Patents by Inventor John R. Eppeland

John R. Eppeland 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).

  • Method and apparatus for heat treating
    Patent number: 5485985
    Abstract: An apparatus for metallurgically heat treating a plurality of discrete individually movable aluminum alloy parts includes a plurality of successive stations for heat treating the parts. The plurality of stations are arranged in a line of travel. Infrared radiation lamps are provided at each station. A conveyor mechanism places and holds a part in a station for heat treatment. The conveyor moves the part to a subsequent station for further heat treatment. The conveyor mechanism holds the part stationary relative to the line of travel while the part is in a station being heat treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: BGK Finishing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Eppeland, Jack E. Mannerud
  • Coolant controlled IR heat treat apparatus
    Patent number: 5340089
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes an infrared lamp assembly having an infrared lamp disposed within the interior of a quartz conduit. Air is admitted to the interior of the conduit at a controlled rate to cool the conduit while minimizing adverse impact on the efficiency of the infrared lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: BGK Finishing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Heath, John R. Eppeland
  • Fluidized bed apparatus and method using same
    Patent number: 5332139
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a retort having a volume sized to receive a bed of fluidized particles having a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation sources. The sources are submerged within the bed of fluidized particles. Use of the apparatus to reclaim foundry sand is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: BGK Finishing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Heath, John R. Eppeland, James S. Nelson
  • Method and apparatus for heat treating
    Patent number: 5306359
    Abstract: A method for heat treating an aluminum part is provided. The method includes heat treating the aluminum alloy part with direct radiation from a source of infrared energy until the part attains a desired state of heat treatment. The method and apparatus further include monitoring of the part and controlling the intensity of the radiation source through proportional control in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: BGK Finishing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Eppeland, Jack E. Mannerud
  • Fluidized bed with submerged infrared lamps
    Patent number: 5294095
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a product. The apparatus includes a retort having a predetermined volume for receiving a bed of fluidizing particles at having a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation lamps. The lamps are submerged within the bed of fluidizing particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: BGK Finishing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Heath, John R. Eppeland