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: 10919782
    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: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Lagenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Mithun R. Bhay, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20200376408
    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: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    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: 10807883
    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: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Chris C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp
  • Patent number: 10759676
    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: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Otis L. Clapp, Stanley B. Smith, III, Stephen M. Ent
  • Patent number: 10744421
    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: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Publication number: 20200222616
    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: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 10689263
    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: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Dean Kamen
  • Publication number: 20200115254
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat
  • Patent number: 10603425
    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: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Publication number: 20190316948
    Abstract: A system including a pumping cassette having a first side including number of valve wells and second side having a fluid bus. Each side may be covered by a flexible membrane. A control surface having a number of valve well control stations actuatable with respect to the flexible membrane covering the first side of the cassette to open and close the valve wells when the cassette is mated against the control surface may be included. A pressure distribution assembly having a positive and negative pressure source and a number of pneumatic valves may be included. A controller configured to selectively actuate the number of pneumatic valves to apply pressure against the valve well control stations in a valve pumping sequence until a volume displaced through the fluid bus of the pumping cassette from a source to a destination is within a range of a target volume may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel S. Karol, Jason M. Overson, Jacob W. Scarpaci, Adnan Suljevic, Luke F. Jablonski, Mary Lucia L. Hedberg, Jason A. Demers, John F. Mannisto, Michael J. Slate, David D.B. Cannan, Ryan K. LaRocque, David Blumberg, JR.
  • Patent number: 10392090
    Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher M. Werner, Ryan K. LaRocque, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20190225505
    Abstract: A water vapor distillation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, John M. Kerwin, Michael A. Baker, Aaditya Ravindran, Prashant Bhat
  • Publication number: 20190118112
    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: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 10155174
    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: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    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: 20180304169
    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: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, JR., Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20180221786
    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: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 10005001
    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: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
  • Patent number: 10001079
    Abstract: An improvement is provided to a pressurized close-cycle machine that has a cold-end pressure vessel and is of the type having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder containing a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head by heat from an external thermal source. The improvement includes a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid, where the heat exchanger is disposed within the cold-end pressure vessel. The heater head may be directly coupled to the cold-end pressure vessel by welding or other methods. A coolant tube is used to convey coolant through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jonathan Strimling, Clement D. Bouchard, Thomas Q. Gurski, Christopher C. Lagenfeld, Michael G. Norris, Ryan K. LaRocque
  • Publication number: 20180105248
    Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher M. Werner, Ryan K. LaRocque, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 9937435
    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: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    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