Patents by Inventor James A. Hood

James A. Hood 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: 6030305
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device includes a first element having a threaded opening and a first pulley supported on the first element. The device further includes a second element having an opening in substantial alignment with the threaded opening of the first element and a second pulley supported on the second element. A belt is secured around and between the first and second pulleys. The belt tensioning device also includes an element for applying a tension force to the belt. In one preferred embodiment the element for applying a tension force to the belt includes a rotatable screw extending between the first and second support elements. The screw has a first end including a threaded portion adapted for threadably engaging the threaded opening of the first element and a second end remote therefrom adapted for extending into the opening of the second support element. The element for applying a tension force also includes a shoulder fixed to the screw, between the first and second ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James A. Hood
  • Patent number: 5449277
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging an air compressor. The air compressor includes a rotary-screw airend which is belt driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. A drive shaft of the airend is rotatable about a first axis. A compressed air receiving tank receives compressed air. First and second mounting brackets are made integral with the airend, and pivotally mount the airend on a frame. The airend is pivotally moveable about a second axis which is laterally offset to the first axis. The second mounting bracket defines an interior cavity which fluidly communicates with the discharge portion of the airend. A discharge pipe mounting means mounts a discharge pipe in fluid communication with the interior cavity and in collinear relation with the second axis. A rigid pipe is mountingly received by the discharge pipe mounting means and fluidly connects the airend with the compressed air receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James A. Hood
  • Patent number: 5352098
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the fluid throughput of a rotary screw compressor from a full capacity operating condition to a desired predetermined capacity operating condition includes a turn valve or spiral valve which is disposed in fluid communication with a low pressure fluid. A stepping motor positions the turn valve in a predetermined orientation. A position sensing means is operably connected to the turn valve. The position sensing means detects the angular orientation of the turn valve. A pressure sensing means detects a compressor service pressure. An electronic control means directs the stepping motor in a predetermined orientation. The electronic control means is independently operable to regulate the fluid throughput of the rotary screw compressor from a full capacity operating condition to a predetermined capacity operating condition in response to the first pressure sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James A. Hood
  • Patent number: 5318151
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a compressor lubrication system includes an oil-flooded rotary gas compressor, a reservoir flow connected to the compressor, a heat exchanger for cooling a lubricant, and a controller. A thermal mixing valve regulates the temperature of the lubricant flowing to the compressor. A first temperature sensor measures a discharge temperature at a compressor outlet, and provides a signal corresponding to the discharge temperature to the controller. A second temperature sensor measures a lubricant temperature at a lubricant inlet to the compressor, and provides a signal corresponding to the lubricant temperature to the controller. A pressure sensor measures the pressure at the outlet of the compressor, and provides a corresponding pressure signal to the controller. A valve means continuously regulates the supply of lubricant to the compressor, the valve means being controlled by the controller in response to the temperature signal of the first temperature sensor and the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: James A. Hood, John E. Hart
  • Patent number: 5139399
    Abstract: A liquid nozzle in use with an interstage passage of a two stage compressor and includes a first elongated element having a first elongated surface and a second elongated element having a second elongated surface. The first and second elongated surfaces are configured for mating engagement. A channel is formed in at least one of said first or second elongated surfaces with a coolant liquid in communication therewith. A first slot is formed in said first elongated surface. The first slot and the second elongated surface define a liquid orifice communicating the channel with said interstage passage. The nozzle preferably extends across an entire width of the interstage passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James A. Hood
  • Patent number: 4997466
    Abstract: As an air filter assembly attaches an air filter to an air compressor. The assembly includes an air filter, an outer plate and a baseplate. The air filter is positioned between the outer plate and the baseplate. A mounting device for attachment to the air compressor extends through the air filter and includes an attaching portion at a first end and a tensioning portion at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: James A. Hood
  • Patent number: 4957274
    Abstract: A position of a rotary valve having limited motion between an open and a closed position is determined by a limit sensor. A stepper motor supplies power to open and close the rotary valve. A coupling transmits any stepper motor motion to the rotary valve. A sensor actuator is affixed to the coupling. A limit sensor determines the position of the rotary valve by sensing the position of the sensor actuator, wherein there is no contact between the sensor actuator and the limit switch when the position of the rotary valve is being determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: James A. Hood, Paul A. Kirkpatrick