Patents by Inventor John William Hillis

John William Hillis 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: 6220295
    Abstract: A simplified three-way piezoelectric-actuated valve is described. The valve has a valve body having an internal valve cavity, a pair of generally opposed positioning members integral to the valve body, and first, second, and common ports. At least one of the ports has a valve seat and a passageway in communication with the valve seat, the seat and the passageway being integrally formed in the valve body. A piezoelectric actuator has first and second ends. The first end is secured within the valve cavity by the positioning members and has electrical contacts for providing an electric potential to control the position of the second end. The second end is capable of flexing between a first operating position in which the first port is closed and the second port is open, and a second operating position in which the first port is open and the second port is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Clement D. Bouchard, Kevin Lee Grant, John William Hillis, Patrick J. F. Hurley, William W. Ormerod, III
  • Patent number: 6164621
    Abstract: A simplified two-way piezoelectric-actuated valve is described. The valve has a valve body having an internal valve cavity, a pair of generally opposed positioning members integral to the valve body, and first and second ports. At least one of the ports has a valve seat and a passageway in communication with the valve seat, the seat and the passageway being integrally formed in the valve body. A piezoelectric actuator has first and second ends. The first end is secured within the valve cavity by the positioning members and has electrical contacts for providing an electric potential to control the position of the second end. The second end is capable of flexing between a closed position with respect to the valve seat and an open position with respect to the valve seat. A three-way version of the valve is also described, as is a method of manufacturing such valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Clement D. Bouchard, Kevin Lee Grant, John William Hillis, Patrick J. F. Hurley, William W. Ormerod, III