Patents Assigned to Controls Southeast, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11619552
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for accurate and real-time temperature monitoring may be employed at a conduit and/or a temperature control element. The conduit is configured to transport a fluid along the length of the conduit, and the conduit may comprise a variety of conduit structures having numerous cross-sections, shapes, orientation, geometry, operating conditions, operation functions, etc. The temperature control element operatively coupled to the conduit may be utilized to control the temperature of the fluid within the conduit. Typically, the temperature control element is configured to heat or cool the fluid within the conduit. The temperature monitoring system may further comprise one or more temperature sensors, such as distributed temperature sensor(s) or discrete temperature sensor(s), operatively coupled to the conduit and/or the temperature control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon William Forbes, Carl Richard Barrington, III
  • Publication number: 20220113095
    Abstract: An adjustable, customizable, and configurable heat transfer element is structured for facilitating hear transfer in pipe systems having process pipes. The heat transfer element is configured for transferring heat between a process pipe and a corresponding tracer tube in order to maintain a fluid within the process pipe within a predetermined temperature range. In this regard, the heat transfer element may comprise a body having a nested portion that forms a cavity therein, each extending in a longitudinal direction. The body is configured for operative coupling to the process pipe. The cavity of the nested portion is configured to receive a tracer tube therein such that the tracer tube is positioned in between, and at least partially surrounded by the body and the process pipe. Moreover, the body may comprise a spine that is utilized to aid in bending the heat transfer element in one or more planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon William Forbes
  • Publication number: 20210148769
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for accurate and real-time temperature monitoring may be employed at a conduit and/or a temperature control element. The conduit is configured to transport a fluid along the length of the conduit, and the conduit may comprise a variety of conduit structures having numerous cross-sections, shapes, orientation, geometry, operating conditions, operation functions, etc. The temperature control element operatively coupled to the conduit may be utilized to control the temperature of the fluid within the conduit. Typically, the temperature control element is configured to heat or cool the fluid within the conduit. The temperature monitoring system may further comprise one or more temperature sensors, such as distributed temperature sensor(s) or discrete temperature sensor(s), operatively coupled to the conduit and/or the temperature control element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon William Forbes, Carl Richard Barrington, III
  • Patent number: 10836637
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a contactor apparatus for degassing liquid sulfur, in order to separate the liquid sulfur from the process vapors. As such, the liquid sulfur is at least partially degassed to reduce off-gassing of dangerous gases during storage and transportation without the need for additional equipment to degas the liquid sulfur during or after storage. The contactor apparatus may receive liquid sulfur and degassing gas, which are passed through a catalyst zone, which along with the degassing gas degasses the liquid sulfur. The contactor apparatus is structured such that a catalyst within the catalyst zone is constrained within and prevented from flowing out, while still allowing the flow of liquid sulfur and degassing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, Thomas C. Willingham
  • Publication number: 20200278059
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a male connector for establishing a line-seal for transport of fluids between pipes. The male connector is structured to increase a seating pressure of the line-seal. The male connector comprises a male portion provided at one end of the male connector. The male portion typically comprises a conical sealing frustum provided at one end of the male connector, such that the conical sealing frustum comprises convex sides. Moreover, the male connector is structured to be operatively coupled to a predetermined female connector such that the conical sealing frustum forms a substantially line-seal with the predetermined female connector for transport of a process fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, Andrew Steven Pustay
  • Patent number: 10675561
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, David R. Hornbaker, Thomas C. Willingham, George A. Hearn
  • Publication number: 20200039824
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a contactor apparatus for degassing liquid sulfur, in order to separate the liquid sulfur from the process vapors. As such, the liquid sulfur is at least partially degassed to reduce off-gassing of dangerous gases during storage and transportation without the need for additional equipment to degas the liquid sulfur during or after storage. The contactor apparatus may receive liquid sulfur and degassing gas, which are passed through a catalyst zone, which along with the degassing gas degasses the liquid sulfur. The contactor apparatus is structured such that a catalyst within the catalyst zone is constrained within and prevented from flowing out, while still allowing the flow of liquid sulfur and degassing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, Thomas C. Willingham
  • Patent number: 10520257
    Abstract: A heat transfer element includes curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas William Perry
  • Publication number: 20190323777
    Abstract: A heat transfer element includes curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas William Perry
  • Publication number: 20190257585
    Abstract: A heat transfer element includes mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas William Perry
  • Publication number: 20190257586
    Abstract: A heat transfer element includes mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC, and the heat transfer element. The heat transfer element may have bends or may include separate heat transfer element portions coupled together in order to be located at different positions around an elbow of the pipe. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas William Perry
  • Patent number: 9993746
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, David R. Hornbaker, Thomas C. Willingham, George A. Hearn
  • Patent number: 9522346
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: CONTROLS SOUTHEAST, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, David R. Hornbaker, Thomas C. Willingham, George A. Hearn
  • Publication number: 20130247763
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Forbes, David R. Hornbaker, Thomas C. Willingham, George A. Hearn
  • Patent number: 4017102
    Abstract: To aid in maintaining a fluid flowing through a pipeline at a desired temperature at locations where two pipes are interconnected by a coupling, a jacket is provided which substantially surrounds and encloses the coupling and through which jacket a temperature controlling fluid is circulated in heat-transferring relation to the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Assignee: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 3973585
    Abstract: To aid in maintaining at a desired temperature a fluid flowing through a fitting in a fluid conveying system, a jacket means is provided which has a hollow housing of heat-conductive material which substantially surrounds the body of the fitting and through which a temperature-controlling fluid is circulated in heat-transferring relation to the body of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1976
    Assignee: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 3936220
    Abstract: To aid in maintaining at a desired temperature a fluid being propelled through a fluid-circulating pump, a jacket means is provided which has a hollow housing of heat-conductive material substantially surrounding the body of the pump and through which a temperature controlling fluid is circulated in heat-transferring relation to the body of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1976
    Assignee: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 3934617
    Abstract: A jacketed pipe assembly of inner and outer tubular members having respective inner and outer corrugated metal tubes arranged in spaced relationship to define therebetween a fluid-circulating chamber adapted for the circulation therethrough of a temperature controlling fluid for aiding in the flow of a processing fluid through the inner tubular member. Coupling sleeves are connected by continuous welds to opposite ends of the inner corrugated tube, and means are connected to the outer ends of the outer corrugated tube and to the respective coupling sleeves to define therebetween respective opposite ends of the fluid-circulating chamber. The continuous connecting welds are surrounded by the fluid-circulating chamber, but are isolated therefrom by being enclosed within respective enclosures which are vented exteriorly of the pipe assembly so that cross-contamination between the inner corrugated tube and the surrounding fluid-circulating chamber will be prevented in the event of rupture of the continuous welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 3934618
    Abstract: A jacketed pipe assembly of inner and outer tubular members including respective inner and outer corrugated metal tubes arranged in spaced relationship to define therebetween a fluid-circulating chamber adapted for the circulation therethrough of a temperature controlling fluid for aiding in the flow of a processing fluid through the inner tubular member. Means including connecting welds are provided for interconnecting respective opposite ends of the inner and outer tubular members in such a manner as to define opposite end walls of the fluid-circulating chamber and to insure that cross-contamination between the inner corrugated tube and the surrounding fluid-circulating chamber will be prevented in the event of rupture of the connecting welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Controls Southeast, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Henderson