Patents by Inventor Jeff Ballard

Jeff Ballard 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).

  • Method and apparatus for applying a minimum flow of anhydrous ammonia at targeted rates due to limitations existing in current distribution/delivery
    Patent number: 8701574
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Ballard, Steve S. Jensen, Noel A. Person, Warren L. Thompson
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MINIMUM FLOW OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA AT TARGETED RATES DUE TO LIMITATIONS EXISTING IN CURRENT DISTRIBUTION/DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20120216732
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Ballard, Steve S. Jensen, Noel A. Person, Warren L. Thompson