Patents by Inventor Tom M. Simmons
Tom M. Simmons 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).
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Publication number: 20220235885Abstract: A fitting assembly may seal a wire within a tube to inhibit ingress of fluid outside the tube into the tube and into contact with the wire. The fitting assembly may optionally include a body and a nut, with a part of the nut received within the body. The nut may be threadedly connected to the body, such that threading and/or unthreading the nut translates the part of the nut within the body. Optionally, the nut may include a ring extension that is received within a ring cavity of the body, and an interfacing between the ring extension and the ring cavity may create a seal to inhibit leaking of the fluid past the seal. A method of sealing a wire within a tube may comprise positioning a tube with a wire therein within such a fitting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Courtney Parsons, Geoffrey White, Tom M. Simmons
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Patent number: 11396870Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump may include a pump body, one or more subject fluid chambers within the pump body, one or more drive fluid chambers within the pump body, and a shuttle valve for shifting flow of pressurized drive fluid between two or more conduits. The shuttle valve includes a valve body and a spool disposed within the valve body and configured to move between a first position and a second position within the valve body. The shuttle valve also includes one or more magnets carried by the spool. The magnets are located and configured to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is magnetically biased away from an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.Inventors: David M. Simmons, Geoffrey White, Tom M. Simmons
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Publication number: 20200332793Abstract: A reciprocating fluid pump may include a pump body, one or more subject fluid chambers within the pump body, one or more drive fluid chambers within the pump body, and a shuttle valve for shifting flow of pressurized drive fluid between two or more conduits. The shuttle valve includes a valve body and a spool disposed within the valve body and configured to move between a first position and a second position within the valve body. The shuttle valve also includes one or more magnets carried by the spool. The magnets are located and configured to impart a force on the spool responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is magnetically biased away from an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: David M. Simmons, Geoffrey White, Tom M. Simmons
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Patent number: 10273953Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: WHITE KNIGHT FLUID HANDLING INC.Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
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Patent number: 10253761Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, David M. Simmons
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Patent number: 10036382Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
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Patent number: 9970430Abstract: A multi-port metering pump assembly includes a manifold coupled to a metering pump. The manifold defines a central passage in fluid communication with a plurality of intermediate passages defined in the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of outer passages. Each intermediate passage provides fluid communication between the central passage and a corresponding outer passage. A plurality of valves is coupled to the manifold. Each valve of the plurality of valves is located between an intermediate passage and a corresponding outer passage, and is configured to enable or prevent passage of fluid between a corresponding intermediate passage of the plurality of intermediate passages and a corresponding outer passage. The multi-port metering pump assembly also includes an electronic controller coupled to the plurality of valves, the electronic controller having an associated electronic interface and being programmable to selectively and independently open and close the valves of the plurality of valves.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: WHITE KNIGHT FLUID HANDLING INC.Inventors: Kenji Allen Kingsford, Tom M. Simmons, Ervin Andy Hutchinson, Courtney Parsons
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Patent number: 9874206Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
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Patent number: 9856865Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a reinforced shaft including an inner shaft and a protective cover. The protective cover at least substantially encapsulates the inner shaft. The inner shaft exhibits a greater resistance to mechanical deformation than the protective cover, and the protective cover exhibits a greater resistance to chemical corrosion by the subject fluid than the inner shaft. Methods of forming a reciprocating fluid pump include forming a reinforced shaft and positioning the reinforced shaft within a subject fluid chamber and between two plungers.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: White Knight Fluid Handling Inc.Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, Ervin Andy Hutchinson
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Publication number: 20170342977Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji A. Kingsford, Bruce Johnson
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Publication number: 20170152844Abstract: A multi-port metering pump assembly includes a manifold coupled to a metering pump. The manifold defines a central passage in fluid communication with a plurality of intermediate passages defined in the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of outer passages. Each intermediate passage provides fluid communication between the central passage and a corresponding outer passage. A plurality of valves is coupled to the manifold. Each valve of the plurality of valves is located between an intermediate passage and a corresponding outer passage, and is configured to enable or prevent passage of fluid between a corresponding intermediate passage of the plurality of intermediate passages and a corresponding outer passage. The multi-port metering pump assembly also includes an electronic controller coupled to the plurality of valves, the electronic controller having an associated electronic interface and being programmable to selectively and independently open and close the valves of the plurality of valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Kenji Allen Kingsford, Tom M. Simmons, Ervin Andy Hutchinson, Courtney Parsons
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Patent number: 9605669Abstract: A multi-port metering pump assembly includes a manifold coupled to a metering pump. The manifold defines a central passage in fluid communication with a plurality of intermediate passages defined in the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of outer passages. Each intermediate passage provides fluid communication between the central passage and a corresponding outer passage. A plurality of valves is coupled to the manifold. Each valve of the plurality of valves is located between an intermediate passage and a corresponding outer passage, and is configured to enable or prevent passage of fluid between a corresponding intermediate passage of the plurality of intermediate passages and a corresponding outer passage. The multi-port metering pump assembly also includes an electronic controller coupled to the plurality of valves, the electronic controller having an associated electronic interface and being programmable to selectively and independently open and close the valves of the plurality of valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Graco Fluid Handling (A) Inc.Inventors: Kenji Allen Kingsford, Tom M. Simmons, Ervin Andy Hutchinson, Courtney Parsons
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Publication number: 20160281692Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford, David M. Simmons
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Patent number: 9360000Abstract: Reciprocating fluid pumps include a pump body including a cavity therein, a plunger located at least partially within the cavity, and a shift canister assembly disposed within the cavity. The shift canister assembly includes a sealing surface for forming a seal against the pump body. An area covered by the seal between the sealing surface and the pump body is less than about 75% of an outer cross-sectional area of the shift canister assembly. The shift canister assembly may include a shift canister and a shift canister cap attached thereto, the shift canister cap comprising the sealing surface. Reciprocating fluid pumps include a shift canister, a shift piston at least partially disposed within the shift canister, and a shift canister cap attached to the shift canister on a longitudinal end of the shift canister opposite the shift piston. Methods include forming such reciprocating pumps.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GRACO FLUID HANDLING (A) INC.Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Kenji Allen Kingsford
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Publication number: 20160123313Abstract: A fluid pump for pumping a subject fluid. The fluid pump including, a pump body, a first cavity within the pump body, a second cavity within the pump body, a flexible member, an incompressible fluid, a subject fluid chamber, and a piston. Piston may include a piston head and an elongated piston shaft. The piston may be configured to amplify a first pressure experienced on a first side of the piston head and exerted by a pressurized drive fluid to a second pressure experienced on an end surface of the elongated piston shaft and exerted on the incompressible fluid within the flexible member. The subject fluid may in turn be pressurized to a third pressure substantially equal to the second pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventor: Tom M. Simmons
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Publication number: 20150267696Abstract: A multi-port metering pump assembly may include a manifold coupled to a metering pump. The manifold may define a central passage in fluid communication with a plurality of intermediate passages defined in the manifold. The manifold may further include a plurality of outer passages of the manifold. Each intermediate passage may provide fluid communication between the central passage and a corresponding outer passage. A plurality of valves may be coupled to the manifold. Each valve of the plurality of valves may be located between an intermediate passage and a corresponding outer passage, and be configured to enable or prevent passage of fluid between a corresponding intermediate passage of the plurality of intermediate passages and a corresponding outer passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Kenji Allen Kingsford, Tom M. Simmons, Ervin Andy Hutchinson, Courtney Parsons
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Publication number: 20150233366Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
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Publication number: 20150151222Abstract: A fluid filter may comprise a unitary head comprising a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an inlet manifold, and a fluid outlet in communication with an outlet manifold. A plurality of filter housings may be connected to the unitary head, and each filter housing of the plurality of filter housings may be individually removable from the unitary head. The fluid filter may also include a plurality of filter cartridges, and each filter cartridge of the plurality of filter cartridges may be disposed within a corresponding filter housing of the plurality of filter housings. The inlet manifold may be configured to provide fluid communication in parallel between the fluid inlet and an input side of each filter cartridge. The outlet manifold may be configured to provide fluid communication in parallel between the fluid outlet and an output side of each filter cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventor: Tom M. SIMMONS
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Patent number: 9004881Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Simmons Development, LLCInventors: Tom M. Simmons, John M. Simmons, David M. Simmons, Bruce Johnson
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Publication number: 20140334957Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons