Patents Assigned to AKRON BRASS COMPANY
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Patent number: 11998780Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Jason Cerrano, James M. Johnson, Daniel B. Teixeira
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Patent number: 11808375Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an actuator design that comprises a compact package, a more efficient use of power, and dual manual overrides for easy access. An electrically operated motor provides rotational power to a series of gears in a gearbox. The gears reduce speed and increase torque, and rotate a worm shaft gear that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm shaft gear is disposed parallel to the motor, and the worm gear rotates at a ninety degree angle from the rotation of the motor. The worm gears is coupled with a trunnion, which is engaged with a ball of a valve. Rotation provided by the motor to the gears is transferred to the worm shaft gear, which provides rotation to the worm gear, to the trunnion, resulting in rotation of the ball in the valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventor: Adam Uhler
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Publication number: 20220299146Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for improving a fluid stream profile in the flow of fluid through a fire monitor system. An exemplary technique involves a flow elbow having a first rib, a second rid, and a gap between the first rib and the second rib. The gap can be configured to allow fluid to flow through the gap to reduce turbulence in the flow of fluid through the elbow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Adam Uhler
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Patent number: 11439856Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Daniel B. Teixeira, Craig E. Kneidel, James M. Johnson, Andrea M. Russell
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Publication number: 20210346741Abstract: One or more systems and/or methods are disclosed for a nozzle with wire connection to a hose, which may allow wired communication between the nozzle and a distant control center. A hose connector with one or more locating pins may be used for easy alignment and quick establishment of electrical connection between the nozzle and the hose. The nozzle may comprise a swiveling joint configured to fully swivel while maintaining electrical connection between the hose connector and an electronic housing. A slip ring assembly may be used in the swiveling joint to maintain the electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventors: Mike Laskaris, Jon A. Jenkins, Brian Keim, Sean O'Brien
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Patent number: 11135461Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a substantially automated fire suppression system, based on a distributed control communications network. The distributed system can comprise a communication network and at least two control components that are communicatively coupled with the communication network. A first control component can perform a first fire suppression operation, transmit first fire suppression operation data to the communication network, and receive second fire suppression operation data from the communication network. A second control component can perform a second fire suppression operation, transmit second fire suppression operation data to the communication network, receive first fire suppression operation data from the communication network, and alter the second fire suppression operation based at least upon the received first fire suppression operation data.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventors: David Beechy, Jerry A. Christensen, Bradley L. Busch, Peter J. Lauffenburger
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Publication number: 20210140557Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an actuator design that comprises a compact package, a more efficient use of power, and dual manual overrides for easy access. An electrically operated motor provides rotational power to a series of gears in a gearbox. The gears reduce speed and increase torque, and rotate a worm shaft gear that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm shaft gear is disposed parallel to the motor, and the worm gear rotates at a ninety degree angle from the rotation of the motor. The worm gears is coupled with a trunnion, which is engaged with a ball of a valve. Rotation provided by the motor to the gears is transferred to the worm shaft gear, which provides rotation to the worm gear, to the trunnion, resulting in rotation of the ball in the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventor: Adam Uhler
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Patent number: 10946225Abstract: A modular system is disclosed for handheld nozzles to facilitate distinguishing various nozzles in terms of nozzle type, owner, or type of fluid. Modular attachments are removably coupled to handles of the nozzles to provide the distinguishing characteristics. The modular attachment are secured to the handles without the use of mechanical fasteners or adhesives, and, instead, utilize integral mechanical attachment methods. The modular attachments can be made in a variety of colors to enable color-coding the distinguishing characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: L. Michael Broome, James Habegger
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Patent number: 10864396Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that can provide for a portable monitor control. A movement detection triggering system can be disposed between a fluid inlet and the body of the portable monitor, and may be able to restrict or reduce fluid flow when the monitor is moved from its desired position. A trigger arm can be coupled with the inlet, and, when the inlet is pivoted away from a set position, the trigger arm is also moved, which triggers another portion of the control system. A trigger pin is released, which may allow a lever to rotate, allowing a restrictor component to move into place in the fluid flow path, thereby restricting fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventors: Kevin J. Petit, Jon A. Jenkins
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Patent number: 10589138Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a foam fluid dispensing device that allows for quick and easy adjustment between a straight stream and dispersed stream. A user can quickly adjust between various stream patterns using a common motion in nozzle operation. An example device can comprise a nozzle comprising a nozzle body and an inlet configured to receive a flow of fluid, with a nozzle stem centrally disposed in the nozzle and fixedly engaged with the nozzle body. The device can also comprise a foam tube configured to receive and dispense at least a portion of the flow of fluid from the nozzle, with a foam tube coupler fixedly engaged with the foam tube. The foam tube coupler can be configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Kevin Petit
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Patent number: 10562046Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a dual shutoff nozzle that can mitigate a user positioning a bale handle of the nozzle in an intermediate position to achieve fog flow through the nozzle. A nozzle may be devised that allows the bale to be disposed in a fully closed position, and/or disposed in a fully open position, and to switch between a fog spray and a straight tip flow. The nozzle may comprise a first flow control element, and a shutoff component that controls the first control element. The nozzle can comprise a second flow control element that controls flow between a straight nozzle outlet and a fog pattern outlet; and the second flow control element can be controlled by a pattern sleeve using a rotation motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: Jon Jenkins, Peter Lauffenburger, Kevin Petit
