Patents by Inventor Robert J. McKee

Robert J. McKee 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: 8591208
    Abstract: A multi-chambered pulsation absorber for attachment over the valve cap opening of a compressor cylinder. Each chamber is in fluid communication with the valve cap opening (or cylinder internal gas passages) via an associated choke tube. Each pairing of a chamber with a choke tube is tuned, in the manner of a Helmholz resonator, to attenuate and nearly eliminate a different cylinder-related pulsation frequency, such as those resulting from internal cylinder pulsations or cylinder nozzle pulsations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Eugene L. Broerman, III, Danny M. Deffenbaugh, Robert J. McKee
  • Publication number: 20100329899
    Abstract: A multi-chambered pulsation absorber for attachment over the valve cap opening of a compressor cylinder. Each chamber is in fluid communication with the valve cap opening (or cylinder internal gas passages) via an associated choke tube. Each pairing of a chamber with a choke tube is tuned, in the manner of a Helmholz resonator, to attenuate and nearly eliminate a different cylinder-related pulsation frequency, such as those resulting from internal cylinder pulsations or cylinder nozzle pulsations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Eugene L. Broerman, III, Danny M. Deffenbaugh, Robert J. McKee
  • Patent number: 6981838
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of surge or incipient surge in a centrifugal compressor is supplied. The centrifugal compressor has an inlet passage, an inlet passage wall and an impeller. When flowing a fluid through the centrifugal compressor thereby establishing a fluid flow in the inlet passage, the fluid flow is measured in the inlet passage proximate the inlet passage wall and proximate the impeller. The measurements may include detecting a reverse in the fluid flow direction, measuring a tangential component to the fluid flow, measuring a substantial decrease in the axial fluid flow, and/or measuring the fluid temperature. Fluid flow in the compressor can then be modified or controlled to prevent surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Southern Gas Association Gas Machinery Reserach Council
    Inventors: Robert J. McKee, Carl E. Edlund
  • Publication number: 20030161715
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of surge or incipient surge in a centrifugal compressor is supplied. The centrifugal compressor has an inlet passage, an inlet passage wall and an impeller. When flowing a fluid through the centrifugal compressor thereby establishing a fluid flow in the inlet passage, the fluid flow is measured in the inlet passage proximate the inlet passage wall and proximate the impeller. The measurements may include detecting a reverse in the fluid flow direction, measuring a tangential component to the fluid flow, measuring a substantial decrease in the axial fluid flow, and/or measuring the fluid temperature. Fluid flow in the compressor can then be modified or controlled to prevent surge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. McKee, Carl E. Edlund
  • Patent number: 5481924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying, quantifying and correcting turbine meter errors related to pulsation effects in a gas stream being measured. A turbine meter pulse rate output signal is monitored and abnormal pulse rate modulations in the signal are detected and used to indicate turbine meter measurement errors. The equation used to determine turbine error requires measurements of pulsation intensity over a desired frequency range. Because of the difficulty in measuring pulsation intensity at field sites, meter error is determined directly from rotor speed modulation data. Rotor speed modulation data is obtained and then quantitatively related to pulsation intensity using a rotor response model. Thus, meter error is determined directly from rotor speed modulation data, allowing on-site quantification and correction of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Cecil R. Sparks, Robert J. McKee