Patents by Inventor Tom S. Ziems

Tom S. Ziems 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).

  • Method of centrifugal separation with load sensing circuit for optimizing cleaning cycle frequency
    Patent number: 5512031
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the efficiency of a centrifugal separator which automatically adjusts in accordance with operator input for varying amounts of solids in contaminated fluid being passed through the separator. A load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the centrifuge bowl and a second load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the scraper vane. The method makes use of a variable speed motor designed to vary the gravitational force with which the centrifuge operates in response to a variety of factors regarding particle size and specific gravity. The load sensing circuits optimize cleaning cycle frequency and reduce failure due to mechanical stress, The load sensing circuits taken in combination with the variable speed drive provide the ability to efficiently and variably monitor the cleansing intervals to provide predetermined levels of cleansing and prevent the overloading of the scraper and scraper mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Glassline Corporation
    Inventors: Tom S. Ziems, Mark H. Opfer
  • Centrifugal separator apparatus with load sensing circuit for optimizing clearing cycle frequency
    Patent number: 5454777
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the efficiency of the centrifugal separator automatically adjusts in accordance with operator input for varying amounts of solids in contaminated fluid being passed through the separator. A load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the centrifuge bowl and a second load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the scraper vane. The apparatus further includes a variable speed motor designed to vary the gravitational force with which the centrifuge operates in response to a variety of factors regarding particle size and specific gravity. The load sensing circuits optimize cleaning cycle frequency and reduce failure due to mechanical stress. The load sensing circuits taken in combination with the variable speed drive provide the ability to efficiently and variably monitor the cleansing intervals to provide predetermined levels of cleansing and prevent the overloading of the scraper and scraper mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Glassline Corporation
    Inventors: Tom S. Ziems, Mark H. Opfer
  • Bottle cap wrench
    Patent number: D488691
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Tom S. Ziems