Patents by Inventor Richard Kirchner
Richard 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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Publication number: 20150246824Abstract: Filter cartridge designs for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type for withdrawing liquids at relatively low pressures from containers such as gravity feed jugs, ice chests, coolers, collapsible travel bags, and the like, wherein the filter cartridge housings have various shapes and attachment schemes to the spigot subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
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Patent number: 9044699Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed comprising a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. The filter manifold comprises a bracket, a valve, a manifold feed port, a manifold filtrate port, and a handle. The valve is held by the bracket and comprises a fixed portion attached to the bracket and a rotary portion. The handle is operatively connected to the rotary portion and comprises a cartridge lifter having one of a camming ramp or a camming lug lifter engagement feature. The handle is rotatable to a service position and a disengaged position, wherein the manifold feed port is blocked by the valve when the handle is in the disengaged position. The filter cartridge comprises a cartridge feed port, a cartridge filtrate port, and an external cartridge surface having one of a camming lug or a camming ramp for engaging the lifter engagement feature.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brian D. Gale, David M. Botts, Karl J. Fritze, Laurence W. Bassett, Richard A. Kirchner
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Patent number: 9011686Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard A. Kirchner, Nathan E. Marks, Jeremy A. Schmoll
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Publication number: 20150075125Abstract: A filter frame assembly is disclosed comprising a perimeter member surrounding a fluid aperture adapted to accommodate a fluid flow from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, the perimeter member comprising a perimeter upstream surface, a perimeter downstream surface, and a perimeter outer surface connecting the perimeter upstream surface to the perimeter downstream surface. A gasket carrier is attached to the perimeter member and comprises a carrier outer portion facing generally away from the fluid aperture and a first outer portion sealing member projecting from the carrier outer portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Francis E. Porbeni, Kenneth J. Snider, Dean R. Duffy, Gregory M. Jellum, Richard A. Kirchner, Donald E. Young, Chris P. Manderfeld, John J. Reese
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Publication number: 20130341261Abstract: Described are filter cartridges having an inlet opening and an outlet opening on the stem of the filter cartridges, which permit the permit the entry and exit, respectively, of a fluid in one or more radial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem. These filter cartridges are suitable for use in filtration systems that allow users to install the filter cartridges by a straight line push motion and remove the filter cartridges by a straight line pull motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey M. Maki, Jeremy A. Schmoll, Tyan M. Renner, Matt R. Branscomb, David W. Lachermeier, Richard A. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20130306552Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a mold, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. Eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the mold to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is cooled to form the filter element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Satishkumar Chamyvelumani, Richard A. Kirchner, Thomas J. Hamlin, William J. Feil, III, Keith D. Solomon
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Patent number: 8495945Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Richard Kirchner, Mallory Boyd
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Publication number: 20120279916Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard A. Kirchner, Nathan E. Marks, Jeremy A. Schmoll
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Patent number: 8256338Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Richard Kirchner, Mallory Boyd
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Publication number: 20110247974Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed comprising a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. The filter manifold comprises a bracket, a valve, a manifold feed port, a manifold filtrate port, and a handle. The valve is held by the bracket and comprises a fixed portion attached to the bracket and a rotary portion. The handle is operatively connected to the rotary portion and comprises a cartridge lifter having one of a camming ramp or a camming lug lifter engagement feature. The handle is rotatable to a service position and a disengaged position, wherein the manifold feed port is blocked by the valve when the handle is in the disengaged position. The filter cartridge comprises a cartridge feed port, a cartridge filtrate port, and an external cartridge surface having one of a camming lug or a camming ramp for engaging the lifter engagement feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Brian D. Gale, David M. Botts, Karl J. Fritze, Laurence W. Bassett, Richard A. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20070220462Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating and validating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. An extracted timing model file is generated and a validation procedure is performed. This validation procedure may include comparing the information with the file to a test bench have a plurality of test points. In particular, data provided by the engineer is checked against multiple criteria to ensure that this data is valid and/or falls within an appropriate value range constraints. After the validation procedure has completed, the engineer is provided a summary of the validation results.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Richard Kirchner, Sandeep Bhutani
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Publication number: 20070186198Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. Various types of data and fields may be provided into the user interface or data template. The location of relevant files, such as a cell or core netlist, may be provided within the template. Additionally, one or more modes may be selected by the user to define the manner in which the ETM file(s) are to be generated. An ETM file is automatically generated using the information provided in the data template.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2006Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Richard Kirchner, Sandeep Bhutani
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Publication number: 20050173323Abstract: Water filtration systems and methods for assembling appliances involve embedded water flow components such that space is preserved within the appliance. In particular, the components can be incorporated into an insulated structure of an appliance by placing the components into a mold or frame prior to or during the formation of the component. For example, the filtration unit components can be incorporated into a wall or door of an appliance by placing the components into a mold or frame prior to or during the formation of the component. A foam-in-place operation, or the like, embeds the water system component, or portions thereof, within the insulated structure such that there is intimate contact between an insulating foam and the components and the component cannot be removed without destroying the structural integrity of the foam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2004Publication date: August 11, 2005Inventors: William Meuleners, Richard Kirchner, Karl Fritze, David Botts
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Publication number: 20050133463Abstract: A monolithic manifold assembly provides for faster and more reliable installation of water filtration systems within appliances or other locations by incorporating a valve flow block as an integral component of the manifold. The monolithic filter manifold includes a filter receiver for selectively attaching and detaching a cartridge filter. The monolithic filter manifold can include a communications interface electrically connected to a valve assembly to selectively allow a filtered water flow through the valve flow block at the direction of an external input. The valve assembly can include at least one solenoid valve configured to sealingly interface with the valve flow block.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventor: Richard Kirchner
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Publication number: 20050092665Abstract: A water filtration system including a manifold assembly and a cartridge filter for reducing water system leaks and reducing installation time. The manifold assembly including at least a first inline valve eliminates the need for valve connections downstream of a water filtration system. The manifold assembly can includes an inlet flow circuit, a distribution flow circuit and at least a first in-line valve. The first in-line valve can include a valve stop located within the distribution circuit. The distribution circuit can include an integral valve seat such that positioning the valve stop with respect to the integral valve seat selectively controls water flow. The first in-line valve can have a control element allowing for external control. The manifold assembly can further include a second in-line valve having a second valve stop located within the distribution circuit. Both the first and second in-line valves can be solenoid valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2004Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventor: Richard Kirchner
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Publication number: 20050046319Abstract: A refrigerator includes French-style doors and a rotating mullion. The rotating mullion is mounted to one of the French-style doors through first and second hinge members. Each of the first and second hinge members include first and second hinge elements having corresponding cam members. The cam members include multiple lobes and extend about hinge pins that define an axis of rotation for the mullion. The multiple lobes actually define first and second detent positions for the rotating mullion. A spring biases the first cam member against the second cam member so that the rotating mullion is positively maintained in either the first or second position. The mullion is formed from mating halves, each including a portion of an integrally formed pin element. The pin element travels within a guide element to automatically rotate the mullion between the first and second positions during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: March 3, 2005Inventors: Raymond Chekal, Richard Kirchner, Jeffrey O'Halloran, Chad Rotter, Greg Scorpil, Jack Standefer, David Stauffer
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Patent number: 6772606Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Kopf, Tim L. Coulter, Richard A. Kirchner, Michael A. Bowen, Troy M. Anderson, Eric K. Silbaugh
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Publication number: 20040007010Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Bruce A. Kopf, Tim L. Coulter, Richard A. Kirchner, Michael A. Bowen, Troy M. Anderson, Eric K. Silbaugh
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Patent number: 6259365Abstract: A laser security fence apparatus is disclosed for providing a warning signal in response to an intrusion by an intruder of a restricted area. The apparatus includes a laser generator for generating a laser beam and a first mirror aligned with the laser beam for reflecting the beam. A second mirror is aligned with the first mirror for reflecting the beam reflected by the first mirror and a collector is aligned with the second mirror for collecting the beam reflected by the second mirror. A microprocessor is associated with the collector and the generator for sensing when the beam is broken by the intruder so that the beam is not received by the collector. An alarm is connected to the microprocessor for actuation by the microprocessor when the microprocessor senses that the beam is broken so that the alarm provides the warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventors: James Hagar, Richard A. Kirchner
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Patent number: 6229449Abstract: A detector apparatus is disclosed for emitting a warning alarm signal in response to the presence of a hazardous condition within at least one room of a building having a plurality of rooms. The apparatus includes a plurality of hazardous condition detectors arranged such that at least one detector is disposed within each of the rooms. Each of the detectors includes a detecting device for detecting the presence of the hazardous condition and a micro controller electrically connected to the detecting device and powered by an electrical power source. An alarm is electrically connected to the controller such that when the detecting device detects the presence of the hazardous condition, the controller emits an electrical signal. An analog to digital converter device is electrically connected to the controller for converting the electrical signal into a digital signal so that when the hazardous condition is detected, the converter transmits the digital signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventors: Darren S. Kirchner, Judith E. Kirchner, Richard A. Kirchner