Patents Assigned to Vortex Corporation
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Patent number: 7464913Abstract: An orifice valve having a moveable gate to control the flow of solids in a closed conveying system. The invention encompasses a valve housing with two complementary valve sections, each of a unitary construction. A single plate has a first planar surface, two opposed sidewalls and an end wall. The sidewalls include an integral flange section which presents planar surfaces that are placed in facing relationship with the planar flange surfaces of a second housing member so that the two form a closed cavity. A blade is received in the cavity and is reciprocal between open and closed positions so as to accommodate the flow of material or to block the flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Shawn Michael Werner, Lee Edward Young, Eric Jon Severson
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Patent number: 7290566Abstract: A diverter valve for bulk solids is disclosed. The valve has a single inlet and two or more outlets, preferable three. Two pivotal gate valves are used for three outlets so that one is open and two are closed. The valve includes a novel pivotal gate structure which includes a resilient planar component sandwiched between two rigid planar components. The resilient component engages the valve housing so as to avoid metal to metal contact. The invention also includes a seal bar on each side of the housing which presents a linear surface that is perpendicular to the plane of the gate structure so as to present a firm surface against which the gate structure seals. The seal bars for each gate structure are discontinuous so as to accommodate positioning of the other gate structure in a smooth non-deformed sealing relationship to the housing. Additional seal bars engage the top and sides of each gate structure when moved to a “closed” position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Lee Edward Young, Jeffrey Lynn Ryser
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Patent number: 7163191Abstract: A high-pressure gate valve for control of bulk materials includes a main body with an opening for passing bulk material, an upper body, a slideable blade, and lifting structure configured to raise the blade in a planar motion, perpendicular to the primary direction of travel and seal it against the upper body when the blade is extended. An actuating cylinder coupled with a rear edge of the blade extends and retracts the blade. A rear portion of the valve is enclosed to protect the rear edge of the blade, the actuating cylinder, and the coupling between the two.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Lee Edward Young, Shawn Michael Werner
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Patent number: 7021604Abstract: An iris valve for controlling the flow of bulk solid materials includes a flexible cylindrical sleeve, a control ring, and a polymeric isolator disc, all sandwiched between upper and lower body members. Rotating the control ring twists the flexible sleeve in an iris pattern to close an opening through the valve. Clamp bands attached to the upper body member and control ring include a machined helical pattern to securely grip the ends of the flexible sleeve, and a threaded handle locks the control ring in place against the body members.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Shawn Michael Werner, Harmon Lee Davis, Monty Richard Leach
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Patent number: 5938175Abstract: A gate valve for controlling the flow of a material is provided which has first and second flange assemblies oriented adjacent to one another. Each of the flange assemblies has an opening through which the material can flow. A pair of load seals are placed between the first and second flange assemblies and a pair of pressure plates are placed between the load seals. A blade is located between the pressure plates and has an opening therein which is sized similarly to the openings in the first and second flange assemblies. The blade is movable between an open position such that the openings of the first and second flange assemblies are aligned with the opening of the blade, and a closed position such that the opening of the blade is not aligned with the openings of the first and second flange assemblies so that material is prevented from flowing past the blade. The first and second flange assemblies are coupled together with a coupling mechanism operable without the use of any tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Lee Young, Joe Cather
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Patent number: 5709799Abstract: Water to be purified is directed into a first tank and is entrained with ozone. The ozonated water is channeled into a second tank and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. An ultraviolet radiating lamp produces the ultraviolet radiation and also is exposed to a source of air for generating ozone. The generated ozone is conveyed to and entrained in the water in the first tank. A filter may be used to filter the water flowing into the first tank. A discharge conduit conveys the ozonated, irradiated and purified water to a point of use.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Vortex CorporationInventor: Rolf Engelhard
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Patent number: 5540848Abstract: Water to be purified swirls about a source of ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms contained therein and flows through a carbon filter cartridge mounted about the ultraviolet source to remove any chlorine and particulate matter. The outflow from the carbon filter is again subjected to ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms entrained in the water emanating from the carbon filter. An ozone generator may be incorporated to entrain ozone with the inflowing water to enhance killing of any microorganisms present and to oxidize any undesirable compounds. The cartridge filter has its annular support member at one end disposed adjacent a first annular ridge to establish an annular seal between the support member and the first annular ridge. An axially moveable disk includes a second annular ridge disposed adjacent the annular support member at the other end of the cartridge filter to establish an annular seal therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Vortex CorporationInventor: Rolf Engelhard
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Patent number: D357058Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Vortex CorporationInventor: Rolf Engelhard