Patents by Inventor Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.

Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20200408238
    Abstract: The quick connect vehicle attachment as disclosed herein generally includes a bayonet lug having a series of threads that engage a tow hook boss on one end and a locking pin protruding out opposite sides of an interface shoulder on another end for select slide-in reception into a bayonet housing and along a cam slot for locking engagement therewith in a pair of slotted receptacles under a spring-biased preload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR., Arthur Bagumyan, Brandon Keenan
  • Patent number: 10184664
    Abstract: A multiple fuel capable, pre-mixed, low emission injector is provided which is particularly suited for burning high flame speed fuels. The fuel injector includes an injector body having a preliminary pre-mixing chamber, an intermediate pre-mixing chamber and a final pre-mixing chamber. A fuel distributor separates the preliminary pre-mixing chamber from the intermediate pre-mixing chamber. A guide vane separates the intermediate pre-mixing chamber from the final pre-mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Junhua Chen, Mark Mitchell, John Nourse, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160033135
    Abstract: A multiple fuel capable, pre-mixed, low emission injector is provided which is particularly suited for burning high flame speed fuels. The fuel injector includes an injector body having a preliminary pre-mixing chamber, an intermediate pre-mixing chamber and a final pre-mixing chamber. A fuel distributor separates the preliminary pre-mixing chamber from the intermediate pre-mixing chamber. A guide vane separates the intermediate pre-mixing chamber from the final pre-mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Junhua Chen, Mark Mitchell, John Nourse, Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
  • Patent number: 9234542
    Abstract: The improved bearing system includes an inner cartridge and an outer cartridge having respective bearing units configured to be mountable to a common axial shaft. A drain port is formed in the outer cartridge for discharging excess oil from the bearing system. An annular channel is generally formed from one of the cartridges for selectively receiving a preload ring. An annular groove is formed from a portion of the other cartridge and sized to slidably receive the preload ring. A preload element is disposed within the annular groove and axially compressed between a preload surface of the annular groove and the preload ring. The preload element maintains a simultaneous axial preload thrust on the bearing cartridges and respective bearing units in inwardly opposite axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Alpha Turbo Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140270614
    Abstract: The improved bearing system includes an inner cartridge and an outer cartridge having respective bearing units configured to be mountable to a common axial shaft. A drain port is formed in the outer cartridge for discharging excess oil from the bearing system. An annular channel is generally formed from one of the cartridges for selectively receiving a preload ring. An annular groove is formed from a portion of the other cartridge and sized to slidably receive the preload ring. A preload element is disposed within the annular groove and axially compressed between a preload surface of the annular groove and the preload ring. The preload element maintains a simultaneous axial preload thrust on the bearing cartridges and respective bearing units in inwardly opposite axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Alpha Turbo Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
  • Patent number: 8740465
    Abstract: The improved bearing system includes a pair of axially split and generally cylindrical cartridges having respective bearing units configured to be mountable to a common axial shaft. An annular channel is generally formed from one of the cartridges for selectively receiving a preload ring. An annular groove is formed from a portion of the other cartridge and sized to slidably receive the preload ring. A preload element is disposed within the annular groove and axially compressed between a preload surface of the annular groove and the preload ring. The preload element maintains a simultaneous axial preload thrust on the bearing cartridges and respective bearing units in inwardly opposite axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120219245
    Abstract: The improved bearing system includes a pair of axially split and generally cylindrical cartridges having respective bearing units configured to be mountable to a common axial shaft. An annular channel is generally formed from one of the cartridges for selectively receiving a preload ring. An annular groove is formed from a portion of the other cartridge and sized to slidably receive the preload ring. A preload element is disposed within the annular groove and axially compressed between a preload surface of the annular groove and the preload ring. The preload element maintains a simultaneous axial preload thrust on the bearing cartridges and respective bearing units in inwardly opposite axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
