Patents by Inventor Gary E. Keffer

Gary E. Keffer 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: 9566556
    Abstract: A method of mixing two fluids uses three open-ended tubular sections assembled to define a mixing valve. An axial relationship between two of the tubular sections is defined by the third tubular section. A first fluid is introduced into an annular channel defined by the tubular sections. A flow of a second fluid is introduced along a flow path through the tubular sections. The first fluid is drawn into the flow of the second fluid via holes linking the annular channel to the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CROSSROADS MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Gary E Keffer
  • Publication number: 20150238911
    Abstract: A method of mixing two fluids uses three open-ended tubular sections assembled to define a mixing valve. An axial relationship between two of the tubular sections is defined by the third tubular section. A first fluid is introduced into an annular channel defined by the tubular sections. A flow of a second fluid is introduced along a flow path through the tubular sections. The first fluid is drawn into the flow of the second fluid via holes linking the annular channel to the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Gary E. Keffer
  • Patent number: 9038590
    Abstract: A venturi mixing valve assembly includes three open-ended tubular sections. A first section, coupled to a supply of a first gas and a supply of a second gas, has a sleeve defined therein wherein an annular channel open on one end thereof is defined between the sleeve and an inner surface of the first section. A second section defines an annular region with a plurality of holes and a venturi region coupled to the annular region. The annular region circumscribes at least a portion of the first section's sleeve. A third section is threadably coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second sections such that rotation of the third section in a first direction causes the first and second sections to move axially towards one another, while rotation of the third section in a second direction causes the first and second sections to move axially away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CROSSROADS MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Gary E Keffer
  • Publication number: 20140158079
    Abstract: A venturi mixing valve assembly includes three open-ended tubular sections. A first section, coupled to a supply of a first gas and a supply of a second gas, has a sleeve defined therein wherein an annular channel open on one end thereof is defined between the sleeve and an inner surface of the first section. A second section defines an annular region with a plurality of holes and a venturi region coupled to the annular region. The annular region circumscribes at least a portion of the first section's sleeve. A third section is threadably coupled to outer surfaces of the first and second sections such that rotation of the third section in a first direction causes the first and second sections to move axially towards one another, while rotation of the third section in a second direction causes the first and second sections to move axially away from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Crossroads Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E Keffer
  • Patent number: 8651137
    Abstract: A gas manifold system includes a plenum that receives a gas at a positive pressure and a manifold having at least one exit port. One or more valves are disposed between the plenum and the manifold. When opened, the valve(s) permit a stream of the gas at positive pressure to flow from the plenum into the manifold. A baffle is disposed in the manifold between the valve(s) and the exit port(s). The baffle obstructs each stream of gas entering the manifold such that the gas is reduced to substantially zero pressure in the manifold at the exit port(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Crossroads Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E Keffer
  • Publication number: 20130098490
    Abstract: A gas manifold system includes a plenum that receives a gas at a positive pressure and a manifold having at least one exit port. One or more valves are disposed between the plenum and the manifold. When opened, the valve(s) permit a stream of the gas at positive pressure to flow from the plenum into the manifold. A baffle is disposed in the manifold between the valve(s) and the exit port(s). The baffle obstructs each stream of gas entering the manifold such that the gas is reduced to substantially zero pressure in the manifold at the exit port(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CROSSROADS MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Gary E. Keffer