Patents by Inventor Ernest W. Downs

Ernest W. Downs 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: 20040217493
    Abstract: An gas diffusion device for introducing gas into a large body of liquid having at least one diffuser blade that engages over a mounting tube having a spar affixed to its exterior. A passage in the diffuser blade is dimensioned to cooperatively engage over the spar and mounting tube which holds the diffuser blade top surface at a determined angle once so engaged thereover. Changing the position of the spar on the exterior of the mounting tube in relation to the center axis of the mounting tube changes the resulting angle of the diffuser blade top surface. The diffuser blade can be attached to a hub mounted on a mainshaft that automatically cantilevers out of the fluid should compressed gas supplied to the diffuser blade through the mainshaft cease to avoid damage to the diffuser blade and diffuser pad on the blade from particulate in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: BIOMIXER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David O. Sperber, Ernest W. Downs, Fredric H. Avers, Jack Gorby, Stephen Dashew
  • Patent number: 6808165
    Abstract: An gas diffusion device for introducing gas into a large body of liquid having at least one diffuser blade that engages over a mounting tube having a spar affixed to its exterior. A passage in the diffuser blade is dimensioned to cooperatively engage over the spar and mounting tube which holds the diffuser blade top surface at a determined angle once so engaged thereover. Changing the position of the spar on the exterior of the mounting tube in relation to the center axis of the mounting tube changes the resulting angle of the diffuser blade top surface. The diffuser blade can be attached to a hub mounted on a mainshaft that automatically cantilevers out of the fluid should compressed gas supplied to the diffuser blade through the mainshaft cease to avoid damage to the diffuser blade and diffuser pad on the blade from particulate in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Sperber, Jr., Ernest W Downs, Fredric H. Avers, Jack Gorby, Stephen Dashew
  • Patent number: 6464211
    Abstract: The diffuser assembly of the present invention includes first and second diffuser bodies in fluid communication with an air distribution pipe. The diffuser assembly further includes a saddle that supports the first diffuser body and the second diffuser body. The saddle is connected to the distribution pipe by a hollow core rivet. Gas is forced from the distribution pipe through the hollow core rivet where the gas passes into the first and second diffuser bodies. The gas exits the first diffuser body through a first diffusion media and exits the second diffuser body through a second diffusion media. The first and second diffusion media form the gas into fine bubbles that serve to facilitate aeration of a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 6244574
    Abstract: The dual diffuser assembly of the present invention includes a first and second diffuser body in fluid communication with an air distribution pipe. The diffuser assembly further includes a saddle that connects the first diffuser body and the second diffuser body to the air distribution pipe. The air received from the distribution pipe passes into the first and second diffuser bodies and exits the first diffuser body through a first diffuser and exits the second diffuser body through a second diffuser. The first and second diffusers form the air into fine bubbles that serve to facilitate aeration of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 5800705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube bank heat exchanger for use in reducing the temperature of air delivered under pressure to an air diffuser system within a wastewater treatment facility. The tube bank heat exchanger, submerged within the wastewater, is of a configuration which extends the air flow path from the air source to the diffuser system. By such configuration the temperature of the air delivered to the diffuser system is reduced to a temperature of no more than about 140 degrees F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 5330688
    Abstract: This invention relates to the combination of an aeration system and flexible diffuser assembly, especially for use in a sewage treatment tank, where the system includes a plurality of fluid medium transmission conduits, with each conduit provided with at least one flange projecting therefrom, where the flange includes a base plate mounted thereto and a central opening communicating with said conduit. The diffuser assembly comprises a first member having a flat continuous annular face portion and a central recess with a bore aligned with the central opening. A locking bolt member is provided to threadably engage the bore and central opening, where the bolt member includes a central, through orifice communicating with the conduit through which the fluid medium may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Enviroquip International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 4979679
    Abstract: A conduit and an integrated system for utilizing same, such as a foam control spray system for a sewage treatment facility, where said conduit is exposed to a hostile environment, such as solar ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation. The conduit and transmission components of such system comprise tubular members consisting of a solar U.V. degradable plastic, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), having a preferred outer layer of metallic zinc diffusion bonded thereto, such as by spray arc metallizing the zinc onto the plastic surface, whereby the zinc prevents deterioration or breakdown of the plastic from solar U.V. radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 4474714
    Abstract: A diffuser apparatus for use in a sewage installation includes an elongated, one-piece body of substantially tubular outline in vertical section having a top wall, spaced sidewalls and a bottom wall. An end cap provides a closure for closing each end of the body above the region of the bottom wall to provide a flow path for liquid into and out of a chamber within said body. A plurality of ports are located along each sidewall and a nozzle extends either through one end cap of the topwall for connecting the chamber to a source of compressed air. The flow path for liquid allows debris to flush clear of the chamber. The flow path, in the event that the ports become clogged, provides a distinct bubble pattern at the surface of the liquid during aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Endurex Corp.
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs
  • Patent number: 3997634
    Abstract: This invention relates to a diffuser adapted to aerate a fluid medium, such as sewage in which it may be immersed. The diffuser consists essentially of two elements, namely, a T shaped member, the leg of which is provided with a central bore and adapted to be connected to a source of a fluid medium, such as air, under pressure, while the top is preferably flat and disc shaped. Overlying said top, is a cap or cover which is flexible and adapted to lie contiguous with the surface of said top. Said cap is provided with an annular rim which engages said top along and under the peripheral edge thereof. Finally, means cooperating between said T shaped member and said flexible cover are provided to permit the intermittent release of the fluid medium, such as gas, from said diffuser; however, the flexible nature of said cap in combination with said means is such that the back pressure of fluid medium to be aerated will prevent the flow of such fluid medium through the said diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Inventor: Ernest W. Downs