Patents by Inventor Keith Gustafson
Keith Gustafson 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: 20230384016Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: MVE Blological Solutions US, LLCInventors: John Corey, Keith Gustafson, Buzz Bies
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Patent number: 11788783Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: MVE Biological Solutions US, LLCInventors: John Corey, Keith Gustafson, Buzz Bies
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Publication number: 20190137163Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: John Corey, Keith Gustafson, Buzz Bies
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Patent number: 9903534Abstract: A cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a tank adapted to contain a supply of cryogenic liquid, with the tank including a head space adapted to contain a vapor above the cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A liquid withdrawal line is adapted to communicate with cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A vaporizer has an inlet that is in communication with the liquid withdrawal line and an outlet that is in communication with a vapor delivery line. A pressure building circuit is in communication with the vapor delivery line and the head space of the tank. The pressure building circuit includes a flow inducing device and a control system for activating the flow inducing device when a pressure within the head space of the tank drops below a predetermined minimum pressure and/or when other conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson
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Patent number: 9746132Abstract: Described herein are at least systems and methods for cryogenic fluid delivery which utilize pumpless delivery of cryogenic fluid. The systems and methods utilize hydraulic pressure, saturation pressure, or a combination of both hydraulic pressure and saturation pressure to deliver cryogen to a use device, such as an engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson
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Patent number: 9388943Abstract: An ullage tank in a vertical cryogenic storage vessel that can store a liquefied gas is described. The ullage tank includes a hollow member. The ullage tank has at least one opening that allows communication between the ullage tank and an inner vessel of the vertical cryogenic vessel. The hollow member has a first open end and a second open end. The hollow member forms a vertically disposed passage through the ullage tank. The first open end and the second open end are in communication with the inner vessel. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Chris Schmoeckel, Lyle Holsinger, Carl Taylor
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Publication number: 20140223924Abstract: An integrated cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a cryogenic liquid tank having an interior, a wall and a geometry. The interior of the cryogenic liquid tank contains a supply of cryogenic liquid. A fuel pickup line is positioned within the interior of the tank and is in fluid communication with a vaporizer so that the vaporizer receives and vaporizes cryogenic liquid from the tank. The vaporizer is positioned outside of the tank and is secured to the wall. The vaporizer also has a shape that conforms with the geometry of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: CHART INC.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson, Jeff Patelczyk, David Davis, Michael Sable, Luis Serentill, Peter Murray
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Publication number: 20140096539Abstract: A cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a tank adapted to contain a supply of cryogenic liquid, with the tank including a head space adapted to contain a vapor above the cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A liquid withdrawal line is adapted to communicate with cryogenic liquid stored in the tank. A vaporizer has an inlet that is in communication with the liquid withdrawal line and an outlet that is in communication with a vapor delivery line. A pressure building circuit is in communication with the vapor delivery line and the head space of the tank. The pressure building circuit includes a flow inducing device and a control system for activating the flow inducing device when a pressure within the head space of the tank drops below a predetermined minimum pressure and/or when other conditions exist.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: CHART, INC.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Erik Gustafson
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Publication number: 20130139925Abstract: An ullage tank in a vertical cryogenic storage vessel that can store a liquefied gas is described. The ullage tank includes a hollow member. The ullage tank has at least one opening that allows communication between the ullage tank and an inner vessel of the vertical cryogenic vessel. The hollow member has a first open end and a second open end. The hollow member forms a vertically disposed passage through the ullage tank. The first open end and the second open end are in communication with the inner vessel. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Chris Schmoeckel, Lyle Holsinger, Carl Taylor
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Publication number: 20060010881Abstract: A cryogenic dewar features an inner tank surrounded by an outer shell with the space there between vacuum-insulated. A pressure vessel containing a cryogenic liquid refrigerant, such as liquid nitrogen, is positioned at least partially within the interior of the dewar to cool it. The pressure vessel is pressurized so that the temperature of the cryogenic liquid may be controlled. A refrigeration device and temperature or pressure sensor communicate with the cryogenic liquid in the pressure vessel. When the sensor detects that the cryogenic liquid has warmed above a predetermined level, the refrigeration device is automatically activated to cool the cryogenic liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventor: Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 6698211Abstract: A natural gas fuel storage and supply system, particularly suited for use in vehicles powered by liquid natural gas (LNG), includes an insulated tank containing a supply of LNG with a headspace there above. A pump and a vaporizer are in circuit between the tank and the engine of the vehicle. When activated, the pump pressurizes LNG from the tank and directs it to the vaporizer where gaseous LNG is produced. The pressurized gaseous LNG is routed to the engine where it is consumed as fuel. An economizer circuit communicates with the headspace of the tank and includes a regulator, a control valve and a flow control device. The control valve opens when the vehicle engine is in operation and the regulator opens when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined level so that LNG vapor from the tank headspace flows to the vehicle engine air inlet where it is consumed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventor: Keith Gustafson
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Publication number: 20030221433Abstract: A natural gas fuel storage and supply system, particularly suited for use in vehicles powered by liquid natural gas (LNG), includes an insulated tank containing a supply of LNG with a headspace there above. A pump and a vaporizer are in circuit between the tank and the engine of the vehicle. When activated, the pump pressurizes LNG from the tank and directs it to the vaporizer where gaseous LNG is produced. The pressurized gaseous LNG is routed to the engine where it is consumed as fuel. An economizer circuit communicates with the headspace of the tank and includes a regulator, a control valve and a flow control device. The control valve opens when the vehicle engine is in operation and the regulator opens when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined level so that LNG vapor from the tank headspace flows to the vehicle engine air inlet where it is consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 6393847Abstract: An improved liquid cryogen dewar for storing cryobiological materials is disclosed having an inner tank with a reservoir holding a pool of liquid cryogen. A rotatable tray is contained within the inner tank, containing a platform, vertical dividers and a thermally conductive cylindrical outer sleeve, which contains a skirt extending into the pool of liquid cryogen. The sleeve transfers entering heat away from the cryobiological materials and into the liquid cryogen pool. The sleeve maintains a consistently low temperature throughout the vertically disposed shelves of the cryobiological materials contained within the inner tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Brooks, Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 6354088Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use device tank from a bulk storage tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid features a pump in communication with the bulk storage tank, a dispensing line in communication with the pump and a heater in communication with the dispensing line. A system control device controls the operation of the pump and heater. A liquid level sensor and temperature or pressure sensor communicate with the use device tank and the system control device and the system control device. As a result, the conditions of the cryogenic liquid initially in the use device tank may be used by the system control device to calculate the appropriate amount of cryogenic liquid and heat that should be added to the cryogenic liquid as it is dispensed so that the use device tank becomes substantially filled with saturated cryogenic liquid. A liquid level sensor may alternatively be used as the sole use device tank sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Claus Emmer, Tom Drube, Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 5743140Abstract: A starter motor attachment angle adjusting method and apparatus which enable a starter motor to be attached to an internal combustion engine in a variety of rotational positions are disclosed. The apparatus includes an adaptive ring with a plurality of threaded position defining holes, and an adapter with a plurality of holes by which the adapter is securely connected to the adaptive ring by bolts. The position defining holes in the adaptive ring allow the adapter to be rotationally repositioned with respect to the adaptive ring. The adaptive ring is connected to the starter motor and the adapter is connected to the engine. Hence, the starter can be attached to the engine in a variety of rotational positions. Further, the apparatus allows rotational repositioning without interfering with transverse securing bolts which connect the adapter to the engine. Alternatively, the adaptive ring has a polygonal outer edge which interlocks in a plurality of rotational positions with a recess formed in the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Keith A. Gustafson
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Patent number: 5421160Abstract: The fueling station consists of a vacuum insulated storage vessel for storing a large quantity of LNG at low pressure. The LNG is delivered to one of two relatively small volume fuel conditioning tanks where the pressure and temperature of the LNG can be raised or lowered as dictated by the needs of the system, The pressure and temperature in the fuel conditioning tanks are raised by delivering high pressure natural gas vapor thereto from a high pressure bank. The temperature and pressure can be lowered by venting natural gas from the fuel conditioning tanks and/or delivering LNG thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, George W. Kalet
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Patent number: 5421162Abstract: Liquid natural gas is pumped into a main tank until the main tank is completely filled with liquid. Once filled, high pressure gas is pumped into the main tank. This high pressure gas forces the liquid from the main tank into an overflow tank until the liquid level in the main tank reaches a predetermined level. High pressure gas is then pumped through the main tank to the overflow tank until the LNG in the overflow tank is saturated at a pressure slightly higher than the pressure needed at the use device. Once the desired pressure is achieved the delivery of LNG to the delivery system is stopped. LNG is initially delivered from the overflow tank to the use device as a high pressure gas. Some of the high pressure gas being delivered from the overflow tank is diverted from the use device to saturate the LNG in the main tank at the desired pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Keith Gustafson, Duane Preston
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Patent number: 5404918Abstract: The storage tank consists of a main tank and ullage tank connected by a relatively small passage having a flow rate capacity up to 30% of the main fill line. To fill the tank, liquid cryogen is delivered to the main tank by either a top or bottom fill. Because the fill line is significantly larger than the passage, the main tank will become liquid full while the ullage tank remains substantially empty. When the tank becomes liquid full a dramatic drop in the flow rate will result that can be detected by a relatively insensitive, and inexpensive, flow monitoring device thereby to stop the filling operation. The ullage tank will retain trapped gas and gradually allow the liquid from the main tank to enter the ullage tank through the passage until the liquid level in the tanks are equal. Once the liquid levels in the tanks equalize, a vapor space is created above the liquid to accommodate vaporizing cryogen and provide long hold times.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 5373702Abstract: Two LNG storage tanks receive LNG from a fill station. The two storage tanks are connected to an overflow tank into which the LNG flows during pressurization of the system. The overflow tank is connected to the use device, i.e. the vehicle's engine, through a heat exchanger to provide high pressure natural gas thereto. The fill station initially delivers LNG to the two storage tanks until the tanks are substantially filled with LNG whereupon the fill station automatically stops delivery of LNG and begins to deliver natural gas vapor to the storage tanks until the pressure in the system reaches a predetermined maximum that is equal to or greater than the pressure required by the use device. During the pressurization of the system some of the LNG in the two storage tanks is forced into the overflow tank by the incoming natural gas vapor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc.Inventors: George Kalet, Keith Gustafson
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Patent number: 5228295Abstract: The fueling station of the invention consists of a vacuum insulated storage tank for storing large quantities of LNG at low pressure. A delivery line connects the LNG in the storage tank with a fill line to engage the use device such as a vehicle's fuel tank at the fueling station. A meter is provided to deliver a metered amount of LNG to the vehicle. A pump is used to sub-cool the LNG and convey it from the storage tank to the delivery hose and an eductor is provided to gradually draw vaporized LNG from the storage tank into the delivery line. The fill line, pump, eductor and delivery hose are vacuum jacketed to prevent vaporization of the LNG. A circulation loop is provided to sub-cool the pump, eductor and meter prior to delivering LNG to the vehicle in order to ensure that vaporized natural gas is not delivered to the use device. In an alternate embodiment a heat exchanger using LN.sub.2 or other coolant can be used in place of the pump to sub-cool the LNG.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Minnesota Valley EngineeringInventor: Keith Gustafson