Patents by Inventor Mark A. Bright

Mark A. Bright 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: 11939993
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device via the tangential outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L Ritchie, Jr., Jorge A. Morando
  • Publication number: 20220082101
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device via the tangential outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, JR., Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 11187233
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, Jr., Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 11131309
    Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Jorge A. Morando, Jon Tipton, George S. Mordue, Mark Bright, Lennard Lutes, Richard S. Henderson, Chris T. Vild
  • Publication number: 20180187685
    Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Jorge A. Morando, Jon Tipton, George S. Mordue, Mark Bright, Lennard Lutes, Richard S. Henderson, Chris T. Vild
  • Patent number: 9951777
    Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Jorge A. Morando, Jon Tipton, George S. Mordue, Mark Bright, Lennard Lutes, Richard S. Henderson, Chris T. Vild
  • Publication number: 20170037852
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, JR., Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 9534546
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine includes determining an intake air temperature and an engine speed. The method includes selectively initiating one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode and a third operating mode based on at least the intake air temperature and the engine speed. The first operating mode includes increasing the engine speed progressively by an incremental speed value. The second operating mode includes deactivating at least one Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cylinder of the engine. The third operating mode includes shutting down the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chad S. Nelson, Rino Marcon, Kirti C. Tamhane, Hariharan Ramachandran, Amina Naheed, Krishna R. Yejju, Kotaro Naruo, Mark Bright, Travis E. Barnes, Urvish B. Joshi, Ramya Gangishetty
  • Patent number: 9506346
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9193532
    Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy D. March, John A. Pokrzyk, Jr., Daryll A. Hasco, Mark Bright
  • Publication number: 20150330319
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine includes determining an intake air temperature and an engine speed. The method includes selectively initiating one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode and a third operating mode based on at least the intake air temperature and the engine speed. The first operating mode includes increasing the engine speed progressively by an incremental speed value. The second operating mode includes deactivating at least one Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cylinder of the engine. The third operating mode includes shutting down the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chad S. Nelson, Rino Marcon, Kirti C. Tamhane, Hariharan Ramachandran, Amina Naheed, Krishna R. Yejju, Kotaro Naruo, Mark Bright, Travis E. Barnes, Urvish B. Joshi, Ramya Gangishetty
  • Publication number: 20150072846
    Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: PYROTEK, INC,
    Inventors: Timothy D. March, John A. Pokrzyk, JR., Daryll A. Hasco, Mark Bright
  • Patent number: 8915830
    Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. March, John A. Pokrzyk, Jr., Daryll A. Hasco, Mark Bright
  • Patent number: 8899932
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a molten metal impeller is provided. It includes a generally cylindrical graphite body having a plurality of passages extending from a top surface to a side wall. A hub is formed in the center of the graphite body. A ceramic cap member is secured to the top surface of the graphite body. The cap member is comprised of a ring forming a central passage shaped cooperatively to overlap the hub and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the ring to an outer rim. The rim has a height between adjacent vanes which increases in the direction of intended impeller rotation. The rim further has a height which decreases from its radially outer most edge to an inner most edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Tetkoskie, Mark A. Bright, Richard S. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8475594
    Abstract: A continuous galvanizing line uses a coating pot containing a molten zinc bath having bottom dross and further comprises a pump. The pump agitates the bottom dross so the bottom dross interacts with aluminum and converts to top dross, which can be removed without needing to stop the galvanizing line. A reaction vessel may also be used to provide a higher concentration of aluminum to react with the bottom dross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Gregory C. Becherer, Robert L. Grodeck
  • Publication number: 20130101424
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, JR., Jorge A. Morando
  • Publication number: 20120073103
    Abstract: A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy D. March, John A. Pokrzyk, JR., Daryll A. Hasco, Mark Bright
  • Publication number: 20120003099
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a molten metal impeller is provided. It includes a generally cylindrical graphite body having a plurality of passages extending from a top surface to a side wall. A hub is formed in the center of the graphite body. A ceramic cap member is secured to the top surface of the graphite body. The cap member is comprised of a ring forming a central passage shaped cooperatively to overlap the hub and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the ring to an outer rim. The rim has a height between adjacent vanes which increases in the direction of intended impeller rotation. The rim further has a height which decreases from its radially outer most edge to an inner most edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jason Tetkoskie, Mark A. Bright, Richard S. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20100304034
    Abstract: A continuous galvanizing line uses a coating pot containing a molten zinc bath having bottom dross and further comprises a pump. The pump agitates the bottom dross so the bottom dross interacts with aluminum and converts to top dross, which can be removed without needing to stop the galvanizing line. A reaction vessel may also be used to provide a higher concentration of aluminum to react with the bottom dross.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Gregory C. Becherer, Robert L. Grodeck
  • Publication number: 20080274006
    Abstract: A submerged pot roll and other articles for use in galvanizing baths including a metallurgically bonded superalloy cladding layer on a steel core layer. The cladding layer improves the corrosion resistance and dross buildup of the article and improves service life while reducing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Bright, Vinod K. Sikka, James W. Hales, Ravi Menon, Ever J. Barbero, Xingbo Liu, Jing Xu