Patents by Inventor Charles E. Johnston

Charles E. Johnston 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: 20170113325
    Abstract: A multi-axis waterjet cutting system is disclosed which eliminates high-pressure tubing coils in the area adjacent the waterjet system's cutting head and isolates critical system components from the backsplash of the cutting process. A high-pressure swivel is combined with an on/off valve arrangement in such a way that these components are closely adjacent the cutting head and rotate therewith, and are substantially shielded from waterjet back-splash. The cutting head and the swivel/valve combination are rotated about the cutting head's final axis of rotation (e.g., the A-axis) by a drive mechanism substantially shielded by the structure which rotates the cutting head associated with a prior axis of rotation (e.g., the C-axis). By eliminating high pressure tubing coils, the disclosed system reduces the clearance needed for manipulation of the cutting head around the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9228688
    Abstract: A shock attenuator capable for use with a high pressure fluid line at pressures experienced by waterjet cutting systems comprises an attenuator body having an internal generally axially-extending bore extending between end regions, at least one of which is open-ended. An end plug within the open-ended region of the bore seals the bore and has a though hole for accommodating a fitting for connection to a high pressure fluid line. A closure assembly for retaining the end plug within the bore includes a first plurality of generally radially-extending tabs extending from the attenuator body and circumferentially disposed about said axis, with each of said tabs of the first plurality being separated from the next tab by a respective gap. A second plurality of generally radially-extending tabs is coupled to the end plug and circumferentially disposed about said axis, with each of said tabs also being separated from the next tab by a respective gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20140224366
    Abstract: A shock attenuator capable for use with a high pressure fluid line at pressures experienced by waterjet cutting systems comprises an attenuator body having an internal generally axially-extending bore extending between end regions, at least one of which is open-ended. An end plug within the open-ended region of the bore seals the bore and has a though hole for accommodating a fitting for connection to a high pressure fluid line. A closure assembly for retaining the end plug within the bore includes a first plurality of generally radially-extending tabs extending from the attenuator body and circumferentially disposed about said axis, with each of said tabs of the first plurality being separated from the next tab by a respective gap. A second plurality of generally radially-extending tabs is coupled to the end plug and circumferentially disposed about said axis, with each of said tabs also being separated from the next tab by a respective gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8459970
    Abstract: A variable-volume pump comprises one or more reciprocating pistons within respective reciprocating cylinders. The phase relationship between the reciprocating piston(s) and the reciprocating cylinder(s) determines the volumetric output of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20100047083
    Abstract: A variable-volume pump comprises one or more reciprocating pistons within respective reciprocating cylinders. The phase relationship between the reciprocating piston(s) and the reciprocating cylinder(s) determines the volumetric output of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Chukar Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6604481
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for permitting the passage of conduits through the hull of a boat without the creation of additional holes. A conduit-accommodating passageway is defined through the boat's scupper which bypasses the check valve that is associated with the scupper to prevent backflow. An annular body having a radially-extending conduit-accommodating passage communicating between its O.D. and its I.D. is positioned with respect to the scupper so that the fluid passing through the scupper and check valve passes through the generally annular body's I.D. while conduit passing through the radially-extending passage passes through the scupper but bypasses the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20030116073
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for permitting the passage of conduits through the hull of a boat without the creation of additional holes. Briefly, a conduit-accommodating passageway is defined through the boat's scupper which bypasses the check valve that is associated with the scupper to prevent backflow. An annular body having a radially-extending conduit-accommodating passage communicating between its O.D. and its I.D. is positioned with respect to the scupper so that the fluid passing through the scupper and check valve passes through the generally annular body's ID while conduit passing through the radially-extending passage passes through the scupper but bypasses the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Charles E. Johnston