Patents by Inventor Michael J. Kranda

Michael J. Kranda 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: 12181779
    Abstract: A camera retractor assembly for a furnace includes a faceplate configured to be attached to a furnace; a retractor carriage configured to be attached to the faceplate; a pneumatically operated retractor slidably supported by the retractor carriage; a camera enclosure attached to the retractor; a lens tube attached the camera enclosure; and at least one of a control panel, an air manifold or an air reservoir attached to the camera retractor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Sullivan, Higgins, and Brion Power Plant Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Kranda, Clay J Hammond, Daniel R Higgins
  • Patent number: 12044257
    Abstract: A pneumatic linear actuator with a manually adjustable stop mechanism integrated into the device such that the actuator mechanism and the stop mechanism are co-linear. The stop mechanism limits the travel of the actuator by turning a handwheel. The mechanisms are completely sealed and/or enclosed and a gear-reduction position indicator is included. Forward and reverse acting variations are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sullivan, Higgins, and Brion PPE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Kranda, Daniel R Higgins
  • Publication number: 20230392618
    Abstract: A pneumatic linear actuator with a manually adjustable stop mechanism integrated into the device such that the actuator mechanism and the stop mechanism are co-linear. The stop mechanism limits the travel of the actuator by turning a handwheel. The mechanisms are completely sealed and/or enclosed and a gear-reduction position indicator is included. Forward and reverse acting variations are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Kranda, Daniel R Higgins
  • Publication number: 20230205056
    Abstract: A camera retractor assembly for a furnace includes a faceplate configured to be attached to a furnace; a retractor carriage configured to be attached to the faceplate; a pneumatically operated retractor slidably supported by the retractor carriage; a camera enclosure attached to the retractor; a lens tube attached the camera enclosure; and at least one of a control panel, an air manifold or an air reservoir attached to the camera retractor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Kranda, Clay J Hammond, Daniel R Higgins
  • Publication number: 20130247800
    Abstract: A method for drying solid fuels prior to injection and burning in solid fuel boilers is described. High moisture content solid fuels such as bark, sludge, wet coal, etc. must be dried before they can burn. Embodiments of the present invention incorporates a fuel delivery chute integrated with the boiler wall using a flow of combustion gasses and radiant heating to partially dry the solid fuel before it reaches the combustion zone of the boiler. The combustion gasses are drawn through the delivery chute by means of the flowing fuel and air jet inductors that then blows the combustion gasses back into the boiler. A refractory wall separates the fuel chute from the boiler proper, is heated by the combustion in the boiler, and radiates heat to the fuel falling through the fuel chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel R. Higgins, Eugene Sullivan, Michael J. Kranda, David J. Knighten
  • Patent number: 8424150
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning linearly translating rods is described. Embodiments of the invention are suitable for use where a rod, such as a cleaning rod, is moved linearly through a stationary support, generally a cylindrical tube, such as a pneumatic cylinder, with bushings fixed inside the tube through which the rod slides. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow the rod scraper to be attached or removed without disassembling the complete hydraulic cylinder rod apparatus. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also allow the rod scraper to float radially while its motion is constrained axially. This allows the invention to compensate for lateral displacement of a translating cylindrical cleaning rod due to normal working clearances between the cleaning rod and bushings or by bushing wear over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Higgins, Michael J. Kranda
  • Patent number: D616473
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Higgins, Michael J. Kranda
  • Patent number: D674919
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Higgins, Michael J. Kranda