Patents by Inventor James C. Hawkins
James C. Hawkins 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).
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Patent number: 10883717Abstract: An assembly for reducing excess piping pressure in a fluid distribution system. The assembly includes a fluid regulator including a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet, a first control element movable relative to a valve seat in the fluid passageway to control fluid flow therethrough, a valve stem coupled to the first control element, and an actuator assembly operatively coupled to the valve stem to control a position of the first control element. The assembly also includes a solenoid valve coupled to the fluid regulator at a position upstream of the outlet, the solenoid valve adapted to receive a control signal indicative of zero demand downstream of the fluid regulator, and having a second control element that is movable, responsive to the control signal, from a first position to a second position to reduce fluid flowing through the fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: James C. Hawkins
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Patent number: 10612680Abstract: A stabilizer cartridge for enhancing stability of a fluid regulator is provided. The stabilizer cartridge includes a body, a first disk, and a second disk. The body has a through-bore and an external flange. The first disk has one or more windows and an aperture, and is fixed on an exterior surface of the body. The second disk is slidable along the exterior surface of the body and is biased into contact with the first disk by a biasing element that is positioned between the external flange and the second disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES. INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Tung K. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20190277496Abstract: An assembly for reducing excess piping pressure in a fluid distribution system. The assembly includes a fluid regulator including a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet, a first control element movable relative to a valve seat in the fluid passageway to control fluid flow therethrough, a valve stem coupled to the first control element, and an actuator assembly operatively coupled to the valve stem to control a position of the first control element. The assembly also includes a solenoid valve coupled to the fluid regulator at a position upstream of the outlet, the solenoid valve adapted to receive a control signal indicative of zero demand downstream of the fluid regulator, and having a second control element that is movable, responsive to the control signal, from a first position to a second position to reduce fluid flowing through the fluid passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventor: James C. Hawkins
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Publication number: 20190242484Abstract: A stabilizer cartridge for enhancing stability of a fluid regulator is provided. The stabilizer cartridge includes a body, a first disk, and a second disk. The body has a through-bore and an external flange. The first disk has one or more windows and an aperture, and is fixed on an exterior surface of the body. The second disk is slidable along the exterior surface of the body and is biased into contact with the first disk by a biasing element that is positioned between the external flange and the second disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Tung K. Nguyen
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Patent number: 10302209Abstract: A stabilizer cartridge for enhancing stability of a fluid regulator is provided. The stabilizer cartridge includes a body, a first disk, and a second disk. The body is adapted to be disposed around a valve stem of the fluid regulator. The first disk is coupled to the body and defines one or more flow paths for facilitating pressure relief. The second disk is movably coupled to the body and is movable relative to the first disk responsive to fluid flow through the one or more flow paths of the first disk.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Tung K. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20180058596Abstract: A stabilizer cartridge for enhancing stability of a fluid regulator is provided. The stabilizer cartridge includes a body, a first disk, and a second disk. The body is adapted to be disposed around a valve stem of the fluid regulator. The first disk is coupled to the body and defines one or more flow paths for facilitating pressure relief. The second disk is movably coupled to the body and is movable relative to the first disk responsive to fluid flow through the one or more flow paths of the first disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Tung K. Nguyen
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Patent number: 9541925Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. An actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and includes a valve disc that displaces between a closed position and an open position. The device also includes an overpressure protection device adapted to stop flow from the inlet to the outlet when pressure in a control cavity reaches a predetermined level. The overpressure protection device includes a sensing tube having a first end in fluid communication with the control cavity and a second end in fluid communication with the outlet. The sensing tube has a first portion extending parallel to the flow axis. One or more apertures are disposed in the sensing tube adjacent to the second end, and each of the apertures has a centerline that is perpendicular to the flow axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Justin L. Masias
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Patent number: 9353877Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing at least one spring. Further, the at least one spring is attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. The valve body also includes a release element mounted within the valve body. The release element releasing a relatch plug when the device is activated to move a safety disc into contact with a valve seat to stop fluid from flowing when an overpressure or an underpressure condition is sensed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis
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Publication number: 20160116920Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. An actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and includes a valve disc that displaces between a closed position and an open position. The device also includes an overpressure protection device adapted to stop flow from the inlet to the outlet when pressure in a control cavity reaches a predetermined level. The overpressure protection device includes a sensing tube having a first end in fluid communication with the control cavity and a second end in fluid communication with the outlet. The sensing tube has a first portion extending parallel to the flow axis. One or more apertures are disposed in the sensing tube adjacent to the second end, and each of the apertures has a centerline that is perpendicular to the flow axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis, Justin L. Masias
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Publication number: 20160097461Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing at least one spring. Further, the at least one spring is attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. The valve body also includes a release element mounted within the valve body. The release element releasing a relatch plug when the device is activated to move a safety disc into contact with a valve seat to stop fluid from flowing when an overpressure or an underpressure condition is sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: James C. Hawkins, David B. Davis
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Patent number: 8616521Abstract: A fail safe retaining plug assembly for a slam-shut safety device includes a reset pin, a retaining plug attached to the reset pin at a proximal portion, and a safety disk attached to the reset pin at a distal portion. The retaining plug assembly is sufficiently long to prevent the safety disk from falling off of the distal portion before the safety disk contacts a valve seat. The retaining plug assembly is also sufficiently long to prevent the retaining plug from falling off of the reset pin before the safety disk contacts the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Woollums, Tung Nguyen, James C. Hawkins, Roman Alexandru-Vlad
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Patent number: 8464999Abstract: A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: James C. Hawkins
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Patent number: 8397743Abstract: An example internal relief valve disclosed herein includes a relief valve seat coupled to a first end of the relief valve stem and to engage a first side of a sensing apparatus to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and a second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in a closed position. A bleed hole within a surface of the sensing apparatus and separate from the opening of the sensing apparatus is dimensioned to provide a controlled flow rate between the first side and the second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in an open position. A seal is disposed along a body of the relief valve stem upstream from the bleed hole and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and the second side of the sensing apparatus via the opening of the sensing apparatus when the relief valve is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, Stanley D. Hall
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Publication number: 20120261604Abstract: A fail safe retaining plug assembly for a slam-shut safety device includes a reset pin, a retaining plug attached to the reset pin at a proximal portion, and a safety disk attached to the reset pin at a distal portion. The retaining plug assembly is sufficiently long to prevent the safety disk from falling off of the distal portion before the safety disk contacts a valve seat. The retaining plug assembly is also sufficiently long to prevent the retaining plug from falling off of the reset pin before the safety disk contacts the valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David E. Woollums, Tung Nguyen, James C. Hawkins, Roman Alexandru-Vlad
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Patent number: 8286660Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a regulator valve, and a secondary device. Downstream pressure feedback is provided to the actuator and the secondary device via a Pitot tube disposed within an outlet of the regulator valve. The Pitot tube has a first branch having an end connected to the actuator to place the actuator control cavity and diaphragm in fluid communication with downstream pressure within the outlet for maintaining the outlet pressure at an actuator setpoint pressure. The Pitot tube also has a second branch having an end connected to the secondary device to place the interior of the secondary device in fluid communication with downstream pressure within the outlet for responding to changes in the downstream pressure when the outlet pressure diverges from a predetermined normal operating pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jason S. Mevius, James C. Hawkins, Seth A. Kranz, Gregory L. Foust
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Patent number: 8256452Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a cartridge disposed within the valve to advantageously direct, or “boost,” fluid downstream and away from the actuator under normal operating conditions, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the regulator. The cartridge includes a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. During normal operation, the first portion receives a valve disc of the actuator within generally tight tolerances such that the valve disc and the cartridge restrict fluid communication between the valve and the actuator. This directs or “boosts” the gas toward the outlet of the valve. Additionally, during a relief operation, the second portion of the cartridge receives the valve disc to allow the free flow of gas to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: James C. Hawkins
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Patent number: 8240327Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a regulator valve, and pressure loading device. The pressure loading device provides a pressure load to a surface of a diaphragm of the actuator to act against a downstream pressure being applied to the opposite surface of the diaphragm and being controlled by the regulator. As the downstream pressure varies and the diaphragm displaces to move a control element to regulate the downstream pressure, the pressure loading device maintains a specified load pressure. The regulator may further include a balanced trim applying a balancing force to offset a force of an upstream pressure on the control element.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, Paul R. Anderson, Jason S. Mevius, Gregory L. Foust
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Publication number: 20120111425Abstract: Example internal relief valves for use with fluid regulators are described. An example internal relief valve includes a relief valve seat coupled to a first end of the relief valve stem and to engage a first side of a sensing apparatus to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and a second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in a closed position. A bleed hole within a surface of the sensing apparatus and separate from the opening of the sensing apparatus is dimensioned to provide a controlled flow rate between the first side and the second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in an open position. A seal is disposed along a body of the relief valve stem upstream from the bleed hole and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and the second side of the sensing apparatus via the opening of the sensing apparatus when the relief valve is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: James C. Hawkins, Stanley D. Hall
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Patent number: 8156958Abstract: A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The regulator valve comprises a valve body equipped with a customized valve port. That is, the valve seat is designed to have a customized seat height depending on a diameter of an orifice through the valve port, a longitudinal dimension of an orifice through the valve port, and/or a flow capacity of the valve port. Such a design advantageously maximizes the efficiency at which gas flows through the regulator. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and comprises a valve disc disposed within the valve body and adapted for displacement between a closed position engaging the valve seat and an open position spaced from the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: Jun Y. Zhang, James C. Hawkins, Ting Xu
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Publication number: 20100071786Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a regulator valve, and pressure loading device. The pressure loading device provides a pressure load to a surface of a diaphragm of the actuator to act against a downstream pressure being applied to the opposite surface of the diaphragm and being controlled by the regulator. As the downstream pressure varies and the diaphragm displaces to move a control element to regulate the downstream pressure, the pressure loading device maintains a specified load pressure. The regulator may further include a balanced trim applying a balancing force to offset a force of an upstream pressure on the control element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James C. Hawkins, Paul R. Anderson, Jason S. Mevius, Gregory L. Foust