Patents by Inventor John Burwell
John Burwell 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: 8091728Abstract: A wet well apparatus, and installation method therefore, that includes a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a body axis defining an interior material holding volume and a base form closing the first end of the cylindrical body to define a base interior volume adjacent the interior material holding volume of the cylindrical body. The base form is configured to receive a flowable fill material in the base interior volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventor: John Burwell
-
Publication number: 20110220321Abstract: A geothermal vault apparatus for use in a geothermal system includes a tank vault to enclose the one or more manifolds of the system. The tank vault includes a tank shell defining an interior volume (e.g., formed of fiber reinforced plastic material), an access opening to permit a person to enter the tank shell, and an arrangement of a plurality of transition fittings located in a cylindrical wall of the tank shell and configured to couple a plurality of energy transfer pipes (e.g., HPDE pipes) to a plurality of ports of the one or more manifolds enclosed within the tank vault.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Kevin Bryan Hawthorne, Jeffrey William Lexvold, John Burwell, Michael A. Mueller, Thomas L. Tietjen
-
Publication number: 20100084409Abstract: A wet well apparatus, and installation method therefore, that includes a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end along a body axis defining an interior material holding volume and a base form closing the first end of the cylindrical body to define a base interior volume adjacent the interior material holding volume of the cylindrical body. The base form is configured to receive a flowable fill material in the base interior volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: XERXES CORPORATIONInventor: John Burwell
-
Publication number: 20080101864Abstract: The invention provides a long steel reinforced concrete deadman with superior strength for anchoring underground storage tanks (USTs). Reinforcing steel bars about 0.88 inches in diameter provide an advantageously high ultimate flexural strength capacity for a concrete deadman. Among the advantages offered by high flexural strength is the ability to use a longer deadman about 30 feet or more in length, which simplifies installation of USTs, especially in a flooded hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Albert Dorris, John Burwell, Don Abel, Michael Mueller, Greg Carty, Dave Grams
-
Publication number: 20080099490Abstract: An attached sump collar for an underground storage tank (UST) provides a flat surface for a connection with a fixture from the UST. Connecting the fixture at a flat surface of the sump collar advantageously improves the efficiency of the seal between the collar and the fixture. The connection may be made at a nearly right angle. In one embodiment, the seal is liquidtight, and the collar is used in combination with a liquidtight riser.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: John Burwell
-
Patent number: 7337590Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin L. Berg, Sr., David Grams
-
Patent number: 7229233Abstract: A double walled riser sump has an annular space between the two walls. The provision of the annular space provides for monitoring the integrity of the two walls of the sump. The two walls of the sump are preferably separated by a thin film or a distance fabric that allows the passage of fluids, and preferably liquids. The annular space may be in fluid communication with a reservoir holding a monitoring fluid and positioned near the top of the sump to be easily accessible. In some embodiments, a top of the riser sump is also double walled and the top annular space is in fluid communication with the annular space between the vertical walls. If a leak develops in either wall of the sump, a corresponding drop in the fluid level of the reservoir will occur.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: John Burwell, Michael G. Zais, Roberto Sanchez
-
Patent number: 7150582Abstract: A form suitable for use in an underground storage tank installation includes an upper portion sized and shaped to receive a street box and a lower portion that fits over and surrounds an upper portion of a riser on the tank. In preferred embodiments, the riser acts as a containment sump, a portion of the riser sidewall is double walled, and the bottom of the lower portion of the form extends to a depth below the top of the double walled portion of the riser. Preferably, the cross sectional shape of the form is circular and the bottom of the riser's lower portion is outwardly flanged, which serves to support the form during installation operations. The form has a stepped structure, with the upper portion of the form having a smaller circumference than the lower portion and a transition between the upper and lower portions forming the step.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventor: John Burwell
-
Publication number: 20060210359Abstract: A form suitable for use in an underground storage tank installation includes an upper portion sized and shaped to receive a street box and a lower portion that fits over and surrounds an upper portion of a riser on the tank. In preferred embodiments, the riser acts as a containment sump, a portion of the riser sidewall is double walled, and the bottom of the lower portion of the form extends to a depth below the top of the double walled portion of the riser. Preferably, the cross sectional shape of the form is circular and the bottom of the riser's lower portion is outwardly flanged, which serves to support the form during installation operations. The form has a stepped structure, with the upper portion of the form having a smaller circumference than the lower portion and a transition between the upper and lower portions forming the step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventor: John Burwell
-
Patent number: 7028967Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin L. Berg, Sr., David Grams
-
Publication number: 20050201830Abstract: A double walled riser sump has an annular space between the two walls. The provision of the annular space provides for monitoring the integrity of the two walls of the sump. The two walls of the sump are preferably separated by a thin film or a distance fabric that allows the passage of fluids, and preferably liquids. The annular space may be in fluid communication with a reservoir holding a monitoring fluid and positioned near the top of the sump to be easily accessible. In some embodiments, a top of the riser sump is also double walled and the top annular space is in fluid communication with the annular space between the vertical walls. If a leak develops in either wall of the sump, a corresponding drop in the fluid level of the reservoir will occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: September 15, 2005Inventors: John Burwell, Michael Zais, Roberto Sanchez
-
Publication number: 20050155192Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin Berg, David Grams
-
Patent number: 6889865Abstract: A storage tank includes a dome placed over an open end of a riser and secured to the riser by a fiberglass ring formed over a flanged end of the dome and a portion of the riser that is adjacent to the dome such that the interior of the tank may be pressurized to facilitate leak detection. A fillet of putty or other material that will not adhere or only weakly adhere to the riser and dome is placed over a horizontal surface of the flanged end. This arrangement allows the dome to be removed from the riser by simply grinding away a corner portion of the fiberglass ring at the bottom edge of the dome. The dome may then be reused for other tanks. In another embodiment, a domed cover is formed on an interior of the riser. The domed cover preferably includes a flat outside edge which is permanently attached to the inside wall of the riser. After the tank has been installed and tested, the domed portion is cut away, leaving the flat edge attached to the interior wall of the riser.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: John Burwell, Don Abel, Chester Batzkiel, Greg Carty, Onesimo Gomez, David Lehman, Roberto Sanchez, Robin L. Berg, Sr.
-
Patent number: 6698610Abstract: A triple-walled underground storage tank is provided with primary, secondary and tertiary walls. Between each two adjacent walls, an annular space is provided. The annular space is continuous throughout, and permits the flow of liquid therein. Monitors may be provided separately for each annulus, to detect the formation of leaks, or a lack of containment, in either wall defining the annular space. In one embodiment, the tertiary wall is a smooth cylinder formed about the circumferential ribs of the secondary wall. In the alternative embodiment, the rib-bearing wall is the tertiary wall, and the walls and annular materials of the tank are formed within a female mold. In either case, a tank prepared from integral ribs, with superior robustness and strength, is provided with triple containment.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Robin Berg, John Burwell, Albert F Dorris, John Smith
-
Publication number: 20030205499Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin L. Berg, David Grams
-
Patent number: 6551024Abstract: A double walled storage tank includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a plurality of ribs disposed between the inner and outer walls, and a plurality of annular spaces between the ribs. The annular space between each pair of ribs is connected to other annular spaces only at the top of the tank. When a leak occurs in either the outer or inner wall, the annular space corresponding to the leak will at least partially drain while the other annular spaces will remain full. Thus, the leak location can be determined by simply examining the annular spaces between pairs of ribs.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: Robin L. Berg, Sr., John Burwell, Richard J. Kelber
-
Patent number: 6517719Abstract: A storage tank includes an oil and water separator in which the frontal area of the coalescers is increased relative to known arrangements of coalescers in oil and water separators. By arranging the coalescers such that the surface area of the coalescers is increased, the efficiency of the coalescers is increased. In some preferred embodiments, the coalescers are arranged in a bank with free flow fluid paths between the coalescers in the bank, each of the paths being closed by a baffle on one end and open on an opposite end, and the baffles are arranged such that the open and closed ends of paths alternate. In other preferred embodiments, the coalescers are arranged in a tubular fashion and fluid flows from the outside surface of the tube through the coalescers and out a central path.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventor: John Burwell
-
Patent number: 6467344Abstract: A method for calculating underground storage tank (UST) buoyancy and buoyancy safety factors defines boundaries of side areas such that the boundaries do not overlap for multiple tank installations. Installation plan information may be input over a medium such as the Internet. The computer calculates the buoyancy and buoyancy safety factor and returns this information to the requesting party over the same medium. This technique allows installers to verify the adequacy of installation plans quickly. Records of the information provided by the installer may be kept so the recipient of the information (typically the UST manufacturer) can reconcile differences between the actual installation and the installation plan in the event of UST flotation. The information may be provided on a paper form supplied by the installer.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: Kiet T. Ly, John Burwell, Albert F. Dorris, Robin Berg
-
Publication number: 20020084276Abstract: A triple-walled underground storage tank is provided with primary, secondary and tertiary walls. Between each two adjacent walls, an annular space is provided. The annular space is continuous throughout, and permits the flow of liquid therein. Monitors may be provided separately for each annulus, to detect the formation of leaks, or a lack of containment, in either wall defining the annular space. In one embodiment, the tertiary wall is a smooth cylinder formed about the circumferential ribs of the secondary wall. In the alternative embodiment, the rib-bearing wall is the tertiary wall, and the walls and annular materials of the tank are formed within a female mold. In either case, a tank prepared from integral ribs, with superior robustness and strength, is provided with triple containment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Robin Berg, John Burwell, Albert F. Dorris, John Smith
-
Patent number: D461775Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Lyall Assemblies, Inc.Inventors: Paul Littrell, John Burwell