Core Rotation Patents (Class 219/631)
  • Patent number: 11564288
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction heating or cooling system including a housing having a fluid air inlet, a sleeve shaped support extending within the housing and including a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending magnetic or electromagnetic plates communicated with the inlet. An elongated conductive component is rotatably supported about the sleeve support and includes linearly spaced apart and radially projecting conductive plates which alternate with the spacing established by the magnetic or electromagnetic plates. A motor rotates the conductive component which, upon rotation of the conductive plates, generates magnetic fields to condition the fluid according to either of induction heating or cooling. The rotating plates of the conductive component are further individually configured so that they simultaneously redirect the conditioned fluid flow through a warm air outlet of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Heat X, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 10876424
    Abstract: An energy recovery module includes a manifold, a permanent magnet generator arranged within the manifold, and a thermal electric generator. The thermal electric generator is arranged within the manifold and is electrically connected to the permanent magnet generator to provide electrical power to a load using energy recovered from an expanded decomposition or combustion products traversing the manifold. Generator arrangements, unmanned aerial vehicles, and methods of generating electric power are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 10701768
    Abstract: The disclosed heat generating apparatus includes: a rotary shaft, a heat generator, a plurality of permanent magnets, a magnet holder, and a heat recovery system. The rotary shaft is rotatably supported by a non-rotative body. The heat generator is fixed to the body. The magnets are arrayed to face the heat generator with a gap such that magnetic pole arrangements of adjacent ones of the magnets are opposite to each other. The magnet holder holds the magnets and is fixed to the rotary shaft. The heat recovery system collects heat generated in the heat generator. A non-magnetic partition wall is provided in the gap between the heat generator and the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Atsushi Seto, Kenji Imanishi, Hiroshi Nogami
  • Patent number: 10667334
    Abstract: The disclosed heat generating apparatus includes: a rotary shaft, a heat generator, a plurality of permanent magnets, a magnet holder, and a heat recovery system. The rotary shaft is rotatably supported by a non-rotative body. The heat generator is fixed to the rotary shaft. The magnets are arrayed to face the heat generator with a gap such that magnetic pole arrangements of adjacent ones of the magnets are opposite to each other. The magnet holder holds the magnets and is fixed to the body. The heat recovery system collects heat generated in the heat generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Atsushi Seto, Kenji Imanishi, Hiroshi Nogami
  • Patent number: 10425998
    Abstract: A heat generator comprises a fluid input and fluid output, an electrically conducting disc mounted on a shaft, a plurality of magnets with their N-S axis aligned parallel to the plane of the first disc are mounted either side of the disc, a plurality of runner vanes upstanding from the disc and forming a plurality of widening fluid paths towards the magnets and allow fluid to flow over a vane free portion of the disc to exit the heat generator though the output. Drive systems are described in which high pressure fluid from a hydraulic motor connected to a turbine or Archimedean screw is used to drive the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Rotaheat Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Nangle, Andrew Tulloch
  • Patent number: 9883552
    Abstract: A heat generator comprises a rotatable magnetic field and a heat exchanger (26) including a fluid path (45) for water set into an electrically conducting disc. An entry to and exit from the fluid path is provided for the water. Heat generated by rotating the magnetic field is transferred to water passing though the fluid path in the electrically conducting disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ROTAHEAT LIMITED
    Inventor: Douglas Nangle
  • Patent number: 9347433
    Abstract: A Wind Power system employing a three-tube tower, double, counter-rotating blades and a means to carry the wind energy power to a remotely located generator. The system employs a method to transmit the power from a horizontal vector to a vertical vector by means of a 90° magnetic translating method which delivers the power with no power loss. The system, by the physical placement of the generator, transformer, switches and controls, provide a great reduction in tower support weight and further provides for a cost efficient system. To further the overall efficiency of the system, special designs of the leading edge of the blades are fitted with tubercles which allow the blades to be pitched at greater angles, thereby increasing the power which can be gathered. This system, due to the teachings of this invention, can be constructed, installed and maintained at a substantially lower cost than that of a wind system currently being employed in the industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Publication number: 20150001208
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: POWERMAG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. ALBERTSON, David ALBERTSON
  • Patent number: 8844706
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Publication number: 20140110938
    Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a rotor having a rotation shaft, and a stator having a heating portion disposed at a distance from the rotor. A coil that generates magnetic flux in a direction of the heating portion is provided in the rotor. The heating portion is formed of a composite material of a magnetic material and a conductive material, and has a structure in which a magnetic material portion and a conductive material portion are combined. When the coil is in a position opposed to the heating portion, a cross-sectional area of the magnetic material portion is smaller than an area of linkage of magnetic flux generated by the coil in the heating portion, and the conductive material portion is disposed to surround a periphery of the magnetic material portion. A flow passage in which the heating medium circulates is provided in the heating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: KYOTO UNIVERSITY, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Okazaki, Tetsuji Matsuo, Takeshi Mifune
  • Patent number: 8640851
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8622195
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Robert V. Albertson
  • Publication number: 20130334209
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Publication number: 20130333411
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8573381
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: David Albertson, Robert V. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8534448
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8511456
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8511457
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8450666
    Abstract: A water boiling device includes a heat tank unit received in a machine body, a high frequency induction heater, and a heat pipe unit. The heat tank unit includes first and second heating tanks in communication with each other. Outside water can flow into the first and second heating tanks. The high frequency induction heater includes a heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils. The heat pipe unit includes first and second heating pipes. An upper section of each heating pipe is received in one of the heating tanks, and a lower section of each heating pipe extends out of the heating tanks and is inserted into the heat pipe induction coil. The first and second heating tanks will heat up to heat the water in the first and second heating tanks when a high frequency current is passed through the heat pipe induction coil and first and second induction coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Shun-Chi Yang, Mao-Hsiung Yang, Tsung-Chuan Yang, Fang-Ming Wu, Cheng-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 8418832
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Albertson, David Albertson
  • Patent number: 8408378
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8373103
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating and impelling air comprises a housing, an air heating impeller assembly, and a magnetic assembly. The impeller assembly may impel air through the housing and heat the air, and may include a support shaft, a plurality of annular disks positioned along the support shaft and each having a central aperture through which the support shaft extends. The impeller assembly includes paddles radiating outwardly from the shaft, and each of the paddles is positioned between the shaft and the disks to space at least one disk from the support shaft to form an air path therebetween. The paddles space the disks in an axial direction to form gaps therebetween to form an air path between the disks. The magnetic assembly applies a magnetic field of adjustable intensity to the disks to cause heating of the disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: George Waldner
  • Patent number: 8283615
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Powermag, LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8283613
    Abstract: A heat-pipe electric-power generating device capable of converting thermal energy to electrical energy is provided. The device includes a heat pipe and the heat pipe has a sealed internal space that can produce a steam-flow from an evaporating end to a condensing end according to a pressure difference caused by a temperature difference between the ends. A steam-flow electric-power generating device has at least a rotating portion disposed in the internal space for generating electric power when driven by a steam-flow. An electrode structure is used for leading the electric power out. The heat pipe is maintained in a sealed condition. In addition, several heat-pipe electric-power generating devices can be arranged into an array to form a heat electric-power generator or disposed inside an apparatus with a heat source for recycling the conventional waste thermal energy into useful electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ra-Min Tain, Shu-Jung Yang, Yu-Lin Chao, Yao-Shun Chen, Shyi-Ching Liau
  • Patent number: 7573009
    Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductive member and a first magnet assembly comprising a frame and at least one magnet disposed a distance adjacent the conductive member, wherein the first magnet assembly and the first frame are adapted to rotate relative to each other about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductive member when relative motion is produced between the conductive member and the first magnet assembly, the at least one magnet adapted to move relative to the frame in dependence on the change in the rate of rotation of the frame. The magnetic heater is provided with a passive relative-positioning actuator adapted to move one or more magnets in an axial direction and a radial direction relative to the frame. Such movement is exploited to control the magnetic field strength at the conductive member by controlling, among other things, the conductor/magnet spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: MagTec Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy W. Lunneborg, Paul Gene Dimmer, Kevin Loll, James Ronald Thomas, Neil Howard Thomas, David M. Browning
  • Patent number: 7420144
    Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductor assembly and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the conductor assembly about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductor assembly when relative motion is produced between the conductor assembly and first magnet assembly. The conductor assembly is adapted to translate transversely into and out of magnetic engagement with the magnet assembly. In one embodiment, the conductor assembly defines a fluid path therein for the transfer of heat from the conductor assembly to a fluid. The magnetic heater is a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the magnet assembly. The heat generated by the magnetic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: MagTec LLC
    Inventor: Timothy W. Lunneborg
  • Patent number: 7339144
    Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductor assembly and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the conductor assembly about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductor assembly when relative motion is produced between the conductor assembly and first magnet assembly. The conductor assembly defines a fluid path therein for the transfer of heat from the conductor assembly to a fluid. The magnetic heater is a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the magnet assembly. The heat generated by the magnetic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: MagTec LLC
    Inventor: Timothy W. Lunneborg
  • Patent number: 7323667
    Abstract: The device and method are used for controlling eddy currents generated by an electro-magnetic heater having at least one magnetic field producing element. To control the heater, a source of heat is used to heat a Curie temperature material, located adjacent to the magnetic field producing element. This prevents heat from being generated in the object being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Publication number: 20070151969
    Abstract: A heat-pipe electric-power generating device capable of converting thermal energy to electrical energy is provided. The device includes a heat pipe and the heat pipe has a sealed internal space that can produce a steam-flow from an evaporating end to a condensing end according to a pressure difference caused by a temperature difference between the ends. A steam-flow electric-power generating device has at least a rotating portion disposed in the internal space for generating electric power when driven by a steam-flow. An electrode structure is used for leading the electric power out. The heat pipe is maintained in a sealed condition. In addition, several heat-pipe electric-power generating devices can be arranged into an array to form a heat electric-power generator or disposed inside an apparatus with a heat source for recycling the conventional waste thermal energy into useful electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ra-Min Tain, Shu-Jung Yang, Yu-Lin Chao, Yao-Shun Chen, Shyi-Ching Liau
  • Patent number: 7211773
    Abstract: A conveyance apparatus comprises a transformer having a core, a primary coil connected to an alternate power source and a secondary coil connected to an output coil, a holding section including a conductive member for heating fluid by high frequency induction heating based on magnetic field generated by the output coil, the holding section for supplying fluid heated by the conductive member and for holding a heating object by the fluid, wherein, the secondary coil is capable of relatively moving to or relatively swinging on the core while the holding section moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Hosoe, Takemi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6504136
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquids, such as cooking fat, includes a vessel for the liquid to be heated, an electrically inductive impeller disposed in the vessel, a motor for rotating the impeller, to cause the liquid to circulate around the vessel, and a electrical coil on the opposite side of a wall of the vessel to the impeller. A high frequency signal is applied to the coil, which generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in impeller. The impeller is not an ideal conductor and, therefore, the electrical energy is dissipated as heat, as current, flows through the impeller. The heat generated in the impeller is transferred to the liquid as it circulated around the vessel by the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 6489598
    Abstract: A heat generator for reducing emissions includes a permanently magnetized, disc-shaped rotor; a stator axially separated from the rotor and in which the rotor induces electric currents as it rotates to generate heat in the stator; and an adjoining cooling duct through which a cooling liquid flows to dissipate heat generated in the stator. The rotor and stator are axially movable in relation to one another to adjust the heat generated in the stator. Heat output is controlled by a member acting axially on the rotor in the direction of the stator with a variable force against the action of a repelling force, and includes a soft magnetic material forming part of the stator. The permanently magnetized rotor and the stator are magnetically attracted to one another, and it is possible to strengthen/weaken their to achieve a predetermined output/speed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: AB Konstuktions-Bakelit
    Inventor: Odd Hielm
  • Publication number: 20020047008
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquids such as cooking fat comprises a vessel 10 for the liquid to be heated, an electrically inductive impeller 14 disposed in the vessel, a motor 11 arranged to rotate the impeller 14 to cause the liquid to circulate around the vessel 10 and a coil 16 disposed on the opposite side of a wall of the vessel to the impeller 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 6325298
    Abstract: In order to reduce emissions from a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine, the cooling liquid of the internal combustion engine is heated by a heat generator that is driven by the internal combustion engine as long as the working temperature of the internal combustion engine is below a predetermined value. The heat generator includes a driven rotor and a stator, in which the rotor when rotated induces electric currents that generate heat. The rotor includes a soft magnetic material and supports a plurality of permanent magnets, which generate a magnetizing field of the rotor. The stator has a ring of non-magnetic, electrically conductive material. The ring is arranged along the periphery of the rotor such that the magnetizing field of the rotor passes through the ring. A chamber which likewise extends along the periphery of the rotor and of which the stator is at least part, permits the circulation of a liquid for absorbing the heat generated in the stator ring, when the rotor is driven to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: AB Konstruktions-Bakelit
    Inventor: Odd Hielm
  • Patent number: 6297484
    Abstract: An auxiliary heater is provided for heating a heat transferring fluid to a high temperature efficiently in a short time. The heater includes a permanent magnet provided within a housing and a rotary water jacket made of a conductor positioned to face the permanent magnet leaving a slight gap therebetween. The conductor generates slip heat when the water jacket is rotated in relation to the permanent magnet. The heat transferring fluid within the housing is heated by the slip heat generated in the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sanyo Kaisha LTD
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Hiroshi Inoue, Masato Yamada, Kazunori Takikawa
  • Patent number: 6177660
    Abstract: An auxiliary heater is provided for heating a fluid flowing through a pipe. The heater includes a conductor mounted in proximity to the pipe. A magnet is opposed to the conductor with a small gap therebetween. Relative rotation is generated between the conductor and the magnet. The rotation causes the conductor to be heater by slip heat generation. The heated conductor, in turn, heats the fluid in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Hiroshi Inoue, Kazunori Takikawa
  • Patent number: 6144020
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simultaneously generating a fluid flow and heating the flowing fluid. The apparatus includes a conductive material provided on at least a part of a member which is rotated. The rotatable member generates the flow of the fluid to be heated. Magnets are opposed to one side of the conductive material with a slight gap and are mounted within a casing for the rotatable member. Fluid flows through the casing and is heated due to a slip heat energy generated by rotating the conductive material relative to the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6011245
    Abstract: A permanent magnet eddy current heat generator apparatus has a thermally insulated working fluid reservoir containing a working fluid and an enlongate stationary ferrous metal tube disposed in the reservoir with an elongate permanent magnet rotatably mounted inside the tube that, upon rotation, causes the tube to become heated due to the eddy current generated in the tube side wall and the heat from the tube side wall is transferred to the working fluid in the reservoir. An elongate working fluid heat pipe has a first end connected with a working fluid reservoir outlet and a second end connected with a reservoir inlet. The elongate permanent magnet is rotated by the shaft of a motor electrically and magnetically insulated from the working fluid and elongate permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Bell
  • Patent number: 5994681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus has a body of graphite and a magnetic field source operatively connected with the body of graphite so that a magnetic field of the magnetic field source penetrates at least a portion of a surface of the body of graphite. The portion of the surface is crystalline graphite. At least one of the magnetic field source and the body of graphite is movable relative to the other for movement of the at least one of the magnetic field source and the body of graphite relative to the other to cause the magnetic field in the surface portion of the body of graphite to vary to induce eddy currents in the body of graphite and heat the body of graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Larkden Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Robert Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5914065
    Abstract: In a heating apparatus for the heating of a solid or fluid medium, several permanent magnets are arranged on the periphery of a rotor which produce a magnetic field in whose region an electrically-conducting medium is arranged. The magnetic field from the permanent magnets is radiated approximately radially. By rotation of the rotor, a relative motion arises between the permanent magnets and the electrically-conducting medium, and eddy currents are effected within the medium, thereby causing heating of the same. Electrically-conductive water can be provided as the medium to be heated. In this embodiment electrically-conductive water is fed through a helical conducting coil, with an inlet and outlet side arranged around the rotor in proximity thereto, and is connected to a line which feeds to a user from the outlet side and back to the inlet side in a closed cycle. With this heating apparatus, heat is transferred to the medium with an improved efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Kamal Alavi
  • Patent number: 5773798
    Abstract: A method for heating a fluid in a pipe by transforming induced current flowing through a conductor directly to heat energy as the conductor moves through a magnetic field. The method comprises locating N and S poles of a magnet adjacent the outer peripheral surface of a pipe on opposite sides, respectively thereof. A conductor in the form of heating wires is secured to a central shaft in the interior of the pipe. The heating wires have portions orthogonally intersecting with a magnetic line of force defined between the N and S poles and constitute a closed circuit. An impeller secured to the central shaft is caused to be rotated by the flow of the fluid flowing through the pipe, which in turn causes simultaneous rotation of the heating lines fixed to the central shaft. As a result the heating lines are heated due to induced current generated therein. This, in turn, heats the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Mamoru Fukumura