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Publication number: 20190262642Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that can provide for a portable monitor control. A movement detection triggering system can be disposed between a fluid inlet and the body of the portable monitor, and may be able to restrict or reduce fluid flow when the monitor is moved from its desired position. A trigger arm can be coupled with the inlet, and, when the inlet is pivoted away from a set position, the trigger arm is also moved, which triggers another portion of the control system. A trigger pin is released, which may allow a lever to rotate, allowing a restrictor component to move into place in the fluid flow path, thereby restricting fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Applicant: AKRON BRASS COMPANYInventors: Kevin J. Petit, Jon A. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20190111291Abstract: A modular system is disclosed for handheld nozzles to facilitate distinguishing various nozzles in terms of nozzle type, owner, or type of fluid. Modular attachments are removably coupled to handles of the nozzles to provide the distinguishing characteristics. The modular attachment are secured to the handles without the use of mechanical fasteners or adhesives, and, instead, utilize integral mechanical attachment methods. The modular attachments can be made in a variety of colors to enable color-coding the distinguishing characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Applicant: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: L. Michael Broome
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Patent number: 10088135Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a light mounting base to which a light may be selectably coupled. The light mounting base can be selectably engaged with a target mounting surface, thereby allowing the light to be mounted thereto. The light mounting base can comprise one or more target mounting surface engaging components that can be used to selectably engage the base with the target mounting surface. The light mounting base may be configured to selectably mount on a door or panel. Further, the base may be configured to mechanically engage with a target mounting surface, such as a wall, thereby selectably fastening the light mounting base and attached light to the target mounting surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: Kevin Petit, Peter Lauffenburger, Sean Tillinghast
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Patent number: 10046189Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a fire apparatus pump pressure governor. The system may comprise a controller that is configured to receive from, and provide instruction or data to, other control devices to facilitate in controlling of the pressure of a fire apparatus pump and fluid supply, both to and from the pump. A method may be devised to facilitate in controlling the pump operations, and to report a status of the pump to other controllers within a network locally, communicatively coupled with the governor, along with other networks or devices that are remotely communicatively coupled with the fire apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: Bradley L. Busch, William M. Branch
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Patent number: 9857017Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a fluid inlet that mitigates uptake of undesired debris into fluid transport system. A fluid inlet can direct fluid toward one or more fluid inlets, and debris entrained in the fluid may bypass the fluid inlet(s). The fluid inlet can be used to mitigate uptake of debris into a fluid transport system, when placed in the path of fluid flow. A shape of the fluid inlet can be configured to direct fluid flow into the fluid inlet(s), while the shape allows debris entrained in the fluid to flow past the fluid inlet(s).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Layton Michael Broome
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Patent number: 9752689Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a valve. An exemplary valve may be able to provide a more compact profile than current valves, allowing for installation in locations that have size limitations, and/or may allow for more room in areas where prior non-compact valves are installed. Such a valve may be used for fluid intake to a pressurized fluid dispensing system. A compact valve can comprise a valve actuator that is disposed in line with the fluid intake of the valve, and not offset and extending from the valve, such that the flow of fluid passes through a point of rotation of the actuator. Further, a transmission may be used to transfer user actuation input to an internal flow control component, such as a ball-type flow controller, to move the flow control between an open and closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Layton Michael Broome
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Patent number: 9709175Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a flow control valve element, which may comprise a generally spherical shape. An inlet and outlet are formed in the element, with a fluid passage disposed between. The respective inlet and outlet are defined by a lip, and at least the outlet has a lip face comprising a width less than that of an adjacent element wall thickness. The element can comprise a pair of opposing flats formed in the wall, where the flats respectively comprise an external flat portion of the element wall and an opposing internal flat portion of the element wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventors: David Beechy, Kevin Petit, Nelsimar Vandelli
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Patent number: 9675826Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a water monitor with a stationary fluid inlet. A movable portion has a first piece rotatably coupled to the stationary portion and a second piece rotatably coupled to the first piece. The second piece has an inlet portion that extends through a second end of the first piece. The second piece couples with a power transmission disposed on a first side of the first piece, and couples with the first piece at a second side of the first piece. In this way, the power transmission can remain outside a path of fluid flow, and may be able to apply rotational force to the second piece to alter an elevation of the fluid outlet in the second piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Adam Uhler
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Publication number: 20170122486Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a fluid inlet that mitigates uptake of undesired debris into fluid transport system. A fluid inlet can direct fluid toward one or more fluid inlets, and debris entrained in the fluid may bypass the fluid inlet(s). The fluid inlet can be used to mitigate uptake of debris into a fluid transport system, when placed in the path of fluid flow. A shape of the fluid inlet can be configured to direct fluid flow into the fluid inlet(s), while the shape allows debris entrained in the fluid to flow past the fluid inlet(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Akron Brass CompanyInventor: Layton Michael Broome