Patents by Inventor Clay R. Thompson

Clay R. Thompson 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: 9340438
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dissolving gases into a fluid that is passing through a force-main and gravity sewer system. The system includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel for containing a liquid and for providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, an inlet that permits passage of wastewater into the gas head space, and an outlet that permits passage of treated wastewater out of the pressure vessel. The system also includes a gas source in communication with the pressure vessel; a pump for supplying wastewater from a force-main or sewer system sump into the pressure vessel under conditions effective to dissolve oxygen gas in the wastewater; and a discharge device in communication with the outlet of the dissolution tank assembly for discharging treated wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, BlueInGreen, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. Linguist, Clay R. Thompson, Christopher B. Milligan, Gregory Scott Osborn
  • Patent number: 9315402
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating wastewater. The system includes a bioreactor which defines a basin for receiving wastewater to be treated; a membrane module in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a dissolution tank. The tank includes a pressure vessel that contains a portion of the wastewater to be treated and provides a regulated, pressurized gas head space above the wastewater. The tank also includes at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of the wastewater into the gas head space of the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging the wastewater having a desired gas concentration from the pressure vessel. The system also includes a pumping mechanism for supplying the wastewater to the spray nozzle of the tank such that fluid droplets are formed in the gas head space and the gas contained within the pressurized head space is dissolved into the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, BlueInGreen, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Osborn, Clay R. Thompson, Marty D. Matlock
  • Publication number: 20130056423
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dissolving gases into a fluid that is passing through a force-main and gravity sewer system. The system includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel for containing a liquid and for providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, an inlet that permits passage of wastewater into the gas head space, and an outlet that permits passage of treated wastewater out of the pressure vessel. The system also includes a gas source in communication with the pressure vessel; a pump for supplying wastewater from a force-main or sewer system sump into the pressure vessel under conditions effective to dissolve oxygen gas in the wastewater; and a discharge device in communication with the outlet of the dissolution tank assembly for discharging treated wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Larry K. Linguist, Clay R. Thompson, Christopher B. Milligan, Gregory Scott Osborn
  • Publication number: 20120325741
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating wastewater. The system includes a bioreactor which defines a basin for receiving wastewater to be treated; a membrane module in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a dissolution tank. The tank includes a pressure vessel that contains a portion of the wastewater to be treated and provides a regulated, pressurized gas head space above the wastewater. The tank also includes at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of the wastewater into the gas head space of the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging the wastewater having a desired gas concentration from the pressure vessel. The system also includes a pumping mechanism for supplying the wastewater to the spray nozzle of the tank such that fluid droplets are formed in the gas head space and the gas contained within the pressurized head space is dissolved into the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Osborn, Clay R. Thompson, Marty D. Matlock