rod defining an internal recess therein. The push-rod includes first and second end portions and an external liquid collection surface. A liquid collection member is detachably connected to the push-rod at one of the first and second end portions thereof. The method of the present invention for removing a non-aqueous phase liquid from a contaminated groundwater system includes providing a lance including an external hydrophobic liquid collection surface, an internal recess, and a collection chamber at the bottom end thereof. The lance is extended into the groundwater system such that the top end thereof remains above the ground surface. The liquid is then allowed to collect on the liquid collection surface, and flow downwardly by gravity into the collection chamber to be pumped upwardly through the internal recess in the lance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Brian B. Looney, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha
  • Publication number: 20020023505
    Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis G. Jackson, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha
  • Publication number: 20010035057
    Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis G. Jackson, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha
  • Patent number: 5922950
    Abstract: A sampling port is provided which has threaded ends for incorporating the port into a length of subsurface pipe. The port defines an internal receptacle which is in communication with subsurface fluids through a series of fine filtering slits. The receptacle is in further communication through a bore with a fitting carrying a length of tubing there which samples are transported to the surface. Each port further defines an additional bore through which tubing, cables, or similar components of adjacent ports may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventors: Bradley E. Pemberton, Christopher P. May, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha, Ralph L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5775424
    Abstract: A sampling port is provided which has threaded ends for incorporating the port into a length of subsurface pipe. The port defines an internal receptacle which is in communication with subsurface fluids through a series of fine filtering slits. The receptacle is in further communication through a bore with a fitting carrying a length of tubing there which samples are transported to the surface. Each port further defines an additional bore through which tubing, cables, or similar components of adjacent ports may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley E. Pemberton, Christopher P. May, Joseph Rossabi, Brian D. Riha, Ralph L. Nichols