Patents by Inventor Michael J. Abel

Michael J. Abel 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: 5049007
    Abstract: An airlock for the batch or continuous feeding of a material while obstructing the free flow of a gas. The airlock comprises a continuous belt having a substantially horizontal upper surface and a plurality of non-porous flights projecting out from the belt. Each flight has a free edge located outwardly from the belt. The free edges of the flights seal against a planar sealing surface located above and parallel to the belt. Particulates are transported on the upper surface of belt below and away from any potential grinding action between the moving free edges of the flights and the stationary sealing surface. The flights, located between the sealing surface and the belt, inhibit the flow of air through the airlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Abel