Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Beal

Thomas R. Beal 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: 6517711
    Abstract: An improved waste treatment system and improved waste treatment system components are provided. In a preferred form, a waste stream is initially separated into primarily solid and primarily liquid components, and the liquids are then fed to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a pair of filter elements, and the flow is introduced into the filter assembly at a location between the filter elements. During a filtering operation, the liquid is pumped so that it is drawn through one of the filter elements. Periodically, the flow can be reversed, so that it is directed through the other filter element, at which time the first filter element can also be purged or back flushed. Advantageous waste treatment system arrangements are also provided for household, commercial, or transportation/marine use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wastech International Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rummler, Thomas R. Beal, Guy D. Marchesseault, Christine L. Robblee, Steven McHenry
  • Patent number: 6377419
    Abstract: An automated video cassette library apparatus is provided which is actuated in response to command signals originated by an individual at a location remote from such apparatus to transfer a select video cassette in a horizontal plane from a cassette shelf to a cassette player each of which is located in a compact housing. The apparatus is then ready for use by another individual who may select another video cassette for playing upon another video player each of which is located in the same housing. The cassette player plays the video cassette and communicates the recorded program to the individual's television set. Upon completion of each play, the video cassette is rewound and automatically transferred from the cassette player to the cassette shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: GTE Vantage Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas R. Beal, Dennis W. Chalmers, Eric C. W. Lin
  • Patent number: 5853579
    Abstract: A treatment system is provided which can treat solid materials and/or liquid materials. Preferably, a separator initially separates liquid and solid materials, and the solid materials are deposited upon a substrate within a microwave cavity. Liquids remaining with the solid materials drain through the substrate, and the solid materials are subjected to microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are preferably also passed through a filter assembly which retains any suspended particles remaining in the liquid, and subjects the particles to microwaves. Exhaust filters can also be provided for the microwave cavities, and the exhaust filters can also be subject to microwaves to incinerate any particles remaining in the exhaust gas. Fire tube arrangements for incinerating solid materials retained or extracted by substrates or filters are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Wastech International Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rummler, Thomas R. Beal, Guy D. Marchesseault
  • Patent number: 5434832
    Abstract: An automated video cassette library apparatus is provided which is actuated in response to command signals originated by an individual at a location remote from such apparatus to transfer a select video cassette in a horizontal plane from a cassette shelf to a cassette player each of which is located in a compact housing. The apparatus is then ready for use by another individual who may select another video cassette for playing upon another video player each of which is located in the same housing. The cassette player plays the video cassette and communicates the recorded program to the individual's television set. Upon completion of each play, the video cassette is rewound and automatically transferred from the cassette player to the cassette shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: GTE Vantage Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas R. Beal, Dennis W. Chalmers, Eric C. W. Lin