Patents by Inventor William M. Orr

William M. Orr 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: 20240036592
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a valve housing, plunger, pressure sensing cavity, and biasing member. The valve housing includes a valve inlet and valve outlet in selective fluid communication with each other. The plunger is in the valve housing and movable between a closed position and open position. The plunger is positioned downstream from the valve inlet and upstream from the valve outlet. The plunger includes a venturi and a channel. The venturi is within the plunger and has a venturi inlet and venturi outlet. The channel is within the plunger and is in fluid communication with the venturi. The pressure sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the channel. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the plunger toward the open position. The channel is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing cavity to provide a fluid pressure that is lower than the outlet pressure during flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Guise, William M. Orr, Christopher Corral
  • Publication number: 20240003456
    Abstract: A relief valve for a backflow preventer includes a plunger, a lock nut, and a seal. The plunger has a female fastening section and a first seal engagement surface. The lock nut has a male fastening section and a second seal engagement surface. The male fastening section is received by the female fastening section to bring the first seal engagement surface toward the second seal engagement surface. The seal is positioned between the first seal engagement surface and the second seal engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 11835971
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a valve housing, plunger, pressure sensing cavity, and biasing member. The valve housing includes a valve inlet and valve outlet in selective fluid communication with each other. The plunger is in the valve housing and movable between a closed position and open position. The plunger is positioned downstream from the valve inlet and upstream from the valve outlet. The plunger includes a venturi and a channel. The venturi is within the plunger and has a venturi inlet and venturi outlet. The channel is within the plunger and is in fluid communication with the venturi. The pressure sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the channel. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the plunger toward the open position. The channel is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing cavity to provide a fluid pressure that is lower than the outlet pressure during flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Guise, William M. Orr, Christopher Corral
  • Patent number: 11629792
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Publication number: 20220349485
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 11384853
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Publication number: 20210389785
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a valve housing, plunger, pressure sensing cavity, and biasing member. The valve housing includes a valve inlet and valve outlet in selective fluid communication with each other. The plunger is in the valve housing and movable between a closed position and open position. The plunger is positioned downstream from the valve inlet and upstream from the valve outlet. The plunger includes a venturi and a channel. The venturi is within the plunger and has a venturi inlet and venturi outlet. The channel is within the plunger and is in fluid communication with the venturi. The pressure sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the channel. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the plunger toward the open position. The channel is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing cavity to provide a fluid pressure that is lower than the outlet pressure during flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew Guise, William M. Orr, Christopher Corral
  • Patent number: 11106227
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a valve housing, plunger, pressure sensing cavity, and biasing member. The valve housing includes a valve inlet and valve outlet in selective fluid communication with each other. The plunger is in the valve housing and movable between a closed position and open position. The plunger is positioned downstream from the valve inlet and upstream from the valve outlet. The plunger includes a venturi and a channel. The venturi is within the plunger and has a venturi inlet and venturi outlet. The channel is within the plunger and is in fluid communication with the venturi. The pressure sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the channel. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the plunger toward the open position. The channel is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing cavity to provide a fluid pressure that is lower than the outlet pressure during flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Guise, William M. Orr, Christopher Corral
  • Publication number: 20210156486
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 10914391
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Publication number: 20150219228
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 8997772
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 8215328
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Publication number: 20120055572
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 7905250
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Patent number: 7784483
    Abstract: A backflow preventer that generally includes a modular fluid arrangement having a modular strut, a one-piece modular cage, a relief valve fluidly connected to the modular cage, and at least one in-line check valve removably housed in the modular cage. In operation, when backflow occurs, pressure in a chamber of the relief valve increases to provide a passageway for fluid to flow out of the modular cage, through the relief valve, to the environment. When the backflow stops, the pressure in the chamber decreases and the passageway closes, moving the fluid through the interior of the modular cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Grable, William M. Orr
  • Publication number: 20100212751
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Publication number: 20080295907
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Patent number: 6581626
    Abstract: A backflow prevention apparatus has a housing with an opening having a predetermined length. A first valve body, and a second valve body may be slidably sealed with one another, and compressed such that their combined length is less then the length of the opening. In the compressed state the valve bodies may be inserted within the opening of the housing and then elongated such that the ends of valve bodies engage and sliding seal with segments of the housing. A spacer may be placed between the first valve body and the second valve body to secure them within the opening. An intermediate valve body may be introduced between the first valve body and the second valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Timothy W. Hurt
  • Patent number: 6513543
    Abstract: A fluid handling assembly that includes a modular strut removably secured to a valve that permits easy access to internal valve parts for repair and inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr