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).

  • Publication number: 20240130393
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20240125192
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Chris ROY, Frank Harold HOLLISTER, Nathan ZEPEDA, Robert E. SMITH, III, Josh WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 11819039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: RTA Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20230301323
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11717005
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11712047
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
  • Publication number: 20230044162
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Paul K. Maurer, MD, Brett E. Maurer, Todd F. Maurer, Paul Della Torre, Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20220373308
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Paul K. Maurer, MD, Brett E. Maurer, Todd F. Maurer, Paul Della Torre, Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20220361522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20220257050
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11344045
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: RTA Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Patent number: 11337549
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20220104513
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20220046946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
  • Patent number: 11147291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan E. Smith, Robert Tuchrelo
  • Publication number: 20210045408
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Patent number: 10888102
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: RTA Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Nathan E. Smith, Richard T. Aab
  • Publication number: 20200237138
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10602877
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10595673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLC
    Inventors: 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