Patents by Inventor Cal R. Brown
Cal R. Brown 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: 20230408011Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components and a conduit releasing insert. The first and second fitting components are assembled to define an internal cavity enclosing a conduit retaining arrangement axially movable between an outboard conduit gripping position and an inboard conduit releasing position. The conduit releasing insert includes a fitting interlocking feature releasably engaging the second fitting component, and a releasing feature engaging the conduit retaining arrangement to secure the conduit retaining arrangement in the conduit releasing position against axial outboard movement. Movement of the conduit releasing insert to disengage the fitting interlocking feature from the second fitting component permits outboard axial movement of the conduit retaining arrangement to the conduit gripping position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
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Publication number: 20230392965Abstract: A fluid monitoring module includes an enclosure, a fluid sensing device assembled with the enclosure, and a controller disposed within the enclosure. The fluid sensing device includes a body member defining a fluid port external to the enclosure and a male threaded sensor port mounted to the enclosure and extending laterally into the enclosure, a female threaded nut assembled with the sensor port, a fluid sensor seated against a counterbore portion of the sensor port, and a retaining collar having a neck portion extending into the sensor port in engagement with the fluid sensor and a head portion captured between the female threaded nut and an end face of the sensor port. The controller is in circuit communication with the fluid sensor for receiving at least one of pressure indicating signals and temperature indicating signals from the fluid sensor, and for measuring fluid data based on the received signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Michael D. Bestic, David J. Hasak, Bryan S. Reiger, Andrew Creque, Marius O. Stroescu, William Michael Ponikvar, Cal R. Brown, Matthew R. Dixon, Joshua Webb, Theodore J. Gausman, Michael Whisler, Randy Rieken, Robert Bianco, Andrew P. Marshall
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Patent number: 11781688Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components, a sealing arrangement, a gripping arrangement, and a colleting ring. The first fitting component has an outboard end that is adapted to receive a conduit end. The second fitting component is joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity. The sealing arrangement, disposed in the interior cavity, seals one of the first and second fitting components with an outer surface of a conduit end when the conduit end is inserted into the outboard end of the first fitting component. The gripping arrangement is disposed in the interior cavity, and the colleting ring is disposed in the interior cavity and has an inboard end surface engaging an outboard end surface of the gripping arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANYInventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
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Patent number: 11781894Abstract: A flow sensing device includes a first body member defining an inlet port, an upstream sensor port, and a first connecting port; a second body member defining an outlet port, a downstream sensor port, and a second connecting port; a flow restricting element defining a flow restricting passage and including a first end connection coupled to the first connecting port and a second end connection coupled to the second connecting port, such that the flow restricting passage is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and between the upstream sensor port and the downstream sensor port; a first fluid sensor assembled with the upstream sensor port; and a second fluid sensor assembled with the downstream sensor port.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Michael D. Bestic, David J. Hasak, Bryan S. Reiger, Andrew Creque, Marius O. Stroescu, William Michael Ponikvar, Cal R. Brown, Matthew R. Dixon, Joshua Webb, Theodore J. Gausman, Michael Whisler, Randy Rieken, Robert Bianco, Andrew P. Marshall
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Patent number: 11703165Abstract: A ferrule subassembly for a conduit fitting includes first and second ferrules. The first ferrule includes a front body portion defining a forward tapered surface, a rear body portion defining an interior camming surface, and a retaining extension joined with the rear body portion radially outward of the camming surface and extending axially rearward and radially inward from the inner axial portion. The second ferrule includes a front portion having a tapered forward contact surface adjacent the first ferrule camming surface, an outer radial portion extending axially rearward of the forward contact surface, and a recessed portion axially rearward of the outer radial portion. An end portion of the retaining extension is received in the recessed portion of the second ferrule to retain the second ferrule with the first ferrule as a discontinuous subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Mark D. Bearer, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Richard J. Mlinarik, Robert A. Fotta, Matthew K. Messer, Gregory S. Kalata
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Publication number: 20230151898Abstract: A check valve includes a valve element and a valve body having a body housing, an annular valve seat insert, a bushing, and a biasing member. The body housing includes an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween. The valve seat insert is seated in a body seat surface surrounding the inlet port. The bushing is disposed in the valve cavity and defines a central bore, with the bushing including an outboard end surface axially engageable with the valve seat insert. The biasing member is disposed between a bearing portion of the body housing and an inboard end of the bushing to allow for axial movement of the bushing with respect to the body seat surface. The valve element extends through the bushing central bore and is movable between a closed position and an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Anthony Robert Yagiela, Cal R. Brown, Gregory S. Kalata, Erick R. Shelley, Jeffrey M. Rubinski
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Publication number: 20230067297Abstract: A valve assembly includes multiple valves operatively connected with a single valve actuator operable to control and restrict the corresponding positions of each of the multiple valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Azmathullah Khan, Michael L. Aughenbaugh, Andrew White, Cal R. Brown
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Patent number: 11473703Abstract: Two conduit gripping devices that are to be used together in a conduit fitting assembly are interconnected or held together as a cartridge or subassembly prior to assembly with fitting components to form a fitting assembly. In a more specific embodiment, one or both of the conduit gripping devices comprises a retaining structure by which the devices are mechanically connected together as a subassembly. For example, in one embodiment a front ferrule and a back ferrule for a tube fitting may be snapped together.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Mark A. Bennett, Cal R. Brown, John D. Karkosiak, Peter C. Williams, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Mark D. Bearer
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Publication number: 20210317933Abstract: A fitting includes a first and second threaded fitting component and a conduit gripping device receivable within the first threaded fitting component. A stroke resisting member is integral with the first threaded fitting component and includes a web having a first radial thickness and extending axially inward from the first threaded fitting component to a distal ring portion having a second radial thickness greater than the first radial thickness. A radially extending bearing surface of the distal ring portion axially engages a radially extending portion of the second fitting component when the first and second fitting components are joined together to the first relative axial position. The stroke resisting member resists additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components, such that a tightening torque beyond the first relative axial position is increased by the axial engagement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Daniel G. Trivett, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, William J. Knaggs, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Matthew K. Messer
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Publication number: 20210247005Abstract: A ferrule subassembly for a conduit fitting includes first and second ferrules. The first female includes a front body portion defining a forward tapered surface, a rear body portion defining an interior camming surface, and a retaining extension joined with the rear body portion radially outward of the camming surface and extending axially rearward and radially inward from the inner axial portion. The second ferrule includes a front portion having a tapered forward contact surface adjacent the first ferrule camming surface, an outer radial portion extending axially rearward of the forward contact surface, and a recessed portion axially rearward of the outer radial portion. An end portion of the retaining extension is received in the recessed portion of the second female to retain the ferrule with the first ferrule as a discontinuous subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Mark D. Bearer, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Richard J. Mlinarik, Robert A. Fotta, Matthew K. Messer, Gregory S. Kalata
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Patent number: 11079046Abstract: A subassembly for a conduit fitting includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule alignable relative to an axis. The first ferrule includes a camming surface at a back portion thereof, and the second ferrule includes a surface that contacts the camming surface when the first ferrule and the second ferrule are axially moved together along the axis. A retaining structure retains the first ferrule and the second ferrule together as a subassembly, and includes a flange extending radially outward and axially rearward from the back portion of the first ferrule to define an outer diameter recess. The flange includes an end portion that extends radially inward to define an inner diameter recess retaining a forward portion of the second ferrule. The outer diameter recess and the inner diameter recess together define a hinge portion of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Daniel G. Trivett, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, William J. Knaggs, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Matthew K. Messer
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Patent number: 11073234Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting component having an outboard end that receives the conduit end portion, a second fitting component joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity, a seal device disposed in the interior cavity, and a retainer assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components. The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end portion. The retainer includes a gripping portion received in a circumferential groove of the conduit end portion to grip the conduit end portion, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion at least when an outboard axial load is applied to the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Gregory S. Kalata, Ronald P. Campbell
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Publication number: 20210148495Abstract: A preassembly for a conduit fitting includes a fitting nut, a ferrule disposed within the fitting nut, and a retaining feature configured to retain the ferrule with the fitting nut prior to assembly of the fitting nut with a fitting body, such that the ferrule is axially spaced from a drive surface of the fitting nut. When the fitting nut is assembled with a fitting body on a conduit end, axially movement of the ferrule toward the drive surface of the fitting nut causes deformation of the retaining feature to release the ferrule from the fitting nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Kelli Sandra Swan, Theodore J. Gausman, Cal R. Brown, Gregory S. Kalata, Peter C. Williams, Donald E. Negrelli, Mark D. Bearer
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Patent number: 11009158Abstract: A fitting includes a first threaded fitting component, a second threaded fitting component that threadably joins with the first fitting component to produce relative axial stroke between the first and second fitting components, and a conduit gripping device receivable between the first and second fitting component. When the fitting is pulled-up on a conduit, a radially outward facing tapered first annular surface of the first fitting component axially engages a radially inward facing tapered second annular surface of the second fitting component. At least one of the first and second annular surfaces includes a recess extending from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the corresponding annular surface, the recess defining a leak detection port in fluid communication with the fitting interior volume when the first annular surface is in axial engagement with the second annular surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANYInventors: Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell
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Patent number: 11002395Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes a body member adapted to receive a conduit end, a conduit comprising a first end that can be axially inserted into the body member and a conduit gripping device attached to an exterior surface of the conduit, and a retainer that retains the conduit in place when said conduit is fully inserted into the body member. Additional embodiments include providing a seal with the fitting that seals the exterior surface of the conduit, an optional load retaining sleeve for the conduit gripping device, and an optional gimbal. The push to connect aspect may be realized in the form of a single action unthreaded mechanical connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Daniel G. Trivett, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald Hamilton, Douglas J. McClure, William J. Knaggs, Justin Hamilton, Benjamin Chan, Gregory S. Kalata
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Publication number: 20210102826Abstract: A flow sensing device includes a first body member defining an inlet port, an upstream sensor port, and a first connecting port; a second body member defining an outlet port, a downstream sensor port, and a second connecting port; a flow restricting element defining a flow restricting passage and including a first end connection coupled to the first connecting port and a second end connection coupled to the second connecting port, such that the flow restricting passage is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and between the upstream sensor port and the downstream sensor port; a first fluid sensor assembled with the upstream sensor port; and a second fluid sensor assembled with the downstream sensor port.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Michael D. Bestic, David J. Hasak, Bryan S. Reiger, Andrew Creque, Marius O. Stroescu, William Michael Ponikvar, Cal R. Brown, Matthew R. Dixon, Joshua Webb, Theodore J. Gausman, Michael Whisler, Randy Rieken, Robert Bianco, Andrew P. Marshall
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Patent number: 10890474Abstract: A fluid monitoring module includes a flow sensing device and a controller disposed in an enclosure. The flow sensing device includes a body including an inlet port, an outlet port, an upstream sensor port, a downstream sensor port, and a flow passage disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and between the upstream sensor port and the downstream sensor port. A first fluid sensor is assembled with the upstream sensor port, and a second fluid sensor is assembled with the downstream sensor port. The controller is in circuit communication with the first and second fluid sensors for receiving at least one of pressure indicating signals and temperature indicating signals from each of the first and second fluid sensors, and for measuring fluid data based on the received signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANYInventors: Michael D. Bestic, David J. Hasak, Bryan S. Reiger, Andrew Creque, Marius O. Stroescu, William Michael Ponikvar, Cal R. Brown, Matthew R. Dixon, Joshua Webb, Theodore J. Gausman, Michael Whisler, Randy Rieken, Robert Bianco, Andrew P. Marshall
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Publication number: 20200309299Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components, a sealing arrangement, a gripping arrangement, and a colleting ring. The first fitting component has an outboard end that is adapted to receive a conduit end. The second fitting component is joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity. The sealing arrangement, disposed in the interior cavity, seals one of the first and second fitting components with an outer surface of a conduit end when the conduit end is inserted into the outboard end of the first fitting component. The gripping arrangement is disposed in the interior cavity, and the colleting ring is disposed in the interior cavity and has an inboard end surface engaging an outboard end surface of the gripping arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
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Publication number: 20200278064Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting component having an outboard end that receives the conduit end portion, a second fitting component joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity, a seal device disposed in the interior cavity, and a retainer assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components. The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end portion. The retainer includes a gripping portion received in a circumferential groove of the conduit end portion to grip the conduit end portion, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion at least when an outboard axial load is applied to the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Gregory S. Kalata, Ronald P. Campbell
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Patent number: 10760722Abstract: A fitting subassembly includes a threaded fitting nut, a ferrule, and a retaining member. The fitting nut includes a radial drive surface and an interior wall defining a socket, with the ferrule at least partially disposed in the socket. The retaining member is separate from and retained in a recess in the fitting nut. The retaining member retains the ferrule with the fitting nut when the retaining member is in a first position prior to the fitting nut being assembled with the fitting body. The retaining member is radially movable from the first position to a second position within the fitting nut to release the ferrule from the fitting nut.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Dale C. Arstein, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams