Patents by Inventor William E. Wears
William E. Wears 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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Patent number: 11035487Abstract: A body of a fluid control apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A first flange surrounds the inlet and a second flange surrounds the outlet. A bore is sized to receive a control stem and a control element. An inner wall includes an outside surface, an inside surface, an area surrounding the bore, an area sized to receive a valve seat, an area surrounding the inlet, an area surrounding the outlet, and an area defining the fluid flow path. A three-dimensional lattice structure is attached to the inner wall. The lattice structure includes a plurality of connected lattice members and is integrally formed with the inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James L. Griffin, Jr., William E. Wears, Bryan J. Penkal
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Patent number: 10539252Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a solid, unitary circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage extends between the inner and outer surfaces and follows an arcuate, non-linear path from the inner surface to the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
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Publication number: 20190226597Abstract: A body of a fluid control apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A first flange surrounds the inlet and a second flange surrounds the outlet. A bore is sized to receive a control stem and a control element. An inner wall includes an outside surface, an inside surface, an area surrounding the bore, an area sized to receive a valve seat, an area surrounding the inlet, an area surrounding the outlet, and an area defining the fluid flow path. A three-dimensional lattice structure is attached to the inner wall. The lattice structure includes a plurality of connected lattice members and is integrally formed with the inner wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: James L. Griffin, JR., William E. Wears, Bryan J. Penkal
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Patent number: 10281053Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body of a fluid control apparatus using additive manufacturing, the method including forming an inner wall having an outside surface and an inside surface, an area surrounding an inlet, an area surrounding an outlet, and an area surrounding a fluid flow path, wherein the inner wall provides a fluid boundary and connects the inlet and the outlet. The method further including forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a valve seat, forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a control stem and a control element, and forming a lattice structure by depositing a solidifiable material onto the inner wall in a predetermined pattern, wherein the lattice structure is three-dimensional and includes a plurality of connected lattice members.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James L. Griffin, Jr., William E. Wears, Bryan J. Penkal
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Publication number: 20180003318Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a solid, unitary circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage extends between the inner and outer surfaces and follows an arcuate, non-linear path from the inner surface to the outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
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Patent number: 9759348Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage can have a first portion extending from the inner surface and a second portion extending from the outer surface, where the second portion has a diameter smaller than that of the first portion, can follow a non-linear path from the inner to outer surface, and/or can have a cross-sectional area that varies from the inner to outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
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Publication number: 20170102089Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body of a fluid control apparatus using additive manufacturing, the method including forming an inner wall having an outside surface and an inside surface, an area surrounding an inlet, an area surrounding an outlet, and an area surrounding a fluid flow path, wherein the inner wall provides a fluid boundary and connects the inlet and the outlet. The method further including forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a valve seat, forming a portion of the inner wall that receives a control stem and a control element, and forming a lattice structure by depositing a solidifiable material onto the inner wall in a predetermined pattern, wherein the lattice structure is three-dimensional and includes a plurality of connected lattice members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: James L. Griffin, JR., William E. Wears, Bryan J. Penkal
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Patent number: 9599250Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes and actuator and a yoke. The actuator includes an upper casing and a lower casing defining a cavity and an actuating device disposed at least partially within the cavity and dividing the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The yoke is connected to the actuator and has an actuator spring disposed within a body of the yoke and a yoke tube extending longitudinally through the body of the yoke. The yoke tube extends from an aperture in the lower casing of the actuator and provides an air passage that fluidly connects the lower chamber of the actuator and a controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: James L. Gossett, William E. Wears
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Publication number: 20160341335Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage can have a first portion extending from the inner surface and a second portion extending from the outer surface, where the second portion has a diameter smaller than that of the first portion, can follow a non-linear path from the inner to outer surface, and/or can have a cross-sectional area that varies from the inner to outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
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Publication number: 20150233489Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes and actuator and a yoke. The actuator includes an upper casing and a lower casing defining a cavity and an actuating device disposed at least partially within the cavity and dividing the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The yoke is connected to the actuator and has an actuator spring disposed within a body of the yoke and a yoke tube extending longitudinally through the body of the yoke. The yoke tube extends from an aperture in the lower casing of the actuator and provides an air passage that fluidly connects the lower chamber of the actuator and a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: James L. Gossett, William E. Wears
