Patents by Inventor Mark W. Kirchner

Mark W. Kirchner 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: 10394254
    Abstract: A multistage flow control valve system with a pressure balanced first stage connected to one or more downstream, pressure balanced, intermediate and/or outlet stages configured to accommodate very large pressure drops across the system while maintaining a desired flow rate, and avoiding potentially destructive cavitation within the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20170344030
    Abstract: A multistage flow control valve system with a pressure balanced first stage connected to one or more downstream, pressure balanced, intermediate and/or outlet stages configured to accommodate very large pressure drops across the system while maintaining a desired flow rate, and avoiding potentially destructive cavitation within the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 9798331
    Abstract: Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
  • Patent number: 9488989
    Abstract: A flow rate controller is disclosed that maintains constant flow rate with changes in pressure drop across the valve by maintaining a constant pressure drop across a restrictor with the aid of a spring balanced piston that mates a cone to a seat to dissipate the majority of pressure drop across the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sko Flo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
  • Patent number: 9383035
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a constant-flow valve assembly is provided that comprises a first fluid passageway carrying fluid at a first fluid pressure, a piston chamber, and a second fluid passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at a second fluid pressure. A third fluid passageway is configured to carry fluid at a third fluid pressure. An adjustable valve member is provided between the chamber and the third passageway to provide constant fluid flow to the third passageway. An adjustable restrictor assembly is positioned between the first and second fluid passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first fluid pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor. An outlet portion receives fluid from the restrictor and directs the fluid to the second fluid passageway at the second fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20160187892
    Abstract: Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
  • Publication number: 20150316934
    Abstract: A flow rate controller is disclosed that maintains constant flow rate with changes in pressure drop across the valve by maintaining a constant pressure drop across a restrictor with the aid of a spring balanced piston that mates a cone to a seat to dissipate the majority of pressure drop across the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
  • Patent number: 9122282
    Abstract: Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
  • Patent number: 9110474
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods related to a constant-flow control valve and BTU meter assembly that has a pressure independent, constant-flow control valve assembly connectable to the fluid-based heating or cooling system. A valve stem is connected to a valve member and is rotatable as a unit relative to a valve body to change the position of valve member to change a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve member's position relative to the fluid path is directly related to the fluid flow rate. Pressure sensors measure the pressure of fluid entering and exiting the valve body. A BTU meter assembly is connected to the valve stem, which is rotatable relative to the BTU meter assembly. A position sensor of the BTU meter assembly detects a rotational position of the valve stem relative to the BTU body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Christopher J. Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 9052715
    Abstract: A flow rate controller is disclosed that maintains constant flow rate with changes in pressure drop across the valve by maintaining a constant pressure drop across a restrictor with the aid of a spring balanced piston that mates a cone to a seat to dissipate the majority of pressure drop across the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
  • Publication number: 20140371926
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods related to a constant-flow control valve and BTU meter assembly that has a pressure independent, constant-flow control valve assembly connectable to the fluid-based heating or cooling system. A valve stem is connected to a valve member and is rotatable as a unit relative to a valve body to change the position of valve member to change a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve member's position relative to the fluid path is directly related to the fluid flow rate. Pressure sensors measure the pressure of fluid entering and exiting the valve body. A BTU meter assembly is connected to the valve stem, which is rotatable relative to the BTU meter assembly. A position sensor of the BTU meter assembly detects a rotational position of the valve stem relative to the BTU body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Christopher J. Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8805591
    Abstract: A constant-flow control valve and BTU meter assembly that has a pressure independent, constant-flow control valve assembly connectable to the fluid-based heating or cooling system. A valve stem is connected to a valve member and is rotatable as a unit relative to a valve body to change the position of valve member to change a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve member's position relative to the fluid path is directly related to the fluid flow rate. A BTU meter assembly is connected to the valve stem, which is rotatable relative to the BTU meter assembly. A position sensor of the BTU meter assembly detects a rotational position of the valve stem relative to the BTU body. A controller of the BTU meter assembly determines the fluid flow rate based upon the pressure drop across the valve assembly and the rotational position of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Chris Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20140131598
