Patents by Inventor Eric Koehler

Eric Koehler 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: 20230256650
    Abstract: A concrete composition having an optimized formulation and suitable for 3-D printing is provided. The composition may include a hydraulic cement composition, aggregate, cement and/or aggregate by-product dust, one or more rheology modifiers, a plasticizer, fibers, and a sufficient amount of water to effect setting of the composition. Optionally the concrete composition may include a setting agent. A method for 3D printing multiple layers of the concrete composition is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, SooDuck Hwang, George Pantazopoulos
  • Patent number: 10739328
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for metering the total water added to a concrete load contained in a concrete truck mixing drum. The apparatus includes a coupling for connecting an external water supply, at least two check valves to enable water to be added from either the external water supply or a water tank onboard the truck, and a meter for recording water added to the concrete drum. Separate hoses may be provided for adding water to the drum and for supplying water for use outside the concrete drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin Baird, Eric Koehler, Cesar Constantino, Gary Nininger, Robert Phelabaum, Oscar Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20200128153
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 10432827
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 10350647
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Eric Koehler
  • Publication number: 20180339313
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: ALAN ROMACK, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 9987639
    Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Russell, Shridhar Gopalan, Christopher South, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler, Kerrie Allen, Srinivasaiah Sridhara
  • Publication number: 20180015487
    Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory RUSSELL, Shridhar GOPALAN, Christopher SOUTH, Russell HESTER, Eric KOEHLER, Kerrie ALLEN, Srinivasaiah SRIDHARA
  • Publication number: 20170297223
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Mark F. Robert, Roy J. Cooley, Steve Verdino
  • Patent number: 9789629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: VERIFI LLC
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Mark F. Roberts, Roy J Cooley, Steve Verdino
  • Patent number: 9776195
    Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: dlhBowles Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Russell, Shridar Gopalan, Chris South, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler, Kerrie Allen, Srinivasaiah Sridhara
  • Publication number: 20160170419
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for metering the total water added to a concrete load contained in a concrete truck mixing drum. The apparatus includes a coupling for connecting an external water supply, at least two check valves to enable water to be added from either the external water supply or a water tank onboard the truck, and a meter for recording water added to the concrete drum. Separate hoses may be provided for adding water to the drum and for supplying water for use outside the concrete drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Baird Kevin, Eric Koehler, Cesar Constantino, Gary Nininger, Robert Phelabaum, Oscar Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20160001330
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: ALAN ROMACK, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Eric Koehler
  • Publication number: 20150183404
    Abstract: A vehicle speed, ambient temperature or surface-condition responsive wash system 89 has a control system configured to adapt the wash system's operation to sensed operating conditions. The adaptive system and method selectively controlling aimed windshield washer fluid sprays comprises a multi (e.g., two) mode system with a washer fluid driving pump 80 having an impeller 121 that is activated to supply fluid under pressure to a multi-mode nozzle assembly 98. Selectable first, or low pressure, and second, or high pressure, modes are provided by controlling the pump's polarity and impeller spin direction, hi an exemplary embodiment, a two-mode pump 80 is initially operated in the second mode, or reverse direction, producing a lower pressure flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Shridhar Gopalan, Thomas Marsden, Eric Koehler
  • Publication number: 20150102126
    Abstract: A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Russell, Shridhar Gopalan, Christopher South, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler, Kerrie Allen, Srinivasaiah Sridhara
  • Patent number: 8960990
    Abstract: Method and system for motoring and obtaining information about quantity and characteristics of cementitious material In a rotating mixing drum. The present invention involves analysis of a sequence of values corresponding to a waveform reflecting the hydraulic pressure required to turn a concrete mixing drum at successive instances during rotation. Preferred embodiments involve the conversion of this time-domain data into the frequency-domain. Behavior of multiple harmonics can be examined in real time and further information obtained regarding physical properties of the concrete. Rheology or other properties can be adjusted by introducing a liquid into the concrete, based on a comparison between time-domain and/or frequency-domain values derived from a sample concrete in the drum and previously stored time-domain and/or frequency-domain values, which are preferably correlated with physical characteristics of concrete, such as slump, slump flow, load weight, and other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Verifi LLC
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Steve Verdino, Robert Culley
  • Patent number: 8815009
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making sand compositions wherein manufactured sand particles are pretreated with a clay-mitigating polycation and blended with natural sand particles that have washed to remove fines such that at least 90% of the natural sand particles are retained on a 75 micron sieve. Methods of the invention also involve the use of the blended pretreated sand for making concrete wherein the sand is combined with cement, a polycarboxylate type dispersant, a further amount of clay-mitigating polycation compound, and at least one hydryoxyl or hydroxyl carboxylic acid or salt compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Arthur Kyriazis, Bruce Perry, Eric Koehler, Leon Bablouzian
  • Patent number: 8818561
    Abstract: Method and system for monitoring slump flow of hydratable cementitious material such as wet concrete in a rotating mixing drum. Whereas prior art methods use a single value of the hydraulic pressure for turning the drum (such as the average value) and correlating with slump values using the vertical drop measurements of the standard slump test (e.g. ASTM C 143-05), the present invention involves analysis of values corresponding to slump flow of concrete samples, preferably having slump flow values of 16-36 inches when measured using standard slump flow tests (e.g., ASTM C1611-05).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Verifi LLC
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Steve Verdino, James Klauke, Robert Culley, Joseph Sostaric
  • Patent number: 8764272
    Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co., -Conn.
    Inventors: Kati Hazrati, Ara A. Jeknavorian, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 8764273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Mark F. Roberts