Patents by Inventor Karsten E. Thompson

Karsten E. Thompson 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: 6602024
    Abstract: A novel method that promotes upward mobilization of dense nonaqueous-phase liquid contaminants. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (1) injecting a treating agent (e.g., a polyaphron solution) comprising a light organic-phase fluid (e.g., kerosene, xylene, octane, hexane, etc.) into the Earth's subsurface, targeted within or adjacent to the dense contaminant source zone; and (2) injecting a post-flush agent comprising a polyvalent cation (e.g., Al3+, Fe3+, etc.), or similar species, once the treating agent is displaced throughout the source zone. The treating agent converts the contaminant to a density less than the density of groundwater by inducing in-situ mixing. The post-flush agent destabilizes the polyaphrons thus allowing the contaminant and the treating agent to mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Kalliat T. Valsaraj, Karsten E. Thompson, Danny D. Reible, Le Yan