Patents by Inventor Brian K. Sprafka

Brian K. Sprafka 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: 6123340
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal for use in a modular flow device and is utilized for joining and aligning a first mating surface and second mating surface having axial flow passageways. The seal comprises a protruding annular radiused edge about the axial passageway of the first mating surface and an annular groove about the axial passageway of the second mating surface. The groove has an inner angled wall for engaging with the annular radiused edge when the mating surfaces are compressively joined. Thus, a leak proof seal is formed around the fluid passageway and the passageways are aligned with respect to each other. The invention also relates to check valves for use with modular surface mount systems in which the check valve can be used as a surface mounted component or as part of a substrate that is mounted to or between other substrates and components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Brian K. Sprafka, Daniel E. Zeiler, Maria T. Longo
  • Patent number: 6041813
    Abstract: A manually actuated valve comprising a valve casing having an inlet and an outlet, and an actuator having an open position wherein the inlet and outlet are connected and a closed position wherein the inlet and the outlet are isolated. The valve has a handle movable between a first position and a second position, the handle controlling operation of the actuator. The valve further includes a member on the valve casing for receiving a locking member that maintains the handle in at least one of the first position and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Swagelok Marketing Co.
    Inventors: Ulrich H. Koch, Andrew M. Dougherty, Brian K. Sprafka
  • Patent number: 5860676
    Abstract: A modular block assembly is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system includes a base block having angularly disposed passages that receive fasteners in opposite, parallel end faces of the block. The fasteners allow adjacent base blocks to be connected in end-to-end fashion. The first passage extends through one of the end faces and communicates with an upper face of the block. Fluid components are selectively secured to the upper face of the base block to control or regulate fluid flow through the system as desired. Additional angle openings and fasteners, as well as additional fluid passages, may be provided in side wall faces of the base blocks. These additional passages permit transfer of fluid from one adjacent flow line to another. Each fluid passage end includes face seals allowing abutting engagement between the modular components to provide a sealed, continuous flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Swagelok Marketing Co.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Brzezicki, Thomas E. DiBiase, Michael J. Mohlenkamp, Benjamin J. Olechnowicz, Richard T. Papa, Brian K. Sprafka, Daniel E. Zeiler
  • Patent number: D439314
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Swagelok Marketing Co.
    Inventors: Dale J. Kitchen, Brian K. Sprafka