Patents Represented by Attorney Lawrence J. Crain
  • Patent number: 4787014
    Abstract: A safety lighting device for a bicycle including a housing in which is located a self-contained light source which emits light through a lens; the housing also having a plate-like mounting apparatus wedged between pairs of overlapping spokes which allows the housing to be removably secured to the spokes, and further allows the light to be directed radially outwardly to permit ready visibility of the bike and rider while deflecting the light away from the eyes of the rider and any obstructions created by the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventors: Terry G. Wodder, Lawrence J. Crain
  • Patent number: 4756484
    Abstract: A vertical shaft impact crusher is provided comprising a housing, a rotor mounted within the housing for rotation about a vertical axis and propelling incoming rock outwardly against a crusher ring, wherein the crusher ring is comprised of segments each capable of autogenous, impact or semi-autogenous crushing or combinations thereof in order to precisely control the size and shape of crushed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Nordberg, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bechler, Stephen R. Butts
  • Patent number: 4750681
    Abstract: A conical crusher having a power draw of approximately 1,000 Hp and capable of being installed in a conventional crusher foundation is provided with an annular frame shell with support means capable of withstanding the higher than normal crushing forces, a hydraulic circuit capable of counterbalancing the crusher bowl while it is in a raised position to allow material to be cleared from a jammed crusher, and a mechanical anti-spin head bushing. A method is provided for increasing the production of conical crushers by altering head throw and diameter, increasing the power draw and increasing the internal volume of the crusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Nordberg, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulhas S. Sawant, Vijia K. Karra, Dean M. Kaja
  • Patent number: 4750679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of comminuting ore-like material to produce a disproportionately large volume of flakier product which is easily and more efficiently ground in a mill, wherein the method includes the application of a stream of liquid all around the inlet of a conical crusher, increasing the speed and reducing the throw of the crusher to produce a generally flaky product, crushing the ore in the presence of the liquid and passing the ore and liquid slurry directly to a grinding mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Nordberg, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijia K. Karra, Anthony J. Magerowski
  • Patent number: 4717110
    Abstract: A signage system capable of supporting and displaying at least one variably sized sign is provided comprising a flat base; a blade-shaped support adapter engaging the base; an elongate, vertically-projecting support stem provided with a fixed crossbar at the top of the stem to form a `T`; and an inverted, sliding crossbar also engaging the stem; both crossbars provided with sign clamping means so that signs of varying sizes may be displayed between the fixed and sliding crossbars. Provisions are also included for inserting the blade-shaped adapter into soil or the like for garden displays, and stem extensions to increase the height of the support stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: Scott R. Fohrman
  • Patent number: 4681033
    Abstract: In a belt press of the type used to dewater heavy slurries, an improved belt drive system is provided. The upper belt is driven by at least two rollers, one of which is situated in the dewatering section wherein the upper and lower belts are squeezed and traveling together. The improved drive arrangement provides a more uniformly increasing tension in the belt as it passes through the dewatering section than in such presses heretofore. Further because the lower belt is at least partially driven by its frictional engagement with the upper belt, through the sandwiched slurry, the synchronization of the belt speeds is improved. Further improved control of the belt press performance is provided by means for sensing the speeds of the belts and responsive means for regulating the belt tensioning systems accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Crandall, Kenneth F. Kosulic, Thomas C. Rooney, Larry C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4671464
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of comminuting ore-like material to produce a disproportionately large volume of flakier product which is easily and more efficiently ground in a mill, wherein the method includes the application of a stream of liquid all around the inlet of a conical crusher, increasing the speed and reducing the throw of the crusher to produce a generally flaky product, crushing the ore in the presence of the liquid and passing the ore and liquid slurry directly to a grinding mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Vijia K. Karra, Anthony J. Magerowski
  • Patent number: 4668387
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus is disclosed in which a rotating biological contactor rotatably mounted on a horizontal shaft is deeply submerged in a wastewater tank, so that a substantial portion of attached biomass does not come into contact with the ambient air. A plurality of gas conduits are disposed in the tank beneath the rotating contactor and are positioned to provide rotational energy to the contactor, to serve as the principal source of oxygen for the submerged biomass and to regulate the rotational velocity of the biological contactor so that the oxygen containing air bubbles are caused to rise into the central region of media rather than being swept along and confined to the outer radius of the media as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Davie, Donald N. Gass
  • Patent number: 4664243
    Abstract: A conveyor roller and bearing assembly designed to rotate around a fixed shaft in a conveyor frame is disclosed having a polymeric roller constructed and arranged to minimize the generation of production noise and static electricity, a polymeric spherical bearing capable of freely rotating within a shaft subjected to more than the normal degree of deflectional rotation while generating a minimum of friction and heat, and a spring loaded shaft designed for easy installation in a conveyor frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Martin
  • Patent number: 4663042
    Abstract: A hollow, polymeric sludge collector flight is provided having a sigma-shaped cross-section, including a wedge-shaped transverse indentation on its forward face, a vertically extending wear lip on its scraping edge, and a transverse gap on its rear face. The gap allows free circulation of liquid within the non-buoyant flight. The indentation structurally stiffens the mid-span section of the flight. Where additional stiffness is required, filler blocks may be placed between mounting blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Rasper, James H. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 4663038
    Abstract: A side channel clarifier for use in wastewater treatment devices employing the circulation of water in a tank having a circuitous path for the purposes of aeration and biological digestion of wastes, wherein the clarifier is mounted in the wall of the channel so that the main flow of water in the tank is undisturbed, and that a portion of that flow is diverted into as quiescent clarification zone, where an inclined baffle collects settled sludge and returns that sludge to the main flow for further decomposition. Siphoning means are provided to ensure the return of a substantial portion of the sludge to the main flow before stagnation occurs and without disrupting the inflow of wastewater into said clarifier. Means are also provided to separate the clarified effluent for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Smith, John W. Wittmann
