Patents by Inventor Pieter J. von Herrmann

Pieter J. von Herrmann 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: 8919336
    Abstract: An improved radiant gas burner unit is provided having a shallow base with long walls and shorter walls. The shallow base supports a radiant gas burner plate or plates having openings therethrough, and forming an external surface of the base for emitting high temperature gas radiation. At least three mixing tubes are provided aligned with the shorter wall, and having two open ends. The first open end is positioned within the base and the second open end is positioned adjacent corresponding openings formed through the long wall of the base. A gas supply line extends along the long wall and has gas outlets for ejecting gas across an open air gap positioned intermediate the gas outlet and the second open end of the mixing tubes. The ejected gas is mixed with air as it crosses the air gap, and is provided to the openings of the radiant gas burner plate for combustion which produces high temperature radiation on the radiant gas burner plate and external surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Solarflo Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, David Frederick
  • Publication number: 20090272278
    Abstract: An adjustable grill apparatus having a movable radiant gas burner unit. The adjustable grill apparatus is supported on the top cooking surface of a conventional outdoor grill. The movable radiant gas burner unit is supported on a support assembly having side panels and support panels for pivoting adjustable positioning between a substantially vertical position supported on the grill and substantially horizontal positions supported on the support assembly. The movable radiant burner unit is operable at a constant or variable operating temperature between high and low temperatures to obtain the desired cooking rate for the food item to be cooked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SOLARFLO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, Adam Pintz, David Frederick, Bai Han, William Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090032012
    Abstract: An improved radiant gas burner unit is provided having a shallow base with long walls and shorter walls. The shallow base supports a radiant gas burner plate or plates having openings therethrough, and forming an external surface of the base for emitting high temperature gas radiation. At least three mixing tubes are provided aligned with the shorter wall, and having two open ends. The first open end is positioned within the base and the second open end is positioned adjacent corresponding openings formed through the long wall of the base. A gas supply line extends along the long wall and has gas outlets for ejecting gas across an open air gap positioned intermediate the gas outlet and the second open end of the mixing tubes. The ejected gas is mixed with air as it crosses the air gap, and is provided to the openings of the radiant gas burner plate for combustion which produces high temperature radiation on the radiant gas burner plate and external surface of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, David Frederick
  • Patent number: 5351932
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use on flexible fluid carrying hoses, such as a fire hose, which now employ clamping means to temporarily interrupt fluid flow during hose operation. Frictional engagement means are provided for use with the hose clamp means to limit clamp movement when both opened and closed. A method of operating such hose clamp assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Cleveland State University
    Inventor: Pieter J. von Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5323752
    Abstract: An improved on-board storage and use system employing a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to power internal combustion engine vehicles is disclosed. Storage of the fuel by sorption in a plurality of storage vessels at above atmospheric pressure enables subsequent removal for use during vehicle operation to include using an air stream in a particular manner for greater fuel recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Cleveland State University
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, Orhan Talu
  • Patent number: 4857810
    Abstract: A power supply system for discharge lamps employs a current interruption circuit to control current flow through a discharge lamp. A power switch is connected in series with the lamp and controls the current level in the lamp by controlling lamp current on-time. The current on-time is maintained for a relatively very short time period allowing control of lamp current by controlling the integral of the lamp current or controlling the charge delivered to the lamp during each pulse rather than controlling peak current value. Since the voltage impressed across the lamp generally exceeds the conventional value observed when using a passive current limiting means, for example a series reactor, non radiative losses associated with operating the lamp are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Roll, John M. Davenport, Pieter J. von Herrmann
  • Patent number: 4626745
    Abstract: A ballast circuit arrangement for providing a predetermined desired A.C. voltage to enhance the operation of the gas discharge tube serving as the main light source in a lighting unit of the type which also comprises an incandescent filament serving as a resistive element and a supplementary light source is disclosed. The circuit arrangement operates directly from an applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz alternating current (A.C.) voltage source. The circuit arrangement comprises a capacitor connected serially with both the incandescent filament and the gas discharge tube. If desired, the incandescent filament may be replaced with a resistive element. The value of the capacitor is selected so as to reduce the applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz A.C. source to a desired range for operating the circuit in a manner to develop a desired reduced voltage for operation of the gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John M. Davenport, Pieter J. von Herrmann
  • Patent number: 4555647
    Abstract: Ballast circuits for a gas discharge tube are disclosed. One embodiment of a single-phase non-inductive ballast for operation of a gas discharge tube by direct current (D.C.) using a resistive current-limiting means and a relatively small capacitor is disclosed. The D.C. ballast circuit generates a timed pulse addition (TPA). The D.C. ballast circuit includes an arrangement of switching means which controls the discharge of a capacitive energy storage means so as to supply the reignition and the restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube. Other embodiments are disclosed for the ballast circuit which operate directly from the A.C. line and control the discharge of a capacitive storage means to supply reignition and restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Leskovec, John M. Davenport, Pieter J. von Herrmann
  • Patent number: 4199539
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, Ronald S. Williams
  • Patent number: 4184827
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pieter J. von Herrmann, Ronald S. Williams