Patents by Inventor Blair Nakatsu

Blair Nakatsu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Electrode column
    Patent number: 7075966
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for lowering (“slipping”) and/or raising (“back slipping”) electrodes relative to an electrode column. The system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. The magnitudes of the clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on the one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with the weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the power clamp, resulting in downward movement of the electrode without release of the clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to the furnace without release of the clamping forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hatch, Ltd.
    Inventors: Felim P. McCaffrey, Blair Nakatsu, Nils W. Voermann, Maurizio Darini, Sean Southall
  • Electrode column
    Publication number: 20050259711
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for lowering (“slipping”) and/or raising (“back slipping”) electrodes relative to an electrode column. The system includes an electrode column having at least one slipping sleeve and a power clamp, each of which apply a radial clamping force to the electrode. The magnitudes of the clamping forces are selected such that application of a downwardly directed axial force on the one or more slipping sleeves, in combination with the weight of the electrode, are sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the power clamp, resulting in downward movement of the electrode without release of the clamping forces. Electrode columns having two movable slipping sleeves are also capable of raising the electrode relative to the furnace without release of the clamping forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Felim McCaffrey, Blair Nakatsu, Nils Voermann, Maurizio Darini, Sean Southall