Patents by Inventor Keith Kropf

Keith Kropf 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: 10032446
    Abstract: Underwater voice communication devices and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater voice communication device includes a voice chamber comprising a face seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to a mouth of a first user, wherein the voice chamber comprises an internal volume, an earpiece comprising an ear seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to an ear of a second user, wherein the earpiece comprises an internal volume which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber, and wherein the internal volumes of the voice chamber and earpiece communicate voice sound waves from the mouth of the first user to the ear of the second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Kropf
  • Patent number: 9949022
    Abstract: Underwater communication systems, underwater speakers, underwater microphone assemblies and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater speaker includes a housing, a transducer member coupled with the housing and positioned to contact a body of water, wherein the transducer member is configured to vibrate to generate sound pressure waves within the body of water which comprise content which is audible to humans within the body of water, and an exciter coupled with the transducer member and configured to impart forces to the transducer member to cause the vibration of the transducer member to generate the sound pressure waves in the body of water as result of a received electrical signal which comprises the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Kropf
  • Publication number: 20160094912
    Abstract: Underwater voice communication devices and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater voice communication device includes a voice chamber comprising a face seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to a mouth of a first user, wherein the voice chamber comprises an internal volume, an earpiece comprising an ear seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to an ear of a second user, wherein the earpiece comprises an internal volume which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber, and wherein the internal volumes of the voice chamber and earpiece communicate voice sound waves from the mouth of the first user to the ear of the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Keith Kropf
  • Publication number: 20160094911
    Abstract: Underwater communication systems, underwater speakers, underwater microphone assemblies and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater speaker includes a housing, a transducer member coupled with the housing and positioned to contact a body of water, wherein the transducer member is configured to vibrate to generate sound pressure waves within the body of water which comprise content which is audible to humans within the body of water, and an exciter coupled with the transducer member and configured to impart forces to the transducer member to cause the vibration of the transducer member to generate the sound pressure waves in the body of water as result of a received electrical signal which comprises the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Keith Kropf
  • Patent number: 8347953
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system includes a motor, a pump driven by the motor, a seal section disposed between the pump and the motor and an inline monitoring package connected between the seal section and the motor. The inline monitoring package is electrically connected to the motor through a wye point connection. The inline monitoring package preferably includes a sensor array that includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure conditions internal and external to the submersible pumping system. The inline monitoring package further includes a shaft configured to transmit the output from the motor to the pump. The inline monitoring package further includes a fluid exchange system that accommodates the thermal expansion of lubricants in the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Jesus M. Elizondo, Jr., Keith Kropf
  • Publication number: 20050182375
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided comprising a diaper body having an outer surface. The disposable diaper includes a waterproof layer secured to an outer surface layer of the diaper body to form a pocket between the layer and the outer surface. The disposable diaper further comprises means for sealing the pocket to seal in waste and odor. A method for sealing and disposing of the diaper also is provided, comprising the steps of rolling the diaper inwardly toward the pocket, inverting the pocket to receive the diaper body, and sealing the pocket to enclose the diaper body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Kropf, Andrew Kropf