Patents by Inventor Pamela J. Watson

Pamela J. Watson 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: 5196401
    Abstract: A method of enhancing the fragmentation and excavation of hard, solid materials such as rock formations is provided which comprises adding to the rock surface an aqueous solution including a high molecular weight nonionic polymer such as polyethylene oxide which is capable of hydrogen bonding with water to produce charge-neutralizing positive charge dipoles. The nonionic polymeric solution is thus capable of neutralizing the rock surface charge and obtaining a condition of zero surface charge (ZSC) so that the drilling, tunneling, cutting or other similar operation can be conducted with substantial increases in drilling performance and penetration rate. The method is also extremely effective in extending the lives of drill bits, cutting tools, grinding media, or other polishing or drilling tools such that an enormous savings in terms of replacing equipment can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: William H. Engelmann, Pamela J. Watson, Sanaa E. Khalafalla, John E. Pahlman, Patrick A. Tuzinski
  • Patent number: 4959164
    Abstract: The enhancement of rock fragmentation and rock excavation by neutralizing the rock surface charge with respect to the drilling, tunneling, cutting, grinding, or polishing fluid. Water-soluble, high-molecular-weight, nonionic polymers are employed to neutralize the surface charge on the rock, thereby promoting increased drilling, cutting, tunneling, grinding and polishing performance resulting in increases in drilling, tunneling, cutting, grinding and polishing penetration rate, extensions in bit, cutting tool, grinding media, and polishing tool life and dust suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: William H. Engelmann, Pamela J. Watson, Patrick A. Tuzinski, John E. Pahlman, Sanaa E. Khalafalla