Patents by Inventor Bryant Morris

Bryant Morris 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: 10914278
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 10859046
    Abstract: A system comprising a drain for a fuel-water separator (FWS) assembly and a sensor is disclosed. The sensor may include a sensing element that is attached to the drain, wherein, when the drain engages the FWS assembly, a cavity is formed by an endcap at least partially within the FWS assembly and by at least one of the drain or the sensor, wherein the sensing element is exposed within the cavity, wherein a first side of the cavity is at least partially open, and wherein a second side of the cavity is formed by at least one of the drain or the sensor, wherein the cavity is configured to receive fluid through the first side and collect the fluid in the cavity to trigger the sensing element. Numerous other aspects and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Bryant Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 10753330
    Abstract: A drain for a fuel-water separator (FWS) bowl is disclosed. The drain may include a valve element configured to float in a first fluid and not in a second fluid, wherein the valve element is in a valve element chamber of the drain, wherein the valve element chamber includes an opening configured to drain the first fluid from the valve element chamber, and wherein the valve element seals the opening when the drain is in an open position and when the first fluid has been drained from the valve element chamber; and a member configured to unseal the valve element from the opening when the drain is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Corey C. Eadie, Javier Rodriguez, Bryant Morris, Patrick Savage
  • Patent number: 10722826
    Abstract: A filter assembly may include a canister and a filter element received in the canister. The filter element may include filter media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid having different characteristics than the first fluid as fluid passes through the filter media. The filter element may further include a first end cap, a second end cap, and a tubular member extending between the first and second end caps. The filter assembly may further include a flow cap associated with the first end cap of the filter element. The flow cap may include an inlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and the tubular member of the filter element, and an outlet portion configured to provide flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20200222834
    Abstract: An end cap for a filter element may include an element receiver configured to be coupled to a tubular member, and a base passage receiver in flow communication with the element receiver. The end cap may further include an end cap barrier extending outward from the base passage receiver, the end cap barrier including a first side configured to face a filter base. The end cap may also include end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between filter media and a filter base, and including a passage opening spaced a first distance from the first side. The end cap may further include a barrier edge and a peripheral seal, wherein an uppermost surface of the peripheral seal terminates a second distance from the first side of the end cap barrier, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bryant A. MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES, Brian J. SUTTON
  • Publication number: 20190383252
    Abstract: A system comprising a drain for a fuel-water separator (FWS) assembly and a sensor is disclosed. The sensor may include a sensing element that is attached to the drain, wherein, when the drain engages the FWS assembly, a cavity is formed by an endcap at least partially within the FWS assembly and by at least one of the drain or the sensor, wherein the sensing element is exposed within the cavity, wherein a first side of the cavity is at least partially open, and wherein a second side of the cavity is formed by at least one of the drain or the sensor, wherein the cavity is configured to receive fluid through the first side and collect the fluid in the cavity to trigger the sensing element. Numerous other aspects and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. MOREHOUSE, III, Bryant MORRIS, Jeffrey R. RIES
  • Publication number: 20190323463
    Abstract: A drain for a fuel-water separator (FWS) bowl is disclosed. The drain may include a valve element configured to float in a first fluid and not in a second fluid, wherein the valve element is in a valve element chamber of the drain, wherein the valve element chamber includes an opening configured to drain the first fluid from the valve element chamber, and wherein the valve element seals the opening when the drain is in an open position and when the first fluid has been drained from the valve element chamber; and a member configured to unseal the valve element from the opening when the drain is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Corey C. Eadie, Javier Rodriguez, Bryant Morris, Patrck Savage
  • Patent number: 10245532
    Abstract: A center tube for use with a filter element comprises a unitary body having a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage and a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines a first aperture between the fin and the standpipe, the apertures together defining a first outer axial flow passage and the standpipe defines a rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant Morris, Samuel D. Oanes
  • Patent number: 10201772
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Mark A. McElroy
  • Patent number: 10155184
    Abstract: A filter element may include a first end cap including an end cap barrier including an inner end cap aperture and end cap flow passages configured to provide flow communication between the of interior the filter element and the exterior of the filter element. The filter element may also include a first tubular member having a first end coupled to the first end cap to provide flow communication between the inner end cap aperture and a second end of the first tubular member. The filter element may further include first filter media extending around the first tubular member, an intermediate barrier coupled to a second end of the first tubular member, and second filter media having different filtering characteristics than the first filter media. One of the first filter media and the second filter media may include a coalescing-type media configured to promote separation of a first fluid from a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant A. Morris, Matthew A. Johnson, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 10112133
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter element, a cap, and a base seal. The filter element has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inside passage. The cap is affixed to the first end. The cap has a cap perimeter configured to mate with an opening of a filter housing. The base seal is disposed at the second end. The base seal has an outlet port in cooperative alignment with the inside passage. The base seal is configured to seal the outlet port to a housing outlet and the base seal is configured to seal a housing drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Mark McElroy
  • Patent number: 10058805
    Abstract: A connection includes a first component, a second component, a cord member, a detent, and a catch assembly. The first component has an opening with an inner surface and a first annular groove disposed about the inner surface. The second component has a top end configured to fit in the opening. The top end has an outer surface with a second annular groove disposed about the outer surface. The first annular groove and the second annular groove are configured to form a channel in response to being disposed in cooperative alignment. The cord member is configured to be removably inserted into the channel to secure the first component to the second component. The detent is disposed on the cord member. The catch assembly is configured to engage the detent and provide resistance to movement of the cord member relative to the catch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Sam Oanes, Jeffrey Ries
  • Publication number: 20180161708
    Abstract: A fluid filter system is provided having a canister, a bowl, and a filter positioned inside the canister. The filter includes a sleeve defining a reservoir with filter media surrounding the reservoir. A cover is disposed on a first end of the sleeve and an end cap is disposed on a second end of the sleeve, the end cap having a lid extending across the filter media and sleeve. The bowl includes a sidewall, a floor, and an upper edge. The bowl further includes an upstanding post extending from a floor and the lid further includes a pocket formed along the lid. The pocket defines a cavity disposed outside of the reservoir and includes a threaded portion configured to threadably receive the upstanding post of the bowl. An O-ring seal provides a seal between the bowl and the canister when the upstanding post is threaded to the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20170361249
    Abstract: A center tube for use with a filter element comprises a unitary body having a standpipe that defines a length along the longitudinal axis and a central flow passage and a plurality of radially extending flow fins attached to the standpipe, the flow fins spaced axially from one another along the standpipe to define radial flow channels, wherein each of the fins further defines a first aperture between the fin and the standpipe, the apertures together defining a first outer axial flow passage and the standpipe defines a a rectangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Ries, Bryant Morris, Sam Oanes
  • Patent number: 9808745
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular member including a partition at least partially defining first and second chambers. The tubular member may further include at least one outlet aperture and at least one inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication exiting from the first chamber and flow communication into the second chamber, respectively. The filter element may be configured such that fluid passing through the filter element from an inlet port to an outlet port passes through the first chamber, a filter medium, and the second chamber. The filter element may also include an end cap having a return aperture configured to provide flow communication between fluid exiting from the first chamber and fluid entering the inlet port, wherein a portion of fluid exiting from the first chamber is returned to the inlet port for recirculation through the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Patent number: 9789426
    Abstract: A flow cap may include an outer ring, an inner ring, an inlet portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may include first portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plurality of arms extending between the first portions of the outer and inner rings, wherein the arms at least partially define an inlet aperture configured to provide flow communication between an inlet port of a filter base and an interior portion of a filter element. The outlet portion may include second portions of the outer and inner rings, and a plate including an outlet aperture providing flow communication between an outlet port of the filter base and an exterior portion of the filter element. The outlet portion may also include a wall, wherein the plate and the wall prevent flow communication between fluid entering the inlet portion and fluid entering the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant A. Morris, Jeffrey R. Ries, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Brian J. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9752541
    Abstract: A filter media includes flutes, forward plugs, and aft plugs. Each of the flutes has a forward flute face, an aft flute face, and a flute body defining a flute conduit to convey the fluid. The forward plugs are disposed in alternating ones of the flutes. Each forward plug includes a plug base and an aerodynamic plug nose. The aerodynamic plug nose has a center axis and a nose surface tapering outwardly from the center axis towards the plug base. The plug nose is configured to aerodynamically redirect a flow of the fluid away from the center axis. The flutes that have forward plugs include a flute outlet disposed at the aft flute face. The aft plugs are disposed in the flutes adjacent to the flutes that have corresponding forward plugs. The flutes that have aft plugs include a flute inlet disposed at the forward flute face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Martin, Jason Jura, Bryant Morris
  • Patent number: 9724628
    Abstract: A fuel water separator is provided. The fuel water separator includes a filter having a top end cap and a bottom end cap. A sensor is coupled to the top end cap of the filter. A probe is configured to be coupled to the sensor and to the bottom end cap. The probe is configured to be positioned outside the filter between the top end cap and the bottom end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Darrell L. Morehouse, III, Jeffrey R. Ries
  • Publication number: 20170209821
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: MARK T. ALLOTT, BRYANT A. MORRIS, MARK A. McELROY
  • Patent number: D793525
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Jeffrey Ries, Brian Sutton