Patents by Inventor Donald Gross

Donald Gross 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: 11809009
    Abstract: A data communication system for deploying outside plant fiber optics includes a cassette releasably engageable in a tray pivotably connectable to a tray fastening member disposed in an inside of an enclosure. A test port in the cassette is accessible without pivoting the tray and without pivoting any one or more trays pivotably connected to the tray fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Gross, Iuliu Cosmin Gordea
  • Patent number: 11703141
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a master control module controlling multiple valve assemblies on a marine vessel may include a receiver, an input component, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver may receive positional status signals from corresponding individual control modules. Each positional status signal may be indicative of a positional status of a valve assembly corresponding to a respective individual control module. The input component may receive a command pertaining to one or more of the valve assemblies, including a desired flow characteristic and/or a desired time. The processor may generate control signals for the valve assemblies in accordance with the desired flow characteristics. The transmitter may transmit the control signals to the respective individual control modules to effectuate the desired flow characteristic accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20210373269
    Abstract: A data communication system for deploying outside plant fiber optics includes a cassette releasably engageable in a tray pivotably connectable to a tray fastening member disposed in an inside of an enclosure. A test port in the cassette is accessible without pivoting the tray and without pivoting any one or more trays pivotably connected to the tray fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Donald Gross, Iuliu Cosmin Gordea
  • Patent number: 11126210
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly having a manual override includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and a biasing member. The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projection. The gear defines an opening which selectively receives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear. In a first operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to the valve and the shaft is biased to be engaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along the axis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotated about the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from the gear. Further, a master control module can control one or more such valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 11036020
    Abstract: A data communication system for deploying outside plant fiber optics includes a cassette releasably engageable in a tray pivotably connectable to a tray fastening member disposed in an inside of an enclosure. A test port in the cassette is accessible without pivoting the tray and without pivoting any one or more trays pivotably connected to the tray fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Gross, Iuliu Cosmin Gordea
  • Publication number: 20210109304
    Abstract: A data communication system for deploying outside plant fiber optics includes a cassette releasably engageable in a tray pivotably connectable to a tray fastening member disposed in an inside of an enclosure. A test port in the cassette is accessible without pivoting the tray and without pivoting any one or more trays pivotably connected to the tray fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Donald Gross, Iuliu Cosmin Gordea
  • Publication number: 20200263799
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a master control module controlling multiple valve assemblies on a marine vessel may include a receiver, an input component, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver may receive positional status signals from corresponding individual control modules. Each positional status signal may be indicative of a positional status of a valve assembly corresponding to a respective individual control module. The input component may receive a command pertaining to one or more of the valve assemblies, including a desired flow characteristic and/or a desired time. The processor may generate control signals for the valve assemblies in accordance with the desired flow characteristics. The transmitter may transmit the control signals to the respective individual control modules to effectuate the desired flow characteristic accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20200004276
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly having a manual override includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and a biasing member. The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projection. The gear defines an opening which selectively receives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear. In a first operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to the valve and the shaft is biased to be engaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along the axis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotated about the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from the gear. Further, a master control module can control one or more such valve assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 10473227
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly having a manual override includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and a biasing member. The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projection. The gear defines an opening which selectively receives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear. In a first operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to the valve and the shaft is biased to be engaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along the axis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotated about the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from the gear. Further, a master control module can control one or more such valve assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 10077870
    Abstract: To prevent nuisance marine growth in a valve, particularly a ball valve, used to regulate a flow of seawater, a compound for lubricating and preventing nuisance marine growth is provided in the valve. The nuisance marine growth preventing compound includes a substantially uniform mixture of marine grease and an antifouling agent. The compound is introduced into the valve such that the compound is provided between and contacts a valve body and a ball that regulates the flow of seawater within the valve, and inhibits nuisance marine growth at a space between the ball and the valve body which is occupied by the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20180172173
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly having a manual override includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and a biasing member. The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projection. The gear defines an opening which selectively receives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear. In a first operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to the valve and the shaft is biased to be engaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along the axis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotated about the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from the gear. Further, a master control module can control one or more such valve assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20170074409
    Abstract: To prevent nuisance marine growth in a valve, particularly a ball valve, used to regulate a flow of seawater, a compound for lubricating and preventing nuisance marine growth is provided in the valve. The nuisance marine growth preventing compound includes a substantially uniform mixture of marine grease and an antifouling agent. The compound is introduced into the valve such that the compound is provided between and contacts a valve body and a ball that regulates the flow of seawater within the valve, and inhibits nuisance marine growth at a space between the ball and the valve body which is occupied by the compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20060226084
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating blockage within a liquid strainer used in a marine vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the rate of liquid flow through the strainer and a sensor for measuring the operational speed of a device utilizing the strained liquid. The apparatus also includes a control panel and central processing unit configured to receive at least one measurement from the flow sensor and receive at least one measurement from the speed sensor. The central processing unit then compares the relationship of the measured liquid flow rate and measured device speed to a predetermined clean strainer reference relationship of liquid flow rate and device speed at an equivalent device speed to determine the degree of strainer blockage. Visible and audible indicators are actuated when blockage becomes excessive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20060225799
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an adapter used in a marine fluid handling system to prevent thread mismatch between a thru-hull fitting and in-line valve. The adapter includes a head with a male NPT thread and a bore with a female NPS thread. The adapter is threaded to a thru-hull fitting with a male NPS thread that extends through a hole in a boat hull. The adapter is also attached to an in-line valve having a female NPT thread. The valve may be mechanically fastened to the adapter to prevent thread disengagement. When the valve fails, the valve is easily removed from the adapter that remains attached to the boat hull, and a replacement valve is attached to the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20050167628
    Abstract: A valve having a valve body, a rotary valve member, a valve handle, and a selectively repositionable valve handle stop member. The valve body includes first and second openings into which the stop member may be installed. The openings are provided on opposite sides of the lower end of the valve handle such that, when the stop member is installed in the first opening, the valve handle is rotated in a first direction between a first orientation, which corresponds to the valve member being full open, and a second orientation, which corresponds to the valve member being full closed. Alternatively, when the stop member is installed in the second opening, the valve handle is rotated in a second, opposite direction to move the valve member from the full open to the full closed position. When no stop member is installed, the valve member is sequentially moved from the full closed position, to the full open position, and then to the full closed position as the valve handle traverses a 180° arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 6702938
    Abstract: An odor reducing assembly for use in a marine vessel or RV waste holding tank including an aeration tube and an aeration pump. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding tank. The aeration tube may be provided by a separate aeration tube or may be incorporated into the macerator/discharge pump. The aeration pump is in fluid communication with the aeration tube and supplies pressurized air to the aeration tube during operation of the marine vessel or RV. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom-most portion of the holding tank and is submerged in sewage. Pressurized air from the aeration pump is injected into the sewage via the aeration tube and creates an oxygen-enriched aerobic environment therein. Air from the holding tank is continuously vented to atmosphere during operation of the aeration pump via a vent in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20030080055
    Abstract: An odor reducing assembly for use in a marine vessel or RV waste holding tank including an aeration tube and an aeration pump. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding tank. The aeration tube may be provided by a separate aeration tube or may be incorporated into the macerator/discharge pump. The aeration pump is in fluid communication with the aeration tube and supplies pressurized air to the aeration tube during operation of the marine vessel or RV. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom-most portion of the holding tank and is submerged in sewage. Pressurized air from the aeration pump is injected into the sewage via the aeration tube and creates an oxygen-enriched aerobic environment therein. Air from the holding tank is continuously vented to atmosphere during operation of the aeration pump via a vent in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 6547529
    Abstract: A sensor, system, and method for determining whether sufficient water is present to safely operate a pump. The sensor includes first and second conductive fittings that are physically and electrically isolated from one another by a third non-conductive fitting. Electrodes are secured to the exteriors of the first and second fittings and are electrically connected to an electronic detection device. The electronic detection device applies a voltage across the first and second fittings and detects a current flowing between the first and second fittings. The current is correlated to the presence of water between the first and second fittings. If the detected current is below a predetermined minimum, the electronic detection device turns off the pump to prevent dry-running thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20030038267
    Abstract: An improved valve handle that has a proximal end attached to the valve and operable to actuate the valve, and a distal end that defines an opening therein. The opening is adapted to receive a handle extension. The handle extension is a standard rachet handle having a drive plug that is received in the opening. The ratchet drive of the handle extension is set in the proper position and the handle is placed in a desired orientation relative to the handle and taking into account the space available for the extension. The extension may be removed from the handle or may be stored in place by aligning the handle extension with the length of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20030039549
    Abstract: A sensor, system, and method for determining whether sufficient water is present to safely operate a pump. The sensor includes first and second conductive fittings that are physically and electrically isolated from one another by a third non-conductive fitting. Electrodes are secured to the exteriors of the first and second fittings and are electrically connected to an electronic detection device. The electronic detection device applies a voltage across the first and second fittings and detects a current flowing between the first and second fittings. The current is correlated to the presence of water between the first and second fittings. If the detected current is below a predetermined minimum, the electronic detection device turns off the pump to prevent dry-running thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross