Donald A Gross

US Patent:

6547529, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Aug 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/938942

Inventors:

Donald Gross - Hanover MD 21076

International Classification:

F04B 4900

US Classification:

417 36, 417 4, 417 9, 417 53

Abstract:

A sensor, system, and method for determining whether sufficient water is present to safely operate a pump. The sensor includes first and second conductive fittings that are physically and electrically isolated from one another by a third non-conductive fitting. Electrodes are secured to the exteriors of the first and second fittings and are electrically connected to an electronic detection device. The electronic detection device applies a voltage across the first and second fittings and detects a current flowing between the first and second fittings. The current is correlated to the presence of water between the first and second fittings. If the detected current is below a predetermined minimum, the electronic detection device turns off the pump to prevent dry-running thereof.

US Patent:

6702938, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Oct 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/033089

Inventors:

Donald Gross - Hanover MD 21076

International Classification:

B60R 1500

US Classification:

210150, 210220, 210241, 2102422

Abstract:

An odor reducing assembly for use in a marine vessel or RV waste holding tank including an aeration tube and an aeration pump. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding tank. The aeration tube may be provided by a separate aeration tube or may be incorporated into the macerator/discharge pump. The aeration pump is in fluid communication with the aeration tube and supplies pressurized air to the aeration tube during operation of the marine vessel or RV. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom-most portion of the holding tank and is submerged in sewage. Pressurized air from the aeration pump is injected into the sewage via the aeration tube and creates an oxygen-enriched aerobic environment therein. Air from the holding tank is continuously vented to atmosphere during operation of the aeration pump via a vent in the tank.

US Patent:

7000896, Feb 21, 2006

Filed:

Feb 2, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/770364

Inventors:

Donald P. Gross - Hanover MD, US

International Classification:

F16K 31/00

US Classification:

251285, 251286

Abstract:

A valve having a valve body, a rotary valve member, a valve handle, and a selectively repositionable valve handle stop member. The valve body includes first and second openings into which the stop member may be installed. The openings are provided on opposite sides of the lower end of the valve handle such that, when the stop member is installed in the first opening, the valve handle is rotated in a first direction between a first orientation, which corresponds to the valve member being full open, and a second orientation, which corresponds to the valve member being full closed. Alternatively, when the stop member is installed in the second opening, the valve handle is rotated in a second, opposite direction to move the valve member from the full open to the full closed position. When no stop member is installed, the valve member is sequentially moved from the full closed position, to the full open position, and then to the full closed position as the valve handle traverses a 180 arc.

US Patent:

7491320, Feb 17, 2009

Filed:

Apr 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/101756

Inventors:

Donald P. Gross - Hanover MD, US

International Classification:

B01D 35/14312

US Classification:

210 87, 7311468, 7386179, 114183 R, 123 4115

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for estimating blockage within a liquid strainer used in a marine vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the rate of liquid flow through the strainer and a sensor for measuring the operational speed of a device utilizing the strained liquid. The apparatus also includes a control panel and central processing unit configured to receive at least one measurement from the flow sensor and receive at least one measurement from the speed sensor. The central processing unit then compares the relationship of the measured liquid flow rate and measured device speed to a predetermined clean strainer reference relationship of liquid flow rate and device speed at an equivalent device speed to determine the degree of strainer blockage. Visible and audible indicators are actuated when blockage becomes excessive.

US Patent:

7530370, May 12, 2009

Filed:

Apr 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/101670

Inventors:

Donald P. Gross - Hanover MD, US

International Classification:

F16K 5/00
B13B 13/00

US Classification:

1378992, 251143, 114198, 285390

Abstract:

The invention is directed to an adapter used in a marine fluid handling system to prevent thread mismatch between a thru-hull fitting and in-line valve. The adapter includes a head with a male NPT thread and a bore with a female NPS thread. The adapter is threaded to a thru-hull fitting with a male NPS thread that extends through a hole in a boat hull. The adapter is also attached to an in-line valve having a female NPT thread. The valve may be mechanically fastened to the adapter to prevent thread disengagement. When the valve fails, the valve is easily removed from the adapter that remains attached to the boat hull, and a replacement valve is attached to the adapter.

US Patent:

20030038267, Feb 27, 2003

Filed:

Aug 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/938770

Inventors:

Donald Gross - Hanover MD, US

International Classification:

F16K005/00
F16K031/60

US Classification:

251/293000, 251/230000

Abstract:

An improved valve handle that has a proximal end attached to the valve and operable to actuate the valve, and a distal end that defines an opening therein. The opening is adapted to receive a handle extension. The handle extension is a standard rachet handle having a drive plug that is received in the opening. The ratchet drive of the handle extension is set in the proper position and the handle is placed in a desired orientation relative to the handle and taking into account the space available for the extension. The extension may be removed from the handle or may be stored in place by aligning the handle extension with the length of the handle.

US Patent:

60098236, Jan 4, 2000

Filed:

Oct 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/179585

Inventors:

Donald Gross - Hanover MD

International Classification:

B63B 1300

US Classification:

114198

Abstract:

A scoop strainer has a rim to attach the strainer to an outer surface of a hull of a marine vessel over a through-hull fitting intended to admit water to the interior of the hull. The strainer has small openings therethrough to pass water but not large undesired objects or marine life, and a larger opening to permit access to the interior of the strainer and to the through-hull fitting to clean out marine growth and the like. A cover is hinged to the strainer and is movable between an open, access position and a closed position. A threaded fastener passing through the cover threads into the rim to selectively hold the access cover closed.

US Patent:

51233690, Jun 23, 1992

Filed:

Sep 20, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/585195

Inventors:

Donald P. Gross - Catonsville MD

International Classification:

B63B 1300

US Classification:

114183R

Abstract:

A valve apparatus for a marine vessel has a housing with first, second, and third ports and a valve member within the housing. The housing is mounted to the hull of the vessel with the first port communicating with the body of water outside of the vessel. The third port is connected to the cooling system of an engine in the vessel and the second port is closed by a quick-release plug. The valve member is movable to open and close communication with the outside. During normal operation, water is drawn through the structure into the engine cooling system and is discharged overboard. In an emergency, the plug can be removed and the valve member moved to a 90. degree. position in which communication with the outside is closed, allowing the engine to draw water from within the hull and discharge it overboard. The structure can also be used with a service adapter for engine flushing and other maintenance.