Patents by Inventor Stephen Sanford

Stephen Sanford 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: 12324526
    Abstract: A baby seat for attaching to a table includes a U-shaped support frame that has two opposing arms, each that is connected with a lower support surface. A flexible seat is adapted for fixing at least partially over the U-shaped support frame and being suspended thereby. The flexible seat includes a U-shaped cover, a seat bottom, and a front cover that has two leg apertures therethrough. A clamping mechanism is fixed with each of the two opposing arms of the U-shaped support frame and includes a lower clamping arm having a top surface adapted for contacting the bottom surface of the table. The clamping mechanism may further include a lever arrangement and an actuator arm that projects rearwardly away from the front cover of the flexible seat. The actuator arm is movable between an open position and a clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Inventors: Micaela Pender, Stephen Sanford, Demri Horton
  • Publication number: 20250146593
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rising stem valve includes a stopper configured to block flow of fluid within a pipe. The stopper is connected to a shaft configured to be rotated via an electromagnetic force generated between magnets attached to the outside of the shaft and magnets surrounding an outside surface of a section of the valve. The rising stem valve is further able to include a second shaft which is directly rotated by the electromagnetic force, to open, closed, and one or more semi-open positions, and which is coupled to the shaft connected to the stopper via gearing. Advantageously, the one or more shafts and any gearing is entirely contained within a gear housing, with the electromagnetic force being generated by interaction with magnets outside the housing entirely, preventing unwanted leakage of fluid from the pipe into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 12196336
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rising stem valve includes a stopper configured to block flow of fluid within a pipe. The stopper is connected to a shaft configured to be rotated via an electromagnetic force generated between magnets attached to the outside of the shaft and magnets surrounding an outside surface of a section of the valve. The rising stem valve is further able to include a second shaft which is directly rotated by the electromagnetic force, to open, closed, and one or more semi-open positions, and which is coupled to the shaft connected to the stopper via gearing. Advantageously, the one or more shafts and any gearing is entirely contained within a gear housing, with the electromagnetic force being generated by interaction with magnets outside the housing entirely, preventing unwanted leakage of fluid from the pipe into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20250003521
    Abstract: A valve includes a magnetic actuation mechanism providing torque-limiting capabilities and valve stem position indication. A drive shaft of the valve is surrounded by a first annular magnetic array within a fully sealed pressure vessel. A second annular magnetic array is positioned outside of the pressure vessel and surrounds the fully sealed pressure vessel. Each of the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array include magnets having alternating polarity, allowing the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array to form a first order coupling mechanism. When the second, outside annular magnetic array is rotated, the first annular magnetic array is caused to move, actuating the valve. Importantly, the valve includes a position indication system able to determine a position of the valve stem and includes an automatic feedback mechanism for comparing an actual position of the valve with an expected position of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20240369153
    Abstract: A valve includes a magnetic actuation mechanism providing torque-limiting capabilities and valve stem position indication. A drive shaft of the valve is surrounded by a first annular magnetic array within a fully sealed pressure vessel. A second annular magnetic array is positioned outside of the pressure vessel and surrounds the fully sealed pressure vessel. Each of the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array include magnets having alternating polarity, allowing the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array to form a first order coupling mechanism. When the second, outside annular magnetic array is rotated, the first annular magnetic array is caused to move, actuating the valve. Importantly, the valve includes a position indication system able to determine a position of the valve stem and includes an automatic feedback mechanism for comparing an actual position of the valve with an expected position of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Applicant: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 12117094
    Abstract: A valve includes a magnetic actuation mechanism providing torque-limiting capabilities and valve stem position indication. A drive shaft of the valve is surrounded by a first annular magnetic array within a fully sealed pressure vessel. A second annular magnetic array is positioned outside of the pressure vessel and surrounds the fully sealed pressure vessel. Each of the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array include magnets having alternating polarity, allowing the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array to form a first order coupling mechanism. When the second, outside annular magnetic array is rotated, the first annular magnetic array is caused to move, actuating the valve. Importantly, the valve includes a position indication system able to determine a position of the valve stem and includes an automatic feedback mechanism for comparing an actual position of the valve with an expected position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: MAGDRIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20240247731
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20240240727
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rising stem valve includes a stopper configured to block flow of fluid within a pipe. The stopper is connected to a shaft configured to be rotated via an electromagnetic force generated between magnets attached to the outside of the shaft and magnets surrounding an outside surface of a section of the valve. The rising stem valve is further able to include a second shaft which is directly rotated by the electromagnetic force, to open, closed, and one or more semi-open positions, and which is coupled to the shaft connected to the stopper via gearing. Advantageously, the one or more shafts and any gearing is entirely contained within a gear housing, with the electromagnetic force being generated by interaction with magnets outside the housing entirely, preventing unwanted leakage of fluid from the pipe into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: MagDrive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 11976742
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MAGDRIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 11768096
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Toddy Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Patent number: 11703369
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Toddy Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Publication number: 20220412786
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Patent number: 11428562
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Toddy Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Publication number: 20210102828
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Patent number: 10935406
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Toddy Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Publication number: 20210048326
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container having a reservoir chamber for holding drink additive, a measurement chamber in fluid communication with the measurement chamber, and an upper chamber with a lower end in fluid communication with an upper end portion of the reservoir chamber. A plunger has an upper chamber seal, an upper seal and a lower seal, and an actuator moves the plunger between first, second and third plunger positions to dispense a measured drink additive in the measurement chamber into the container. The plunger has a central filler port to receive drink additive and an aperture in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The actuator includes a closure member closing the filler port and manually movable to move the plunger. A lock member is movable between locked and unlocked positions, and in the locked position prevents movement of the plunger from the first to the second plunger position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Joel R. Switzer, Stephen Sanford
  • Patent number: 10704623
    Abstract: A rope arrest-and-release device comprising a cam block assembly and a housing with front vertical rollers situated on either side of the housing, rear vertical rollers situated directly behind the front vertical rollers, and a pair of horizontal rollers situated to the interior of the front and rear vertical rollers on either side of the housing. The cam block assembly includes a cam block and a cam that rotates upward and downward via a spring. Each front vertical roller is configured to rotate forward to allow a rope to be inserted between the cam and the inside ceiling of the housing. The cam block assembly fits into an internal recess in the housing and is removable and reversible. The invention include a means for securing the device to a utility pole and for locking the cam in a downward (open) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Cory Robert Mahana, Stephen Sanford, David Yakos, Kyle Gunnarson
  • Patent number: 10421590
    Abstract: This container lid fits onto existing insulated cups. It has a refillable and sealable reservoir and in the preferred embodiment includes a top opening to receive substances and a bottom opening to release substances into a container. The release of substances into the beverage container is controlled and is measured before release. A preferred double piston and button combination interact with a narrow section of the reservoir to dispense only a portion of the contents from the reservoir into the container. The released portion is carefully metered within the narrow channel when the double piston alternately seals a first opening and a second opening of the narrow channel. The reservoir serves to store the unreleased substance until the next time the button is activated to release addition substance into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Toddy Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tonn, Stephen Sanford, David Yakos, Joel R. Switzer
  • Patent number: 10406053
    Abstract: An assembly has a frame with two ends and two rails with a drop section generally centered, a base plate spanning the rails at the drop sections, a turn table upon the base plate, a pivot tray upon the turn table, linkages upon the pivot tray, sections operatively connected to the linkages, spring panels upon the sections, and a mattress upon the section. Senior citizens, patients, and disabled persons find difficulty to enter and to climb out of bed and may frequently require assistance. When this problem occurs, others must assist a person and the assistance varies depending on the person's size, weight and degree of mobility. The present invention adapts easily to most standard bed frames and allows a patient to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and then to a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Stanislao, David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Ross Walker
  • Patent number: D1080091
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Inventors: Leo Zugner, Cary Kessenich, Mike Cook, Andy Wunsch, Stephen Sanford, Demri Horton