Patents by Inventor John R. Sparkes

John R. Sparkes 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: 6452129
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed which has an elongated electrode with an open front and a nozzle with a plasma discharge opening that is coaxial with the electrode. A mounting arrangement includes a ceramic ring that engages the front end of the electrode and a gas ring which concentrically surrounds the ceramic ring. A forward portion of the gas ring, the forward end of the electrode, and the nozzle define a swirl chamber of the torch, and opposing, spaced-apart concentric cylindrical surfaces of the ceramic ring and the gas ring, respectively, form an annulus which extends rearwardly from the swirl chamber. The ceramic ring closes the aft end of the annulus, and the gas ring houses a plurality of plasma gas injection ports which are located immediately forward of the aft end of the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Retech Systems LLC
    Inventors: Wenxian Zhu, Richard C. Eschenbach, Robin A. Lampson, John R. Sparkes
  • Patent number: 4344113
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a liquid drink for use at a party or a social event to give the appearance of an illuminated liquid. The device has a light adapted to colimate a beam of light through the transparent bottom of the glass receptacle into the liquid and be dispersed therein. Rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries are secured within the base to act as a power source for the light. A switch means comprising of upwardly contacts to contact a conductive ring of the base of the glass receptacle forms the on or off means for the switch. A modified form would utilize a coaster which may be used with stem ware and would be activated by the weight of the glass upon the coaster. The still modified form would be formed by a manual operated switch which may be used with the light formed in a chamber formed in the box under the glassware. A charger base utilizing inductive principles is used to recharge rechargeable batteries if used in that particular embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Donald R. Ditto
    Inventors: Donald R. Ditto, John R. Sparks