Patents by Inventor Arthur R. Helmich

Arthur R. Helmich 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: 5587055
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Michael O. Hartman
    Inventors: Michael O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5484510
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Dew Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 4894123
    Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich
  • Patent number: 4724048
    Abstract: A water distiller apparatus for purifying and degassing domestic water supplies is provided which is constructed for easy cleaning of all parts and in which inflowing water is preheated by condensing steam within a condenser which preheating allows dissolved gases to dissipate through a vent before the inlet water reaches an evaporator portion. The rate of inflowing water is controlled by a temperature responsive valve that is in thermal communication with the condenser to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat and water loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich
  • Patent number: RE35283
    Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich