Patents by Inventor Douglas Hunter Powell

Douglas Hunter Powell 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: 9174504
    Abstract: A control arm for use in a vehicle suspension. The control arm includes a first connection, the first connection configured to secure the control arm to a first external device and a second connection, the second connection configured to secure the control arm to a second external device. An external force expands or contracts the distance between the first connection and the second connection within predetermined limits. The control arm also includes a mechanical bias, where the mechanical bias returns the distance between the first connection and the second connection to a set free length when the external force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 8887756
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an upstream shutoff valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The upstream shutoff valve includes an obstruction. The obstruction is configured to prevent water flow at a first position and allow water flow at a second position. The obstruction is also configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The upstream shutoff valve also includes a seal. The seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. All points of engagement between the obstruction seal and the sealing surface are located downstream of the axis of rotation of the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 8875733
    Abstract: A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 8844562
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an opening in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream check valve and the downstream check valve. The backflow prevention device further includes a cover configured to cover the entirety of the opening. The cover includes a portion of a lateral surface of a right cylinder. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a seal configured to sealingly engage the cover and the housing along the perimeter of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Publication number: 20140150893
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an upstream shutoff valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing. The upstream shutoff valve includes an obstruction. The obstruction is configured to prevent water flow at a first position and allow water flow at a second position. The obstruction is also configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The upstream shutoff valve also includes a seal. The seal is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface in the housing at the first position. All points of engagement between the obstruction seal and the sealing surface are located downstream of the axis of rotation of the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Publication number: 20140150892
    Abstract: A backflow prevention device including an opening in the housing configured to provide a user with access to the upstream check valve and the downstream check valve. The backflow prevention device further includes a cover configured to cover the entirety of the opening. The cover includes a portion of a lateral surface of a right cylinder. The backflow prevention device additionally includes a seal configured to sealingly engage the cover and the housing along the perimeter of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Publication number: 20140150904
    Abstract: A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 8714321
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Publication number: 20120306133
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 5906644
    Abstract: An implantable modular orthopedic prosthesis, preferably for hip, knee or shoulder arthroplasty, is disclosed which consists of three components. A first component has an elongated stem with a free end, configured to be situated within the intramedullary canal of a patient's bone, and an opposite end having an articulating portion such as a Morse-tapered member. A second component has another articulating portion which can also be a corresponding tapered member that is matingly engageable with the articulating portion of the first component. A third component has a body with a linearly-extruded channel through which the articulating portions are adjustably received, wherein at least one of the first and second components is radially-expandable to pressure lock against an internal surface of the channel in a selected position and arrest the first, second and third components together as the articulating portions are fully engaged with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell
  • Patent number: 5876459
    Abstract: An implantable modular orthopedic prosthesis, preferably for hip or knee arthroplasty, is disclosed which consists of three components. A first component has an elongated stem with a free end, configured to be situated within the intramedullary canal of a patient's bone, and an opposite end having an articulating portion such as a Morse-tapered member. A second component has another articulating portion which can also be a corresponding Morse-tapered member that is matingly engageable with the articulating portion of the first component. A third component has a body with a linearly-extruded channel through which the articulating portions are adjustably received, wherein at least one of the components is radially-expansible to pressure lock against an internal surface of the channel in a selected position and arrest the first, second and third components together as the articulating portions are fully engaged with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas Hunter Powell