Patents by Inventor Vipul P. Patel
Vipul P. Patel 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: 8956271Abstract: A method for removing particulates from a fluid, the method including the steps of: producing a laminar flow of the fluid through a single-flow passageway defined by an interior surface of an outer rotor of a centrifuge; and imparting centrifugal force on the fluid in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the flow of the fluid to capture the particulates from the fluid. The method may further comprise rotation of the centrifuge at a speed of 5,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute. The method may also or alternatively comprise locating the interior surface between 3 and 5 inches from an axis of rotation of the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight, Steven R. Eccles, Leonard Walitt
-
Patent number: 8574144Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight
-
Publication number: 20120010064Abstract: A method for removing particulates from a fluid, the method including the steps of: producing a flow of the fluid down an outer rotor of a centrifuge; and imparting centrifugal force on the fluid in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the flow of the fluid to capture the particulates from the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight, Steven R. Eccles, Leonard Walitt
-
Publication number: 20110303621Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight
-
Patent number: 8021290Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of diesel engines. The fluid is introduced into the centrifuge through a distribution rotor so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Laminar flow of the fluid down the sides of the outer rotor may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight, Steven R. Eccles, Leonard Walitt
-
Patent number: 7959546Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight
-
Patent number: 7600525Abstract: Space vehicles such as space stations are often constructed as segmented inflatable structures which are susceptible to being punctured by small meteoric materials, resulting in small insidious leaks which are difficult to locate and repair. A method and apparatus are described in which a differential pressure transducer is positioned between segments of the space vehicle. Atmospheric gas pressure of all segments is continuously monitored. Analysis is performed on any pressure differentials which are determined to exist between adjacent segments. Detection of small leaks initiates an automatic isolation of the leaking segment. Detection of catastrophic leaks initiates an emergency evacuation of personnel from the affected segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Thomas O. Leimkuehler, Vipul P. Patel, Patrick J. Hughes
-
Publication number: 20090137376Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of diesel engines. The fluid is introduced into the centrifuge through a distribution rotor so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Laminar flow of the fluid down the sides of the outer rotor may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Allen K. MacKnight, Steven R. Eccles, Leonard Walitt
-
Patent number: 7434355Abstract: An inflatable docking station for a Mars roving vehicle (Mars rover) provides a recharging station as well as a storage facility for the Mars rover during adverse environmental conditions. The docking station/garage allows for extended operational life for the Mars Rover, allows for the Mars rover to operate at the polar regions of Mars, where extreme cold conditions restrict rover operation, and provides for a warmer habitat for the Mars rover. Conventional planetary roving vehicles only be deployed from the warmer equator region of the planet surface. However, these roving vehicles may never explore the polar regions because the roving vehicle may not have enough stored power. The docking station/garage provides a remote outpost for, among other things, storing and recharging the Mars Rover to allow it to reach more remote areas.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Al MacKnight
-
Publication number: 20080173592Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: VIPUL P. PATEL, ALLEN K. MacKNIGHT
-
Patent number: 6756548Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the mass of a test specimen located in a microgravity environment. The test specimen is attached to the free end of a cantilevered spring for joint vibration. The natural frequency of vibration of the spring and specimen are measured. The spring constant is calculated and compared with known masses having the same frequency and spring constant. When a match is found, the mass of the test specimen is known.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Jun Isobe, Al MacKnight, Vipul P. Patel
-
Publication number: 20030106374Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the mass of a test specimen located in a microgravity environment. The test specimen is attached to the free end of a cantilevered spring for joint vibration. The natural frequency of vibration of the spring and specimen are measured. The spring constant is calculated and compared with known masses having the same frequency and spring constant. When a match is found, the mass of the test specimen is known.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Jun Isobe, Al MacKnight, Vipul P. Patel
-
Patent number: 6499697Abstract: The deployable flexible airlock and method for space vehicles, modules, and other structures has a flexible conduit attached between a vehicle frame member and a distal frame member. The airlock may be integrated into the hatch of a space vehicle. In the stowed configuration the airlock occupies a small volume to minimize the usable space impact to the space vehicle. The airlock is deployed by introducing vehicle cabin air into a number of support columns or tubes, which thereby inflate and cause the distal frame member to be pushed away from the vehicle frame member. When deployed, a chamber is formed for a user to transition through the airlock. The airlock is pressurized using cabin air and depressurized by evacuating the cabin air. Retraction of the airlock for stowage is accomplished by use of cables attached to the distal frame member, and controlled by actuator assemblies attached to the vehicle frame member.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Al MacKnight
-
Publication number: 20020190161Abstract: The deployable flexible airlock and method for space vehicles, modules, and other structures has a flexible conduit attached between a vehicle frame member and a distal frame member. The airlock may be integrated into the hatch of a space vehicle. In the stowed configuration the airlock occupies a small volume to minimize the usable space impact to the space vehicle. The airlock is deployed by introducing vehicle cabin air into a number of support columns or tubes, which thereby inflate and cause the distal frame member to be pushed away from the vehicle frame member. When deployed, a chamber is formed for a user to transition through the airlock. The airlock is pressurized using cabin air and depressurized by evacuating the cabin air. Retraction of the airlock for stowage is accomplished by use of cables attached to the distal frame member, and controlled by actuator assemblies attached to the vehicle frame member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: Honeywell International, Law Dept. AB2Inventors: Vipul P. Patel, Al MacKnight