Patents by Inventor Robert D. Grapes

Robert D. Grapes 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).

  • Patent number: 8833605
    Abstract: A product delivery and monitoring system is provided. The system includes at least one air pump, an air pump sensor for each air pump, at least one diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump sensor for each diaphragm pump, a controller and an indication system. Each air pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the operation of the air pump. The at least one diaphragm pump is configured and arranged to deliver a product in response to the operation of an associated air pump. Each diaphragm pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the delivery of the product by the diaphragm pump. The controller is in communication with each air pump sensor and each diaphragm pump sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal based on a comparison of communications from an air pump sensor and an associated diaphragm sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate the indication system with the at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Robert D. Grapes, James Unwin
  • Publication number: 20120018448
    Abstract: A product delivery and monitoring system is provided. The system includes at least one air pump, an air pump sensor for each air pump, at least one diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump sensor for each diaphragm pump, a controller and an indication system. Each air pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the operation of the air pump. The at least one diaphragm pump is configured and arranged to deliver a product in response to the operation of an associated air pump. Each diaphragm pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the delivery of the product by the diaphragm pump. The controller is in communication with each air pump sensor and each diaphragm pump sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal based on a comparison of communications from an air pump sensor and an associated diaphragm sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate the indication system with the at least one control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Robert D. Grapes, James Unwin
  • Patent number: 5601101
    Abstract: A washing system for in place washing of a machine or equipment. The washing system includes a supply valve arrangement (21) that is connectable to at least one source (16) of washing fluid, wherein the valve arrangement is operable to regulate a flow of washing fluid to the machine or equipment to be washed. A doser unit (10) having a linear actuator (14) is coupled through a valve (26) to a source (24) of cleaning additive. A control unit (29) is coupled with the valves (21, 26) and the doser unit (10) via a sensor (27) such that controlled changes in the flow of washing fluid and the addition of cleaning additive to the washing fluid can be effected. When the supply is formed by two sources of washing fluid, one source is at a higher temperature than the other. The control unit (29) is further able to change the pressure of the flow of washing fluid to the machine or equipment such that controlled changes in the pressure can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Precision Dispensing Systems Limited
    Inventors: Robert D. Grapes, Mark R. Bell-Booth
  • Patent number: 4194224
    Abstract: A disk indicator and ejector for a disk drive mechanism including a base and a clamshell assembly mounted to the base to pivot between an open position for receiving a disk cartridge, and a closed position for drivably engaging it. The indicator and ejector includes a linking member mounted slideably with respect to the base. A cartridge inserted into the mechanism contacts the linking member, moving it inwardly against the force of a tension spring. Simultaneously, a latch rotatably mounted to the linking member contacts a latch block and is thereby rotated against a torsion spring. As the cartridge reaches its centered position, the linking member engages a pin mounted on the clamshell assembly, indicating complete insertion. The clamshell assembly is then closed, moving the pin and linking member further inward and free of the cartridge, and setting the latch in a cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Magnetic Peripherals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Grapes, Donald J. Watson
  • Patent number: 4171531
    Abstract: An apparatus for centering and driving a flexible disc includes a rotatable spindle and a cone which is insertable through a drive hole in the disc and then into an opening in the spindle whereby the disc is contained between the cone and spindle. A plurality of upstanding centering fingers are mounted in the spindle, extended to the threshold of the spindle opening and equally spaced from the spindle center. The fingers engage the cone as it enters the opening and bend elastically responsive to further cone movement into the opening. The fingers, when so bent, urge the cone toward a centered relation with the spindle. The fingers are adapted to engage any unsupported portion of the disc positioned over the spindle opening, and to support such portion against bending responsive to contact with the moving cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Magnetic Peripherals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Grapes, Donald J. Watson