Patents by Inventor Mohammed A. Hashish

Mohammed A. Hashish 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: 6804459
    Abstract: An assembly for changing the temperature of ultrahigh-pressure fluid as it flows through ultrahigh-pressure tubing includes several thermally conductive blocks. Each block has a first bore through which the ultrahigh-pressure tubing passes, and a second bore containing a source of heating or cooling. Alternatively, resistance heating is used to increase the temperature of the ultrahigh-pressure fluid, by coupling electrodes to the outer surface of the tubing. The ultrahigh-pressure fluid is heated or cooled after it is pressurized, and is then discharged from the ultrahigh-pressure tubing at a selected temperature for use. For example, the ultrahigh-pressure fluid at a selected temperature may be discharged through a nozzle to form an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet to cut or clean any desired surface or object, or it may be discharged to a pressure vessel to pressure treat a substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Chidambaram Raghavan, Edmund Y. Ting, Bruce M. Schuman, Mohamed A. Hashish
  • Patent number: 6755725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Patent number: 6752686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Publication number: 20040107810
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20030037654
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman, Chidambaram Raghavan, Andreas Meyer, Wayne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030037650
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating and manipulating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an end effector assembly coupled to a manipulator that imparts motion to the end effector along one or more axes. The end effector assembly includes a cutting head coupled to a source of high-pressure fluid and to a source of abrasive, to generate a high-pressure abrasive fluid jet. A motion assembly is coupled to the cutting head via a clamp positioned around the cutting head. A nozzle body assembly is removably coupled to the cutting head assembly upstream of the orifice. The nozzle body assembly may be separated from the cutting head assembly to allow access to the orifice, without removing the cutting head assembly from the clamp. The clamp has a quick release mechanism, allowing an operator to open the clamp by hand to allow access to the cutting head, and an alignment member is provided on an inner surface of the clamp to accurately locate the cutting head in the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knaupp, Charles D. Burnham, Mohamed A. Hashish, Robert J. Mann, Mira K. Sahney, C. David Bader, Andreas Meyer, Sean A. Vaughan, Thomas A. Pesek, Jonathan M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030029934
    Abstract: A high-pressure fluidjet nozzle is formed from a plurality of segments joined together, for example, by a metal sleeve. Axial bores provided in the segments align to form an axial bore extending through the nozzle. The number, material, and outer and inner dimensions of the segments can be varied to provide a nozzle with desired performance characteristics. Spaces can be provided between the segments to form chambers with auxiliary ports connected to the chambers to allow monitoring and modulation of the jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen
  • Publication number: 20020191970
    Abstract: An assembly for changing the temperature of ultrahigh-pressure fluid as it flows through ultrahigh-pressure tubing includes several thermally conductive blocks. Each block has a first bore through which the ultrahigh-pressure tubing passes, and a second bore containing a source of heating or cooling. Alternatively, resistance heating is used to increase the temperature of the ultrahigh-pressure fluid, by coupling electrodes to the outer surface of the tubing. The ultrahigh-pressure fluid is heated or cooled after it is pressurized, and is then discharged from the ultrahigh-pressure tubing at a selected temperature for use. For example, the ultrahigh-pressure fluid at a selected temperature may be discharged through a nozzle to form an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet to cut or clean any desired surface or object, or it may be discharged to a pressure vessel to pressure treat a substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Chidambaram Raghavan, Edmund Y. Ting, Bruce M. Schuman, Mohamed A. Hashish
  • Patent number: 6464567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Publication number: 20020034924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Publication number: 20020011579
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Chidambaram Raghavan, Olivier L. Tremoulet, Bruce M. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20020009369
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Chidambaram Raghavan, Olivier L. Tremoulet, Bruce M. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20010046833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Publication number: 20010041206
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of coupled pressure vessels, each having an inlet port to receive the pumpable substance, an outlet port to remove the pumpable substance, an isolator to pressurize the pumpable substance and a high-pressure port for receiving pressurizing fluid to bias the isolator toward the pumpable substance. The apparatus can further include blocking valves to limit the travel of materials that may leak through the inlet and outlet valves, a heat exchanger to heat and/or cool the pumpable substance, and/or a gas controller to add gas to the pumpable substance or remove gas from the pumpable substance. Cleaning, rinsing, and/or sanitizing fluid can be pumped through the entire system, including through the isolator to cleanse and/or sanitize.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Chidambaram Raghavan, Olivier L. Tremoulet, Mohamed A. Hashish, Edmund Ting
  • Patent number: 6305913
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Chidambaram Raghavan, Olivier L. Tremoulet, Jr., Bruce M. Schuman
  • Patent number: 6280302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Felice M. Sciulli, Yasuo Baba
  • Patent number: 5144766
    Abstract: A high pressure liquid jet abrasive cutting apparatus having a removable and replaceable cartridge assembly. This cartridge assembly has a nozzle unit with a jewel orifice, an intermediate mixing chamber where the liquid jet and the abrasive particles mix, and a discharge tube through which the liquid jet incorporating abrasive particles therein is discharged. The nozzle unit and the discharge tube are preassembled in a cartridge housing at a factory location under controlled conditions, so that precise alignment is obtained. Replacement of the worn parts is accomplished by interchange of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, John H. Olsen, Katherine J. Zarin, Glenn A. Erichsen
  • Patent number: 5092085
    Abstract: A high pressure liquid jet abrasive cutting apparatus having a removable and replaceable cartridge assembly. This cartridge assembly has a nozzle unit with a jewel orifice, an intermediate mixing chamber where the liquid jet and the abrasive particles mix, and a discharge tube through which the liquid jet incorporating abrasive particles therein is discharged. The nozzle unit and the discharge tube are preassembled in a cartridge housing at a factory location under controlled conditions, so that precise alignment is obtained. Replacement of the worn parts is accomplished by interchange of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, John H. Olsen, Katherine J. Zaring, Glenn A. Erichsen
  • Patent number: D470566
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman
  • Patent number: D480783
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Felix M. Sciulli, Mohamed A. Hashish, Steven J. Craigen, Bruce M. Schuman