Patents by Inventor Richard A. Kirchner

Richard A. Kirchner 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: 20250187217
    Abstract: This document describes an improved disconnector device that is configured to attach to flexible tubing in a manner that compresses the flexible tubing and cuts the flexible tubing a compression point. The improved disconnector device can be in the form of a toolless aseptic disconnector configured to mate with an exterior of the flexible tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2024
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Kevin Porch, Daniel A. Corazzo, Neal W. Feldhahn, Jacob D. Fellows, Richard A. Kirchner, Isaac J. Milbrath, Mark T. Nie, Loi T. Truong, Madeleine P. Turnberg, Grant A. Wilhelm, Randall S. Williams
  • Publication number: 20240042355
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Patent number: 11826683
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ECOWATER SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20210308607
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Patent number: 11077392
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLC
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Patent number: 10954141
    Abstract: A system to increase the water recovery ratio and efficiently save water in a water treatment and delivery system, particularly for a water treatment system that may be used for water softening, and more particularly for a water treatment system that employs capacitive deionization technology. Stored product water is delivered without the implementation of an additional pump, and the stored product water is used to recover water in a storage tank without having to send water to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLC
    Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 10590016
    Abstract: A system to increase the water recovery ratio and efficiently save water in a water treatment and delivery system, particularly for a water treatment system that may be used for water softening, and more particularly for a water treatment system that employs capacitive deionization technology. Stored product water is delivered without the implementation of an additional pump, and the stored product water is used to recover water in a storage tank without having to send water to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLC
    Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20200062620
    Abstract: A system to increase the water recovery ratio and efficiently save water in a water treatment and delivery system, particularly for a water treatment system that may be used for water softening, and more particularly for a water treatment system that employs capacitive deionization technology. Stored product water is delivered without the implementation of an additional pump, and the stored product water is used to recover water in a storage tank without having to send water to drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 10421032
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20190282938
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Patent number: 10307697
    Abstract: Filters for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type, and to filters for use in devices for withdrawing liquids from containers at relatively low pressures, such as gravity feed jugs or other gravity feed reservoirs. A ¼-turn attachment scheme for connecting a filter cartridge to a gravity feed reservoir, such as within a beverage making/dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Blake Savoy, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness, Kelly Boudreau, Stephen P. Huda, Teddy Howlett, Peter Cook
  • Patent number: 10196282
    Abstract: Filter cartridge designs for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type for withdrawing liquids at relatively low pressures from containers such as gravity feed jugs, ice chests, coolers, collapsible travel bags, and the like, wherein the filter cartridge housings have various shapes and attachment schemes to the spigot subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20170259196
    Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
  • Patent number: 9610528
    Abstract: A filter frame assembly is disclosed comprising a perimeter member surrounding a fluid aperture adapted to accommodate a fluid flow from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, the perimeter member comprising a perimeter upstream surface, a perimeter downstream surface, and a perimeter outer surface connecting the perimeter upstream surface to the perimeter downstream surface. A gasket carrier is attached to the perimeter member and comprises a carrier outer portion facing generally away from the fluid aperture and a first outer portion sealing member projecting from the carrier outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Francis E. Porbeni, Kenneth J. Snider, Dean R. Duffy, Gregory M. Jellum, Richard A. Kirchner, Donald E. Young, Chris P. Manderfeld, John J. Reese
  • Publication number: 20160280568
    Abstract: A system to increase the water recovery ratio and efficiently save water in a water treatment and delivery system, particularly for a water treatment system that may be used for water softening, and more particularly for a water treatment system that employs capacitive deionization technology. Stored product water is delivered without the implementation of an additional pump, and the stored product water is used to recover water in a storage tank without having to send water to drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20160220925
    Abstract: Filters for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type, and to filters for use in devices for withdrawing liquids from containers at relatively low pressures, such as gravity feed jugs or other gravity feed reservoirs. A ¼-turn attachment scheme for connecting a filter cartridge to a gravity feed reservoir, such as within a beverage making/dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Blake Savoy, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness, Kelly Boudreau, Stephen P. Huda, Teddy Howlett, Peter Cook
  • Patent number: 9370738
    Abstract: Described are filter cartridges having an inlet opening and an outlet opening on the stem of the filter cartridges, which permit the permit the entry and exit, respectively, of a fluid in one or more radial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem. These filter cartridges are suitable for use in filtration systems that allow users to install the filter cartridges by a straight line push motion and remove the filter cartridges by a straight line pull motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Maki, Jeremy A. Schmoll, Tyan M. Renner, Matt R. Branscomb, David W. Lachermeier, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20150246824
    Abstract: Filter cartridge designs for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type for withdrawing liquids at relatively low pressures from containers such as gravity feed jugs, ice chests, coolers, collapsible travel bags, and the like, wherein the filter cartridge housings have various shapes and attachment schemes to the spigot subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
  • Patent number: 9044699
    Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed comprising a filter manifold and a filter cartridge. The filter manifold comprises a bracket, a valve, a manifold feed port, a manifold filtrate port, and a handle. The valve is held by the bracket and comprises a fixed portion attached to the bracket and a rotary portion. The handle is operatively connected to the rotary portion and comprises a cartridge lifter having one of a camming ramp or a camming lug lifter engagement feature. The handle is rotatable to a service position and a disengaged position, wherein the manifold feed port is blocked by the valve when the handle is in the disengaged position. The filter cartridge comprises a cartridge feed port, a cartridge filtrate port, and an external cartridge surface having one of a camming lug or a camming ramp for engaging the lifter engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian D. Gale, David M. Botts, Karl J. Fritze, Laurence W. Bassett, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: D758529
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness