Patents by Inventor Douglas P. Gethmann

Douglas P. Gethmann 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: 8544820
    Abstract: Biasing apparatus for use with actuators are described. A biasing apparatus for use with a piston actuator includes a first sleeve at least partially surrounded by and movably coupled to a second sleeve. Additionally, the biasing apparatus includes a stop to limit an amount of movement of the first sleeve relative to the second sleeve and a biasing element positioned between first and second ends of the respective first and second sleeves to urge the first sleeve away from the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, David George Halm, David Anthony Arnold
  • Publication number: 20100327207
    Abstract: Biasing apparatus for use with actuators are described. A biasing apparatus for use with a piston actuator includes a first sleeve at least partially surrounded by and movably coupled to a second sleeve. Additionally, the biasing apparatus includes a stop to limit an amount of movement of the first sleeve relative to the second sleeve and a biasing element positioned between first and second ends of the respective first and second sleeves to urge the first sleeve away from the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, David George Halm, David Anthony Arnold
  • Patent number: 7832327
    Abstract: A diaphragm actuator for a fluid process control device comprises a housing, a diaphragm, a stem, and a plate assembly. The plate assembly includes a concave plate and a convex plate, each having inner and outer radial portions. The outer radial portions compressingly engage and retain the diaphragm. The inner radial portions are compressed together onto the stem between a shoulder of the stem and a nut threaded onto the stem. Accordingly, the concave plate forcibly engages and provides a fluid-tight seal directly with the shoulder of the stem without requiring an o-ring or any other additional sealing component. Moreover, the concave and convex plates are structurally equivalent such that the actuator may easily be switched between a biased-open configuration and a biased-closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, Ross A. Schade, David A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20090145294
    Abstract: A diaphragm actuator for a fluid process control device comprises a housing, a diaphragm, a stem, and a plate assembly. The plate assembly includes a concave plate and a convex plate, each having inner and outer radial portions. The outer radial portions compressingly engage and retain the diaphragm. The inner radial portions are compressed together onto the stem between a shoulder of the stem and a nut threaded onto the stem. Accordingly, the concave plate forcibly engages and provides a fluid-tight seal directly with the shoulder of the stem without requiring an o-ring or any other additional sealing component. Moreover, the concave and convex plates are structurally equivalent such that the actuator may easily be switched between a biased-open configuration and a biased-closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, Ross A. Schade, David A. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7472716
    Abstract: A valve having a valve packing removal device attached thereto is disclosed. The valve may include a valve plug reciprocally disposed within the valve housing and connected to a sliding stem. The packing may be provided about the valve stem to ensure or minimize leakage of regulated fluid from the valve. A sleeve may have a diameter less than a bore in which the packing is disposed and may be connected to the valve stem such that when the valve stem is sufficiently pulled from the valve, the sleeve engages the packing and pulls the packing from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 7219691
    Abstract: A positioner for a control valve assembly is disclosed wherein the positioner is mounted internally to thus protect the positioner from damage stemming from environmental, impact, or other outside influences. Accordingly, not only can the position of the valve be accurately measured, but the sensing hardware is less subjected to damage or other drawbacks associated with exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, Barry L. Gaarder
  • Patent number: 7172172
    Abstract: A valve having a valve packing removal device attached thereto is disclosed. The valve may include a valve plug reciprocally disposed within the valve housing and connected to a sliding stem. The packing may be provided about the valve stem to ensure or minimize leakage of regulated fluid from the valve. A sleeve may have a diameter less than a bore in which the packing is disposed and may be connected to the valve stem such that when the valve stem is sufficiently pulled from the valve, the sleeve engages the packing and pulls the packing from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6939074
    Abstract: A stem connector assembly includes a connector body formed from a single piece of metal, and having a frame portion and a valve stem passageway extending through the frame portion. In one aspect, the connector body also includes an actuator stem passageway extending through the frame portion, and has a locking unit. The locking unit couples an actuator stem and a valve stem to the connector body. In operation, the stem connector assembly provides for unified movement of the actuator stem and valve stem, permits some misalignment between the two, thus reducing wear of the associated rod and stem components. The stem connector assembly further includes at least one mounting assembly, such as among others at least one NAMUR standard mounting assembly, to facilitate ready mounting of component elements associated with a stem connector assembly, such as a positioner, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6929245
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Michel K. Lovell, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6874761
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Michel K. Lovell, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Publication number: 20040206927
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Michel K. Lovell, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Publication number: 20040154466
