Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Robison
Jeffrey C. Robison 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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Publication number: 20240133477Abstract: A valve seat and blast tube assembly is provided herein. The valve seat and blast tube assembly may include a ceramic valve seat liner positioned within a valve seat housing. The valve seat may be configured to couple to a blast tube/choke assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: CALDERA ENGINEERING, L.C.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Michael Luque, Ryan Weber, Grant Brockbank
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Publication number: 20240125394Abstract: A valve seat assembly is provided herein. The valve seat may include a ceramic valve seat liner positioned within an upper segment that is proximal to a lower segment. An upper retaining ring may at least partially surround the upper segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: CALDERA ENGINEERING, L.C.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Michael Luque, Lance Mock, Ryan Weber
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Patent number: 9726294Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Publication number: 20160369897Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Patent number: 9458940Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: CALDERA ENGINEERING, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Patent number: 9291277Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CALDERA ENGINEERING, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Patent number: 8944408Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Publication number: 20130181154Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
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Patent number: 8251348Abstract: The present invention relates to valve plugs for reducing erosion of the valve plug head and/or seat. More specifically, this invention comprises a valve plug incorporating a choke transfer trim that reduces the time of exposure of the plug head and/or seat to high velocity and high pressure drop at the interface of the plug head and seat when the valve is in the closed position. The choke transfer trim transfers the flow control area of the valve away from the plug head/seat interface to a location downstream, thereby reducing erosion at the interface between the valve plug head and/or seat that is typically used for fluid throttling and shut off.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Frank Redd
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Publication number: 20110033018Abstract: Systems and methods for bonding ceramic materials are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a process is provided comprising the steps of disposing a bonding material at least partially adjacent to a surface of a first silicon carbide component and at least partially adjacent to a surface of a second silicon carbide component, and bonding said first silicon carbide component to said second silicon carbide component by heating, wherein said bonding material comprises vanadium or titanium.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: CALDERA ENGINEERING, LCInventors: John Roger Peterson, M. Robert Mock, Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Grant Jay Brockbank, Michael R. Luque
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Publication number: 20100140530Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, methods and apparatuses for designing and configuring dissimilar material retention, specifically a valve plug assembly, are disclosed. The methods and apparatuses enable the application of a wider range of materials in a valve plug assembly than previous valve plug assemblies, and also increase the operational temperature range of the valve plug assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve plug assembly comprises a plug head, a collet surrounding the plug head, a plug base adjacent to the collet, and a retainer surrounding the tapered outside surface of the collet and the plug base, where the plug head extends past the collet and the retainer. The valve plug assembly is configured to create an interference fit of the various components.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: CALDERA ENGINEERING, LLCInventor: Jeffrey C. Robison
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Publication number: 20090189109Abstract: The present invention relates to valve plugs for reducing erosion of the valve plug head and/or seat. More specifically, this invention comprises a valve plug incorporating a choke transfer trim that reduces the time of exposure of the plug head and/or seat to high velocity and high pressure drop at the interface of the plug head and seat when the valve is in the closed position. The choke transfer trim transfers the flow control area of the valve away from the plug head/seat interface to a location downstream, thereby reducing erosion at the interface between the valve plug head and/or seat that is typically used for fluid throttling and shut off.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: CALDERA ENGINEERING, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Frank Redd
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Patent number: 7237574Abstract: A nozzle design and method for designing such a nozzle being adapted for three phase slurry flow from the choke into the flash tank during pressure let-down in autoclave mining operations that uses a selection of the expansion ratio in the choke to select a nozzle dispersion angle to select a spread of the flow over the slurry pool in the flash tank, to generally maximize the use of the pool for energy dissipation without causing undo wear and tear on the tank walls.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Caldera Engineering LLCInventors: Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Herman Pieterse, Jeffrey C. Robison, Craig C. Smith
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Patent number: 6793198Abstract: A valve plug design is disclosed that uses a plug head band and a retaining ring to restrain a valve plug head to a valve plug stem. This invention is specifically directed to providing valve plugs where the plug head material is different and distinct from the plug stem material and where each material is selected to optimize its performance. Moreover, this invention is provided with a means for fixing and removing the plug head to and from the plug stem that can easily be worked in the field without special purpose manufacturing equipment, thereby making the maintenance, repair and replacement of plug head easier for users. This valve plug design subjects the plug head to reduced stresses thereby enhances the operating life of the valve and valve plug. This valve plug design provides a shock absorbing, compliance barrier around and/or under the plug head.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LLCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Craig C. Smith
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Patent number: 6695010Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Caldera Engineering LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
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Patent number: 6685167Abstract: A new valve device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This valve device has an inner plug head, which modulates and throttles the amount of flow passing through the valve when the valve is open. The inner plug head is shaped so that as the valve plug approaches the closed position, the inner plug head blocks most of the flow path, reducing the flow to a small amount. The valve of this invention has an outer plug head the contacts the valve's outer ceramic seat as the valve reaches the closed position. Contact between the outer ceramic seat and the outer ceramic plug entirely shuts off flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Caldera Engineering LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
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Patent number: 6523573Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
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Publication number: 20020069923Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
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Publication number: 20020030173Abstract: A new valve device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This valve device has an inner plug head, which modulates and throttles the amount of flow passing through the valve when the valve is open. The inner plug head is shaped so that as the valve plug approaches the closed position, the inner plug head blocks most of the flow path, reducing the flow to a small amount. The valve of this invention has an outer plug head the contacts the valve's outer ceramic seat as the valve reaches the closed position. Contact between the outer ceramic seat and the outer ceramic plug entirely shuts off flow through the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
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Publication number: 20010029988Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LCInventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith