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).
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Publication number: 20250187217Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: June 12, 2025Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20240042355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Patent number: 11826683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: ECOWATER SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Publication number: 20210308607Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Patent number: 11077392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLCInventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Patent number: 10954141Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLCInventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
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Patent number: 10590016Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLCInventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20200062620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
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Patent number: 10421032Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: KX Technologies LLCInventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Publication number: 20190282938Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Patent number: 10307697Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: KX Technologies LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10196282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: KX Technologies LLCInventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
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Publication number: 20170259196Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Lori Foix, Michael J. Sherman, Steve Wilson, James B. Larson, Erik Klimpel, Richard A. Kirchner, Chad Tousley, Steven J. Haehn, Jeff Ehlers
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Patent number: 9610528Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Francis E. Porbeni, Kenneth J. Snider, Dean R. Duffy, Gregory M. Jellum, Richard A. Kirchner, Donald E. Young, Chris P. Manderfeld, John J. Reese
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Publication number: 20160280568Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Steven K. Wilson, George L. Dimotsis, Richard A. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20160220925Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9370738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey M. Maki, Jeremy A. Schmoll, Tyan M. Renner, Matt R. Branscomb, David W. Lachermeier, Richard A. Kirchner
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Publication number: 20150246824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
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Patent number: 9044699Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brian D. Gale, David M. Botts, Karl J. Fritze, Laurence W. Bassett, Richard A. Kirchner
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Patent number: D758529Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: KX Technologies LLCInventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard A. Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness