David Nigel Sims

US Patent:

20100122981, May 20, 2010

Filed:

Nov 12, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/616825

Inventors:

David M. Sims - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

B65D 88/02
B65D 21/02
B65D 81/26
F16K 27/00
B61D 45/00
B60P 7/135
B60P 7/14
B60P 7/15

US Classification:

220 16, 220 2383, 206204, 251366, 410144, 410129

Abstract:

The application relates to shipping container systems that include a large multi-layered flexible container (“flexitank”) disposed inside a large rigid shipping container which has an open end with one or more doors capable of an open or closed position, and further including one or more bulkhead assemblies, one of the bulkhead assemblies interposed between the flexitank and the open end of the rigid container and/or the doors. In at least one specific embodiment, the bulkhead assembly includes a first brace disposed vertically along a portion of the first side wall inner surface; a second brace disposed vertically along a portion of the second side wall inner surface; and a bulkhead panel member extending horizontally between the first brace and the second brace. In other embodiments, bulkhead assemblies may utilize generally curved or “swept” bulkhead bars, which do not require vertical braces.

US Patent:

20100147728, Jun 17, 2010

Filed:

Dec 15, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/638412

Inventors:

Melvin Guiles - Grand Haven MI, US
Todd Armstrong - Grand Haven MI, US
Richard D. Heinz - Grand Haven MI, US
James H. Dodd - Grand Haven MI, US
Kenneth E. McKeller - Jension MI, US
David Michael Sims - Houston TX, US
Michael Shane Sims - Cypress TX, US
Donald Patrick Reilly - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

B65D 81/02
B65D 88/00
B23P 11/00
B23P 19/00

US Classification:

206521, 220 15, 29428, 294261

Abstract:

An energy-absorbing bulkhead apparatus includes high-strength roll formed tubular bars, and a bar-supporting sheet to distribute stress from product shifting in large shipping containers during transport. Parts are re-useable and can be quickly installed into the shipping container at selected locations such as near the container's doors. The bars can be swept and/or have deformed/configured ends shaped to engage channel features in side walls of the large shipping container. The bars may define spaced tubes and a tie rod for added strength. For example, the bars can be steel having 120 KSI to 220 KSI tensile strength, and have a cross-section 2-3 inches in depth and 4-6 inches in height, a length of 94 long, and a longitudinal sweep of 6 inches curvature. A flexitank can be positioned in the shipping container and supported by a combination of the bulkhead.

US Patent:

20110083768, Apr 14, 2011

Filed:

Oct 9, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/576684

Inventors:

David M. Sims - Houston TX, US
Nancy Wendrock - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Environmental Packaging Technologies Limited - Houston TX

International Classification:

B65B 1/04
B67D 7/00
B65D 30/00

US Classification:

141 2, 222 1, 222 92, 222105

Abstract:

The application relates to shipping and off-loading of a granular, powdered, or other particulate materials using flexible containers, where the product tends to partially or fully consolidate during loading and/or shipping, therefore making off-loading problematic. One method includes loading a granular product into a flexible container, shipping the product-loaded flexible container to an end user or intermediate storage facility, and off-loading the granular product from the flexible container. The off-loading includes fluidly connecting a fluid supply conduit to the flexible container, commencing flow of fluid into the flexible container, forming a slurry of at least a portion the granular product and the fluid, and routing the slurry out of the flexible container through a slurry off-loading conduit. In some instances the methods include heating the fluid before and/or during its flow into the flexible container.

US Patent:

20120087760, Apr 12, 2012

Filed:

Oct 8, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/901363

Inventors:

David M. Sims - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

B60P 1/64
B23P 11/00

US Classification:

410 52, 29428

Abstract:

An energy-absorbing upright support system apparatus includes high-strength roll formed tubular bars, and a bar-supporting sheet to distribute stress from product shifting in large shipping containers during transport. Parts are re-useable and can be quickly installed into the shipping container at selected locations such as near the container's doors. The bars can be swept and/or have deformed/configured ends shaped to engage channel features in side walls of the large shipping container. The bars may define spaced tubes and a tie rod for added strength. For example, the bars can be steel having 120 KSI to 220 KSI tensile strength, and have a cross-section 2-3 inches in depth and 4-6 inches in height, a length of 94 long, and a longitudinal sweep of 6 inches curvature.