Patents by Inventor Don J. Gerhardt

Don J. Gerhardt 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: 5626470
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing lubricant to thrust bearings and rotors of a rotary screw compressor. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the lubricant supplied to the rotors; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the compressed gas discharged from the compressor; and a speed sensor for detecting the operating speed of the rotors. An electronic controller responsive to signals received from the temperature sensing means, the pressure sensing means and the speed sensing selectively opens and closes the second valve means to optimize the volume of lubricant supplied to the compressor rotors, and also controls the first valve to control the flow of lubricant to the thrust bearings. A pressure regulator controls the supply of lubricant to the thrust bearings in response to input signals received from the electronic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Don J. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 4933658
    Abstract: A high temperature fluid sensor has a fusible detector including a body having longitudinally extending conductors therein. A first portion of the conductors is confined within the body whereas a second portion of the conductors projects from an end of the body. The second conductor portions are spaced-apart to define a void therebetween. A fusible material is engaged with, and electrically bridges between the second conductor portions. A tapered portion of the sensor permits the molten fusible material to flow away from the second conductor portions. The tapered portion terminates in spaced-apart relationship with the fusible material and thus further defines the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Don J. Gerhardt, Randal A. Little, F. William Capp
  • Patent number: 4894193
    Abstract: The sensor is formed with a polymer body which confines electrical conductors, with the conductors projecting from opposite ends of the body. The conductors' projections at one end define terminal blades, and at the opposite end are shrouded with, and electrically connected by, fusible material that is molded in place. An electrically inert buffer, formed of the same body polymer, is introduced between the conductors at the opposite end, and the fusible material is deposited about the ends and buffer as a cylindrical shell. A V-shaped notch is formed in the buffer for lockingly-engaging the shell. The body has wrenching flats formed thereabout and tapered pipe threads formed thereon to allow its installation in the wall of a pressure vessel, pipe, or housing, with the fusible-material end exposed therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: F. William Capp, Don J. Gerhardt, Randal A. Little
  • Patent number: 4881055
    Abstract: The Sensor is designed for use in detecting fire, or high temperature in vessels or pipes pressurized with air, gas or liquids. It has a polymer body which confines electrical conductors, and the conductors project from opposite ends of the body. The conductors' projections at one end define terminal blades, and at the opposite end are shrouded with, and electrically connected by, fusible material that has been molded in place. The body has wrenching flats thereabout and tapered pipe threads thereon to allow its installation in the wall of a pressure vessel, pipe, or housing, with the fusible-material end exposed therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: F. William Capp, Don J. Gerhardt, Randal A. Little