Patents by Inventor Kristen E. Gromes

Kristen E. Gromes 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: 11964313
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Gary L. Manack, Jr., Kristen E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 11934215
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer, and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Griffin, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11327511
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: TERYDON, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11262145
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch, and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Michael K. Brumfield, Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 11255621
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch, and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michael K. Brumfield, Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 11052437
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The grooves create turbulence in water in this space and thereby reduce leakage from the nozzle. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TERYDON, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Gary L. Manack, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 10890390
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer, and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10747238
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer, and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10618084
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Gary L. Manack, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 10599162
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer, and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10502509
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Peinemann Equipment B.V.
    Inventors: Michael K. Brumfield, Kristen E. Gromes
  • Publication number: 20190353435
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch, and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael K. Brumfield, Kristen E. Gromes
  • Publication number: 20190353436
    Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch, and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael K. Brumfield, Kristen E. Gromes
  • Publication number: 20190353437
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer, and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, SR., Terry D. Gromes, JR., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, JR., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190346866
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, SR., Terry D. Gromes, JR., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, JR., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190337028
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The grooves create turbulence in water in this space and thereby reduce leakage from the nozzle. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, SR., Gary L. Manack, JR., Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 10408552
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10399129
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The grooves create turbulence in water in this space and thereby reduce leakage from the nozzle. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Gary L. Manack, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes
  • Patent number: 10401878
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning of heat exchanger tubes including an assembly, an indexer and a communication device provided with specialized software and programming. The indexer includes orthogonally arranged first and second arms. A trolley and sensors are provided on the indexer arms. One or more lances are provided on the trolley to deliver water jets into the openings. Sensors measure displacement as the trolley is moved relative to the heat exchanger's face plate. An operator controls the system from a distance away using the communication device. During setup, the pattern of the face plate is learned and mapped utilizing information from the sensors as one of the inputs. This information is utilized to help navigate the face plate during a subsequent cleaning operation. A kit for retrofitting existing X-Y indexers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Gromes, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20190224724
    Abstract: A nozzle for water jet equipment and a method of use thereof. The nozzle has a body including a base with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The shaft is inserted through a bore of a sleeve that rotatable about the shaft. The base and shaft define a bore therein. At least one opening is defined in the shaft and one or more grooves are milled into the shaft's exterior surface. Each opening places the body's bore in fluid communication with one of the grooves and the sleeve's bore. Water flowing through the body's bore will flow through each opening, into the associated groove and into a space between the shaft and sleeve. The grooves create turbulence in water in this space and thereby reduce leakage from the nozzle. The shaft terminates in a conical section usable as a battering ram to break up blockages in pipes during cleaning operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, SR., Gary L. Manack, JR., Kristen E. Gromes