Patents by Inventor Brian L. Davis
Brian L. Davis 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).
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Patent number: 11225758Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically offloading railroad ties from a railroad car are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a support platform including a support surface to support railroad ties in a vertical stack configuration; a support structure to hold the railroad ties stacked in the vertical stack configuration in a magazine during transit, the support structure defining a gap; a gate transitionable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the closed configuration blocks at least a portion of the gap, and wherein the open configuration permits passage of the railroad ties through the gap; and a lift structure including at least one member transitionable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, wherein the raised configuration positions the member above the support surface to raise an end of the railroad ties to offload the vertical stack.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad CompanyInventors: Eric John Gehringer, Brian L. Davis
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Publication number: 20210267644Abstract: A metal plate contains a shape memory alloy (e.g., a nitinol alloy) capable of exhibiting the one-way memory effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Cleveland State UniversityInventors: Josiah S. Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis, Tanetta L. Curenton
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Patent number: 11034368Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can relate to a ceiling mounted air distribution system for a railcar. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a ceiling-mounted air distribution plenum may include: a diffuser configured to transmit air to at least one first air channel, the at least one first air channel having a first end configured to couple to the diffuser, a second end distal from the first end; at least one second air channel disposed proximate to and longitudinally with the at least one first air channel, the at least one second air channel having a first end configured to couple to the diffuser, a second end distal from the first end, and at least one air distribution hole, and at least one channel divider disposed to separate the at least one first air channel and the at least one second air channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANYInventors: Brian L. Davis, Mark Horne
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Patent number: 10939999Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the uyimain body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATIONInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
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Publication number: 20190329797Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can relate to a ceiling mounted air distribution system for a railcar. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a ceiling-mounted air distribution plenum may include: a diffuser configured to transmit air to at least one first air channel, the at least one first air channel having a first end configured to couple to the diffuser, a second end distal from the first end; at least one second air channel disposed proximate to and longitudinally with the at least one first air channel, the at least one second air channel having a first end configured to couple to the diffuser, a second end distal from the first end, and at least one air distribution hole, and at least one channel divider disposed to separate the at least one first air channel and the at least one second air channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Brian L. Davis, Mark Horne
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Publication number: 20190008632Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the uyimain body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATIONInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
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Patent number: 10010416Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the uyimain body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATIONInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
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Patent number: 9901898Abstract: Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis, James A. Rundo
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Patent number: 9751073Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 9403138Abstract: A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis
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Publication number: 20160038911Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 9216394Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Publication number: 20150314257Abstract: A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis
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Patent number: 8920517Abstract: An energy-storing prosthetic knee includes an upper leg structure and a lower leg structure hingedly connected to the upper leg structure. The lower and upper leg structures move pivotally relative to one another. A fluid actuator is operatively connected to the upper and lower leg structures such that relative pivotal movement of the upper and lower leg structures causes a fluid to flow in a predetermined manner within the fluid actuator. At least two controllable variable fluid flow resisting devices, an accumulator, and a control system are also provided. The control system is actuable to cause storage of the fluid energy for a predetermined length of time and release of the fluid energy at a predetermined time during the gait cycle. Both the storage and release of the fluid energy are variable by action of the control system without physical modification of other components of the prosthetic knee.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: William A. Smith, Sergey Samorezov, Brian L. Davis, Antonie J. van den Bogert
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Publication number: 20140214156Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the uyimain body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
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Publication number: 20140205506Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 8721973Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 8715343Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering an implantable medical device to a diseased cardiac valve includes an elongated shank, a brace member, and a locking mechanism. The shank has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the end portions. The first end portion includes a rotatable annular lower support and a fixing member. The lower support includes an annular ring having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces and a plane extending radially between the upper and lower surfaces. The brace member includes a barrel portion operably connected to a drive system. The barrel portion includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a second longitudinal axis extending between the end portions. The drive system includes a housing operably connected to an actuating handle. The locking mechanism is operably connected to the housing and the elongated shank.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, David J. Horvath
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Patent number: 8685086Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Jose L. Navia, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao, Brian L. Davis, Samantha Stucke
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Publication number: 20130259757Abstract: Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis, James A. Rundo