Patents by Inventor Gary Scheffel

Gary Scheffel 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: 20100071782
    Abstract: One or both of two components that are joinable by a connector (22) is provided with a connector retainer mechanism (200) that holds the connector with the component prior to assembly. In one embodiment, a component having a mounting hole (102) therein includes a retainer (202, 204) or holder that keeps a connector in the mounting hole so that the component may be assembled to another component without the connector falling out of the mounting hole prior to such assembly. An example of a connector retainer mechanism is a ball that partially extends into the mounting hole from a transverse bore (208).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Scheffel
  • Patent number: 7337805
    Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a valve or actuator is provided. The adjustable mechanism cooperates with one or more pistons, which in turn cooperates with a valve element to limit the axial displacement of the valve element relative to the valve seat. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted axially, thereby providing a greater or lesser distance for the piston and diaphragm to travel. Embodiments incorporating the adjustable mechanism include a trickle valve, an on/off valve and a mixing valve. The adjustable mechanism also provides to the adjustment of the piston stroke to match or closely mirror the stroke of the vale element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Ronnie Brown, Carmen J. DeLisio, Gary Scheffel, David Stedman, Jared Timko
  • Patent number: 7252032
    Abstract: A fluid actuator configured for achieving extended cycle life and reduced overall actuator height. The actuator may include a nesting arrangement between portions of the actuator to reduce overall height and provide stability. The actuator may also join movable members and include a guidance mechanism to avoid undesired contact between actuator portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Gary Scheffel, Jared S. Timko
  • Publication number: 20050265868
    Abstract: A fluid actuator configured for achieving extended cycle life and reduced overall actuator height. The actuator may include a nesting arrangement between portions of the actuator to reduce overall height and provide stability. The actuator may also join movable members and include a guidance mechanism to avoid undesired contact between actuator portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Scheffel, Jared Timko
  • Publication number: 20050199292
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a fluid device includes an actuator having a first condition and having a second condition responsive to air under pressure for providing force for operating the fluid device. An override mechanism connected with the actuator is manually engageable to override the force provided by the actuator. The override mechanism may include a handle having a first handle position and a second handle position. The override mechanism may include a latching mechanism for automatically latching the handle in the selected handle position. The latching mechanism may be lockable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: David Stedman, James Young, Gary Scheffel, Jared Timko
  • Publication number: 20050139061
    Abstract: An actuator housing assembly with modular components that have a commonality in construction to allow the actuator to include multiple pistons by stacking the modular components. The actuator may include a housing construction that permits optimization of the piston surface area in multiple piston operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Jared Timko, Gary Scheffel
  • Publication number: 20040244850
    Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a valve or actuator is provided. The adjustable mechanism cooperates with one or more pistons, which in turn cooperates with a valve element to limit the axial displacement of the valve element relative to the valve seat. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted axially, thereby providing a greater or lesser distance for the piston and diaphragm to travel. Embodiments incorporating the adjustable mechanism include a trickle valve, an on/off valve and a mixing valve. The adjustable mechanism also provides to the adjustment of the piston stroke to match or closely mirror the stroke of the vale element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronnie Browne, Carmen J. DeLisio, Gary Scheffel, David Stedman, Jared Timko
  • Patent number: 6669168
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling includes a male coupling component and a female coupling component that axially interfit in a locked and unlocked relationship with each other with the female coupling component having a hollow body, a tubular body extension that extends axially from a first end of the hollow body and a valve element that can translate along a longitudinal axis of the quick connect coupling. The male coupling component has a tubular stem portion that translates the valve element when the quick connect coupling is fully assembled to a locked position. A valve seat member disposed within the female coupling component has a tapered valve seat area that cooperates with a poppet valve. The valve seat member has a generally cylindrical body with a generally cylindrical inner surface adapted to receive a first end of said tubular stem portion, the valve seat member also having a generally cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Gary Scheffel
  • Publication number: 20030172976
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling includes a male coupling component and a female coupling component that axially interfit in a locked and unlocked relationship with each other with the female coupling component having a hollow body, a tubular body extension that extends axially from a first end of the hollow body and a valve element that can translate along a longitudinal axis of the quick connect coupling. The male coupling component has a tubular stem portion that translates the valve element when the quick connect coupling is fully assembled to a locked position. A valve seat member disposed within the female coupling component has a tapered valve seat area that cooperates with a poppet valve. The valve seat member has a generally cylindrical body with a generally cylindrical inner surface adapted to receive a first end of said tubular stem portion, the valve seat member also having a generally cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Scheffel