Patents by Inventor Christopher C. Knoll

Christopher C. Knoll 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: 6467502
    Abstract: A manifold assembly and method of making the same is disclosed. The manifold assembly is preferably made of a polymer. A mold is used to make the manifold portion of the manifold assembly such that small diameter passageways and valve seats are formed enabling use of small solenoids. Since pressure is applied to small diameter plunger seals (valves) driven by solenoid plungers, small solenoids may be used because the force on the solenoid plungers is correspondingly low. The manifold assembly is comprised of a manifold portion and a plug portion. The manifold portion, as disclosed, has an inlet port for the supply of air pressure. An inlet housing in which an inlet solenoid is housed, a supply port for supplying air to or exhausting air from a reservoir, and an exhaust housing in which an exhaust solenoid is housed are connected to a chamber. The chamber which interconnects the housings and supply port is enclosed by the plug portion which is ultrasonically welded to the manifold portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Johnson, Christopher C. Knoll, Anthony Medina
  • Patent number: 6386221
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is mounted in the bore of a ferromagnetic journal. Mounting the solenoid valve in the journal conserves space on the firewall of a vehicle where the solenoid is typically located. Journal mounting also minimizes the length of the air line necessary to supply air to the solenoid valve. Use of a ferromagnetic journal as part of the magnetic circuit allows full use of the journal bore for the components of the solenoid valve. A leak vent path is provided as well as a principal vent path in the flux flanges of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the flow of air through a seal which engages a rotating coupling of a clutch which operates a fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Knoll, Timothy L. Johnson, Anthony Medina
  • Patent number: 5271600
    Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a seating portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent to the seating portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. A second embodiment has a flexible diaphragm connected to a cylinder slide. The cylinder slide includes a longitudinal barrel member with a relief valve positioned in the interior of the lower portion of the barrel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Christopher C. Knoll, John Beaumont, John D. Ralston, Robert E. Farrell
  • Patent number: 5232194
    Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a seating portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent to the seating portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. A second embodiment has a flexible diaphragm connected to a cylinder slide. The cylinder slide includes a longitudinal barrel member with a relief valve positioned in the interior of the lower portion of the barrel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Christopher C. Knoll, Beaumont, John, John D. Ralston, Robert E. Farrell