Patents by Inventor Richard A. Sallee

Richard A. Sallee 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: 11408548
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having a body of the gripping plug; an inboard seal mounted on the body towards an inboard end of the gripping plug and an outboard seal mounted on the body towards the outboard end of the gripping plug, wherein both the inboard seal and the outboard seal are each located between two clamping plates; at least one wedge cone mounted on the body between the inboard seal and the outboard seal; at least one discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the at least one wedge cone, wherein each of the at least one discrete gripping devices define an outer surface; and an actuation-retraction mechanism configured to actuate the at least one discrete gripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: USA Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Casey Sue, John Rey De Leon, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 11408549
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a coating on the outer surface; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: USA Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 11391404
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having: a body of the gripping apparatus; a wedge cone mounted on the body; at least one discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the wedge cone; and an actuation-retraction mechanism configured to actuate the at least one discrete gripping device. The actuation-retraction mechanism of the gripping apparatus may be a collective actuation-retraction mechanism in an exemplary embodiment. In further disclosed alternative exemplary embodiments, the actuation-retraction mechanism of the gripping apparatus may be a plurality of individual actuation-retraction mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: USA Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20220170581
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having: a wedge cone; a first plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a second plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a first plurality of studs connected to each of the first plurality of discrete gripping devices, where each of the first plurality of studs define a first stud length; and a second plurality of studs connected to each of the second plurality of discrete gripping devices, wherein each of the second plurality of studs define a second stud length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Casey Sue, Armando Garza, JR., John Rey De Leon, Richard Sallee, Austin Cornelius, Tracy Sue
  • Publication number: 20210095809
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having: a body of the gripping apparatus; a wedge cone mounted on the body; at least one discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the wedge cone; and an actuation-retraction mechanism configured to actuate the at least one discrete gripping device. The actuation-retraction mechanism of the gripping apparatus may be a collective actuation-retraction mechanism in an exemplary embodiment. In further disclosed alternative exemplary embodiments, the actuation-retraction mechanism of the gripping apparatus may be a plurality of individual actuation-retraction mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20200378541
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a coating on the outer surface; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20200326026
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having a body of the gripping plug; an inboard seal mounted on the body towards an inboard end of the gripping plug and an outboard seal mounted on the body towards the outboard end of the gripping plug, wherein both the inboard seal and the outboard seal are each located between two clamping plates; at least one wedge cone mounted on the body between the inboard seal and the outboard seal; at least one discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the at least one wedge cone, wherein each of the at least one discrete gripping devices define an outer surface; and an actuation-retraction mechanism configured to actuate the at least one discrete gripping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Casey Sue, John Rey De Leon, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 10746339
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: USA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20180119866
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 9927058
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: USA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 9810364
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: USA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20170152985
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20170146177
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Tracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 7533581
    Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sallee
  • Publication number: 20080062006
    Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Sallee
  • Patent number: 7290456
    Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sallee
  • Patent number: 7261010
    Abstract: A temperature correction device may allow ready calibration. In certain implementations, a temperature correction device may include a torsion transmission element and a temperature responsive element. The temperature responsive element may be coupled to the torsion transmission element and adapted to rotate the torsion transmission element in response to sensed temperature changes. The temperature correction device may also include a first body coupled to the torsion transmission element, a second body coupled to the temperature responsive element, and a third body rotatably coupled to the second body. The first body may include a temperature correction component driven by the torsion transmission element, and the second body and the third body may be adapted to allow the torsion transmission element to rotate relatively freely with respect to the second body and the third body. Rotation of the second body relative to the third body may adjust the temperature correction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Sallee, Hooshang A. Befrui
  • Publication number: 20060219027
    Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Sallee
  • Publication number: 20060146912
    Abstract: A temperature correction device may allow ready calibration. In certain implementations, a temperature correction device may include a torsion transmission element and a temperature responsive element. The temperature responsive element may be coupled to the torsion transmission element and adapted to rotate the torsion transmission element in response to sensed temperature changes. The temperature correction device may also include a first body coupled to the torsion transmission element, a second body coupled to the temperature responsive element, and a third body rotatably coupled to the second body. The first body may include a temperature correction component driven by the torsion transmission element, and the second body and the third body may be adapted to allow the torsion transmission element to rotate relatively freely with respect to the second body and the third body. Rotation of the second body relative to the third body may adjust the temperature correction component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Sallee, Hooshang Befrui
  • Patent number: 7059200
    Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sallee