Patents by Inventor Michael Ayers

Michael Ayers 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: 9199287
    Abstract: A passive valveless gas vent for a landfill includes a sub-surface gas collection manifold for collecting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane. The collection manifold includes a plenum for receiving sub-surface gas, and the plenum defines an interior volume. A conduit is connected to and extends upwardly from the plenum, with the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and having an upper discharge end. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for communicating sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum through the geomembrane. A hood is positioned adjacent an upper portion of the conduit and defines a discharge chamber therein into which gas from the discharge end of the conduit is discharged. The hood also has a discharge outlet for venting gas from within the discharge chamber to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Patent number: 9163375
    Abstract: A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Watershed Geosynthetics LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ayers, Jose Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20150252525
    Abstract: A system for covering (i.e., closing) various types of sites where waste is deposited comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles that are tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable geomembrane, which is comprised of a polymeric material. The geotextiles can comprise polypropylene or polyethylene. The cover can include wind-resistant textured synthetic blade-like elements, such as vertical filaments, secured over a low-permeable polymer liner backing. Advantageously, the system does not rely on piled-on weight to resist wind forces and the cover can be deployed over a large area with little or no ballasting or anchoring. Optionally, the cover includes vertical filaments attached to the liner to break the wind aero-dynamics on the exposed cover. With this system, it is believed that the wind velocity on the impermeable surface (membrane) now becomes turbulent near the surface of the cover, thus greatly reducing the actual wind velocity at the liner surface and decreasing associated uplift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ayers, Jose Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20150118418
    Abstract: A geocomposite covering for placement atop the ground and includes a lower carrier layer and an intermediate layer of particulate material positioned above the lower carrier layer. A synthetic turf is positioned over the particulate material and is affixed to the lower carrier layer to contain the particulate material between the lower carrier layer and the synthetic turf. The synthetic turf is affixed to the lower carrier layer by one or more of stitches, needle-punched staple fibers, linking fibers, heat bonded fibers, or mechanical fasteners. The particulate material can include clays, cementitious materials, granular material, powder-like material, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS, LLC
    Inventors: Bradford COOLEY, Michael AYERS
  • Publication number: 20150104257
    Abstract: A revetment panel construction including a geotextile fabric positioned atop the ground, a synthetic turf positioned atop the geotextile fabric and affixed thereto to form an elongate bladder, and a filling placed within the elongate bladder. Optionally, the revetment panel construction includes a geotextile fabric positioned atop the ground, an elongate filled bladder positioned atop the geotextile fabric, and a synthetic turf positioned atop the filled bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Bradford Cooley, Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20150086279
    Abstract: An earthwork basket including a wire or mesh cage or basket and a synthetic turf liner. The basket has at least two sides and the synthetic turf liner is affixed to at least one side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: BRADFORD COOLEY, MICHAEL AYERS
  • Publication number: 20140270992
    Abstract: A synthetic ground cover method includes placing a synthetic grass atop the ground, the synthetic grass including a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover method also includes applying an infill ballast to the synthetic grass by spreading the infill ballast over and onto the synthetic grass from a moving vehicle. The infill ballast can be sand, soil, or a binding infill (such as cementitious materials).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20140261788
    Abstract: A gas vent for a landfill includes a sub-surface gas collection manifold for collecting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane. Preferably, the collection manifold includes a plenum for receiving sub-surface gas. A conduit is connected to and extends upwardly from the plenum, with the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and having an upper discharge end. The conduit is adapted and provided for communicating sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum through the geomembrane. A low-pressure relief valve is operative for opening when positive pressure exists within the conduit. The low-pressure relief valve comprises a valve membrane normally resting upon a seat and which is lifted off the seat by low positive pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS LLC
    Inventors: Delaney LEWIS, Jose URRUTIA, Michael AYERS
  • Publication number: 20140251473
    Abstract: A near-surface collection manifold for extracting and/or venting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane includes a plenum defining an enclosure with an upper portion. A conduit extends upwardly from the upper portion of the plenum, the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and has external threads for receiving a threaded nut thereon. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for withdrawing sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum and through the geomembrane. A gasket having an opening formed therein is slipped over the conduit and above the geomembrane so that the geomembrane is sandwiched between the gasket and the upper portion of the plenum. A threaded nut is fitted to the conduit and above the gasket for securing the gasket against the geomembrane, thereby sealing the geomembrane to the upper portion of the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20140255101
