Patents by Inventor Dennis J. Sullivan

Dennis J. Sullivan 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).

  • Publication number: 20230354799
    Abstract: A multi-tank spray system includes a first tank, a second tank, a pump, and a plurality of valves including a first valve, a second valve, and an equalizing valve. A first end of the first valve is in fluid communication with the first tank, a second end of the first valve is in fluid communication with (i) a first end of the equalizing valve and (ii) an inlet of the pump. A first end of the second value is in fluid communication with the second tank. A second end of the second valve is in fluid communication with a second end of the equalizing valve. A tank module is configured to receive a spray mode, receive a measurement from at least one sensor of a plurality sensors, and control operation of the plurality of valves and the pump based on (i) the received spray mode and (ii) the received measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: PARESH BHARATIYA, DAVID A. HANSON, LESTER J. MCMACKIN, IV, DENNIS J. SULLIVAN, JOSHUA J. ENGELBRECHT, DAVID L. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 11758896
    Abstract: A spray boom for spraying a fluid on a target includes a boom frame and a spray section coupled to the boom frame. The spray section includes a spray pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and a nozzle coupled to the spray pipe and configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. An actuator is coupled at one end to the boom frame and at an opposite end to the spray section. The actuator is controllably extending and retracting to move the spray pipe and nozzle between a raised position and a lowered position. A trip assembly is coupled between the boom frame and actuator for biasing the spray section to a biased position in which the actuator and nozzle are substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20220142141
    Abstract: A spray boom for spraying a fluid on a target includes a boom frame and a spray section coupled to the boom frame. The spray section includes a spray pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and a nozzle coupled to the spray pipe and configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. An actuator is coupled at one end to the boom frame and at an opposite end to the spray section. The actuator is controllably extending and retracting to move the spray pipe and nozzle between a raised position and a lowered position. A trip assembly is coupled between the boom frame and actuator for biasing the spray section to a biased position in which the actuator and nozzle are substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11051505
    Abstract: A method of spraying multiple fluids from an agricultural machine includes supplying a first working fluid from a first source to a first spray nozzle, and supplying a second working fluid from a second source to the first spray nozzle. The method also includes operating at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the first working fluid from the first source to one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and operating the at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the second working fluid from the second source to the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle. The method further includes selectively spraying the first working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and selectively spraying the second working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Humpal, Ryan P. Davis, Dennis J. Sullivan, Larry P. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20210008582
    Abstract: A method of equalizing a spray system for an agricultural sprayer includes measuring an output flow rate or fluid pressure for one or more nozzles on a boom assembly, determining an amount of tilt of the boom assembly with respect to a reference frame, and associating the amount of tilt with the output flow rate or fluid pressure for each of the one or more nozzles. The method also includes determining tilt-updated flow settings for the spray system based on the output flow rate or fluid pressure and storing the tilt-updated flow settings in a spray profile for later use during a spray operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sullivan, Richard A. Humpal
  • Patent number: 10842143
    Abstract: An agricultural multi-fluid spray system includes a plurality of working fluid sources and a plurality of lines carrying a plurality of working fluids from the plurality of working fluid sources. A first spray nozzle has a plurality of inlets coupled to the plurality of lines and has a plurality of outlets selectively coupled to the plurality of inlets. The first spray nozzle has at least one control valve operatively positioned between the plurality of inlets and the plurality of outlets. The first spray nozzle is configured to segregate the plurality of working fluids into a plurality of fluid paths within the first spray nozzle upstream of the at least one control valve. The at least one control valve is configured and controlled to selectively route the plurality of fluid paths to one or more of the plurality of outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Humpal, Ryan P. Davis, Dennis J. Sullivan, Larry P. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10786826
    Abstract: Embodiments of an equalization system include a spray system with a spray boom and a plurality of nozzles that have fluid flow measurement sensors to measure flow rate from each nozzle or each section of nozzles for different boom configurations. Based on a comparison of the flow indicators to the average value, target value or reference value, a deviation from a target nozzle outflow rate is determined. The deviation is proportionally applied to adjust pulse width modulated nozzle control to equalize the performance of the nozzles or sections of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sullivan, Richard A. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20200113171
    Abstract: A method of spraying multiple fluids from an agricultural machine includes supplying a first working fluid from a first source to a first spray nozzle, and supplying a second working fluid from a second source to the first spray nozzle. The method also includes operating at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the first working fluid from the first source to one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and operating the at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the second working fluid from the second source to the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle. The method further includes selectively spraying the first working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and selectively spraying the second working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan P. Davis, Richard A. Humpal, Dennis J. Sullivan, Larry P. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20200113170
    Abstract: An agricultural multi-fluid spray system includes a plurality of working fluid sources and a plurality of lines carrying a plurality of working fluids from the plurality of working fluid sources. A first spray nozzle has a plurality of inlets coupled to the plurality of lines and has a plurality of outlets selectively coupled to the plurality of inlets. The first spray nozzle has at least one control valve operatively positioned between the plurality of inlets and the plurality of outlets. The first spray nozzle is configured to segregate the plurality of working fluids into a plurality of fluid paths within the first spray nozzle upstream of the at least one control valve. The at least one control valve is configured and controlled to selectively route the plurality of fluid paths to one or more of the plurality of outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan P. Davis, Richard A. Humpal, Dennis J. Sullivan, Larry P. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20190104721
    Abstract: A spray boom for spraying a fluid on a target includes a boom frame and a spray section coupled to the boom frame. The spray section includes a spray pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and a nozzle coupled to the spray pipe and configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. An actuator is coupled at one end to the boom frame and at an opposite end to the spray section. The actuator is controllably extending and retracting to move the spray pipe and nozzle between a raised position and a lowered position. A trip assembly is coupled between the boom frame and actuator for biasing the spray section to a biased position in which the actuator and nozzle are substantially perpendicular to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190104720
    Abstract: A spray boom for spraying a fluid on a target includes a boom frame and a spray section coupled to the boom frame. The spray section includes a spray pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and a nozzle coupled to the spray pipe and configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. An actuator is coupled at one end to the boom frame and at an opposite end to the spray section. The actuator is controllably extending and retracting to move the spray pipe and nozzle between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9964307
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes an interface shield between a first heat shield and a second heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9534783
    Abstract: A combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a heat shield panel mounted to a support shell and an insert at least partially between opposed surfaces of the support shell and the heat shield panel, the insert exposed to a combustion chamber, and the insert being flush with a hot side of the heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Masamichi Hongoh, Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20160175869
    Abstract: Embodiments of an equalization system include a spray system with a spray boom and a plurality of nozzles that have fluid flow measurement sensors to measure flow rate from each nozzle or each section of nozzles for different boom configurations. Based on a comparison of the flow indicators to the average value, target value or reference value, a deviation from a target nozzle outflow rate is determined The deviation is proportionally applied to adjust pulse width modulated nozzle control to equalize the performance of the nozzles or sections of nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sullivan, Richard A. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20150260404
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes an interface shield between a first heat shield and a second heat shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8359866
    Abstract: A combustor liner segment seal member is provided that includes a center section, a forward flange, and an aft flange. The center section includes a base surface, a gas path surface, a forward side surface, and an aft side surface. The forward flange extends outwardly from the forward side surface, and includes a width, a height, a shell side surface, and a liner side surface. The aft flange extends outwardly from the aft side surface, and includes a width, a height, a shell side surface, and a liner side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Masamichi Hongoh, Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8359865
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a support shell, a forward liner segment, an aft liner segment, and a seal member. The support shell has an interior surface, and exterior surface, and a plurality of impingement apertures disposed within the shell. The forward liner segment and aft liner segment are attached to the inner surface of the shell. The forward liner segment has an edge surface extending between a face surface and a back surface, and a seal shoulder. The aft liner segment has an edge surface extending between a face surface and a back surface, and a seal shoulder. The forward liner segment and the aft liner segment are separated from one another by a gap. The seal member is disposed within the gap. At least some of the plurality of impingement apertures disposed within the shell are aligned with the seal member and oriented to direct cooling air to impinge on the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130019603
    Abstract: A combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a heat shield panel mounted to a support shell and an insert adjacent to the support shell and the heat shield panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Masamichi Hongoh, Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110185737
    Abstract: A combustor liner segment seal member is provided that includes a center section, a forward flange, and an aft flange. The center section includes a base surface, a gas path surface, a forward side surface, and an aft side surface. The forward flange extends outwardly from the forward side surface, and includes a width, a height, a shell side surface, and a liner side surface. The aft flange extends outwardly from the aft side surface, and includes a width, a height, a shell side surface, and a liner side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Masamichi Hongoh, Dennis J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110185740
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a support shell, a forward liner segment, an aft liner segment, and a seal member. The support shell has an interior surface, and exterior surface, and a plurality of impingement apertures disposed within the shell. The forward liner segment and aft liner segment are attached to the inner surface of the shell. The forward liner segment has an edge surface extending between a face surface and a back surface, and a seal shoulder. The aft liner segment has an edge surface extending between a face surface and a back surface, and a seal shoulder. The forward liner segment and the aft liner segment are separated from one another by a gap. The seal member is disposed within the gap. At least some of the plurality of impingement apertures disposed within the shell are aligned with the seal member and oriented to direct cooling air to impinge on the seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Dierberger, Dennis J. Sullivan