Patents by Inventor Pete A. Betts

Pete A. Betts 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: 6213146
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing and a float. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float between a resting position to a position where it is situated in its valve seat, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve housing is attained. In one embodiment, a series of projection members or rings creates a tortuous path, such that there is no clear path for the float to reach the valve seat. In another embodiment, vacuum pressure is created between the float and its cup support. Still other embodiments utilize magnets, springs, linkages, and bent wires. Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through an air intake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Risch, Gary R. Gillingham, Fred H. Wahlquist, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Bernard A. Matthys, Pete A. Betts
  • Patent number: 6209559
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing and a float. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float between a resting position to a position where it is situated in its valve seat, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve housing is attained. In one embodiment, a series of projection members or rings creates a tortuous path, such that there is no clear path for the float to reach the valve seat. In another embodiment, vacuum pressure is created between the float and its cup support. Still other embodiments utilize magnets, springs, linkages, and bent wires. Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through an air intake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Risch, Gary R. Gillingham, Fred H. Wahlquist, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Bernard A. Matthys, Pete A. Betts
  • Patent number: 6009898
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing and a float. The housing is constructed and arranged to inhibit movement of the float between a resting position to a position where it is situated in its valve seat, unless a selected liquid volume within the valve housing is attained. In one embodiment, a series of projection members or rings creates a tortuous path, such that there is no clear path for the float to reach the valve seat. In another embodiment, vacuum pressure is created between the float and its cup support. Still other embodiments utilize magnets, springs, linkages, and bent wires. Methods for preventing liquid ingestion into an engine through an air intake are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Risch, Gary R. Gillingham, Fred H. Wahlquist, Wayne M. Wagner, Joseph C. Tokar, Bernard A. Matthys, Pete A. Betts
  • Patent number: 5616171
    Abstract: A filter-cleaning apparatus utilizes pulsed air to remove matter collected on a first surface of a filter. Reverse flow loosens the material which is collected in a hopper on the upstream side of the filter. The collected matter may then be combusted in the hopper so that the amount of material collected is minimized. The pulses are directed at the filter with a controlled shape and time to optimize reverse pulsing. Pulsing occurs while the thermal exhaust flow continues so that operation of the engine is not interrupted. A number of valves may be utilized to clean one or more filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Marty A. Barris, Thomas M. Weik, Kelly C. Robertson, Donald R. Monson, Jim C. Rothman, Pete A. Betts