Patents by Inventor James Novak, Jr.

James Novak, Jr. 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: 20130032540
    Abstract: A modular water purification system has a high pressure pump interchangeably received into one of two or more alternative power modules that can rely on different energy sources, such as an combustion engine module or an electric motor module. The pump applies water pressure to a reverse osmosis filter element. The system is reconfigurable for a given deployment, such as with a higher pressure pump operation for a high dissolved solute concentration, such as sea water desalination, or at a lower pressure for fresh water. Modules for deploying parallel paths each having a high pressure pump and reverse osmosis filter can be supplied as an addendum, or included in the supplied unit. The supplied unit is dimensioned so that the modules are stackable atop one another and in abutment to fill out a rectilinear volume on a pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, JR.
  • Patent number: 8282823
    Abstract: A modular water purification system is optimized for versatility and weight using a pump component that is mountable by standardized fittings into alternative prime mover modules that can receive and power the pump. The pump can be a heavy high pressure pump for a reverse osmosis stage, interchangeably mounted on an internal combustion engine module or an electric motor module. The pump is enclosed and protected by a frame with end plates, elongated bar handles and a standardized base that fits into and is fixed by a sliding flange and clamping structure, locating the pump precisely to engage a rotational fitting on the pump shaft with a complementary fitting coupled to the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, Jr., Joseph J. Totenbier
  • Publication number: 20120193292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for treating liquids, and methods for treating liquids, particularly by using such devices. Reticulated electrode structures with a high proportion of surface area to volume are formed with at least two metals, and are coupled in arrays to an electrical driving signal such as an alternating and/or direct current voltage source, for ion exchange with a liquid to be treated, to produce, e.g., potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, JR., Thomas Lotts, William J. Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20110215039
    Abstract: A modular water purification system is optimized for versatility and weight using a pump component that is mountable by standardized fittings into alternative prime mover modules that can receive and power the pump. The pump can be a heavy high pressure pump for a reverse osmosis stage, interchangeably mounted on an internal combustion engine module or an electric motor module. The pump is enclosed and protected by a frame with end plates, elongated bar handles and a standardized base that fits into and is fixed by a sliding flange and clamping structure, locating the pump precisely to engage a rotational fitting on the pump shaft with a complementary fitting coupled to the prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, JR., Joseph J. Totenbier
  • Patent number: 5972216
    Abstract: A portable multi-functional modular water filtration unit having configurable modules that can be adapted to render environmental water potable or to isolate contaminants from groundwater or water from other sources such as backwash from reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU) or shower and laundry water ("gray water") such that the water may be recycled or discharged in full compliance with applicable laws. Plural treatment tanks as well as inlet and outlet filters are coupleable via pressure gauge bearing quick connect fittings in series and parallel arrangements, to allow changes of filter elements (for replacement or substitution of a different active material) and to accommodate flow in filtration arrays. The water purification system specifically addresses the changing water purifying needs that arise during troop deployment, training and maneuvers, disaster relief and environmental cleanup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Terra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5788858
    Abstract: A transportable water purification unit with a reverse osmosis water purification unit (ROWPU), particularly for military use, is arranged to process municipal and other chlorinated water without damage to the reverse osmosis filtration elements. A modular transportable dechlorination device is coupled between the inlet of the ROWPU and a source of chlorinated water, such as a municipal fire hydrant, swimming pool, etc. The dechlorination device has a number of tubes mounted on a frame, at least some containing integral reticulated metallic dechlorination elements, the tubes being interconnected by quick connect removable U-fittings at their ends, whereby access is obtained to the reticulated elements, which can be in cartridges, and the order of the tubes along the flowpath can be altered. The reticulated dechlorination elements preferably comprise a Cu--Zn (brass) alloy and have a surface area to volume ratio of 200 to 500, preferably 300 to 350.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Terra Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, Jr.
  • Patent number: D621903
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: TerraGroup Corporation
    Inventors: Primo L. Acernese, James Novak, Jr., Theodore A. Kuepper