Patents by Inventor John A. Tomasko

John A. Tomasko 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: 6098495
    Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting a valve in a housing. The mounting mechanism includes a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. A linearizing mechanism converts the forces exerted on the release mechanism by the shaft into a linear force. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft and the linear force exerted on the release mechanism exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the valve and the housing in the closed position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenggang Wang, John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell
  • Patent number: 5984269
    Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Short, III, John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell
  • Patent number: 5947445
    Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting a valve in a housing. The mounting mechanism includes a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. A linearizing mechanism converts the forces exerted on the release mechanism by the shaft into a linear force. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft and the linear force exerted on the release mechanism exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the valve and the housing in the closed position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenggang Wang, John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell
  • Patent number: 5607140
    Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Short, III, John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell
  • Patent number: 5499649
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure surge resistant rupture disk assembly adapted to be sealingly clamped across a pressurized fluid containing passageway. The assembly basically comprises first and second rupture members having predetermined rupture pressures and means disposed between the first and second rupture members for providing a space for containing pressurized fluid within the assembly and for supporting the second rupture member against the first rupture member during a momentary pressure surge. The second rupture member faces the pressurized fluid and has at least one opening therein for allowing a restricted pressurized fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Tomasko, Stephen P. Farwell
  • Patent number: 5368180
    Abstract: An improved pressure relieving rupture disk assembly is provided which includes a rupture disk having at least one perforation therein. The perforation at least partially defines a blow-out part in the rupture disk which opens and relieves pressure therethrough when the perforation is sealed and a pressure differential of predetermined magnitude is exerted on the rupture disk. A sealing member is positioned over the perforation in the rupture disk for sealing the perforation when a pressure differential is exerted on the rupture disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Farwell, Edward H. Short, III, John A. Tomasko
  • Patent number: 5155471
    Abstract: An ultra low pressure flow sensor consisting of a support gasket defining a flow way and having a thin, pliable membrane extending thereacross with right angle slits formed totally across the flow way portion. An electrical conductor strip is then bonded across each pair of opposing quadrants of the membrane in continuous connection to an electrical indicator circuit. The conductor strip across each pair of membranes is centrally notched to a preselected depth of cut thereby to adjust the flow pressure break strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim E. Ellis, John A. Tomasko, Mitchel L. Rooker