Robert J Watkins

US Patent:

55931642, Jan 14, 1997

Filed:

Nov 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/561563

Inventors:

William B. Mraz - Epping NH
Thomas J. Black - Merrimack NH
Paul E. McMahan - Walker LA
Larry A. Hufford - Valley Center CA
David T. Mooney - San Rafael CA
Robert C. Watkins - Moss Point MS

Assignee:

Ferrofluidics Corporation - Nashua NH

International Classification:

F16J 900
B23B 4900

US Classification:

277 95

Abstract:

A ferrofluidic seal is fitted with a centering ring having an inner edge adapted for engagement with a rotating shaft for centering the seal about the rotating shaft. The centering ring automatically engages the shaft and centers the seal when the seal is fitted onto the shaft. The centering ring is affixed to the housing, and/or magnet and pole module. In one embodiment, the centering ring may be removed after it performs its centering function. In another embodiment, the centering ring is non-removable and remains within the seal permanently. According to this latter embodiment, the centering ring serves the additional purpose of retaining ferrofluid, expelled from the seal during "bursting", within magnetic reach of the seal so as to be re-drawn into the seal, thus extending seal life. Additionally, a ferrofluid retaining ring absent a centering function may be employed. The centering ring provides for easy installation and accurate centering of a seal with which it is used, and yields a highly functional and operationally safe seal.

US Patent:

53840437, Jan 24, 1995

Filed:

May 27, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/068631

Inventors:

Ralph A. Bianchi - Stoneham MA
Walter P. Sarnacki - Searsport ME
Robert L. Watkins - Blue Hill ME

Assignee:

JBF Scientific Company, Inc. - Winchester MA

International Classification:

E02B 1504

US Classification:

2102423

Abstract:

An oil skimmer (10) employs a dynamic-inclined-plane module (22) that is retractable so that it can be kept suspended above the water during skimmer travel to and from oil-spill sites. The thrust required of the skimmer's propulsion system to achieve a given transit speed is thus much lower than that required by conventional dynamic-inclined-plane systems. When the skimmer (10) reaches the oil-recovery site, the retracting mechanism (26) lowers the dynamic-inclined plane module to its operating depth. To enable the skimmer to operate dose to shore, its primary buoyancy is provided by inflatable pontoons (12), which result in shallow draft and relatively low vulnerability to hull damage.