Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Minihan

Thomas J. Minihan 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: 5958108
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating fluids of differing specific gravities are discussed. More specifically, apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow mixture of air and water into an essentially dry air component and a pure water component are discussed. The separator is high volume and is structured around three physical elements which are defined as an input, a water chamber and an air separator chamber. A composite flow enters the input where most of the heavier water component separates, under the force of gravity, and flows into the water chamber. The remaining fluid, which is air and water in the form of vapor, mist, or droplets, is drawn into the air separator chamber using a vacuum pump, and subsequently flows through a condensate sub chamber which physically is an element of the air separator chamber. Any moisture in this flow is condensed within, and drained from, the condensate chamber such that dry air is discharged from the air separator chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Minihan
  • Patent number: 5824135
    Abstract: This invention consists of apparatus and methods for separating fluids of differing specific gravities, and more particularly apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow of fluid comprising a mixture of air and water into an essentially dry air component and a pure water component. The separator is high volume and is structured around three physical elements which are defined as an input, a water chamber and an air separator chamber. A composite flow enters the input where most of and flows into the water chamber. The remaining fluid, which is air and water in the form of vapors mist, or droplets, is drawn into the air separator chamber using a vacuum pump, and subsequently flows through a condensate sub chamber which physically is an element of the air separator chamber. Any moisture in this flow is condensed within, and drained from, the condensate chamber such that dry air is discharged from the air separator chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas J. Minihan