    Abstract: A positioner for a control valve assembly is disclosed wherein the positioner is mounted internally to thus protect the positioner from damage stemming from environmental, impact, or other outside influences. Accordingly, not only can the position of the valve be accurately measured, but the sensing hardware is less subjected to damage or other drawbacks associated with exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas P. Gethmann, Barry L. Gaarder
  • Publication number: 20040149951
    Abstract: A stem connector assembly includes a connector body formed from a single piece of metal, and having a frame portion and a valve stem passageway extending through the frame portion. In one aspect, the connector body also includes an actuator stem passageway extending through the frame portion, and has a locking unit. The locking unit couples an actuator stem and a valve stem to the connector body. In operation, the stem connector assembly provides for unified movement of the actuator stem and valve stem, permits some misalignment between the two, thus reducing wear of the associated rod and stem components. The stem connector assembly further includes at least one mounting assembly, such as among others at least one NAMUR standard mounting assembly, to facilitate ready mounting of component elements associated with a stem connector assembly, such as a positioner, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6733000
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Michel K. Lovell, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Publication number: 20040035462
    Abstract: A combined, integral flow control valve and actuator is formed with a two part valve body and a slidable plug therebetween. A valve seat is formed integrally within the valve body. The slidable plug and the valve body define actuating chambers. A positioner/actuator mounted to the valve body has an output coupled to the actuator chamber to move the slidable plug with respect to the valve seat and thereby control fluid flow. In a single action device, a spring return moves the slidable plug towards the valve seat. In a dual acting embodiment, two actuating chambers are provided and two integral valve seats are provided in a symmetrical configuration. The valve seat is removable enabling different materials to be used for the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Publication number: 20020195581
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Michel K. Lovell, Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6416268
    Abstract: A taper nut retention device mechanically fastens a plurality of pressure reduction disks. A cage end member at one end of the stacked disks has a series of counterbores, each aligned with respective mounting holes in each disk. A second cage end member at the other end of the stack has a series of inwardly converging, tapered bores with shallow taper angles, each aligned with respective mounting holes and a counterbore. A taper nut with a threaded interior and an outer tapered surface with a shallow taper angle matching the tapered bore is inserted into and engageably contacts the tapered bore. A threaded bolt is inserted into the counterbore and through the disk mounting holes to threadably engage the taper nut. Tightening of the bolt and nut mechanically secures the stacked disk assembly. A process for making the stacked disk assembly wherein each disk and the cage end members are plated with nickel and the components are fused together in a brazing oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Publication number: 20010031189
    Abstract: A taper nut retention device mechanically fastens a plurality of pressure reduction disks. A cage end member at one end of the stacked disks has a series of counterbores, each aligned with respective mounting holes in each disk. A second cage end member at the other end of the stack has a series of inwardly converging, tapered bores with shallow taper angles, each aligned with respective mounting holes and a counterbore. A taper nut with a threaded interior and an outer tapered surface with a shallow taper angle matching the tapered bore is inserted into and engageably contacts the tapered bore. A threaded bolt is inserted into the counterbore and through the disk mounting holes to threadably engage the taper nut. Tightening of the bolt and nut mechanically secures the stacked disk assembly. A process for making the stacked disk assembly wherein each disk and the cage end members are plated with nickel and the components are fused together in a brazing oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 6213150
    Abstract: A taper nut retention device mechanically fastens a plurality of pressure reduction disks. A cage end member at one end of the stacked disks has a series of counterbores, each aligned with respective mounting holes in each disk. A second cage end member at the other end of the stack has a series of inwardly converging, tapered bores with shallow taper angles, each aligned with respective mounting holes and a counterbore. A taper nut with a threaded interior and an outer tapered surface with a shallow taper angle matching the tapered bore is inserted into and engageably contacts the tapered bore. A threaded bolt is inserted into the counterbore and through the disk mounting holes to threadably engage the taper nut. Tightening of the bolt and nut mechanically secures the stacked disk assembly. A process for making the stacked disk assembly wherein each disk and the cage end members are plated with nickel and the components are fused together in a brazing oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Gethmann
  • Patent number: 5941281
    Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation. A stack of annular disks with fluid passageways formed of inlet slots, outlet slots, and interconnecting plenums. Selectively stacking and orienting the annular disks along with an asymmetric slot pattern creates the desired fluid passageways without creating an uninterrupted axial fluid flow path. High recovery inlet stages are in fluid communicating series with low recovery outlet stages and the combination provides a high performance fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans D. Baumann, Paul J. Schafbuch, Douglas P. Gethmann, Michael M. Anderson, David J. Koester