Patents by Inventor Tracy D. DeVoll

Tracy D. DeVoll 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).

  • Buoyancy control systems and methods for submersible objects
    Patent number: 8069808
    Abstract: A buoyancy control system comprises a housing and first and second pistons movably supported by the housing. In a shallow mode, displacement of the first piston alters a buoyancy of the buoyancy control system. In a deep mode, displacement of the first and second pistons alters the buoyancy of the buoyancy control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Alaska Native Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Imlach, Paul J. Farley, Tracy D. DeVoll
  • Buoyancy control systems and methods
    Patent number: 7921795
    Abstract: A buoyancy control system for a submersible object submerged in an ambient fluid, comprising a piston housing, a piston member, a pump, control fluid, and working fluid. The piston housing is supported by the submersible object. The piston member defines a piston portion and a shaft portion. The piston member is supported within the piston housing such that the piston portion and the piston housing define a control chamber and an ambient chamber and the shaft portion and the piston housing define a working chamber. The pump is operatively connected to the working chamber. The control fluid is arranged within the control chamber. At least a portion of the working fluid is arranged within the working chamber. Operation of the pump displaces working fluid within the working chamber to displace the piston member to alter a volume of the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alaska Native Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Imlach, Paul J. Farley, Tracy D. DeVoll
  • BUOYANCY CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20090178603
    Abstract: A buoyancy control system for a submersible object submerged in an ambient fluid, comprising a piston housing, a piston member, a pump, control fluid, and working fluid. The piston housing is supported by the submersible object. The piston member defines a piston portion and a shaft portion. The piston member is supported within the piston housing such that the piston portion and the piston housing define a control chamber and an ambient chamber and the shaft portion and the piston housing define a working chamber. The pump is operatively connected to the working chamber. The control fluid is arranged within the control chamber. At least a portion of the working fluid is arranged within the working chamber. Operation of the pump displaces working fluid within the working chamber to displace the piston member to alter a volume of the control chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ALASKA NATIVE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph IMLACH, Paul J. FARLEY, Tracy D. DeVOLL