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).
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Publication number: 20200408238Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR., Arthur Bagumyan, Brandon Keenan
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Patent number: 10184664Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Junhua Chen, Mark Mitchell, John Nourse, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160033135Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Junhua Chen, Mark Mitchell, John Nourse, Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
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Patent number: 9234542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Alpha Turbo Technologies, LLCInventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140270614Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Alpha Turbo Technologies, LLCInventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
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Patent number: 8740465Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120219245Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
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Patent number: 8186886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7832938Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090202343Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, JR.
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Patent number: 7517154Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7415764Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7371011Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7147050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7065873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Yungmo Kang, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 6684642Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Willis, Guillermo Pont, Benjamin E. Toby, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 6478273Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Matrix Innovative ProductsInventors: Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr., Russell B. Spencer
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Patent number: 6453658Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Jeffery W. Willis, Guillermo Pont, Benjamin E. Toby, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.
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Patent number: 5497615Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventors: James C. Noe, Robert D. McKeirnan, Jr.