Patents by Inventor Graham R. Powell

Graham R. Powell 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).

  • Gemstone alignment
    Patent number: 9079331
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond (106) with a predetermined vertical axis (108) is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle (105) aligned with the vertical axis (108) and sized to allow the gemstone (106) to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle (105) under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (105), so that it can be reduced gradually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: De Beers Centenary AG
    Inventors: James G. C. Smith, Graham R. Powell
  • GEMSTONE ALIGNMENT
    Publication number: 20120167362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond (106) with a predetermined vertical axis (108) is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle (105) aligned with the vertical axis (108) and sized to allow the gemstone (106) to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle (105) under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (105), so that it can be reduced gradually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: DE BEERS CENTENARY AG
    Inventors: James G. C. Smith, Graham R. Powell