Patents by Inventor David C. Orlowski

David C. Orlowski 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: 10270320
    Abstract: A shaft seal assembly is disclosed having a stator including a main body and axial and radial projections therefrom. The rotor may be radially extended to encompass the axial and radial projections from said stator. A passageway formed between the radial projection of stator and rotor results in an axial passageway having its opening facing rearwardly from the rotor and away from the source of impinging coolant and/or contaminant. A concentric circumferential receptor groove in the stator facing the housing allows insertion of a conductive insert for transmission of electrostatic charge away from the shaft through the shaft seal assembly to the housing and ground. The receptor groove is opposite the axial passageway and provides for both a substantially lower contaminant environment and improved engagement with the conductive insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Thomas D. Coe
  • Patent number: 9634547
    Abstract: A shaft seal assembly is disclosed having a stator including a main body and axial and radial projections therefrom. The rotor may be radially extended to encompass the axial and radial projections from said stator. A passageway formed between the radial projection of stator and rotor results in an axial passageway having its opening facing rearwardly from the rotor and away from the source of impinging coolant and/or contaminant. A concentric circumferential receptor groove in the stator facing the housing allows insertion of a conductive insert for transmission of electrostatic charge away from the shaft through the shaft seal assembly to the housing and ground. The receptor groove is opposite the axial passageway and provides for both a substantially lower contaminant environment and improved engagement with the conductive insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Thomas D. Coe
  • Patent number: 9614339
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal, LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20170077663
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter ring includes an inner body and an outer body configured to clamp at least one conductive segment between them. In the preferred embodiments of the current diverter ring, the conductive segments are positioned in radial channels. The outer body may be affixed to a shaft, a motor housing, a bearing isolator, or other structure. The bearing isolator may incorporate a retention chamber for holding conductive segments within the stator of the bearing isolator, or the bearing isolator may be fashioned with a receptor groove into which a current diverter ring may be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Shawn Horton
  • Patent number: 9525327
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter ring includes an inner body and an outer body configured to clamp at least one conductive segment between them. In the preferred embodiments of the current diverter ring, the conductive segments are positioned in radial channels. The outer body may be affixed to a shaft, a motor housing, a bearing isolator, or other structure. The bearing isolator may incorporate a retention chamber for holding conductive segments within the stator of the bearing isolator, or the bearing isolator may be fashioned with a receptor groove into which a current diverter ring may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Shawn Horton
  • Publication number: 20150244128
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20150229085
    Abstract: The current diverter rings (CDRs), captured CDRs, bearing isolators, and explosion-proof CDRs serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the explosion-proof current diverter ring includes a stator that may be mounted to the equipment housing and a rotor that may be mounted to a shaft. The rotor may rotate with the shaft may be encompassed by stator and a cap, which cap may be secured directly to the stator or the housing. A conductive assembly may be positioned in a radial channel formed in the stator such that the conductive assembly contacts the shaft to conduct electricity from the shaft to the housing. Another embodiment of an explosion-proof current diverter ring does not require a rotor. The explosion-proof current diverter ring may be configured to define a flame path to achieve various explosion-proof certifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Neil F. Hoehle, Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Patent number: 9071092
    Abstract: The current diverter rings (CDRs), captured CDRs, bearing isolators, and explosion-proof CDRs serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the explosion-proof CDR includes a stator that may be mounted to the equipment housing and a rotor that may be mounted to a shaft. The rotor may rotate with the shaft may be encompassed by stator and a cap, which cap may be secured directly to the stator or the housing. A conductive assembly may be positioned in a radial channel formed in the stator such that the conductive assembly contacts the shaft to conduct electricity from the shaft to the housing. Another embodiment of an explosion-proof CDR does not require a rotor. The explosion-proof CDR may be configured to define a flame path to achieve various explosion-proof certifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: INPRO/SEAL, LLC
    Inventors: Neil F. Hoehle, Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20150176711
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a multi-shaft seal assembly generally includes a first seal, a second seal, and a collar. In the illustrative embodiment the collar may be integrally formed with a portion of the first seal, and may serve to axially space the second seal from the first seal. The second seal may be formed with a cutaway therein to ensure proper clearance between the second seal and one of the shafts. Other embodiments of the multi-shaft seal assembly use a collar formed with the equipment housing or second seal. Still other embodiments include additional seals for additional shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Morgan Pullias
  • Patent number: 9048603
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: INPRO/SEAL, LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Patent number: 9004491
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a multi-shaft seal assembly generally includes a first seal, a second seal, and a collar. In the illustrative embodiment the collar may be integrally formed with a portion of the first seal, and may serve to axially space the second seal from the first seal. The second seal may be formed with a cutaway therein to ensure proper clearance between the second seal and one of the shafts. Other embodiments of the multi-shaft seal assembly use a collar formed with the equipment housing or second seal. Still other embodiments include additional seals for additional shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Morgan Pullias
  • Patent number: 8979093
    Abstract: A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle
  • Publication number: 20140232071
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of porous media shaft seal assembly may include a stator and a rotor. The rotor may be configured to rotate with a shaft, and the stator may be engaged with a housing. Porous media may be applied and/or engaged with a portion of the stator, and a seal fluid may be communicated to the porous media. A biasing member may be employed to urge a portion of the rotor toward a portion of the stator, and seal fluid exiting the porous media may counteract the force of the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Morgan Pullias
  • Publication number: 20140191630
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter ring includes an inner body and an outer body configured to clamp at least one conductive segment between them. In the preferred embodiments of the current diverter ring, the conductive segments are positioned in radial channels. The outer body may be affixed to a shaft, a motor housing, a bearing isolator, or other structure. The bearing isolator may incorporate a retention chamber for holding conductive segments within the stator of the bearing isolator, or the bearing isolator may be fashioned with a receptor groove into which a current diverter ring may be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Shawn Horton
  • Publication number: 20140183998
    Abstract: The current diverter rings (CDRs), captured CDRs, bearing isolators, and explosion-proof CDRs serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the explosion-proof CDR includes a stator that may be mounted to the equipment housing and a rotor that may be mounted to a shaft. The rotor may rotate with the shaft may be encompassed by stator and a cap, which cap may be secured directly to the stator or the housing. A conductive assembly may be positioned in a radial channel formed in the stator such that the conductive assembly contacts the shaft to conduct electricity from the shaft to the housing. Another embodiment of an explosion-proof CDR does not require a rotor. The explosion-proof CDR may be configured to define a flame path to achieve various explosion-proof certifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Neil F. Hoehle, Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20140132126
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Inpro/Seal LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Patent number: 8664812
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Patent number: 8604653
    Abstract: The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter ring includes an inner body and an outer body configured to clamp at least one conductive segment between them. In the preferred embodiments of the current diverter ring, the conductive segments are positioned in radial channels. The outer body may be affixed to a shaft, a motor housing, a bearing isolator, or other structure. The bearing isolator may incorporate a retention chamber for holding conductive segments within the stator of the bearing isolator, or the bearing isolator may be fashioned with a receptor groove into which a current diverter ring may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Inpro/Seal, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Shawn Horton
  • Publication number: 20130277917
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a multi-shaft seal assembly generally includes a first seal, a second seal, and a collar. In the illustrative embodiment the collar may be integrally formed with a portion of the first seal, and may serve to axially space the second seal from the first seal. The second seal may be formed with a cutaway therein to ensure proper clearance between the second seal and one of the shafts. Other embodiments of the multi-shaft seal assembly use a collar formed with the equipment housing or second seal. Still other embodiments include additional seals for additional shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle, Robert A. Tejano, Morgan Pullias
  • Publication number: 20130049303
    Abstract: A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle