Patents by Inventor Joel J. Bleth
Joel J. Bleth 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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Publication number: 20110129338Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7906017Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7850433Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20100236647Abstract: A collapsible water circulation system for relatively small, enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system in its collapsed configuration is designed to fit through the often small access opening in the tank and then to automatically expand to its extended operating configuration, all without the need for any personnel to enter the tank. The system includes a draft tube extending downwardly from a distribution dish to an inlet anchored on the floor of the tank. The system also includes at least three, elongated flotation arms that can be deployed to extend substantially horizontally and outwardly of the dish. An impeller within the dish is operated to draw water up from the anchored inlet through the draft tube to the dish. The water subsequently passes upwardly through the dish over its upper lip and substantially radially outwardly of it.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Medora Enviromental, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Jonathan L. Zent, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 7798784Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 7789553Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Publication number: 20100092285Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7670044Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Patent number: 7641792Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Jonathan L. Zent
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Publication number: 20090134083Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc., a North Dakota corporationInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
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Patent number: 7517460Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Jonathan L. Zent
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Publication number: 20080169229Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIPInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20080128344Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: PSI-ETS, A NORTH DAKOTA PARTNERSHIPInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Publication number: 20080112820Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Patent number: 7332074Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnershipInventors: Willard R Tormaschy, Gary A Kudma, Talt J Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M Simnioniw
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Patent number: 7306719Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnershipInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
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Patent number: 7285208Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnershipInventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 6428656Abstract: A water-cooled distilling apparatus for purifying or distilling raw water. The apparatus includes a boiler, cooling tray assembly, and collection vessel. In use, raw water is initially poured into the boiler which has a self-regulating screen in it. As the water beings to boil, the screen rises to float above the raw water. The height of the screen above the water automatically adjusts proportionately to the rate of boil to proportionately expose more or less surface area of the screen. A water film forms on the exposed surface area of the screen and clean steam rises therefrom into the cooling tray assembly where it is deflected into a condensing area on each level of the assembly. In each condensing area, heat is transferred from the steam into coolant water in a reservoir, causing the coolant water to evaporate from the reservoir and the steam to condense on the bottom of the surface of the reservoir. Distillate formed by the condensing steam is then collected and transferred to a collection vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota PartnershipInventors: Joel J. Bleth, Edward T. Strickland, Doug Walter
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Patent number: 5964959Abstract: A shoe cleaning device using liquid sprays and including a housing with a base portion and two side portions. The side portions are spaced from each other and extend upwardly from the base portion to form a U-shaped opening through the housing. In the preferred embodiment, rollers support the user's shoe as it is moved through the housing. Crisscrossing, upwardly directed sprays then strike and clean the shoe bottom while downwardly directed side sprays clean the shoe sides. Any portions of the upwardly directed, crisscrossing sprays not striking the user's shoe are captured in the opposing side portions and directed into the base portion. In this manner, the bottoms and sides of the user's shoes can be effectively cleaned without getting the user's leg or the tops of the shoes wet.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: PSI-ETSInventor: Joel J. Bleth
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Patent number: 4773444Abstract: A dual directional relief valve including a chamber within which is mounted a piston or valve member. The valve member is biased into a closed position covering and closing the open ends of two conduits. In the preferred embodiment, the conduits are respectively connected to opposite sides of a pump and the open ends of the conduits are concentrically positioned relative to each other. In operation and should dangerously high pressure develop on either side of the pump, the valve member will be opened and the high pressure relieved to pass harmlessly from one conduit to the other through the chamber. The valve member preferably has two surface portions of equal area covering the open ends of the conduits wherein the relief valve can be set to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded in either conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1986Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Inventors: Joel J. Bleth, Williard R. Tormaschy