Patents by Inventor James Michael Overton

James Michael Overton 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).

  • Patent number: 7094381
    Abstract: A device for destroying microbes in a fluid medium utilizing a housing. The housing possesses an exterior and a fluid passageway formed by an inner wall portion. The housing also includes a plurality of chambers positioned radially outwardly from the fluid passageway. The chambers and enclose magnets which surround the passageway. First and second electrodes extend along the fluid passageway and lie flush with the inner wall portion. The electrodes include terminals that are available on the exterior of the housing to receive power from a source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: James Michael Overton, Robert Smythe
  • Patent number: 6331514
    Abstract: A method and application of a disinfecting solution which comprises adding to an acid the chemical equivalent of a metal chloride plus a metal compound wherein the metal compound is one of a hydride, oxide or hydroxide and the metal is selected to form a precipitate with said acid. The precipitate is filtered from the solution leaving a deanionated chlorided hydronium complex that is non corrosive to human tissue yet has powerful disinfecting properties. Calcium is the preferred metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen R. Wurzburger, James Michael Overton
  • Patent number: 6110379
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminating metal ions and sulfate ions from acidic aqueous solution such as waste mine water which features passing the solution between pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes impressed with a voltage selected according to specific ion species and then adding chemical agents to raise the pH and form precipitates of the metal and sulfate ions. A magnetic field is applied during at least the first mixing step. The precipitate is then separated from the water with settling and filtering steps. The clarified solution is treated by reverse osmosis to concentrate the ammonium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: James Michael Overton, Stephen Ray Wurzburger
  • Patent number: 6096222
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing hydrocarbon contaminants and heavy metal ion contaminants from wastewater stream comprising the introduction of iron ions into the stream. In one embodiment, the ions are introduced by applying an electrical current through a bed of iron particulates in the form of steel wool and iron nodules. In another embodiment, the iron salts are added to the waste stream and the iron ions are reduced to a more reactive lower valence state by electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen R. Wurzburger, James Michael Overton
  • Patent number: 5895782
    Abstract: A solution for cleaning metal surfaces particularly non ferrous alloys such as copper, brass and high strength aluminum alloys. The solution is prepared by mixing Ca(OH).sub.2 and KOH with equivalent sulfuric acid in water then passing the solution through a 10 micron filter. the resulting concentrate can be used full strength or diluted depending on the degree of surface oxidation of the metal to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: James Michael Overton, Stephen R. Wurzburger
  • Patent number: 5756051
    Abstract: An apparatus for destroying bacterial pathogens including at least one pair of electrodes secured in a housing configured to constrain flow of water through the region between the electrodes. In one construction, the electrodes are supported in a tube with sides of each member of an electrode pair conforming to the inner surface of the tube and electrode surfaces form a slotted space through which the water passes. In another constrcuction, one electrode is a tube and the other electrode is a rod supported concentrically inside the tube. The treated fluid passes axially through the space between the electrodes. A conductivity meter and flow meter applies a conductivity signal and a flow rate signal to maintain the field in a value that is not too excessive so as to prevent undesired reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: James Michael Overton, Steven R. Wurzburger
  • Patent number: 5698107
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminating metal ions and sulfate ions from acidic aqueous solution such as waste mine water which features passing the solution between pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes impressed with a voltage selected according to specific ion species and then adding chemical agents to raise the pH and form precipitates of the metal and sulfate ions. The precipitate is then separated from the water with settling and filtering steps. Application of a magnetic field is applied during at least the first mixing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Stephen Ray Wurzburger, James Michael Overton