Patents by Inventor Brian M. O'Connor

Brian M. O'Connor 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).

  • Publication number: 20240288161
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Brian M. O'CONNOR, Thomas FOLEY, Matthew W. DENNIS, James W. HILLIARD
  • Patent number: 12013118
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Air Burners, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. O'Connor, Thomas Foley, Matthew W. Dennis, James W. Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20230250955
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Brian M. O'CONNOR, Thomas FOLEY, Matthew W. DENNIS, James W. HILLIARD
  • Patent number: 11661551
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus has a firebox for containing biomass to be incinerated to produce biochar, a pair of biomass supporting panels arranged in the firebox in a V-shaped configuration and separated by an extraction gap between lower edges of the panels, a roller system arranged to support at least one of the panels for rolling movement relative to the firebox, an actuator operable to move at least one of the panels relative to the firebox upon the roller system, and a conveyor system under the extraction gap, wherein pieces of the biochar pass through the extraction gap to the conveyor system, and the conveyor system is operable to convey and discharge the pieces of biochar. The panels may include refractory material capable of withstanding high temperatures associated with incineration of biomass in the firebox. These panels also protect the conveyor system and its components from incineration heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: AIR BURNERS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 11662092
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: AIR BURNERS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian M. O'Connor, Thomas Foley, Matthew W. Dennis, James W. Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20220090783
    Abstract: A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Brian M. O'CONNOR, Thomas FOLEY, Matthew W. DENNIS, James W. HILLIARD
  • Patent number: 9644501
    Abstract: A heat capturing module for obtaining useful energy from waste heat includes an extendable hood directing hot gas through a heat exchange assembly having a plurality of heat pipes. A closed flow loop directs a heat transfer medium through the heat exchange assembly to heat the heat transfer medium, and directs the heated medium for use by an application. In one embodiment, the closed flow loop directs the heat transfer medium through an organic Rankine cycle unit where heat is converted to electrical power. An exhaust system having a variable-speed induction fan induces flow of the hot gas through the heat exchange assembly. The speed of the induction fan may be controlled to maintain a setpoint temperature of the heat transfer medium. The hood may be extended and retracted based on a measured temperature of gas at an intake region of the hood. The module is transportable by truck trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Air Burners, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. O'Connor, Thomas Foley
  • Publication number: 20160130985
    Abstract: A heat capturing module for obtaining useful energy from waste heat includes an extendable hood directing hot gas through a heat exchange assembly having a plurality of heat pipes. A closed flow loop directs a heat transfer medium through the heat exchange assembly to heat the heat transfer medium, and directs the heated medium for use by an application. In one embodiment, the closed flow loop directs the heat transfer medium through an organic Rankine cycle unit where heat is converted to electrical power. An exhaust system having a variable-speed induction fan induces flow of the hot gas through the heat exchange assembly. The speed of the induction fan may be controlled to maintain a setpoint temperature of the heat transfer medium. The hood may be extended and retracted based on a measured temperature of gas at an intake region of the hood. The module is transportable by truck trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Brian M. O'CONNOR, Thomas FOLEY
  • Patent number: 9085858
    Abstract: A road dryer delivers heated air to a surface through an adjustable-width nozzle assembly having nozzle boxes designed to provide turbulent flow of drying air. The road dryer includes a combustion system having a high-pressure atomized fuel burner supplied with diesel fuel by a variable frequency drive fuel pump and a closed-loop air temperature control to limit the temperature of the drying air. The combustion system includes a combustion chamber having a cylindrical inner shell housing the burner and a cylindrical outer shell defining an annular space around the inner shell for the flow of process air. The inner shell has an axially elongated exhaust port aligned with an axially elongated outlet opening of the outer shell to achieve mixing of high temperature exhaust gas with process air. The nozzle assembly is vertically adjustable relative to a chassis of the road dryer between a stowed position and an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: ROAD DRYER LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Muse, Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130042498
    Abstract: A road dryer delivers heated air to a surface through an adjustable-width nozzle assembly having nozzle boxes designed to provide turbulent flow of drying air. The road dryer includes a combustion system having a high-pressure atomized fuel burner supplied with diesel fuel by a variable frequency drive fuel pump and a closed-loop air temperature control to limit the temperature of the drying air. The combustion system includes a combustion chamber having a cylindrical inner shell housing the burner and a cylindrical outer shell defining an annular space around the inner shell for the flow of process air. The inner shell has an axially elongated exhaust port aligned with an axially elongated outlet opening of the outer shell to achieve mixing of high temperature exhaust gas with process air. The nozzle assembly is vertically adjustable relative to a chassis of the road dryer between a stowed position and an operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ROAD DRYER, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Muse, Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20120235423
