Patents by Inventor Brian J. Sutton

Brian J. Sutton 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).

  • Patent number: 11946439
    Abstract: A filter module for filtering fuel in an engine system includes a primary filter, a secondary filter, and a module housing. A drain valve is movable between a closed position blocking a drain port in the module housing, and an open position. A service valve assembly is positioned at least partially within a cross passage in the module housing and adjustable from a closed configuration blocking a primary-side fuel passage from a secondary-side fuel passage in the module housing, to an open configuration, to drain fluids from the filter module by way of the single drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Taylor McKinley, Jon Tyler Immel, Brian J Sutton, Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Iulian Gabriel Ghiorghias
  • Publication number: 20230364533
    Abstract: A center tube and a central fluid supply tube combination includes a center tube body defining a longitudinal length, and a central reservoir. The center tube also includes an apertured annular wall extending axially the majority of the longitudinal length, and a first annular solid wall extending axially from the apertured annular wall. A central fluid supply tube is disposed in the central reservoir, and includes a second annular solid wall that is radially surrounded by the apertured annular wall of the center tube. The second annular solid wall defines a supply passage with a fully circular flow flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jon T. Immel, Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton, Quinton Marcus Burcar
  • Publication number: 20230358194
    Abstract: A filter module for filtering fuel in an engine system includes a primary filter, a secondary filter, and a module housing. A drain valve is movable between a closed position blocking a drain port in the module housing, and an open position. A service valve assembly is positioned at least partially within a cross passage in the module housing and adjustable from a closed configuration blocking a primary-side fuel passage from a secondary-side fuel passage in the module housing, to an open configuration, to drain fluids from the filter module by way of the single drain port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Taylor McKinley, Jon Tyler Immel, Brian J Sutton, Stephen Ellis Oedewaaldt, Iulian Gabriele Ghiorghias
  • Patent number: 11745125
    Abstract: A center tube and a central fluid supply tube combination includes a center tube body defining a longitudinal length, and a central reservoir. The center tube also includes an apertured annular wall extending axially the majority of the longitudinal length, and a first annular solid wall extending axially from the apertured annular wall. A central fluid supply tube is disposed in the central reservoir, and includes a second annular solid wall that is radially surrounded by the apertured annular wall of the center tube. The second annular solid wall defines a supply passage with a fully circular flow flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jon T. Immel, Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton, Quinton Marcus Burcar
  • Publication number: 20220161163
    Abstract: A center tube and a central fluid supply tube combination includes a center tube body defining a longitudinal length, and a central reservoir. The center tube also includes an apertured annular wall extending axially the majority of the longitudinal length, and a first annular solid wall extending axially from the apertured annular wall. A central fluid supply tube is disposed in the central reservoir, and includes a second annular solid wall that is radially surrounded by the apertured annular wall of the center tube. The second annular solid wall defines a supply passage with a fully circular flow flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jon T. Immel, Stephen Ellis Oedewaldt, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell Lee Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton, Quinton Marcus Burcar
  • Patent number: 10914278
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 10722826
    Abstract: A filter assembly may include a canister and a filter element received in the canister. The filter element may include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid having different characteristics than the first fluid as fluid passes through the filter media. The filter element may further include a first end cap, a second end cap, and a tubular member extending between the first and second end caps. The filter assembly may further include a flow cap associated with the first end cap of the filter element. The flow cap may include an inlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and the tubular member of the filter element, and an outlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20200222834
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES, Brian J. SUTTON
  • Patent number: 10155184
    Abstract: A filter element may include a first end cap including an end cap barrier including an inner end cap aperture and end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between the of interior the filter element and the exterior of the filter element. The filter element may also include a first tubular member having a first end coupled to the first end cap to provide flow communication between the inner end cap aperture and a second end of the first tubular member. The filter element may further include first filter media extending around the first tubular member, an intermediate barrier coupled to a second end of the first tubular member, and second filter media having different filtering characteristics than the first filter media. One of the first filter media and the second filter media may include a coalescing-type media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant A. Morris, Matthew A. Johnson, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20180161708
    Abstract: A fluid filter system is provided having a canister, a bowl, and a filter positioned inside the canister. The filter includes a sleeve defining a reservoir with filter media surrounding the reservoir. A cover is disposed on a first end of the sleeve and an end cap is disposed on a second end of the sleeve, the end cap having a lid extending across the filter media and sleeve. The bowl includes a sidewall, a floor, and an upper edge. The bowl further includes an upstanding post extending from a floor and the lid further includes a pocket formed along the lid. The pocket defines a cavity disposed outside of the reservoir and includes a threaded portion configured to threadably receive the upstanding post of the bowl. An O-ring seal provides a seal between the bowl and the canister when the upstanding post is threaded to the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9789426
    Abstract: A flow cap may include an outer ring, an inner ring, an inlet portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may include first portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plurality of arms extending between the first portions of the outer and inner rings, wherein the arms at least partially define an inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and an interior portion of a filter element. The outlet portion may include second portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plate including an outlet aperture providing flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element. The outlet portion may also include a wall, wherein the plate and the wall prevent flow communication between fluid entering the inlet portion and fluid entering the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170080365
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170080362
    Abstract: A filter element may include a first end cap including an end cap barrier including an inner end cap aperture and end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between the of interior the filter element and the exterior of the filter element. The filter element may also include a first tubular member having a first end coupled to the first end cap to provide flow communication between the inner end cap aperture and a second end of the first tubular member. The filter element may further include first filter media extending around the first tubular member, an intermediate barrier coupled to a second end of the first tubular member, and second filter media having different filtering characteristics than the first filter media. One of the first filter media and the second filter media may include a coalescing-type media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: JEFFREY R. RIES, BRYANT A. MORRIS, MATTHEW A. JOHNSON, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Publication number: 20160214040
    Abstract: A flow cap may include an outer ring, an inner ring, an inlet portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may include first portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plurality of arms extending between the first portions of the outer and inner rings, wherein the arms at least partially define an inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and an interior portion of a filter element. The outlet portion may include second portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plate including an outlet aperture providing flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element. The outlet portion may also include a wall, wherein the plate and the wall prevent flow communication between fluid entering the inlet portion and fluid entering the outlet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, JEFFREY R. RIES, DARRELL L. MOREHOUSE, III, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Publication number: 20160214038
    Abstract: A filter assembly may include a canister and a filter element received in the canister. The filter element may include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid having different characteristics than the first fluid as fluid passes through the filter media. The filter element may further include a first end cap, a second end cap, and a tubular member extending between the first and second end caps. The filter assembly may further include a flow cap associated with the first end cap of the filter element. The flow cap may include an inlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and the tubular member of the filter element, and an outlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, JEFFREY R. RIES, DARRELL L. MOREHOUSE, III, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Patent number: 9151424
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20150115184
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5962634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating interaction between IgE and Fc.epsilon.R1. The present invention also relates to compounds that modulate IgE binding to Fc.epsilon.R1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignees: Thomas Jefferson University, King's College
    Inventors: Bradford A. Jameson, Brian J. Sutton, James M. McDonnell, Hannah J. Gould, Robert Korngold, Andrew J. Beavil