Patents Examined by Angelisa Hicks
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Patent number: 9157635Abstract: A fuel distribution manifold comprises an outer shell having an inner surface. The outer shell defines an inlet for receiving fuel from a parent supply line, a base opposite the inlet, a central manifold axis that intersects the inlet, and a plurality of outlets for delivering fuel to offspring fuel lines, each outlet defining a respective outlet axis. In one exemplary embodiment, a fuel distribution manifold also comprises a center-body having an outer surface and being positioned within the outer shell wherein the outer surface of the center-body and the inner surface of the outer shell define a flow-path through which fluid flows from the inlet to the plurality of outlets. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the outlets is positioned adjacent to the base and oriented so that its respective outlet axis is rotated relatively to a radial direction that intersects the central manifold axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Donald Mark Bailey, Gregory Allen Boardman, William Thomas Ross
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Patent number: 9091352Abstract: A flow path opening/closing valve is equipped with a main body having a valve chamber housing therein a rotatable valve body, and a sleeve that abuts without gaps against an inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber, such that the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve slide without gaps against an outer circumferential surface of the valve body, for thereby shielding the valve chamber by the valve body and the sleeve. First and second seat members, and first and second o-rings that urge the first and second seat members toward the side of the valve body are arranged inside first and second annular grooves, which are provided on the inner circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino, Taiyou Hatta
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Patent number: 9038377Abstract: The power plant disclosed is an engine that derives its usefulness in the pursuit of energy generation by utilizing hydrostatic pressure differentials found or created in various liquids, gases or solutions, such as but not limited to water and air. It is generally provided as a two-stroke piston cycle power generating system, wherein the actions of the pistons perform work or replenish working fluid from a lower head to a higher head, and can be utilized to generate power, pump fluids, or perform work, for example. Multiple power generating systems are interconnected to provide continuous and constant power generation through a penstock and turbine system.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Mark R. Anteau
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Patent number: 9038663Abstract: To provide an opening degree detection device for an automatically operated valve which is easily assembled into an automatically operated valve, makes it easy to ensure detection accuracy at the time of assembling the opening degree detection device, and is easily applicable to an existing automatically operated valve. The opening degree detection device includes: a base plate 4 which is detachably mounted on an automatically operated valve 2; a displacement sensor 5; and a target 6 having an inclined detection surface 6a which is detected by the displacement sensor 5. The target 6 is fixed to the base plate 4. The displacement sensor 5 is supported on a valve stem 14 by way of a sensor support member 21, and the sensor support member 21 is supported on the base plate 4 by way of a guide means.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Ryousuke Dohi, Atsuo Tomita, Kouji Nishino, Yohei Sawada, Nobukazu Ikeda
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Patent number: 9022072Abstract: A valve array includes a reservoir containing a pressurized fluid, a non-return valve and a seat valve that is actuatable so as to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir. The seat valve is configured as a pilot control valve connected to the reservoir such that, in an open condition of the seat valve, a smaller amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the seat valve and a larger amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the non-return valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KGInventor: Thomas Pippes
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Patent number: 9004101Abstract: Disclosed is a device for causing turbulent flow in a tank assembly that includes, inter alia, a base portion and a vane element that extends in an axial direction from the base portion. The vane element has a curved surface formed at a distal end thereof which is adapted and configured to redirect fluid traversing the device axially in a non-axial direction. Still further, a plurality of shoulder elements extend radially outward from the axis of the vane element and are adapted and configured for limiting that axial insertion of the device into a fitting associated with the tank assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention, the vane element includes lateral edges which are adapted and configured for press-fit engagement with an inside diameter of the fitting associate with the tank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: AMTROL Licensing Inc.Inventors: David Beretta, III, Christopher A. Van Haaren
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Patent number: 8991423Abstract: Fuel interface modules that can be used in automotive vehicle fuel systems can include a body that defines a fuel channel and a plurality of ports through which fluid communication with the fuel channel can be established. Some modules include a check valve, a shutoff valve, and a coalescing filter assembly that are each coupled with a separate port. The fuel modules can be quickly installed and can eliminate many of the installing materials typically associated with automotive vehicle fuel systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Go Natural CNG, LLCInventor: Matthew M. Matsukawa
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Patent number: 8985553Abstract: A pressure protection valve (10) is provided featuring a swivelable output port fitting (40) and a valve element (60) having a portion (64) configured to redirect a portion of the fluid flow toward the fixed seat (30) upon initial opening of the valve (10). The valve element (60) is in a portion of the fitting that is inserted into a pressure container so as to be protected from external forces. The valve (10) may also include a vent cover (110) sealing the vent port (80), the vent cover (110) movable to vent pressure through the vent port (80) when the valve (10) opens and to relieve pressure through the vent port (80) when the valve (10) closes.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Parker Hannifin CorporationInventors: Robert Knepple, Andrew Bishop, Paxton Augustine, Leonardi J. Jabcon, Jr.
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Patent number: 8985143Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem assembly including at least one wall and at least one passage at least partially defined within the valve stem assembly. The at least one passage defines a first opening. At least one portion of the at least one wall defines an erosion site that is configured to undergo contact with solid particles such that a second opening of the passage is defined. The valve also includes at least one sensing device coupled in flow communication with the at least one passage through the first opening. The at least one sensing device is configured to transmit a signal representative of an increased fluid flow through the at least one passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: General ELectric CompanyInventors: Guido Felice Forte, Jr., David Ernest Welch, Edward Leo Kudlacik
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Patent number: 8978697Abstract: A filter element for a control valve of a camshaft adjuster. The filter element has an annular filter fabric for extracting particles, and a gripping frame for fastening the annular filter fabric. The gripping frame is designed here for the planar bracing of the annular filter fabric on the control valve. Furthermore, a control valve is disclosed for a camshaft adjuster with a corresponding filter element.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Hoppe, Stefan Konias
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Patent number: 8978698Abstract: A blowout preventer for sealing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing having a bore therethrough for receiving the tubular, at least one ram slidably positionable in the housing (each of the rams having a ram block for sealing engagement about the tubular), an actuator for selectively driving the ram block (the actuator comprising a piston slidably positionable in a cylinder), and a monitor for detecting the piston therein. The monitor has a visual indicator on an exterior of the cylinder. The visual indicator is operatively coupled to the piston for displaying a position of the piston as the piston travels within the cylinder whereby a position of the ram may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Joseph James Liotta, Eric Trevor Ensley, Christopher Dale Johnson
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Patent number: 8967178Abstract: A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: James Steele, William R. Stagi, Alexander Babchanik
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Patent number: 8966846Abstract: A reinforced mine ventilation seal anchored with steel dowels into the strata of a mine passageway. The seal has a pair of metal mats formed of vertical and horizontal elongated reinforcing members that are sandwiched between a row of dowels set into the floor and ceiling of the passageway and extending into the passageway. The metal mats and the dowels are encased in a structural material such as concrete to form a seal which is capable of bidirectionally withstanding an overpressure due to an explosion. The dowels provide shear reinforcement and the metal mats provide flexural strength.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: Frank A. Sisk
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Patent number: 8950429Abstract: Construction of a valve-member monitoring system using wireless communication is facilitated. The valve-member monitoring system is structured with operating-condition sensors each attached to each of multiple steam traps installed on a manifold. The manifold serves as a discharged condensate collecting pipe in which condensate is discharged through the multiple steam traps. The valve-member monitoring system further includes a sensor controlling terminal device that is attached to the manifold or in the vicinity of the manifold and exchanges information by radio with a central control apparatus. In the valve-member monitoring system, the terminal device is connected to the operating-condition sensors each attached to each of the steam traps installed on the manifold with lead lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oike, Mamoru Nagase
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Patent number: 8925581Abstract: A pump suction line assembly includes a sump including a wall formed with a bore and a seat, a tube including an inlet, an outlet, a length connecting the outlet and inlet, and a flange contacting the seat, a housing, a seal fitted in the bore and contacting the flange and the housing, and fasteners that compress the seal, secure the tube to the wall, and secure the sump to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lev Pekarsky, Vladimir Yasnogorodskiy, Brandon D. Lint, David P. Aeschliman
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Patent number: 8915482Abstract: The invention refers to a solenoid which comprises at least one armature supported in an armature space. The armature space is encircled by a coil carrying a number of windings which can be loaded with current. The magnetic field generated when loaded with current moves the armature against the pole core. In the armature a rebounding tappet is supported moving. Its tappet front facing the pole core projects, when not electrified, over the front of the armature.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs—GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Johann Weiβ, Peter Wiedemann
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Patent number: 8904783Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure medium container for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, having a housing, a filler opening, a closure element and at least one hydraulic connection to the hydraulic pressure medium supply of the motor vehicle brake system. The problem of the present invention consists in reliably managing a fluctuating pressure medium filling level while nevertheless providing a container of minimal overall size and simplifying motor vehicle maintenance. The proposed solution is to provide a structurally predetermined defined volume reservoir for receiving a pressure medium, which can be rendered hydraulically effective by arranging the closure element on the filler opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventor: Stefan Drumm
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Patent number: 8905067Abstract: Valve module for influencing a fluid supply of a fluid-operated load, comprising a valve housing with a valve chamber being connected to an inlet port and an outlet port and a pilot chamber being connected to an operating port, comprising a valve member which is movably adjustable between a blocking position and a release position and further comprising an actuator which is motion-coupled to the valve member, wherein a position of the actuator and the valve member can be set as a function of a pressure applied to the pilot chamber, and further comprising a sensor device for detecting a position of the valve member and/or the actuator along a movement axis, and the sensor device comprises an electric coil arrangement which forms a ring around at least one fluid port from the group comprising the operating port, the inlet port and the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KGInventors: Martin Maichl, Hannes Wirtl, Andreas Dickhoff
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Patent number: 8899265Abstract: A plastic fuel tank and a process for manufacturing a fuel tank, the fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls and an accessory. Both the upper and lower walls show a concave recess in the kiss point area so that the weld of the kiss point is located in between planes defined by the upper and lower walls respectively; a bottom of the upper concave recess extends substantially beyond the weld of the kiss point, while a bottom of the lower concave recess does not; the accessory is at least partially located under the extension of the bottom of the upper concave recess.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research S.A.Inventors: Joseph Douglas Chiasson, Paul Daniel Reuther, David Hill
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Patent number: 8887498Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Todd A. Frerichs, Brian W. Whitmarsh