Patents by Inventor John J. Haller
John J. Haller 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).
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Patent number: 8424563Abstract: A system for indicating the status of a valve may include an encapsulation with electronic circuitry disposed at least partially therein, a communication sub-system, a sensor, an indicator and a power source. The encapsulation may be zero volume, and the indicator may include a color changing skin. A method of indicating the status of a valve may include providing a valve, providing a status indicating system, changing a status of the valve, sensing a status of the valve, and indicating a status of the valve. A method of encapsulating a status indicating system may include providing an encapsulant and coupling at least a portion of the system with the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: John J. Haller, Gregory J. Volz, Emma C. Tejada, Roy B. Bogert, Emmanuel D. Arceo, Edgar Marino
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Publication number: 20130032739Abstract: A method of assuring drop out of a valve assembly comprising detecting a level of a signal from the controller; diverting the signal to a solenoid coil of the valve assembly when the level of the signal is above a predetermined value; and diverting the signal to a load when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value. The level detector may divert the signal away from the coil when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value, thereby ensuring that the coil is fully de-energized in response to the level of the signal being below the predetermined value, while allowing current to flow through the valve assembly, thereby allowing the controller to monitor the integrity of the wiring between the controller and the valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventor: John J. HALLER
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Publication number: 20120305096Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a process control valve plumbed within a hazardous environment; a solenoid coil mated to the valve and configured to operate the valve, the solenoid coil located within the hazardous environment; a valve coil configured to receive power and transfer that power to the solenoid coil, thereby operating the valve, the valve coil located within the hazardous environment; and a controller coil configured to transmit power to the valve coil, the controller coil located in the hazardous environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventor: John J. HALLER
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Publication number: 20120112870Abstract: A solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the valve comprising coil configured to physically move an armature using an field generated by the coil; a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and a heating resistor sized and configured to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature. A method of constructing a solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and selecting and configuring a heating resistor to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventors: John J. HALLER, Nicholas F. BUCCHERI
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Publication number: 20120014031Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventor: John J. Haller
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Patent number: 8045313Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventor: John J. Haller
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Patent number: 7911758Abstract: A low power solenoid control circuit including a power source in series with a sensing element and a first diode, an inductor to actuate a valve, an energy storage device to store and discharge energy into the inductor, diodes to control current flow, and switches and a controller to control the circuit. The circuit may be operated by closing a first switch, thereby allowing a source current to flow through an inductor; opening the first switch, thereby forcing a charge current to flow through an energy storage device utilizing the inductance of the inductor; repeating these steps until the energy storage device is sufficiently charged; and upon command, closing a second switch, thereby forcing a discharge current to flow from the energy storage device to the inductor causing the inductor to produce an actuating magnetic field thereby actuating a mechanical valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventor: John J. Haller
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Publication number: 20100294373Abstract: A system for indicating the status of a valve may include an encapsulation with electronic circuitry disposed at least partially therein, a communication sub-system, a sensor, an indicator and a power source. The encapsulation may be zero volume, and the indicator may include a color changing skin. A method of indicating the status of a valve may include providing a valve, providing a status indicating system, changing a status of the valve, sensing a status of the valve, and indicating a status of the valve. A method of encapsulating a status indicating system may include providing an encapsulant and coupling at least a portion of the system with the encapsulant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: John J. Haller, Gregory J. Volz, Emma C. Tejada, Roy B. Bogert, Emmanuel D. Arceo, Edgar Marino
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Publication number: 20090309054Abstract: The inventions disclosed and taught herein are further directed to a solenoid valve comprising: a casing; a magnetic coil encapsulated in the casing adapted for inducing a magnetic flux when supplied with electrical current; a plunger supported for linear displacement positioned within the coil, adapted to latch or unlatch the solenoid valve; at least one capacitor adapted to energize the magnetic coil; and a piston pneumatically connected to the solenoid valve adapted to latch or unlatch the solenoid valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventors: John J. HALLER, Stephen P. GLAUDEL, Gregory J. VOLZ, Roy B. BOGERT
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Publication number: 20090284891Abstract: A low power solenoid control circuit including a power source in series with a sensing element and a first diode, an inductor to actuate a valve, an energy storage device to store and discharge energy into the inductor, diodes to control current flow, and switches and a controller to control the circuit. The circuit may be operated by closing a first switch, thereby allowing a source current to flow through an inductor; opening the first switch, thereby forcing a charge current to flow through an energy storage device utilizing the inductance of the inductor; repeating these steps until the energy storage device is sufficiently charged; and upon command, closing a second switch, thereby forcing a discharge current to flow from the energy storage device to the inductor causing the inductor to produce an actuating magnetic field thereby actuating a mechanical valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventor: John J. HALLER
