Patents Assigned to Fisher Controls International
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Patent number: 11275365Abstract: An integrated diagnostics system utilizes online and offline diagnostics techniques to evaluate control valves found in process plant environments. The integrated diagnostics system improves on existing diagnostic systems, which typically rely exclusively on online diagnostics or offline diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Shawn W. Anderson
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Patent number: 11269017Abstract: Techniques for diagnosing failures in a digital solenoid I/P converter are provided herein. A controller of the I/P converter may apply a fixed voltage to the I/P converter, causing an armature to move from an off-position to an on-position in a properly-functioning I/P converter. The controller may receive an indication of whether a digital logic line trip has occurred, indicating that a current for the I/P coil has reached a desired maximum current level, and an elapsed time from the application of the fixed voltage. The controller may compare the amount of time elapsed from the application of the fixed voltage to an expected amount of elapsed time from the application of the fixed voltage to the I/P coil after which a digital logic line trip will occur for a properly functioning I/P coil and diagnose, based on the comparison, a failure in the I/P converter.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Michael R. Fontaine, Davin S. Nicholas, Gregory R. Bulleit, Christopher C. Arnold, David L. Smid
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Patent number: 11261975Abstract: Pressure-reduction devices for fluid systems are disclosed. An example device includes a housing defining an axial fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet. A first plate is fixed to the housing and positioned in the axial fluid passageway. A second plate is positioned adjacent the first plate in the axial fluid passageway. The second plate is moveable relative to the first plate between a first position to move the pressure-reducing device to a closed position to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the axial fluid passageway and a second position to move the pressure-reducing device to an open position to allow fluid flow through the axial fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLCInventor: Julian Adin Mann, III
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Patent number: 11253941Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for late-customization of a valve body having an initial valve body configuration having a first end connection and a second end connection. The method includes receiving a selection of (i) a generic valve body, (ii) a first end connection, and (iii) a second end connection. The method further includes adjoining the first and second end connections to the valve body using an iterative welding process. The apparatus is configured to receive a generic valve body having an initial end configuration and to receive a different end configuration. Ends are connected to the valve body subject to an initial bias and a comparison between actual results and predicted results, and first end connection is iteratively welded.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Ted D. Grabau
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Patent number: 11255442Abstract: Valve trim and related methods are described. An example valve trim includes a cage defining a body having a bore to receive a valve plug. The cage includes a first passageway through a side surface of the body. The first passageway has an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore. A valve seat is to receive the cage. The valve seat has a first projection defining a first opening. The cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a first orientation to align the first opening and the first passageway to provide a first flow characteristic. The cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a second orientation to offset an alignment between the first projection and the first passageway to provide a second flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: Steven Hostetter, Wesley Ohrt
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Patent number: 11249497Abstract: A balanced trim pressure regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. An orifice is disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A movable valve plug is disposed within the fluid passageway, the movable valve plug interacting with the valve seat to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A cage is disposed in the fluid passageway, the cage surrounding the valve plug, and the cage including at least one a balancing passage that fluidly connects the fluid passageway with a balancing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Katherine N. Bartels
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Patent number: 11248784Abstract: A desuperheater includes a ring body defining an axial flow path and one or more spray nozzle assemblies around the ring body. Each spray nozzle assembly is connected to a separate water manifold and steam manifold to provide cooling water and atomizing steam through the spray nozzle assemblies. A nozzle sleeve of each spray nozzle assembly has a solid, unitary body having first, second, and third fluid passages formed through the body. The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the water manifold and with a first exit aperture formed in a second end of the body. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the steam manifold and with a second exit aperture formed in the second end of the body. The third fluid passage is in fluid communication with the steam manifold and with a third exit aperture formed in the second end of the body. The second and third exit apertures are positioned on opposite sides of the first exit aperture.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Justin P. Goodwin, Shane M. Johnson, Rusty C. Rhamy, Daniel M. Talbert
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Patent number: 11242942Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for valve trim apparatus for use with control valves are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a valve body including a fluid flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The example apparatus also includes valve trim positioned in the fluid flow path, the valve trim including first passageways that extend from the inlet to a first expansion cavity and second passageways that extend from the first expansion cavity to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: Timothy Arthur McMahon
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Patent number: 11242933Abstract: A valve seat is provided for use in a rotary valve for use in highly corrosive and abrasive applications. The valve seat includes a seat body adapted to selectively engage a portion of the floating ball element. The valve seat also includes a sealing element disposed in a first groove formed in the seat body and adapted to prevent fluid flow between the seat body and the valve body. The valve seat further includes a first bearing disposed in a second groove formed in the seat body, and a second bearing disposed in a third groove formed in the seat body, wherein the second and third grooves are formed immediately adjacent the first groove such that the first and second bearings are disposed immediately adjacent the sealing element.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Larry T. Laverty, Kyle D. Pederson
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Patent number: 11236830Abstract: Example seal glands for butterfly valves are disclosed herein. An example butterfly valve disclosed herein includes a valve body and a valve retainer mounted to the valve body, where the valve body and the valve retainer define a circumferential cavity. The example circumferential cavity includes a first surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a flow path of process fluid through the butterfly valve, a second surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, where the second surface offset from the first surface, and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. In the example butterfly valve, the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface enable a seal to translate within the cavity in a direction substantially parallel to the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Bryan Quinn Leger
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Patent number: 11236845Abstract: Valve trim apparatus having multiple fluid flow control members are disclosed herein. An example valve trim apparatus includes a primary valve seat and a first flow control member having a cavity and a first seating surface. The first flow control member is movable relative to the primary valve seat to control fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet of the fluid valve. A second flow control member is disposed within the cavity. The second flow control member is slidably coupled relative to the first flow control member. A secondary valve seat is coupled to the first flow control member. The second flow control member is to move relative to the secondary valve seat to throttle a fluid flow across the secondary valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: Jonathan Wesley Richardson, Jesse Creighton Doyle
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Patent number: 11229947Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve body having one or more corrosion-resistant internal surfaces. The method involves performing a casting process, which includes pouring a first material into a mold box, to produce a valve body casting made of the first material. During the casting process, a layer of a second material is formed on one or more internal surfaces of the valve body casting, the second material having a higher corrosion resistance than the first material, by: (1) applying, with an additive manufacturing technique, the second material to one or more external surfaces of a core, and (2) inserting the core into the mold box. A portion of the first material binds to the second material on the one or more external surfaces of the core while the first material is poured into the mold box.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Tan K. Lai, Chong S. Siang
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Patent number: 11221135Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly has a housing with a body and cap flange secure to the body to define a bore within the housing. A first aperture is formed through the body and intersects the bore and a second aperture is formed through the cap flange and intersects the bore. A nozzle sleeve is disposed within the bore and has a solid, unitary sleeve body. First and second fluid passages are formed through the sleeve body. The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first aperture and a first exit aperture in an end of the sleeve body. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second aperture and second and third exit apertures in the end of the sleeve body, which are positioned on opposite sides of the first exit aperture. A portion of the second fluid passage surrounds the first fluid passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Justin P. Goodwin, Paul T. Alman
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Patent number: 11209100Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for valve trim apparatus for use with control valves are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a valve body including a fluid flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The example apparatus also includes valve trim positioned in the fluid flow path, the valve trim including a first passageway extending from the inlet to the outlet, the first passageway including a first pressure staged passage and a second pressure staged passage, the second pressure staged passage including a first radial passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
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Patent number: 11192212Abstract: A method is provided of custom manufacturing a valve body having an initial valve body configuration having a first end connection and a second end connection. The method includes adding material to the first end connection using a first additive manufacturing process to create at least a portion of a custom first end connection configuration, and the custom first end connection configuration is different than an initial first end connection configuration. The method further includes adding material to the second end connection using a second additive manufacturing process to create at least a portion of a custom second end connection configuration, and the custom second end connection configuration is different than an initial second end connection configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Tan K. Lai, Chong S. Siang
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Patent number: 11187344Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. An orifice is disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A movable valve plug is disposed within the fluid passageway, and the valve plug interacts with the valve seat to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A cage is disposed in the fluid passageway, the cage surrounds the valve plug, and the cage includes a mechanical stop that limits movement of the valve plug within the cage away from the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Yan Qiu, Guo Dong Chua
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Patent number: 11187328Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve closure member displaceable a closed position and an open position. An attenuation element is provided and includes a plurality of hollow tubes including a first tube, a second tube and a third tube. Each tube includes a flow axis from an open first end to an open second end, and an inner surface defining a flow area and having a cross-sectional shape normal to the flow axis. A second end of the tubes is between the valve closure member and first ends of the tubes along their respective flow axes when the valve closure member is closed. The first tube, the second tube, and the third tube are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Charles R. Kuhlman, Andrew M. Prusha, Billy R. Flowers, David S. Scheffert
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Patent number: 11181207Abstract: A control valve trim assembly has a body having an annular first section and a longitudinally adjacent annular second section and defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of first openings are formed in the inner surface of the first section of the body and a plurality of second openings are formed in the outer surface of the first section of the body. Each of the first openings is in fluid communication with a corresponding second opening via a fluid passage formed through the body, which passes through the first section and the second section and each of the fluid passages has at least one radially extending portion and at least one longitudinally extending portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Michael W. McCarty
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Patent number: 11181401Abstract: Actuator bracket having a sensor is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bracket to couple a controller to an actuator. The bracket has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first side extending from the first end to the second end. The first end is to couple to an actuator and the second end is to couple to a controller. The apparatus also includes a first sensor coupled to the first side at the first end of the bracket. The first sensor is to measure a characteristic of the first end when the bracket is coupled to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: Shannon Eugene Jelken, Mark Allen Rachuy, Benjamin Uriah Good
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Patent number: 11174964Abstract: Position transmitter assemblies for use with actuators are disclosed. A position transmitter assembly for use with an actuator stem of an actuator includes a mounting bracket arranged for attachment to the actuator. The position transmitter assembly includes a position transmitter operatively coupled to the mounting bracket, the position transmitter including a position sensor or a feedback array. The position transmitter assembly includes an arm. The arm includes a first portion and a second portion. The other of the feedback array or the position sensor is mounted to the first portion. The position sensor is responsive to the feedback array to enable the position transmitter to determine a position of the actuator. The position transmitter assembly includes a cam assembly arranged between the actuator stem and the arm. The cam assembly is to cause the arm and the feedback array to linearly move when the actuator stem is rotating.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Steven Plummer