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: 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: 9011686
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Kirchner, Nathan E. Marks, Jeremy A. Schmoll
  • Publication number: 20150075125
    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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: 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: 20130341261
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: 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: 20130306552
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a mold, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. Eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the mold to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is cooled to form the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Satishkumar Chamyvelumani, Richard A. Kirchner, Thomas J. Hamlin, William J. Feil, III, Keith D. Solomon
  • Patent number: 8495945
    Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard Kirchner, Mallory Boyd
  • Publication number: 20120279916
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Kirchner, Nathan E. Marks, Jeremy A. Schmoll
  • Patent number: 8256338
    Abstract: A system that provides wireless power transfer between a weapon and a platform. A method for loading, testing, targeting, and launching a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard Kirchner, Mallory Boyd
  • Publication number: 20110247974
    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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian D. Gale, David M. Botts, Karl J. Fritze, Laurence W. Bassett, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20070220462
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating and validating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. An extracted timing model file is generated and a validation procedure is performed. This validation procedure may include comparing the information with the file to a test bench have a plurality of test points. In particular, data provided by the engineer is checked against multiple criteria to ensure that this data is valid and/or falls within an appropriate value range constraints. After the validation procedure has completed, the engineer is provided a summary of the validation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Richard Kirchner, Sandeep Bhutani
  • Publication number: 20070186198
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. Various types of data and fields may be provided into the user interface or data template. The location of relevant files, such as a cell or core netlist, may be provided within the template. Additionally, one or more modes may be selected by the user to define the manner in which the ETM file(s) are to be generated. An ETM file is automatically generated using the information provided in the data template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Lindberg, Richard Kirchner, Sandeep Bhutani
  • Publication number: 20050173323
    Abstract: Water filtration systems and methods for assembling appliances involve embedded water flow components such that space is preserved within the appliance. In particular, the components can be incorporated into an insulated structure of an appliance by placing the components into a mold or frame prior to or during the formation of the component. For example, the filtration unit components can be incorporated into a wall or door of an appliance by placing the components into a mold or frame prior to or during the formation of the component. A foam-in-place operation, or the like, embeds the water system component, or portions thereof, within the insulated structure such that there is intimate contact between an insulating foam and the components and the component cannot be removed without destroying the structural integrity of the foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: William Meuleners, Richard Kirchner, Karl Fritze, David Botts
  • Publication number: 20050133463
    Abstract: A monolithic manifold assembly provides for faster and more reliable installation of water filtration systems within appliances or other locations by incorporating a valve flow block as an integral component of the manifold. The monolithic filter manifold includes a filter receiver for selectively attaching and detaching a cartridge filter. The monolithic filter manifold can include a communications interface electrically connected to a valve assembly to selectively allow a filtered water flow through the valve flow block at the direction of an external input. The valve assembly can include at least one solenoid valve configured to sealingly interface with the valve flow block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20050092665
    Abstract: A water filtration system including a manifold assembly and a cartridge filter for reducing water system leaks and reducing installation time. The manifold assembly including at least a first inline valve eliminates the need for valve connections downstream of a water filtration system. The manifold assembly can includes an inlet flow circuit, a distribution flow circuit and at least a first in-line valve. The first in-line valve can include a valve stop located within the distribution circuit. The distribution circuit can include an integral valve seat such that positioning the valve stop with respect to the integral valve seat selectively controls water flow. The first in-line valve can have a control element allowing for external control. The manifold assembly can further include a second in-line valve having a second valve stop located within the distribution circuit. Both the first and second in-line valves can be solenoid valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Kirchner
  • Publication number: 20050046319
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes French-style doors and a rotating mullion. The rotating mullion is mounted to one of the French-style doors through first and second hinge members. Each of the first and second hinge members include first and second hinge elements having corresponding cam members. The cam members include multiple lobes and extend about hinge pins that define an axis of rotation for the mullion. The multiple lobes actually define first and second detent positions for the rotating mullion. A spring biases the first cam member against the second cam member so that the rotating mullion is positively maintained in either the first or second position. The mullion is formed from mating halves, each including a portion of an integrally formed pin element. The pin element travels within a guide element to automatically rotate the mullion between the first and second positions during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Raymond Chekal, Richard Kirchner, Jeffrey O'Halloran, Chad Rotter, Greg Scorpil, Jack Standefer, David Stauffer
  • Patent number: 6772606
    Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kopf, Tim L. Coulter, Richard A. Kirchner, Michael A. Bowen, Troy M. Anderson, Eric K. Silbaugh
  • Publication number: 20040007010
    Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kopf, Tim L. Coulter, Richard A. Kirchner, Michael A. Bowen, Troy M. Anderson, Eric K. Silbaugh
  • Patent number: 6259365
    Abstract: A laser security fence apparatus is disclosed for providing a warning signal in response to an intrusion by an intruder of a restricted area. The apparatus includes a laser generator for generating a laser beam and a first mirror aligned with the laser beam for reflecting the beam. A second mirror is aligned with the first mirror for reflecting the beam reflected by the first mirror and a collector is aligned with the second mirror for collecting the beam reflected by the second mirror. A microprocessor is associated with the collector and the generator for sensing when the beam is broken by the intruder so that the beam is not received by the collector. An alarm is connected to the microprocessor for actuation by the microprocessor when the microprocessor senses that the beam is broken so that the alarm provides the warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: James Hagar, Richard A. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 6229449
    Abstract: A detector apparatus is disclosed for emitting a warning alarm signal in response to the presence of a hazardous condition within at least one room of a building having a plurality of rooms. The apparatus includes a plurality of hazardous condition detectors arranged such that at least one detector is disposed within each of the rooms. Each of the detectors includes a detecting device for detecting the presence of the hazardous condition and a micro controller electrically connected to the detecting device and powered by an electrical power source. An alarm is electrically connected to the controller such that when the detecting device detects the presence of the hazardous condition, the controller emits an electrical signal. An analog to digital converter device is electrically connected to the controller for converting the electrical signal into a digital signal so that when the hazardous condition is detected, the converter transmits the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Darren S. Kirchner, Judith E. Kirchner, Richard A. Kirchner