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Publication number: 20090021882Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventor: John J. Haller
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Patent number: 6729601Abstract: An extended range proportional valve which can control rates of mass flow over continuous low, intermediate and high ranges has a pilot member mounted on an armature of a solenoid which can be dithered onto and off of a pilot opening in a main valve member which seals a main valve opening to control mass flow rates over the low range by varying the duty cycle and/or frequency of a pulse width modulated current in the solenoid coil. Intermediate and high flow rates are achieved by dithering the pilot valve member with a duty cycle and/or frequency sufficient to raise the main valve member relatively short and relatively long respective distances from the main valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: ASCO Controls, LPInventors: Paul W. Freisinger, John J. Haller, Peter A. Holborow
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Publication number: 20030201414Abstract: An extended range proportional valve which can control rates of mass flow over continuous low, intermediate and high ranges has a pilot member mounted on an armature of a solenoid which can be dithered onto and off of a pilot opening in a main valve member which seals a main valve opening to control mass flow rates over the low range by varying the duty cycle and/or frequency of a pulse width modulated current in the solenoid coil. Intermediate and high flow rates are achieved by dithering the pilot valve member with a duty cycle and/or frequency sufficient to raise the main valve member relatively short and relatively long respective distances from the main valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: ASCO Controls, L.P.Inventors: Paul W. Freisinger, John J. Haller, Peter A. Holborow
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Patent number: 6619612Abstract: An extended range proportional valve which can control rates of mass flow over continuous low, intermediate and high ranges has a pilot member mounted on an armature of a solenoid which can be dithered onto and off of a pilot opening in a main valve member which seals a main valve opening to control mass flow rates over the low range by varying the duty cycle and/or frequency of a pulse width modulated current in the solenoid coil. Intermediate and high flow rates are achieved by dithering the pilot valve member with a duty cycle and/or frequency sufficient to raise the main valve member relatively short and relatively long respective distances from the main valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Asco Controls, LPInventors: Paul W. Freisinger, John J. Haller, Peter A. Holborow
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Publication number: 20020175791Abstract: An improved solenoid is provided that has a fully enclosing yoke with integral end cap and sleeve. A second, separate, or alternatively integral end cap with sleeve is provided to complete the magnetic yoke. The yoke/coil assembly is encapsulated with a liquid crystal polymer that has a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the coil bobbin to provide a good bond therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: ASCO CONTROLS, L.P.Inventors: Drew LaMarca, King W. Lee, John J. Haller, Emmanuel D. Arceo
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Publication number: 20020053652Abstract: An extended range proportional valve which can control rates of mass flow over continuous low, intermediate and high ranges has a pilot member mounted on an armature of a solenoid which can be dithered onto and off of a pilot opening in a main valve member which seals a main valve opening to control mass flow rates over the low range by varying the duty cycle and/or frequency of a pulse width modulated current in the solenoid coil. Intermediate and high flow rates are achieved by dithering the pilot valve member with a duty cycle and/or frequency sufficient to raise the main valve member relatively short and relatively long respective distances from the main valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2000Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Paul W. Freisinger, John J. Haller, Peter A. Holborow
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Publication number: 20010032947Abstract: An extended range proportional valve which can control rates of mass flow over continuous low, intermediate and high ranges has a pilot member mounted on an armature of a solenoid which can be dithered onto and off of a pilot opening in a main valve member which seals a main valve opening to control mass flow rates over the low range by varying the duty cycle and/or frequency of a pulse width modulated current in the solenoid coil. Intermediate and high flow rates are achieved by dithering the pilot valve member with a duty cycle and/or frequency sufficient to raise the main valve member relatively short and relatively long respective distances from the main valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Paul W. Freisinger, John J. Haller, Peter A. Holborow
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Patent number: 5565832Abstract: A low-noise solenoid has an armature with a projecting ridge receivable within a groove in a pole piece. As the ridge enters the groove, the magnetic force which opposes a return spring decreases until there is equilibrium whereat the armature remains suspended without impacting upon the pole piece.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: John J. Haller, Stanley B. Roedel
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Patent number: 5032812Abstract: A solenoid actuator comprising a coil or coils of electrical wire and a plugnut and movable core within the coil(s). A magnetic yoke surrounds the coil(s), the axis of the latter extending across the magnetic circuit defined by the yoke. Relatively large and small permanent magnets are associated with the yoke on opposite sides of the axis, the magnets producing flux in opposite directions. A flux sensor, closer to the small magnet, senses changes in direction of the flux. When the core and plugnut are separated, the large magnet flux predominates throughout the yoke. When the core engages the plugnut, the small magnet flux predominates in its portion of the yoke, this change in flux direction being detected by the sensor. Thus, the sensor can be used to indicate the position of the core with respect to the plugnut.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: Gerard S. Banick, John J. Haller