Patents by Inventor Gene Graham

Gene Graham 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).

  • Mass flow measurement, preferably for controlling chip feed to a digester
    Patent number: 5266159
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the feed of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (e.g. wood chips) to a continuous digester utilizing a chips meter of variable speed. A quality of the chips related to mass flow--preferably density--is continuously determined, preferably while the material is in free fall, not immersed in liquid. The speed of the material meter is controlled in response to the quality determined to provide a target mass flow of material from the meter to the digester. A nuclear type density gauge may be utilized having a source and a detector mounted on opposite sides of a chip chute, and above the level of liquid in a chip chute so that density is determined during free fall of the chips, not immersed in liquid. A level sensor may also be associated with the chip chute with a shield between the nuclear source and the level sensor. The chip meter speed is controlled in the range of about 0-16 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Greenwood, Andries Daamen, Gene Graham