Patents by Inventor Helmut Gerhard

Helmut Gerhard 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: 6135708
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending housing having a fluid inlet port; at leat one plurality of spaced apart members rotatably mounted in the housing to transmit motive force between fluid introduced through the fluid inlet port and the members, the spaced apart members having an upstream end and a downstream end; and, a fluid outlet port extending longitudinally along the housing and having a first end positioned towards the upstream end of the spaced apart members and a second end positioned towards the downstream end of the spaced apart members, the second end of the fluid outlet port radially displaced along the housing from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec
  • Patent number: 6129775
    Abstract: A terminal insert for a cyclone separator for separating a material from a fluid. The terminal insert has a distinct member positioned within the cyclone separator to impinge upon at least a portion of the fluid as it rotates within the cyclone separator to destructively interfere with the rotational motion of the fluid within the cyclone separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec
  • Patent number: 6123779
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head has a rotatably mounted brush and a pressure sensor which is drivingly connected to the brush to move the brush with respect to the dirty air inlet in response to the air pressure in the air flow path to the vacuum cleaner head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Patent number: 6060027
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing ozone from oxygen comprises a high voltage electrode connectable to a current source; a ground electrode spaced from the high voltage electrode and having an upstream end and a downstream end; a dielectric element positioned between the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode; a path for air flow positioned between the dielectric element and the ground electrode; and, a current collector positioned downstream of the high voltage electrode and comprising an extension of the ground electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec, Richard Stanley Philips
  • Patent number: 6001315
    Abstract: A process and reactor for chemical conversion is taught. The process allows the selective breaking of chemical bonds in a molecule by use of fast rise alternating current or fast rise pulsed direct current, each fast rise portion being selected to have a suitable voltage and frequency to break a selected chemical bond in a molecule. The reactor for carrying out such a process includes a chamber for containing the molecule and a generator for generating and applying the selected fast rise current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: T I Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Richard Stanley Phillips, Andrew Richard Henry Phillips, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Patent number: 5934328
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a venturi tube having an inlet, an aspirator inlet and an outlet directly within a fluid flow stream, with the aspirator inlet not in contact with the fluid flow stream is disclosed. A plate having a first aperture leading to the venturi inlet, and a series of second apertures both supports the venturi within a conduit and divides the fluid flow stream into a first stream which flows through the venturi tube and a second stream which flows around the venturi tube. A variety of adjusting mechanisms are disclosed for varying the cross sectional area of the second apertures relative to the cross sectional area of the venturi tube. The apparatus is adapted to allow the back pressure within the venturi tube (which increases as the fluid flow rate increases) to force an increasing proportion of the flow stream to flow around the venturi tube in order to maintain a relatively constant aspiration rate within the venturi tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: T I Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Richard Stanley Phillips, Andrew Richard Henry Phillips, Gerald Earl Bowman, Michael John Preston
  • Patent number: 5879641
    Abstract: A generator is taught which uses alternating current or pulsating direct current to produce ozone from oxygen. The generator comprises a high voltage and ground electrode separated to form a gap for accommodating a dielectric member and gas to be reacted. The generator includes many features which may be used alone or in combination to provide an energy efficient and safe apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: T I Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Richard Stanley Phillips, Andrew Richard Henry Phillips, Raymond Earl Bowman, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Patent number: 5676173
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a venturi tube having an inlet, an aspirator inlet and an outlet directly within a fluid flow stream, with the aspirator inlet not in contact with the fluid flow stream is disclosed. A plate having a first aperture leading to the venturi inlet, and a series of second apertures both supports the venturi within a conduit and divides the fluid flow stream into a first stream which flows through the venturi tube and a second stream which flows around the venturi tube. A variety of adjusting mechanisms are disclosed for varying the cross sectional area of the second apertures relative to the cross sectional area of the venturi tube. The apparatus is adapted to allow the back pressure within the venturi tube (which increases as the fluid flow rate increases) to force an increasing proportion of the flow stream to flow around the venturi tube in order to maintain a relatively constant aspiration rate within the venturi tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: T I Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Richard Stanley Phillips, Andrew Richard Henry Phillips, Gerald Earl Bowman, Michael John Preston
  • Patent number: 5346092
    Abstract: A baffle or dividing wall 13, 14 disposed in a tank is connected to the inner wall of the tank jacket 10 via a ring 15, 21 of triangular profile. The outer diameter of the intermediate wall is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank so that the wall may be readily inserted into the tank. One leg 16 of the proHie ring 15 forms an extension of the curvature of the intermediate wall 13, whereas the other leg 17 closes the gusset-type region between the convex side of the intermediate wall 13 and the tank jacket 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard, deceased
  • Patent number: 5244110
    Abstract: In a heated transport tank, the lower zone of the tank jacket 10 is surrounded by an outer shell 15 spaced from the jacket by socket-type projections 16 integrally formed in the shell 15. The outer shell 15, which forms a vapour flow chamber 20, extends throughout the axial length of the tank. At an intermediate location, where the tank is supported by a transverse bar 11 of a base structure via a transverse saddle 25, the socket-type projections 16 are reinforced by spacers inserted between the tank jacket 10 and the shell 15, each spacer being formed as a stack of comparatively thin annular discs. The individual discs are capable of conforming themselves to the local curvature of the tank jacket 10 and following instantaneous variations in curvature, thereby ensuring a uniform distribution of forces under all load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Westerwalder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard, deceased
  • Patent number: 5188252
    Abstract: To enable small or medium-size containers to be directly secured to locking members existing on vehicle loading areas for ISO containers and to be placed in ISO containers or ISO container frames, only one (23) of two fittings (23, 27) provided at opposite container ends is rigidly mounted whereas the other (27) is foldable between an operative position in which it projects beyond the outer dimension of the container, and a rest position in which it is inside the outer container dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5163572
    Abstract: The bottom structure of small and medium size tank containers includes a pair of longitudinal fork lift channels and a pair of tranverse fork lift channels extending perpendicularly of the longitudinal channels. The transverse channels are defined by gaps between portions of profile bars forming the longitudinal channels. The profile bar portions are equipped with bottom plates which have openings for engagement by locking members provided on the loading platforms of vehicles. Locking plates are further provided at the bottoms of end frames of the tank container, each locking plate having a plurality of further openings for engagement by locking members as commonly provided on road and railway vehicles for ISO containers. A portion of an upper transverse bar of each end frame is formed as a grappler arm pocket provided with an upper guide plate. An upper portion of the guide plate forms an eye reinforced by a transverse member for engagement by a crane hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Westwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5118006
    Abstract: A tank container includes a cylindrical tank having its one end connected to an end frame 14 by means of an end saddle structure 12. In the area of its other end, the tank 10 is connected to an end frame 13 by means of a saddle structure 11 in such a manner that the tank bottom 20' provided at this tank end projects through the end frame 13. The saddle structure 11 comprises three rings interconnected partly by welding and partly by screwing, with the innermost ring being welded to the cylindrical portion of the tank envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5115933
    Abstract: In order to secure small and medium-size containers having a width of e.g. 2200 mm to locking members as provided at a standard lateral spacing of 2259 mm on vehicle platforms designed for transporting ISO containers, such small or medium containers are equipped with double-fittings (12) each comprising two openings (13) and projecting beyond the width dimension of the container. The center-to-center spacing of the two openings (13) is 280 mm and thus corresponds to the distance of pairs of locking members which are provided on such platforms for engaging adjacent corner fittings of two ISO containers placed behind each other. By the simultaneous coupling to such pairs of locking members, safe securing with better distribution of forces is achieved also for containers that are shorter than the shortest ISO container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5064091
