Patents Examined by Daniel P Donegan
  • Patent number: 10202987
    Abstract: Embodiments of a directional valve assembly that provides a single device with functionality of a two-position design for automated operation and functionality of a three-position design for manual operation. The embodiments can include a housing with a piston chamber and a spool member that transits in the housing to regulate the flow of a working fluid to a cylinder. The embodiments can also have one or more pilot operators that regulate the flow of pilot air into the piston chamber to move the spool member between two positions, i.e., two open positions. The embodiments can also have a manual operator (e.g., a lever) that can move the spool to the open positions and to a closed position. In one embodiment, the spool member is configured to remain in either a first position, a second position, or a third position in the absence of an outside stimulus on the pilot operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Richard Strobel
  • Patent number: 9658625
    Abstract: A gas pressure regulator regulates a pressure of a gas system. The gas pressure regulator includes a first chamber, a first diaphragm which separates the first chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, a second chamber, with a second diaphragm separating the second chamber into a third compartment and a fourth compartment, the fourth compartment being connected to, and in communication with, the first compartment of the first chamber. A movement of the first diaphragm causes a corresponding movement of the second diaphragm, and a change in the volume of the fourth compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Sensus USA Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Willis Peace
  • Patent number: 9638082
    Abstract: A fluid control valve device includes a seal part disposed to a valve part. The seal part is elastically deformable and contacts a valve seat when a fluid passage is closed to intercept fluid from passing through the fluid passage. The valve seat has a surface opposing the seal part, a first projection part projected from the surface toward an upper surface of the seal part and having an annular shape, and a second projection part projected from the surface toward the upper surface of the seal part on a radially outer side of the first projection part. When the fluid passage is closed by the valve part, the first projection part is in tight contact with the seal part, and the second projection part is configured to collide with the seal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hamanakodenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunari Fujita, Junichiro Itou
  • Patent number: 9625043
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to bias spool valves using supply pressure are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing of a spool valve, the housing including a first port to receive a fluid at a supply pressure. The example apparatus further includes a spool within the housing. A position of the spool is to be selectively controlled via an input force acting on the spool, the position of the spool to define a path of a flow of the fluid through the spool valve from the first port to a second port of the housing. A biasing force is to bias the spool opposite the input force, the biasing force to be generated from the supply pressure applied to an end of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Richard Jay Winkler, Christopher Steven Metschke, Bradley Dale Busse
  • Patent number: 9625074
    Abstract: A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container through a hose unit during open or normal operation. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature closes off the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source and closes off the escape of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit that entered the hose unit during open or normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Zena Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Cardona
  • Patent number: 9625055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a throttling valve comprising a fluid inlet (29) and a fluid outlet (27). The throttling valve is arranged to control a flux of a fluid stream flowing via a flow path from the fluid inlet (29) to the fluid outlet (27). The flow path comprises a plurality of openings (330) which, in use, create a pressure reduction over the throttling valve and thereby a cooling effect of the fluid. The openings (330) widen in a downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TWISTER B.V.
    Inventors: Max Robert Anthony Ter Haar, Zvonimir Opic, Marco Betting, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink
  • Patent number: 9605767
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a spring retainer configuration without suction bore grooves, wherein the spring retainer may be secured in place via a keeper. By eliminating the grooves, embodiments may reduce the surface area of the bore intersection, which may slow the rate of material erosion. Accordingly, embodiments may extend the life of a fluid end in high pressure environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Strom, Inc.
    Inventor: Shivrat Chhabra
  • Patent number: 9568138
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a manifold assembly includes a skid, a low pressure manifold connected to the skid, and a high pressure manifold connected to the skid. In another aspect, the high pressure manifold has a modular configuration so that the high pressure manifold is disconnectable in whole or in part from the skid, and reconnectable in whole or in part to the skid. In yet another aspect, the high pressure manifold includes high pressure modules, all of which are in fluid communication with each other and each of which is adapted to be in fluid communication with at least one pump. In still yet another aspect, the low pressure manifold includes one or more flow lines, the high pressure manifold includes fittings, and the manifold assembly includes vibration isolators to dampen dynamic loading, the vibration isolators being disposed between the fittings and the one or more flow lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Ron Arizpe, Lun Tsuei, Timothy Long, Adam Hardman, Matthew Green
  • Patent number: 9562623
    Abstract: A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Clark, Jared Aaron Brandt, Ralph William Vanderburg
  • Patent number: 9506575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve disc including a disc flapper, the disc flapper formed with urethane, a flexing portion formed by the disc flapper, and a rigid portion including a sealing surface. Also disclosed is a check valve including a valve body, the valve body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and an inner surface defining an inlet cavity proximate the inlet end and an outlet cavity proximate the outlet end, and a check valve disc, the check valve disc including a disc flapper, the disc flapper formed with urethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Q. Fallon, George Robert Charles Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 9500287
    Abstract: A valve is provided with multiple ports joining multiple fluid conduits leading between fluid sources and fluid destinations. A central hub manifold or other control element resides within a body supporting the ports, and can rotate relative to the valve body. Fluid flow paths within the central hub or other control element are selectively aligned or not aligned with the ports. The valve indicates which ports are open or closed by providing unique marks adjacent the ports corresponding with being open or closed. When the positive marks are visible, such as through windows in a rotating structure fixed to the central hub or other control element, the corresponding ports are open. When the negative marks are visible, such as through other windows in the rotating structure, the corresponding ports are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: David R. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9494280
    Abstract: A condensate drain for pressurized gas systems, having a condensate collecting chamber, which can be connected to the pressurized gas system via a condensate inflow and has a condensate outflow that can be closed by means of an electrically operable valve, at least one electronic fitting level gauge, with which the condensate filling level in the condensate collecting chamber can be detected, and an electronic control unit, with which the condensate filling level detected by means of the filling level gauge can be evaluated and the valve can be operated, where the condensate drain has at least one battery, which provides the power supply for at least the control unit, the fitting level gauge and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Herbert Schlensker
  • Patent number: 9494245
    Abstract: An over-molded valve stem for a valve assembly includes a rigid inner member and a unitary elastic cover molded over the inner member. The inner member includes a main section and an arm extending from the main section. The cover includes a main cover portion, an arm cover portion, and an end portion, with the end portion being spaced from the main cover portion by the arm cover portion. The main cover portion is disposed over the main section with the end portion and main cover portion defining diameters that are larger than the diameter of the arm cover portion. The end portion can include an integral seal member for engaging with a bore of the valve assembly. A method of making the valve stem involves molding the cover about the inner member such that a parting line doe not axially extend across sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Humphrey Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas H. Tinholt
  • Patent number: 9488176
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an outer surface, and an inner fluid chamber having a central axis. The valve body also has an aperture extending radially through the valve body from the outer surface to the inner fluid chamber. The valve assembly also includes a valve member movably coupled to the valve body. The valve member is configured to move radially relative to the valve body between a closed position preventing fluid flow through the aperture and an open position allowing fluid flow through the aperture. The valve assembly also has a retainer extending across the aperture and the valve member and attached to the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a biasing member coupled to the retainer and the valve member. The biasing member is configured to bias the valve member to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Manuel Moeller
  • Patent number: 9476526
    Abstract: A fluid fitting for use with a hydrocarbon production device includes an annular fitting assembly inserted into a port formed in the hydrocarbon production device. A first outer diameter seal is located between the fitting assembly and the port. A packing assembly is located in an annulus between the fitting assembly and an inner surface of the port, defining a second outer diameter seal between the fitting assembly and the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Paul Eugene Cody, Sergio Felipe Meyberg, Andrew Browne Helvenston
  • Patent number: 9463951
    Abstract: A gas supply system includes a housing with an aperture, a spool, a one-way bearing, an interval locking device, a main keyed shaft, a spring housing, a spring torque spool and a pair of spring grounding tabs, a main base that stabilizes the housing, a rotating shaft where the main base is disposed on the distal end of the rotating shaft, a rotational bearing that is disposed on the proximal end of the rotating shaft and connects the rotating shaft to the main base. There is also a base clamp that has a pair of corresponding apertures and secures the gas supply system to a tubular shaped object and an adjustable clamp screw that has a handle and a threaded bolt wherein the proximal end of the threaded bolt is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the handle and the adjustable clamp screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Oliver Davis, Jr., Nancy Sue Davis
  • Patent number: 9447497
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for supplying a constant flow of precursor gas to a processing chamber. The apparatus described, and methods of use, allow a precursor ampoule to be removed from the gas delivery system without interrupting the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dien-Yeh Wu, Mark S. Johnson, David M. Santi, Hyman Lam
  • Patent number: 9442493
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for regulating a pressure differential includes a plurality of valving elements and a valve activation system. Each of the plurality of valving elements are configured to selectively allow and restrict at least a portion of a flow of fluid between an inlet and an outlet of a conduit through a respective opening and closing of each respective valving element. The valve activation system is configured to supply a common driving pressure to the plurality of valving elements. The common driving pressure is configured to initiate at least one of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements or to initiate the other of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: IMI HYDRONIC ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Trantham, Peter Volovec, Slavko Lah
  • Patent number: 9409652
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a dual pressure regulation system to ensure a proper pressure regulation during the Aerial REFUELING operations with Hose and Drogue systems. More specifically is directed to dual redundant fuel pressure regulation systems. The pressure regulator system comprises two pressure regulators (10, 20) located in series and a control element (30) for controlling the movement of both regulators operatively connected downstream (34) the second pressure regulator (20) such that the movement of the pressure regulators (10, 20) is independently controlled by the control element (30) according to the delivery pressure downstream the second regulator (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.
    Inventor: Martin Espinosa Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9395019
    Abstract: Embodiments of a seal element for use in a trim assembly that allow valves and, in particular, balance control valves to meet high-temperature and shut-off requirements. These embodiments can engage and disengage a cage element and a plug element of the trim assembly, thereby creating a seal that prevents leaks of working fluid that can compromise operation of the valve. In one embodiment, the seal element comprises an annular ring that circumscribes the outer periphery of the plug element. The annular ring can deflect in response movement of one part of the plug element relative to another part of the plug element. This deflection can cause the seal element to contact the cage element and the plug element in seal regions that are proximate to one another, and to the outer periphery of the plug element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Henry Cunningham