Patents by Inventor Gary A. Kudrna
Gary A. Kudrna 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).
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Publication number: 20180305224Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating potable water in municipal and similar tanks to reduce and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts such as trihalomethanes from the water by providing a water circulation system to create circulation patterns in the tank water and an air flow system for creating an air flow pattern in the headspace region of the enclosed tank above the water surface. In operation, a portion of the tank water is drawn-up a draft tube from the tank floor to above the water surface and sprayed through a nozzle outwardly about a vertical axis and slightly downwardly toward the surface of remaining tank water. The air flow system creates and directs a high volume of air through the tank above the water surface to volatize undesirable trihalomethanes in the drawn-up water portion to gaseous state to enter the air flow pattern and exit the tank into ambient air.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth, Gary A. Kudrna, Douglas P. Walter
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Patent number: 10029924Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating potable water in municipal and similar tanks to reduce and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts such as trihalomethanes from the water by providing a water circulation system to create circulation patterns in the tank water and an air flow system for creating an air flow pattern in the headspace region of the enclosed tank above the water surface. In operation, a portion of the tank water is drawn-up a draft tube from the tank floor to above the water surface and sprayed through a nozzle outwardly about a vertical axis and slightly downwardly toward the surface of remaining tank water. The air flow system creates and directs a high volume of air through the tank above the water surface to volatize undesirable trihalomethanes in the drawn-up water portion to gaseous state to enter the air flow pattern and exit the tank into ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth, Gary A. Kudrna, Douglas P. Walter
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Patent number: 9908792Abstract: A portable unit for treating potable water in municipal and similar water lines to reduce and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts such as trihalomethanes. The unit has a housing with water and air inlet and outlet arrangements. The water inlet arraignment is connectable to the municipal water line to deliver water into the housing where it is sprayed substantially horizontally into the housing along a duct through a splash screen and up against a splash plate. The splash plate redirects the water spray laterally outwardly, rearwardly, and downwardly onto an inclined ramp that guides the water downwardly into the lower part of the housing where it is collected or held until it is pumped back into the municipal water line. In operation, the THM treatment unit is self regulating based on fluctuating downstream water demand and beneficially operates in at least two modes automatically to meet the demand and safety considerations.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20180050929Abstract: A portable unit for treating potable water in municipal and similar water lines to reduce and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts such as trihalomethanes. The unit has a housing with water and air inlet and outlet arrangements. The water inlet arraignment is connectable to the municipal water line to deliver water into the housing where it is sprayed substantially horizontally into the housing along a duct through a splash screen and up against a splash plate. The splash plate redirects the water spray laterally outwardly, rearwardly, and downwardly onto an inclined ramp that guides the water downwardly into the lower part of the housing where it is collected or held until it is pumped back into the municipal water line. In operation, the THM treatment unit is self regulating based on fluctuating downstream water demand and beneficially operates in at least two modes automatically to meet the demand and safety considerations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20140224747Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating potable water in municipal and similar tanks to reduce and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts such as trihalomethanes from the water by providing a water circulation system to create circulation patterns in the tank water and an air flow system for creating an air flow pattern in the headspace region of the enclosed tank above the water surface. In operation, a portion of the tank water is drawn-up a draft tube from the tank floor to above the water surface and sprayed through a nozzle outwardly about a vertical axis and slightly downwardly toward the surface of remaining tank water. The air flow system creates and directs a high volume of air through the tank above the water surface to volatize undesirable trihalomethanes in the drawn-up water portion to gaseous state to enter the air flow pattern and exit the tank into ambient air.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth, Gary A. Kudrna, Douglas P. Walter
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Patent number: 8500321Abstract: A collapsible water circulation system for relatively small, enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system in its collapsed configuration is designed to fit through the often small access opening in the tank and then to automatically expand to its extended operating configuration, all without the need for any personnel to enter the tank. The system includes a draft tube extending downwardly from a distribution dish to an inlet anchored on the floor of the tank. The system also includes at least three, elongated flotation arms that can be deployed to extend substantially horizontally and outwardly of the dish. An impeller within the dish is operated to draw water up from the anchored inlet through the draft tube to the dish. The water subsequently passes upwardly through the dish over its upper lip and substantially radially outwardly of it.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Jonathan L. Zent, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 8388837Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 8226292Abstract: A submersible, circulation system for small and shallow bodies of water such as a small pond. The system includes a driving unit with a tubular shell member and a base member and has a submersed motor and pump supported therein. The shell member extends along and about a vertical axis and has upper and lower openings with the base member spaced below and extending across the lower opening to create inlets therebetween. The pump draws water horizontally through the inlets into the unit where a relatively small first portion of the incoming water enters the pump and is driven downwardly and out upwardly directed discharge nozzles. The discharged flow passes through the remaining portion of the incoming flow to induce the larger, remaining portion to move upwardly with it toward the pond surface in a non-turbulent manner to raise the pond surface into a slightly convex mound.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Douglas P. Walter, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw, Allan V. Tuhy, Gary A. Kudrna, Jonathan L. Zent
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Patent number: 8057091Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Publication number: 20110129338Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7906017Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7850433Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20100236647Abstract: A collapsible water circulation system for relatively small, enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system in its collapsed configuration is designed to fit through the often small access opening in the tank and then to automatically expand to its extended operating configuration, all without the need for any personnel to enter the tank. The system includes a draft tube extending downwardly from a distribution dish to an inlet anchored on the floor of the tank. The system also includes at least three, elongated flotation arms that can be deployed to extend substantially horizontally and outwardly of the dish. An impeller within the dish is operated to draw water up from the anchored inlet through the draft tube to the dish. The water subsequently passes upwardly through the dish over its upper lip and substantially radially outwardly of it.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Medora Enviromental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Jonathan L. Zent, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 7798784Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 7789553Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Publication number: 20100092285Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7670044Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Patent number: 7641792Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Jonathan L. Zent
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Publication number: 20090134083Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7517460Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Jonathan L. Zent