Patents by Inventor Ralph F. Schlenker

Ralph F. Schlenker 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 for separating isotopes using a vortex tube
    Patent number: 4285701
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a vortex tube for separating isotopes. A gas mixture containing the isotopic molecules, with or without a carrier gas, enters the vortex tube under pressure and is separated into a hot discharge flow stream and a cold discharge flow stream. The hot discharge is enriched in lighter isotopic molecules whereas the cold discharge flow stream is enriched in the heavier isotopic molecules. The vortex tube can be used in a single stage or multistage isotope separation apparatus. An electromagnetic beam may be used in conjunction with one or more vortex tubes to selectively and simultaneously excite the vibrational mode of other than the major isotopic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventor: Ralph F. Schlenker
  • Method for separating isotopes
    Patent number: 4093427
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a vortex tube for separating isotopes. A gas mixture containing the isotopic molecules enters the vortex tube under pressure and is separated into a hot discharge flow stream and a cold discharge flow stream. The hot discharge is enriched in lighter isotopic molecules whereas the cold discharge flow stream is enriched in the heavier isotopic molecules. The vortex tube can be used in a single stage or multistage isotope separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Ralph F. Schlenker