Patents by Inventor Simon A. WEEKS
Simon A. WEEKS 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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Patent number: 9046270Abstract: The present invention relates to a flameholder (1) for holding a flame (84) comprising a flow of combusting fluid. The flameholder (1) comprises an inlet (32) and an outlet (34) which defines a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator (10, 20) is arranged to generate a magnetic field (40) across the flow path such that in use the fluid flows in the flow path through the magnetic field (40). As the fluid flows through the magnetic field an electric current is induced in the fluid. This results in a force (86) being generated on the fluid which opposes the flow direction (82). This force acts to hold the flame in place. If the flow path is in the form of a closed loop, in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (82), then the current (50) induced in the fluid can flow in a closed loop entirely within the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Simon A. Weeks, Christopher G. Bright
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Patent number: 9038361Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion controller for controlling the combustion of a flow of combustible and/or combusting fluid. The combustion controller comprises an inlet and an outlet which defines a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator is arranged to generate a magnetic field across the flow path such that in use the fluid flows in the flow path through the magnetic field. As the fluid flows through the magnetic field an electric current is induced in the fluid. This results in energy being supplied to the fluid. This energy can assist is reignition. If the magnetic field is an alternating magnetic field then this induces an alternating current in the fluid. The frequency of this current can be controlled such that certain chemical reactions are either promoted or inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Simon A. Weeks, Christopher G. Bright
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Patent number: 8844259Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashback protector (1) for limiting the propagation of a flame towards a fuel supply. The flashback protector comprises a downstream side (34) and an upstream side (32) defining a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator (10, 20) is arranged to generate a magnetic field (40) across the flow path such that when a flashback occurs fluid flows in the flow path towards the fuel supply through the magnetic field (40). This causes a flow of current (50) to be induced in the fluid. This results in a force being generated on the fluid away from the fuel supply, preventing the flashback from reaching the fuel supply and causing an explosion.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Simon A. Weeks, Christopher G. Bright
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Publication number: 20120023965Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion controller for controlling the combustion of a flow of combustible and/or combusting fluid. The combustion controller comprises an inlet and an outlet which defines a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator is arranged to generate a magnetic field across the flow path such that in use the fluid flows in the flow path through the magnetic field. As the fluid flows through the magnetic field an electric current is induced in the fluid. This results in energy being supplied to the fluid. This energy can assist is reignition. If the magnetic field is an alternating magnetic field then this induces an alternating current in the fluid. The frequency of this current can be controlled such that certain chemical reactions are either promoted or inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Simon A. WEEKS, Christopher G. BRIGHT
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Publication number: 20120023890Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashback protector (1) for limiting the propagation of a flame towards a fuel supply. The flashback protector comprises a downstream side (34) and an upstream side (32) defining a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator (10, 20) is arranged to generate a magnetic field (40) across the flow path such that when a flashback occurs fluid flows in the flow path towards the fuel supply through the magnetic field (40). This causes a flow of current (50) to be induced in the fluid. This results in a force being generated on the fluid away from the fuel supply, preventing the flashback from reaching the fuel supply and causing an explosion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Simon A. WEEKS, Christopher G. BRIGHT
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Publication number: 20120023950Abstract: The present invention relates to a flameholder (1) for holding a flame (84) comprising a flow of combusting fluid. The flameholder (1) comprises an inlet (32) and an outlet (34) which defines a flow path between them. A magnetic-field generator (10, 20) is arranged to generate a magnetic field (40) across the flow path such that in use the fluid flows in the flow path through the magnetic field (40). As the fluid flows through the magnetic field an electric current is induced in the fluid. This results in a force (86) being generated on the fluid which opposes the flow direction (82). This force acts to hold the flame in place. If the flow path is in the form of a closed loop, in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (82), then the current (50) induced in the fluid can flow in a closed loop entirely within the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Simon A. WEEKS, Christopher G. BRIGHT