Patents by Inventor Benjamin Ruddell

Benjamin Ruddell 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: 9581265
    Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatuses for a rotary valve are disclosed. A rotary valve apparatus may have a case, a fluid conducting apparatus inside the case, and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator may align the fluid conducting apparatus with various ports in the case. In this manner, fluid may be conducted through the ports. The electromagnetic actuator may rotate the fluid conducting apparatus to align with different ports in the case. Thus, the apparatus may operate as a valve, connecting and disconnecting various ports in response to the electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Sherbeck, Benjamin Ruddell
  • Publication number: 20160238265
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal energy storage are disclosed. A thermal energy storage unit and an evaporator coil may form a thermosyphon. In an energy consumption mode, refrigerant may be directed from a compressor, through a condenser coil, to an evaporator coil via a first 3-way valve, and back to the compressor via a second 3-way valve. In an energy storage mode, refrigerant may be directed from the compressor, through the condenser coil, to a thermal energy storage unit via the first 3-way valve, and back to the compressor via the second 3-way valve. In an energy discharge mode, refrigerant may be directed from the thermal energy storage unit to the evaporator coil via the second 3-way valve, and back to the thermal energy storage unit via a vapor line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Sherbeck, Benjamin Ruddell
  • Publication number: 20140245773
    Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatuses for a rotary valve are disclosed. A rotary valve apparatus may have a case, a fluid conducting apparatus inside the case, and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator may align the fluid conducting apparatus with various ports in the case. In this manner, fluid may be conducted through the ports. The electromagnetic actuator may rotate the fluid conducting apparatus to align with different ports in the case. Thus, the apparatus may operate as a valve, connecting and disconnecting various ports in response to the electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Sherbeck, Benjamin Ruddell