Patents by Inventor Michael A. Laskaris

Michael A. Laskaris 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).

  • Publication number: 20250018238
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a fluid monitor that includes a fluid outlet and is selectively moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a request to direct a fluid flow from the fluid monitor towards a desired target area, determine whether the fluid monitor is in a proper position to direct the fluid flow toward the target area, and control the fluid flow from the fluid monitor through the fluid outlet based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Jason Cerrano, Michael A. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 12138500
    Abstract: A valve checker system includes a valve having a valve housing with an inlet side, an outlet side, and a valve element therebetween. The valve element is selectively and repeatably rotatable between a first closed position, wherein a seal is formed between the valve element and the valve housing, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow between the inlet and outlet sides, and an open position, wherein the seal is broken such that fluid flow is permissible between the inlet and outlet sides. The valve element is also selectively and repeatably rotatable within a discrete angle in a direction toward the open position, from the first closed position into a second closed position in which the seal is maintained between the valve element and the valve housing. A controller is operatively coupled to the valve element and configured to rotate the valve element between the first and second closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Jason Cerrano
  • Publication number: 20240307724
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Cerrano, Michael A. Laskaris, Nick Ramirez, Jon A. Jenkins, James M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11998780
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Akron Brass Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Jason Cerrano, James M. Johnson, Daniel B. Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20240066340
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump, a nozzle component including a first transceiver and an indicator, a fluid line connecting the pump to the nozzle, and a discharge valve control assembly. The discharge valve control assembly includes a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a pressure sensor coupled to the fluid line between the pump and the discharge valve, and a second transceiver providing communication between the nozzle component and the discharge valve control assembly. The discharge valve control assembly is configured to receive a request to charge a hose section of the fluid line and determine whether to open the discharge valve in response to receiving the request based on a fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Jason Cerrano
  • Patent number: 11619235
    Abstract: A dual priming system connected with a centrifugal pump to evacuate gas therefrom includes a positive displacement pump fluidly connectable with the centrifugal pump and a venturi fluidly connectable with the centrifugal pump in parallel with the positive displacement pump. The dual priming system is operational in a first mode, wherein the positive displacement pump is inactive and the venturi is activated, and a second mode, wherein the positive displacement pump is activated and the venturi is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, David Lamont Miller
  • Patent number: 11619526
    Abstract: A fire truck pump flow prediction system includes a pump, an inlet pipe connected to the pump, a discharge pipe connected to the pump, an intake pressure sensor connected to the inlet pipe, a discharge pressure sensor connected to the discharge pipe, a rotational sensor associated with the pump and a central processor connected to the intake pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the rotational sensor. The intake pressure sensor is configured to detect fire suppressant inlet pressure and the discharge pressure sensor is configured to detect fire suppressant discharge pressure. The rotational sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the pump. The central processor configured to determine a flow through the pump and into the discharge pipe based on the inlet pressure, the discharge pressure and the rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, David Miller
  • Publication number: 20230001247
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Jason Cerrano, James M. Johnson, Daniel B. Teixeira
  • Patent number: 11484738
    Abstract: An integrated operator interface for a fire suppression system is provided. The fire suppression system includes an engine, a water source, a water pump, a foam system and a compressed air system. The integrated operator interface includes a control panel including a plurality of one-touch activation controls. Each one-touch activation control is configured to cause the output of a predetermined fire suppression fluid from the fire suppression system and cause a predetermined increase in engine speed resulting in an associated increase in water pump pressure. The predetermined fire suppression fluid comprising a predetermined flow of water, a predetermined type of foamant, a predetermined concentration of the predetermined type of foamant, and a predetermined flow of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 11439856
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Akron Brass Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Daniel B. Teixeira, Craig E. Kneidel, James M. Johnson, Andrea M. Russell
  • Publication number: 20210046345
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a pump, a nozzle for directing fluid flow from the pump to a target area, a discharge valve controlling fluid flow between the pump and the nozzle, a sensor coupled to the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects movement of the nozzle and generates a signal indicative of the detected movement. The controller communicatively coupled is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and control at least one of the discharge valve, the pump, and the nozzle based on the detected movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Nick Ramirez, Daniel B. Teixeira, Jason Cerrano, Craig E. Kneidel, Jon A. Jenkins, James M. Johnson, James Douglas Kramer, Andrea M. Russell, Peter Lauffenburger
  • Patent number: 10711440
    Abstract: An automatic fire hydrant water supplying system provides hydrant supply water to a fire truck having a water pump; a water pump master intake valve; a water-supply fire hose, a pressure sensor upstream of the master-intake-valve, and a water-pump control system. The automatic fire hydrant water supplying system has a remotely-controllable hydrant discharge valve connectable to the hydrant and to the fire-hose. A remotely-controllable air bleed valve is in fluid communication with the master-intake-valve and the fire-hose. The water-pump control system determines whether a pressurized volume in the fire hose upstream of the master-intake-valve input port is air or water based on a difference in density between air and water as sensed by the pressure sensor and if the pressurized volume is air causes the air to be vented to atmosphere through the air-bleed-valve before opening the master-intake-valve to provide hydrant supply water to the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 10286237
    Abstract: An integrated operator interface for a fire suppression system is provided. The fire suppression system includes an engine, a water source, a water pump, a foam system and a compressed air system. The integrated operator interface includes a control panel including a plurality of one-touch activation controls. Each one-touch activation control is configured to cause the output of a predetermined fire suppression fluid from the fire suppression system and cause a predetermined increase in engine speed resulting in an associated increase in water pump pressure. The predetermined fire suppression fluid comprising a predetermined flow of water, a predetermined type of foamant, a predetermined concentration of the predetermined type of foamant, and a predetermined flow of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HALE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 8616295
    Abstract: A fire suppression system having a foam proportioning system, a water source, and a controller. The foam proportioning system includes a foam tank having at least two types of chemical foamants, a selector valve in fluid communication with the foam tank for selecting one of the at least two types of chemical foamants, a foam pump in fluid communication with the selector valve for supplying the selected chemical foamant to a discharge unit, and a foam controller operatively connected to the foam pump and the selector valve. The water source is connected to the foam proportioning system for mixing water with the selected chemical foamant to form a fire suppression fluid. The controller is operatively connected to the foam proportioning system and includes a one-touch activation control for activating the controller. The controller is also configured to automatically output to the foam controller inputs for configuring the foam pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Dominic John Colletti, Gary Handwerk
  • Patent number: 8307907
    Abstract: A hybrid foam system for providing a variety of proportioned foam solutions is provided. The system includes a low flow foam proportioning system operatively associated with a high flow foam proportioning system and a system controller for controlling the operating conditions of the overall hybrid foam system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Dominic John Colletti
  • Patent number: 8162619
    Abstract: A system for controlling the pressure output of an engine-driven centrifugal fire pump includes a discharge pressure sensor mounted in the discharge line of the pump. A governor varies the rpms of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. If the pressure in the system is higher than the desired output pressure when the engine is running at its idle speed an electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates to relieve the excess pressure in over pressure situations. If the pressure in the system is lower than the desired output pressure when the relief valve is fully closed, the engine speed is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 7987916
    Abstract: A fire suppression system having a plumbing assembly, an engine, a hose, an air-bleed valve, and a controller is provided. The controller includes a one-touch activation control. The controller is also configured to automatically activate the air-bleed valve to remove air within the hose to prevent user injury and damage to the fire suppression system. A fire suppression system that automatically configures the fire suppression system to output a predetermined fire suppression fluid composition upon actuation of a one-touch activation control is also provided. In addition, an integrated control system is provided to automatically configure a fire truck's interlock and shift pump operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Dominic John Colletti, Gary Handwerk
  • Publication number: 20090218110
    Abstract: A hybrid foam system for providing a variety of proportioned foam solutions is provided. The system includes a low flow foam proportioning system operatively associated with a high flow foam proportioning system and a system controller for controlling the operating conditions of the overall hybrid foam system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Dominic John Colletti
  • Publication number: 20080292472
    Abstract: A system for controlling the pressure output of an engine-driven centrifugal fire pump includes a discharge pressure sensor mounted in the discharge line of the pump. A governor varies the rpms of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. If the pressure in the system is higher than the desired output pressure when the engine is running at its idle speed an electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates to relieve the excess pressure in over pressure situations. If the pressure in the system is lower than the desired output pressure when the relief valve is fully closed, the engine speed is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 6991041
    Abstract: A compressed air foam system for use in extinguishing fire includes a conduit, a water flow sensor, a foam proportioning apparatus, an air conduit, an air flow sensor, an air flow control valve and a system controller. The water flow sensor is configured to sense a water flow rate through the conduit. The air flow sensor is configured to sense an air flow rate through the air conduit. The system controller has a user adjustable ratio input. The system controller is configured to receive the sensed water flow rate, to receive the sensed air flow rate, to output a first control signal to the air flow control valve and to output a second control signal to the foam proportioning apparatus. The system controller automatically adjusts the first and second control signals to maintain a ratio of air flow to foam flow based upon the user adjustable ratio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Allen Craig