Patents by Inventor Robert G. Ratliff

Robert G. Ratliff 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: 11920333
    Abstract: Vacuum toilet flush valves. The disclosure uses a precise positioning of a magnet with respect to a flush valve plate in order to identify absolute alignment accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Ratliff, David Beach, Steven Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20220170252
    Abstract: Vacuum toilet flush valves. The disclosure uses a precise positioning of a magnet with respect to a flush valve plate in order to identify absolute alignment accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Robert G. Ratliff, David Beach, Steven Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10816371
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a liquid level sensor system that allows ease of connection and disconnection of a removable vessel (such as a toilet bowl) from a stationary unit (such as a toilet frame). The system provides at least one liquid level sensor (a first part of the sensor probe connection) mounted to the removable vessel, a liquid level sensor circuit board mounted to the unit, and a connection feature (a second part of a sensor probe connection) configured to extend between the sensor and the circuit board. When the removable vessel is removed from the vessel, the sensor probe connection is disconnected without the need for manual intervention. Installation of multiple probes and varying their location can support detection of a single or several discrete levels, or provide for any required redundancy of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Ratliff, Oscar Mathews, David A. Beach, Christopher Jin Sung Choi, David J. Kim, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Publication number: 20180313675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a liquid level sensor system that allows ease of connection and disconnection of a removable vessel (such as a toilet bowl) from a stationary unit (such as a toilet frame). The system provides at least one liquid level sensor (a first part of the sensor probe connection) mounted to the removable vessel, a liquid level sensor circuit board mounted to the unit, and a connection feature (a second part of a sensor probe connection) configured to extend between the sensor and the circuit board. When the removable vessel is removed from the vessel, the sensor probe connection is disconnected without the need for manual intervention. Installation of multiple probes and varying their location can support detection of a single or several discrete levels, or provide for any required redundancy of detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Ratliff, Oscar Mathews, David A. Beach, Christopher Jin Sung Choi, David J. Kim, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Patent number: 10011358
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20160264245
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C.B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 9371136
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20140208498
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C.B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 6226807
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing water consumption in a vacuum toilet on an aircraft. The system and method includes a weight sensing device that is mounted to an aircraft toilet and is responsive to weight applied to the bowl of the toilet. The weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is seated upon the toilet seat when it measures a weight applied to the toilet bowl. On the other hand, the weight sensing device detects that a toilet user is standing when the weight sensing device does not measure a weight applied to the toilet bowl. A flush control unit is connected to the weight sensing device and controls the amount of water utilized in the flushing of the toilet. When the toilet is flushed and the weight sensing device has detected that a toilet user has sat upon the toilet seat, the flush control unit commands that a standard amount of water be used to remove the solid waste of the toilet user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike M. Rozenblatt, Robert G. Ratliff