Patents by Inventor David M. Simmons

David M. Simmons 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: 11396870
    Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump may include a pump body, one or more subject fluid chambers within the pump body, one or more drive fluid chambers within the pump body, and a shuttle valve for shifting flow of pressurized drive fluid between two or more conduits. The shuttle valve includes a valve body and a spool disposed within the valve body and configured to move between a first position and a second position within the valve body. The shuttle valve also includes one or more magnets carried by the spool. The magnets are located and configured to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is magnetically biased away from an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Simmons, Geoffrey White, Tom M. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20200332793
    Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump may include a pump body, one or more subject fluid chambers within the pump body, one or more drive fluid chambers within the pump body, and a shuttle valve for shifting flow of pressurized drive fluid between two or more conduits. The shuttle valve includes a valve body and a spool disposed within the valve body and configured to move between a first position and a second position within the valve body. The shuttle valve also includes one or more magnets carried by the spool. The magnets are located and configured to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is magnetically biased away from an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: David M. Simmons, Geoffrey White, Tom M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 10273953
    Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: WHITE KNIGHT FLUID HANDLING INC.
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 10253761
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 10036382
    Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 9874206
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 9856865
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a reinforced shaft including an inner shaft and a protective cover. The protective cover at least substantially encapsulates the inner shaft. The inner shaft exhibits a greater resistance to mechanical deformation than the protective cover, and the protective cover exhibits a greater resistance to chemical corrosion by the subject fluid than the inner shaft. Methods of forming a reciprocating fluid pump include forming a reinforced shaft and positioning the reinforced shaft within a subject fluid chamber and between two plungers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, Ervin Andy Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20170342977
    Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160281692
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9360000
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GRACO FLUID HANDLING (A) INC.
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford
  • Publication number: 20150233366
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
  • Patent number: 9004881
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Simmons Development, LLC
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140334957
    Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140140869
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a reinforced shaft including an inner shaft and a protective cover. The protective cover at least substantially encapsulates the inner shaft. The inner shaft exhibits a greater resistance to mechanical deformation than the protective cover, and the protective cover exhibits a greater resistance to chemical corrosion by the subject fluid than the inner shaft. Methods of forming reciprocating fluid pump include forming a reinforced shaft and positioning the reinforced shaft within a subject fluid chamber and between two plungers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8636484
    Abstract: A pump system includes at least one pressure chamber at least partially defined by a helical bellows plunger comprised of a tubular body, a closed front portion, an open rear portion, and at least one contour extending continuously as a helix, longitudinally from proximate the front portion to proximate the rear portion. Methods for forming a helical bellows plunger include molding the helical bellows plunger using a mold core comprising a helically extending exterior contour and a cooperatively associated mold cavity comprising a helically extending interior contour of substantially a same pitch and configured to align with the helically extending exterior contour of the mold core, introducing a molding material therebetween, curing the molding material, and unscrewing the cured molding material from the mold core. Various configurations of helical bellows plungers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8622720
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump fluid, and one or more magnets carried by the plunger. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the plunger when the plunger expands and compresses in the reciprocating action within a pump body responsive to a magnetic field. Shuttle valves for shifting flow of pressurized fluid between at least two conduits include a spool movable within a valve body and one or more magnets carried by the spool. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field. Reciprocating fluid pumps may include such shuttle valves. Methods include forming and using such pumps and shuttle valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford
  • Publication number: 20130280102
    Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130243630
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8262366
    Abstract: Piston systems comprise a housing including a first piston chamber and a second piston chamber therein. A first piston is movably disposed within the first piston chamber and a second piston is movably disposed within the second piston chamber. A flow path extends between and couples the first piston chamber and the second piston chamber. Reciprocating pumps comprising a flow path between a plurality of piston chambers and methods of driving reciprocating pumps are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120063924
    Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a plunger configured to expand and compress in a reciprocating action to pump fluid, and one or more magnets carried by the plunger. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the plunger when the plunger expands and compresses in the reciprocating action within a pump body responsive to a magnetic field. Shuttle valves for shifting flow of pressurized fluid between at least two conduits include a spool movable within a valve body and one or more magnets carried by the spool. The one or more magnets may be used to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field. Reciprocating fluid pumps may include such shuttle valves. Methods include forming and using such pumps and shuttle valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford