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).
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Publication number: 20250073630Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
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Patent number: 12226733Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: VENTEC LIFE SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Matthew E. Monaghan, Pankaj Patil, William A. Null
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Patent number: 12172121Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: VENTEC LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
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Publication number: 20220016566Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Matthew E. Monaghan, Pankaj Patil, William A. Null
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Publication number: 20220016563Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Alex P. Valentine, William A. Null, Matthew E. Monaghan
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Patent number: 11213441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Publication number: 20200206047Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Patent number: 10512572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Publication number: 20180221225Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Patent number: 9987177Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null
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Patent number: 9925100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Patent number: 9624918Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160256339Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Patent number: 9364377Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATIONInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Publication number: 20160022516Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Gerold GOERTZEN, William A. Null
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Patent number: 9149398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null
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Patent number: 9061238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: William A. Null, Jr., Samuel J. Shelnutt
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Publication number: 20150061242Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson
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Publication number: 20140260991Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Invacare CorporationInventors: William A. Null, JR., Samuel J. Shelnutt
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Patent number: 8833774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventors: Gerold Goertzen, William A. Null, Robert L. Cuson