Patents by Inventor Bruce Grumstrup

Bruce Grumstrup 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: 10240687
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus of testing a solenoid valve of an emergency valve via a positioner are disclosed. An example method includes conducting a solenoid valve test by initiating a pulse duration and a monitoring duration for the solenoid valve test. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes instructing a solenoid valve to transition from a first state to a second state during the pulse duration. The solenoid valve is in fluid communication with an actuator to enable the actuator to actuate an emergency valve. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes determining a functionality of the solenoid valve by measuring, via a valve positioner, a maximum pressure change of a pressure chamber of the actuator during the monitoring duration. The example method includes, upon determining the solenoid valve is in a functioning state, conducting a partial stroke test of the emergency valve via the valve positioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Junk, Shannon Jelken, Jimmie Snowbarger, Bruce Grumstrup
  • Publication number: 20180112798
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus of testing a solenoid valve of an emergency valve via a positioner are disclosed. An example method includes conducting a solenoid valve test by initiating a pulse duration and a monitoring duration for the solenoid valve test. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes instructing a solenoid valve to transition from a first state to a second state during the pulse duration. The solenoid valve is in fluid communication with an actuator to enable the actuator to actuate an emergency valve. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes determining a functionality of the solenoid valve by measuring, via a valve positioner, a maximum pressure change of a pressure chamber of the actuator during the monitoring duration. The example method includes, upon determining the solenoid valve is in a functioning state, conducting a partial stroke test of the emergency valve via the valve positioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Junk, Shannon Jelken, Jimmie Snowbarger, Bruce Grumstrup