Patents by Inventor Mitch M. Knapke

Mitch M. Knapke 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: 20140377089
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and may include a first compression mechanism, a first valve plate including a first port, and a first manifold including a first cylinder having a first piston disposed therein. The first piston may be movable between a first position opening the first port and a second position closing the first port. The compressor may additionally include a second compression mechanism, a second valve plate including a second port, and a second manifold including a second cylinder having a second piston disposed therein. The second piston may be movable between a first position opening the second port and a second position closing the second port. A valve assembly may move one of the first and second pistons into the first position while maintaining the other of the first and second pistons in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Mitch M. Knapke, Ernest R. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8807961
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and may include a control valve that moves a pressure-responsive unloader valve between a first position permitting flow through a valve plate and into a compression mechanism and a second position restricting flow through the valve plate and into the compression mechanism. The control valve may include at least one pressure-responsive valve member movable between a first state supplying discharge-pressure gas to the unloader valve to urge the unloader valve into one of the first position and the second position and a second state venting the discharge-pressure gas from the unloader valve to move the unloader valve into the other of the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Mitch M. Knapke, Ernest R. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20120177508
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and may include a control valve that moves a pressure-responsive unloader valve between a first position permitting flow through a valve plate and into a compression mechanism and a second position restricting flow through the valve plate and into the compression mechanism. The control valve may include at least one pressure-responsive valve member movable between a first state supplying discharge-pressure gas to the unloader valve to urge the unloader valve into one of the first position and the second position and a second state venting the discharge-pressure gas from the unloader valve to move the unloader valve into the other of the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Mitch M. Knapke, Ernest R. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8157538
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate associated with the compression mechanism and having at least one port in fluid communication with the compression mechanism, and a manifold disposed adjacent to the valve plate. A cylinder may be formed in the manifold and a piston may be disposed within the manifold and may be movable relative to the manifold between a first position separated from the valve plate and a second position engaging the valve plate. A valve element may be disposed within the piston and may be movable relative to the piston and the manifold. The valve element may be movable between an open position spaced apart from the valve plate and permitting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism and a closed position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Mitch M. Knapke, Ernest R. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20090028723
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate associated with the compression mechanism and having at least one port in fluid communication with the compression mechanism, and a manifold disposed adjacent to the valve plate. A cylinder may be formed in the manifold and a piston may be disposed within the manifold and may be movable relative to the manifold between a first position separated from the valve plate and a second position engaging the valve plate. A valve element may be disposed within the piston and may be movable relative to the piston and the manifold. The valve element may be movable between an open position spaced apart from the valve plate and permitting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism and a closed position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Mitch M. Knapke, Ernest R. Bergman