Patents by Inventor Dennis G. Middleton

Dennis G. Middleton 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: 20160178123
    Abstract: A system for collecting machine fluid includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a trough between the first and second ends. A mass of extendible fabric is positioned proximate to the first end of the frame and configured to be drawn across the trough to the second end. A holder secures a portion of the fabric proximate to the first end. The fabric may include a carrying structure such as a roll. The holder may include a rod to receive and secure the carrying roll. A sliding or fixed cutter may be positioned near the second end to cut the fabric. Alternatively, the fabric may be perforated and the second end may include a rigid support member across which the perforations may be pulled and torn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Donald L. Beaver, Dennis G. Middleton, Terry Eugene Phillips, Joshua D. Beaver, Brendon W. Guida
  • Patent number: 5948250
    Abstract: A portable berm for use in and out of doors. The berm includes a impervious flexible synthetic floor which has a berm wall formed about its periphery. The berm wall comprises a plurality of elongated plastic strips which are attached to the floor along their inner and outer edges each forming a cavity which extend around the floor. A plurality of openings are formed in the strips adjacent at least their edges. An adsorbent and absorbent hydrophobic material which allows water to pass through but absorbs chemical contaminants is positioned within the cavities to extend about the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Basic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 5820297
    Abstract: A device for building a berm to contain a leak or spill has a plurality of corner members each having an elongated member spaced there between. The elongated members are formed from a pliable strip having a vinyl housing and being filled with a foam material having shape retention properties. The elongated members are sized and cut at the workplace to form a berm of sufficient size to meet the present spill containment problem. Once the side members and corner members have been selected and arranged, they are secured to the building floor by a caulking compound. Strapping material can then be applied, if necessary, to seal the joints between the corner members and the side members of the berm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 5601715
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing grease from a compartmental grease trap that has water provided therewithin so that grease forms a layer atop the water in the trap. The apparatus has a mounting portion that is securable to the grease trap and a housing portion pivotally connected to the mounting portion. A filter media is then secured by the housing portion. The housing portion is preferably constructed from a framing structure and an inner structure. The framing structure has two sets of opposed sidewalls and a perforated or mesh bottom sheet that allows water to pass therethrough. The inner structure is separably secured to the framing structure, such as by pivotal connection and the filter media is preferably held between the inner structure and the framing structure. The inner structure is capable of being locked into position with respect to the framing structure by a locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis G. Middleton, Robert J. Starr
  • Patent number: 5402835
    Abstract: A sealable drum funnel is attached onto a drum by threading the device into the larger bung opening of the drum. The sealable drum funnel includes a funnel body having an open top end and an outlet opening at a bottom end thereof. A sealing lid is coupled to the open top end of the funnel body. A drum coupling is attached to the bottom end of the funnel body. The drum coupling includes a threaded exterior on the lower portion thereof, a threaded interior on at least an upper portion thereof and a passage extending through the drum coupling from the outlet opening of the funnel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 5236281
    Abstract: A device for damming and diverting liquid on a spill surface has an elongated, pliable dike having a first end, a second end and an exposed surface. The exposed surface is inherently tacky so that it is adherable to the spill surface to prevent flow of liquid past the dike. The dike is preferably triangular and made from a substance, such as polyurethane, so that all exposed surfaces on the dike are inherently tacky, including those created when a portion of the dike is severed to tailor the dike for specific damming needs. The device also includes a joint housing which may be engaged on abutting ends of adjacent dikes to seal the joint. A method for creating a liquid control zone on a spill surface utilizing the dike of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 5184751
    Abstract: A drum pump adapter which provides for the return of spilled fluid to the drum interior. The drum pump adapter includes a hollow body having a substantially cylindrical interior with an inlet and an outlet opening. The lower portion of the body is provided with a threaded exterior adjacent the inlet opening. An upper portion of the body is provided with a threaded interior adjacent the outlet opening with an inner diameter substantially equal to the lower portion's outer diameter. At least one fluid return hole is positioned between the upper portion's threaded interior and the lower portion's threaded exterior and extends through the body into the body's interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton