Patents Examined by Kevin Barss
  • Patent number: 10539251
    Abstract: A transducer for a connection to a fluid pressure source having a mechanism for setting a pneumatic output by way of an electrical input signal. The transducer provides a lower housing assembly and an upper housing assembly. The lower housing assembly comprises lower housing configured to receive a supply nozzle. The supply nozzle fluidly communicates with a supply port and intermittently fluidly communicates with an output port of the lower housing through an internal fluid passageway. The upper housing assembly comprises an upper housing configured to receive a coil and an armature such that the upper housing, coil and armature define a latching electromagnetic circuit that provides alternating contact of the armature with the supply nozzle of the lower housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Curt Galbreath
  • Patent number: 10487856
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a high-reliability, cost-effective electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly that is not susceptible to failure caused by contaminated fluid. In particular embodiments, the electro-hydraulic servo-valve assembly includes a rotary valve that may be actuated by either a direct-coupled Limited Angle Torque (LAT) motor, a geared, brushless DC motor, or some other rotary electric actuating element with an integrated driver circuit. In particular embodiments, the rotary valve element made up of an outer sleeve element and an inner spool element, with matching ports and slots, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E. Greeb, Philip A. LaFleur, Jonathan P. Workman, John J. Been
  • Patent number: 10234051
    Abstract: An electropneumatic magnet valve for a pneumatically actuated field device can include a valve member, an electromagnetic controller, a magnet valve member, and an activator. The valve member can be moveable between at least two operating positions for ventilating and/or exhausting a magnet valve exit. The electromagnetic controller can move the valve member between the operating positions. The magnet valve member operator can move, additionally with respect to the electromagnetic controller, the valve member independently of an operation of the electromagnetic controller. The valve member operator can include an activator to selectively generate/provide a magnetic field for contact free operation of the valve member via which the magnet valve member operator is changeable between a passive operating condition and an active operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stefan Kolbenschlag
  • Patent number: 10233093
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a piston assembly for a control valve in a water softener system. The control valve includes a drive mechanism, one or more fluid passageways, and a seal assembly. The piston assembly includes a main piston moveably received within the seal assembly and including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a shuttle piston moveably received within the seal assembly. The shuttle piston includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and is configured to selectively engage the second end of the main piston to form a seal therebetween and to selectively move relative to the second end of the main piston to form an opening between the second end of the main piston and the first end of the shuttle piston, in response to movement of the main piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Mueller, Thomas Richard Bednar, Peter W. Shefte
  • Patent number: 10215288
    Abstract: A flushometer system having an integrated control stop and three ports. The piston or flush control device is accessible through an actuation opening. The flushometer system may be utilized in a behind-the-wall installation with a face plate exterior for user interaction. The interior of the flushometer may be accessed through the actuation opening behind the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: SLOAN VALVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, John Beckman, David Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10196116
    Abstract: A connection system, in particular for a pressure reducer of a diving regulator, the system comprising a connector (1) having a first end (2) adapted to be fastened to a pressure reducer and a second end (2?) adapted to be fastened to a valve of a compressed air cylinder, said connector (1) having an internal passage (4) extending substantially axially between said first and second ends, said internal passage (4) including a filter (5), preferably made of sintered stainless steel, and a retaining member (6a; 6b; 6c; 6c?; 6d; 6e) fastened to said second end (2?) and supporting firstly said filter (5) and secondly a main O-ring (7; 9e), said retaining member (6a; 6b; 6c; 6c?; 6d; 6e) forming an inlet opening, said system including a shutter device comprising a shutter member (9a; 9b; 9c: 9c?; 9d; 9e) that is deformable and/or movable between a shut position in which it shuts said inlet opening, and an open position in which it does not shut said inlet opening, said shutter member (9a; 9b; 9c: 9c?; 9d; 9e) being
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: R.G. S.A.S. DI ROSARIA GALLI & CO
    Inventor: Fabio Stradella
  • Patent number: 10197073
    Abstract: An axial differential pressure control valve (DPCV) having an annular body, a tubular body, a coaxial closing member for closing an outlet aperture for exit of the fluid from the tubular body, sealing separation means arranged between first and second chambers containing the return fluid and the delivery fluid, respectively, said separation means being movable axially upon activation of a thrust due to a pressure differential ?P=P1?P2 and to the spring, wherein the closing member is fixed, and further comprising pins axially arranged between the ring nut and the abutment flange of the spring, wherein the pins pass through the pipefitting so as to come into contact with the said abutment flange and are designed to be displaced axially upon operation of the ring nut independently of the fixed closing member, so as to vary the compression of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Watts Industries Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alfredo Marco Cucciniello
  • Patent number: 10197072
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for releasing grey water from an aircraft sink or sump using an improved waste water air stop valve. The valves described herein allow drainage of waste water, without air leakage. Additionally, if drainage in the piping is blocked, the valves are designed to ensure that water cannot flow back into the sinks or sumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Driessen Aerospace Group N.V.
    Inventors: Remko Schiphorst, Andreas Hoogeveen
  • Patent number: 10188886
    Abstract: A valve gear box has a valve monitoring function. The valve gear box is for mounting to a valve that has a fluid passageway and a gate therefor, the gear box providing a gear driven link for moving the gate between open and closed conditions of the fluid passageway, the valve gear box being in a housing that has a mounting for permitting operative connection to the valve via a mounting flange of the valve. The mounting and the mounting flange have a valve monitoring sensor operatively positioned therewith, the sensor being settable in one state when the mounting and the mounting flange are in assembled relationship to each other but being configured to change from the one state if there is a separation of the fastened connection of the mounting and the mounting flange, whereby a change in state from the one state can be used to monitor a separation of the assembled relationship of the mounting and the mounting flange and trigger an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Amtron Valve Monitoring Device Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony James Magee
  • Patent number: 10184466
    Abstract: An air pump includes a pumping system, a storage tank, a discharge passage, and a valve. The discharge passage includes a first section and a second section wider than the first section. The valve is movable in the discharge passage. The valve, disposed in a first position, includes a first seal end disposed in the first section and abutting a periphery thereof and includes a second seal end disposed in the second section and abutting a periphery thereof. The valve, disposed in a second position, includes the first seal end disengaging from the first section and not abutting the periphery thereof and includes the second seal end disposed in the second section and abutting the periphery thereof. The first and second seal ends respectively have first and second cross-sectional areas. The ratio of the second cross-sectional area to the first cross-sectional area is at least 2 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 10179304
    Abstract: A tank fitting apparatus and method is provided. The tank fitting apparatus includes a bottom plate apparatus. The bottom plate apparatus includes a bottom plate having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a bottom plate passageway. The bottom plate apparatus further includes a bolt connected to the bottom plate and extending from the top surface of the bottom plate. The tank fitting apparatus further includes a valve apparatus. The valve apparatus includes a pipe and a valve integrally formed with the pipe. The valve is movable between an open valve position and a closed valve position. A top plate integrally formed on the pipe and extends outwardly from the pipe. The valve apparatus has a connected tank fitting position where the bolt of the bottom plate apparatus extends through the top plate of the valve apparatus to connect the valve apparatus with the bottom plate apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Craig V. Winborn
  • Patent number: 10180194
    Abstract: A servovalve comprising a motor, a motor bias mechanism, a first stage valve having a first position, a second stage valve movable with movement of the first valve, a reference member in fluid communication with the second valve, a transfer link acting between the first valve and the reference member, an eccentric drive acting between the motor and transfer link, wherein movement of the motor causes the transfer link to move the first valve, movement of the first valve causes the second valve member to move, movement of the second valve applies on the reference member a pressure differential from a load, the pressure differential on the reference member causes movement of the reference member, and movement of the reference member causes the transfer link to move the first valve back to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: John Kopp
  • Patent number: 10173883
    Abstract: Provided is a connector including a plug to be fixed to an inner peripheral surface of an opening of a liquid storing container, and a socket to be detachably attached to the plug. The plug includes a plug body including, formed therein, a first liquid outflow passage, a first liquid inflow passage, and a first gas passage. The socket includes: a socket body including, formed therein, a second liquid outflow passage, a second liquid inflow passage, and a second gas passage; and a ball lock mechanism that allows lock balls to be engaged with engagement grooves formed along a circumferential direction about an axial line in an outer peripheral surface of the opening of the liquid storing container and fixes the lock balls to the engagement grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hasunuma, Masamichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10155126
    Abstract: Embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion with a detection device, a valve body, an armature assembly, and a detection plate. The armature assembly has a first end extending through the solenoid portion and a second end extending into the valve body. The detection plate is configured to interact with the detection device to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body. The solenoid portion is disposed between the valve body and the detection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TLX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Schwobe, Derek Arvid Dahlgren, Benjamin Nathan Shimon
  • Patent number: 10138621
    Abstract: A faucet handle assembly includes a faucet handle, a handle adaptor, and a bonnet. The handle adaptor includes a plurality of end stops extending radially outward therefrom, and is configured to rotatably couple the faucet handle to a fluid control valve disposed within a valve body, and rotatably couple to the valve body by the plurality of end stops. The bonnet includes an inner ring having a plurality of locking features, and is configured to be removably coupled to the valve body by the plurality of locking features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Brian S. Core
  • Patent number: 10138883
    Abstract: An air pump includes an air reservoir, a discharge passage, a valve, and a pusher. The discharge passage includes a first section and a second section wider than the first section. The valve, disposed in a first position, includes first and second seal ends respectively disposed in the first and second sections. The valve, disposed in a second position, includes the first seal end disengaging from the first section and includes the second seal end disposed in the second section. The second seal end has a greater cross-sectional area than the first seal end. The pusher is movably retained in the air reservoir and is movable between a first position spaced from the valve and a second position abutting the valve. The valve is disposed in the second position when the pusher is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 10134611
    Abstract: A collector assembly for use with a spin chuck includes a base component, a top component and a first intermediate component configured to be fitted between the base component and the top component. The base, top and first intermediate components are configured so as to be interconnectable to form a process enclosure and so as to be separable from one another. The base component and the intermediate component each comprise collector wall segments such that when the base, top and first intermediate components are interfitted, the wall segments together define an outer side wall of the collector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Schwarzenbacher, Ulrich Tschinderle
  • Patent number: 10132421
    Abstract: A solenoid includes a coil configured to generate magnetic force when a current flows therethrough; a stator core provided inside the coil, the stator core being configured to be excited by the magnetic force of the coil; a plunger received in a plunger chamber formed inside the stator core, the plunger being configured to move toward an attraction part in the plunger chamber by the magnetic force of the coil; a shaft provided to be able to move, together with the plunger, along axial direction; and a filter provided inside the stator core. The filter is provided on a side of the attraction part from the plunger and in an axial range where the coil is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hironaka
  • Patent number: 10125885
    Abstract: A check valve mounting structure includes a seat plate including a mounting hole and linked notches, a tubular bottom fitting with the top end thereof aimed at the mounting hole and having lugs extended from the periphery, and a holder block including a top receptacle, a shoulder and a bottom receptacle, which includes protruding portions outwardly extended from the periphery, first channels upwardly extended from the bottom side to a predetermined distance and second channels respectively and horizontally extended from the top ends of the first channels toward the periphery thereof. The bottom receptacle is attached onto the tubular bottom fitting, allowing the protruding portions to pass through the notches. The lugs are respectively inserted into the first channels and the second channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Holimay Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10119621
    Abstract: A valve having a diverting cartridge with an integral pressure balance for tubs, spouts and shower heads comprising of a housing having an opening to receive a cartridge, wherein the housing has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a shower outlet and a spout outlet. The cartridge has a cylindrical body with a plurality of cold water inlet apertures, a plurality of hot water inlet apertures and an outlet aperture designed on the cylindrical body. The hot and cold water inlet apertures of the cartridge are in alignment with the inlets of the housing for allowing hot and cold water to enter to the cartridge. A stationary sleeve with a cylindrical body is sized and placed inside the cartridge. The stationary sleeve has a plurality of first-apertures for hot water inlet, a plurality of second-apertures for tempered water outlet, and a plurality of third-apertures for cold water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Silvano Breda