Vertical Tank v. BakerCorp - Complaint

Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1 Filed 01/26/18 Page 1 of 45
1
EASTMAN & MCCARTNEY LLP
2 Mathew C. McCartney (SBN 226687)
N. Thomas McCartney* (SBN 066758)
3
1430 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 700
4 Bakersfield, California 93301
Telephone: (661) 334-1800
5
Facsimile: (661) 334-8016
6 *of counsel
Email: matt@eastmanmccartney.com
7
8 ANDREW S. DALLMANN, P.C.

Andrew S. Dallmann (SBN 206771)
9
1201 Puerta del Sol, #325
10 San Clemente, California 92673
Telephone: (949) 218-4099
11
Facsimile: (949) 218-4099
12 E-mail: andrew@dallmannlaw.com
13 Attorneys for Plaintiff Vertical Tank, Inc.
14
15
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
16
17 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

18
VERTICAL TANK, INC., a California COMPLAINT FOR:
19 corporation (1) INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO.
20
9,777,543;
Plaintiff, (2) INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO.
21 D716,842; AND
22 vs. (3) INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO.
D716,843
23
BAKERCORP, a Delaware corporation;
24
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Defendant.
25
26
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 1
1 Plaintiff Vertical Tank, Inc., brings this action against defendant BakerCorp.
2 THE PARTIES
3 1. Plaintiff Vertical Tank, Inc., is a corporation organized under the laws of the State
4 of California with a principal place of business in Bakersfield, California.
5 2. Plaintiff is informed and believes and based thereon alleges that Defendant
6 BakerCorp is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware with a principal
7 place of business Plano, Texas.
8 JURISDICTION AND VENUE
9 3. This is an action for patent infringement arising under the patent laws of the
10 United States, 35 U.S.C. § 271.
11 4. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C. §§
12 1331 and 1338(a)-(b) because it involves substantial claims arising under the patent laws.
13 5. This Court has personal jurisdiction over defendant because defendant regularly
14 conducts business within, and specifically direct their business activities to, the State of
15 California and the Eastern District of California (“this District”). Defendant further operates a
16 facility located within this District at 10315 Enos Lane, Shafter, California. Defendant has
17 purposefully availed itself of the opportunity to conduct business in the State of California
18 through systematic and continuous dealings in the State of California.
19 6. Venue is proper in the Eastern District of California under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b)-
20 (c) because a substantial part of the events giving rise to the claims pled herein occurred in this
21 District. Venue also is proper under U.S.C. § 1400(b) because defendant has committed acts of
22 infringement in this District.
23 BACKGROUND
24 7. On October 3, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued United
25 States Patent Number 9,777,543, titled “Device and Method for Multi-Path Flow from Vertical
26 Hydraulic Tank” (hereinafter the “‘543 Patent”). A true and correct copy of the ‘543 patent is
27 attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 2
1 8. On November 4, 2014, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued
2 United States Patent Number D716,842 (“‘842 Patent”). A true and correct copy of the ‘842
3 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.
4 9. On November 4, 2014, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued
5 United States Patent Number D716,843 (“‘843 Patent”). A true and correct copy of the ‘843
6 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.
7 10. Vertical Tank is the assignee of the ‘543 Patent, the ‘842 Patent, and the ‘843
8 Patent.
9 11. The ‘543 Patent pertains to the oil and gas industry and is directed to one or more
10 vertical cone bottom tanks having a lower manifold and an upper manifold that facilitate the
11 creation of tank arrays in an oil or gas field in which the tanks are connected together through
12 the lower and/or upper manifolds. The configuration of the lower and upper manifolds coupled
13 with the cone bottom tank also improves cleaning times when switching from one drilling
14 material to another and further reduces the need for manned entry to complete the requisite
15 cleaning.
16 12. The ‘842 Patent is directed to the selection and arrangement of the component
17 parts making up the lower manifold used by Vertical Tank in combination with its vertical cone
18 bottom tanks.
19 13. The ‘843 Patent is directed to the selection and arrangement of the component
20 parts making up the upper manifold used by Vertical Tank in combination with its vertical cone
21 bottom tanks.
22 14. Vertical Tank owns a tank and related equipment rental business and further owns
23 a fleet of vertical tanks that practice one or more of the claims of the ‘543 Patent, (hereinafter
24 the “Protected Tanks.”) as well as, the design patent claims for the ‘842 Patent and the ‘843
25 Patent.
26 15. Vertical Tank is informed and believes and based thereon alleges that BakerCorp
27 began competing with Vertical Tank in the tank rental business by manufacturing and renting
28 vertical cone bottom tanks equipped with nearly identical upper and lower manifolds to the
COMPLAINT
PAGE 3
1 upper and lower manifolds shown in the ‘543 Patent, the ‘842 Patent, and the ‘843 Patent,
2 (hereinafter “the Accused Tanks”).
3 16. Notwithstanding Vertical Tank’s demand and in conscious disregard of Vertical
4 Tank’s intellectual property rights as set forth herein, BakerCorp has continued to use the
5 Accused Tanks in its tank rental business and in direct competition with Vertical Tank.
6
7
COUNT I
Patent Infringement of the ‘543 Patent (35 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.)
8
9 17. Plaintiff realleges and incorporate by reference all paragraphs above as if fully set
10 forth herein.
11 18. At all times herein mentioned the ‘543 Patent was and is valid and fully
12 enforceable.
13 19. A side by side comparison of a Vertical Tank Protected Tank and a BakerCorp
14 Accused Tank quickly reveals that the Accused Tank is a copy of the Vertical Tank design and
15 practices one or more of the claims of the ‘543 Patent:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 4
1 20. BakerCorp has and continues to directly infringe the ‘543 Patent, including claim
2 1 and claim 4 of the ‘543 Patent, by making and using the Accused Tanks in tank rental
3 activities competitive to Vertical Tank.
4 21. BakerCorp’s infringement is based upon literal infringement or infringement
5 under the doctrine of equivalents, or both.
6 22. At no time has Vertical Tank granted BakerCorp authorization, license, or
7 permission to practice the inventions claimed in the ‘543 Patent.
8 23. Vertical Tank has been damaged by BakerCorp’s acts of infringement of the ‘543
9 Patent and plaintiff will continue to be damaged by such infringement unless enjoined by this
10 Court. Plaintiff is entitled to recover damages adequate to compensate for the infringement
11 under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
12 24. BakerCorp’s acts of direct infringement have been, and continue to be, willful
13 and deliberate and therefore warrant the award of attorney’s fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285
14 and the enhancement of damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284.

15
COUNT II
16 Patent Infringement of the ‘842 Patent (35 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.)
17 25. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all paragraphs above as if fully set
18 forth herein.
20 enforceable.
21 27. A side by side comparison of Figure 1 of the ‘842 Patent and the lower manifold
22 of the Accused Tank reveals that the lower manifold of the Accused Tank is substantially the
23 same as the lower manifold claimed in the ‘842 Patent.
24
25
26
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 5
7
‘842 Patent
8
28. BakerCorp has and continues to directly infringe the ‘842 Patent by making and
9
using the lower manifold depicted above in connection with the Accused Tanks in tank rental
10
activities competitive to Vertical Tank.
11
29. At no time has Vertical Tank granted BakerCorp authorization, license, or
12
permission to practice the inventions claimed in the ‘842 Patent.
13
30. Vertical Tank has been damaged by BakerCorp’s acts of infringement of the ‘842
14
Patent and plaintiff will continue to be damaged by such infringement unless enjoined by this
15
Court. Plaintiff is entitled to recover damages adequate to compensate for the infringement
16
under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
17
31. BakerCorp’s acts of direct infringement have been, and continue to be, willful
18
and deliberate and therefore warrant the award of attorney’s fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285
19
and the enhancement of damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284.
20
21 COUNT III
Patent Infringement of the ‘843 Patent (35 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq.)
22
23 32. Plaintiffs reallege and incorporate by reference all paragraphs above as if fully set
24 forth herein.
26 enforceable.
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 6
1 34. A side by side comparison of Figure 1 of the ‘843 Patent and the upper manifold
2 of the Accused Tank reveals that the upper manifold of the Accused Tank is substantially the
3 same as the upper manifold claimed in the ‘843 Patent.
4
8
Upper
9 Manifold
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
‘843 Patent

17
18 35. BakerCorp has and continues to directly infringe the ‘843 Patent by making and
19 using the upper manifold depicted above in connection with the Accused Tanks in tank rental
20 activities competitive to Vertical Tank.
21 36. At no time has Vertical Tank granted BakerCorp authorization, license, or
22 permission to practice the inventions claimed in the ‘843 Patent.
23 37. Vertical Tank has been damaged by BakerCorp’s acts of infringement of the ‘843
24 Patent and plaintiff will continue to be damaged by such infringement unless enjoined by this
25 Court. Plaintiff is entitled to recover damages adequate to compensate for the infringement
26 under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 7
1 38. BakerCorp’s acts of direct infringement have been, and continue to be, willful
2 and deliberate and therefore warrant the award of attorney’s fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285
3 and the enhancement of damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284.
4 PRAYER FOR RELIEF
5 WHEREFORE, plaintiffs pray for judgment as follows:
6 a) For damages resulting from defendants’ infringement of the ‘543 Patent, ‘842
7 Patent and ‘843 Patent.
8 b) For a declaration that the defendant’s infringement has been willful, wanton, and
9 deliberate and that the damages against defendant be increased up to treble on this basis and
10 that this patent infringement case is exceptional and an award of plaintiffs’ reasonable
11 attorneys’ fees and enhanced damages, as provided by 35 U.S.C. § 285;
12 c) For preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining and restraining the
13 defendants and each of their agents, employees, officers, attorneys, successors, assigns,
14 affiliates and any persons in privity or active concert or participation with any of them from
15 committing any further acts of infringement and requiring the dismantling of all infringing
16 Accused Tanks; and
17 d) Granting plaintiffs such other and further relief as the Court may deem just.
18
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
19
20 Plaintiffs demand trial by jury on all issues so triable.

21
22 Dated: January 26, 2018 EASTMAN & MCCARTNEY LLP

23
/s/ Matthew C. McCartney
24
Matthew C. McCartney
25
Attorneys for Plaintiff Vertical Tank, Inc.
26
27
28
COMPLAINT
PAGE 8
Exhibit 1
(12) United States Patent (1 0)Patent No.: US 9,777,543 B2

Ellis (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 3, 2017
(54) I>[VIC[ ANU 1\'I ETIIOI) ron MULTI-PATH B65D 88/54; YIOT 137/ 86196: YIOT
I~LOW FROM VEIHICAL UYDRAULIC 137/ 86308 ; YIOT 137/0318; YIOT
TANK 137/ 86035 ; YI OT 137/87877
Sec :lpplic:ltion file for complctc search history.
(7J) Applicant: Vl'rlical Tank, Inc., 8;lkcrsflcld, CA
(US) (56) Rt'fcrcnccs Cllcd
(72) Inventor: Stan f:lli s. Bakersfield. CA (US) u.s. PATENT OCX::UMENTS
(73) Assignee: Ve rtical Ta nk, Inc .. Bakersfield, CA 3.849.197 A • 11/1974 Sorrentino ............. C25D2 1120
(US) 1051150
4.90l.S63 A· V1990 Pearson ............ BOIF 15/00207
1661308.1
( .) Notice: SubjCCllO any disclaimer. (he Icrm oflrus 5.964.304 A • 10!J 999 Morrison. Jr. .......... E2J1321 fOJ
pmelll is extended or adjusted under 35 1751206
U .S.c. 154(b) by 30 dnys. (Continued)
(21) AppL No.: 14f469,497 f'rilllllr.l' EXlIllliner - Mary McManmon
Assistllnt f:rllll/iller - P<ltrick Willi'lms
(22) Filed: Aug. 26, 20 14
(74 ) Auorney. Agent. or Firm - M.t11hcw C. McC;lrthy.
I' rior Puhlication I}ala Esq.; Eastman & McCaJ1ney LLP
(65)
US 20 I 5/0059858 A I Mar. 5. 201 5 (57) AnSTRACT
Related U.S. A I)plication n ata A vertical hydraulic tank includes an upper cylindrical
Sl'Ction and ;1 lowcr conical scction. with an outlct in thc
(60) Provisi0tl411 application No. 61 /870.726. fikd on AllS_ lower conical scction. A lowcr multi-path manifold is
27, 2013. allachcd to the oUllet, the manifold including a vertical
conduit in fluid communication with the outlet and a plu-
(5 1) 1111. 0. rality of horizontal conduits in fluid COtlllllullicmion with the
E2JH lI/O! (2006. 01 ) vcrtical conduit, An upper multi-path lll:lniioid can ;llso bc
865D 88154 (2006. 01 ) allachcd to thc t<lnk with a plurality of uppcr horizontal
£2 11J 21110 (2006. 01 ) conduits and a vertical conduit in fluid conUllllllication with
1J65D 88/31 (2006.01) the upper cylindrical section of the tank. Valves lllay be
(52) U.S. CI. provided along the vertical conduit and the horizontal COIl-
CPC . E2111 2 1101 (2013.01); 11650 88/32 duits to regulHtc flow of material through the conduits. A
(2013.01 ); 1165088154 (201 3.01 ); £21/J pump may be connl'Cted to cithcr the uppcr nUlllifold or the
211106 (201 3.01 ); YIOT 13710318 (201 5.04 ); lower manifold. or both by way of a pUlllP conduit, Multiple
YIOT 137186035 (201 5Jl4 ); YlOT 137186/96 tanks can be coJUtcctcd together by way of tubing between
(2015.04): YJOT 137186308 (2015.04) the manifolds of c."\ch tank.
(58) Field of C1as~ificalion ~a rc h
crc. E21B 21 /01 ; E21B 2111 06; B65D 88/32: 14 C hdms, JJ I)rawing Sh<.'" <.'"ts
US 9,777,543 82
Page 2
(56) Rl'fI'n'IICI'5 C itl'd
U.S. PATENT [)(XUMENTS
6.468.481 fi" 10/2002 Anderson BOIF 110016

4221261
6.555.074 fi" 412003 SWCC1 A47J31 /053
422/281
6.779539 Ill" 812004 Schwamberger ....... C02F 1/688
137/ 1
200810 J90668 A I .. 812008 Swar1()111 ............... E2lB21 f065
175/207
.. cill..'C\ by examiner
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u.s. Patent Oct 3, 2017 Sheet 13 of 13 US 9,777,543 82

US 9,777,543 B2
2
DEVICE AN)) METIIOf) FO I~ MULT I-PATII More sp(:cifienlly. a vertical hydr<luJic ta nk includes a lrtnk
FLOW FROM VE RTICA L IIYORAULI C hu Ying un upper cylindriclLl sl.'t:lion and II lower conical
T,<\NK sf.'C tion. 11le lower conicnl sL'Ction incl ud .... s an oUlle\. A
REL<\TEJ) APPLICATIONS , multi-pmh lower manifold is uttnchcd to the ou t Ie\.

'111e lower mani fold moy include a lower vertical conduit
that is in fluid communication with the outlet of the- vertical
111is application claims [he benefit ofprioril y \0 the U.S. wnk. The lower venienl condui t nmy inc lude n connector lit
Provisional Palen! App1i~ lioll for "DEVICE AND
METI-IOD FOR MULTI-PATII FLOW FROM VERTICAL
.1 firsT end o fule lower vcnical condui t. the connecTor being
adupl<.>d to allxh 10 the oUllet of the vert ical tank.
IIYDRAULIC TANK," Ser. No. 6 11870.726 flied on Aug. 10
27.2013. All opposing. second end o f Ihe 10WLT vertical conduit
may eXI<:nd downward to meet a plurality oflower horil£ln-
FIELD OF T ilE INVENTION ta l condui ts in fluid communication lherewith. Any desimb le
number of lowcr horizon ta l condui ts m.1y be incl uded.
'Ibe prescnl invention ~[(llCS gcncrnl1y \0 :1 vertic:l! UlOugb for purposes of ill ustmtion. four lower hori zo nlal
hydrnulic lank. :Uld more SIX'cilically 10 a vertical hydroulic 15 cond uits are shown lind describL-d. 11lC lower hori zontal
I.mk with a conicnl bollorn. a [ower l1l:mi fo ld ;JllachL'{\ \0 1111 conduits provide multiple p<lthwllYs from which TO draw
oullet on the conical bottom fo r nnllli-palh flow of fluid Olll liquid from the oUl let of the IOnk. through the lower vertic:11
of lhe tank, and an upper manifold wilh an inlet \0 the lap conduit. lmd OUI one or more hori zon tal conduits.
of Ihe lnnk. Each of the four lower hori zotllal conduits Illoy cxtend
20 :tway from the lower vert ical condu iT lind temlinate in "
BACKGROUND OF T I-IE INVENTION flange connecTor 31 or n<.-ar the end of the lower borizonta l
conduit diSialTo the vertical conduit. Each flange COnnL'Clor
The usc of fluids at a job sile is well known. particularly may include a vah'c such that Ilow of material through the
in the oil and gas industry. Fluids commonly koown [IS connector can be Opl.'Ilccl. or closed as des ired. A valve may
"drilling nlUd" an: ..... idely used for drill ing bore I\(Ilcs. 2S ulso be provided hctwL'(.'II The lower vertical cond ui t and the
Frocturing fluids arc used for hydroulic frocturing or "trock- oUllel o f The horizonllllTnnk. to either allow or prevem the
ins" processes. Use o f suc h fluids nt II job si te rcquin:s now o f material from the hori zo nt(ll tllnk into the lower
on-site fluid stornge lmd dcliwry lucilities. A variety o f fluid nwnifold.
stornge t1mks arc commonly uS(.-d for suc h purposes .ICroSS The vertical hydmulic tnnk mhy also include an uppcr
various industrics. )0 multi-poth m:lnilold dispos(.'(l :thove the lower multi-path
Fluid stomge tanks may be horizontal or vcnical. and may manifold. 11le upper numifold may include a celllrn i conduit
be constmc led from a V"<lricty of m.ncrials. Stccl lanks arc extendin g. around the peri meter of the conical lower Sl.'t:Tion
commonly uS(.-d. as are infliUlIblc !llllks Ihal are marc ellsily o f the t(lnk. Upper horizonllli conduiTS nmy exteud awn)'
Ir'<lllSponcd 10 a job site. Ilorizoniallanks. including inflat- from the central conduits. Any lIumocT of upper horizontal
ablc horiZonlal tanks. tcnd to occupy a great deal of space. J5 conduits may be included. though for purposes of iIlustm-
and this is not always desimblc or proctical !II a job site. At lion lou r upper horizontal conduits :Ire shown and described.
si tes where sp.1ce is more limih:d. ve rtical tanks are COIII- Ench o f the four upper horizon",1 COnduiTS Jllll)' extend
monly USL>d. away from the cclllmi condui t li nd tennin..1te in a flange
Steel wrtical tanks nrc common. typically having 1m inlet connector at or ncar the end o f the upper horizontal conduit
pllth allowing flow into the I:Ink. lind an outlct for allowing 40 distul to the centrul conduit. Elich Il:mgc cOlUlector may
!low OUi of thc tank. Such tanks lire uS\..>d individually. nnd include a vo lve sllch that flow of mllteriol through the
when thc !link nnd conlll..'Ctions ure fully asscmbled. the connL'Ctor can be operu.:.'(j or c losed as dL-si roo.
direction of flow to and from the tank is limited. An upper vertical conduit mny be provided in Iluid
h is commonplace in drilling practices in the o il and gas communication with the eentml condui t und extending vcr-
industry to switch from water baSl.-d dril ling mud to o il based 45 lieall y therefrom. 11le upper venicul conduil ma), a lso be in
drilling mud. COl\venTion;tltanks musl be clean(.o(] by hand, fluid conununica lion with the interior of the cylindric-.II
with persons working inside the !tmk. TO ensure rcmovul of upper S{."Ction of the vcrticol tank. Fluid CIIn be introduced
all watLT bast.>d drilling mud from the tank before oil bast.-d from a Iluid source. such as a Ia.nker truck. to ooc o r more
mud can be introduced imo Ibe tank. During the clcnning orlhe upper horizontlll conduits. Fluid thell tr:lvels from the
procL'SS, the remaining. drilling equipmell\ cannot be used 50 upper horizomal condui ts. through the eenlrol condui t. lind
ond is sim ply on standby. '1lK! rental costs o f such equipment up lhrough upper vertical conduiT and through un inlet into
on st:Hldby is significnnl. the intcrior of the vcrtienltonk for cither sto rngc or denning.
11lU5. it is an objcct of the invention to provide a vert ical 1111.' tank can nlso be L'<{ttlPPL'"<.I with a pump in Jluid
wnk thut con be combinL'(j with oth ....r verticllltanks TO fonn communication with the lower horizolltol conduits ond the
a t:l11k array that has more slor'!g" capacity tlUlll horil'.ontnl 55 centrol conduit of the upper manifold. Cleoning liquid can be
!links. I! is anOUler objcct of the invention to provide a tank illlroduc(.>d into the lo1nk by way of one or more of the upper
that is easier 10 clean in the lield compa red TO convcntiolllli horizontal conduiTs of the upper mani fold .
tanks in order to reduce equipment und labor standby cos ts . 111e I:mks can be conlll'Ctcd to onc another with flexible
I! is another objccl of the in ven tion 10 provide a vcnicaltank tubing Ix.'twccn the upper horizonlal conduits of the upper
that can be accessed from mulliple poims to insert or remove 60 manifold and the lower horizootal condui ts of Ule lower
fluid fromThc same. manifold in order to foml a wnk nrmy. In a pn'"ferrcd
embodimt·nt. a tank arroy includes one vcrt ic.1 l tank wiTh 1I
SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION pum p wi lh The remain ing Tllnks simpl y having upper and
lower monifolds.
Broadly stnTed. the invention consists of II vertical t;mk 65 '111e eombinotion o f a cone bollom t~lIlk with nppcr ond
with 0 cone bO\l()Jn wi th 0 multi.path lower m.mifold oud " lower manifold allows lo r quick cleoning of the tank when
multi-Ill<lth upper manifold. in usc in the field.
US 9,777,543 B2
3 4
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS of II vert ical hydrauli c tank system of lhe pfl'Sent invention
equipped wilh 11 lower m:rnifold 10. llie vertical lank 12 is
lbc novel features of this invention. :IS well as the shown in d.1shed lines to faciti\(lte:r co mplete view of lower
invention itsciC bolh as to ilS S!nlcturc and operation. will rlUinifold 10 and includes n cylindrical upper section 60 and
hl'Sl be understood from the accompanying drawings. Itlkcll j U l't)nieal lower section 62. Conicnll owc r Sl'Ction 62 Wnlli-
in conjunction with the accompanying description. in which rmtl"S ut an outlet 64 through which mlltcrilll mny bt.' pasSlxl
sim ilar reference charoclcn; reter to similar pans. and in from vcrticallank 12. Positionl-d below \'C rticaltunk 12 is 11ll
which:
exem plary lower m.1nifo ld 10 of the presl'lll invel1lion.
FIG. 1 is a sid(' perspective view of o ne embodiment o f
Lower mnlti-path nlllllifoid 10 inc1udl'S a lower vcrt ical
a venieal rank wilh a lo\\C!" multi-p:tlh manifold;
FIG. 2 is a side dey,nian vil,.·w Of 11\(' vcnitallank of FIG. 10 conduit 26 having lin upper end and a lower end. The upper
I, end of lower vertical conduit 26 tl'rlllinatcs in a connector
FIG. 3 is 11 side perspective vicw of an embodiment of a 14. COlUlector 14 is ad.1pted to nUlte wilh lhe Slnrcture of
v('fIical lank with lower manifold. the ven ical la nk al;;o ou tlet 64. such thm lower manifo ld 10 can be llttached to
including an upper multi-path manifold; vertical tllnk 12 and is in fluid com m unicnt ion with the same.
FIG. 4 is H side elevation vicw orlhe vcrticallan].; ofFICi. 15 A lowcr vertical I;onduit v:rlve 66 is provided on the lowcr
], vertical conduit 26 and clln be opcned or closed to either
FIG. 5 is a side vit'w of a wnic.iI lank cquipJX.'d wilh 11 nllow !low of material from verticallllnk 12 into the lower
lower manilold. an upper multi-path manifold and a pump nmnifold 10 or to prevent that tlow of nllllerial illlo the lower
and showing the path of circul:Jtion of l1uid through Ihe manifo ld 10.
vlTlical lank during a cll-ani ng cycle: Four lower horizon!'11 condui ts 28. 30. 32. and 34 meet at
FIG. 6" is a side view of a plunllity of veltical tanks the bollom o f lower end of lower vert ical condui t 26. 'l1le
having upp.."'T and lower manifolds and showing the pathway horizontlll conduits 28. 30. 32 nnd 34 are each in fluid
of drilling ftnid from a truck 10 Il lirst vertical lank in order communication with lower vlTlical conduit 26. such that
10 filllhe lirst vertica l lank: materi al 110wing from verlica l t!lnk 12 inlO lower vertical
FIG. 6b is a side view o f a plurality o f vertical lanks 25 conduil 26 can flow into one or morcoflhe lower hori zontnl
hllVing upper and lower m1mifolds lind showing the p1lthway condui ts 28. 30. 32 and 34. O nce material has flowed into
o f drilling l1uid from n truck 10 a second venical tank. one o f the lower horizontal conduits 2S. 30. 32 or 34 it can
through the uppl:r nlllnilo ld of the lirst vertical tllnk in order be din::ctcd to one or more othcr verlical tanks or otlK'r
to fill the second venical lank: do..'Sin.-d locations, as sct forth.
FIG. 7 is a side view ofa plumlity ofvc rtical tanks in fluid )0 Each o f lower ho rizontal conduits 28. 30. 3 2, and 34
comrmmication with 11 drilling Illud mixing stlltion which is includes a corresponding flange conno..'Ctor 16. 18, 20 and 22
in tum in l1uid communication wilh a drillin g rig: rt.'spcctively. l be flange eonnC(:tors 16. 18. 20 :Uld 22 are
FIG . 8a is a sick view fl first vertica l tank in fluid alluc hed to the ends o f lbe lower hori zontal conduits 28. 30,
communication with a sl'COnd vert ical lank and is 11150 in 32 and 34 \0 allow additional conduits or ilexiblc lubing 96
fluid communication with a drilling mud mixing station and Jj (not shown in this Figure) 10 be connected to one or more of
showing drilling fluid being ddivcn.-d from Ibe mud mixing the horizonl3l conduits 28. 30. 32 or 34. thereby providing
stlilion to the first vert ical tnnk by wa y o f the upper manifold a path for materiaillow aWily from v('rticaltank 11 . Each o f
o f the second venic<t l tllnk (I nd the upper manifold of the lirst Ihe ft:lUl!,e connec tors 16. 28. 20 and 22 also includes a
vert ical tlmk corresponding horizontal condui t valve 52 . 54. 56 and 58
FIG. 8b is a side view a tirsl vertical t:U1k in l1uid 40 rcspl'Ctivcly. nle horizont:rl co nduit vtrlves 52. 54. 56 and 58
communication with a second verticill tlmk and is also in may be open or closed in vllrious cOlllbimltions to prevent
fluid eonununication with:r drilling mud mixing station and fl ow from the horizontal conduits 28. 30, 32 :lIld 34: to dirl'Cl
showing drilling fluid being deliven.-d to the Illud mixing fl ow of II matcrial from one o r more horizontal conduits to
stmion from the lirst vertical tank by way of the lower another destination. suc,h as a second vertical tank. a mud
ma nifold o flhe firsl verlicnllank lind the lower ma nifold o f 4$ mixing station. a tanker truck or n drilling mild pit: or to
the second ven ical tank; n.'Ccl\'e material from another muterial source. such as
FIG. Be is a side vicw o f fl first vertical tank in fluid another verticall3nk. a tanker truck or a mud mixing sl3lion.
colllmunicattnn with a second vertic-dl tank and is also in It is to be appreciated 111.11 Ihe connec tors contempluted
fluid communication ..... ith n drilling mud mixing station and herein are not limited 10 flange style connectors. but include
showi ng dri lling iluid being delivered to lhe mud mix ing j() a wide vtrriety of coupli ng l'OlIIll'C tOrs known in the :Irt.
station from the second vCrliclil Wn!.: by way of the lower As shown ill FIG. I. each o f the lower horizontal conduits
nmnifo ld; 2S, 30, 32. and 34 arc al ninety-<llwcc unglcs to the IWO
FIG. &1 is ;r side vicw o f II lint vertical t,Ulk in fluid adj1lccnt conduits. II should be understood. howevL'r, Ihat Ihc
communication with a seco nd vertical tank and is alSt! in lower horizontal conduits 28. 30. 32 find 34 can extend away
fluid conununicatiOIl with a drilling mud mixing station lind 55 from lower vertical conduit 26 at any desired angles. It
showing a cle:ming cycle of the Sl'COnd vertical tank using should also be understood thm the prl'SCIlt invention is 1I0t
the lowe r manifold . pump and upper manifold of the first limited to four lower hori zontlll cOlxlui lS whcn morc or less
vertical tank and the upper mtlniro ld and lower manifold o r horizontal conduits could be USl-d within tile spirit of this
the second veltical tank: and inVl'ntion.
FIG. 9 is a pl'l'Spt."<.1ive viC\\! of a tank army o f \·ertic:ll 60 FIG. 2 shows Ihe device of FIG. 1 from a side elevalion
tanks connected together with flexible tubing at tbc upper view. willI SOllie ofthe various components dcscrilx.-d above
manifo ld and the lo ..... er mmti lb ld. with respect to FIG. 2 visib le. In oddilion. Tank 12 is shown
with solid lines and is also shown suspcnck.-d over a b:lsc 5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION and connccted 10 base 5 wilh 11 fr.lme 6. nle base 5 and
65 frome 6 provide a stable plut fo nll to suspend the lower
TUrninl!, to the drawings, wherein like Jltlll1emls indicate IIll1nifold 10 ;rbovc the ground (not shown). Hori:.-..ollwl
like paris. FlG. J is a pcrspl'Ctive view o f one embodiment conduits 28 and 32 each have a taper 17. 19. 2 1 ;md 23 and
US 9,777,543 B2
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a lip 27. 29. 3 1 (lnd 3.1 (nolc wpcr2 1 fmd lip 3 1 not visible liqnid can be introduced into the tank by w(ty of the upper
in FIG. 2). nlclapcrs 17. 19.2 1 and 23 IncililalccOIUlccling manifold by connecTing a fluid source, such as a tanker tl1lck
a flexible tubing 96 (not shown) or other pipe slyle device \0 (not shown). to one of the upper horizolllal conduits (68, 70.
receive material or Iluid from the horizontal conduits 28. 30. 72 or 74) of an upper manifold 35. (As can be seen in FIGS.
32 and 34. 5 6A and 60) To conduct u cleaning cycle. the vulves 66. 94 ,
In some embodiments of the pre:;cnt invention. a n\ulti- and 84 :lre eHch plHced in the open p()sition with all
pmh upper mnnifold 3S is also provided. As showlJ in FIG. remaining valves being placed in the closed position. Once
3. llluhi.p:llh upper mnnifold 35 is preferably locnted above so configured. pump 90 dmws cleaning fluid (not shown)
[owl'r m,lJlifold 10 and is not in dirt.'C\ fluid communication ,Ilong u pathway 9 1 from the outlet 64 of tank 120, through
therewith. l(l the lower manifold 10. through the pump 90. through the
Multi-path upper manifold 35 prcfcl1lblc inCllldl.'S a cen- pump conduit 92, through (he ccntrol conduit 36. through the
lral conduit 36. which extends around the perimclcr of upper vertical conduit 46. and finally back into the illlett~nk
conical lower portion 62 ofvcnical13nk 12. Central conduit 65 of the tank 120. As configurt.u. the clcarling Iluid will
36 may be roughly sQU<1r'C, as shown in FIG. 3. or may be continue to cireulute through the tunk 120 until the tank 120
circular or provided in any other suitable shape. Extending 15 is clean. Such a clcHning cycle 1l1l0ws the tank 120 to quickly
away from central conduit 36 arc a number of upper bori- be cleant.'d when switching lrom water based drilling mud to
zontal conduits 68. 70. 72, and 74. The upper horizontal oil based drilling mud.
conduits 68, 70, 72 and 74 are in tlllid COllUlllHlicatioll with FIG. 6a is a side vit..'W of a first tank 12 configured with
centr;ll conduit 36. ,Ul upper manifold 35 and a lowcr manifold 10 connected to
Each of upper horizootal conduits 68. 70, 72 , :Uld 74 2(l H second tank 120 configured with Hn upper manifold 35. a
incllldt.'s a corresponding upper conduit connector 38. 40, lower m<lnilold 10 and a pwnp 90. A wnker tnlck 95 is
42 .and 44, respectively. These uppcr conduit COJUlectOrs 38, connected to the second tank 120 by way of a flexible tubing
40, 42 and 44 each inclnde.Ul upper hori7..ootal conduit valve 96 or other flexible piping to upper horizontal conduit 68 ;Uld
76. 78, 80. ,md 82 respl.:ctivcly. which can bl' opem:d or sccurt.x1 with the upper horizont;ll conduit connt.'Ctor 38.
cloSt.x1 to control the flow of material ioto or out of the upper 2S Using the upper mHnifolds 35 ufthe first tank 12 and second
horizolllal conduits 68, 70, 72 and 74. Thus. by operation of tank 120, mmerial call be delivered from the tanker tnlck 95
the upper horizontal conduit valves 76. 78, 80 and 82. a user to the first tank 12 , even when the tanker tnrek 95 cannot be
may also cootrol flow of mnterial or nuid into central conduit dirt.'Ctly connCCK'iI to the firsttHnk 12. In FIG. 6(1. v,llves 76
36 or out of centrnl conduit 36. Matcrinl may now into ,Uld 84 of the first tank 12 ,md v;rlves 76 and 80 of the second
central conduit 36 from any desired location. tltrough one or 30 rank 120 arc each in the open position while all other valves
more of upper conduit corUiectors 38, 40. 42, or 44 by in the first tank 12 and sCC{)nd tank 120 arc in the dosed
corulecting flexible tubing 96 (shown in riGs. 611 through 9) position A Ilcxible IIlbing 96 connects upper horizontal
betwt:en .r oouree of material ~uch as :1 t:rnker !nrck 95 conduit 68 of the first [<Ink 12 to the upper hori7..ontal conduit
(shown in FIGS. 6{/ and 6b). mud mixing station 97 (shown 72 oftlw second tunk 120 and allows the upper manifold 35
in FIGS. 7 through 8) or a second vertical tank (shown in 35 of the first tank 12 to be in t1uid communication with the
rIGs. 6 tltrough 9) and one or more upper conduit COJUlec· upper manilold 35 of the second lank 120. Once so config.
tors 38, 40, 42 or 44 . ured. the tanker tnlck 95 is in fluid corlUlllUlicmion with the
In an embodimcnt. central conduit 36 is also in fluid manifold 35 of the first tank 12 through the upper manifold
communication with an upper vertical conduit 46. which 35 of the st..-.:ond tunk 120 and c(tn ddivcr materiul along
extends from the central conduit 36. Upper vertical conduit 40 pmhway 9 1. raising the level 13 of the material in the first
46 prclerably extends upward to at or ncar the top ofvertic..11 tank 12.
(ank 12, whereupon upper verticnl conduit 46 opens iJl\o the FIG. 6b is a side vile'W of a first t;rnk 12 configured with
interior of vertical tank 12 by way of an inlet 65. <In upper m:Ulilold 35 and a lower manifold 10 connected (0
FIG. 4 shows the device of\OIG. 3 from a side elevation (t second tank 120 configured with (tn uppcr manifold 35, a
VIcW. with the various components described above with 45 lower manifold 10 and a pump 90. A t~nker tnlck 95 is
rcspectto FIG. 3 visible. An upper vertical conduit va lve 84 eOJUlectt.'d to the second tank 120 by wa)' of a llexible tubing
is in fluid communication with the upper vertical conduit 46 96 or other flexible piping to upper horizontal conduit 68 and
and can be opcned <lnd clOSL-d to control the now ofm,rtcrial secured with the upper horizontal conduit connector 38.
from the central conduit 36 through the upper vertical After the first tank .12 is filled with material as set forth
conduit 46 and into the interior of the vcrtical Illnk 12. 50 above. ~ user simply has to dose v~lve 80 of tile second Illnk
FIG. 5 is a side vicw of an aJtemmive embodiment of a 120 and also open valve 84 of the second tank 120. Once so
vertical tunk 120 equipped with a lowe r manifold 10. ;1Jl confisured. nmteri;ll can flow along pathway 91 from t~nker
upper manifold 35 ,rnd a pump 90. ']1le pump 90 is con- truck 95 through the Ilexible tubing 96. into the uppcr
nt.'CTed to horizontal conduit 28 in lieu oft~per 17 and tip 27 horizont~l conduit 68 of the upper manifold 35 of the second
and is in iluid communicmion with the lower horizolll~l 55 tank. into the upper vertic~l conduit 46. through the inkt 65
conduits 28. 30. 32 and 34 of the lowcr rll(mifold 10. "Ille (tnd into the SL-.:ond tank 120 to fill the tank 120 to level 13 .
pump 90 is also in Iluid communic,tlion with the central FIG. 7 is a side view of a first tank 12. a second tank 120
conduit 36 of the uppcr manifold 35 by way of the pump <lnd :r third tank 220 all of which Hf\! connected to one
conduit 92. A pump conduit valve 94 is in Iluid conulluni- another by way of flexible IUbing 96 betwcen (he upper
cation with the pump conduit 90. When the pump conduit 60 manifolds 35 of each tank and by way ofilexible tubing 96
valve 94 is clOSlxl. no tluid or mmerial can pass frorn the betwL'I.·n the lower manifolds 10 of each tank in order to
lowcr manifold 10 to the uppe r manilbld 35. When the pump create a t;mk array 300. In addition. Ilexible tubing 96
conduit valve 94 is open. fluid or materi~1 can pass from the connects the Lllird tank 220 to a mud tllixing station 97. The
lower Illanifold 10 to the upper manifold 35. mud mixing station 97 is in \Urn, connt.'Cted to a drilling rig
As can be seen in FIG. 5. the tank J 20 can be configured 65 98. Drilling iluid can be ere~tcd in the mud mixing station
to engage in (t cle(tning cycle during which a cle,m tluid c,m 97 and delivcn.-d to e,rch of the thrle'C tanb fomling the t:mk
eirculat.., through the (ank 120 in a closed loop. Clc.:rning array 300 through the flexible tuning 96 and (he uppcr
US 9,777,543 B2
7 8
mnnilolds 35 of each of the tanks in order \0 be stored for matcri:tl C<ln then be ddivered from the firstt,lllk 12 to the
laler usc by Ihe drilling rig 98. When na.>ded for IISC, lhe mud mud mixing station 97. To switch the now of material to the
mixing slmion draws drilling fluid slored illthc tanks 12. 120 mud mixing station 97 from the second tank 120 to the first
and 220 through their respective lower manifolds 10 and tank 12. lower vertical conduit valve 66 and lower conduit
into Ihe mud mixing sl<Jlion 97. '[be drilling fluid is then 5 v<llve 56 of the second t;lJlk 120 ure dos<.-d. Next. in the first
dr.HVll from Ihe mud mixing stalion 97 10 be used in drilling vcrtical \;Ink 12 lower conduit v:t lve 52 is dosed and the
activities by the drilling rig 98. Pump 90 in the firsl13nk 12 lower vertic<ll valve 66 is placed in the open position. Once
can be used \0 assist in Ihe delivery of drilling fluid to Ihe so configured. mllierial can flow along pathway 91 through
mud mixing stalion 97 or to lISSiSI in the delivery of drilling the Olltlet 64 of the first tank, into the lower vcrtical conduit
fluid 10 Ihe upper manifolds 35 of Ihe three tanks in lank I(} 26. then into the lowl'rhori:wntal conduit J2 of the firsttilnk.
1may 300. then into the flexiblc tubing 96 until thc m<lterial re<lches the
FIG. 8(1 is a side view a first venieal lank 12 ill fluid mud mixing station 97. Once at the mud mixing slat ion 97,
communication wilh a second venleal tank 120 and is also the material can be us<.'{] by ,1 drilling rig 99 (not show)
in fluid ComJllUniC<llion wilh a drilling mud mixing station Once tht' tanks 12 and 120 had delivered their stort-d
97 and showing the pathway 9 1 uf flow of H material. such 15 materialtn the mud mixing station 97. it may be:- nL'Ccssury
as drilling Iluid. beillg delivered from the mud mixing to clean the tanks 12 and 120. Turning to FIG. 8d, a cleaning
station 97 to the second vertical tank 120 by way of the cycle for the first lank 12 is generally depicted using the
upper manifold 35 of the first vertical tank 12 and the upper pump 92 of the second tank. First a cleaning sollllion is
m,lJlifold 35 of the S(.'Cond vertical tank 120. Upper conduit introducl-d into the second tank 120 (see gl'nerally FIG. 6.'\)
72 of the first tank 12 is conm:ctL-d to the mud mixing stHtion 2(} Next. the second t:mk 120 should be configured to h<l ve
97 by way of a flexible tubing 96. Lower conduit 32 is also lower conduit valve 56, pUIllP conduit valve 94, and upper
COrulected to the mud mixing st:ltion 97 by way ofa flexible conduit valve to be in the open position with all other valves
tubing 96. Upper conduit 68 of the first tHnk 12 is connected in the second t<lnk 120 in theclosc position. The first t<lnk 12
to upper conduit 72 of Ihe SL'COnd tank 120 by way of a shou ld be configured with thc upper conduit valve 76. thc
flexible lubing 96. SimilHrly. lower horizonlul condllit 28 of 25 upper venical <.-onduit vHlve 84 . the lower venic<ll conduit
the iirsttank is COlUlectL-'d to the lower horizolllal conduit 32 va lve 66 and the lower horizontal conduit valve 28 all in the
of the second tank 120 by way of flexible tubing 96, Once open position. Once so configured. pump 90 can be activmed
so connL"CtL-d. the upper manifolds 35 of both the first tunk to draw the cle<lning fluid <lIong 1X1Ihway 91 from the first
12 ,It\d sL'Cond tank 120 are each in fluid communication tank 12, into the upper vertical conduit untiltht' fluid exists
with the mud mixing station 97 rlt\d the lower manifolds 10 30 the first tank 12 from the lower horizolll<ll conduit 28 and
of both the first tank 12 and second tank 120 are each in fluid into the flexible tubing 96. ·nle material is then drawn by the
communication with the mud mixing stmion 97. Also. the pump 90 into the lower mani lold 10 of the second lank 120
s<.'Cond tHnk 120 is cquipp<.-d with <I pump. Pump conduit 92 at the lower horizomal conduit 32 alons the pathway 91.
connects and is in fluid communication with the upper throush the pump 90 and tIll' pump conduit 92 into the upper
manifold 35 and the lower manilbld 10. In order to pass 35 manifold 35 of the second t:mk 120. TIle fluid then exits the
material, such as drilling fluid, from the lllud mixing station upper conduit 72 of the second tank 120 into a Ilexible
97 to the second tank 120. upper conduit valves 76 and 80 tubing 96 umit it reaches the upper conduit 68 of the upper
of the first tank 12 arc e<lch pl<tced in the open position with manifold 35 of the first tank. "[be cle<lning fluid then travels
all othcr v<llves in tht' first tank 12 placed in Ihe closed up throush thc upper vertic<ll conduit 46 until it rc-cnters the
position. In the second tank 120, upper conduit valve 80 and 40 first tank 12 at the inlet 65, thereby completing:t circulation
upper vertical conduit valve 84 are in the open position with loop. The pump 90 continucs to cireulate the cleaning Iluid
all other v<l lves in the second tank 120 in the closed position. a[ong padlway 9 1 lintil the first tank 12 is clean. Unlike
Once so configured. material can pass from the mud mixing conventional tanks used in the oil <lnd gns industry, no
station 97 along pathw,lY 9 1 through the IlppL'r manifold 35 persons <Ire rt'quired to enter into the first tank to complete
of the first tank 12 and into the upper manilbld 35 of the 45 the cleaning cycle. TIle various V<llves of the first 12 and
second tank 120, through the upper venical conduit 46 and second tank 120 can be configurL-'d as sct forth above to then
through inlet 65 and into the second tank 120, filling the tank conduct a cleaning cycle in the second t,mk 120 ag<lin
120 to level. without the nt'Cd to h<lve persons physically l'nter the first
Turtling to FIG. 8b, in order to deliver mmerial from the tank 12 . The cleaning cycles disclosed herein allow for a
second tank 120 to the mud mixing station 97, the lower 50 substanti<ll reduction in time for cleaning. such as when
venica l conduit valve 66 and the lower conduit valve. 56 of drilling operations require a switch from water based drilling
the second 1,Ink <Ire placed in the open position with all othcr mud to oil based drilling mud.
v,llves in the st'Cond t:mk 120 placL-d in Ihe clOSL-d position. FIG. 9 is H perspective view of a fin;ttank 12 in between
Next. the lower conduit va lves 52 :md 56 of the first tank 12 a second tank 120 and third tank 220. and collectively
<lre placed in the open position wilh <lll other v<llves in the 55 affilnged to form a tank army 300 with a flexible IUbing 96
st'Cond tank placed in the:- dost'd position. Once so config. COllllL'Ctt'{/ to the:t t:lllk affily 300. Drilling mud 100 is shown
ured. muteria] can now along pathway 9 1 through the oUilct being released from the lowcr manitbld 10 of the first t;lllk
64 of the second tank, into the lower vert ic<ll conduit 26. 12 into <I mud pi1 99. It is to be :tpprcciated by those skilk-d
then into the lower horizontal conduit 32 of the second tank, in theart that oil based drilling mud is frequelllly discharged
then into the Ilexible tubing 96, then into the lower hori- 60 into mud pits. Conventional tanks need to be manually
zontal conduit 28 of the first tank 12 until it e:-xits the:- first cle;IllL-d with persons operating insidl' of the tank to relllove
tank 12 through the lowcr hori:f.Ontal conduit 32 until the the rclll<lining oil based mud. lbe present invention allows
material re<lches the mild mixing st<ltion 97. Once at the mud quick discharge of any remaining oil based drilling mud into
mixing stmion 97, the lll<l1erial C<ln be used by a drilling rig the Illud pit 100 through use of the lower manifolds 10 of
99 (shown in FIG. 7). 65 each of the tanks 12 . 120. and 220 and the flexible tubing 96
Turtling to FIG. 8...., ;tfkr all materi:tl has bcen ddiVl"rcd COllllL'CtinS the samc in combination with the tipper 1ll:llli·
from the second t;lllk 120 to the mud mixing station 97. folds 35 of each of the tank 12. 120. and 220. Use of the
US 9,777,543 B2
9 10
pump 90 shown on second lank 120 can help faeilil<llc variety of combinations of conncct ions and fluid paths IS
drnwing lhe drilling mud 100 from each oflhe l1Inks 12 . 120 made possible by the present invention.
and 220. For example. FIG. 9 depicts a tlcxible IUbing 96 It is funher contemplated thm fluid Illay be delivered
connected to the upper horizontal conduit 70 at the upper from, or fL'CCived into. any givcntank via either of the upper
horizontal camIlli! COlllll.'CIQr 40. On each of the lank~, each 5 or lower manifolds and the asscx:iatL'Cl conduits as set forth
orthe lower verticH! cond uit valves 66 nrc p[<lccd in the open in detilil above. Extemal pumps can be uSL'Cl in lieu of a
position. allowing drilllng mud 100 \0 pass from the tanks pump integrated into the tank.
into the lower nwnifolds 10. Lower conduit valve 56 ofmnk Where reference is made herein to a method comprising
220. lower conduit v(llw's 52 and 56 of lank 12 . ,md lower two or more defined steps. the dclint'Cl steps can be carrit'd
conduit valve 52 of lank 120 an: ;liso plm:cd in Ihe open l(l out in any onil-r or simuhant'Ously (exct'Pt where the context
position. Next. the pump conduit valve 94 0[l(Ink 120 is also excludes th..1t possibility). and the method call include one or
placed in the open position \0 enable Ihe pump 90 \0 draw more OIher steps which are carried out before any of the
Ihe drilling mud 100 through Ihe lower manifolds 10 Of~ICh defined steps. between two of the defined steps, or aller all
of Ihe [;mks into the uppcr manifold 35 of tank 120. 11K' the defint'd steps (cxcept where the context excludes thilt
pump 90 then pushes the drilling mud 100 from the upper IS possibility).
manifold 35 of tank 120 to the upper manifold 35 ortank 12 While there have been shown whm are presemly consid-
by way of the flexible tubing 96, Finally, the pUlllP 90 pushes en.'d to be preferred embodimellts of the present invention,
the drilling mud 100 Olll of the UpPl'T conduit 70 through the it will be appilfCllt to those skilled in the an that various
flexible tubing 96 to a mud pit 99. HillS. thecoll1birl4ltion tht, changes and modiliciltions can be made hercin without
upper manifolds 35. lower manifolds 10, and pump allowed 2(l departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accord·
the tanks 12 , 120 and 220 to be quickly drained of drilling ingly, the invention is not to be limited as except by the
mud 100 whhom the need for persons to enter the tanks to appended claims.
remoVl' any fCmaining drilling mud 100 by hand. The tanks What is claiml'Cl is:
12 . 120. and 220 arc then ready to be quickly moved from I. A venical tank comprising:
one drilling location to the next to be lilled with a water 25 a tilnk having a cylindrical upper sL'Ction having a mdius
based drilling mud whereas convemional wnks typically and a conical lower section extending from the cylin·
used in the oil and gas industry would still be in the slow drical upper section to a bOllom:
process of being cleaned by ll1lnd to ensure tot;ll removal of an outlet in the conical lower section and cl'ntert'Cl :It the
the drilling mud 100. bol1om of the conical lower section: and
As shown io the Figures. the various manifolds arc 30 a lower manifold h.wing
connccted via tlcxible tubing 96 tlwt allows tluids to Ilow a lower venica l conduit in tluid communication with
between the various venical tanks 12. It is cOlllemplated thm the outlet of the tank with a first end and an opposing
rigid pipe or conduit milY be used in the connection of the second end. the fin;t end connl"Cted to the outlet such
Wnks. and that any desin.-d ilow p;lUern milY be established that the opposing SL'COnd end extends downwilrd
between the various manifolds of the venical tanks 12 . The 35 dircctly beneath tile outlet.
Ilow patterns depicted herein are merely mean! to be illus- a plurality of lower horizontal conduits directly con-
trative of how the upper manifold and lower manifolds can nected to and extending away from the second end of
be US('d in combiru:ltion with cone bOllom tanks and a pump the lowl'r venical conduit. each h.wing iI length ;lIld
to lill. drain. or clean either an indi vidual tank or an nfTJy of each tcnllinating in an end and in fluid conununica·
tanks, tion with the lower venieal conduit. wherein the
h will be appreciated from the fOK'going description thm length is less than the radius,
a plurality of tanks having the prescnt lower manifold 10 a lower venical conduit valve cOlUlected to and in !luid
andlor upper manilold 35 included therewith may be communic:ltion with the lower venical conduit. ;lIld
arrangl'd to provide;1 varicty of flow pallerns into and out of ;1 phlr;llity oflower horizontal conduit valves corresponding
the tank. For eX<Hnple, the presence of four lower horizontal 45 in number to the plurality of lower horizontal conduits
conduits ill the of the manifolds. in some embodiments of wherein each lower horizontal conduit va lve is c01U1C(..1ed to
the present device. allows for C.1S(: of connecting flow paths :lIld in fluid communication witlt one oftlte lower hori:f.Ontal
betwt"Cn tanks with minimal repositioning of the tanks. and conduits
allows a user to take maximum advantage of a plurality of an upper manifold having
tanks when f:lctors at a job site limit the placement of tanks 50 a central conduit surrounding a perimeter of the conical
in the area. lower section:
111e use of various upper conduit hori1.Ontal and venicill a plurality of upper horizontal conduits conllccted to and
and lower condu it horizontal :lIld verticill valvL"S in associa- extending away from the central conduit, tellninming in
tion with the plurality of conduits associilted with the lower an end and in fluid communication with the centml
manifold or upper manifold also allow for creation of 55 conduit:
custom !low p;:lths through a v'lriety of t'lllks in :t wide an uppervenicnl condu it with a first end connl'Ctt'd to .md
vnriety of conligurntions. Fluid exiting one tank [\lay be in fluid communication with the ceJl\ral conduit and a
dirl'Cted to a second tank. or dividl'Cl among more than one SL'Cond end connected to and in fluid communication
other tank. Alternatively, fluid exiting one tank may be with an inlet in the cylindricaluppcr section of the tank;
combined with the flow from a second tank to increase the 60 an upper vcnical conduit valve in fluid communication
amount of fluid ultimately dclivert'd by the plur;llity of with the uppl'r vcnical conduit 'Uld loc;tll'd on the upper
tanks. Fluid from a fin;t tank may be directed to the manifold venical conduit between the centr;ll conduit and the
of a second tank. lor example. where the fluid exiting the inlet of the tank; and
second tank combines with the stre:un from the flfSttank. [n a plurality of upper horizolllal conduit valves in fluid
ilddition, fluid from one tank llIay be directed to the upper 65 communication with the plurality of upper horizonlal
m:lllifold of n St"Cond tank. so that the first tank is \ISt'd to conduits, wherein the plmality of uppcr horizontal
milintain or increase the level of fluid in the sl"Cond tank.:\ conduit valves corresponds in nUmbl'r to the plurality
US 9,777,543 B2
11 12
of upper horizontal conduits Hnd wh('rc-in CHch upper 5.niC verlical tank arl1lY of claim 4 whl'rein one of the
horizontal conduit valve is COIUlCCled to one of the plurality of Tanks further comprises 11 pump in fluid com·
upper horizontal conduits. munic;)tion with the lower manifold and the upper mmlifold
2. The vCrlical tank of claim I funhcr comprising a pump of el1ch of the plul1llity of Tllllks.
having a pump conduit conll(.'C\cd adjacently [0 ;llld in fluid 5 6. A method of moving nmterial in a vl,rtical t:mk com-
communication with the central conduit of the upper mani- prising the stl'PS of:
fold [Iud connl."Clcd adja(-cntly 10 and in fluid cQmmuniC<llion (I) providing 11 first venical tank comprising
wlth one of the plurnlily of the lower horizontal conduits of a tank h.wing 11 cylindricl1l upper section l1nd a conicl1l
Ihe lower Illnlli fold . lower sL"Clion extcnding from the cylindrical npper
section to H bollom. with a material ston.'CI within the
3. The venicaltank or claim 2 wherein lhe pump conduil
h<ls 11 pump conduit valve 10 control flow of a materi,,!
" tank;
an olltlet in the conicl1l lower section and centered l1tthe
bClW(''Cll the upper manifold :nul the lower mtmifold.
bottom of the conic;)1 lower section:
4. A wrticaltank <lmlY comprising: a base connt"Cted to the tank by a fr.Jlllc wherein Ihe b..1se
a first venica] lank and a second vertical i<Ulk, lhe first 15 is in contact with a ground surface;
vcnicnlt:mk and Ihe second vcnicui tank each having a lower nmnil'old Imving
a cylindrical upper section and a conical lower section a lower venical conduit in fluid conllllllnicmion with the
extending from the cylindrical upper section to a bot- outlet of the tl1nk with a first end and l1U opposing
tom; st"Cond end. tht.: first end eonnectt'CI to the outlet such
,Ul outlet in the conical lower section ;lIld centcrL'CI at the 2C tlmt the opposing SI.."Cond end extends downward
bOllom of the conical lower section; directly benemh the outlet.
a base connected to the tank by a frame wherein the base a plul1llity oflower horizOllll1l conduits directly connected
is in contact with :I gronnd surJace; to and extending aW;IY from the $L"Cond end of the lower
a lower 1ll,lllifold having vertic<ll conduit, each having a length and each temli-
a lower vertical conduit in fluid communic:ltion with 2S nating in an end and in Iluid t-omnllmieation with the
the Olillet orthe tank with a first end and an opposing lower verticl1l conduit. whercin the length is less than
second end_ the first end connected to the outlet. thc radius.
:1 plur,tlity of lower hori:r.ontal conduits COllncctcd to a lower vc-rtical conduit valvc connt"Ct..'{] to and in tluid
and extending away lronl the second end of tht, communication with thc lower vertic<ll conduit. and
lower venical conduit. each tennin.1ting in an end 30 a plurality of lower horizontal conduit vl1lves corrcspond-
and in Iluid cOnllllUlllc.1tion with the lower vertic.11 ing in number to the plurality of lower hOriZOlll1ll
conduit, conduits wherein el1ch lower horizonll1l conduit valve is
:1 lower vertical conduit valve in Iluid communication connt"Ctt'{] to :Illd in fluid communication with one of
with the lowL'r vertical conduit, and the lower hori;..ontal conduits,
11 plurality of lower horizontl1l conduit valves corre· 35 wherein thc lower nl1lnil'old is suspended l1bove the
sponding in number to the plul1llity or lower bori- ground surJ:1ce by the b..1se and the fro me;
zOll1l1l conduits wherein el1ch lower horizontal con- (2) connecting the first lower horizolll1ll conduit of the first
duit valve is in fluid communicatiOIl with one of the vertical tank to a mud mixing station viH a flexible tubing;
horizontal conduits, (3) placing the first horizontal conduit valve in thc open
wherein the lower ml1nifold is suspended above the 40 position:
ground surface by the base l1nd the frame: (4) placing the second horizontl1l conduit vl1lve in ;) closed
an upper manifold having position;
a central conduit surrounding a perimeter of the conical (5) pl<lcing Ihe lower vertical conduit valve in an open
lowt'f section. position; and
11 plumlity of upper hori:r.ontal conduits coilliected to 45 (6) using the mud mixing stmion to dmw the drilling lluid
and extending l1way from the cenll1ll conduit. tenni · from thc first venic.1ltllllk to the mud mixing stmionthrough
nating in an end and in fluid communication with Ihe the outlet. the lower vertical conduit. the first hori;..ontal
central condnit. conduit and through Ihe Ilexiblc tubing
1lIl upper venicl1l conduit with 11 first end connecll'<i to (7) providing 11 sccond vcnical t:ll1k comprising
and in fluid conulIIlllication with the central conduit 50 a tatlk Iwving .1 cylindrical upper section l1nd a conical
and 11 second end cOlUlC(..1ed to and in fluid commu- lower section ex tending from thc cylindricl1l upper
nication with an inlet in the cylindrical upper section section to a bollom. wilh a material stored within the
of the tank. tank;
1lIl upper venical conduit vl1lve in fluid conUlllIIllCl1tion a base connccTed to the tank by a fl1l111e wherein the b..1SC
with the upper venieal conduitl1nd located between 55 is in cont;)ct with a ground surface:
the central conduit :md the inlet of Ihe tank. an outlet in the L-onicallowcr section and centcred :It the
11 plurnlity of upper horizont;11 conduit valvcs corn.;- bollom of the conical lower section:
~ponding in number to the plurality of upper hori- a lower manifold h.wing
zonwl conduits wherein el1ch upper horizontal con- a lower vertical conduit in l1uid cOllllllunicmion with the
duit valve is in fluid cOllullunicmion with one of the 60 outlet of the t1ll1k with a lirst end and l1n opposins
UPp'.'f horizonwl conduits; and SL"Cond end. the first end connected to the outlet.
a tlexib)c tubing connecting the uppcr manifold of the first a plurnlity or lower horizontal conduits connected 10 and
vertical tl1llk to the upper 11l11nil'old of the second extending 1IWl1Y from the second end of the lower
vertic;)l tllllk such that uppcr manifolds of the first verticl1l conduit, each Terminating in l1n end and in fluid
venic;)l I1lnk l1nd the second verticl1l tank arc in fluid 65 conullllllicmion with the lower venicl1l conduit.
communic;ltion with one another through thc tlexible a lowcr vcrtical conduit vnlvc connt"Ctt'{] to and in tluid
tubing. communication with the lower vertical conduit. nnd
US 9,777,543 B2
13 14
a plurality oflowcr horizontal conduit valves com:spond- of the conical lower section of the first vcnical tank and
ing in number \0 the plumlilY of [ower horizontal wherein the central conduit of the second venical tnnk
conduits wherein each lower horizontal conduit valve is extends around a perimeter of the conical lower section of
connected \0 :md in l1uid cOllllllunicmion with one of
the 10....·cr horiwnlul conduits, , the second venicnltank.
13. nle vcrticnltank array of claim 4 wherein the plurality
wherein (he lower manifold is suspcmkxl above (he of upper horizont;11 conduits in the first verticalt<lnk is four
grollnd surface by the base and the fmme; nnd where the plur.llity of upper horizontal conduits in the
(8) corUlccling the second lower horizonwl conduit of the second venienl t;mk is lour.
firsl vertical tank 10 the first lower horizonwl conduit of tht· 14. TIle venicalt;U1k array of claim 4 further comprising
second vertical lank viu a second flexible lubing:
(9) placing the second horizontal conduit valve from (he " n third vertical tank Iwving
a cylindric<ll upper section and a conical lower section
closed position \0 an open position:
extending from the cylindrical upper section to a hot-
(10) placing the vertical conduit valve oflhe second vertical
lank in an open position; tom;
(II) pbcing the first lower hori:.:onlal conduit valve of the 15 an outlet in the conical lower section ;lJ1d centered at the
second venical tank in a closed position; and bottom of the conical lower section:
(12) plncing the second lower horizolllal conduit valve of the a lower manifold hnving
second vertical tank in a closed position: and a lowcr verticHI couduit in fluid communication with
(13) using the mud mixing st<ltion to drow the material from the outlct of the tHnk with a first end Hnd Hn opposing
the second vertic;11 tank to the mud mixing stHtion through 2C second t·nd. thc first end connected to the outlet,
the outlet of the second venical tnnk. the lower vertic..11 a plurality of lower horizolltal conduits connected to
conduit of the second verticnl tank. the first lower horizolllni and extending away from the second end of lhe
conduit of thc second vertic;11 tank. the set;Olld flexible lower vertienl conduit. ench terminating in an end
tubing, the sct;ond lower hori?.ontal conduit of the first and in fluid conltllunit;ntion with the verticHI t'Quduit.
vertic;ti t[lnk , the first lower conduit of the first venical tank. 25 a lower verticHI conduit valve in fluid communication
and through the flexible IUbing. with the lower verticnl conduit. nnd
7. 'nle venicnl tank of clnim 1 wherein the plurality of a plurality of lower horizont<11 conduit valves corre·
lower horizontal conduits is four. sponding in number to the plurality of lower hori·
S. 'Ibe wrtical tank of claim I wherein each of tht· zontal conduits whcrein each lower horizonWI con-
plurality of lower horizontal conduits h.1S a means lor 30
duit vHlve is in fluid communicHtion with one of the
connecting n flexible tubing or an additionnl conduit.
horizontal conduits:
9. The vertical t;mk of claim I wherein each of the
a flexible tubing cOIUlecting the lower manifold of the
plurdlity of upper hori?.ontal conduits hHS a me<lns for
second vertical tank to the lower lllHnifold of the third
connecting <I flexible tubing or an additional conduit.
10. TIle vertical tnnk of claim 1 wherein the plurality of 35 verticnltank such that the lower manifolds or the first
wrtical tHnk. (he s,;.'Cond vertic;11 tank and the third
upper horizontal conduits is lour.
II . TIle venicnl tank array of clnim 4 wherein the plurality wrticHI tank nre in fluid COllllllUuic<ltion with one
of lowcr horizontal conduits in the first vcrticaltank is four another through the nexible Illbing connecting the first
vertical t:ll1k to the second vertic<11 tank and the llexible
and where-in the plurality of lower horizont<ll conduits in tht·
second vertical tank is four. Illbing connecting the second venieal tank to the third
12. TIle venic..11 tank nmly of clnim 4 wherein the cel11ral wrticalt:mk.
conduit of the first vertic<l1 tank extends nround a perimeter • • • • •
Exhibit 2
111111 1 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document Filed 01/26/18 Page 33 of 45
USOOD716842S
(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D716,842 S

Ellis (45) Date of Patent: ** Nov. 4, 2014
(54) LOWER MANIFOLD (56) References Cited
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS

(71) Applicant: Vertical Tank, Inc., Bakersfield, CA
(US) D548,899 S * 8/2007 Asplund .......................... D32/4
7,490,628 B2 * 212009 Frost et al. 137/883
8,109,295 B2 * 212012 Osteen . 137/881
(72) Inventor: Stanley Ellis, Bakersfield, CA (US)
* cited by examiner
(73) Assignee: Vertical Tank, Inc. Primary Examiner - T. Chase Nelson

Assistant Examiner - Ania Arnan
(**) Term: 14 Years (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Matthew C. McCartney,
Esq.; Eastman & McCartney LLP
(21) Appl. No.: 29/475,628 (57) CLAIM
The ornamental design for a lower manifold, as shown and
described.
(22) Filed: Dec. 4, 2013
DESCRIPTION
(51) LOC (10) Cl. 15-01
(52) U.S. Cl. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the lower manifold show-
ing my new design;
USPC ............................................................. D15/5 FIG. 2 is a front view of the lower manifold;
(58) Field of Classification Search FIG. 3 is a back view of the lower manifold;
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the lower manifold;
USPC ........ Dl511, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; D23/259, 213, 206, FIG. 5 is a left side view of the lower manifold;
D23/235, 233, 241, 322, 354; 137/837, FIG. 6 is a top view of the lower manifold; and,
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the lower manifold.
137/561 A; DlO/49
See application file for complete search history. 1 Claim, 4 Drawing Sheets
u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 1 of 4 US D716,842 S
1
IG.
FIG. 6

Exhibit 3
111111 1 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document Filed 01/26/18 Page 39 of 45
USOOD716843 S
(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D716,843 S

Ellis (45) Date of Patent: ** Nov. 4, 2014
(54) UPPER MANIFOLD (56) References Cited
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS

(71) Applicant: Vertical Tank, Inc., Bakersfield, CA
(US) D548,899 S * 8/2007 Asplund .......................... D32/4
7,490,628 B2 * 212009 Frost et al. 137/883
8,109,295 B2 * 212012 Osteen . 137/881
(72) Inventor: Stanley Ellis, Bakersfield, CA (US)
* cited by examiner
(73) Assignee: Vertical Tank, Inc. Primary Examiner - T. Chase Nelson

Assistant Examiner - Ania Arnan
(**) Term: 14 Years (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Matthew C. McCartney,
Esq.; Eastman & McCartney LLP
(21) Appl. No.: 29/475,630 (57) CLAIM
The ornamental design for a upper manifold, as shown and
described.
(22) Filed: Dec. 4, 2013
DESCRIPTION
(51) LOC (10) Cl. 15-01
(52) U.S. Cl. FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the upper manifold show-
ing my new design;
USPC ............................................................. D15/5 FIG. 2 is a back view of the upper manifold;
(58) Field of Classification Search FIG. 3 is a front view of the upper manifold;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the upper manifold;
USPC ........ Dl511, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; D23/259, 213, 206, FIG. 5 is a right side view of the upper manifold;
D23/235, 233, 241, 322, 354; 137/837, FIG. 6 is a top view of the upper manifold; and,
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper manifold.
137/561 A; DlO/49
See application file for complete search history. 1 Claim, 6 Drawing Sheets
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
IG.3
IG.4
FIG. 5
IG.6
IG.7
JS 44 (Rev. 08/16) CIVIL COVER SHEET
Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1-1 Filed 01/26/18 Page 1 of 2
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

Vertical Tank, Inc., a California corporation BakerCorp, a Delaware corporation
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff KERN County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
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(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)
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Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-334-1800
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’ 1 U.S. Government ’ 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
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of Business In This State
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Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
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JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 08/16)
Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1-1 Filed 01/26/18 Page 2 of 2

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The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
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Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation – Transfer. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C.
Section 1407.
Multidistrict Litigation – Direct File. (8) Check this box when a multidistrict case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOT AN ORIGIN CODE 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to
changes in statue.
VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service
VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.
AO 120 (Rev. 08/10)Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1-2 Filed 01/26/18 Page 1 of 1
Mail Stop 8 REPORT ON THE
TO:
Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office FILING OR DETERMINATION OF AN
P.O. Box 1450 ACTION REGARDING A PATENT OR
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 TRADEMARK
In Compliance with 35 U.S.C. § 290 and/or 15 U.S.C. § 1116 you are hereby advised that a court action has been
filed in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of California on the following
G Trademarks or G Patents. ( G the patent action involves 35 U.S.C. § 292.):
DOCKET NO. DATE FILED U.S. DISTRICT COURT

1/26/2018 Eastern District of California
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT
Vertical Tank, Inc., a California corporation BakerCorp, a Delaware corporation
PATENT OR DATE OF PATENT

HOLDER OF PATENT OR TRADEMARK
TRADEMARK NO. OR TRADEMARK
1 9,777,543 10/3/2017 Vertical Tank, Inc.
2 D716,842 11/4/2014 Vertical Tank, Inc.
3 D716,843 11/4/2014 Vertical Tank, Inc.
In the above—entitled case, the following patent(s)/ trademark(s) have been included:
DATE INCLUDED INCLUDED BY
G
Amendment G Answer G Cross Bill G Other Pleading
PATENT OR DATE OF PATENT
HOLDER OF PATENT OR TRADEMARK
TRADEMARK NO. OR TRADEMARK
1
In the above—entitled case, the following decision has been rendered or judgement issued:
DECISION/JUDGEMENT
CLERK (BY) DEPUTY CLERK DATE
Copy 1—Upon initiation of action, mail this copy to Director Copy 3—Upon termination of action, mail this copy to Director
Copy 2—Upon filing document adding patent(s), mail this copy to Director Copy 4—Case file copy
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Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1 Filed 01/26/18 Page 1 of 45

8 ANDREW S. DALLMANN, P.C.

17 EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

20 Plaintiffs demand trial by jury on all issues so triable.

22 Dated: January 26, 2018 EASTMAN & MCCARTNEY LLP

(12) United States Patent (1 0)Patent No.: US 9,777,543 B2

(56) Rl'fI'n'IICI'5 C itl'd

U.S. PATENT [)(XUMENTS

6.468.481 fi" 10/2002 Anderson BOIF 110016

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 201 7 Sheet 1 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 201 7 Sheet 2 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 2017 Sheet 3 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

, .... ,- .................. _--- ..... -" " "

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 201 7 Sheet 4 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 201 7 Sheet 5 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

" -/,91 . '? =

U.S. Patent Oct. 3, 2017 Sheet 8 of 13 US 9,777,543 B2

u.s. Patent Oct 3, 2017 Sheet 13 of 13 US 9,777,543 82

REL<\TEJ) APPLICATIONS , multi-pmh lower manifold is uttnchcd to the ou t Ie\.

(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D716,842 S

(54) LOWER MANIFOLD (56) References Cited

u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS

(73) Assignee: Vertical Tank, Inc. Primary Examiner - T. Chase Nelson

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 1 of 4 US D716,842 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 2 of 4 US D716,842 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 3 of 4 US D716,842 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 4 of 4 US D716,842 S

(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D716,843 S

(54) UPPER MANIFOLD (56) References Cited

u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS

(73) Assignee: Vertical Tank, Inc. Primary Examiner - T. Chase Nelson

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 1 of 6 US D716,843 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 2 of 6 US D716,843 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 3 of 6 US D716,843 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 4 of 6 US D716,843 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 5 of 6 US D716,843 S

u.s. Patent Nov. 4, 2014 Sheet 6 of 6 US D716,843 S

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

Citizen or Subject of a ’ 3 ’ 3 Foreign Nation ’ 6 ’ 6

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

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Case 1:18-cv-00145-LJO-JLT Document 1-1 Filed 01/26/18 Page 2 of 2

V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.

DOCKET NO. DATE FILED U.S. DISTRICT COURT

PATENT OR DATE OF PATENT

2 D716,842 11/4/2014 Vertical Tank, Inc.

3 D716,843 11/4/2014 Vertical Tank, Inc.

CLERK (BY) DEPUTY CLERK DATE

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