Patents by Inventor Ralph A. Ball

Ralph A. Ball 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: 8256455
    Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph A. Ball
  • Patent number: 7802587
    Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph A. Ball
  • Patent number: 4854073
    Abstract: A mouse exterminating device and method is presented with improved safety features. Activated electrical circuitry causes the mouse to be suffocated by impingement of a horizontal blade while a thermal switch prevents the device from overheating thus reducing the chance of fire. Indicator lights demonstrate whether the device is turned on and also if the device has been activated by a mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph A. Ball