Patents by Inventor Larry K. Acker
Larry K. Acker 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).
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Patent number: 10724747Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technologies Development, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 10514172Abstract: Fluid distribution systems comprising a wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system and method for their use. In a preferred example, the fluid distribution system is an automated or semi-automated on-command hot water system, wherein the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system comprises a fluid turbine and a battery, for converting fluid flow into electricity to recharge the battery. In certain examples, the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system also comprises a sensor component, such as a sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor. In some examples such fluid distribution systems may be of particular use in environments having limited access to electricity, such as vessels, mobile homes, trailers, and “of the grid”structures having no access to dependable electricity supply.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: ADVANCED CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTION, INC.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Publication number: 20190219276Abstract: Fluid distribution systems comprising a wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system and method for their use. In a preferred example, the fluid distribution system is an automated or semi-automated on-command hot water system, wherein the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system comprises a fluid turbine and a battery, for converting fluid flow into electricity to recharge the battery. In certain examples, the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system also comprises a sensor component, such as a sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor. In some examples such fluid distribution systems may be of particular use in environments having limited access to electricity, such as vessels, mobile homes, trailers, and “of the grid” structures having no access to dependable electricity supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 10215424Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, IncInventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 10208967Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Publication number: 20170122575Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 9513019Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: ADVANCED CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT, INC.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 9281140Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch comprising an LED for indicating when a connected electrical device is activated or not. In certain examples, the electrical device is a water pump. In certain examples, the invention is drawn to a circuit comprising a switch, a logic circuit, an electrical device, and an LED subcircuit, whereby the electrical device is turned on by closing the switch, and whereby the LED functions as an indicator light remaining on while the electrical device remains on, and turning off when the electrical device is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ADVANCED CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT, INCInventors: Larry K. Acker, Robert Jones
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Patent number: 9195242Abstract: An energy management system and method for water heater system is arranged for control of the water heater system based on user demand, and control the hot water distribution base on demand and water temperature of the recirculation loop. The energy management system includes a control center collecting operational parameter of the water heater system and real time information of hot water usage at each of user points, and a management center for managing operational parameter of the water heater system and real time information of hot water usage, wherein the management center is preset for automatically turning each of a motorized unit and a water heater unit of the water heater system in an on and off manner in responsive to hot water demand at user point so as to optimize energy saving of the water heater system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Inventors: Derek Zobrist, Gabriel Ayala, Larry K Acker, Robert Jones
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Publication number: 20150294815Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch comprising an LED for indicating when a connected electrical device is activated or not. In certain examples, the electrical device is a water pump. In certain examples, the invention is drawn to a circuit comprising a switch, a logic circuit, an electrical device, and an LED subcircuit, whereby the electrical device is turned ion by closing the switch, and whereby the LED functions as an indicator light remaining on while the electrical device remains on, and turning off when the electrical device is turned off.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Larry K. ACKER, Robert Jones
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Publication number: 20150148971Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Publication number: 20150019027Abstract: An energy management system and method for water heater system is arranged for control of the water heater system based on user demand, and control the of water distribution base on demand and water temperature of the recirculation loop. The energy management system includes a control center collecting operational parameter of the water heater system and real time information of hot water usage at each of user points, and a management center for managing operational parameter of the water heater system. and real time information of hot water usage, wherein the management center is preset for automatically turning each of a motorized unit and a water heater unit of the water heater system in an on and off manner in responsive to hot water demand at user point so as to optimize energy saving of the water heater system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Larry K. Acker, Robert Jones, Derek Zobrist, Gabriel Ayala
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Publication number: 20130327410Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a hot water source, and a hot water delivery line connected between the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture. A pump, enables circulation of hot water to and from the fixtures. A controller provides for turning on the pump in conjunction with an external signal, and a detector, preferably a temperature sensor, in conjunction with the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 8523001Abstract: A thermal expansion/surge reduction water tank includes a hollow housing with a bladder sealed to an inside of the housing forming two compartments therein. A compressed air inlet in communication with a first of the compartments is provided for expanding the first compartment by focusing the bladder into an abutting relationship with the housing inside. A water inlet and a water outlet in communication with a second of the compartments is provided and disposed for causing non-laminar flow of water through the second compartment for both expanding the second compartment by forcing said bladder into the first compartment and flushing the second compartment to effect self-cleaning thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 8505498Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a boiler, a storage tank, and a hot water delivery line connected between the storage tank and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said boiler. A pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water to the fixtures. A timer and controller provides for turning on the pump and a temperature sensor, connected to the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated through the cold water line.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 8327873Abstract: Temperature control valve apparatus for preventing back flow from a cold water line into a hot water line includes a housing having an inlet or connection to a hot water line, an outlet for a connection to a cold water line and an interconnecting bore with a valve seat. A removable valve plug is disposed in the bore proximate the valve seat and a valve spring biases the valve plug in a spaced apart relationship with the valve seat for enabling water to flow therepast and through the housing from the hot water line to the cold water line. A thermal actuator disposed in an operative position for moving the valve plug to a seating position against the valve plug is provided to prevent water flow therepast from the cold water line to the hot water line.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: ACT, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Publication number: 20110146593Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a boiler, a storage tank, and a hot water delivery line connected between the storage tank and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said boiler. A pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water to the fixtures. A timer and controller provides for turning on the pump and a temperature sensor, connected to the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated through the cold water line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: LARRY K. ACKER
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Publication number: 20110132904Abstract: A thermal expansion/surge reduction water tank includes a hollow housing with a bladder sealed to an inside of the housing forming two compartments therein. A compressed air inlet in communication with a first of the compartments is provided for expanding the first compartment by focusing the bladder into an abutting relationship with the housing inside.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Patent number: 7779857Abstract: A hot water system includes a hot water source; a hot water delivery line connected between the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture along with a cold water delivery line connection between said plumbing fixture, a cold water source and said hot water source; a pump, interconnected between the hot and cold water delivery lines, enables circulation of water from the hot water delivery line through the cold water delivery line and into the hot water source, thus eliminating the need for a separate recirculation line. A thermostatic valve is disposed in a serial arrangement with the pump between the hot and cold water lines for blocking flow of water from the hot water line into the cold water line when the pump is not operating.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: ACT, Inc.Inventor: Larry K. Acker
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Publication number: 20090229684Abstract: Temperature control valve apparatus for preventing back flow from a cold water line into a hot water line includes a housing having an inlet or connection to a hot water line, an outlet for a connection to a cold water line and an interconnecting bore with a valve seat. A removable valve plug is disposed in the bore proximate the valve seat and a valve spring biases the valve plug in a spaced apart relationship with the valve seat for enabling water to flow therepast and through the housing from the hot water line to the cold water line. A thermal actuator disposed in an operative position for moving the valve plug to a seating position against the valve plug is provided to prevent water flow therepast from the cold water line to the hot water line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: LARRY K. ACKER