Patents by Inventor W. Larsen

W. Larsen 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: 7478647
    Abstract: A tank manifold assembly for use in combination with fuel tanks of Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. The manifold assembly incorporates a regulator, an excess flow valve, a manual shutoff valve, and ports to receive separate components. The separate components may include, by way of example, a thermal relief valve, a pressure sensor, a pressure relief valve, a check valve, thermal temperature sensors, and a low pressure solenoid valve. The tank assembly is versatile and easily customized to particular applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Todd W. Larsen, Eric W. Neumann
  • Publication number: 20080308163
    Abstract: A high pressure three-way control valve comprises a valve body defining first, second, and third ports disposed in selective fluid communication with each other via a control element. The control element is movable between a first seated position and a second seated position to selectively control the direction of fluid between the first and second port, or alternatively, between the first and third port. So configured, the control valve serves a function that conventionally requires two valves plumbed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7460234
    Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: David W. Larsen, Zhi Xu
  • Publication number: 20080290313
    Abstract: A control element of a bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with an outlet pressure and an inlet pressure when the valve is closed such that a sum of the forces applied to the control element result in a net force urging the control element to seat against a valve seat. The valve includes a valve body carrying the valve seat. The control element is balanced on an outlet side of the valve seat such that the outlet pressure applies approximately no net force to the control element. In contrast, the control element is unbalanced on an inlet side of the valve seat such that inlet pressure applies a net force on the control element to bias the control to seat against the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Todd W. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080276792
    Abstract: A system comprises a camera, a display, and logic coupled to the camera and display. The logic causes a video feed from the camera to be displayed on the display and lyrics to be superimposed on the displayed video feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bennetts, Christopher W. Larsen, Nozomu Yasui
  • Publication number: 20080278441
    Abstract: A system comprises a display and logic coupled to the display. The logic causes a user control to automatically be displayed on the display upon a user activating an input device in both a full screen playback mode and a preview playback mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher W. LARSEN
  • Publication number: 20080282193
    Abstract: A system comprises a display and logic coupled to the display. The logic automatically begins playing a video clip associated with an icon that is in focus on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bennetts, Christopher W. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080271796
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port to dispense fluid from a plurality of fluid supply containers. The system additionally includes a plurality of valves connected to the manifold for controlling the flow of fluid from the containers. The manifold and valves are configured such that all fluid flow connections are disposed within the manifold, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the amount of piping required external to the manifold. So configured, the valves include simple cartridge-type devices that are easily installed into and removed from the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric W. Neumann, Todd W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7441564
    Abstract: The gas valve assembly includes a housing with a bore and a main valve body and a main valve stem mounted therein. The valve body has a fluid passage fluidly connecting the inlet and one of a housing and valve body outlet with the valve stem mounting a valve seat and being movable for blocking fluid flow through the passage. In two embodiments, the housing is threadable to the neck portion of a vessel for the inlet opening to the vessel interior and the main valve body mounts a manual operated shut off valve extending within the valve body to selectively block fluid flow through the passage and an excess flow valve to block fluid flow through the passage when the flow to the outlet is greater than desired. The last two mentioned valves include a common piston in the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Larsen, Eric W. Neumann
  • Publication number: 20070272307
    Abstract: An example pressure regulator includes body having a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet. A piston is disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the pressure inlet and the pressure outlet. The piston is configured to operate in compression to contact a valve seat for the purpose of controlling the flow of fluid from the pressure inlet to the pressure outlet in response to a pressure applied to a surface of the piston via the pressure control outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Daryll D. Patterson, Todd W. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20070228620
    Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7268881
    Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: David W. Larsen, Zhi Xu
  • Patent number: 7262844
    Abstract: The invention concerns measurements in which light interacts with matter to generate light intensity changes, and spectrophotometer devices of the invention provide ultrasensitive measurements. Light source noise in these measurements can be reduced in accordance with the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention use sealed housings lacking an internal light source. In some embodiments a substantially solid thermally conductive housing is used. Other embodiments include particular reflection based sample and reference cells. One embodiment includes a prism including an interaction surface, a detector, a lens that focuses a prism beam output onto the detector, and a closed interaction volume for delivering gas or liquid to the interaction surface. Another embodiment replaces a prism with a reflective surface. Another embodiment replaces a prism with a scattering matte surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: David W. Larsen, Zhi Xu
  • Publication number: 20070154586
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a mold charge for a mold cavity in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes a mold charge chamber having a longitudinal dimension and at least two lateral inlets for supplying resin materials to the chamber such that the materials are stratified longitudinally of the chamber. A plunger is movable longitudinally into the chamber to force the stratified materials out of the chamber and thereby provide a stratified mold charge for a mold cavity. The at last two lateral inlets to the chamber preferably are spaced from each other lengthwise of the chamber. In one embodiment, the plunger has a contoured end for imparting a contour to the mold charge as the mold charge is forced from the chamber. A gate preferably is positioned at an end of the chamber remote from the plunger for selectively closing the chamber for filling and opening the chamber for discharge of the mold charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7159611
    Abstract: The inline flow control device includes housing with a tubular portion coaxially aligned with the tubular portion of a fitting threaded to the housing. A piston has a bore extending therethrough with the tubular portions extended thereinto in axial spaced relationship, the fitting tubular portion mounting a valve seat to abut against a piston internal shoulder when the piston has axially moved relative to the tubular portions to a blocking position to block fluid flow through the device. The piston enlarged diametric portion bottom surface is in fluid communication with the piston bore in both of the piston positions but not in fluid communication with the body high pressure inlet when the piston is in its blocking position. A spring resiliently urges the piston in its blocking position. Two embodiments are pressure regulators while the third is a balanced valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventor: Todd W. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20060222729
    Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7057119
    Abstract: A device and method for weighing eggs. The egg weighing apparatus includes a movable stem that supports an egg weighing platform. The stem is attached to a measuring device that is electronically and mechanically driven for precise measurement of an egg. The present invention uses a damper or alternatively, uses a tuned dynamic vibration absorber to yield precise measurement of an egg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Michigan Scientific Corp.
    Inventors: Hugh W. Larsen, Douglas A. Kane, Robert J. Washnock
  • Patent number: 6929028
    Abstract: The gas control assembly includes a control body threaded to a vessel neck to extend into the vessel containing pressurized fluid and has a fitting in the body bore which in conjunction therewith provides a part of a first fluid passageway from an inlet in the vessel and an outlet to the ambient atmosphere. A manually operated valve and a pressure regulator are provided in the first passageway exterior of the vessel. In one embodiment the control body has a second passageway opening through a relief device to the vessel interior and to the ambient atmosphere while in a second embodiment a relief device is provided exterior of the vessel and opens to the first passageway. A main valve is provided in the first passageway and is moved to an open condition when a solenoid is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Larsen, Thomas M. Bydalek
  • Publication number: 20050139569
    Abstract: A method of making a plastic container having a body and an internally threaded finish includes providing a preform of molded plastic construction having a body and an integral neck, and expanding the body of the preform within a mold cavity to form the body of the container. Either prior to or subsequent to blow molding the container body, at least one internal thread is formed in the neck by engaging an inner surface of the neck with a first rotary tool having a peripheral channel, engaging an outer surface of the neck with a second rotary tool having a peripheral bead, and causing rotation of the neck and tools to swage at least one internal thread in the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: W. Larsen, Thomas Nahill
  • Publication number: 20050104263
    Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: W. Larsen