Patents by Inventor Robert J. Fritz

Robert J. Fritz 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: 9950488
    Abstract: A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Mark P. Rezner, Michael T. Zimmerman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8967040
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compacting trash are disclosed. A disclosed example trash compacting system includes a trash receptacle, a collection bin, a compaction bin proximal to the collection bin, having a receiving opening to receive trash via the trash receptacle, and having an ejection opening through which compacted trash is ejected into the collection bin, and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction bin to compact the trash within the compaction bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Michael T. Zimmerman, Jr., William Godecker
  • Publication number: 20140230669
    Abstract: A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Mark P. Rezner, Michael T. Zimmerman, JR.
  • Patent number: 8707864
    Abstract: A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Mark P. Rezner, Michael T. Zimmerman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120067230
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compacting trash are disclosed. A disclosed example trash compacting system includes a trash receptacle, a collection bin, a compaction bin proximal to the collection bin, having a receiving opening to receive trash via the trash receptacle, and having an ejection opening through which compacted trash is ejected into the collection bin, and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction bin to compact the trash within the compaction bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Michael T. Zimmerman, JR., William Godecker
  • Publication number: 20110174170
    Abstract: A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Fritz, Mark P. Rezner, Michael T. Zimmerman, JR.
  • Patent number: 4572003
    Abstract: A flowmeter is provided which uses the sidetones generated in a cavity formed in the wall of a flowpipe or the like in response to fluid flowing past the cavity to provide a measure of the flow velocity of that fluid. The dimensions of the cavity are such as to provide a dominant vibratory frequency which is sensed by a pressure sensor. The flowmeter is adapted for use for a range of frequencies in which the Strouhal number is constant and under these conditions the vibratory frequency is directly related to the flow rate. The tone generator cavity and pressure transducer form a unit which is connected in-line in the flowpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert J. Fritz
  • Patent number: 4299158
    Abstract: The device is for use with an ammunition storage drum for a modern multi-barrel high rate-of-fire machine gun (i.e., "Gatling" type gun) system, in which unfired ammunition rounds are transported from the drum to the gun, and the cases of the spent ammunition are returned from the gun to the drum. When two generally, oppositely positioned spent ammunition sensors within the drum simultaneously detect spent ammunition in the drum, a signal is sent to the gun control unit in time to cut off power. The device prevents spent ammunition from being chambered in the gun, and as a result also permits higher rates-of-fire by the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Anthony J. Aloi, Robert J. Fritz