    Abstract: A passive valveless gas vent for a landfill includes a sub-surface gas collection manifold for collecting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane. The collection manifold includes a plenum for receiving sub-surface gas, and the plenum defines an interior volume. A conduit is connected to and extends upwardly from the plenum, with the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and having an upper discharge end. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for communicating sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum through the geomembrane. A hood is positioned adjacent an upper portion of the conduit and defines a discharge chamber therein into which gas from the discharge end of the conduit is discharged. The hood also has a discharge outlet for venting gas from within the discharge chamber to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20140238589
    Abstract: A method for covering a site with synthetic turf includes laying down a first elongate strip of synthetic turf, laying down a second elongate strip of synthetic turf, with the second elongate strip of synthetic turf is laid down substantially adjacent to the first elongate strip of synthetic turf in a manner such that a portion of the second elongate strip partially overlays a portion of the first elongate strip forming a lap joint. The method also includes the step of applying heat and/or pressure to weld the first elongate strip of synthetic turf to the second elongate strip of synthetic turf along the lap joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS LLC
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20140170339
    Abstract: A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable backing/layer. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Watershed Geosynthetics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose URRUTIA
  • Publication number: 20120230777
    Abstract: A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Ayers, Jose Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20120063854
    Abstract: A system for covering various types of ground where water and wind erosion protection are needed comprises a composite of at least one geotextile tufted or knitted with synthetic yarns (forming a synthetic turf), an open grid mesh, and a geo-filter (filter fabric). The filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface, the open grid mesh is positioned over the filter fabric, and the synthetic turf is positioned over the open grid mesh. The system provides a beneficial erosion protection that does not require maintenance and can be used to cover slopes without requiring vegetative support and/or a topsoil layer. An optional sand layer can be placed atop the synthetic turf as desired as infill to ballast the material and protect the system against wind uplift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose URRUTIA
  • Publication number: 20120064262
    Abstract: A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall and/or synthetic grass cover including alternating layers of granular fills and soil reinforcement geo-grids; a wire wall facing; and a synthetic grass cover for covering the wire wall facing, the synthetic grass comprising a geo-textile backing and a plurality of synthetic grass blades comprising synthetic yarns tufted into the geo-textile backing and having a length and density sufficient to substantially shade the geo-textile backing from solar UV rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose URRUTIA
  • Publication number: 20120064263
    Abstract: A system for covering (i.e., closing) various types of sites where waste is deposited comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles that are tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable geomembrane, which is comprised of a polymeric material. The cover can include wind-resistant textured synthetic blade-like elements, such as vertical filaments, secured over a low-permeable polymer liner backing. Advantageously, the system does not rely on piled-on weight to resist wind forces and the cover can be deployed over a large area with little or no ballasting or anchoring. Optionally, the cover includes vertical filaments attached to the liner to break the wind aero-dynamics on the exposed cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose URRUTIA
  • Patent number: 8034890
    Abstract: This invention provides a process for making a polyfunctional starburst-shaped fullerene derivative for use as a matrix-reinforcing agent for mesoporous and other porous materials. This invention can include the formation of a highly soluble example of such a derivative from a fullerene and a bifunctional coupling agent. A solution of said agent can be delivered to the surface of a porous solid during, or after, the solids formation. Porous films and bodies containing such a matrix-reinforcing agent can exhibit improved mechanical properties, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of porous materials preparations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roskilde Semiconductor LLC
    Inventor: Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20110093349
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method and computer program products for providing an offer in a specific location. The method is embodied in a computer program product for execution on an instruction processing system and includes a tangible storage medium readable by the instruction processing system and storing instructions for execution by the instruction processing system for performing the method. The method further includes determining at least one offer to be sent to a user device, sending the at least one offer to user device and receiving information regarding the completion of the at least one offer. The method further includes verifying the user completed a task associated with the at least one offer and providing a benefit to an owner of the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: extrafeet, inc.
    Inventors: Susan Drescher, Lani Mathis, Michael Ayers, Brian Dean, Donald Synstelien
  • Publication number: 20090024482
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for deploying a requested widget as an advertisement on a remote device. The system comprising means for determining location of the remote device, means for determining if the requested widget to be placed on the remote device exists, and means for serving the requested widget as an advertisement to the remote device if the location is enabled for the requested widget and the requested widget exists. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for deploying a requested widget as an advertisement on a remote device. The method operates by determining location of the remote device, determining if the requested widget to be placed on the remote device exists, and serving the requested widget as an advertisement to the remote device if the location is enabled for the requested widget and the requested widget exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Fox Interactive Media
    Inventors: Donald E. Synstelien, Jesse Edwards, Frank Spitzka, Michael Ayers
  • Publication number: 20080069642
    Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Ayers, Jose Urrutia