Patents by Inventor Bruce G. Heckel

Bruce G. Heckel 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: 4976588
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the operation of a compressor system including a compressor moving a gas from an intake conduit through a discharge conduit to a gas storage reservoir are disclosed. In accordance with the method, an unload valve in an unload conduit connected to the discharge conduit is initially fully closed and an inlet valve in the intake conduit is initially fully opened. Then the inlet valve is closed by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure at a design pressure level and at a gas flow rate between the design flow level and a minimum flow level. When the gas flow rate drops below the minimum flow level, the inlet valve is maintained in its last position and the unload valve is opened by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure below a first pressure level set higher than the design pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Heckel
  • Patent number: 4975024
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the operation of a compressor system including a compressor moving a gas from an intake conduit through a discharge conduit to a gas storage reservoir are disclosed. In accordance with the method, an unload valve in an unload conduit connected to the discharge conduit is initially fully closed and an inlet valve in the intake conduit is initially fully opened. Then the inlet valve is closed by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure at a design pressure level and at a gas flow rate between the design flow level and a minimum flow level. When the gas flow rate drops below the minimum flow level, the inlet valve is maintained in its last position and the unload valve is opened by an amount necessary to maintain the discharge pressure below a first pressure level set higher than the design pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Heckel
  • Patent number: 4564084
    Abstract: An oil delivery system for supplying oil to seal a portion of a turbomachine is disclosed. Specific means for routing oil at a desired temperature to an overhead tank are disclosed such that should oil from the overhead tank be required, as in an emergency or shutdown condition, then the oil being supplied from the tank will be at or near the temperature of the oil being supplied during normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Heckel