Patents by Inventor William A. Null

William A. Null 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).

  • Publication number: 20250073630
    Abstract: Gas concentrating systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gas concentrating system and method is provided that includes component heat management. The heat management system can include, for example, one or more air cooling paths. The air cooling paths direct cooling air into and out of component spaces having heat-generating mechanisms. In other embodiments, the heat management system can also include component spaces that are insulated against the heat of heat-generating components. By cooling heat-generating components and insulating other components from heat, reduced wear and extended component life can be achieved. This reduces component failure and costly service to repair or replace failed or worn components. Also, gas concentrating systems and methods are provided for mounting system components with or without the use of fasteners and in combination with or without component heat management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
  • Patent number: 12226733
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that obtain the same or better level of performance by using lower operating flow rates, pressures and/or optimized flow distributions within the system. This extends the life of system components and lower energy consumption. In one embodiment, gas separation (or sieve) beds that are used to separate gaseous components are provided that have lower flow and pressure requirements compared to conventional beds. The sieve beds include, for example, a diffuser having low solid area in cross-section and maximum open area for flow while providing adequate mechanical properties to contain sieve material and support filter media. In another embodiment, systems and methods are provided having an indicator when a component has been serviced or repaired. This provides an indication whether the component has been tampered with in any manner. This allows the manufacturer to determine if the component was serviced, repaired, or tampered with outside the manufacturer's domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: VENTEC LIFE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Monaghan, Pankaj Patil, William A. Null
  • Patent number: 12172121
    Abstract: Gas concentrating systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gas concentrating system and method is provided that includes component heat management. The heat management system can include, for example, one or more air cooling paths. The air cooling paths direct cooling air into and out of component spaces having heat-generating mechanisms. In other embodiments, the heat management system can also include component spaces that are insulated against the heat of heat-generating components. By cooling heat-generating components and insulating other components from heat, reduced wear and extended component life can be achieved. This reduces component failure and costly service to repair or replace failed or worn components. Also, gas concentrating systems and methods are provided for mounting system components with or without the use fasteners and in combination with or without component heat management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: VENTEC LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
  • Publication number: 20220016566
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that obtain the same or better level of performance by using lower operating flow rates, pressures and/or optimized flow distributions within the system. This extends the life of system components and lower energy consumption. In one embodiment, gas separation (or sieve) beds that are used to separate gaseous components are provided that have lower flow and pressure requirements compared to conventional beds. The sieve beds include, for example, a diffuser having low solid area in cross-section and maximum open area for flow while providing adequate mechanical properties to contain sieve material and support filter media. In another embodiment, systems and methods are provided having an indicator when a component has been serviced or repaired. This provides an indication whether the component has been tampered with in any manner. This allows the manufacturer to determine if the component was serviced, repaired, or tampered with outside the manufacturer's domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew E. Monaghan, Pankaj Patil, William A. Null
  • Publication number: 20220016563
    Abstract: Gas concentrating systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gas concentrating system and method is provided that includes component heat management. The heat management system can include, for example, one or more air cooling paths. The air cooling paths direct cooling air into and out of component spaces having heat-generating mechanisms. In other embodiments, the heat management system can also include component spaces that are insulated against the heat of heat-generating components. By cooling heat-generating components and insulating other components from heat, reduced wear and extended component life can be achieved. This reduces component failure and costly service to repair or replace failed or worn components. Also, gas concentrating systems and methods are provided for mounting system components with or without the use fasteners and in combination with or without component heat management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
  • Patent number: 11213441
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20200206047
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 10512572
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20180221225
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 9987177
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null
  • Patent number: 9925100
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 9624918
    Abstract: A pumping device compresses fluid, provides a vacuum, or both compresses fluid and provides a vacuum. A pumping device may be used to force gas through a sieve bed, draw gas out of a sieve bed, or both force gas through a sieve bed and drawing gas out of a sieve bed. A pumping device may be operated at high speed to provide a high fluid flow rate with a small pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160256339
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Patent number: 9364377
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20160022516
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Gerold GOERTZEN, William A. Null
  • Patent number: 9149398
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null
  • Patent number: 9061238
    Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Null, Jr., Samuel J. Shelnutt
  • Publication number: 20150061242
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
  • Publication number: 20140260991
    Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Null, JR., Samuel J. Shelnutt
  • Patent number: 8833774
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that tipping of the frame causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson