Patents by Inventor Nicholas S. Christopher

Nicholas S. Christopher 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).

  • Patent number: 6037571
    Abstract: The invention is a dual power source high heat electrical grill whose primary application is as an outdoor or indoor grill which uses the combination of AC and DC powered elements in a hybrid configuration to produce as much heat as conventional outdoor gas grills and more than could otherwise be produced by a conventional electric grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Christopher
  • Patent number: 4831277
    Abstract: A power system specifically adapted to provide DC power for powering a DC load at a remote site under severe environmental conditions, such as is found at remote gas pipeline locations. The power system includes a slow speed heat engine adapted to be powered by fuel, preferably taken directly from the gas pipeline, the supply of which is controlled by means of a pressure regulator. The engine is adapted to be directly coupled to an oversized, slow speed three-phase alternator so as to produce AC power, which is subsequently rectified to DC power output for powering a load in the range of 500 to 5,000 watts. The engine is particularly adapted to be started with a hand crank or a portable starter, and is provided with ceramic main bearings, an oversized lubrication system, redundant independent ignition systems and a highly superior cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Christopher
  • Patent number: 4306613
    Abstract: A cold bank tank in an enclosure for storing thermal energy in a very small area contains a liquid heat transfer fluid and has a top which is the top of the enclosure and a spaced opposite bottom. An inside heat exchanger extends from the bottom of the tank in the enclosure for cooling warm air in the enclosure rising by natural convection, returning the cooled air to the enclosure and transferring the warm air to the tank wherein it warms the fluid in the tank. An outside heat exchanger outside the enclosure is spaced from the top of the enclosure and coupled to the tank. A plurality of energy storage rods in the fluid in the tank store thermal energy in a very small area. The heat warming the fluid is transferred to the energy storage rods and when the outside temperature decreases below a predetermined magnitude, heat is released from the rods to the liquid fluid and vaporizes the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Christopher