Patents by Inventor Julio A. Zimbron

Julio A. Zimbron 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: 10112854
    Abstract: A method for controlling petroleum hydrocarbon (NAPL) sheen releases resulting from seeps, ebullition and erosion, on water surfaces, is described. An oleophilic bio-Barrier (OBBs), which may include a composite of hydrocarbon sorptive materials through which water is readily conducted, is placed at a groundwater/surface water interface (GSI) for promoting natural aerobic degradation of the intercepted/adsorbed NAPL through natural cycling of aerobic surface water and/or atmospheric oxygen. OBBs may be protected by structural covers (i.e., sand and rock gabions, as examples).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignees: Colorado State University Research Foundation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Arcadis Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio A. Zimbron, Thomas C. Sale, Matthew J. Biondolillo, Philip H. Batten, Marc Chalfant, Mark Lyverse
  • Publication number: 20160075576
    Abstract: A method for controlling petroleum hydrocarbon (NAPL) sheen releases resulting from seeps, ebullition and erosion, on water surfaces, is described. An oleophilic bio-Barrier (OBBs), which may include a composite of hydrocarbon sorptive materials through which water is readily conducted, is placed at a groundwater/surface water interface (GSI) for promoting natural aerobic degradation of the intercepted/adsorbed NAPL through natural cycling of aerobic surface water and/or atmospheric oxygen. OBBs may be protected by structural covers (i.e., sand and rock gabions, as examples).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Julio A. Zimbron, Thomas C. Sale, Matthew J. Biondolillo, Philip H. Batten, Marc Chalfant, Mark Lyverse
  • Patent number: 8714034
    Abstract: A passive sampling apparatus and method for measuring the cumulative mass of a selected gas being transported through a known cross-sectional area, for example, a soil surface, during a chosen period of time, using absorbent material, are described. Two quantities of absorbent material are disposed in a hollow container, such as a pipe section, and spaced apart such that they may be readily separated for analysis. The absorbent material closest to the soil captures the gas leaving the soil. Under reversed flow conditions, for example when the ambient air enters the ground because of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, the upper absorbent material captures the component of interest entering the apparatus, thereby preventing this gas from entering the lower material and disturbing the measurement. The apparatus can therefore sequester the component of interest without being affected by the direction of gas transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Colorado State University Research Foundation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Julio A. Zimbron, Thomas C. Sale, Mark Lyverse
  • Publication number: 20130031955
    Abstract: A passive sampling apparatus and method for measuring the cumulative mass of a selected gas being transported through a known cross-sectional area, for example, a soil surface, during a chosen period of time, using absorbent material, are described. Two quantities of absorbent material are disposed in a hollow container, such as a pipe section, and spaced apart such that they may be readily separated for analysis. The absorbent material closest to the soil captures the gas leaving the soil. Under reversed flow conditions, for example when the ambient air enters the ground because of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, the upper absorbent material captures the component of interest entering the apparatus, thereby preventing this gas from entering the lower material and disturbing the measurement. The apparatus can therefore sequester the component of interest without being affected by the direction of gas transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Julio A. Zimbron, Thomas C. Sale, Mark Lyverse