Patents by Inventor Richard P. Kempf

Richard P. Kempf 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: 9238229
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough having a first end and a second end, and at least first and second variable amplitude vibration generators coupled to the trough. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators include at least one variable eccentric weight assembly having a variable center of mass relative to an axis of rotation. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators have at least a first state wherein an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the first vibration generator is different than an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the second vibration generator to cause movement of material in the trough toward the first end or the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Kempf, Thomas P. Musschoot, Daniel T. Lease
  • Patent number: 8528846
    Abstract: A vibratory crushing apparatus includes at least one trough having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a wall defining a material-receiving space having a first cross-sectional area. The apparatus also includes at least one crusher disposed in the trough, the at least one crusher having an outer surface that conforms to an inner surface of the wall about a circumference of the crusher, and a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area so as to define a gap between the outer surface of the at least one crusher and the inner surface of the wall. Further, the apparatus includes a vibration generator coupled to the at least one trough to cause material to move between the inlet end and the outlet end and to cause the at least one crusher to move relative to the wall of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Kempf, Tobin L. Imes, Steve C. Wiechmann
  • Publication number: 20110089278
    Abstract: A vibratory crushing apparatus includes at least one trough having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a wall defining a material-receiving space having a first cross-sectional area. The apparatus also includes at least one crusher disposed in the trough, the at least one crusher having an outer surface that conforms to an inner surface of the wall about a circumference of the crusher, and a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area so as to define a gap between the outer surface of the at least one crusher and the inner surface of the wall. Further, the apparatus includes a vibration generator coupled to the at least one trough to cause material to move between the inlet end and the outlet end and to cause the at least one crusher to move relative to the wall of the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard P. Kempf, Tobin L. Imes, Steve C. Wiechmann
  • Patent number: 7849997
    Abstract: A conveyor for conveying hot ash may include a frame, a trough supported on the frame to receive a quantity of hot ash, the trough including a trough wall with a plurality of semi-circular steel plates that define a surface of the trough wall and a plenum disposed beneath the semi-circular steel plates, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The conveyor may also include a first plurality of apertures in the trough wall in fluid communication with the plenum, and a plurality of baffles spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass in a direction along the surface of the trough wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, Jr., Richard P. Kempf
  • Publication number: 20090272629
    Abstract: A conveyor for conveying hot ash may include a frame, a trough supported on the frame to receive a quantity of hot ash, the trough including a trough wall with a plurality of semi-circular steel plates that define a surface of the trough wall and a plenum disposed beneath the semi-circular steel plates, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The conveyor may also include a first plurality of apertures in the trough wall in fluid communication with the plenum, and a plurality of baffles spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass in a direction along the surface of the trough wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, JR., Richard P. Kempf
  • Patent number: 7559725
    Abstract: A conveyor may include a conveyor includes a frame, a trough supported on the frame, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The trough has a trough wall with a first plurality of apertures, and a plurality of baffles are spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, Jr., Richard P. Kempf
  • Patent number: 6367959
    Abstract: A water blending apparatus for use in conditioning foundry sand. The apparatus creates a vertical sand stream flow path which increases the surface area of the sand stream and allows water to be applied to both sides of the sand stream rather than a single side, as known with conventional water mixing apparatus. In addition, the blending apparatus includes a housing inside which a pair of mixers thoroughly mix the wetted sand. Because the mixers are not positioned in-line with the main sand processing flow, as in conventional apparatus, the mixing time is not dependent upon the speed of the conveyor, and therefore mixing time may be increased. Furthermore, the agitators positioned inside the housing have a more efficient active area since a smaller clearance space is required than with over-the-conveyor style mixing devices, which must avoid contact with the conveyor belt. As a result, the sand may be cooled more quickly due to increased initial water coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Kraus, Richard P. Kempf