Patents by Inventor Robert D. Rice

Robert D. Rice 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: 5194193
    Abstract: This method for the trenchless, in situ repair of underground pipe includes the steps of isolating a section of pipe to be repaired, heating a sealing material (having predetermined physical and chemical properties) to a liquid state, pumping the liquid material, under pressure as required, into the isolated section of pipe; circulating the liquid through the isolated section of pipe; and forcing the liquid into and through cracks in the pipe and into the soil surrounding the pipe. This is a thermal process wherein the molten material which is forced into the cracks and soil, cools and solidifies. The remaining liquid circulates through the isolated section of pipe and stays in a liquid state, because of retained internal heat, until it is removed from the pipe for storage and reuse. With this process, a novel bottom plug is used which allows the sealant to be applied to all cracks, crevices and even openings found where the smaller pipe connects to the larger pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventors: Edward G. Humphreys, Robert D. Rice
  • Patent number: 4166579
    Abstract: A high pressure, airless paint spray gun having a body with a nozzle at the forward end, a reciprocating valve operator for the nozzle and a pivotal hand lever for operating the valve operator and permitting paint to flow through the nozzle. Dual safety devices are provided for preventing the accidental depression of the hand lever and the accidental discharge of high pressure paint from the nozzle. One safety assembly consists of a pivotally mounted thumb lever on the back of the gun body that selectively receives or blocks a stem projecting rearwardly from the valve operator. The other safety assembly includes a trigger pivotally mounted on the hand lever that grabs a projection extending downwardly from the body and selectively prevents accidental pivotal movement of the hand lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore W. Beise, Robert D. Rice
  • Patent number: 4020706
    Abstract: A wheel spinner assembly used in dynamic balancing to spin the wheel to determine the magnitude and angular orientation of the imbalance. A motor and spinner are provided mounted on a support for pivoting the spinner into engagement with the wheel to be balanced. Also provided is a brake element that also has a pivotally mounted support so that the brake may be pivoted into engagement with the associated wheel after spinup. For the purpose of pivoting both the brake and the spinner selectively into engagement with the wheel to be balanced, a linkage assembly is provided including a first link connected to the spinner support and a second link pivotally connected to the first link at one end and the brake support at the other end. This linkage permits both the brake and the spinner to be operated by a common handle and also provides the operator with the proper leverage and feel during both braking and spinup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Inventors: John A. Gloviak, Robert D. Rice
  • Patent number: 3985863
    Abstract: Vapor mixtures containing ammonia, acid gases and water are contacted with aqueous ammonium phosphate solution to separate the ammonia from the acid gases and to permit recovery of the acid gases. This treatment may be performed on vapor mixtures obtained by steam stripping liquids containing ammonia and acid gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Rice, Thomas H. Bossler, Charles W. Hamilton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3941076
    Abstract: A motor driven pump, located substantially at the center of mass of a boat and its fixed contents, is provided with a series of selectively effective, aligned openings for taking in water from a selected direction and discharging it in the same direction, so that the boat can be shifted at will forward, backward, sidewise or obliquely without substantially affecting the orientation of the keel of the boat. Provision is made for the utilization of the same pump (1) for pumping out and discharging bilge water; (2) for utilizing water from the body of water in which the boat floats to fight fires; and (3) for turning the boat through simultaneous utilization of disaligned intake and discharge passages. Provision is further made for the optional use of an auxiliary boat driving motor in the stern of the boat with slide member for smoothly covering and streamlining the auxiliary motor operating space when such motor is withdrawn therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1976
    Inventor: Robert D. Rice