Clifford D Taylor

US Patent:

6379109, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

May 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/569999

Inventors:

Clifford Jon Taylor - Fresno CA 93725

International Classification:

F04D 2960

US Classification:

415 7, 210219

Abstract:

Because mechanical aerators are located in a pond of liquid and, therefore, not subject to convenient visual monitoring by operations personnel, it is desirable to have a method for automatically detecting and dislodging debris which become caught on the aerator propeller. The present invention includes a waterproof vibration sensor mounted within sensing range of the rotating shaft of the aerator propeller. The sensor is operably connected to the propeller motor so that when the sensor detects excessive rotating shaft vibrations caused by debris attached to the propeller, the motor is automatically shut down and then run in the reverse direction causing the debris to be thrown off the propeller. Once the debris have been dislocated from the propeller, the motor is restarted in the forward direction. If the sensor continues to detect excessive motor shaft vibration, the motor will once again be shut down and then run in the reverse direction.

US Patent:

6312226, Nov 6, 2001

Filed:

Mar 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/525155

Inventors:

Roy F. Senior - Fresbi CA
Jeffrey G. Vincent - Fresno CA
Clifford Jon Taylor - Fresno CA

International Classification:

F04B 4910
G01J 500

US Classification:

417 32

Abstract:

A device and method for detecting bearing overheating in oil-lubricated turbine pumps comprising and temperature transmitting collar and infrared sensor. The temperature transmitting collar is mounted on the pump line shaft immediately adjacent to the stretch bearing, which is the top bearing in the pump system. The infrared sensor is positioned within sensing distance of the temperature transmitting collar and control circuitry is provided to warn of abnormal temperatures and to turn the pump off if temperatures continue to rise to an alarm condition.