Patents by Inventor Christopher John Wheater

Christopher John Wheater 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).

  • Method and apparatus for controlling a fluid operated actuator
    Patent number: 9164516
    Abstract: A positioner (102) for controlling a fluid operated actuator (101) including a first fluid chamber (109) and a second fluid chamber (110) is provided. The positioner (102) comprises a first fluid conduit (105) coupled to the first fluid chamber (109). The positioner (102) also comprises a second fluid conduit (106) coupled to the second fluid chamber (110). A differential pressure controller (240) provided in the positioner (102) is adapted to control a fluid supply to the first and second fluid conduits (105, 106) based on a differential pressure between the first and second fluid chamber (109, 110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Norgren Limited
    Inventor: Christopher John Wheater
  • Automated valve testing apparatus
    Patent number: 8540211
    Abstract: A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Wheater, David Horsfield
  • Devices including a mechanochromatic material for indicating pressure
    Patent number: 8511155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that include a mechanochromatic material (10) which changes color according to a pressure exerted on the device. As a result, the mechanochromatic material (10) functions as an indicator of pressure exerted on the device. A user can view the mechanochromatic material (10) to determine whether the pressure exerted on the device exceeds a threshold pressure, whereat a color change will occur in the mechanochromatic material (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Simon Patient, Christopher John Wheater
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A FLUID OPERATED ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20110239853
    Abstract: A positioner (102) for controlling a fluid operated actuator (101) including a first fluid chamber (109) and a second fluid chamber (110) is provided. The positioner (102) comprises a first fluid conduit (105) coupled to the first fluid chamber (109). The positioner (102) also comprises a second fluid conduit (106) coupled to the second fluid chamber (110). A differential pressure controller (240) provided in the positioner (102) is adapted to control a fluid supply to the first and second fluid conduits (105, 106) based on a differential pressure between the first and second fluid chamber (109, 110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: NORGREN LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher John Wheater
  • AUTOMATED VALVE TESTING APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20110114191
    Abstract: A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: Norgren Limited, Thompson Valves LTD
    Inventors: Christopher John Wheater, David Horsfield
  • DEVICES INCLUDING A MECHANOCHROMATIC MATERIAL FOR INDICATING PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20100236682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that include a mechanochromatic material (10) which changes color according to a pressure exerted on the device. As a result, the mechanochromatic material (10) functions as an indicator of pressure exerted on the device. A user can view the mechanochromatic material (10) to determine whether the pressure exerted on the device exceeds a threshold pressure, whereat a color change will occur in the mechanochromatic material (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Simon Patient, Christopher John Wheater