Patents by Inventor John W. Marttila

John W. Marttila 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: 5472117
    Abstract: Apparatus and a related method for facilitating and controlling the flow within, and out of a particulate matter bulk storage facility is provided. The apparatus includes a pre-shaped member, preferably in the form of a substantially impermeable plate, held within the storage facility, in a substantially horizontal orientation, above a discharge port. The pre-shaped member is of a predetermined size and shape and is located at a predetermined height above the discharge port. A vibrator unit is attached to the pre-shaped member and preferably supplied with power transmitted through a flexible conduit which does not restrict the motion of the vibrator/pre-shaped member combination. Operation of the vibrator causes the pre-shaped member to oscillate thereby creating moving voids and shock waves within the stored material which promotes an even velocity profile across the storage facility and produces a mass flow unloading pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Geiser, John W. Marttila