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).
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Patent number: 10394254Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20170344030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Patent number: 9798331Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
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Patent number: 9488989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Sko Flo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
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Patent number: 9383035Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20160187892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
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Publication number: 20150316934Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
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Patent number: 9122282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
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Patent number: 9110474Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Christopher J. Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
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Patent number: 9052715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
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Publication number: 20140371926Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Christopher J. Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
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Patent number: 8805591Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Chris Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20140131598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20140007953Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Scott Steele
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Patent number: 8469053Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: SKO FLO Industries, IncInventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20120279585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: SKO FLO Industires, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20120185102Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Flow Control Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Skoglund, Art Smith, Ben Trueblood, Chris Robson, Mark W. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20120085439Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: SKO FLO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, Gilbert Jones
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Publication number: 20100276013Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson
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Patent number: 7770595Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Sko Flo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Kirchner, John D. Tomlinson