Patents by Inventor Richard W. Christy

Richard W. Christy 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).

  • Publication number: 20170253495
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for water filtration of a milk of lime solution that contains water, impurities, and grit particles, in which the milk of lime solution enters a vessel, and wherein turbulence is created in the vessel, by which larger grit particles settle out of the milk of lime solution, to form a bed of grit particles in the lower end of the vessel, such that grit particles and impurities are filtered from the lime-treated water that comprises a milk of lime solution, with water then being drawn off, that may be discharged out one or more dosing locations and/or recycled back for further filtration, as may be desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 9745217
    Abstract: A lime stabilization system and method is provided in which thickened liquid sludge and lime are separately delivered, under controlled conditions, to a reaction tank and mixed therein to a predetermined pH, controlled via a programmable logic computer. The weight of liquid sludge in the reaction tank is controlled from the computer via load cells that measure the weight of such liquid sludge in the reaction tank. The computer monitors the amount of liquid sludge and lime delivered to the reaction tank, for mixing therein to a desired pH, for a predetermined amount of time, and the resultant mix is discharged from the reaction tank, to a holding tank, for return to the land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: RDP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Stephen H. Yost
  • Publication number: 20170240441
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to the atmosphere delivers treating doses of slaked lime slurry under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 9688547
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for water filtration of a milk of lime solution that contains water, impurities, and grit particles, in which the milk of lime solution enters a vessel, and wherein turbulence is created in the vessel, by which larger grit particles settle out of the milk of lime solution, to form a bed of grit particles in the lower end of the vessel, such that grit particles and impurities are filtered from the lime-treated water that comprises a milk of lime solution, with water then being drawn off, that may be discharged out one or more dosing locations and/or recycled back for further filtration, as may be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: RPD Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 9650293
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 9315399
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is provided for making a solution of sodium carbonate (soda ash) and water by which the soda ash is delivered in dry, particulate form to a silo, while air is being exhausted from the silo, dehumidifying air from the silo and discontinuing the dehumidifying of air while soda ash is being delivered to the silo, delumping soda ash in the silo, and then delivering water to a mixing vessel and transferring particulate soda ash to the treating vessel, in which it is mixed and the resulting solution is then discharged. The solution can be delivered to a storage tank or vessel and then to either a single or multiple outlet dosing station and/or some of the solution can be returned to a storage silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Publication number: 20150368127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for treating water with already-slaked lime to arrive at a lime slurry that is in a solution or suspension, and delivering the thus treated water to a separating device which separates grit particles therefrom, to recover a high quality lime/water solution or suspension. An automated system controls the addition of lime and water to a lime mixing vessel. An acid wash system is provided which comprises an automated method and apparatus for removing scale buildup, for delivering an acid wash solution to the lime mixing vessel, the lime slurry holding tank and/or the delivery system, or any of them, thereby dissolving the scale buildup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 9174861
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for treating water with already-slaked lime to arrive at a lime slurry that is in a solution or suspension, and delivering the thus treated water to a separating device which separates grit particles therefrom, to recover a high quality lime/water solution or suspension. An automated system controls the addition of lime and water to a lime mixing vessel. An acid wash system is provided which comprises an automated method and apparatus for removing scale buildup, for delivering an acid wash solution to the lime mixing vessel, the lime slurry holding tank and/or the delivery system, or any of them, thereby dissolving the scale buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 9169147
    Abstract: A lime stabilization system for treatment of sewage sludge, and method is provided in which dewatered sludge and lime are provided to a mixer. Lime and sludge are mixed to raise the pH during which volatiles are driven off with or without supplemental heat. A forced air draft prevents steam from backing up into the lime supply. The sludge goes to a discharge station via a transfer apparatus, and air containing any dust, odors, steam or ammonia is cleaned via a scrubber. The system is computer-controlled via gravimetric load cells and/or volumetric means. The system includes computer controlled means for dissolving scale resulting from exposure of surfaces to lime, using acid, water or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Stephen H. Yost
  • Publication number: 20150266775
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Publication number: 20150203386
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to the atmosphere delivers treating doses of slaked lime slurry under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 9023312
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 8939329
    Abstract: A sewage sludge silo is provided, having a central discharge arm for discharging sludge via a central discharge opening, by means of the discharge arm sweeping across a preferably sloped silo floor, with the discharge arm having upper and lower ends, with the lower end extending forward of the upper end in transverse generally vertical cross-section, as the discharge arm moves in a forward direction across the silo floor. The silo floor can be of multi-layer construction, with one of the layers being molded to facilitate a sloped configuration for the silo floor. The movement of a silo discharge arm can be computer controlled to adjust the speed of the discharge arm to maintain a predetermined or substantially constant rate of discharge of sludge from the silo, with such control being facilitated by appropriate sensor mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Publication number: 20140175026
    Abstract: A lime stabilization system for treatment of sewage sludge, and method is provided in which dewatered sludge and lime are provided to a mixer. Lime and sludge are mixed to raise the pH during which volatiles are driven off with or without supplemental heat. A forced air draft prevents steam from backing up into the lime supply. The sludge goes to a discharge station via a transfer apparatus, and air containing any dust, odors, steam or ammonia is cleaned via a scrubber. The system is computer-controlled via gravimetric load cells and/or volumetric means. The system includes computer controlled means for dissolving scale resulting from exposure of surfaces to lime, using acid, water or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: RDP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Stephen H. Yost
  • Patent number: 8682477
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the automated discharge of treated sewage sludge to trucks, via inventory management by tracking the flow of sludge from bins in which it is located to trucks, on a first-in/first-out basis, including automated truck positioning, automated precision truck loading and monitoring and controlling the various interrelated components via a PLC computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Patent number: 8662354
    Abstract: A sludge handling system includes at least one bin that receives sewage sludge at an upper end thereof, and that has sloped side wall(s) at the lower end thereof, for directing sewage sludge toward a generally central discharge opening. A rotating discharge device is provided in the form of a thin foil or blade that is rotationally driven to scrape along the sloped side wall(s) of the bin, scraping sludge therefrom, to keep the sludge from adhering to sloped portions of the bin, and to direct sludge out the discharge opening. The rotating discharge device is mounted on and carried by a generally cylindrical rotating table that is motor-driven. A generally cylindrical seal is also carried by the rotating table, and slides along the inside of a sludge discharge chute, at the discharge opening of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Michael J. Millman
  • Publication number: 20140034582
    Abstract: A lime stabilization system and method is provided in which thickened liquid sludge and lime are separately delivered, under controlled conditions, to a reaction tank and mixed therein to a predetermined pH, controlled via a programmable logic computer. The weight of liquid sludge in the reaction tank is controlled from the computer via load cells that measure the weight of such liquid sludge in the reaction tank. The computer monitors the amount of liquid sludge and lime delivered to the reaction tank, for mixing therein to a desired pH, for a predetermined amount of time, and the resultant mix is discharged from the reaction tank, to a holding tank, for return to the land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: RDP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Stephen H. Yost
  • Publication number: 20130294882
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the automated discharge of treated sewage sludge to trucks, via inventory management by tracking the flow of sludge from bins in which it is located to trucks, on a first-in/first-out basis, including automated truck positioning, automated precision truck loading and monitoring and controlling the various interrelated components via a PLC computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici, Louis Litz
  • Publication number: 20130256238
    Abstract: Process and apparatus is provided for making a solution of sodium carbonate (soda ash) and water by which the soda ash is delivered in dry, particulate form to a silo, while air is being exhausted from the silo, dehumidifying air from the silo and discontinuing the dehumidifying of air while soda ash is being delivered to the silo, delumping soda ash in the silo, and then delivering water to a mixing vessel and transferring particulate soda ash to the treating vessel, in which it is mixed and the resulting solution is then discharged. The solution can be delivered to a storage tank or vessel and then to either a single or multiple outlet dosing station and/or some of the solution can be returned to a storage silo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Publication number: 20130258799
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for mixing a powder material with water. The powder material can be powdered activated carbon (PAC) or a dry polymer. The powder material is provided from a container, and it is delivered to a feed hopper, then to a mixing vessel, where water is provided, to mix with the powder material through a wetting ring. A vibrator mechanism may be used to facilitate discharge of the powder material into the feed hopper. The powder material and water are mixed, in a mixing tank. When the powder material is a dry polymer, a variable speed mechanism may control the speed of the mixing. Load cells can support the weight of the container, feed hopper and mixing tank, feeding such information to a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: RDP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Michael Quici