Patents by Inventor Gordon R. Ashby

Gordon R. Ashby 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: 6217634
    Abstract: The present invention monitors and removes contaminants from dielectric fluids by utilizing an apparatus having a chamber and tube configuration. The chamber encloses a plurality of tubes which include porous hollow fibers with an inert polymer coating. Conduits route the dielectric fluid to and from operative equipment. An atmosphere control device creates an atmospheric condition within the chamber that causes contaminants within the dielectric fluid to migrate through the tubes into the chamber, thereby producing refined dielectric fluid. The method of the present invention removes contaminants from a dielectric fluid. The dielectric fluid is routed from operative equipment and passes through tubes enclosed within a chamber. An atmospheric condition is created within the chamber to cause contaminants within the dielectric fluid to migrate into the chamber. A refined dielectric fluid is produced which is directed back to the operative equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicola Dominelli, David R. Pugh, Gordon R. Ashby, David Casson
  • Patent number: 5646047
    Abstract: This invention relates to power transformers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for detecting the degree of degradation of paper insulation in a transformer by determining the concentration of furaldehyde in the transformer oil. A reagent for detecting the presence of furaldehyde in transformer oil comprising: (a) a primary amine selected from the group consisting of aniline, toluidine, anisidine, aminophenol or an amine; (b) a second component having about 3 mL of about 15 to 33 (weight to volume) percent of acetic acid alone, or in combination with citric acid; from about 67 to 85 (volume) percent of a halogenated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of dichloromethane, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene; about 4 (weight to volume) percent of salicylic acid; and about 1 (weight to volume) percent of an anti-oxidant; and (c) a third component having about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Powertech Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick John Bird, Nicola Dominelli, Gordon R. Ashby