Patents by Inventor Merton L. Dibble

Merton L. Dibble 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: 6481935
    Abstract: A device for establishing an optimal material flow rate through a material convey line in which a pressurized fluid flow is used to convey material entrained within the fluid passed through the convey line is disclosed. The device includes a plate defining an orifice therein, and a latching mechanism for detachably connecting the plate to an o discharge opening of the material convey line. A gasket is disposed on a first side of the plate and extends along the periphery thereof, and is adapted to be received on and sealed to the discharge end of the material convey line when connected thereto by the latching mechanism such that the fluid flow may pass through only the orifice within the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Merton L. Dibble, Ronald K. Dailey, Robert R. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20020085886
    Abstract: A device for establishing an optimal material flow rate through a material convey line in which a pressurized fluid flow is used to convey material entrained within the fluid passed through the convey line is disclosed. The device includes a plate defining an orifice therein, and a latching mechanism for detachably connecting the plate to an o discharge opening of the material convey line. A gasket is disposed on a first side of the plate and extends along the periphery thereof, and is adapted to be received on and sealed to the discharge end of the material convey line when connected thereto by the latching mechanism such that the fluid flow may pass through only the orifice within the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Merton L. Dibble, Ronald K. Dailey, Robert R. Stanley
  • Patent number: 6350086
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing the proper gas flow to pneumatically convey materials from a storage location. The device includes a plate of a size to be complementarily received over a discharge end of a convey line and connected thereto. The plate defines an orifice extending therethrough so that the orifice allows fluid communication between the convey line and atmosphere. The system blower then is used and the speed of the blower is set to establish a predetermined pressure. The blower is stopped, the device is removed, and the blower is restarted at the same speed as set using the device, which is the optimal unloading gas flow for that material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Merton L. Dibble, Ronald K. Dailey, Robert R. Stanley
  • Patent number: 5975642
    Abstract: A system for transporting and unloading dry chemicals in a container including a removable bulk head and a liner. The bulk head has a top and a bottom. The bulk head is tilted when installed in the container such that the top of the bulk head is at the back of the container and the bottom of the bulk head is recessed into the container. The bulk head has an opening at a bottom center portion thereof. The liner has an opening and fits within the container. The liner has a funnel extension fitting through the opening in the bulk head. The funnel extension has a diameter which decreases toward the opening in the liner, with increasing distance from the bulk head. The funnel extension extends across substantially the entire width of the container. The container has a height, and the removable bulk head has a length extending between the top and the bottom, which length is greater than the height of the container. The system also has an adapter which attaches to the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Merton L. Dibble, Walter P. Panek
  • Patent number: 5391355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially vertically disposed vessel for the continuous gravity plug flow of solid particles and countercurrent flow of fluid, the improvement comprising the vessel having at least one fluid inlet and a fluid distributing member communicating therewith and extending therefrom for the introduction of fluid into the vessel, the fluid distributor being of a generally inverted V-shape to provide for the substantially uninterrupted mass plug flow of particles past said distributor and discharge of gas out the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Merton L. Dibble, Paul K. Scherrer