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: 9248390
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid reservoir having an inlet screen and a main reservoir filter. The fluid reservoir is adapted to enclose a fluid therewithin and includes a reservoir body forming a reservoir volume that is fluidly connected to an inlet conduit, a supply conduit, and a return conduit. The inlet screen is disposed fluidly along the inlet conduit and adapted to filter a fluid provided to fill the reservoir through the inlet conduit. The main reservoir filter is disposed fluidly along the supply conduit and adapted to filter a fluid drawn from the reservoir volume and provided through the supply conduit to a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Hudgens, Theron J. Cassidy, Jeffrey R. Ries, Lynsey Hart
  • Publication number: 20160008749
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Darrel L. Morehouse, III, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150369496
    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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Vincent P. Caliendo, Philip C. Spengler, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150343348
    Abstract: A system for detecting a pressure differential between an inlet and an outlet of a filter element may include a housing configured to be associated with a filter element coupled to a filter base of a filter assembly. The system may further include a first sensor configured to provide signals indicative of pressure associated with at least one of an inlet port and an outlet port of the filter element. The system may further include a controller configured to receive the signals from the first sensor, and determine a pressure differential between the inlet port and the outlet port of the filter element based on the signals. The system may be configured such that a flow path of fluid flowing between the inlet port and the outlet port does not include flowing through a portion of the filter base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Darrell L. MOREHOUSE, III, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20150273371
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150265949
    Abstract: A filter element, assembly and method of filtering is disclosed. The filter element may comprise an outer filter having a top and a bottom, and an inner filter. The outer filter may define an interior space and a longitudinal axis. The interior space may extend from the top to the bottom of the outer filter along the longitudinal axis. The inner filter may be disposed inside the interior space. The inner filter may be offset along the longitudinal axis from the bottom of the outer filter. The offset may define a cavity disposed below the inner filter and adjacent to the bottom of the outer filter. The outer filter may be configured to guide fluid in a first direction and the inner filter may be configured to guide fluid in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150265953
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member including a partition at least partially defining first and second chambers. The tubular member may further include at least one outlet aperture and at least one inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication exiting from the first chamber and flow communication into the second chamber, respectively. The filter element may be configured such that fluid passing through the filter element from an inlet port to an outlet port passes through the first chamber, a filter medium, and the second chamber. The filter element may also include an end cap having a return aperture configured to provide flow communication between fluid exiting from the first chamber and fluid entering the inlet port, wherein a portion of fluid exiting from the first chamber is returned to the inlet port for recirculation through the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150217218
    Abstract: A filter element is disclosed. The filter element includes an angled first end cap and a second end cap, each having angled surfaces. The first and second end caps each include an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall projecting longitudinally from the respective angled surfaces. The outer sidewall is axially spaced apart from the inner sidewall. Further, the inner sidewall defines a centrally disposed through-hole on the respective first and second end caps. The filter element also includes a filter media disposed between the first and second end caps. A first and a second locking mechanism are respectively provided on the first and second end caps. Further, the second locking mechanism of the filter element is configured to abut completely with the first locking mechanism of another filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Caliendo, Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant A. Morris
  • Publication number: 20150209699
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20150209704
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20150209705
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20150209698
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20150198071
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid reservoir having an inlet screen and a main reservoir filter. The fluid reservoir is adapted to enclose a fluid therewithin and includes a reservoir body forming a reservoir volume that is fluidly connected to an inlet conduit, a supply conduit, and a return conduit. The inlet screen is disposed fluidly along the inlet conduit and adapted to filter a fluid provided to fill the reservoir through the inlet conduit. The main reservoir filter is disposed fluidly along the supply conduit and adapted to filter a fluid drawn from the reservoir volume and provided through the supply conduit to a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Hudgens, Theron J. Cassidy, Jeffrey R. Ries, Lynsey Hart
  • Publication number: 20150182886
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member including a partition at least partially defining first and second chambers. The partition may be configured to prevent flow communication between the first and second chambers within the tubular member. The tubular member may further include an inlet port configured to provide flow communication into the first chamber, and an outlet port configured to provide flow communication from the second chamber. The tubular member may also include at least one outlet aperture configured to provide flow communication out of the first chamber, and at least one inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication into the second chamber. The filter element may also include a filter medium associated with the at least one outlet and inlet apertures. The filter element may be configured such that fluid passing through the filter element passes through both the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20150151226
    Abstract: A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and a fluid separator filter having filter media positioned inside the canister. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. The structure of the filter is such that the filter may more efficiently separate fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: JEFFREY R. RIES, CHRISTOPHER J. SALVADOR, RANDALL W. HEIBENTHAL, DENNIS M. DEEDRICH, RICHARD J. EISENMENGER
  • Patent number: 8973760
    Abstract: A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and a fluid separator filter having filter media positioned inside the canister. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. The structure of the filter is such that the filter may more efficiently separate fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc, Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher Joseph Salvador, Randall W. Heibenthal, Dennis M. Deedrich, Richard J. Eisenmenger
  • Publication number: 20140284286
    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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher L. Armstrong, John R. Jones, Daniel R. Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20140284266
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. KAMP, Mark T. Allott, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20140231366
    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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher L. Armstrong, John R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140230315
    Abstract: A filtered fuel system in a fuel system is disclosed. The filtered fuel system may include a strainer connected to a fuel tank opening of a fuel tank, the strainer removing a first type of contaminant. The filtered fuel system may additionally include a fuel filter positioned within a sump of the fuel tank, the fuel filter filtering a second type of contaminant and connected to a filter opening of the fuel tank through a filter shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Christopher L. Armstrong, John R. Jones