    Abstract: A swap tank has transverse bars disposed at the standard spacing of ISO containers and end portions extending beyond the transverse bars. Each end portion has associated with it a base frame structure including the transverse bar and a pair of diagonal struts which extend towards each other and are welded together at the tank end. A support member is welded between the interconnected ends of the diagonal struts and a ring welded to the tank bottom below the tank axis. The support member is formed as an integral bent sheet metal part having two lateral triangular wall elements. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the support member may be adjusted by varying the bending angle in such a manner that the free edges of the triangular wall elements extend parallel and flush with the outwardly facing surface of the ring and may be welded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4997326
    Abstract: A symmetrical latching plate, which includes a central latching portion having a recess and two lateral hook portions, is used for mutually coupling two back-to-back containers and for simultaneously locking the same to a common twistlock. In the latching position, in which the latching plate extends in parallel to a loading surface accommodating the containers, the twistlock engages in the recess, and the hook portions engage behind web portions respectively provided on either container. In a vertical position, which is pivoted by 90.degree. relative to the latching position, the latching plate can be withdrawn along a bottom framework member of at least one of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4955956
    Abstract: An swap tank, which is suited for being used in connection with two different locking modules of ISO container vehicles, includes a bottom frame with two frame portions each of which consists of a lower transverse beam (15) and two longitudinal beams (16) that extend only over part of the tank length. An end ring element (18) welded to each tank end bottom (12) is connected to the transverse beam (15) by triangular saddle piece (23) placed on the transverse beam (15). The longitudinal beam (16) is connected to a reinforcing ring (14) surrounding the tank at its end remote from the transverse beam (15) and to a further reinforcing ring (13) at an intermediate location. The portion of the longitudinal beam (16) between the two reinforcing rings (13,14) serves for engagement by a grappler arm. Outer corner fittings (17) are provided on the underside of the transverse beam (15) at both ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4941583
    Abstract: With due consideration of the cross-sectional dimensions available in ISO containers and of the cold-rolling widths that can be achieved, a pressure-resistant tank may be constructed from two casing portions (10, 11) each prefabricated from two longitudinally welded cold-rolled plates, a bottom tubular longitudinal member (12) and a trough-shaped top longitudinal member (13). The two longitudinal members (12, 13) are interconnected by means of tie rods (14). The top longitudinal member (13) comprises a top shell (15) projecting into the interior of the tank, a tension plate (18) interconnecting the upper edges of the top shell (15), and a section member (19) fitted inbetween the top shell (15) and the plate (18). The relatively wide top shell (15), which is required on account of the aforementioned dimensional reasons, is also used to accommodate the manhole (23) and other tank fittings and forms a spill-over trough therefor, which can be emptied downwards through one of the tubular tie rods (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4907908
    Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable rod coupling 1, especially for connecting rod fittings for windows, doors, or the like, in which one connecting rod has a U-shaped coupling shoe with fine teeth at the insides of its legs. The other connecting rod is equipped on two narrow sides with a complementary fine teeth which can engage in the fine teeth of the shoe. The cross-section of the connecting rod is reduced in thickness in the region of the coupling shoe and correspondingly enlarged in width. The fine teeth have their profiles extending transversely over the total width of the portion of the connecting rod, section that is reduced in thickness. The lateral wings of the said connecting rod section that is reduced in thickness, which wings project beyond the width of the normal connecting rod cross-section, are bent approximately 90.degree. to the plane of the connecting rods and form the legs of the coupling shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Siegenia-Frank KG
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4905854
    Abstract: A tank container suitable especially for smaller tank volumes comprises two triangular end frameworks (10) each composed of two equal-length legs (11) and a bottom transverse beam (12). The tank (15) can be joined to the framework structures (10) directly via end mounting structures (16) so that a framework base structure can be omitted. The apex of each end framework structure (10) is provided with a fitting (14) for engagement by hoisting equipment. In this way a light-weight framework is obtained. At the same time, it is possible to couple the tank container to the respective hoisting equipment at only two points without any risk of tilting during lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard