Patents by Inventor Craig S. Custer

Craig S. Custer 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: 5079943
    Abstract: A method is disclosed calibrating a volumetric fluid flow sensor having a pole magnet armature in which a direction of reciprocation of the armature is co-linear with a magnetic axis thereof and in which there is provide a magnetic field sensor for sensing the position and strength of the magnetic axis of the magnetic armature. A path of fluid flow is defined which includes an inlet channel for contaning the reciprocation of the magnetic armature and having an outlet channel radially oriented relative to the input channel and in fluid communication with the inlet channel. A calibration magnet, located co-axially with the armature magnet provides a repulsive force to the armature magnet which, in co-action with the fluid force of the measured volumetric fluid flow provided an adjustable point of equilibrium of the armature and thereby an adjustable actuation point thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: CTE Chem Tec Equipment Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 5033311
    Abstract: A volumetric fluid flow sensing system includes a pole magnet armature in which the direction of reciprocation of the armature is co-linear with its magnetic axis and, includes a magnetic field sensor within magnetic communication with the magnetic axis for monitoring changes in the magnetic field strength of the magnetic axis. The system includes a housing which defines a path of fluid flow, including an inlet channel having the magnetic armature axially positioned therein, and having an outlet channel radially oriented relative to the axis of the input channel and in fluid communication with the input channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: CTE Chem Tech Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4858647
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve having a body having an inlet channel, an outlet channel in fluid communication with the inlet channel, and a flow-monitoring region situated medially between the inlet and outlet channels. Further provided within the body is a secondary channel having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet side of the flow-monitoring region and the second end extending to the outside of the body. The first end of the secondary channel is provided with an area of constriction proximal to the inlet side of the flow-monitoring region. Within the secondary channel is a piston slideably moveably situated. The piston is a pole magnet having a magnetic axis substantially co-linear with the axis of the secondary channel. The diameter of the piston is greater than the diameter of the constriction. Secured within the second end of the secondary channel is a plug. This plug is a pole magnet having a magnetic axis in alignment with the axis of the secondary channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Chem Tech Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4796473
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for sensing the level of a body of liquid within a container. The system includes a shaft secured parallel to a vertical axis of said container, said shaft having a magnetically responsive digital switch. Further provided is a toroidally-shaped reference element situated circumferentially about the shaft and secured at fixed level thereto, the reference element having a magnetic axis which is co-directional with the axis of the shaft. Also provided is a toroidally-shaped measuring sensing element also situated circumferentially about said shaft and vertically above said reference element but without securement thereto, said sensing element having a magnetic axis co-directional with the axis of said shaft and having a polarity of the magnetic axis which is repulsive in relationship to the magnetic axis of the reference element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Chem Tec Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4748299
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing means for use in a tank or the like, adapted to hold a liquid which is partially withdrawn and/or replenished from time-to-time. Disposed within the liquid is a buoyant, upright, hollow reed switch-like float element having a longitudinal axis parallel with the direction of movement of the liquid level within the tank. The switch element is adapted to float upon the surface of the liquid whose level is to be sensed. It is provided with an upper reed and a lower reed, each in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the float element. The upper reed is rigidly secured to the upper end of an envelope of the float element, while the lower reed thereof is spring biasly secured to the lower end of the float element envelope. At a location medially between the upper and lower ends of the float element envelope, there exists an area of overlap between the unsecured ends of the upper and lower reeds respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: CTE Chem Tech Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4739135
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-position sensitive, non-memory condition sensitive, automatic reset flow sensor having a solid housing having an inlet port and an outlet port connected by an axial bore through the center of the sensor housing. An armature is free to move axially within the bore within a range of motion defined by two pairs of detents, the detents extending radially toward the center axis of the bore. The magnetic axis of the compensating magnet is such as to normally oppose the magnetic axis of the armature and, thereby, to apply a magnetic repulsion against the armature to bias the armature toward the inlet port of the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: CTE Chem Tech Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer
  • Patent number: 4574833
    Abstract: A fluid control device includes a reciprocating valve comprising a ferromagnetic armature capable of receiving an axis of magnetic polarity corresponding to its axis of reciprocation, the axis generally also corresponding to the longitudinal center of a chamber within said housing, said chamber having a greater radius than the radius of the valve which moves within the chamber. The valve also exhibits a flow-responsive rear radial end face located within a region of communication between said inlet and outlet passages. The valve further has a front end face capable of closing the fluid outlet passage of the device. Further provided is a bias and calibration means located in the housing and disposed co-linearly and distal-proximately to the valve, near the rear radial end face thereof, opposite to the flow-responsive rear radial end of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Craig S. Custer