Patents by Inventor Adelbert Gorham

Adelbert Gorham 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: 7901343
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-cleaning drying centrifuge for removing fluid from a concentrated particulate-filled fluid and peeling mostly dried particulate (solid) material from the centrifuge. In some embodiments, a high-efficiency centrifuge performs an initial separation and concentration of small particles from a contaminated fluid, and outputs a clarified fluid for reuse, and periodically purges concentrated particulates with high fluid content. The purged concentrate is then fed into the present invention's drying centrifuge, which substantially reduces the remaining fluid content. In some embodiments, the drying centrifuge is periodically stopped and one or more internal blades (peelers) are rotated around the inner wall of the drying centrifuge bowl to peel the accumulated solids, which drop into a collection container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Products Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Adelbert Gorham, Ronald L. Jorgenson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Publication number: 20080026926
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-cleaning drying centrifuge for removing fluid from a concentrated particulate-filled fluid and peeling mostly dried particulate (solid) material from the centrifuge. In some embodiments, a high-efficiency centrifuge performs an initial separation and concentration of small particles from a contaminated fluid, and outputs a clarified fluid for reuse, and periodically purges concentrated particulates with high fluid content. The purged concentrate is then fed into the present invention's drying centrifuge, which substantially reduces the remaining fluid content. In some embodiments, the drying centrifuge is periodically stopped and one or more internal blades (peelers) are rotated around the inner wall of the drying centrifuge bowl to peel the accumulated solids, which drop into a collection container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED PRODUCTS LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Adelbert Gorham, Ronald L. Jorgenson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Patent number: 7077799
    Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifuge for clarifying contaminated liquids has a rotor assembly comprising nested first and second sets of concentric cylinders supported for rotation about an axis. The sets of concentric cylinders are rotatably connected. A motor is connected to rotate one of the sets. Contaminated liquid is supplied to the nested cylinders, and the liquid provides coupling between both of the sets so that both sets rotate about the axis. Centrifugal force causes foreign matter to collect on the circumferential surfaces of the cylinders. The resultant clarified liquid is collected for reuse. A selectively utilized brake provides sudden braking of one of the rotating sets to purge collected foreign matter from the cylinders. The purged foreign matter is collected for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Products Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Adelbert Gorham, Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Ronald L. Jorgenson, David S. Paulson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Publication number: 20040112824
    Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifuge for clarifying contaminated liquids has a rotor assembly comprising nested first and second sets of concentric cylinders supported for rotation about an axis. The sets of concentric cylinders are rotatably connected. A motor means is connected to rotate one of the sets. Means supply contaminated liquid to the nested cylinders, and the liquid provides coupling between both of the sets so that both sets rotate about the axis. Centrifugal force causes foreign matter to collect on the circumferential surfaces of the cylinders. The resultant clarified liquid is collected for reuse. Selectively utilized brake means provides sudden braking of one of the rotating sets to purge collected foreign matter from the cylinders. The purged foreign matter is collected for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Adelbert Gorham, Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Ronald L. Jorgenson, David S. Paulson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Patent number: 5242240
    Abstract: A clamping device having a number of components includes a retaining mechanism that retains the components in an assembled state for cleaning and sterilization. The device includes a bolt and a nut that bring first and second clamping leg portions toward each other to a clamping position. The nut is held is rotatable relationship with the first clamping leg by a retaining ring. Similarly, the bolt is held in rotatable engagement with the second leg portion by a second retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Adelbert Gorham