Patents by Inventor Cliff LaFrenz

Cliff LaFrenz 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: 10072443
    Abstract: A locking device for restricting access to a hatch of a pressure vessel, and, more specifically, a locking device that is responsive to the internal pressure in the pressure vessel so as to minimize the ability of one to open the hatch while the vessel is still pressurized. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises first and second portions of the locking device configurable between an open and a closed configuration and a pressure-responsive locking member in fluid communication with an outlet port of the pressure vessel and arranged to automatically retain the first and second portions in the closed configuration when the pressure inside of the pressure vessel is above a predetermined threshold, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second portions restrict manipulation of the hatch and/or a locking mechanism of the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Marco Group International OPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Richard McLaughlin, Cliff LaFrenz, Chris Gramling
  • Publication number: 20150152667
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device for restricting access to a hatch of a pressure vessel, and, more specifically, a locking device that is responsive to the internal pressure in the pressure vessel so as to minimize the ability of one to open the hatch while the vessel is still pressurized. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises first and second portions of the locking device configurable between an open and a closed configuration and a pressure-responsive locking member in fluid communication with an outlet port of the pressure vessel and arranged to automatically retain the first and second portions in the closed configuration when the pressure inside of the pressure vessel is above a predetermined threshold, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second portions restrict manipulation of the hatch and/or a locking mechanism of the hatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Richard McLaughlin, Cliff LaFrenz, Chris Gramling
  • Patent number: 8985646
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device for restricting access to a hatch of a pressure vessel, and, more specifically, a locking device that is responsive to the internal pressure in the pressure vessel so as to minimize the ability of one to open the hatch while the vessel is still pressurized. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises first and second portions of the locking device configurable between an open and a closed configuration and a pressure-responsive locking member in fluid communication with an outlet port of the pressure vessel and arranged to automatically retain the first and second portions in the closed configuration when the pressure inside of the pressure vessel is above a predetermined threshold, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second portions restrict manipulation of the hatch and/or a locking mechanism of the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Marco Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard McLaughlin, Cliff LaFrenz, Chris Gramling
  • Publication number: 20130062893
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a locking device for restricting access to a hatch of a pressure vessel, and, more specifically, a locking device that is responsive to the internal pressure in the pressure vessel so as to minimize the ability of one to open the hatch while the vessel is still pressurized. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises first and second portions of the locking device configurable between an open and a closed configuration and a pressure-responsive locking member in fluid communication with an outlet port of the pressure vessel and arranged to automatically retain the first and second portions in the closed configuration when the pressure inside of the pressure vessel is above a predetermined threshold, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second portions restrict manipulation of the hatch and/or a locking mechanism of the hatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Richard McLaughlin, Cliff LaFrenz, Chris Gramling