Patents by Inventor George E. Sgourakes

George E. Sgourakes 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: 10466127
    Abstract: Methods of compensating for undesired influences in a pressure transmitter wherein the pressure transmitter comprises a body for housing a low-pressure sensor and a high-pressure sensor each of which is in fluid communication with a port and in further fluid communication with each other through a connector tube containing a fill fluid. Various embodiments of the compensation process use one of the high-pressure and the low-pressure sensor as a common reference, compensating for changes in calibration, such as changes in the effective areas or spring rates of the non-reference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20190120713
    Abstract: Methods of compensating for undesired influences in a pressure transmitter wherein the pressure transmitter comprises a body for housing a low-pressure sensor and a high-pressure sensor each of which is in fluid communication with a port and in further fluid communication with each other through a connector tube containing a fill fluid. Various embodiments of the compensation process use one of the high-pressure and the low-pressure sensor as a common reference, compensating for changes in calibration, such as changes in the effective areas or spring rates of the non-reference sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20180031435
    Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter is disclosed, which comprises a body for housing a high-pressure sensor and a low-pressure sensor, a plurality of high-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said high-pressure sensor for transmitting a first pressure of a process fluid to said high-pressure sensor, each of said high-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, a plurality of low-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said low-pressure sensor for transmitting a second pressure of a process fluid to said low-pressure sensor, each of said low-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, wherein said second pressure is equal to or less than said first pressure, wherein said openings of the high-pressure connectors are spaced relative to said openings of the low-pressure connectors to allow a plurality of pair-wise connections to the proces
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 9784633
    Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter is disclosed, which comprises a body for housing a high-pressure sensor and a low-pressure sensor, a plurality of high-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said high-pressure sensor for transmitting a first pressure of a process fluid to said high-pressure sensor, each of said high-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, a plurality of low-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said low-pressure sensor for transmitting a second pressure of a process fluid to said low-pressure sensor, each of said low-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, wherein said second pressure is equal to or less than said first pressure, wherein said openings of the high-pressure connectors are spaced relative to said openings of the low-pressure connectors to allow a plurality of pair-wise connections to the proces
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20160123831
    Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter is disclosed, which comprises a body for housing a high-pressure sensor and a low-pressure sensor, a plurality of high-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said high-pressure sensor for transmitting a first pressure of a process fluid to said high-pressure sensor, each of said high-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, a plurality of low-pressure process connectors formed in said body and fluidly coupled to said low-pressure sensor for transmitting a second pressure of a process fluid to said low-pressure sensor, each of said low-pressure process connectors comprising a conduit having an opening for receiving the process fluid, wherein said second pressure is equal to or less than said first pressure, wherein said openings of the high-pressure connectors are spaced relative to said openings of the low-pressure connectors to allow a plurality of pair-wise connections to the proces
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 9207140
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dual sensor differential pressure transmitter with a single fill fluid volume that intrinsically eliminates process and environmental performance influences, increases signal level while substantially reducing product costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 8844372
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter that senses the alternating pressure variations generated by a fixed vortex shedding generator. The alternating pressure variations of the vortices within the rows on each side of the vortex shedding generator act upon flexible elements producing forces on long columns that are transmitted to remotely located piezoelectric force sensors. The alternating forces upon the two columns are used to determine the passage of a vortex and thereby the flow. Improved output signal by minimizing loss of parasitic energy. 97% of the available signal is applied to the piezoelectric force sensors as compared to conventional 60%. Process influences such as vibration in all planes and pumping pulsations are equal and opposing and are rejected by the sensor. A capability of operating at extreme process temperatures is assured for the high temperature of the process is dissipated to the environment along the long columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20140109681
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dual sensor differential pressure transmitter with a single fill fluid volume that intrinsically eliminates process and environmental performance influences, increases signal level while substantially reducing product costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20130068036
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter that senses the alternating pressure variations generated by a fixed vortex shedding generator. The alternating pressure variations of the vortices within the rows on each side of the vortex shedding generator act upon flexible elements producing forces on long columns that are transmitted to remotely located piezoelectric force sensors. The alternating forces upon the two columns are used to determine the passage of a vortex and thereby the flow. Improved output signal by minimizing loss of parasitic energy. 97% of the available signal is applied to the piezoelectric force sensors as compared to conventional 60%. Process influences such as vibration in all planes and pumping pulsations are equal and opposing and are rejected by the sensor. A capability of operating at extreme process temperatures is assured for the high temperature of the process is dissipated to the environment along the long columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 6684720
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a cylinder and a displacement rod. The cylinder is fabricated rigid enough to minimize distortion of volume yet compliant enough to create a seal between itself and the surface of the displacement rod. The cylinder is constructed with a bore hole through its central portion running from end to end. The diameter of the bore hole is larger than the diameter of the displacement rod. The displacement rod is constructed of a rigid material. At least one end of the cylinder has a diameter reduced so the diameter of the bore hole and the diameter of the displacement rod are substantially the same to form a seal with each other. As the displacement rod is withdrawn from the bore hole, a sample is drawn into the bore hole. The volume of the sample drawn into the bore hole is a function of the volume of the displacement rod withdrawn from the bore hole. A cross hole, for venting undesired fluid such as gas bubbles or previous sample(s), is located on the displacement rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 6321585
    Abstract: Differential pressure generator 100 includes a stacked pair of opposed novel gravity transducers of the inverted-cup falling-cylinder type. First enclosure 21 contains a first gravity transducer 23 and second enclosure 31 contains a second gravity transducer 33. First gravity transducer 23 includes first cylinder 24, and first piston 25. The first cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the first piston to generate a first pressure difference. The second gravity transducer includes a second cylinder and a second piston. The second cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the second piston to generate a second pressure difference. The first cylinder has a displacement volume that is equal to the displacement volume of the second cylinder, and the first cylinder is heavier than the second cylinder. The first pressure difference and the second pressure difference are summed in opposition to produce a reference differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20010027677
    Abstract: Differential pressure generator 100 includes a stacked pair of opposed novel gravity transducers of the inverted-cup falling-cylinder type. First enclosure 21 contains a first gravity transducer 23 and second enclosure 31 contains a second gravity transducer 33. First gravity transducer 23 includes first cylinder 24, and first piston 25. The first cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the first piston to generate a first pressure difference. The second gravity transducer includes a second cylinder and a second piston. The second cylinder is mounted for gravity-driven, viscosity-limited motion with respect to the second piston to generate a second pressure difference. The first cylinder has a displacement volume that is equal to the displacement volume of the second cylinder, and the first cylinder is heavier than the second cylinder. The first pressure difference and the second pressure difference are summed in opposition to produce a reference differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: AVGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20010000565
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a cylinder and a displacement rod. The cylinder is fabricated rigid enough to minimize distortion of volume yet compliant enough to create a seal between itself and the surface of the displacement rod. The cylinder is constructed with a bore hole through its central portion running from end to end. The diameter of the bore hole is larger than the diameter of the displacement rod. The displacement rod is constructed of a rigid material. At least one end of the cylinder has a diameter reduced so the diameter of the bore hole and the diameter of the displacement rod are substantially the same to form a seal with each other. As the displacement rod is withdrawn from the bore hole, a sample is drawn into the bore hole. The volume of the sample drawn into the bore hole is a function of the volume of the displacement rod withdrawn from the bore hole. A cross hole, for venting undesired fluid such as gas bubbles or previous sample(s), is located on the displacement rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 6161442
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a cylinder and a displacement rod. The cylinder is fabricated rigid enough to minimize distortion of volume yet compliant enough to create a seal between itself and the surface of the displacement rod. The cylinder is constructed with a bore hole through its central portion running from end to end. The diameter of the bore hole is larger than the diameter of the displacement rod. The displacement rod is constructed of a rigid material. At least one end of the cylinder has a diameter reduced so the diameter of the bore hole and the diameter of the displacement rod are substantially the same to form a seal with each other. As the displacement rod is withdrawn from the bore hole, a sample is drawn into the bore hole. The volume of the sample drawn into the bore hole is a function of the volume of the displacement rod withdrawn from the bore hole. A cross hole, for venting undesired fluid such as gas bubbles or previous sample(s), is located on the displacement rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 5925834
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a cylinder and a displacement rod. The cylinder is fabricated rigid enough to minimize distortion of volume yet compliant enough to create a seal between itself and the surface of the displacement rod. The cylinder is constructed with a bore hole through its central portion running from end to end. The diameter of the bore hole is larger than the diameter of the displacement rod. The displacement rod is constructed of a rigid material. At least one end of the cylinder has a diameter reduced so the diameter of the bore hole and the diameter of the displacement rod are substantially the same to form a seal with each other. As the displacement rod is withdrawn from the bore hole, a sample is drawn into the bore hole. The volume of the sample drawn into the bore hole is a function of the volume of the displacement rod withdrawn from the bore hole. A cross hole, for venting undesired fluid such as gas bubbles or previous sample(s), is located on the displacement rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 5641270
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive pump is provided which makes use of a magnetostrictive element which, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to it, compresses a chamber containing a working fluid. A bellows located within the working fluid is repeatedly compressed by the compression of the chamber, and pumps a fluid to be pumped in and out of the bellows. Since the magnetostrictive element does not directly contact the bellows, the bellows life is greatly extended. Valves are provided to direct the fluid flow in a desired manner. The pump may be combined with other pumps in various series or parallel arrangements to create a pump system. The pump may be pre-biased to make its response more linear by either mechanical or magnetic biasing. A permanent magnet may be used to magnetically bias the pump and create an "at-rest" initial extension of the magnetostrictive element. Similarly, a spring may be used to mechanically load the magnetostrictive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: George E. Sgourakes, Joseph F. Actor, Richard L. Vigeant, Carlton H. Paul
  • Patent number: 5146793
    Abstract: A sealing means is provided that may be used, among other things, for sample injection apparatus used in liquid chromatography. The seal includes a jacket having a central bore through which a hypodermic needle containing a sample is inserted. The jacket includes a U-shaped cross section having an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. Metal cylindrical bands which function as springs are positioned tightly against the inner and outer axial surfaces respectively. Each band has a slot extending through its thickness and along its entire axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Sgourakes, Stanislaw Koziol
  • Patent number: 5114161
    Abstract: A sealing means is provided that may be used, among other things, for sample injection apparatus used in liquid chromatography. The seal includes a jacket having a central bore through which a hypodermic needle containing a sample is inserted. The jacket includes a U-shaped cross section having an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. Metal cylindrical bands which function as springs are positioned tightly against the inner and outer axial surfaces respectively. Each band has a slot extending through its thickness and along its entire axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Sgourakes, Stanislaw Koziol
  • Patent number: 5065611
    Abstract: A differential pressure measuring system comprising a transmitter for a pressure-measuring instrument connected to a control room by a two-wire transmission line carrying a d-c signal powered from the control room and representing the measured pressure. The instrument includes a reference pressure device of the falling-ball type, wherein a ball is first lifted to an upper position and then allowed to descend under the force of gravity to produce a reference pressure pulse for calibrating the instrument span. The lifting device for the ball is a two-coil magnetic actuator powered by current from the two-wire transmission line, and is operable at a sufficiently low current to be classified intrinsically safe. The reference pressure device is supported by an adjustable mounting providing two degrees of freedom for movement so as to permit ready adjustment of the device orientation to assure alignment with the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: John P. Angelosanto, George E. Sgourakes
  • Patent number: 4852466
    Abstract: Floating the diaphragm portion of a diaphragm sensor in the pressurizing fluid frees the diaphragm from exterior housing forces, and makes overall manufacture and replacement inexpensive. A diaphragm can be protected from exterior stress by interspersing a channel between the diaphragm edge and the closure and support structure of an enclosing housing. By extending the channel and incorporating an adequate seal, the diaphragm structure may be made replaceable. The replaceable diaphragm further allows use of a smaller amount of costly materials, and makes repair less costly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Freeman, John L. Koukol, Jr., Stanislaw Koziol, George E. Sgourakes