Patents by Inventor Kevin DeVries

Kevin DeVries 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: 8777702
    Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly and follower includes an elongated member with a tapered portion at one end that fits within a tapered end of a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn is inserted through a bore of a collar. The bore of the collar has a tapered section that engages the tapered end of the horn when the collar is attached to the member. The follower has a housing having a bore. An opening in a sidewall of the housing is in communication with the bore. Disposed within the bore is a wiper. A cap having a central opening in an end wall is attached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Marel Meat Processing Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin DeVries, Kenneth B. Arnote, Jr., Timothy V. Weers
  • Publication number: 20130017770
    Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly and follower includes an elongated member with a tapered portion at one end that fits within a tapered end of a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn is inserted through a bore of a collar. The bore of the collar has a tapered section that engages the tapered end of the horn when the collar is attached to the member. The follower has a housing having a bore. An opening in a sidewall of the housing is in communication with the bore. Disposed within the bore is a wiper. A cap having a central opening in an end wall is attached to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: MAREL MEAT PROCESSING INC.
    Inventors: Kevin DeVries, Kenneth B. Arnote, JR., Timothy V. Weers
  • Patent number: 8346409
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling the speed of flap retraction on aircraft, and alerts to the pilot of potentially unsafe flap position. The invention accepts direction from a pilot and senses operation of the aircraft to determine appropriate flap position and flap retraction speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Patent number: 8340842
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses that reduce pilot workload and increase the performance and efficiency of the pilot's control of the aircraft. The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for determining the presence and type of an emergency condition, for example by detecting corresponding sensor outputs or by accepting input from a pilot or a combination thereof; and then responding to that emergency by initiating a pre-determined set of actions specific to the determined emergency. Embodiments of the invention can include the ability to monitor engine conditions as well as control electrical functions such as the fuel boost pump, alternator field, battery contactor and other important electrical devices. Some examples described below assume a single-engine piston aircraft for ease of illustration. The invention can also be applied to multi engine and turbine powered aircraft as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Patent number: 8103393
    Abstract: A computer-implemented function monitors and displays exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) in a plurality of cylinders in an engine. The invention provides an easy way to read exhaust gas temperature on a specific cylinder, and to provide a means for leaning the engine while in a climb. Efficient leaning in a climb reduces fuel consumption and reduces the chance of harmful conditions that can lead to engine failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Patent number: 7973533
    Abstract: A switching and fault detection circuit comprises two controllable switches capable of coupling a power source to a load. A controller can control the switches and test them for faults, and a voltage sensor can read the output voltage going to the load. Dual-redundant switches and fault detection circuitry can provide correct operation if one should fail. Control and feedback logic can determine if each of the solid-state switches is operating correctly during the power-on and power-off cycles and can also check for a fail-open condition during normal operations. If it is determined that a solid switch has failed open or closed, a fault can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Patent number: 7796054
    Abstract: A computer implemented function monitors the position of the magneto switch in an aircraft to provide real-time feedback of engine RPM drop during a magneto (mag) check and communicates whether parameters are within limits. The function can also monitor engine and groundspeed/airspeed data in an aircraft to verify the magneto switch is in the correct position during engine start, takeoff and flight and can provide an alert to the pilot if the switch is not in the correct position. The automated magneto check function provides an easy way to test the operation of the aircraft's engine-driven magnetos and provides additional safety by alerting the pilot to unsafe positioning of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Publication number: 20090306837
    Abstract: A computer-implemented function monitors and displays exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) in a plurality of cylinders in an engine. The invention provides an easy way to read exhaust gas temperature on a specific cylinder, and to provide a means for leaning the engine while in a climb. Efficient leaning in a climb reduces fuel consumption and reduces the chance of harmful conditions that can lead to engine failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Publication number: 20090306836
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses that reduce pilot workload and increase the performance and efficiency of the pilot's control of the aircraft. The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for determining the presence and type of an emergency condition, for example by detecting corresponding sensor outputs or by accepting input from a pilot or a combination thereof; and then responding to that emergency by initiating a pre-determined set of actions specific to the determined emergency. Embodiments of the invention can include the ability to monitor engine conditions as well as control electrical functions such as the fuel boost pump, alternator field, battery contactor and other important electrical devices. Some examples described below assume a single-engine piston aircraft for ease of illustration. The invention can also be applied to multi engine and turbine powered aircraft as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Publication number: 20090302174
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling the speed of flap retraction on aircraft, and alerts to the pilot of potentially unsafe flap position. The invention accepts direction from a pilot and senses operation of the aircraft to determine appropriate flap position and flap retraction speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Patent number: 7622818
    Abstract: A system comprised of switches, fuses, microprocessor-based monitoring, and a pilot display that provides a method to bypass computer-controlled switching of aircraft power circuits. A backup circuit in addition to the computer-controlled switching circuit provides a method to guarantee power delivery in the case of a failure of the computer-controlled switch. The system provides the pilot with an indication when the backup circuit is engaged. When the other devices are turned off and/or the engine is shut down, an indication can be provided to the pilot that the backup circuit is on. An indication can also be provided to the pilot that the switch is in the off position when it should be on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Publication number: 20090212975
    Abstract: A switching and fault detection circuit comprises two controllable switches capable of coupling a power source to a load. A controller can control the switches and test them for faults, and a voltage sensor can read the output voltage going to the load. Dual-redundant switches and fault detection circuitry can provide correct operation if one should fail. Control and feedback logic can determine if each of the solid-state switches is operating correctly during the power-on and power-off cycles and can also check for a fail-open condition during normal operations. If it is determined that a solid switch has failed open or closed, a fault can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Publication number: 20080237402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses that control trim of an aircraft even in the presence of conflicting trim inputs, for example by disabling the trim input switches on the aircraft when conflicting switch inputs are received. When conflicting switch inputs are received and certain time conditions are met, the controller can disable the switch inputs and provide a backup and independent means to control the trim circuitry. The pilot can be allowed to re-enable the disabled inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Publication number: 20080036624
    Abstract: A computer implemented function monitors the position of the magneto switch in an aircraft to provide real-time feedback of engine RPM drop during a magneto (mag) check and communicates whether parameters are within limits. The function can also monitor engine and groundspeed/airspeed data in an aircraft to verify the magneto switch is in the correct position during engine start, takeoff and flight and can provide an alert to the pilot if the switch is not in the correct position. The automated magneto check function provides an easy way to test the operation of the aircraft's engine-driven magnetos and provides additional safety by alerting the pilot to unsafe positioning of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Publication number: 20080036298
    Abstract: A system comprised of switches, fuses, microprocessor-based monitoring, and a pilot display that provides a method to bypass computer-controlled switching of aircraft power circuits. A backup circuit in addition to the computer-controlled switching circuit provides a method to guarantee power delivery in the case of a failure of the computer-controlled switch. The system provides the pilot with an indication when the backup circuit is engaged. When the other devices are turned off and/or the engine is shut down, an indication can be provided to the pilot that the backup circuit is on. An indication can also be provided to the pilot that the switch is in the off position when it should be on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal