Patents by Inventor Jeffrey R. Ries

Jeffrey R. Ries 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: 9724628
    Abstract: A fuel water separator is provided. The fuel water separator includes a filter having a top end cap and a bottom end cap. A sensor is coupled to the top end cap of the filter. A probe is configured to be coupled to the sensor and to the bottom end cap. The probe is configured to be positioned outside the filter between the top end cap and the bottom end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9662933
    Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel assembly may have a hub with a first spline, a second spline, and a slot separating the first spline and the second spline. The first spline, the second spline, and the slot may extend from a front end to a rear end. The wheel assembly may also have an outer rim configured to mount a tire. The wheel assembly may further have an inner rim extending from a rim front end to a rim rear end. The inner rim may have a notch disposed at the rim front end and a tab disposed at the rim rear end. The tab may slidingly engage with the slot. The wheel assembly may have a locking block, which may slidingly engage with the notch and the slot at the front end. Further, the wheel assembly may have a bolt connecting the mounting block to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Kamp, Richard L. Joyce, Jeffrey R. Ries, Joseph Unseth, David A. Vericker
  • Patent number: 9636608
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member including an end portion at least partially defining an inlet port configured to provide flow communication to a filter medium of the filter element, and at least partially defining an outlet port configured to provide flow communication from the filter medium. The filter element may further include a filter medium associated with the tubular element, and an end cap associated with the end portion of the tubular member and the filter medium. The end cap may include a plate transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and a sealing wall coupled to the plate and extending transverse to the plate. The sealing wall may include a seal portion configured to be compressed between a filter canister and a portion of a filter base to provide a seal between the filter canister and the portion of the filter base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20170080365
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170080362
    Abstract: A filter element may include a first end cap including an end cap barrier including an inner end cap aperture and end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between the of interior the filter element and the exterior of the filter element. The filter element may also include a first tubular member having a first end coupled to the first end cap to provide flow communication between the inner end cap aperture and a second end of the first tubular member. The filter element may further include first filter media extending around the first tubular member, an intermediate barrier coupled to a second end of the first tubular member, and second filter media having different filtering characteristics than the first filter media. One of the first filter media and the second filter media may include a coalescing-type media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: JEFFREY R. RIES, BRYANT A. MORRIS, MATTHEW A. JOHNSON, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Patent number: 9527016
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member, including a first end portion, with the first end portion being substantially open, at least partially defining an inlet port configured to provide flow communication into a first chamber of the tubular member, and at least partially defining an outlet port configured to provide flow communication from a second chamber. The tubular member may further include a second end portion, with the second end portion being located at an end of the tubular member opposite the first end portion. The tubular member may also include at least one outlet aperture, at least one inlet aperture, and a vent tube extending longitudinally between the first end portion and the second end portion. The vent tube may be configured to provide flow communication between the first end portion and the second end portion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9527017
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member, and tubular member may include a partition at least partially defining first and second chambers. The tubular member may further include an end portion at least partially defining an inlet port configured to provide flow communication into the first chamber, and at least partially defining an outlet port configured to provide flow communication from the second chamber. The tubular member may further include a cover portion at the end portion of the tubular member, with the cover portion extending from the partition. The cover portion may be configured to at least partially cover a longitudinal end of the second chamber. The filter element may further include a filter medium associated with at least one outlet aperture and the at least one inlet aperture of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9504939
    Abstract: A filter element includes a substantially cylindrical center tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central longitudinal axis. The filter element also includes filter media extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along the center tube, and a plate connected to the center tube proximate the first end. The plate includes an orifice and a cap. The orifice includes a pilot feature configured to locate the filter element at a single circumferential position relative to the longitudinal axis, the cap extending from a top surface of the plate toward the second end and having an inner wall configured to mate with a drain plug. In such embodiments, the orifice and the cap are disposed radially inward of an inner circumference of the center tube, and at least one of the orifice and the cap extends circumferentially around an additional longitudinal axis spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Kamp, Mark T. Allott, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9486725
    Abstract: A system and method for filtering fuel within a fuel tank is disclosed. A dual fuel filtration system may include a first fuel filter connected to a fuel tank opening of the fuel tank, the first fuel filter removing a first type of contaminant from fuel entering the fuel tank opening to obtain a fuel cleared to a first level. The dual fuel filtration system may also include a second fuel filter positioned below the first fuel filter and in fluid communication with a fuel outlet nozzle, the second fuel filter filtering a second type of contaminant from the fuel cleared to the first level to obtain a fuel cleared to a second level passing through the fuel outlet nozzle. The dual fuel filtration system may additionally include an interface portion connecting the first fuel filter and the second fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher L. Armstrong, John R. Jones
  • Patent number: 9470193
    Abstract: A system and method for filtering fuel using a fuel filtration system are disclosed. The fuel filtration system may include a fuel filter, a siphon mechanism and a filter shaft. A first end of the filter shaft may be connected to the fuel filter and a second end of the filter shaft may be connected to the siphon mechanism, each of the fuel filter, the siphon mechanism and the filter shaft may be positioned within a fuel tank. Fuel within the fuel tank may be filtered using the fuel filtration system by a siphon action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher L. Armstrong, John R. Jones, Daniel R. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 9446334
    Abstract: A filter base system may include a mounting bracket configured to be coupled to a machine, and an extension coupled to the mounting bracket. The filter base system may further include a filter assembly coupler associated with the extension. The filter assembly coupler may include an inlet passage configured to provide flow communication from the machine to the filter element, and an outlet passage configured to provide flow communication from the filter element to the machine. The filter assembly coupler may also include a receiver including a receiver passage extending transverse to longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet passages. The filter assembly coupler may further include a base plug including a base plug body including a plug surface configured to cooperate with the filter element, such that orientation of the filter element with respect to the filter assembly coupler depends on orientation of the base plug in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20160221390
    Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel assembly may have a hub with a first spline, a second spline, and a slot separating the first spline and the second spline. The first spline, the second spline, and the slot may extend from a front end to a rear end. The wheel assembly may also have an outer rim configured to mount a tire. The wheel assembly may further have an inner rim extending from a rim front end to a rim rear end. The inner rim may have a notch disposed at the rim front end and a tab disposed at the rim rear end. The tab may slidingly engage with the slot. The wheel assembly may have a locking block, which may slidingly engage with the notch and the slot at the front end. Further, the wheel assembly may have a bolt connecting the mounting block to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. KAMP, Richard L. JOYCE, Jeffrey R. RIES, Joseph UNSETH, David A. VERICKER
  • Publication number: 20160214038
    Abstract: A filter assembly may include a canister and a filter element received in the canister. The filter element may include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid having different characteristics than the first fluid as fluid passes through the filter media. The filter element may further include a first end cap, a second end cap, and a tubular member extending between the first and second end caps. The filter assembly may further include a flow cap associated with the first end cap of the filter element. The flow cap may include an inlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and the tubular member of the filter element, and an outlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, JEFFREY R. RIES, DARRELL L. MOREHOUSE, III, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Publication number: 20160214040
    Abstract: A flow cap may include an outer ring, an inner ring, an inlet portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may include first portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plurality of arms extending between the first portions of the outer and inner rings, wherein the arms at least partially define an inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and an interior portion of a filter element. The outlet portion may include second portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plate including an outlet aperture providing flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element. The outlet portion may also include a wall, wherein the plate and the wall prevent flow communication between fluid entering the inlet portion and fluid entering the outlet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: BRYANT A. MORRIS, JEFFREY R. RIES, DARRELL L. MOREHOUSE, III, BRIAN J. SUTTON
  • Publication number: 20160107110
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing and a filter device disposed within the housing to define a circumferential cavity therebetween. The filter assembly further includes a bypass valve having a housing wall, multiple inlets and an outlet formed on the housing wall, and a valve member. A first end of the valve member is coupled to a valve seat and a second end of the valve member engages with the outlet of the bypass valve. The valve member is displaced from a first position to a second position when pressure of fluid in the circumferential cavity is greater than a biasing force of a spring, and wherein the valve member engages with the outlet port of the bypass valve against the biasing force of the spring in the first position and the valve member allows the fluid to flow into the hollow center tube in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9302206
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a first component having a first groove. The filter assembly further includes a second component having a second groove. The first groove of the first component and the second groove of the second component define a channel therebetween. Furthermore, the filter assembly includes a cord member removably inserted in the channel to detachably couple the second component to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9295933
    Abstract: A filter element may include filter media having an elongated hollow passage extending along a longitudinal axis and between a first end and a second end, with the filter media having an exterior surface. The filter element may also include first and second fins associated with and extending radially from the exterior surface of the filter media. The filter media may include a first filtration zone extending partially around the hollow passage and between the first fin and the second fin, with the first filtration zone being associated with a first portion of the filter media. The filter media may also include a second filtration zone extending partially around the hollow passage and between the first fin and the second fin, with the second filtration zone being associated with a second portion of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Vincent P. Caliendo, Philip C. Spengler, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20160082370
    Abstract: A filter element may include a canister, a first cap coupled to a first end of the canister, and a second cap coupled to a second end of the canister. The filter element may also include an outer tubular member extending between the first cap and the second cap. The filter element may further include an inner tubular member at least partially inside the outer tubular member, and filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid. The filter media may extend between the first cap and the second cap. The filter element may be configured such that fluid entering the filter element flows between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, and through the filter media. The filter element may be configured such that a portion of the fluid may flow from a first side of the second cap to a second side of the second cap, but not into the inner tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III
  • Publication number: 20160082368
    Abstract: A filter element may include a canister, a first cap coupled to a first end of the canister, and a second cap coupled to a second end of the canister. The filter element may further include an outer tubular member extending between the first cap and the second cap, and an inner tubular member. The outer and inner tubular members may each include a plurality of apertures. The filter element may further include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid as fluid passes through the filter media. The filter element may be configured such that fluid entering the filter element flows between an interior surface of the canister and an exterior surface of the filter media and through the filter media, such that a portion of the fluid flows into the outer tubular member but not into the inner tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III
  • Publication number: 20160082369
    Abstract: A filter element may include an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member at least partially inside the outer tubular member. The filter element may also include a first cap and a second cap coupled to respective first and second ends of the outer tubular member. The filter element may further include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid. The filter media may extend between the first cap and the second cap. The first cap may be configured such that fluid entering the filter element flows between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, and through the filter media. The filter element may be configured such that a portion of the fluid may flow from a first side of the second cap to a second side of the second cap, but not into the inner tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, JEFFREY R. RIES, DARRELL L. MOREHOUSE, III