Patents by Inventor Kent Alan Miller

Kent Alan Miller 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).

  • Publication number: 20150159763
    Abstract: A refrigeration valve having a ball valve assembly and a hermetic seal between the body and bonnet is provided. Such a refrigeration valve allows for a generally straight flow path for the associated fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: SHERWOOD VALVE LLC
    Inventor: Kent Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 7337797
    Abstract: A ball valve having a ball valve assembly disposed within a unitary, elongated tube is provided. The unitary, elongated tube has a first, inlet end, a medial portion having a cross-sectional area, and a second, outlet end. The first, inlet end is a swedged tube having a cross-sectional area that is less than the medial portion cross-sectional area. The second, outlet end is also a swedged tube having a cross-sectional area that is less than the medial portion cross-sectional area. The ball valve assembly is disposed within the medial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kent Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 6220566
    Abstract: An incrementally positionable ball valve for use in the fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system which can be remotely controlled by a low amperage control signal is disclosed. The ball valve harnesses the pressurized refrigerant from the fluid circuit in which it is installed as the primary power medium to actuate the valve. A sensor provides feedback to a controller relating to the incremental position of the valve. The controller then controls the operation of the valve in accordance with predetermined criteria. In another embodiment, the ball valve incorporates locator detents so that its incremental position can be determined by an operator manually controlling the valve. In still another aspect of the invention, a restrictor is provided for varying the flow capacity of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 5810326
    Abstract: A refrigerant powered actuated ball valve for use in the fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system which can be remotely controlled by a low amperage control signal is disclosed. The actuated ball valve harnesses the pressurized refrigerant from the fluid circuit in which it is installed as the primary power medium to actuate the valve. The valve includes actuation means with a manifold having an inlet port which is in constant fluid communication with a high-pressure side of the fluid circuit. Pressurized refrigerant supplied to the manifold is branched to a series of fluid channels running through the manifold. Exhaust port operators are mounted in conjunction with the manifold to connect the actuation means to the low-pressure side of the fluid circuit and to direct the flow of pressurized refrigerant to either an exhaust port or the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Alan Miller