Patents by Inventor Robert E. Rockwood
Robert E. Rockwood 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: 20080175704Abstract: A centrifugal environmentally safe pump including a motor driven pump shaft having a fluid pumping impeller affixed thereto. A plurality of annular shaft supporting bearing assemblies are disposed along the shaft adjacent a lubrication chamber, the lubrication chamber housing lubrication fluid (e.g. oil) maintained at a level below rotating portions of the bearing assemblies so as to maintain a low operating temperature within the chamber and adjacent the bearings. A lubricating fluid dispenser having a thin-profile, disc-shaped portion is affixed to the pump shaft within the lubrication chamber for rotation along with the shaft. A plurality of wire-like fluid contacting members are loosely connected along the outer periphery of the disc-shaped portion through respective bearing sleeves, the wire members for dipping into the lubricating fluid when the pump shaft is rotating thereby dispersing or misting the fluid throughout the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6913438Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: EnvironamicsInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6672830Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6659720Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6551055Abstract: A lubrication system for equipment (e.g. centrifugal pump) employing a rotating shaft and corresponding support bearings is disclosed. The lubrication system includes a lubricant dispenser having a plurality of blades or dispensing members pivotally attached thereto, the dispenser affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Centrifugal force created by rotation of the shaft to which the dispensing blades are attached causes the blades to extend radially outward from the shaft center during operation so as to dispense the lubricant throughout a lubricating or misting chamber in order to lubricate the adjacent bearings. The system is also advantageous in that the blades are permitted to pivot or flap downward toward the shaft in either direction so that the dispenser may be more easily inserted into the misting chamber during manufacturing of the device or replacement of the lubricating system.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Publication number: 20030031554Abstract: A lubrication system for equipment (e.g. centrifugal pump) employing a rotating shaft and corresponding support bearings is disclosed. The lubrication system includes a lubricant dispenser having a plurality of blades or dispensing members pivotally attached thereto, the dispenser affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Centrifugal force created by rotation of the shaft to which the dispensing blades are attached causes the blades to extend radially outward from the shaft center during operation so as to dispense the lubricant throughout a lubricating or misting chamber in order to lubricate the adjacent bearings. The system is also advantageous in that the blades are permitted to pivot or flap downward toward the shaft in either direction so that the dispenser may be more easily inserted into the misting chamber during manufacturing of the device or replacement of the lubricating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Publication number: 20030002978Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: ENVIRONAMICS CORP.Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Publication number: 20020197151Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: ENVIRONAMICS CORP.Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6468028Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Publication number: 20020146315Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: ENVIRONAMICS CORPORATIONInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 6367807Abstract: A labyrinth seal for use in a centrifugal pump. The seal may eliminate rotating surfaces from rubbing directly against groove surfaces during installation thereby eliminating or reducing the scraping of material from rotating surfaces. Therefore, generation of fine powder from such scraping is reduced or substantially eliminated. A stationary covering is provided over the outer surface or periphery of a rotating member in order to make maintenance personnel less susceptible to injury. No heat process is required for assembly (although some may be used in certain embodiments). A radial trap system is provided for enhancing performance of the seal, including a recess or cutout in the face of a stationary member.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5823744Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a system for preventing unscrewing of the impeller off of the pump shaft is disclosed. The impeller is screwed onto the pump shaft via threads having a first thread pitch, and a lock bolt is inserted through the impeller and screwed into the pump shaft via threads having a second thread pitch. The second thread pitch is greater than the first pitch. Accordingly, if the pump motor is operated in the wrong direction, the impeller is prevented from unscrewing because the impeller attempts to move faster axially than the lock bolt which is holding the impeller on the pump shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5823539Abstract: A seal arrangement for a centrifugal pump including a split ring shaft seal located inboard of both the shaft sleeve and a cartridge-loaded bellows seal so as to prevent the fluid being pumped from leaking under the sleeve and carbonizing. Because there is no carbonization under the sleeve, the bellows seal does not become bonded to the pump shaft. Accordingly, seal disassembly is made easier. A plurality of elongated push rods are disposed along the shaft between the split ring seal and a pushing assembly. The pushing assembly forces the push rods toward the split ring seal so as to tighten it down into fluid sealing contact with the outer periphery of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5772396Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a sealing flushing system. An annular flush ring insert having a plurality of radially spaced flush holes is provided adjacent the seal to be flushed so as to permit the seal to be flushed at a number of different places around the pump shaft and from a plurality of different radially spaced directions. The flushing fluid flows through a gland, into and through the flush ring insert, flushes (i.e. cleans and/or cools) the seal, and then flows on into the fluid being pumped.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5727792Abstract: A chemical processing centrifugal pump is provided with a triple cartridge seal arrangement including a first seal axially spaced from a pair of concentric seals. The passageway along the pump shaft between the single seal and the radially inwardmost concentric seal is filled with a pressurized barrier inert gas so as to create a gas seal while a barrier chamber defined between the concentric seals is filled with a pressurized barrier liquid. Accordingly, the concentric seals are lubricated by the barrier liquid disposed in the barrier chamber while the inboard seal is lubricated by the fluid being pumped. Optionally, the single seal may be lubricated by barrier liquid if such a pressurized liquid is used instead of the inert gas to fill the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5647735Abstract: A lubrication system for equipment (e.g. centrifugal pump) employing a rotating shaft and corresponding support bearings is disclosed. The lubrication system includes a lubricant dispenser having a plurality of blades or dispensing members pivotally attached thereto, the dispenser affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Centrifugal force created by rotation of the shaft to which the dispensing blades are attached causes the blades to extend radially outward from the shaft center during operation so as to dispense the lubricant throughout a lubricating or misting chamber in order to lubricate the adjacent bearings. The system is also advantageous in that the blades are permitted to pivot or flap downward toward the shaft in either direction so that the dispenser may be more easily inserted into the misting chamber during manufacturing of the device or replacement of the lubricating system.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5642888Abstract: A seal construction is provided for sealing a rotating pump shaft against passage of a fluid along its central axis. The seal construction includes front and rear sealing flanges mounted coaxially to and rotatable with the pump shaft. Stationary engaging members are provided adjacent the rear surface of the front sealing flange and the front surface of the rear sealing flange for sealing engagement therewith. A temperature stabilized chamber is provided adjacent each sealing flange including means for recirculating and cooling fluid disposed therein so as to maintain the fluid between adjacent engaging members at a substantially constant temperature thereby maintaining a flatness of the sealing engagement between the sealing flange surfaces and the engaging members. The recirculating/cooling system includes a gland having first, second, third, and fourth fluid passages defined therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5632608Abstract: A centrifugal environmentally safe pump including a motor driven pump shaft having a fluid pumping impeller affixed thereto. A plurality of annular shaft supporting bearing assemblies are disposed along the shaft adjacent a lubrication chamber, the lubrication chamber housing lubrication fluid (e.g. oil) maintained at a level below rotating portions of the bearing assemblies so as to maintain a low operating temperature within the chamber and adjacent the bearings. A lubricating fluid dispenser having a thin-profile, disc-shaped portion is affixed to the pump shaft within the lubrication chamber for rotation along with the shaft. The width or profile of the disc-shaped portion of the dispenser is small so as to reduce windage adjacent the lubricating fluid level when the shaft and dispenser are rotated at high speeds thereby allowing the level of the lubrication fluid to be maintained substantially constant and below the bearing balls, even when the pump is operated at high speeds.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: 5591020Abstract: A pump including a pump shaft bearing lubrication system having a main lubrication chamber (45) and a pair of auxiliary lubrication chambers (55 and 57), the auxiliary chambers being disposed on opposite sides of said main chamber. Pump shaft bearing assemblies (single or double row) are sandwiched between each auxiliary lubrication chamber and the main chamber (45) so that each bearing assembly (31 and 33) has its inner and outer sides simultaneously lubricated by fluid in the main and corresponding auxiliary chamber respectively. Each auxiliary lubrication chamber (55 and 57) is provided with a pair of fluid passageways (61 and 63) interfacing the auxiliary and main chambers so that the lubricating fluid can be circulated from the main chamber (45) to the auxiliary chambers (55, 57) and then back into the main chamber again, thereby constantly lubricating the bearing assemblies with cool, clean, and effective lubricating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood
-
Patent number: RE39217Abstract: A lubrication system for equipment (e.g. centrifugal pump) employing a rotating shaft and corresponding support bearings is disclosed. The lubrication system includes a lubricant dispenser having a plurality of blades or dispensing members pivotally attached thereto, the dispenser affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Centrifugal force created by rotation of the shaft to which the dispensing blades are attached causes the blades to extend radially outward from the shaft center during operation so as to dispense the lubricant throughout a lubricating or misting chamber in order to lubricate the adjacent bearings. The system is also advantageous in that the blades are permitted to pivot or flap downward toward the shaft in either direction so that the dispenser may be more easily inserted into the misting chamber during manufacturing of the device or replacement of the lubricating system.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Environamics CorporationInventor: Robert E. Rockwood