The innovation of clean water technology took a major step forward with the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 12,644,272 for a “Storm drain grate and filter apparatus and method.” This groundbreaking environmental system was developed and patented by Frog Creek Partners, LLC, an environmental technology company dedicated to mitigating stormwater pollution and protecting vital watersheds across the nation.
This highly effective filtration solution has garnered significant attention within the environmental engineering community, resulting in it being named the Wyoming State Patent of the Month for July 2026. By integrating an advanced capture mechanism directly within urban catch basins, the technology addresses a critical gap in municipal stormwater management systems without disrupting existing infrastructure.
Why the Invention is So Innovative
The “Storm drain grate and filter apparatus and method” stands out due to its unique and highly efficient design tailored for volatile urban environments. Traditional storm drain inserts often clog quickly or allow captured debris to wash back out during heavy downpours. This patented system solves those challenges through an integrated capture portion that includes robust attachment mechanisms, a specialized funnel, and an engineered filter hanger. This structure ensures that all incoming runoff is directed efficiently toward a high-capacity filter bag, such as the company’s proprietary Mundus Bag.
Furthermore, the design incorporates a deliberate gap between the funnel and the filter hanger to accommodate high-flow overflow conditions during extreme weather events. Coupled with an innovative anti-backflow skirt on the filter bag, the system successfully prevents captured pollutants (including trash, cigarette butts, sediment, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons) from being flushed back out into the sewer network when water volumes peak. This balance of high hydraulic capacity and secure containment represents a substantial leap forward over previous stormwater treatment options.
Winning the July 2026 Wyoming State Patent of the Month
The selection of this technology as the Wyoming State Patent of the Month for July 2026 highlights the state’s commitment to fostering localized, impactful environmental engineering. Founded by Wyoming native Brian Deurloo and headquartered in Casper, Frog Creek Partners developed this technology to address pressing environmental issues close to home. Following the official grant of Patent Number 12,644,272 in June 2026, the July accolade recognizes both the timing and the profound regional relevance of the invention.
Wyoming’s pristine natural watersheds and rivers are crucial to its ecology, tourism, and wildlife. This technology provides municipal leaders with a practical, low-maintenance tool to intercept urban runoff pollution at the source. Having already demonstrated its efficacy by capturing thousands of pounds of pollution in regional deployments, the patent stands as a shining example of Wyoming-born innovation solving a global ecological challenge.
Eligibility for the U.S. R&D Tax Credit
The practical applications and ongoing refinement of this patented stormwater filtration system present a compelling case for eligibility under the U.S. Credit for Increasing Research Activities, commonly known as the R&D tax credit. To qualify under Internal Revenue Code Section 41, activities must pass a rigorous four-part test. In applying this technology, engineering teams engage in a systematic process of experimentation to overcome technical uncertainties regarding fluid dynamics, structural integrity, and pollutant separation efficiency across varying catch basin geometries. The design and testing of specialized elements, such as flexible corrugated canisters, custom-tailored filter hanger assemblies, and the precise geometric configurations of the anti-backflow skirt, heavily rely on the principles of physical sciences and mechanical engineering. By iteratively prototyping these components, performing computational fluid simulations, and conducting rigorous field testing to optimize functional performance and durability, the development process satisfies all statutory criteria, making the associated expenditures eligible for substantial federal tax incentives.
