Patents by Inventor Kevin E. Collier

Kevin E. Collier 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: 8210710
    Abstract: A flashlight is described holding at least one battery and an illumination source. A circuit interruption and completion device is provided forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode. The device comprises a switch which is manually actuated between at least a first position which causes the device to enter the closed mode and a second position. A switch holding structure comprises a member with means for making an electrical connection associated with the member; and at least one conductive spring is attached to the member to make electrical contact with the means for making an electrical connection with the battery. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight including a strobe and a momentary mode. A pushbutton switch may control the multiple functions by multiple pushes on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20120088647
    Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20120078027
    Abstract: A functional fluid for the removal of contaminates such as but not limited to, acid causing components in gas, sulfur components and carbon oxides from fluid streams, and removal and treatment of NOX & SOX from post combustion emissions. Also described is the manufacturing process to produce the functional fluid both in a batch atmospheric process system as well as a closed system capable of operating at above or below atmospheric conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Theodore E. Dickinson, David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 8080225
    Abstract: A functional fluid for the removal of contaminates such as but not limited to, acid causing components in gas, sulfur components and carbon oxides from fluid streams, and removal and treatment of NOX & SOX from post combustion emissions. Also described is the manufacturing process to produce the functional fluid both in a batch atmospheric process system as well as a closed system capable of operating at above or below atmospheric conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Theodore E. Dickinson, David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20110263405
    Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20110096538
    Abstract: A flashlight is described holding at least one battery and an illumination source. A circuit interruption and completion device is provided forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode. The device comprises a switch which is manually actuated between at least a first position which causes the device to enter the closed mode and a second position. A switch holding structure comprises a member with means for making an electrical connection associated with the member; and at least one conductive spring is attached to the member to make electrical contact with the means for making an electrical connection with the battery. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight including a strobe and a momentary mode. A pushbutton switch may control the multiple functions by multiple pushes on the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20110084631
    Abstract: A flashlight is described comprising a flashlight body comprising a tube with a first end and a second end, the tube configured to hold at least one battery; a bulb holder for holding an illumination source at the first end of the tube; and a circuit interruption and completion device forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode, the device comprising a pushbutton switch which is manually actuated between at least a first closed mode and a second mode. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight. The switch requires at least one of a force of less than about 1000 gf and a stroke of less than 4 mm to be operably actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20110003676
    Abstract: A separator device comprises a cylindrical separation chamber within which a motor-driven rotor is situated. The rotor has vanes. In operation, an inflowing mixture enters through an inlet and is subjected to centrifugal force imposed by the rotation of the rotor. A lighter liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet, and a heavier liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet. Solids pass through a screen to a region where rotational flow is reduced or absent. The solids in the region are fluidized by liquid passing through the screen, and are extracted from outlets. Control means is provided to control operation of the device in response to changes in the incoming mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin E. Collier, David J. Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20090284185
    Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20090284186
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20090220620
    Abstract: A functional fluid for the removal of contaminates such as but not limited to, acid causing components in gas, sulfur components and carbon oxides from fluid streams, and removal and treatment of NOX & SOX from post combustion emissions. Also described is the manufacturing process to produce the functional fluid both in a batch atmospheric process system as well as a closed system capable of operating at above or below atmospheric conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Theodore E. Dickinson, David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 7566149
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20090130007
    Abstract: A contactor for reacting a flow of gas with a liquid, comprises a vessel, a first chamber in the vessel and a second chamber in the vessel, the first and second chambers being linked only by a porous wall, and means for directing ultrasonic noise into at least one of the first and second chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Theodore E. Dickinson, David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 7314441
    Abstract: A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate material has settled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 7125140
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 7060017
    Abstract: A separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. The chamber communicates with an inlet and a first outlet. A tubular member is disposed within the chamber and communicates external thereof. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber. Each of the fins extends from toward the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. A first tube projects from the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. The first tube has a second outlet in communication with the chamber. The first outlet is disposed closer to the rotational axis than the second outlet such that during use a fluid boundary line first outlet and the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20040192533
    Abstract: A separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. The chamber communicates with an inlet and a first outlet. A tubular member is disposed within the chamber and communicates external thereof. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber. Each of the fins extends from toward the tubular member to toward the peripheral wall. A first tube projects from the tubular member to-toward the peripheral wall. The first tube has a second outlet in communication with the chamber. The first outlet is disposed closer to the rotational axis than the second outlet such that during use a fluid boundary line first outlet and the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20040095759
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinecke
  • Patent number: 6719681
    Abstract: A multiple-component fluid mixture is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with an outlet. The fluid mixture includes a heavy component and a light component. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel and the light component collects toward the rotational axis. The light component is removed through the outlet channel. The heavy component is removed through a conduit disposed within the chamber, the conduit extending from the heavy component toward the rotational axis and out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 6607473
    Abstract: A fluid mixture containing a heavy component and a light component is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a vessel. The vessel includes a light component outlet regulated by a first valve and a heavy component outlet regulated by a second valve. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel as the liquid-liquid mixture is feed into the chamber such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel radially outward from the rotational axis and the lighter component collects toward the rotational axis. The first valve is set such that the light component exits therethrough at a first pressure. The second valve is set such that the heavy component exits therethrough at a second pressure, the second pressure being different than the first pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Econova Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier