Patents by Inventor Kenneth D. Hughes

Kenneth D. Hughes 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: 10433529
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment and culture of worms, and the preparation of composts, vermicomposts, and castings from organic and inorganic wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 10165762
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the housing and maintenance of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of these species and will find wide applicability in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9592310
    Abstract: Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9334098
    Abstract: Devices are disclosed for the generation and containment of reactive treatment agents. Formulations containing these agents can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, nutritional and dietary supplements, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8636919
    Abstract: Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20130316903
    Abstract: Plant and soil nutrient compositions are provided in solid unitary bodies using worm castings. Solid bodies are created in easily recognizable shapes and carry major and minor plant nutrients, soil enhancers, beneficial microorganisms, plant materials, and combinations thereof. Solid bodies containing plant and soil nutrients can be used on substrate surfaces, underground in plant root zones, and to prepare liquid preparations for use in agriculture and landscape care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120214223
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment and culture of worms, and the preparation of composts, vermicomposts, and castings from organic and inorganic wastes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8091510
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment, hatching, and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms important in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20110290632
    Abstract: The invention describes a unique and novel pyrolysis kiln for separating water vapor from a carbonaceous feedstock early in the pyrolysis process. The kiln structure includes two fans, one located near the proximal end of the kiln, the other near the kiln's distal end. Both fans create a local decrease in pressure at the respective ends with a dead zone in the intermediate region between the two ends of the kiln. At the proximal end, low temperature volatiles are removed, especially water vapor, and directed to a waste water cleanup station. Early removal of the water vapor makes the remaining pyrolysis process substantially more efficient. At the distal end, the high temperature hydrocarbons and other impurities are removed in a conventional manner and directed to a hot gas cleanup unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert J. von Gutfeld, Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100218728
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the housing and maintenance of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of these species and will find wide applicability in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20100218727
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment, hatching, and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms important in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
  • Patent number: 7383946
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for use in containing and releasing a gas, particularly a reactive gas. The composition can include a reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof; a fluid in which the reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof is dissolved; and a solid material (e.g., particles or fibers) in which fluid is absorbed or adsorbed, wherein the solid material controls the formation or release of the reactive gas. The materials and methods allow rapid and safe generation, transfer, and application of high concentrations of chlorine dioxide gas in solid, liquid, and gas phase systems and are suitable for a variety of chlorine dioxide applications, such as disinfecting and sanitizing liquids, solid surfaces, and porous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7201841
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to composite materials and to devices which may alter fluid parameters. Devices incorporating the composite materials of the invention are used to deliver, remove, and generate, fluid treatment agents, and combinations thereof. These materials and devices are applicable to many different fluid processing situations including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, emission treatment, pollution cleanup, and sensing fluid composition. In its more particular aspects, the invention relates to the field of composites that may be widely tailored for many different treatment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Water Visions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7186344
    Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble inorganic, organic, and microbiological contaminants from a fluid stream employing a pretreatment module, a post-treatment module, a recycle stream module or any combination thereof, and a membrane module, is provided. The process provided reduces the problems associated with membrane fouling and increases contaminant removal capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Water Visions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6957743
    Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological contaminants, such as fluids containing including bacteria and/or viruses, where the fluid water is passed through a purification material composed of apatite and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Watervisions International, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur W. Johnston, Arthur F. Johnston, Frank A. Williams, Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6878285
    Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble inorganic, organic, and microbiological contaminants from a fluid stream employing a pretreatment module, a post-treatment module, a recharge stream module or any combination thereof, and an ion exchange module, is provided. The process provided reduces the problems associated with ion exchange material fouling and increases contaminant removal capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Watervisions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6861002
    Abstract: A method and device for the chemical conversion, filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and cysts, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of fluid treatment carbon, metal phosphates, metal oxides, reduced metals, metal silicates, metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal hydroxides, or combinations thereof. The material may be included in a fixed binder matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: WaterVisions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6833075
    Abstract: A method and device for filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing metals, water treatment chemicals, reactive chemicals and microorganisms, where the fluid is passed through a composite material composed of fluid treatment media with or without a binder matrix in which the filtration media, binder, or support structures, or a combination thereof contains a surface treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Watervisions International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20040232068
    Abstract: A method for generating composite materials and devices from these materials for the filtration, purification, and processing of fluids, water, or other solutions containing microbiological or chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing cysts, bacteria, and/or viruses and inorganic and/or organic contaminants, where the fluid is passed through or over a composite purification material composed of non-expandable and expandable matter that swell through the absorption of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur W. Johnston, Frank A. Williams, Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20040159605
    Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing cysts, bacteria and/or viruses, and heavy metals and/or pesticides, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of magnesium containing mineral and more preferably silicates containing magnesium, oxides containing magnesium, hydroxides containing magnesium, and phosphates containing magnesium and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes