Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Platusich

Bruce M. Platusich 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: 10773878
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing gases and, optionally, liquids into a control valve includes a collar and a plurality of gas distribution devices. The collar includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner bore formed through a central portion of the first side and the second side, an outer edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which defines an outer perimeter of the collar, an inner edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which extends around the inner bore to define an inside perimeter of the collar, and a plurality of passages that extend through the outer edge and inner edge without penetrating the first and second sides. The plurality of gas distribution devices are mounted into the passages of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Red Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 10627036
    Abstract: A valve system includes: a valve; a hydraulic cylinder attached to at least a portion of the valve; and at least a first accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The first accumulator includes: (i) a first end having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; (ii) a second end having a gas inlet; and (iii) a body positioned between the first end and the second end and which includes a fluid chamber and a gas chamber separated by a flexible separating member. The hydraulic cylinder is configured to close the valve in response to pressure provided by fluid distributed from the first accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Red Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Publication number: 20180229927
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing gases and, optionally, liquids into a control valve includes a collar and a plurality of gas distribution devices. The collar includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner bore formed through a central portion of the first side and the second side, an outer edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which defines an outer perimeter of the collar, an inner edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which extends around the inner bore to define an inside perimeter of the collar, and a plurality of passages that extend through the outer edge and inner edge without penetrating the first and second sides. The plurality of gas distribution devices are mounted into the passages of the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Publication number: 20180066785
    Abstract: A valve system includes: a valve; a hydraulic cylinder attached to at least a portion of the valve; and at least a first accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The first accumulator includes: (i) a first end having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; (ii) a second end having a gas inlet; and (iii) a body positioned between the first end and the second end and which includes a fluid chamber and a gas chamber separated by a flexible separating member. The hydraulic cylinder is configured to close the valve in response to pressure provided by fluid distributed from the first accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Publication number: 20100258201
    Abstract: A valve system for collection and removal of condensation from a gas-pressurized fluid system. In one embodiment a single valve is used, having inlet, outlet and condensate collection ports and a valve body capable of movement between a position which connects the inlet port to the condensate collection port and a position which connects the condensate collection port to the outlet port. The valve is formed such that the inlet port is not connected to the outlet port while the valve is moved between the two positions, so that the pressurized system is not depressurized. A second embodiment uses two coupled valves replacing the single valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Henry J. Zawada
  • Patent number: 7766031
    Abstract: A valve system for collection and removal of condensation from a gas-pressurized fluid system. In one embodiment a single valve is used, having inlet, outlet and condensate collection ports and a valve body capable of movement between a position which connects the inlet port to the condensate collection port and a position which connects the condensate collection port to the outlet port. The valve is formed such that the inlet port is not connected to the outlet port while the valve is moved between the two positions, so that the pressurized system is not depressurized. A second embodiment uses two coupled valves replacing the single valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Henry J. Zawada
  • Publication number: 20090194992
    Abstract: A compensation system for use with a divided pipe having a pair of open ends and being supported at first and second spaced apart points which are moveable relative to one another. A loop member attaches to the open ends of the pipe and is supported by a support system. The loop member includes a bend causing the loop member to extend away from the pipe, the loop member being flexible enough to accommodate a movement between the open ends of the pipe. The support system includes a flexible support having a first end secured to move with the first point and a second end secured move with the second point. Also, a support connection is provided at the loop member for engagement by the flexible support between the two ends to permit movement of the loop member relative to the pipe, the support connection permitting movement of the flexible support relative to the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Zbigniew Bochenek, Bruce M. Platusich, James R. Richter, James David Clauss
  • Publication number: 20070151604
    Abstract: A valve system for collection and removal of condensation from a gas-pressurized fluid system. In one embodiment a single valve is used, having inlet, outlet and condensate collection ports and a valve body capable of movement between a position which connects the inlet port to the condensate collection port and a position which connects the condensate collection port to the outlet port. The valve is formed such that the inlet port is not connected to the outlet port while the valve is moved between the two positions, so that the pressurized system is not depressurized. A second embodiment uses two coupled valves replacing the single valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Henry J. Zawada
  • Publication number: 20020140172
    Abstract: An elastomeric sealing gasket for a pipe or other fluid tight coupling is protected from degradation by incorporating a chelating or antioxidant compound in the sealing gasket material during manufacture or applied as a coating after manufacture but before installation in the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 6196039
    Abstract: Groove rollers, which are for use with a roll grooving device for forming a groove in an outer surface of a pipe near an end of the pipe, include an outside roller and an inside roller. The outside roller has a peripheral surface that includes a first protrusion configured to form the groove, and a second protrusion having a surface configured to inhibit flaring of the end of the pipe when forming the groove. The inside roller has a peripheral surface that includes a notch configured to receive the first protrusion, and may have a second notch configured to receive the second protrusion. A pipe abutment surface against which the end of the pipe is positioned when forming the groove is formed on one of the inside or outside rollers. In another feature, the outside roller includes a first aligning element and the inside roller includes a second aligning element configured to interact with the first aligning element to align the outside and inside rollers when forming the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Anvil International, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Williams, Bruce M. Platusich, Sandra M. Lippka
  • Patent number: 5786054
    Abstract: Forming a novel double containment polymeric piping assembly by interfitting slidably interfittable polymeric inner pipe components, including a first induction responsive layer therebetween, and slidably interfittable polymeric outer pipe components, preferably including a second induction responsive layer therebetween, to form an inner connection and an outer connection, while causing the inner connection to be axially offset from the outer connection, applying an electrical induction force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, axially aligned with the inner connection but not with said outer connection, and thereby fusing the inner pipe components and the first polymeric layer together, and moving the components relative to said electrical induction force, axially away from the inner connection, and axially aligned with the outer connection, applying an inductive force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, and thereby fusing the outer pipe components and the second polymeric layer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5524674
    Abstract: Forming a novel double containment polymeric piping assembly by interfitting slidably interfittable polymeric inner pipe components, including a first induction responsive layer therebetween, and slidably interfittable polymeric outer pipe components, preferably including a second induction responsive layer therebetween, to form an inner connection and an outer connection, while causing the inner connection to be axially offset from the outer connection, applying an electrical induction force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, axially aligned with the inner connection but not with said outer connection, and thereby fusing the inner pipe components and the first polymeric layer together, and moving the components relative to said electrical induction force, axially away from the inner connection, and axially aligned with the outer connection, applying an inductive force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, and thereby fusing the outer pipe components and the second polymeric layer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5509441
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The disclosure includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5503192
    Abstract: Forming a novel double containment polymeric piping assembly by interfitting slidably interfittable polymeric inner pipe components, including a first induction responsive layer therebetween, and slidably interfittable polymeric outer pipe components, preferably including a second induction responsive layer therebetween, to form an inner connection and an outer connection, while causing the inner connection to be axially offset from the outer connection, applying an electrical induction force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, axially aligned with the inner connection but not with said outer connection, and thereby fusing the inner pipe components and the first polymeric layer together, and moving the components relative to said electrical induction force, axially away from the inner connection, and axially aligned with the outer connection, applying an inductive force around the periphery of the outer pipe components, and thereby fusing the outer pipe components and the second polymeric layer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5503544
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The disclosure includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5409654
    Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The concept includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 5236006
    Abstract: A valve extension actuator subassembly for rotating an extending valve stem of an HVAC valve, having a rotational, polymeric, cylindrical, hollow projection body extending on a central axis coaxial with the valve stem, having an inner end and an outer end, and defining a central space therein, a transverse polymeric handle on the outer end of the projection body, a metal valve plate at said inner end of the projection body, rotatable therewith, and receiving the extended valve stem to rotate it, a removable thermal insulative plug in the central space for thermally insulating the subassembly, and a removable cap closing the outer end of the body. Connection of the body to the valve plate preferably includes snap-on detents. The body preferably has drive lugs interfitting with the valve plate. One embodiment has an adjustable memory stop plate serving as the valve plate, the stop mechanism being accessible with a tool extended through the central space of the body after removing the insert and cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Don A. Leonhard
  • Patent number: 4777977
    Abstract: A butterfly valve housing which is to be interposed between two sections of as conduit includes a metallic core body and a covering body of a high-rigidity synthetic plastic material which is molded around the core body to substantially completely encase the same and to form a substantially self-supporting shell around the core body. The core body has and annular portion that bounds an internal opening and two projections which extend radially outwardly from the annular portion. The projections and the annular portion bound transverse passages that are centered on a common axis extending across the internal opening and in use accommodate respective trunnions that support a disc-shaped valve member of the butterfly valve. The covering body has regions which penetrated into these transverse openings to cover the core body within the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich
  • Patent number: 4774750
    Abstract: A butterfly valve housing which is to be interposed between two sections of as conduit includes a metallic core body and a covering body of a high-rigidity synthetic plastic material which is molded around the core body to substantially completely encase the same and to form a substantially self-supporting shell around the core body. The core body has and annular portion that bounds an internal opening and two projections which extend radially outwardly from the annular portion. The projections and the annular portion bound transverse passages that are centered on a common axis extending across the internal opening and in use accommodate respective trunnions that support a disc-shaped valve member of the butterfly valve. The covering body has regions which penetrated into these transverse openings to cover the core body within the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce M. Platusich