Patents Assigned to Betts Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20230366245
    Abstract: This disclosure includes a manhole cover locking device, system, and kit, each configured for locking a manhole cover in a closed position overtop an access opening of a container, the access opening being arranged at one end of a collar extending outwardly from the container, each comprising: a body; a mechanism for connecting the body to a pre-existing portion of the manhole collar or the container; and, a mechanism for securing the body to the manhole cover to prevent the opening of the manhole cover using a pre-existing portion of the manhole cover. Each mechanism may be tamper resistant. The disclosure also includes methods of installing and using the device, system, and kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Adams, Michael Gustafson, Craig Culbertson
  • Patent number: 11204134
    Abstract: A secondary indicator for a vapor recovery valve is presented. The vapor recovery valve comprises a piston and a primary indicator, the primary indicator is attached to the piston, and the piston moves linearly in relation to the actuation of the valve and moves proportionally in conjunction with the piston to provide a visual indication that the valve has actuated. The secondary indicator is mounted to the vapor recovery valve and is not attached to the primary indicator. The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin, such that the signal rotates with the linear movement of the primary indicator to multiply the effect of the primary indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Michael W. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10876650
    Abstract: A pressure equalization valve comprises a first pressure cylinder, a second pressure cylinder, an aperture, and a stationary member. The stationary member is located between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. The second pressure cylinder is located within the aperture. A primary piston is located within the first pressure cylinder and a secondary piston is located within the second pressure cylinder. A stem is directly connected to the aperture and the primary piston. The stem includes a fluid passage between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. When a pressurized fluid is introduced into the first pressure cylinder, the pressurized fluid pushes the primary piston and the stem to open the aperture in a linear direction, the pressurized fluid travels to the second cylinder through the fluid passage and pushes against the aperture in the same direction as said first piston further opening the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lund, David J. Adams
  • Publication number: 20200362968
    Abstract: A seal for a valve stem comprises an upper gland, a lower gland, a packing nut and an accordion type seal that further comprises a seal body that has a plurality of convolutions that are compressible when pressure is applied to the seal body, and an energizer mounted in the interior or exterior root of at least one convolution. The accordion type seal is positioned between the upper gland and the lower gland and the packing nut is threaded onto the valve stem to compress the accordion type seal between the upper gland and the lower gland.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Michael W. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20200363015
    Abstract: A secondary indicator for a vapor recovery valve is presented. The vapor recovery valve comprises a piston and a primary indicator, the primary indicator is attached to the piston, and the piston moves linearly in relation to the actuation of the valve and moves proportionally in conjunction with the piston to provide a visual indication that the valve has actuated. The secondary indicator is mounted to the vapor recovery valve and is not attached to the primary indicator. The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin, such that the signal rotates with the linear movement of the primary indicator to multiply the effect of the primary indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Michael W. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20180347717
    Abstract: A pressure equalization valve comprises a first pressure cylinder, a second pressure cylinder, an aperture, and a stationary member. The stationary member is located between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. The second pressure cylinder is located within the aperture. A primary piston is located within the first pressure cylinder and a secondary piston is located within the second pressure cylinder. A stem is directly connected to the aperture and the primary piston. The stem includes a fluid passage between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. When a pressurized fluid is introduced into the first pressure cylinder, the pressurized fluid pushes the primary piston and the stem to open the aperture in a linear direction, the pressurized fluid travels to the second cylinder through the fluid passage and pushes against the aperture in the same direction as said first piston further opening the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lund, David J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8171953
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for relieving excess pressure or vacuum pressure from a tank interior. An embodiment of a pressure relief device includes a housing having an opening associated with a first end, an opening associated with a second end, and an over-pressure opening. The device further including a pressure relief valve for selectively relieving pressure from a tank, the valve including an over-pressure opening seal biased by a first pressure bias means against a pressure valve seat associated with the over-pressure opening. The device also including a guide block translatable in an axial direction of a second bore of the housing and being biased toward the pressure valve seat by a second pressure bias means. The guide block is translatable independent of the over-pressure opening seal. The device also includes a vacuum relief valve for selectively relieving vacuum pressure in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Patrick J. Lund, Craig E. Culbertson
  • Publication number: 20090288719
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for relieving excess pressure or vacuum pressure from a tank interior. An embodiment of a pressure relief device includes a housing having an opening associated with a first end, an opening associated with a second end, and an over-pressure opening. The device further including a pressure relief valve for selectively relieving pressure from a tank, the valve including an over-pressure opening seal biased by a first pressure bias means against a pressure valve seat associated with the over-pressure opening. The device also including a guide block translatable in an axial direction of a second bore of the housing and being biased toward the pressure valve seat by a second pressure bias means. The guide block is translatable independent of the over-pressure opening seal. The device also includes a vacuum relief valve for selectively relieving vacuum pressure in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: BETTS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Patrick J. Lund, Craig E. Culbertson
  • Patent number: 7621292
    Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Eernisse
  • Publication number: 20070175520
    Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: BETTS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Eernisse
  • Patent number: 7201182
    Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Eernisse
  • Publication number: 20060219972
    Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: BETTS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Eernisse
  • Publication number: 20040007683
    Abstract: A hydraulic vapor recovery valve comprising a valve body, a top head assembly, and means for demountably attaching the a top head assembly to the valve body. The top head assembly can be removed from the valve body assembly without requiring substantial rotation of the top head assembly which enables the valve to be easily be removed for cleaning without requiring removal of any attached hydraulic lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Lee Willetts
  • Patent number: 6265878
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing operation of devices on a vehicular trailer without the necessity of a truck being connected thereto. A digital signal which is different for each device to be tested is encoded and wirelessly transmitted. Upon receipt of the signal, a power source is connected to the respective device to be tested. In order to reliably apply the signal in a multiplexed system in the trailer, the signal is mixed with a pseudorandom digital sequence to provide a direct sequence spread spectrum for the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Traub
  • Patent number: 6105597
    Abstract: A device works as an emergency shut off for a valve having an open and a closed position with a lever for manually moving the valve from one of the positions to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Lee Willetts
  • Patent number: 5967358
    Abstract: A tank filling and pressure relief assembly. A cover member has a seat for sealingly closing the tank opening. A stem is attached at one end to a piston in a cylinder (which is attached to the cover member and extends downwardly therefrom into the tank) and at the other end to a strongback. The strongback is pivotly mounted to swing the assembly away from the opening for filling thereof and to swing the assembly back into position to seat the cover member and is lockable in a position to lockingly urge the cover member to the closed position. The stem is flexibly coupled to the strongback to evenly distribute the seating force so that binding does not occur and is threadedly attached thereto so that the set pressure for pressure relief may be adjusted by access to the stem for turning thereof through an opening or cut-out in the strongback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Charles A. Betts
  • Patent number: 5523933
    Abstract: A shock-dampening and vibration-isolation mount for a vehicular lighting assembly. The mount comprises a receptacle for a replaceable bulb, a body portion for rigid attachment to the lighting assembly housing, and a pair of arm portions extending between the receptacle and body portion. The arm portions have flexibility for vibration-isolation and have a progressive increase in specific mass along their lengths to provide shock-dampening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5315066
    Abstract: A wire connector which includes a metal thread insert and at least two unmixed components within the connector cavity which are mixable as the insert is screwed onto bared wire ends to form a cement for bonding the connection of the bared wire ends to each other and to the insert. The components are separated by a barrier layer formed by a reaction at their interface. At least a portion of the insert is disposed inwardly of the cavity relative to the barrier layer. The barrier layer is pierceable by the bared wired ends during insertion thereof into the insert for screwing of said insert onto the bared wire ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Spiteri, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5261450
    Abstract: A device relieves a positive pressure difference between the inside of a vessel and the outside of the vessel through an opening in the vessel. The device has a base portion, a cap portion and a biasing means. The base portion has a means for mounting the device in the opening; a cap seat providing an orifice through which the pressure difference may be relieved; and a generally hollow body portion attached to the cap seat and extending concentrically with the cap seat into the vessel. The cap portion has a cap having an external surface with a diameter larger than the diameter of the cap seat to retain the cap external to the cap seat in sealing relationship; a rod mounted concentrically and normal to the internal surface at one end, the other end extending into the body portion and terminating in a piston with a shoulder, the piston being in concentric sliding engagement within the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Betts
  • Patent number: 4934403
    Abstract: An emergency valve assembly for a tank adapted to contain liquid such as for instance hazardous material, with the valve assembly including a valve head for closing the discharge port from the tank in an operative closed position of the valve head, and with a first operating unit coacting with the valve head for selectively opening the latter and a separate second operating unit coacting with the valve head for automatically closing the latter. The first operating unit has a portion adapted for accessibility from exteriorly of the tank and includes a fluid power connection to the first operating unit, for selectively supplying pressurized fluid to such operating unit; for causing opening of the valve head via such operating unit upon application of pressurized fluid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Mooney, Frank H. Petersen