Patents by Inventor Kenneth Knecht

Kenneth Knecht 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: 11931312
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Benz, John G. Byers, Scott M. Corbin, Richard H. Heimbrock, Michael A. Knecht, Bradley T. Smith, Lori Ann Zapfe, Robert M. Zerhusen, Kenneth L. Lilly, Jonathan D. Turner, James L. Walke, Joseph T. Canter, Richard J. Schuman, Sr., John V. Harmeyer
  • Publication number: 20220154595
    Abstract: A turning system for rotating equipment, comprises a motor configured for speed control; a gear connected to the motor, the gear is further connected to the rotating equipment, the motor and gear are configured for rotating the rotating equipment at speeds less than the normal operating speed of the rotating equipment; and a controller configured to perform a method, wherein the method comprises a sequence of steps including, rotating the rotating equipment from a standstill an angular amount of rotation, stopping rotation after moving the angular amount of rotation, and maintaining the rotating equipment at a standstill for a period of time; and repeating the sequence of steps. By performing the sequence of steps after the rotating equipment comes to a standstill, bowing or sagging of the rotating equipment can be prevented, and the rotating equipment is ready to startup at anytime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Kenneth Knecht, Paul Tucker
  • Patent number: 10533459
    Abstract: A turbine and the method of operating the turbine when taking the turbine off-line includes transmitting power to a No. 1 shaft via a main motor to turn the turbine at an original turning speed, wherein the No. 1 shaft drives a No. 2 shaft; reducing a speed of the turbine; and when the speed of the turbine is reduced to a predetermined RPM, switching power transmission to the turbine from the No. 1 shaft to a No. 2 shaft, wherein the No. 2 shaft is driven by an auxiliary motor, and the No. 2 shaft drives the No. 1 shaft to turn the turbine at a slow turning speed less than the original turning speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth Knecht, Paul Tucker
  • Publication number: 20150093206
    Abstract: Tap and die devices are provided to repair internal and external threads, respectively. The tap and die devices are provided with components that coaxially align the tap and die to the nut or fitting being repaired. The tap and die devices are easily portable, compact tools that can be used in tight places.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Knecht
  • Patent number: 5529283
    Abstract: A valve housing using a reciprocable valve disc plate for opening and closing off the water supply in the valve housing, as well as regulating the water flow between a fully closed and a fully open position. The disc plate is provided with guide follower members that cooperate with guide channels or tracks disposed respectively on opposite side walls of the valve housing for stabilizing the movement of the disc plate and for preventing chatter and undue wear and strain of the valve stem and its bushing that would ordinarily result from water turbulence in the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Industrial Cooling Towers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Knecht, Scott Knecht, Michael D. Moreaux