Martin S Oudenhoven

US Patent:

43940510, Jul 19, 1983

Filed:

Jun 3, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/270038

Inventors:

Martin S. Oudenhoven - Lakewood CO

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Interior - Washington DC

International Classification:

E21C 3706

US Classification:

299 16

Abstract:

A method of breaking rock from a free surface which uses hydrofracturing to induce rock failure. Initially, a hole is cut in the rock face to a depth suitable for spalling by a high pressure water jet drill. Next, at the bottom of this hole a thin circular slot is hydraulically cut into the rock. The slot's circular axis is cut parallel to the transverse axis of the hole and the slot is made larger than the hole diameter. Following this step, a high pressure packer, with a high pressure tube passing through its center, is inserted into the drill hole. This packer is placed near the bottom of the hole above the slot and inflated. A fluid, like water, under high pressure is pumped down the hole past the packer into the slotted area. This high pressure fluid initiates a tensile fracture in the rock at the circular periphery of the slot. Tension is induced in the rock at this peripheral location due to the small radius of curvature existing there.

US Patent:

46827285, Jul 28, 1987

Filed:

Aug 27, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/769890

Inventors:

Martin S. Oudenhoven - Lakewood CO
Frank Ruskey - Wheatridge CO

International Classification:

G05D 23185

US Classification:

236 1212

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for controlling the mixing of two fluids to form a mixed fluid, and the volume discharge rate of the mixed fluid. In a particular application, the two fluids are hot and cold water, and the mixing is controlled to effect temperature control of the mixed water. A specially-designed integral temperature control and volume control valve is included as part of the system. Operation of the valve is controlled by two stepper motors, which in turn are controlled by signals developed by a control unit. Means for setting a desired temperature and volume rate discharge, as well as means for displaying the set temperature and volume rate discharge, are also provided.