  • Patent number: 4659026
    Abstract: A vertical shaft impact crusher having a rotor mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on a vertical shaft supported by a central bearing, and an impeller mounted on that shaft so that rock fed into the crusher is caught by the spinning impeller and thrown against an adjacent breaker means, and is broken; wherein the crusher is provided with a guard ring means and a dust shell means mounted telescopically and concentrically to each other with the vertical shaft to restrict the entrance of rock dust and rock fragments into the rotor shaft and bearing; and an annular flexible curtain mounted in spaced relationship to the interior of the crusher housing to dissipate material velocities and reduce operational noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Krause, Scott Szalanski, David J. Bechler
  • Patent number: 4658638
    Abstract: A machine condition diagnostic system is provided wherein machine components or their immediate surroundings are labelled with indicator materials. A normal level of indicators in the lubricant will be established. The lubricant is monitored and periodically sampled to determine the presence of abnormal levels in the amount of indicator material. Since each component or components performing a similar function will be labelled with the same indicator, the presence of a particular indicator in abnormal amounts in the lubricant will direct the machine operator to the precise location requiring repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Plahmer
  • Patent number: 4635366
    Abstract: A shoe sizer capable of measuring the feet of men or women and designed to be readily shipped by mail, comprising a base having a flat upper surface, an elongate slot, and a plurality of mounting recesses; a vertically-projecting heel portion having a mounting lug for engaging one of the mounting recesses and designed to accurately and consistently position a heel on a selected portion of said base; a vertically projecting stopping member to aid in the proper positioning of the foot; a foot width indicator which is slidably engaged in the elongate slot; and a sizing grid placed on the upper surface of the base so as to accurately and consistently measure the size and width of either men's or women's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventors: Scott R. Fohrman, Herbert Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 4631974
    Abstract: A polymeric split sprocket wheel is provided having two mating portions that, when joined, form a split line at the junction of those portions, two side faces, a toothed outer rim and a central axial bore, and which is designed to be mounted on a relatively immobile yet rotatable keyed shaft, being secured thereon by means of a tripartite apparatus comprised of a captive slotted keyway molded into the central axial bore of the wheel, a circular band clamp capable of exerting a uniform degree of force all around the axial hub, and a plurality of wedge dog assemblies which join the wheel together along the split line by means of a plurality of wedge dog clamps which straddle the split line, are inserted into tapered receptacles, and are fixed to the wheel by fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Envirex, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Wiegand, Thomas J. Casper
  • Patent number: 4629061
    Abstract: A belt steering control system for a belt press having a frame and a plurality of rolls around which a pair of belts passes, said system comprising a paddle-type belt edge position sensor lightly biased against the edge of the belt for sensing the actual position of the belt edge and producing an error signal indicative of the deviation of the belt edge relative to its position where the belt is centered; the paddle sensor being connected by a control shaft to a rotary drive transfer means; the drive transfer means transmitting movement of the paddle sensor to a rotary hydraulic valve by means of a variably tensioned, spring-loaded disc which engages the rotary drive transfer means; a belt steering roll around which the belt is trained and having two ends mounted in bearings on the frame, one of the ends being mounted for translation relative to the frame; and a steering roll actuator which is controlled by the rotary hydraulic valve and skews the steering roll when necessary to maintain proper belt tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Crandall
  • Patent number: 4629559
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in an activated sludge process for treating wastewater wherein raw sewage or the like is mixed with activated sludge and the resulting mixture is circulated in a confined aerated tank (usually in the form of additional subsurface aeration) so that the mixture follows a predetermined vertical flow cycle through a plurality of flow passageways created by gas impermeable baffle means in order to optimally increase the retention time of aerating air in the tank. The retention time of the air is increased by means of at least one secondary horizontal baffle means specifically designed to collect large bubbles of air trapped beneath said gas-impermeable baffle means and to be permeable to gases, so as to provide additional air/liquid surface area to escaping air. The secondary baffle is situated adjacently above and substantially parallel to the gas impermeable flow directing baffle means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4622894
    Abstract: In a belt press of the type used to dewater heavy slurries, an improved belt drive system is provided. The upper belt is driven by at least two rollers, one of which is situated in the dewatering section wherein the upper and lower belts are squeezed and traveling together. The improved drive arrangement provides a more uniformly increasing tension in the belt as it passes through the dewatering section than in such presses heretofore. Further because the lower belt is at least partially driven by its frictional engagement with the upper belt, through the sandwiched slurry, the synchronization of the belt speeds is improved. Further improved control of the belt press performance is provided by means for sensing the speeds of the belts and responsive means for regulating the belt tensioning systems accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Crandall, Kenneth F. Kosulic, Thomas C. Rooney, Larry C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4620927
    Abstract: A microscreen support wheel and assembly is provided comprising a polymeric support wheel having a crowned tread surface, an annular stress relief groove cut into each of its vertically flat, substantially parallel side faces and an axial bore designed to rotate around an axis included in a support wheel assembly constructed and arranged to hold a pair of microscreen support wheels in a laterally adjacent relationship on a rigid microscreen frame at an angle whereby optimum drum support is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Casper, Susan M. Rasper
  • Patent number: 4620185
    Abstract: A machine condition diagnostic system is provided wherein machine components are labelled with indicator materials. A normal level of indicators in the lubricant will be established. The lubricant is monitored and periodically or continually sampled to determine the presence of abnormal levels in the amount of indicator material. Since each component or components performing a similar function will be labelled with the same indicator, the presence of a particular indicator in abnormal amounts in the lubricant will direct the machine operator to the precise location requiring repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Plahmer