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a constant-flow valve assembly is provided that comprises a first fluid passageway carrying fluid at a first fluid pressure, a piston chamber, and a second fluid passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second fluid pressure. A third fluid passageway is configured to carry fluid at a third fluid pressure. An adjustable valve member is provided between the chamber and the third passageway to provide constant fluid flow to the third passageway. An adjustable restrictor assembly is positioned between the first and second fluid passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first fluid pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor. An outlet portion receives fluid from the restrictor and directs the fluid to the second fluid passageway at the second fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20140007953
    Abstract: Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
  • Patent number: 8469053
    Abstract: A constant-flow valve assembly having a first passageway carrying fluid at a first pressure, a piston chamber, and a second passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second pressure. A third passageway carries fluid at a third pressure. An adjustable valve is between the chamber and the third passageway, and an adjustable restrictor is positioned between the first and second passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor, and outlet portion directs the fluid to the second passageway at the second pressure. The restrictor is movable to adjust the position of entry and exit portions relative to the inlet and outlet portions to adjust a fluid flow rate to the second passageway to adjust the flow rate through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20120279585
    Abstract: A constant-flow valve assembly having a first passageway carrying fluid at a first pressure, a piston chamber, and a second passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second pressure. A third passageway carries fluid at a third pressure. An adjustable valve is between the chamber and the third passageway, and an adjustable restrictor is positioned between the first and second passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor, and outlet portion directs the fluid to the second passageway at the second pressure. The restrictor is movable to adjust the position of entry and exit portions relative to the inlet and outlet portions to adjust a fluid flow rate to the second passageway to adjust the flow rate through the valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: SKO FLO Industires, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20120185102
    Abstract: A constant-flow control valve and BTU meter assembly that has a pressure independent, constant-flow control valve assembly connectable to the fluid-based heating or cooling system. A valve stem is connected to a valve member and is rotatable as a unit relative to a valve body to change the position of valve member to change a fluid flow rate through the valve. The valve member's position relative to the fluid path is directly related to the fluid flow rate. A BTU meter assembly is connected to the valve stem, which is rotatable relative to the BTU meter assembly. A position sensor of the BTU meter assembly detects a rotational position of the valve stem relative to the BTU body. A controller of the BTU meter assembly determines the fluid flow rate based upon the pressure drop across the valve assembly and the rotational position of the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Chris Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20120085439
    Abstract: A flow rate controller is disclosed that maintains constant flow rate with changes in pressure drop across the valve by maintaining a constant pressure drop across a restrictor with the aid of a spring balanced piston that mates a cone to a seat to dissipate the majority of pressure drop across the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
  • Publication number: 20100276013
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a constant-flow valve assembly is provided that comprises a first fluid passageway carrying fluid at a first fluid pressure, a piston chamber, and a second fluid passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second fluid pressure. A third fluid passageway is configured to carry fluid at a third fluid pressure. An adjustable valve member is provided between the chamber and the third passageway to provide constant fluid flow to the third passageway. An adjustable restrictor assembly is positioned between the first and second fluid passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first fluid pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor. An outlet portion receives fluid from the restrictor and directs the fluid to the second fluid passageway at the second fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 7770595
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a constant-flow valve assembly is provided that comprises a first fluid passageway carrying fluid at a first fluid pressure, a piston chamber, and a second fluid passageway connected to the chamber and carrying fluid at the second fluid pressure. A third fluid passageway is configured to carry fluid at a third fluid pressure. An adjustable valve member is provided between the chamber and the third passageway to provide constant fluid flow to the third passageway. An adjustable restrictor assembly is positioned between the first and second fluid passageways. An inlet portion of the restrictor assembly receives fluid at the first fluid pressure and directs the fluid to a restrictor. An outlet portion receives fluid from the restrictor and directs the fluid to the second fluid passageway at the second fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Sko Flo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson