Patents by Inventor Dan A. Nickens
Dan A. Nickens 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).
-
Publication number: 20020044895Abstract: A reconfigurable waste treatment system having one or more waste treatment units such as scrubbers, absorption units, and thermal destruction units, is provided for treating waste supplied to the treatment system from one or more waste sources. The treatment units are selectively connected between an output and an input of a distribution manifold. Each input may be selectively connected to a desired output to achieve a desired configuration of treatment units. A venturi vacuum pump and an inert gas supply are used to assist the evacuation of waste from the waste source. The inert gas can also be used to charge the system as a whole or selected treatment devices, when not in use, to prevent the accumulation of moisture therein. A flow/pressure regulator prevents the system from being overloaded. Holding vessels are provided for collecting waste to allow staged treatment and/or sampling. The system is enclosed in a containment chamber to prevent insufficiently treated waste from escaping into the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 6308748Abstract: A container access system and method for accessing the contents of a container within a sealed containment vessel. A preferred embodiment of the access system includes a sealable vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a remotely operated container valve actuator within the vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the containment vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be made with access mechanisms and the target container. An access mechanism capable of inserting a dip tube into the container to facilitate liquid removal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern, John Carlson, Jim Prior
-
Patent number: 6267931Abstract: A reconfigurable waste treatment system having one or more waste treatment units such as scrubbers, absorption units, and thermal destruction units, is provided for treating waste supplied to the treatment system from one or more waste sources. The treatment units are selectively connected between an output and an input of a distribution manifold. Each input may be selectively connected to a desired output to achieve a desired configuration of treatment units. A venturi vacuum pump and an inert gas supply are used to assist the evacuation of waste from the waste source. The inert gas can also be used to charge the system as a whole or selected treatment devices, when not in use, to prevent the accumulation of moisture therein. A flow/pressure regulator prevents the system from being overloaded. Holding vessels are provided for collecting waste to allow staged treatment and/or sampling. The system is enclosed in a containment chamber to prevent insufficiently treated waste from escaping into the environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 6240981Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 6164344Abstract: A container access system and method for accessing the contents of a container within a sealed containment vessel. A preferred embodiment of the access system includes a sealable vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a remotely operated container valve actuator within the vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the containment vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be made with access mechanisms and the target container. An access mechanism capable of inserting a dip tube into the container to facilitate liquid removal.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern, John Carlson, Jim Prior
-
Patent number: 6139806Abstract: A venturi eduction and scrubbing system comprising a first container and a second container in fluid communication, each having a liquid treatment reagent therein. The liquid treatment reagent establishes liquid levels in the first and second containers. A waste inlet which contains waste gas or liquid to be processed is connected to at least one venturi eductor. The venturi eductors are also connected to the first container and are disposed above the liquid level of the first and second container. A pump is connected to the second container and each venturi eductor. The pump enables liquid treatment reagent to be pumped from the second container into the venturi eductors such that the waste gas or liquid is drawn from the waste inlet into the venturi eductors where it combines with the liquid treatment reagent and is thereby neutralized. The arrangement of [contains] containers and venturies provides a failsafe mechanism for preventing suckback into the waste container (which is usually the first container).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5957168Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5901759Abstract: A fluid recovery system and method for accessing the contents of a target container. A preferred embodiment of the fluid recovery system includes an auxiliary processing vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a cylinder rupture vessel for housing the auxiliary processing vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the cylinder rupture vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be formed. The use of the auxiliary processing vessel of the preferred embodiment provides an extra level of protection against exposure to the contents of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignees: Earth Resources Corporation, Teledyne Brown EngineeringInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern, David R. Childers
-
Patent number: 5900216Abstract: A venturi eduction and scrubbing system comprising a first container and a second container in fluid communication each having a liquid treatment reagent therein. The liquid treatment reagent establishes liquid levels in the first and second containers. A waste inlet which contains waste gas or liquid to be processed is connected to at least one venturi eductor. The venturi eductors are also connected to the first container and are disposed above the liquid level of the first and second container. A pump is connected to the second container and each venturi eductor. The pump enables liquid treatment reagent to be pumped from the second container into the venturi eductors such that the waste gas or liquid is drawn from the waste inlet into the venturi eductors where it combines with the liquid treatment reagent and is thereby neutralized. The arrangement of contains and venturies provide a failsafe mechanism for preventing suckback into the waste container.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5832966Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5826631Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Gold, Dan A. Nickens
-
Patent number: 5819815Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5664610Abstract: A fluid recovery system and method for accessing the contents of a target container. A preferred embodiment of the fluid recovery system includes an auxiliary processing vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a cylinder rupture vessel for housing the auxiliary processing vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the cylinder rupture vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be formed. The use of the auxiliary processing vessel of the preferred embodiment provides an extra level of protection against exposure to the contents of the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1994Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern, David R. Childers
-
Patent number: 5613534Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5613533Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventor: Dan A. Nickens
-
Patent number: 5584325Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5499665Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Gold, Dan A. Nickens
-
Patent number: 5474114Abstract: A drill assembly for penetrating a wall of a container is provided. The container is supported by a platform within a recovery vessel. The drilling assembly allows removal of a fluid from the container. The drilling assembly includes a tube for lining a first opening into the recovery vessel, as well as a first housing having an interior. A first adapter couples the housing to a first end of the tube to partially define a longitudinal bore. A shaft is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore. The shaft has one end for engagement with a drill bit with the other end for engagement with a motor. The drill bit is engaged to the shaft to penetrate the container wall, while the motor is engaged to the other end of the shaft. A first seal assembly forms a first fluid barrier between the interior and the longitudinal bore. Multiple seals may be formed between the first housing and the container. The container and the adapter may be integrally connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5427157Abstract: A drill assembly (44) for penetrating a wall (85) of a container (14) is provided. The container (14) is supported by a platform (30) within a recovery vessel (12). The drilling assembly (44) allows removal of a fluid from the container (14). The drilling assembly (44) includes a tube (88) for lining a first opening (42) into the recovery vessel (12), as well as a first housing (90) having an interior (80). A first adapter (94) couples the housing (90) to a first end (89) of the tube (88) to partially define a longitudinal bore (82). A shaft (102) is rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore (82). The shaft (102) has one end for engagement with a drill bit (84) with the other end for engagement with a motor (46). The drill bit (84) is engaged to the shaft (102) to penetrate the container wall (85 ), while the motor (46) is engaged to the other end of the shaft (102). A first seal assembly (98) forms a first fluid barrier between the interior (80) and the longitudinal bore (82).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
-
Patent number: 5383498Abstract: A cylinder rupture vessel rotates the cylinder during the rupturing process by using at least one driven roller assembly supported on a plurality of bearing surfaces. A rupture mechanism punctures the container and, when used in combination with the roller assembly, the cylinder is cut into sections. The rupture mechanism may be a water laser, a milling tool, a plasma cutting tool, a lathe tool, or at least one cutting wheel. Relative movement between the rupture mechanism and the bearing surfaces is achieved by a plurality of actuators. Treatment or decontamination of contents may be performed in the cylinder rupture vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Charles C. Mattern, Dan A. Nickens