Patents by Inventor Jerry L. McKinney

Jerry L. McKinney 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: 20130020501
    Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting contaminated water having a body forming a flow channel with a first end and a second end flowing generally from said first end of the flow channel to an outlet for removing contaminated water from the flow channel. There is a mount for suspending a UV bulb assembly above the channel at a distance above but sufficiently close to the level of contaminated water in the channel to effect UV radiation of contaminated water in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20120261317
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a septic system such as an aerobic wastewater treatment plant connected to a drip irrigation system for dispensing wastewater from the septic system. The apparatus includes a pump having a pump outlet for a pumping treated wastewater from the septic system, a filter connected to the pump outlet, the filter having a first output for directing filtered water to the drip irrigation system and a second outlet for disposal of backwash water used to clean the filter. There is an accumulator or canister having a predetermined volume for receiving water from at least one of the drip irrigation systems and the second output of the filter. The accumulator has an outlet connected to a pressure actuated normally open flush valve, which closes in response to pressure from water in the accumulator and which moves to the normally open position when the pump is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20120024766
    Abstract: A wastewater reuse system has a wastewater treatment system connected to a dwelling for receiving wastewater therefrom. The wastewater treatment system has a pump tank with an outlet that can be connected to a central wastewater collection system. There can be a pump in the pump tank for pumping water from the pump tank to a use recipient of treated wastewater such as an irrigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 8038874
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20110186491
    Abstract: An aerobic treatment/clarifying system for use in an aerobic wastewater treatment system. The system comprises a structure which defines at least one compartment, at least one aerobic treatment chamber and at least two clarifying chambers being formed in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20110132937
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit,, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7945471
    Abstract: An electronic communication system and method that permits an environmental equipment system installer to install equipment without the need to run a data line such as a telephone line or other specialized data line thereby decreasing the cost and time required for installing the system. The electronic communication system comprises a first communication node to collect operating data and sensor data. A second communication node positioned proximate the first communication node may comprise a modern for connection to the Internet. A wireless or power line connection provides a node-to-node communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jerry L. McKinney, Richard A. Corey
  • Patent number: 7875170
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7837867
    Abstract: A system for introducing a liquid disinfectant into treated wastewater comprising a source of liquid disinfectant, a sensor to detect flow or level of treated wastewater from a wastewater treatment system, a selectively operable valve to allow the liquid disinfectant to flow via gravity into the treated wastewater and a controller operatively connected to the sensor to open the valve in response to sensed, increased flow or level of the treated wastewater in a receiver for the wastewater above a sensed, predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7651608
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrification of treated wastewater from an aerobic wastewater treatment system in which oxygen levels in the aeration chamber of an aerobic digestion vessel are cycled between an anoxic environment, i.e., when the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel contains from just above 0 to just less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen to an aerobic environment wherein the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel has a dissolved oxygen content of about 1 ppm or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20090134077
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7525420
    Abstract: A system is provided for verifying operation of a plurality of alarm systems in a plurality of environmental equipment systems that comprises a plurality of first communication nodes and a plurality of second communication nodes. Each second communication node is typically mounted within a yard to about six hundred yards from respective first communication nodes. The first communication nodes send a first verification signal, e.g., a heartbeat signal to verify the alarm systems to the second communication nodes at first predetermined intervals. The plurality of second communication nodes detect when the first verification signal is not received at the first predetermined intervals. The second communication nodes then determine whether to send a malfunction notification to a server base on predetermined criteria. The second communication nodes may send a second heartbeat signal to the server at other predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7513994
    Abstract: An aerator assembly for use in the aeration vessel of a wastewater treatment system comprising a rigid tubular member having an upper end and a lower end, and a diffuser assembly, the diffuser assembly comprising a flexible connector and a diffuser head, the flexible connector connecting the diffuser head to the lower end of the rigid tubular member and providing a fluid flow path between the tubular member and the diffuser head, the upper end of the rigid tubular member being adapted to be connected to a source of an oxygen-containing gas such as air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20080283455
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrification of treated wastewater from an aerobic wastewater treatment system in which oxygen levels in the aeration chamber of an aerobic digestion vessel are cycled between an anoxic environment, i.e., when the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel contains from just above 0 to just less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen to an aerobic environment wherein the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel has a dissolved oxygen content of about 1 ppm or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7314546
    Abstract: A system for the chemical treatment of wastewater may be discharged in a night spray system, an on demand system or a dosing system. Tank 12 receives wastewater, and a discharge pump 16 pumps wastewater from the tank in the night spray system. A sensor 24 deactivates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined low level, and in some applications activates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined high level. A liquid disinfectant pump 38 pumps liquid disinfectant to the tank, and a controller 30 activates a liquid disinfectant pump for a selected time interval as a function of the discharge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7294261
    Abstract: A vessel assembly for use in a wastewater treatment system having a first vessel, a second vessel, a first gusset assembly attached to and connecting the first and second vessels and a second gusset assembly attached to and connecting the vessels, at least one of the gusset assemblies provides an upwardly facing surface or pocket for holding fill materials such as dirt or gravel to counter buoyancy acting on the vessel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7294260
    Abstract: An aerobic wastewater treatment plant having a peripheral wall, at least three compartments being formed within the peripheral wall in conjunction with bottom wall, the peripheral wall having first and second end walls which are radiused and having at least portions thereof which have the same radius and the first and second side wall, the side wall and end walls being shaped and adjoined to each other so as to form a smooth contour on the outer surface of the peripheral wall, the peripheral wall preferably having an oval-like configuration when viewed in top plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 202 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7186330
    Abstract: A system for introducing a liquid disinfectant into treated wastewater comprising a source of liquid disinfectant, a sensor to detect flow of treated wastewater from a wastewater treatment system, a pump to introduce the liquid disinfectant into the treated wastewater and a controller operatively connected to the sensor to activate the pump in response to increased flow of treated wastewater above a sensed, predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7178677
    Abstract: An aeration vessel for use in a aerobic wastewater treatment system, the aeration vessel comprised of a bottom section having a bottom wall and an inverted frustoconical side wall, a top section having a frustoconical side wall and a partition having an inverted frustoconical side wall, the top and bottom sections being provided with mating flanges which can be sealingly engaged, the partition being disposed in the aeration vessel formed by the first and second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7149701
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic regulatory compliance system and method that permits a regulatory agency to efficiently and accurately monitor thousands of environmental equipment installations, such as homeowner wastewater treatment plants, for compliance with regulatory requirements. The environmental equipment installations may be installed at different locations, operating on different inspection schedules, with different service companies, different owners, of different types, and be of different processing capacity. A personnel detector is preferably utilized to verify the actual physical presence of service personnel. In accord with the invention, each environmental equipment system is connected to a network that logs and time-stamps events that occur at each of the plurality of environmental equipment systems related to compliance with environmental regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney