Patents by Inventor Andrew A. Schnellinger

Andrew A. Schnellinger 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: 11939237
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Otis L. Clapp, Stanley B. Smith, III, Stephen M. Ent
  • Publication number: 20240093663
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11884555
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp
  • Patent number: 11885760
    Abstract: A system for product water output. The system includes a controller, a first conductivity sensor in communication with the controller, a first product valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and in communication with the controller, a second product valve downstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller, a second conductivity sensor downstream from the second product valve and in communication with the controller, and a divert valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and upstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan Keith LaRocque, Russell H. Beavis, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 11859589
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Publication number: 20230392570
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11826681
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partneship
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20230364315
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit a first pump to recirculate part of the retentate of the filter to the inlet of the cross-flow filter and a second pump to return part of the permeate to the inlet of the cross-flow filter. A third pump is configured supply source fluid to the inlet of the filter. The flow path between the second pump and the cross-flow filter inlet may include an adsorption filter that may selectively remove contaminants, toxins, or pathogens in the permeate. A controller may control the first, second and third pumps to provide predetermined flow ratios among the fluid flow paths of the system in order to achieve a desired filtration level. This system may be applicable to the removal of harmful substances from blood, by first separating the plasma from the blood and then removing harmful substances from the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 11660381
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit a first pump to recirculate part of the retentate of the filter to the inlet of the cross-flow filter and a second pump to return part of the permeate to the inlet of the cross-flow filter. A third pump is configured supply source fluid to the inlet of the filter. The flow path between the second pump and the cross-flow filter inlet may include an adsorption filter that may selectively remove contaminants, toxins, or pathogens in the permeate. A controller may control the first, second and third pumps to provide predetermined flow ratios among the fluid flow paths of the system in order to achieve a desired filtration level. This system may be applicable to the removal of harmful substances from blood, by first separating the plasma from the blood and then removing harmful substances from the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Publication number: 20220275781
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Publication number: 20220203259
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 11339758
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11285399
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Publication number: 20220008837
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20220011253
    Abstract: A system for product water output. The system includes a controller, a first conductivity sensor in communication with the controller, a first product valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and in communication with the controller, a second product valve downstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller, a second conductivity sensor downstream from the second product valve and in communication with the controller, and a divert valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and upstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan Keith LaRocque, Russell H. Beavis, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Publication number: 20220002169
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20210188662
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Otis L. Clapp, Stanley B. Smith, III, Stephen M. Ent
  • Patent number: 11002699
    Abstract: A system for product water output. The system includes a controller, a first conductivity sensor in communication with the controller, a first product valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and in communication with the controller, a second product valve downstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller, a second conductivity sensor downstream from the second product valve and in communication with the controller, and a divert valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and upstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan Keith LaRocque, Russell H. Beavis, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 10946302
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 10919782
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Lagenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Mithun R. Bhay, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp