Patents by Inventor Frederic G. Commoner

Frederic G. Commoner 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: 20110304138
    Abstract: An emergency redundant mounting flange is provided for incorporation into an oil-well blow-out-preventer (BOP), enabling rapid, tight-fitting attachment of an oil containment cap over a BOP outflow port in an emergency. This flange extends radially outward from the protected port, and includes an annular region with a connection feature, such as a ring of bolt-holes, permitting cap attachment. The cap, also provided, is a barrel-shaped diameter-reduction pipe which can be connected onto the emergency mounting flange at its bottom end, and onto a standard riser pipe at its top end, thus containing or stopping the flow of oil. After installation, the cap fully encloses the protected port, while creating a tight seal with the emergency mounting flange. Extension of these methods to bell-and-spigot plumbing fixtures, including reinforced concrete pipe, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic G. Commoner
  • Publication number: 20110307105
    Abstract: A custom-manufactured clamshell plumbing fixture, or clamp, is provided, which precisely fits the irregular surface of a damaged oil-well riser pipe, or the surface of a blow-out-preventer, so as to tightly seal oil leaks. Using an optional gasket, the fixture functions as a plumbing adaptor with the damaged pipe at one joint, and a standard plumbing flange at another joint. Because of its rigid mechanical connection to the damaged pipe, a clamp of similar manufacture can also provide a solid platform for machine tools, allowing for reliable, precise cuts in damaged pipe or other devices, using a remote-controlled milling machine. The custom clamps are manufactured using techniques of digital object-capture and computer-controlled metal-working. Methods are discussed which can help to determine the exact shape of the surface to be sealed, and to manufacture and install the clamps and gaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic G. Commoner