Patents by Inventor Berton L. Vicars
Berton L. Vicars has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20180291892Abstract: A fluid end (16) for a high pressure pump has suction and discharge covers (170) which are generally cylindrical-shaped and have annular-shaped recesses (190) which are formed to extend into the inner ends (174) of the covers (170). The recesses (190) provide expansion grooves which extend from the inner ends (174) to define flex regions (192) which are concentric with an outward peripheries (180) of the covers (170). The recesses (190) extend to positions intermediately disposed between seal grooves (166) and outer ends (176) of the covers (170). Stress relief portions (196) of the recesses (190) are located between the seal grooves (166) and the outer ends (176). High fluid pressures in the fluid end (16) expands the flex regions (192) of the covers (170) to press an adjacent portion of the outward peripheries (180) of the covers (170) into port walls to provide metal to metal seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 10094376Abstract: A fluid end (16) for a high pressure pump has suction and discharge covers (170) which are generally cylindrical-shaped and have annular-shaped recesses (190) which are formed to extend into the inner ends (174) of the covers (170). The recesses (190) provide expansion grooves which extend from the inner ends (174) to define flex regions (192) which are concentric with an outward peripheries (180) of the covers (170). The recesses (190) extend to positions intermediately disposed between seal grooves (166) and outer ends (176) of the covers (170). Stress relief portions (196) of the recesses (190) are located between the seal grooves (166) and the outer ends (176). High fluid pressures in the fluid end (16) expands the flex regions (192) of the covers (170) to press an adjacent portion of the outward peripheries (180) of the covers (170) into port walls to provide metal to metal seals.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 8998593Abstract: A fluid end assembly including a pump housing with a number of interior passages for the flow of fluids. The housing has a plunger bore with a closed inner end and an open outer end. A suction passage intersects the plunger bore. A discharge passage intersects both the plunger bore and the suction passage such that the discharge passage, the suction passage, and the plunger bore radiate outwardly from their point of intersection to define a shape resembling a “Y”. A connector passage branches from the discharge passage. An outlet passage intersects the connector passage and passes through the pump housing at right angles to the plunger bore. A reciprocating plunger is located in the plunger bore. A suction valve is located in the suction passage. A discharge valve is located in the discharge passage. A fluid supply manifold is pivotally secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: J-Mac Tool, Inc.Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 8584700Abstract: A discharge valve including a tubular, valve seat and a valve guide disposed above the valve seat. The valve guide has a discharge passage plug and a guide rod that is affixed to, and projects downwardly from, the bottom of the plug. The valve guide also has an interiorly threaded, lifting sleeve that is affixed to, and projects upwardly from, the top of the plug. A piston is disposed between the valve seat and the valve guide. The piston has a conical, head portion for engaging the top of the valve seat, and a stem portion that is affixed to, and extends upwardly from, the head portion. The stem portion has a longitudinal socket within which the guide rod is slidably received. The stem portion also has a number of apertures that intersect the socket for providing pressure relief to the socket. A compressed spring is disposed between the valve guide and the head portion of the piston for normally retaining the head portion in engagement with the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: J-Mac Tool, Inc.Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20130075643Abstract: A discharge valve including a tubular, valve seat and a valve guide disposed above the valve seat. The valve guide has a discharge passage plug and a guide rod that is affixed to, and projects downwardly from, the bottom of the plug. The valve guide also has an interiorly threaded, lifting sleeve that is affixed to, and projects upwardly from, the top of the plug. A piston is disposed between the valve seat and the valve guide. The piston has a conical, head portion for engaging the top of the valve seat, and a stem portion that is affixed to, and extends upwardly from, the head portion. The stem portion has a longitudinal socket within which the guide rod is slidably received. The stem portion also has a number of apertures that intersect the socket for providing pressure relief to the socket. A compressed spring is disposed between the valve guide and the head portion of the piston for normally retaining the head portion in engagement with the valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20110206546Abstract: A fluid end assembly including a pump housing with a number of interior passages for the flow of fluids. The housing has a plunger bore with a closed inner end and an open outer end. A suction passage intersects the plunger bore. A discharge passage intersects both the plunger bore and the suction passage such that the discharge passage, the suction passage, and the plunger bore radiate outwardly from their point of intersection to define a shape resembling a “Y”. A connector passage branches from the discharge passage. An outlet passage intersects the connector passage and passes through the pump housing at right angles to the plunger bore. A reciprocating plunger is located in the plunger bore. A suction valve is located in the suction passage. A discharge valve is located in the discharge passage. A fluid supply manifold is pivotally secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20110189040Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a metallic block having a front, back, top, bottom, and opposed sides. The block has a horizontal, plunger passage extending from the front to the back thereof. A horizontal, outlet passage extends from one of the opposed sides of the block to the other with the outlet passage being positioned beneath, and at right angles to, the plunger passage. A suction passage extends vertically downward from the top of the block and intersects the plunger passage to define a pumping chamber at the point of intersection. A discharge passage extends vertically downward from the pumping chamber to the bottom of the block. The discharge passage is located adjacent to the outlet passage. A connector passage extends from the discharge passage to the outlet passage so as to place the discharge passage and outlet passage in fluid communication. A reciprocating plunger assembly is located the end of the plunger passage adjacent the back of the block.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7950322Abstract: A plunger assembly including a pony rod adapter, a plunger releasably attached to the pony rod adapter, and a pony rod being releasably attached to the pony rod adapter. The pony rod adapter has a first cylindrical body and a number of apertures penetrating the first cylindrical body for receiving a lever. A first helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from one of its ends. A second helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from the other of its ends. The plunger has a second cylindrical body for reciprocating within a pumping chamber. The second cylindrical body has a first outer end with a first helically threaded bore for threadably receiving the first helically threaded pin. The second cylindrical body also has a first inner end with a polygonal socket for receiving a plunger key. The pony rod has a third cylindrical body for reciprocating into, and out of, the power end of a pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20110083552Abstract: A plunger assembly including a pony rod adapter, a plunger releasably attached to the pony rod adapter, and a pony rod being releasably attached to the pony rod adapter. The pony rod adapter has a first cylindrical body and a number of apertures penetrating the first cylindrical body for receiving a lever. A first helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from one of its ends. A second helically threaded pin is affixed to the first cylindrical body and projects from the other of its ends. The plunger has a second cylindrical body for reciprocating within a pumping chamber. The second cylindrical body has a first outer end with a first helically threaded bore for threadably receiving the first helically threaded pin. The second cylindrical body also has a first inner end with a polygonal socket for receiving a plunger key. The pony rod has a third cylindrical body for reciprocating into, and out of, the power end of a pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7909057Abstract: A valve insert including a ring made of a resilient material. The ring has a shape that is defined by the rotation of an irregular polygon around a central axis. Superposing a quadrilateral and a circle forms the irregular polygon.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7895919Abstract: A connecting rod including a shaft, a link attached to the shaft, and a number of threaded fasteners for attaching the link to the shaft. The shaft has a major flange affixed to one of its opposed ends that can be attached to a bearing housing. A minor flange is affixed to the other of the opposed ends of the shaft and has a cylindrical concavity in its top. The minor flange has a shoulder portion and a pair of arm portions that radiate outwardly and upwardly from the shoulder portion. A link has a ring that is snugly, yet releasably, positioned within the cylindrical concavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7891374Abstract: A suction valve seat and guide assembly has an outer ring and a peripheral flange projecting outwardly from the bottom of the outer ring, and an inner surface with a top part sloping downwardly and inwardly toward the center of the outer ring. The outer ring has an outer surface that slopes upwardly and inwardly from the flange. The guide has an inner ring positioned within the outer ring and a number of spaced-apart fins connecting the inner ring to the outer ring. A retainer has an internal passageway, an externally threaded, upper segment within the top of which is fitted the peripheral flange of the seat; a middle segment that is affixed to the bottom of the upper segment and has a polygonal cross section for easy gripping by a wrench; and, a bottom segment that is affixed to the bottom of the middle segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7857517Abstract: A connecting rod bearing housing includes an attaching portion and a retaining portion releasably joined together. The attaching portion and the retaining portion are each provided with a pair of alignment bores respectively located on opposite sides of the transverse passageway. The alignment bores are registered with one another and partially intersect the transverse passageway. An alignment washer is held within each pair of registered, alignment bores and projects into the transverse passageway. A sleeve-like bearing is positioned within the transverse passageway and has notches for snugly receiving the alignment washers. The washers prevent the rotation of the bearing within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20100313703Abstract: A connecting rod including a shaft, a link attached to the shaft, and a number of threaded fasteners for attaching the link to the shaft. The shaft has a major flange affixed to one of its opposed ends that can be attached to a bearing housing. A minor flange is affixed to the other of the opposed ends of the shaft and has a cylindrical concavity in its top. The minor flange has a shoulder portion and a pair of arm portions that radiate outwardly and upwardly from the shoulder portion. A link has a ring that is snugly, yet releasably, positioned within the cylindrical concavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20100316314Abstract: A connecting rod bearing housing includes an attaching portion and a retaining portion releasably joined together. The attaching portion and the retaining portion are each provided with a pair of alignment bores respectively located on opposite sides of the transverse passageway. The alignment bores are registered with one another and partially intersect the transverse passageway. An alignment washer is held within each pair of registered, alignment bores and projects into the transverse passageway. A sleeve-like bearing is positioned within the transverse passageway and has notches for snugly receiving the alignment washers. The washers prevent the rotation of the bearing within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20100288959Abstract: A discharge valve including a tubular, valve seat and a valve guide disposed above the valve seat. The valve guide has a discharge passage plug and a guide rod that is affixed to, and projects downwardly from, the bottom of the plug. The valve guide also has an interiorly threaded, lifting sleeve that is affixed to, and projects upwardly from, the top of the plug. A piston is disposed between the valve seat and the valve guide. The piston has a conical, head portion for engaging the top of the valve seat, and a stem portion that is affixed to, and extends upwardly from, the head portion. The stem portion has a longitudinal socket within which the guide rod is slidably received. The stem portion also has a number of apertures that intersect the socket for providing pressure relief to the socket. A compressed spring is disposed between the valve guide and the head portion of the piston for normally retaining the head portion in engagement with the valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20100288958Abstract: A suction valve including a valve seat and guide assembly with a seat portion and a guide portion. The seat portion has an outer ring and a peripheral flange projecting outwardly from the bottom of the outer ring. The outer ring has an inner surface with a top part sloping downwardly and inwardly toward the center of the outer ring. The outer ring also has an outer surface that slopes upwardly and inwardly from the flange. The guide portion has an inner ring positioned within the outer ring and a number of spaced-apart fins connecting the inner ring to the outer ring. A piston has a head that engages the top part of the seat portion and a stem that extends downwardly from the head and through the inner ring of the guide portion. The stem also has a peripheral groove therein. A valve keeper is fitted upon the stem such that the inner ring is positioned between the top part of the seat portion and the valve keeper. The valve keeper has a recess in the bottom thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Publication number: 20080138224Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: BERTON L. VICARS
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Patent number: 7341435Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Gardner Denver, Inc.Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
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Patent number: 7335002Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Gardner Denver, Inc.Inventor: Berton L. Vicars