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Patent number: 8967187Abstract: A valve with an integral bleed passage includes a valve body including a threaded bore, a bonnet having a first threaded portion arranged to be securable to the bore of the valve body and having a second portion disposed outside the valve body, and a cavity defined between the valve body and the first portion of the threaded bonnet. A bleed passage is formed in the bonnet and includes an entrance aperture formed in the first portion of the bonnet and in flow communication with the cavity, the passage including an exit aperture formed in the second portion of the bonnet, and a main portion providing flow communication between the entrance aperture and the exit aperture. The cavity and the entrance aperture are positioned to expose the passage to an interior portion of the valve prior to removal of the bonnet from engagement with the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: William E. Wears
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Patent number: 8356622Abstract: Fluid valves having dynamic valve trim joints are described. An example apparatus for use with a fluid valve includes a body configured to retain a cage of a fluid valve. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a plurality of projections projecting from and radially spaced about an exterior surface of the body. Each of the plurality of projections is to provide one or more contact points between the body and an inner surface of a bonnet coupled to the fluid valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Fisher Control International, LLCInventor: William E. Wears
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Patent number: 8122908Abstract: A three-way valve body comprises a throat defining a generally cylindrical throat cavity. At least one flow diverter is carried by the valve body and extends into the throat cavity. The flow diverter advantageously interrupts any circulatory fluid flow within the throat cavity, thereby increasing the efficiency at which fluid flows through the valve body. In one embodiment, the at least one flow diverter can comprise one or more ribs integrally formed with the valve body and disposed parallel to a central axis of the throat cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: William E. Wears, Daniel M. Adams, Ross A. Schade, David G. Halm
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Publication number: 20110291039Abstract: A valve with an integral bleed passage includes a valve body including a threaded bore, a bonnet having a first threaded portion arranged to be securable to the bore of the valve body and having a second portion disposed outside the valve body, and a cavity defined between the valve body and the first portion of the threaded bonnet. A bleed passage is formed in the bonnet and includes an entrance aperture formed in the first portion of the bonnet and in flow communication with the cavity, the passage including an exit aperture formed in the second portion of the bonnet, and a main portion providing flow communication between the entrance aperture and the exit aperture. The cavity and the entrance aperture are positioned to expose the passage to an interior portion of the valve prior to removal of the bonnet from engagement with the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: William E. Wears
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Publication number: 20110042601Abstract: A fluid control device including a valve body, a control member, and a one-piece bonnet. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The control member is disposed in the valve body and adapted for displacement between at least a first position and a second position. The one-piece bonnet is coupled to the valve body and defines a protrusion. The protrusion extends at least partially into the flow path and is arranged to direct at least some of the fluid flowing along the flow path when the control member is disposed between the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: William E. Wears
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Patent number: 7854239Abstract: A trim assembly for a control valve includes a seal for sealing a leak path, where the seal is provided to perform advantageously in high-temperature applications, e.g., applications including temperatures of at least 450° F. (232.22° C.). The control valve comprises a valve body and control element. The control element is disposed within the valve body for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. The trim assembly comprises a valve seat and a retention ring. The valve seat is fixed to the valve body, and the retention ring is threadably connected to the valve seat. The seal can be effected by an annular graphite seal compressed between the trim assembly and the valve body, or by a metal-to-metal contact between the retention ring and the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: William E. Wears, Galen D. Wilke, John Christen
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Publication number: 20100307610Abstract: Fluid valves having dynamic valve trim joints are described. An example apparatus for use with a fluid valve includes a body configured to retain a cage of a fluid valve. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a plurality of projections projecting from and radially spaced about an exterior surface of the body. Each of the plurality of projections is to provide one or more contact points between the body and an inner surface of a bonnet coupled to the fluid valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: William E. Wears
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Patent number: 7832425Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve plug. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The valve plug is adapted for displacement between a closed position and an open position in the valve body. The valve plug includes a crown, a skirt and a protrusion. The crown is for sealingly engaging the valve seat when the valve plug is in the closed position. The skirt defines a flow path for accommodating the fluid when the valve plug is in the open position. The protrusion is substantially concentrically aligned with the skirt. Each of the skirt or the protrusion have a surface treatment for enhancing the flow of the fluid through the valve when in the one or more open positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: William E. Wears, Michael W. McCarty
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Patent number: 7832426Abstract: A fluid control device including a valve body, a control member, and a one-piece bonnet. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The control member is disposed in the valve body and adapted for displacement between at least a first position and a second position. The one-piece bonnet is coupled to the valve body and defines a protrusion. The protrusion extends at least partially into the flow path and is arranged to direct at least some of the fluid flowing along the flow path when the control member is disposed between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: William E. Wears
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Patent number: 7721753Abstract: Apparatus to connect a valve stem to a valve plug and, more particularly, apparatus to connect a threaded valve stem to a valve plug of a control valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a threaded valve stem received in a threaded opening of a valve plug and a securement member received in an adjacent opening extending from at least one of the threaded opening or an exterior surface of the valve stem to secure non-rotatably the threaded valve stem to the valve plug.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventor: William E. Wears