Patents by Inventor Stephen D. Shoap

Stephen D. Shoap 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: 20230278059
    Abstract: A cradle type structure is used to protect a cylindrical spray nozzle device from being crushed when both are buried in a trench in the ground. The cradle can be a three sided sheet of stainless steel that is open at the top. Brackets can connect the sides together for enhanced resistance to deformation. The top of the structure has a stainless steel lid that is hinged to the top of one of the sides. The lid protects the spray nozzle, but when the nozzle is spraying, the force of the water will push the lid up and out of the way of the spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 11673009
    Abstract: An automatic fluid spray system includes a water pump fluidly connected to a water source, a return conduit positioned to allow water exiting the water pump to return to the water source, and a spray line comprising a conduit and a plurality of spray elements. The automatic fluid spray system also has a valve that allows water exiting the water pump to either return to the water source or enter the spray line and one or more temperature sensors in electrical communication with a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically connected to the valve and configured to move the valve to supply water to the spray line when a temperature of at least 150° F. is detected by the one or more temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20220161082
    Abstract: An automatic fluid spray system includes a water pump fluidly connected to a water source, a return conduit positioned to allow water exiting the water pump to return to the water source, and a spray line comprising a conduit and a plurality of spray elements. The automatic fluid spray system also has a valve that allows water exiting the water pump to either return to the water source or enter the spray line and one or more temperature sensors in electrical communication with a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically connected to the valve and configured to move the valve to supply water to the spray line when a temperature of at least 150° F. is detected by the one or more temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen D. SHOAP
  • Publication number: 20220088620
    Abstract: A modular fluid spray nozzle is constructed from an inner conduit, having a sidewall with a center hole, housed inside a center conduit that includes a window defined by a sidewall, and a flexible or rigid outer conduit wrapped around the center conduit and forming a chamber with the rectangular window. The chamber is in fluid communication with the center hole and with at least two apertures defined by the outer conduit. The inner conduit is configured to be coupled to any type of conduit material, such as PVC pipe or another modular fluid hose segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 11203023
    Abstract: A modular fluid spray nozzle is constructed from an inner conduit, having a sidewall with a center hole, housed inside a center conduit that includes a window defined by a sidewall, and a flexible or rigid outer conduit wrapped around the center conduit and forming a chamber with the rectangular window. The chamber is in fluid communication with the center hole and with at least two apertures defined by the outer conduit. The inner conduit is configured to be coupled to any type of conduit material, such as PVC pipe or another modular fluid hose segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20210190241
    Abstract: A modular fluid spray nozzle is constructed from an inner conduit, having a sidewall with a center hole, housed inside a center conduit that includes a window defined by a sidewall, and a flexible or rigid outer conduit wrapped around the center conduit and forming a chamber with the rectangular window. The chamber is in fluid communication with the center hole and with at least two apertures defined by the outer conduit. The inner conduit is configured to be coupled to any type of conduit material, such as PVC pipe or another modular fluid hose segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 9561393
    Abstract: A fluid hose apparatus with integrated nozzle includes a hose having at least one sidewall hole formed within a sidewall thereof. At least one patch is affixed to the sidewall of the hose, the at least one patch positioned over the at least one sidewall hole. A chamber is formed between the at least one patch and the sidewall of the hose, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one sidewall hole. At least one nozzle is formed in an exterior wall of the at least one patch, wherein the at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the chamber. A related supply line system for conveying and spraying a fluid and method of protecting an elongated hose from a heat source is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20150328487
    Abstract: A fluid hose apparatus with integrated nozzle includes a hose having at least one sidewall hole formed within a sidewall thereof. At least one patch is affixed to the sidewall of the hose, the at least one patch positioned over the at least one sidewall hole. A chamber is formed between the at least one patch and the sidewall of the hose, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one sidewall hole. At least one nozzle is formed in an exterior wall of the at least one patch, wherein the at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the chamber. A related supply line system for conveying and spraying a fluid and method of protecting an elongated hose from a heat source is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 8113554
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 8016332
    Abstract: A container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is within the container. A plate is located within the container. An elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is located with the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to the plate. A first bumper is integral with the distal end of the elongated member. A first engagement mechanism is proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member. A first sensor is located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper. The sensor communicates with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7942350
    Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20100288366
    Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7819345
    Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20100109356
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7699347
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7695018
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20090071665
    Abstract: The system contains a plurality of conduit segments and at least one electrically-powered pump. At least one conduit connector joins the conduit segments and the electrically-powered pumps, thereby mating at least one fluid path. A plurality of electric power wires are coupled with the conduit segments and connected to the electrically-powered electric pumps. At least one electrical connector, within said conduit connectors, mates corresponding electric power wires between the conduit segments. An electric power source electrically connected to the electrically-powered pump via the electric power wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20090058113
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20090058136
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 4313159
    Abstract: Data storage and access apparatus for multi-dimensional data processing. The apparatus includes a storage shift register array (SSRA) to permit data storage and one or more storage/access shift register arrays (S/A SRA) to permit data storage and data access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap