Patents Assigned to General Kinematics
  • Publication number: 20090178958
    Abstract: A separator attachment for use with a vibratory apparatus, the attachment including a housing mountable to a vibratory apparatus below a material-conveying surface of the vibratory apparatus, the housing defining a pressure chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The housing has at least one wall with a wall surface having a first end disposed proximate to the outlet of the pressure chamber and a second end. The attachment also includes a deflector plate with a deflector plate surface having a first end disposed proximate to the outlet of the pressure chamber and a second end, the deflector plate surface facing the wall surface. The deflector plate is translatable relative to the at least one wall to vary the spacing between the deflector plate surface and the wall surface. A system including a vibratory apparatus and the attachment may also be defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: William G. Guptail, Steve C. Wiechmann
  • Publication number: 20090179134
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a vibratory apparatus includes a trough having a deck, the deck defined by a plurality of modular deck pieces connected to each other. The apparatus also includes a plurality of resilient members attached to the trough and supporting the trough, and a vibration generator coupled to the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan Britton, Ronald Fruit
  • Publication number: 20090178957
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a separation deck free of stepwise changes in elevation between a first end and a second end, the separation deck comprising a plurality of spaces through which a constituent material may pass, a plurality of scrubbers disposed on the deck, the plurality of scrubbers having a first end disposed at a higher elevation than the deck in at least a first state, and a vibratory generator coupled to the deck. The mixed material moves over the deck and the scrubbers from the first end to the second end by the motion imparted by the vibratory generator. Components of the mixed material move relative to each other as the components move over the scrubbers, thereby causing the constituents material attached to the components of the mixed material to separate and pass through the spaces in the separation deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, JR., Gordon J. Frank, Derek Kerkera
  • Patent number: 7559725
    Abstract: A conveyor may include a conveyor includes a frame, a trough supported on the frame, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The trough has a trough wall with a first plurality of apertures, and a plurality of baffles are spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, Jr., Richard P. Kempf
  • Publication number: 20090162137
    Abstract: A lined drum includes a drum having a wall with an inner surface. The lined drum also includes a plurality of liner segments, each liner segment having inner and outer opposing surfaces, opposing side edges, and opposing end edges, the outer surface of the liner segment facing the inner drum surface and the side edges of adjacent liner segments being spaced from each other to define a space therebetween, and at least one retainer having opposing side edges overlapping the side edges of the adjacent liner segments, the at least one retainer attached to the wall of the drum in the space between the side edges of the adjacent liner segments. The lined drum may also include a plurality of bar segments, each bar segment attached to the wall of the drum and at least one retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas P. Musschoot, Steve Massman
  • Patent number: 7540694
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Markowski, Kurt Christopherson, Richard B. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20090126219
    Abstract: A system includes a container having a curved inner surface disposed about a generally horizontally extending longitudinal axis, the container having an input end and an axially-spaced output end opposite the input end, the container being mounted on a plurality of resilient members so as to be resiliently supported above a base. The curved inner surface is defined by at least one deck plate having a plurality of apertures to direct air tangential to the curved inner surface. The system also includes a vibration generator coupled to the container for producing a vibratory force to cause material within the container to be moved in a generally rising and falling path of rolling movement along the curved inner surface, and a fan coupled to a heater and to the plurality of apertures to pass heated air through the plurality of apertures. A method of drying material is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oscar Lee Mathis, JR., Steve C. Wiechmann
  • Patent number: 7527153
    Abstract: A separator system may include a first trough having an inlet end, a downstream, outlet end and a trough floor, a first screen section supported in the trough spaced from the trough floor, the first screen section having a first end and a second downstream end, a material-retaining surface disposed at the downstream end of the first screen section, the material-retaining surface disposed at an angle relative to the first screen section to limit the movement of material across the first screen section, and a vibratory generator coupled to the trough. The separator system may alternatively or in addition include a gate disposed at the end of the screen section, the gate having a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel T. Lease, Dan Britton, Steve C. Wiechmann
  • Publication number: 20090112045
    Abstract: A vibratory system for asbestos treatment includes a trough with a heat-resistant liner, an opening, and a discharge end. The system also includes a transportation sub-system including a frame that may be coupled to the trough, as well as a vibration generator and resilient members coupled to the frame. Further, the system includes a heating sub-system including a furnace that may be disposed across the opening. A method for asbestos treatment includes disposing the asbestos in the trough, disposing the furnace across the opening, heating the asbestos in the trough to render the asbestos inert, vibrating the trough to move the inert asbestos along the trough to the discharge end, and collecting the inert asbestos from the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, JR., Ronald Fruit, Yong Wei
  • Publication number: 20090101476
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a surface having an input end and an output end, and a vibratory generator coupled to the surface to cause material to move along the surface. The apparatus also includes a barrier coupled to the surface and having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough to provide for controlled passage of materials from an upstream side of the barrier to a downstream side, and a solid gate disposed to one side of the barrier, the gate moveable relative to the barrier between a first position wherein a first portion of the plurality of openings are occluded and a second position wherein a second portion of the plurality of openings are occluded, the first portion being different than the second portion. A method of operating such an apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ron J. Zorn, Todd Danielczyk, Ronald Fruit, Tobin L. Imes
  • Patent number: 7506766
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a separation deck free of stepwise changes in elevation between a first end and a second end, the separation deck comprising a plurality of spaces through which a constituent material may pass, a plurality of scrubbers disposed on the deck, the plurality of scrubbers having a first end disposed at a higher elevation than the deck in at least a first state, and a vibratory generator coupled to the deck. The mixed material moves over the deck and the scrubbers from the first end to the second end by the motion imparted by the vibratory generator. Components of the mixed material move relative to each other as the components move over the scrubbers, thereby causing the constituents material attached to the components of the mixed material to separate and pass through the spaces in the separation deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, Jr., Gordon J. Frank, Derek Kerkera
  • Patent number: 7487868
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object has a first housing wall with a first wall support and a second housing wall with a second wall support. A deck has a first lateral edge engaging the first wall support and a second lateral edge engaging the second wall support, so that the deck extends along a deck path and defines a conveyor surface adapted to receive the object. A force assembly is mechanically coupled to the deck and applies a force that bends the deck into an arcuate cross-sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Kraus, Kurt Christopherson, Robert Markowski
  • Patent number: 7472898
    Abstract: A three mass vibratory apparatus for processing work material includes a bed defining a transport surface for receiving the objects, an elastic amplifier having a first end connected to the bed and a second end, and a drive base connected to the elastic amplifier second end. A linear actuator is mounted on the drive base and adapted to generate a linear vibratory force that is amplified by the elastic amplifier thereby to move the bed in a vibratory motion, so that the work material moves in response to the vibratory motion of the bed. The bed defines a first mass, the drive base and linear actuator define a second mass, and the reciprocating weight defines a third mass, the first, second, and third masses being isolated from rigid coupling to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20080226400
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Markowski, Kurt Christopherson, Richard B. Kraus
  • Patent number: 7422114
    Abstract: A vibratory material separating apparatus has at least two plateau conveying surfaces interrupted by a drop out opening. A composite mixture is conveyed by a vibrating action beyond the first conveying plateau and over a foraminous section in the first conveying plateau adjacent the drop out opening. Air is directed upwardly through the foraminous section to break apart the composite mixture, and an air supply formed by an air duct is also directed angularly in relationship to the plane of the first conveying plateau to further break apart the composite mixture and to propel particles of predetermined density and/or dimension to the landing area on the second conveying plateau. The air duct is adjustable between a first position and a second position to form an air stream having an adjustable and width. In another aspect, a separating tube is located between and spaced from the first and second conveying plateaus, within the drop out opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Guptail
  • Publication number: 20080210718
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald Fruit, Daniel T. Lease, Steve Massman, Stephen McCabe, Paul Musschoot, Frederick Vroman
  • Patent number: 7377728
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Markowski, Kurt Christopherson, Richard B. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20080116040
    Abstract: A vibratory feeder apparatus includes a bed, a base, a plurality of elastic amplifiers having a first end connected to the bed and a second end connected to the base, and a plurality of elastic isolators coupled to the base to support the base above surrounding terrain. The feeder apparatus also includes a pneumatically operated linear actuator mounted on the base and having a housing and a reciprocating mass slidably disposed inside the housing. The reciprocating mass is isolated from mechanical connection to any component outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard Kraus
  • Publication number: 20080083663
    Abstract: A finger screen includes a plurality of first fingers, the plurality of first fingers defining a plurality of first spaces between adjacent first fingers, and a plurality of second fingers. In a first state, the plurality of second fingers is attached to the plurality of first fingers such the second fingers occlude a first percentage of the first spaces. In a second state, the plurality of second fingers is attached to the plurality of first fingers such that the second fingers occlude a second percentage of the first spaces, the first and second percentages being different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ronald Zorn
  • Patent number: D591985
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Musschoot