Patents by Inventor Brandon Wayne Bell

Brandon Wayne Bell 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).

  • Publication number: 20240019046
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to reduce noise in valve. An example valve includes a valve body defining an inner cavity that fluidly couples an inlet of the valve and an outlet of the valve, the inner cavity having an inner wall with annular cavities spaced apart from one another along a direction of flow of the valve body, a trim to vary a degree of flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, and a screen positioned within the inner cavity, the screen at least partially surrounded by the annular cavities and including a pattern of apertures to disperse sound waves generated when the fluid moves therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20230376021
    Abstract: A Multi-Purpose Dynamic Simulation and run-time Control platform includes a virtual process environment coupled to a physical process environment, where components/nodes of the virtual and physical process environments cooperate to dynamically perform run-time process control of an industrial process plant and/or simulations thereof. Virtual components may include virtual run-time nodes and/or simulated nodes. The MPDSC includes an I/O Switch which delivers I/O data between virtual and/or physical nodes, e.g., by using publish/subscribe mechanisms, thereby virtualizing physical I/O process data delivery. Nodes serviced by the I/O Switch may include respective component behavior modules that are unaware as to whether or not they are being utilized on a virtual or physical node. Simulations may be performed in real-time and even in conjunction with run-time operations of the plant, and/or simulations may be manipulated as desired (speed, values, administration, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Mark J. Nixon, Anthony Amaro, JR., Brandon Wayne Bell, John M. Caldwell, Gary K. Law
  • Patent number: 11209100
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 11092248
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a trim arrangement for a ball valve. The trim arrangement can include a first seat assembly having a first seat, a threaded collar, and a biasing element. The first seat can be in contact with a first side of a ball element, and the threaded collar can be threadably coupled to the first seat and can be in engagement with the biasing element. The trim arrangement further includes a second seat assembly having a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element. The threaded collar can have a profile that is configured to non-rotatably and slidably engage a corresponding profile of a collar bore of the valve body to prevent rotation of the threaded collar relative to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 11054044
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ball valve. The ball valve includes a one-piece valve body having an interior cavity and a ball element positioned within the interior cavity. The ball element includes a ball recess that surrounds a ball passageway and extends axially into a first side of the ball element. The ball valve further includes a trim arrangement having a first seat in contact with the first side of the ball element, a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element, a first biasing element providing a contact stress between the first seat and the first side of the ball element, and a second biasing element providing a contact stress between the second seat and the second side of the ball element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 11047489
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a trim arrangement for a ball valve. The trim arrangement can include a first seat assembly having a first seat, a threaded collar, and a biasing element. The first seat can be in contact with a first side of a ball element, and the threaded collar can be threadably coupled to the first seat and can be in engagement with the biasing element. The trim arrangement further includes a second seat assembly having a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element. The threaded collar can have a profile that is configured to non-rotatably and slidably engage a corresponding profile of a collar bore of the valve body to prevent rotation of the threaded collar relative to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20200393063
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20200116264
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a trim arrangement for a ball valve. The trim arrangement can include a first seat assembly having a first seat, a threaded collar, and a biasing element. The first seat can be in contact with a first side of a ball element, and the threaded collar can be threadably coupled to the first seat and can be in engagement with the biasing element. The trim arrangement further includes a second seat assembly having a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element. The threaded collar can have a profile that is configured to non-rotatably and slidably engage a corresponding profile of a collar bore of the valve body to prevent rotation of the threaded collar relative to the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 10544868
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a trim arrangement for a ball valve. The trim arrangement includes a first seat assembly having a first seat, a threaded collar, and a biasing element. The first seat is in contact with a first side of a ball element, and the threaded collar is threadably coupled to the first seat and in engagement with the biasing element. The trim arrangement further includes a second seat assembly having a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element. The biasing element biases the first seat toward the first side of the ball element to provide a contact stress between the first seat and the first side of the ball element and the second seat and the second side of the ball element. The contact stress provided by the biasing element is adjustable by rotating the first seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20190249782
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ball valve. The ball valve includes a one-piece valve body having an interior cavity and a ball element positioned within the interior cavity. The ball element includes a ball recess that surrounds a ball passageway and extends axially into a first side of the ball element. The ball valve further includes a trim arrangement having a first seat in contact with the first side of the ball element, a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element, a first biasing element providing a contact stress between the first seat and the first side of the ball element, and a second biasing element providing a contact stress between the second seat and the second side of the ball element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20190249786
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a trim arrangement for a ball valve. The trim arrangement includes a first seat assembly having a first seat, a threaded collar, and a biasing element. The first seat is in contact with a first side of a ball element, and the threaded collar is threadably coupled to the first seat and in engagement with the biasing element. The trim arrangement further includes a second seat assembly having a second seat in contact with a second side of the ball element. The biasing element biases the first seat toward the first side of the ball element to provide a contact stress between the first seat and the first side of the ball element and the second seat and the second side of the ball element. The contact stress provided by the biasing element is adjustable by rotating the first seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 9618136
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 9297469
    Abstract: Valve seat assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a valve seat assembly including a cage and a valve seat coupled to the cage. The valve seat assembly is to be disposed in a valve body. The example apparatus also includes a seal having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. The first side, the second side and the third side are to be in contact with the valve seat assembly, and the fourth side is to be in contact with the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20160076653
    Abstract: A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having a central passage therethrough and an outer wall. The outer wall comprises a threaded portion, having a first diameter, to engage a cage of a fluid valve. The outer wall also includes a sealing portion to capture a seal assembly between the sealing portion and a surface of a body of the fluid valve. The sealing portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer wall of the example valve seat apparatus further includes a flange portion to capture the seal assembly between the cage and the flange portion. The flange portion extends toward the surface of the body and the sealing portion is to be positioned between the flange portion and the threaded portion. The flange portion has a third diameter greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 9267604
    Abstract: A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having a central passage therethrough and an outer wall. The outer wall comprises a threaded portion, having a first diameter, to engage a cage of a fluid valve. The outer wall also includes a sealing portion to capture a seal assembly between the sealing portion and a surface of a body of the fluid valve. The sealing portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer wall of the example valve seat apparatus further includes a flange portion to capture the seal assembly between the cage and the flange portion. The flange portion extends toward the surface of the body and the sealing portion is to be positioned between the flange portion and the threaded portion. The flange portion has a third diameter greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20150075652
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20140264138
    Abstract: Valve seat assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a valve seat assembly including a cage and a valve seat coupled to the cage. The valve seat assembly is to be disposed in a valve body. The example apparatus also includes a seal having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. The first side, the second side and the third side are to be in contact with the valve seat assembly, and the fourth side is to be in contact with the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20140264135
    Abstract: A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having a central passage therethrough and an outer wall. The outer wall comprises a threaded portion, having a first diameter, to engage a cage of a fluid valve. The outer wall also includes a sealing portion to capture a seal assembly between the sealing portion and a surface of a body of the fluid valve. The sealing portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer wall of the example valve seat apparatus further includes a flange portion to capture the seal assembly between the cage and the flange portion. The flange portion extends toward the surface of the body and the sealing portion is to be positioned between the flange portion and the threaded portion. The flange portion has a third diameter greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 8820708
    Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An example valve trim assembly for use with fluid valves includes a cage and a seal assembly to be positioned in at least one of the cage, a cage retainer or a plug. The seal assembly includes a first seal and a first scraper. The first seal is to provide a load to the first scraper to prevent the ingress of contaminate to a dynamic sealing surface to be engaged by the first seal. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a second seal and a second scraper. The second seal is to provide a load to the second scraper. Further, the seal assembly includes a spacer between the first and second seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20140175319
    Abstract: Multi-section valve bodies having face seals are described herein. An example multi-section valve body includes a first body defining a first portion of a valve passageway and having a fluid flow axis, the first body having a first sealing surface substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow axis and a first annular wall substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis, the first body having an annular cavity defined in the first sealing surface to receive a seal. The example valve also includes a second body having a bore defining a second portion of the valve passageway, the second body having a first end surface to be substantially parallel to the first sealing surface, wherein the first sealing surface is to engage the first end surface and the first annular wall is to extend into the bore of the second body when the first body is coupled to the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell