Patents by Inventor Derek I Finch

Derek I Finch 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: 7000689
    Abstract: A fluid connector for providing an inlet/outlet connection to a connecting grid of a heat exchanger is disclosed in which the connector has a tubular body formed with an integral outwardly directed flange by means of which a fluid tight connection to the connecting grid can be achieved. The flange may be sealed relative to an aperture in a plate of the connecting grid. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided with a structural ring and the flange sealed relative to the structural ring for adapting the aperture to the size and/or position of the flange. A set of structural rings may be provided for use of the connecting grid with different connectors. The structural ring may allow the connector to be detached without disassembling the connecting grid. The aperture may be closed by a blanking disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: APV North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek I Finch, Gary A Crawford, Neil E Jarman
  • Patent number: 6899163
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes first and second plates, a package of heat transfer plates arranged between the first and second plates, and a closure system. The closure system includes a plurality of tie bar assemblies. Each tie bar assembly includes a tie bar extending between the first and second plates, and a threaded member threadedly engaging the tie bar. The closure system and the first and second plates are relatively arranged and configured such that relative rotation between the tie bar and the threaded member of each tie bar assembly is operative to move the first plate towards and away from the second plate to close and open, respectively, the plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is arranged and configured such that the heat transfer plates can be removed from the plate heat exchanger without relocating any of the tie bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: APV North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek I Finch, Ranjieve Ariarasah
  • Publication number: 20040211550
    Abstract: A fluid connector for providing an inlet/outlet connection to a connecting grid of a heat exchanger is disclosed in which the connector has a tubular body formed with an integral outwardly directed flange by means of which a fluid tight connection to the connecting grid can be achieved. The flange may be sealed relative to an aperture in a plate of the connecting grid. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided with a structural ring and the flange sealed relative to the structural ring for adapting the aperture to the size and/or position of the flange. A set of structural rings may be provided for use of the connecting grid with different connectors. The structural ring may allow the connector to be detached without disassembling the connecting grid. The aperture may be closed by a blanking disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Derek I. Finch, Gary A. Crawford, Neil E. Jarman
  • Publication number: 20040188060
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes first and second plates, a package of heat transfer plates arranged between the first and second plates, and a closure system. The closure system includes a plurality of tie bar assemblies. Each tie bar assembly includes a tie bar extending between the first and second plates, and a threaded member threadedly engaging the tie bar. The closure system and the first and second plates are relatively arranged and configured such that relative rotation between the tie bar and the threaded member of each tie bar assembly is operative to move the first plate towards and away from the second plate to close and open, respectively, the plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is arranged and configured such that the heat transfer plates can be removed from the plate heat exchanger without relocating any of the tie bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Derek I. Finch, Ranjieve Ariarasah