Patents by Inventor Mark L. LeClair

Mark L. LeClair 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).

  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles
    Patent number: 7517430
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface placed in a fluid. A mask containing an orifice, placed between the work surface and the cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface. The cavitation bubble may be formed in the desired location by focusing an energy flow proximate to the mask. The energy flow may be obtained by radiation from laser, x-ray, or electrical discharge sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles using target bubbles
    Patent number: 7297288
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a working cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface. A target bubble, formed between the work surface and the working cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles
    Patent number: 6960307
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface placed in a fluid. A mask containing an orifice, placed between the work surface and the cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface. The cavitation bubble may be formed in the desired location by focusing an energy flow proximate to the mask. The energy flow may be obtained by radiation from laser, x-ray, or electrical discharge sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles using target bubbles
    Patent number: 6932914
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a working cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface. A target bubble, formed between the work surface and the working cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles
    Publication number: 20030139041
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface placed in a fluid. A mask containing an orifice, placed between the work surface and the cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface. The cavitation bubble may be formed in the desired location by focusing an energy flow proximate to the mask. The energy flow may be obtained by radiation from laser, x-ray, or electrical discharge sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for the controlled formation of cavitation bubbles using target bubbles
    Publication number: 20030136756
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a working cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface. A target bubble, formed between the work surface and the working cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Mark L. LeClair
  • Method and apparatus for producing liquid suspensions of finely divided matter
    Patent number: 5522553
    Abstract: A device for producing suspensions of finely divided matter includes a dispersion mill of the type with a slotted rotor and stator. The stator has chamfers on the leading edges to permit fluid flow from the rotor into the stator which is longer in duration, of greater volume, and along a path resulting in an impact angle of 90 degrees. The impact angle generates stagnation forces of a magnitude that results in cavitation when the fluid accelerates away from the impact zone. Subsequent discharges of fluid from rotor to stator slot creates increased ambient pressure around the vapor cavity accelerating cavity collapse and generating high pressures through accelerated collapse and through reentrant jet effects. Shock waves are transmitted locally which disintegrate particulates such as cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Kady International
    Inventors: Mark L. LeClair, John A. Higgins