  • Patent number: 8186886
    Abstract: An improved bearing system is provided for use in high speed rotating machinery such as a turbocharger, wherein a turbocharger shaft is rotatably supported at opposite ends by a pair of angular contact bearings subjected to a predetermined and substantially constant thrust pre-load. The angular contact bearings are carried respectively within a pair of generally cylindrical bearing sleeves which cooperatively define an axially split bearing carrier mounted within a turbocharger housing. A spring reacts between these bearing sleeves for applying a substantially constant axial thrust pre-load transmitted by the bearing sleeves to the angular contact bearings. The mechanical spring thrust pre-load may be supplemented or substituted by an hydraulic axial thrust load attributable to oil circulated through the split bearing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7832938
    Abstract: An improved bearing system for use in high speed rotating machinery, such as a turbocharger, wherein a shaft is rotatably supported by a floating bearing cartridge having axially spaced angular contact bearings each with a set of bearing balls supported between inner and outer races. The bearing cartridge includes an inner spacer sleeve for axially spacing the inner bearing races, and a rotationally floating outer sleeve having a pair of radially inwardly open grooves for removably receiving snap-type retaining rings which engage and axially space the outer bearing races. The axial dimension of the inner spacer sleeve is elongated slightly relative to an axial dimension defined between outboard faces of the installed retaining rings, thereby slightly unloading the sets of bearing balls from their respective outer bearing races. Such slight axial unloading enhances smooth-running operation with minimal bearing wear, while accommodating transient loads during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090202343
    Abstract: An improved bearing system is provided for use in high speed rotating machinery such as a turbocharger, wherein a turbocharger shaft is rotatably supported at opposite ends by a pair of angular contact bearings subjected to a predetermined and substantially constant thrust pre-load. The angular contact bearings are carried respectively within a pair of generally cylindrical bearing sleeves which cooperatively define an axially split bearing carrier mounted within a turbocharger housing. A spring reacts between these bearing sleeves for applying a substantially constant axial thrust pre-load transmitted by the bearing sleeves to the angular contact bearings. The mechanical spring thrust pre-load may be supplemented or substituted by an hydraulic axial thrust load attributable to oil circulated through the split bearing carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
  • Patent number: 7517154
    Abstract: An improved bearing system is provided for use in high speed rotating machinery such as a turbocharger, wherein a turbocharger shaft is rotatably supported at opposite ends by a pair of angular contact bearings subjected to a predetermined and substantially constant thrust pre-load. The angular contact bearings are carried respectively within a pair of generally cylindrical bearing sleeves which cooperatively define an axially split bearing carrier mounted within a turbocharger housing. A spring reacts between these bearing sleeves for applying a substantially constant axial thrust pre-load transmitted by the bearing sleeves to the angular contact bearings. The mechanical spring thrust pre-load may be supplemented or substituted by an hydraulic axial thrust load attributable to oil circulated through the split bearing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7415764
    Abstract: A construction of recuperator core segments is provided which insures proper assembly of the components of the recuperator core segment, and of a plurality of recuperator core segments. Each recuperator core segment must be constructed so as to prevent nesting of fin folds of the adjacent heat exchanger foils of the recuperator core segment. A plurality of recuperator core segments must be assembled together so as to prevent nesting of adjacent fin folds of adjacent recuperator core segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7371011
    Abstract: An improved bearing system is provided for use in high speed rotating machinery such as a turbocharger, wherein a turbocharger shaft is rotatably supported at opposite ends by a pair of angular contact bearings subjected to a predetermined and substantially constant thrust pre-load. The angular contact bearings are carried respectively within a pair of generally cylindrical bearing sleeves which cooperatively define an axially split bearing carrier mounted within a turbocharger housing. A spring reacts between these bearing sleeves for applying a substantially constant axial thrust pre-load transmitted by the bearing sleeves to the angular contact bearings. The mechanical spring thrust pre-load may be supplemented by an hydraulic axial thrust load attributable to oil circulated through the split bearing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7147050
    Abstract: A counter-flow recuperator formed from annular arrays of recuperator core segments. The recuperator core segments are formed from two opposing sheets of fin fold material coined to form a primary surface zone disposed between two flattened manifold zones. Each primary surface zone has undulating corrugations including a uniform, full height central portion and a transition zone disposed between the central portion and one of the manifold zones. Corrugations of the transition zone rise from zero adjacent to the manifold zone and increase along a transition length to full crest height at the central portion. The transition lengths increase in a direction away from an inner edge containing the air inlet so as to equalize air flow to the distal regions of the primary surface zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7065873
    Abstract: A construction of recuperator core segments is provided which insures proper assembly of the components of the recuperator core segment, and of a plurality of recuperator core segments. Each recuperator core segment must be constructed so as to prevent nesting of fin folds of the adjacent heat exchanger foils of the recuperator core segment. A plurality of recuperator core segments must be assembled together so as to prevent nesting of adjacent fin folds of adjacent recuperator core segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6684642
    Abstract: A low emissions combustion system with a plurality of tangential fuel injectors to introduce a fuel/air mixture at the combustor dome end of an annular combustion chamber in two spaced injector planes. Each of the spaced injector planes includes multiple tangential fuel injectors delivering premixed fuel and air into the annular combustor. A generally skirt-shaped flow control baffle extends from the tapered inner liner into the annular combustion chamber downstream of the fuel injector planes. A plurality of air dilution holes in the tapered inner liner underneath the flow control baffle introduce dilution air into the annular combustion chamber while another plurality of air dilution holes in the cylindrical outer liner introduces more dilution air downstream from the flow control baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Willis, Guillermo Pont, Benjamin E. Toby, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6478273
    Abstract: An improved wall tack is provided for quick and easy mounting onto an upholstered wall surface or the like for supporting documents such as memoranda, pictures, calendars, etc. The wall tack comprises a plastic molded tack body having a hanger hook protruding from a front side thereof, and a lower prong or push pin projecting rearwardly from a lower margin at a rear side thereof. The rear side of the tack body further includes an elongated recessed groove lined by a plurality of undercut lock tabs for secure snap-fit reception of an elongated wire member having opposite ends defining a pair of rearwardly projecting pointed prongs at an upper margin of the tack body rear side. The pair of pointed prongs cooperate with the lower push pin for engaging and securely supporting the tack body on the upholstered wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Matrix Innovative Products
    Inventors: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr., Russell B. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6453658
    Abstract: A low emissions combustion system with a plurality of tangential fuel injectors to introduce a fuel/air mixture at the combustor dome end of an annular combustion chamber in two spaced injector planes. Each of the spaced injector planes includes multiple tangential fuel injectors delivering premixed fuel and air into the annular combustor. A generally skirt-shaped flow control baffle extends from the tapered inner liner into the annular combustion chamber downstream of the fuel injector planes. A plurality of air dilution holes in the tapered inner liner underneath the flow control baffle introduce dilution air into the annular combustion chamber while another plurality of air dilution holes in the cylindrical outer liner introduces more dilution air downstream from the flow control baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Willis, Guillermo Pont, Benjamin E. Toby, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5497615
    Abstract: A small gas turbine generator set comprising a rotating group and combustor contained within a circumferential recuperator. The rotating group comprises an alternator rotor on a common shaft with a turbine wheel and compressor impeller, supported by double acting complaint foil thrust bearings and a radial compliant foil bearing. The circumferential recuperator consists of a plurality of apertured boundary foils having embossments for structurally spacing the foils apart, arranged to provide the flow channels, manifolds, and structure to permit the existence of differential pressure between each surface of the foil. The circumferential recuperator is unitarily constructed surrounding the rotating group and combustor wherein the inflowing air is heated by the recuperator before entering the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: James C. Noe, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.