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: 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: 20160229704
    Abstract: A water treatment system, such as a water softener, is remotely operated and a method of remotely controlling a water treatment system. In a first embodiment, a method of detecting abnormal water usage within a water system associated with a water treatment system is provided. The method includes the steps of monitoring water usage associated with the water treatment system, determining whether the current water usage is above an alarm value, and sending an alarm notice in the event the current water usage is above the alarm value, and automatically taking predetermined action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: EcoWater Systems LLC
    Inventors: David Bardwell, Keith Johnson, Richard Kirchner, Vladislav Komlev, Jeffrey Zimmerman
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: D765220
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness
  • Patent number: D791912
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KX TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Boudreau, Keith D. Johnson, Michael J. Sherman, Frank A. Brigano, Richard Kirchner, Paul A. Pilosi, Jason J. Ness