Patents by Inventor Brian J. Burlage

Brian J. Burlage 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: 9665076
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to interface with a control a loop are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a loop controller to control a control loop, a sensor to provide a measurement value to the loop controller, a device controller to adjust a control device based on an output from the loop controller, and a loop interface to receive a set point value and send the set point value to the loop controller, wherein the loop interface is different from a host device communicatively coupled to the loop controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Stephen Panther, Brian J. Burlage, Rickey Lee Osborn, Carter Bill Cartwright
  • Patent number: 9574680
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Roger A. Burlage, Alex Pesek
  • Patent number: 9366341
    Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that are in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20160018017
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Roger A. Burlage, Alex Pesek
  • Publication number: 20150377685
    Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that are in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 9169932
    Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that re in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20140224011
    Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that re in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20140214186
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to interface with a control a loop are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a loop controller to control a control loop, a sensor to provide a measurement value to the loop controller, a device controller to adjust a control device based on an output from the loop controller, and a loop interface to receive a set point value and send the set point value to the loop controller, wherein the loop interface is different from a host device communicatively coupled to the loop controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Stephen Panther, Brian J. Burlage, Rickey Lee Osborn, Carter Bill Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20140130874
    Abstract: A system and method for validating the availability and operability of a field device in a process plant is provided. A diagnostic apparatus includes a processor coupled to the field device wherein a diagnostic check is executed to remotely determine the availability and operability of the field device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Carter B. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7779852
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a flow detection switch monitors water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 7451777
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 7392817
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Anthony Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20080142098
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: CASTLEBRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: ROGER A. BURLAGE, BRIAN J. BURLAGE
  • Publication number: 20080087330
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a flow detection switch monitors water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: CASTLEBRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20080087341
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: CASTLEBRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 6905108
    Abstract: A valve includes a fluid inlet passage having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet passage, an orifice between the fluid inlet passage and the fluid outlet, and a moveable valve plug adapted to move with respect to the orifice to vary the flow of fluid between the fluid inlet passage and the fluid outlet passage. A movable valve stem is attached to the valve plug and a travel limiting device is attached to the valve stem. The travel limiting device permits the valve to be placed in one of a plurality of desired flow configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventors: Randy J. Hall, Ronald C. Burr, Mark D. Stiehl, Brian J. Burlage, Carter B. Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20030089867
    Abstract: A valve includes a fluid inlet passage having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet passage, an orifice between the fluid inlet passage and the fluid outlet, and a moveable valve plug adapted to move with respect to the orifice to vary the flow of fluid between the fluid inlet passage and the fluid outlet passage. A movable valve stem is attached to the valve plug and a travel limiting device is attached to the valve stem. The travel limiting device permits the valve to be placed in one of a plurality of desired flow configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Randy J. Hall, Ronald C. Burr, Mark D. Stiehl, Brian J. Burlage, Carter B. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 5439021
    Abstract: An electro-pneumatic converter device with modular components and with supporting housing structure enabling the device to be readily convertible from a current to pressure positioner to a current to pressure transducer. A valve positioner with an enclosure having a housing, a modular base, and a separable field terminal box. A self contained cover mounted to the enclosure with no additional mounting components. A plastic pneumatic relay ultrasonically welded together to eliminate metal mounting parts and lower assembly time. Open channels in a housing surface cooperating with a gasket to provide fluid passageways between the housing and the modular base. Pressure gauges are removably mounted on a modular unit for location completely within the housing. A floating interconnect terminal board permits self-aligning of mating terminals as the modular unit is inserted into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Steven B. Pauller, Stanley R. Good, Barry L. Gaarder
  • Patent number: 4559832
    Abstract: A piezoelectric fluid pressure fluctuation frequency sensor, preferably for a vortex-shedding flowmeter. A piezoelectric transducer is located in a sensor chamber between and in physical contact with a diaphragm and a chamber surface. Pressure fluctuations in a von Karman vortex street outside the diaphragm compress the transducer, between the diaphragm and the chamber surface. The transducer generates a responsive electrical signal which is representative of the pressure fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Fisher Controls Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, David E. Wiklund, Gary A. Lenz
  • Patent number: 4487076
    Abstract: An improved flow meter and sensor body therefor, the body having a strain relief portion. A housing of the flow meter defines a fluid flow passage and a sensor body opening. A sensor body mounting portion is mounted to the housing. A sensor body sensor supporting portion is in the fluid flow passage, and supports flow sensor transducers in the fluid flow. The sensor body relief portion is intermediate the sensor body mounting and supporting portions, in the sensor body opening, and adapted to relieve induced strain from external vibration, whereby the flow meter is substantially insensitive to external vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, David E. Wiklund, Gary A. Lenz