Patents by Inventor Frank J. Langro

Frank J. Langro 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: 7040346
    Abstract: A modular fluid power valve assembly having a valve controlling fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet port. The valve can be positioned on a manifold that houses a control assembly used to selectively activate the valve. The control assembly includes a visual indicator to indicate the actuation of the valve. The visual indicator further includes a light source for emitting light. A light pipe is selectively removably attached to the control assembly and valve manifold to allow the light from the light source to be easily seen by the user. The light pipe can be made in a variety of shapes and colors and can be removed by hand for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Festo Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. M. Boertje, Frank J. Langro, Michael Zona
  • Patent number: 6971272
    Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. A flow sensor includes a paddle and a support member. The paddle is disposed at least partially in an orifice and is displaced in response to fluid flow. The support member positions the paddle in the orifice and includes a plurality of strain gauges. The strain gauges are disposed on only one side of the support member and are mechanically stressed in response to the paddle being displaced by the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Förster, Frank J. Langro, Frank Latino, Josef Binder, Wolfgang Benecke, Thomas Stärz, Oliver Ahrens
  • Publication number: 20040025598
    Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. A flow sensor includes a paddle and a support member. The paddle is disposed at least partially in an orifice and is displaced in response to fluid flow. The support member positions the paddle in the orifice and includes a plurality of strain gauges. The strain gauges are disposed on only one side of the support member and are mechanically stressed in response to the paddle being displaced by the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: FESTO AG & CO.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Forster, Frank J. Langro, Frank Latino, Josef Binder, Wolfgang Benecke, Thomas Starz, Oliver Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6619142
    Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Förster, Frank J. Langro, Frank Latino, Josef Binder, Wolfgang Benecke, Thomas Stärz, Oliver Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6550368
    Abstract: A fluid power interlock system and method for providing same including a circuit having a first valve shiftable between a first and second state having an input and a pair of selectively operable first outputs. One of the first outputs is operatively connectable to a first actuator and the other of the first outputs is operatively connected to a second valve shiftable between a first and second state. The second valve has a pair of selectively operable outputs, one of the second valve outputs is operatively connectable to a second actuator, and the other of the second valve outputs is operatively connected to the first valve and provides a pilot signal thereto for permitting the first valve to shift from a first state to a second state. Shifting state of either of the first and second valves interrupts the pilot signal thereby preventing the non actuated valve from being actuated and shifting state. The system may also include a manifold, wherein the first and second valves are secured to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Festo Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Leeman, Frank J. Langro
  • Publication number: 20020056363
    Abstract: A fluid power interlock system and method for providing same including a circuit having a first valve shiftable between a first and second state having an input and a pair of selectively operable first outputs. One of the first outputs is operatively connectable to a first actuator and the other of the first outputs is operatively connected to a second valve shiftable between a first and second state. The second valve has a pair of selectively operable outputs, one of the second valve outputs is operatively connectable to a second actuator, and the other of the second valve outputs is operatively connected to the first valve and provides a pilot signal thereto for permitting the first valve to shift from a first state to a second state. Shifting state of either of the first and second valves interrupts the pilot signal thereby preventing the non actuated valve from being actuated and shifting state. The system may also include a manifold, wherein the first and second valves are secured to the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: Festo Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Leeman, Frank J. Langro