Patents by Inventor James B. Sisson
James B. Sisson 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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Patent number: 7311011Abstract: An access casing assembly structured for placement at least partially within a subterranean formation by forcing the access casing assembly thereinto, comprising a plurality of casing sections operably coupled to form a central elongated cavity for providing access to the subterranean region is disclosed. Further, a tip portion of the access casing assembly may include a porous filter through which liquid or gas may communicate with the central elongated cavity. Also, a receiving member or at least one engagement hub may form a portion of the central elongated cavity and may include an engagement feature configured for selectively and lockingly engaging a locking structure of a device to be positioned within the access casing assembly. Methods of use are disclosed. A tensiometer is disclosed including a chamber structured for allowing at least partially filling with a fluid subsequent to contact therewith.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Don T. Clark, Richard L. Jones, Terry D. Turner, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6986281Abstract: Exfiltrometer apparatus includes a container for holding soil. A sample container for holding sample soil is positionable with respect to the container so that the sample soil contained in the sample container is in communication with soil contained in the container. A first tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a surface water potential at about a surface of the sample soil contained in the sample container. A second tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a first subsurface water potential below the surface of the sample soil. A water content sensor operatively associated with the sample container senses a water content in the sample soil. A water supply supplies water to the sample soil. A data logger operatively connected to the first and second tensiometers, and to the water content sensor receives and processes data provided by the first and second tensiometers and by the water content sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, Annette L. Schafer
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Patent number: 6976386Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Blair K. Grover, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, William L. Casper
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Patent number: 6938503Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Don T. Clark, Eugene E. Erickson, William L. Casper, David M. Everett, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6920780Abstract: A method of inserting a tensiometer into a sample, comprises providing a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment; supporting a porous member from the drive probe; and driving the drive probe into the sample using a cone penetrometer. A tensiometer comprises a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment or a cone penetrometer; a porous member supported by the drive probe; and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing relation to the porous member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6826972Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Don T. Clark, Eugene E. Erickson, William L. Casper, David M. Everett, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Publication number: 20040168525Abstract: A method of inserting a tensiometer into a sample, comprises providing a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment; supporting a porous member from the drive probe; and driving the drive probe into the sample using a cone penetrometer. A tensiometer comprises a drive probe configured to be engaged by direct push equipment or a cone penetrometer; a porous member supported by the drive probe; and a pressure sensor in pressure sensing relation to the porous member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6772621Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Blair K. Grover, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, William L. Casper
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Patent number: 6761076Abstract: A portable lysimeter including a collection vessel having an inflatable bladder and a semi-permeable member assembly at least partially movable in response to inflation of the bladder, a sample conduit in fluid communication with the semi-permeable member and a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6752007Abstract: An horizontal advanced tensiometer is described that allows the monitoring of the water pressure of soil positions, particularly beneath objects or materials that inhibit the use of previous monitoring wells. The tensiometer includes a porous cup, a pressure transducer (with an attached gasket device), an adaptive chamber, at least one outer guide tube which allows access to the desired horizontal position, a transducer wire, a data logger and preferably an inner guide tube and a specialized joint which provides pressure on the inner guide tube to maintain the seal between the gasket of the transducer and the adaptive chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6742405Abstract: A deep lysimeter including a hollow vessel having a chamber, a fill conduit extending into the chamber through apertures, a semi-permeable member mounted on the vessel and in fluid communication with the fill conduit, and a line connection for retrieving the lysimeter.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Publication number: 20040083832Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Blair K. Grover, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, William L. Casper
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Publication number: 20040083827Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Don T. Clark, Eugene E. Erickson, William L. Casper, David M. Everett, Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Publication number: 20030196498Abstract: A deep lysimeter including a hollow vessel having a chamber, a fill conduit extending into the chamber through apertures, a semi-permeable member mounted on the vessel and in fluid communication with the fill conduit, and a line connection for retrieving the lysimeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6609434Abstract: A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Publication number: 20030121336Abstract: A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6539780Abstract: A pressure self-compensating tensiometer and method to in situ determine below grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil independent of changes in the volume of water contained within the tensiometer chamber, comprising a body having first and second ends, a porous material defining the first body end, a liquid within the body, a transducer housing submerged in the liquid such that a transducer sensor within the housing is kept below the working fluid level in the tensiometer and in fluid contact with the liquid and the ambient atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Publication number: 20020112531Abstract: A pressure self-compensating tensiometer and method to in situ determine below grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil independent of changes in the volume of water contained within the tensiometer chamber, comprising a body having first and second ends, a porous material defining the first body end, a—liquid within the body, a transducer housing submerged in the liquid such that a transducer sensor within the housing is kept below the working fluid level in the tensiometer and in fluid contact with the liquid and the ambient atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6405588Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring well which includes an enclosure defining a cavity and a water reservoir enclosed within the cavity and wherein the reservoir has an inlet and an outlet. The monitoring well further includes a porous housing borne by the enclosure and which defines a fluid chamber which is oriented in fluid communication with the outlet of the reservoir, and wherein the porous housing is positioned in an earthen soil location below-grade. A geophysical monitoring device is provided and mounted in sensing relation relative to the fluid chamber of the porous housing; and a coupler is selectively moveable relative to the outlet of reservoir to couple the porous housing and water reservoir in fluid communication. An actuator is coupled in force transmitting relation relative to the coupler to selectively position the coupler in a location to allow fluid communication between the reservoir and the fluid chamber defined by the porous housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
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Patent number: 6308563Abstract: A deep tensiometer is configured with an outer guide tube having a vented interval along a perforate section at its lower end, which is isolated from atmospheric pressure at or above grade. A transducer having a monitoring port and a reference port is located within a coaxial inner guide tube. The reference port of the transducer is open to the vented interval of the outer guide tube, which has the same gas pressure as in the sediment surrounding the tensiometer. The reference side of the pressure transducer is thus isolated from the effects of atmospheric pressure changes and relative to pressure changes in the material surrounding the tensiometer measurement location and so it is automatically compensated for such pressure changes.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson