Patents by Inventor Mark A. McElroy

Mark A. McElroy 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: 10201772
    Abstract: A filter element may include a tubular element defining an internal space, and a retainer element associated with a first end of the tubular element, wherein the retainer element is configured to be coupled to a first housing. The filter element may also include a valve seat member in the internal space. The valve seat member may include a valve seat aperture configured to provide a fluid seal with a valve poppet. The filter element may further include first and second end caps associated with ends of the tubular element. The filter element may also include filter media around the tubular element, and the second end cap may be configured to provide a fluid seal between the filter element and a drain passage in a second housing, such that as the filter element is separated from the second housing, fluid flows from the filter element into the drain passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Bryant A. Morris, Mark A. McElroy
  • Patent number: 7779818
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20090013972
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically priming a fuel system by bleeding/purging air or vapor therefrom. The system includes a bleed valve configured to automatically move between three positions in response to the pressure of the fuel in the system. When fuel pressure is in a first pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a first-closed position for preventing fuel from draining to the fuel tank and thereby drawing air into the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a second, higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to an open position for bleeding air out of the fuel system and into the tank, thereby priming the fuel system. When the fuel pressure moves to a third, still higher pressure range, the bleed valve automatically moves to a second-closed position so as to not interfere with the regulation of the pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Wilson, Mark A. McElroy, John A. Ward, Nathan T. Kelly, Lloyd A. Hendrix