Patents by Inventor Nathan E. Smith
Nathan E. Smith 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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Publication number: 20240130393Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20240125192Abstract: A regulator valve has a check valve manifold for use in subsea control circuits. For example, the regulator valve having the check valve manifold can be used in a circuit between a directional control valve and an actuator for a gate valve. The check valve manifold can have a flange that attaches to the regulator valve to communicate with the supply-side and outlet-side of the regulator valve. Internal communication inside the manifold includes a check valve. If the pressure in the circuit downstream of the regulator valve needs to be vented, the check valve can open to allow the pressure to bleed from the outlet-side back to the supply-side without needing to pass through the internal pressure control valve of the regulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Chris ROY, Frank Harold HOLLISTER, Nathan ZEPEDA, Robert E. SMITH, III, Josh WILLIAMS
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Patent number: 11819039Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: RTA Associates, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20230301323Abstract: A system and method for treating a portion of a food flow path in a food processor having a freezer chamber includes imparting a continuous flow of solution through a portion of the food flow path with sufficient flow rate, temperature and flow duration to impart at least one of (i) impart at least a 6 log reduction in inoculum count and (ii) extend the necessary time for manual cleaning of the portion of a food flow path exposed to the continuous flow of solution to at least 7 days.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith
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Patent number: 11717005Abstract: A system and method for treating a portion of a food flow path in a food processor having a freezer chamber includes imparting a continuous flow of solution through a portion of the food flow path with sufficient flow rate, temperature and flow duration to impart at least one of (i) impart at least a 6 log reduction in inoculum count and (ii) extend the necessary time for manual cleaning of the portion of a food flow path exposed to the continuous flow of solution to at least 7 days.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith
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Patent number: 11712047Abstract: A plurality of bypass lines are configured to selectively engage a corresponding plurality of food flow paths in a food processor. Each bypass line fluidly communicates with an inlet of a pressure regulating valve such that a common pressure occurs at a spaced position in each food flow path providing an equal pressure at the pressure regulating valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLCInventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
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Publication number: 20230044162Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed with a casing and a projectile, wherein external ballistic stability is provided by a center of pressure of the projectile being rearward of a center of mass of the projectile. The projectile includes flight control surfaces that cooperate with the bore of a barrel without requiring rifling or sabots. The projectile can include fin configurations that cooperate with the bore to form a bearing surface with the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Paul K. Maurer, MD, Brett E. Maurer, Todd F. Maurer, Paul Della Torre, Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20220373308Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed with a casing and a projectile, wherein external ballistic stability is provided by a center of pressure of the projectile being rearward of a center of mass of the projectile. The projectile includes flight control surfaces that cooperate with the bore of a barrel without requiring rifling or sabots. The projectile can include fin configurations that cooperate with the bore to form a gas check.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Paul K. Maurer, MD, Brett E. Maurer, Todd F. Maurer, Paul Della Torre, Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20220361522Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20220257050Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Robert TUCHRELO, Jeffrey CAHOON, Richard T. AAB, Alfred S. MUSTARDO, Nathan E. SMITH, Jacob R. PARISI, Edward F. RUPPEL, III, Gary M. RUSSOTTI, William SALMINEN
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Patent number: 11344045Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: RTA Associates, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Patent number: 11337549Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Jeffrey Cahoon, Richard T. Aab, Alfred S. Mustardo, Nathan E. Smith, Jacob R. Parisi, Edward F. Ruppel, III, Gary M. Russotti, William Salminen
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Publication number: 20220104513Abstract: A Clean in Place assembly for a food processor includes a self-cleaning valve assembly, wherein the self-cleaning valve assembly is in fluid communication with a food flow path in the food processor. The self-cleaning valve assembly includes a valve receiving chamber and valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a food flow path inlet port to a food flow path outlet port; fluidly connect the food flow path inlet port to a multivalent port; and fluidly connect a treating solution to a dead space between the valve and the valve receiving cavity. Food product can be selectively drained or retained in food flow path, wherein the self-cleaning valve can be continuously or intermittently exposed to a treating solution for treating non-food flow path portions of the self-cleaning valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20220046946Abstract: A plurality of bypass lines are configured to selectively engage a corresponding plurality of food flow paths in a food processor. Each bypass line fluidly communicates with an inlet of a pressure regulating valve such that a common pressure occurs at a spaced position in each food flow path providing an equal pressure at the pressure regulating valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
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Patent number: 11147291Abstract: A plurality of bypass lines are configured to selectively engage a corresponding plurality of food flow paths in a food processor. Each bypass line fluidly communicates with an inlet of a pressure regulating valve such that a common pressure occurs at a spaced position in each food flow path providing an equal pressure at the pressure regulating valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLCInventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
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Publication number: 20210045408Abstract: A self-contained food processor is provided for treating a food flow path in the food processor with a solution. The food flow path can be treated without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor and without requiring direct operator input. The food processor includes a controller for directing passage of a solution through at least portions of the food flow path without requiring constant operator oversight. The food processor can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through the food flow path in the food processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Patent number: 10888102Abstract: A self-contained food processor is provided for treating a food flow path in the food processor with a solution. The food flow path can be treated without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor and without requiring direct operator input. The food processor includes a controller for directing passage of a solution through at least portions of the food flow path without requiring constant operator oversight. The food processor can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through the food flow path in the food processor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: RTA Associates, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
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Publication number: 20200237138Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Jeffrey Cahoon, Richard T. Aab, Alfred S. Mustardo, Nathan E. Smith, Jacob R. Parisi, Edward F. Ruppel, III, Gary M. Russotti, William Salminen
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Patent number: 10602877Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Jeffrey Cahoon, Richard T. Aab, Alfred S. Mustardo, Nathan E. Smith, Jacob R. Parisi, Edward F. Ruppel, III, Gary M. Russotti, William Salminen
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Patent number: 10595673Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLCInventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Jeffrey Cahoon, Richard T. Aab, Alfred S. Mustardo, Nathan E. Smith, Jacob R. Parisi, Edward F. Ruppel, III, Gary M. Russotti, William Salminen