Vessel centering system and method
US6673319B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2013/006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vessel centering system comprises a vessel, an annular spacer member, a fastening element, and a first magnetic element. The vessel includes an outer surface and a vessel groove formed on a circumference of the vessel outer surface. The spacer member is fitted in the vessel groove and extends outwardly with respect to the vessel. The first and second lateral end surfaces define a spacing therebetween. The spacer member includes a tangential bore extending along a line generally tangential to a curvature of the spacer member. The fastening element, which could be a screw, is disposed in the tangential bore in engagement with the ring member and extends across the ring spacing. The first magnetic element is supported by or enclosed within the spacer member. A vessel plate with a vessel mounting aperture is structured to accommodate the mounting or installation of the vessel. A second magnetic element is supported by the vessel plate. When the vessel is inserted in the aperture of a vessel plate, magnetic attraction causes the first and second magnetic elements to become aligned with each other, and concentricity between the inner surfaces of the vessel and a shaft extending into th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.