    Abstract: A portable air curtain incinerator for burning biomass, such as cleared logs and vegetation, is equipped with heat recovery panels along at least one of the sidewalls of the incinerator's firebox, and a heat transfer medium is cycled through the heat recovery panels and expanded to its gaseous phase by heat released during incineration of the biomass. The gaseous medium is directed to drive the turbine of a generator to generate electricity. The heat transfer medium is condensed, preferably using a local source of cooling water, and the cycle is repeated. The air curtain incinerator may include its own generator, or multiple incinerators may be coupled to a single shared generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AIR BURNERS LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7895956
    Abstract: A firebox apparatus is adapted for transport on a vehicle having a roll-off hoist mechanism by providing parallel guides on the underside of a supporting skid assembly of the firebox apparatus for engaging siderails of a tiltable roll-off track of the hoist mechanism, and by providing reinforced front and rear portions connecting parallel longitudinal skid members to maintain an opening at the bottom of the firebox apparatus yet make the firebox apparatus sufficiently sturdy to withstand loads encountered during loading an unloading from the transport vehicle. The firebox apparatus includes an air curtain system for limiting pollution resulting from incineration of waste. The present invention enables easy installation and removal of the firebox apparatus in crowded environments, such as urban environments, to cleanly burn waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Air Burners LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20090211501
    Abstract: A firebox apparatus is adapted for transport on a vehicle having a roll-off hoist mechanism by providing parallel guides on the underside of a supporting skid assembly of the firebox apparatus for engaging siderails of a tiltable roll-off track of the hoist mechanism, and by providing reinforced front and rear portions connecting parallel longitudinal skid members to maintain an opening at the bottom of the firebox apparatus yet make the firebox apparatus sufficiently sturdy to withstand loads encountered during loading an unloading from the transport vehicle. The firebox apparatus includes an air curtain system for limiting pollution resulting from incineration of waste. The present invention enables easy installation and removal of the firebox apparatus in crowded environments, such as urban environments, to cleanly burn waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: AIR BURNERS LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20090093384
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial gear formulation containing a high TBN overbased detergent that results in decreasing micropitting for industrial gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Ward, Brian M. O'Connor, James N. Vinci
  • Patent number: 7503268
    Abstract: A transportable incineration apparatus for burning wood and green waste comprises a trailer and a firebox mounted on the trailer by a suspension system operable to lift the firebox off of the ground for transport and to set the firebox onto the ground for incineration. The wheels of the trailer are mounted on independent torsion axles to increase the space available for the firebox. A system for generating an air curtain overtop the firebox reduces pollution resulting from incineration. The apparatus may be towed to an incineration location and used with minimal set up and take down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Air Burners LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7063027
    Abstract: A self-contained, transportable air curtain incinerator for combustion of low calorific value waste comprises a transportable frame supporting a firebox, a fuel supply tank, a fuel-burning electric power generator in communication with the fuel supply tank, at least one fuel-burning burner unit in communication with the fuel supply tank for directing a flame into a combustion chamber defined by the firebox, and an air curtain blower powered by the generator for providing a sheet of high velocity air flow generally across an open top of the firebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Air Burners LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6766750
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted trench burner apparatus comprises a blower source, a carrier pipe supported by roller assemblies on the trailer for movement between a rearward extended position in flow communication with the blower source and a forward retracted position on the trailer, and left and right manifolds pivotally mounted to a rear end of the carrier pipe. The manifolds fold to a storage position extending alongside the carrier pipe and unfold to a usage position extending laterally in opposite direction from the carrier pipe. The manifolds include nozzles for discharging air along an edge of an incineration trench to form an air curtain over the trench and circulate air within the trench. The trailer-mounted trench burner apparatus is designed for fast set-up at, and fast removal from, an incineration site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Air Burners LLC
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20040055516
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted trench burner apparatus comprises a blower source, a carrier pipe supported by roller assemblies on the trailer for movement between a rearward extended position in flow communication with the blower source and a forward retracted position on the trailer, and left and right manifolds pivotally mounted to a rear end of the carrier pipe. The manifolds fold to a storage position extending alongside the carrier pipe and unfold to a usage position extending laterally in opposite direction from the carrier pipe. The manifolds include nozzles for discharging air along an edge of an incineration trench to form an air curtain over the trench and circulate air within the trench. The trailer-mounted trench burner apparatus is designed for fast set-up at, and fast removal from, an incineration site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Brian M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6617287
    Abstract: A novel lubricating composition for manual transmissions with improved performance with sintered synchronized components. The lubricating oil composition contains high level of an alkaline earth sulfonate and amine phosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Gahagan, Brian M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20030104952
    Abstract: A novel lubricating composition for manual transmissions with improved performance with sintered synchronized components. The lubricating oil composition contains high level of an alkaline earth sulfonate and amine phosphates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Gahagan, Brian M. O'Connor