Patents by Inventor William D. Ferraz

William D. Ferraz 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).

  • Micro-power generator for valve control applications
    Patent number: 8967590
    Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, William D. Ferraz
  • MICRO-POWER GENERATOR FOR VALVE CONTROL APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20110215268
    Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, William D. Ferraz