Patents by Inventor James R. Ebben

James R. Ebben 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: 11359736
    Abstract: A variable flow poppet valve includes a first stage, a second stage, a bushing disposed in the second stage, and a cap configured to actuate the valve open. The first stage includes an inner valve plug having a head with a first tapered portion and a shaft extending downstream from the head, and a first stage spring disposed within the bushing and extending around the shaft. The shaft is attached to the cap to allow the cap to actuate the inner valve plug to the open position. The second stage includes an outer valve plug having an upstream portion and a second tapered portion extending downstream from the upstream portion. The bushing includes a shoulder, and the cap is configured to engage the shoulder to actuate the outer valve plug to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ebben, Anthony J. Kuschel, Michael E. Bloom
  • Patent number: 11306836
    Abstract: A variable flow poppet valve includes a first stage, a second stage, a bushing disposed in the second stage, and a cap configured to actuate the valve open. The first stage includes an inner valve plug having a head with a first tapered portion and a shaft extending downstream from the head, and a first stage spring disposed within the bushing and extending around the shaft. The shaft is attached to the cap to allow the cap to actuate the inner valve plug to the open position. The second stage includes an outer valve plug having an upstream portion and a second tapered portion extending downstream from the upstream portion. The bushing includes a shoulder, and the cap is configured to engage the shoulder to actuate the outer valve plug to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ebben, Anthony J. Kuschel, Michael E. Bloom
  • Patent number: 11292710
    Abstract: A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Paar, Bradley G. Kahler, Chad G. Igo, Gregory D. Sieckert, Mark L. Bauck, James R. Ebben, David J. Lorden, Michael E. Bloom, Shane A. Norman, Anthony J. Kuschel, Glenn E. Highland
  • Patent number: 11078069
    Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes a cartridge valve controlling the flow of fluid through the handheld meter. The cartridge valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed within the valve cartridge. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The overmolded stem tip is a compliant material. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Mark L. Bauck, James R. Ebben, David J. Lorden, Bradley G. Kahler, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 11040869
    Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes a cartridge valve controlling the flow of fluid through the handheld meter. The cartridge valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed within the valve cartridge. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The overmolded stem tip is a compliant material. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Mark L. Bauck, James R. Ebben, David J. Lorden, Bradley G. Kahler, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Publication number: 20210140552
    Abstract: A variable flow poppet valve includes a first stage, a second stage, a bushing disposed in the second stage, and a cap configured to actuate the valve open. The first stage includes an inner valve plug having a head with a first tapered portion and a shaft extending downstream from the head, and a first stage spring disposed within the bushing and extending around the shaft. The shaft is attached to the cap to allow the cap to actuate the inner valve plug to the open position. The second stage includes an outer valve plug having an upstream portion and a second tapered portion extending downstream from the upstream portion. The bushing includes a shoulder, and the cap is configured to engage the shoulder to actuate the outer valve plug to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: James R. Ebben, Anthony J. Kuschel, Michael E. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20210107783
    Abstract: A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Bradley G. Kahler, Mark L. Bauck, Joshua R. Holmstadt, Glenn E. Highland, Benjamin J. Paar, Chad G. Igo, Gregory D. Sieckert, James R. Ebben, David J. Lorden, Michael E. Bloom, Shane A. Norman, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Publication number: 20200048069
    Abstract: A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Paar, Bradley G. Kahler, Chad G. Igo, Gregory D. Sieckert, Mark L. Bauck, James R. Ebben, David J. Lorden, Michael E. Bloom, Shane A. Norman, Anthony J. Kuschel, Glenn E. Highland
  • Publication number: 20200048068
    Abstract: A handheld fluid meter includes a cartridge valve controlling the flow of fluid through the handheld meter. The cartridge valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed within the valve cartridge. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The overmolded stem tip is a compliant material. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Michael E. BLOOM, Mark L. BAUCK, James R. EBBEN, David J. LORDEN, Bradley G. KAHLER, Anthony J. KUSCHEL
  • Patent number: D850505
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Joshua R. Holmstadt, Bradley G. Kahler, Benjamin J. Paar, Anthony J. Kuschel, James R. Ebben, Shane A. Norman
  • Patent number: D861759
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Joshua R. Holmstadt, Bradley G. Kahler, Benjamin J. Paar, Anthony J. Kuschel, James R. Ebben, Shane A. Norman
  • Patent number: D872828
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Joshua R. Holmstadt, Bradley G. Kahler, Benjamin J. Paar, Anthony J. Kuschel, James R. Ebben, Shane A. Norman
  • Patent number: D872829
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Bloom, Joshua R. Holmstadt, Bradley G. Kahler, Benjamin J. Paar, Anthony J. Kuschel, James R. Ebben, Shane A. Norman