Patents by Inventor Ryan K. LaRocque

Ryan K. LaRocque 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: 11939237
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Otis L. Clapp, Stanley B. Smith, III, Stephen M. Ent
  • Patent number: 11884555
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp
  • Patent number: 11826681
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partneship
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20230364315
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit a first pump to recirculate part of the retentate of the filter to the inlet of the cross-flow filter and a second pump to return part of the permeate to the inlet of the cross-flow filter. A third pump is configured supply source fluid to the inlet of the filter. The flow path between the second pump and the cross-flow filter inlet may include an adsorption filter that may selectively remove contaminants, toxins, or pathogens in the permeate. A controller may control the first, second and third pumps to provide predetermined flow ratios among the fluid flow paths of the system in order to achieve a desired filtration level. This system may be applicable to the removal of harmful substances from blood, by first separating the plasma from the blood and then removing harmful substances from the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 11660381
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit a first pump to recirculate part of the retentate of the filter to the inlet of the cross-flow filter and a second pump to return part of the permeate to the inlet of the cross-flow filter. A third pump is configured supply source fluid to the inlet of the filter. The flow path between the second pump and the cross-flow filter inlet may include an adsorption filter that may selectively remove contaminants, toxins, or pathogens in the permeate. A controller may control the first, second and third pumps to provide predetermined flow ratios among the fluid flow paths of the system in order to achieve a desired filtration level. This system may be applicable to the removal of harmful substances from blood, by first separating the plasma from the blood and then removing harmful substances from the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Publication number: 20220340448
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Sean T. McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brian Gray
  • Publication number: 20220227640
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Sean T. McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brian G. Gray
  • Publication number: 20220203259
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 11352267
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Sean T. McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brian Gray
  • Publication number: 20220169534
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, an evaporator condenser whereby the source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid, and a steam chest fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser, whereby the steam flows from the evaporator condenser into the steam chest, the steam chest comprising a foam mitigation device wherein the foam mitigation device mitigates foam in the water vapor distillation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Paul R. Ambler
  • Patent number: 11325845
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Sean T. McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brian Gray
  • Patent number: 11299403
    Abstract: A system for water dispensing. The system includes a housing comprising a first and second portion; a water vapor distillation apparatus housed in the first portion of the housing, the water vapor distillation apparatus producing a distilled water product; at least one storage tank housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the water vapor distillation apparatus; at least one pump housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one storage tank; and at least one appliance located outside of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one pump, wherein the distilled water product is stored in the at least one storage tank and the pump pumps water from the at least one storage tank to the at least one appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Dean Kamen
  • Patent number: 11285399
    Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Publication number: 20220008837
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20220002169
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid. The fluid vapor distillation apparatus also includes a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20210395108
    Abstract: A distillation device may comprise a source fluid input and an evaporator in fluid communication therewith. The device may further comprise a compressor having an impeller coupled to a motor, the compressor having a low pressure inlet for vapor from the evaporator and a high pressure outlet for compressed vapor. The device may further comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature of vapor in the inlet and a condenser in heat transfer relationship with exterior surfaces of the evaporator and in fluid communication with the compressor outlet. The device may further comprise a controller configured to govern rotation speed of the impeller with an impeller motor command based on a calibrated motor speed for the distillation device. The controller may be configured to determine an adjusted motor speed for a next use of the device and overwrite the calibrated motor speed with the adjusted motor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Larry B. Gray, Sean McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brian G. Gray, Paul R. Curtin, Joshua Ling, Gregory J. Hurley, Lucas Vannie, Robert Bowman, Thaddeus J. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20210395109
    Abstract: A distillation device may comprise a source fluid input and an evaporator in fluid communication therewith. The device may further comprise a compressor having an impeller coupled to a motor, the compressor having a low pressure inlet for vapor from the evaporator and a high pressure outlet for compressed vapor. The device may further comprise at least one temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature of vapor in the inlet and a condenser in heat transfer relationship with exterior surfaces of the evaporator and in fluid communication with the compressor outlet. The device may further comprise a controller configured to govern rotation speed of the impeller with an impeller motor command based on a calibrated motor speed for the distillation device. The controller may be configured to determine an adjusted motor speed for a next use of the device and overwrite the calibrated motor speed with the adjusted motor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat, Larry B. Gray, Sean McCauley, Benjamin E. Colburn, Shannon Prescott, Brina G. Gray, Paul R. Curtin, Josh Ling, Gregory J. Hurley, Lucas Vannie, Robert Bowman, Thaddeus J. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20210188662
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Otis L. Clapp, Stanley B. Smith, III, Stephen M. Ent
  • Publication number: 20210139344
    Abstract: A system for water dispensing. The system includes a housing comprising a first and second portion; a water vapor distillation apparatus housed in the first portion of the housing, the water vapor distillation apparatus producing a distilled water product; at least one storage tank housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the water vapor distillation apparatus; at least one pump housed in the second portion of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one storage tank; and at least one appliance located outside of the housing and fluidly connected to the at least one pump, wherein the distilled water product is stored in the at least one storage tank and the pump pumps water from the at least one storage tank to the at least one appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Dean Kamen
  • Patent number: 10946302
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III