Patents Examined by Kevin F Murphy
  • Patent number: 11703140
    Abstract: A relief valve has a valve body, a plunger assembly coupled to the valve body for selectively opening and closing the relief valve, and a support member secured to the valve body. A lockout lever is against the support member, forming a vertex. A spring rod is coupled to the lockout lever, and a spring is coupled to the spring rod, providing a bias force against the plunger assembly to normally close the relief valve. In a lockout position, the lockout lever is moved to pivot on the vertex against the support member to further compress the spring, which increases the bias force and, in turn, a cracking pressure of the relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Steven Castrigno
  • Patent number: 11701458
    Abstract: A conductivity measurement device includes first and second conductivity measurement flow channels positioned in a fluid circuit and fluidly linked for fluid flow between the first and second conductivity measurement flow channels. A controller having a current source connected to the first and second conductivity channels applies alternating voltages at frequencies that are different, each being respective to one of the first and second conductivity cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Orlando Soto, Joseph Rausa, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, Goetz Friederichs, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Scott W. Newell, Amanda Wozniak
  • Patent number: 11700831
    Abstract: A pet waste disposal apparatus and method provides a convenient, safe, and odor free way of disposing of pet waste. The pet waste disposal apparatus includes an upright pipe interconnected with a sewer drain line. A hose coupling interconnects with a water source to rinse the pet waste into the sewer drain line. A lid is movably coupled to a top end of the upright pipe to contain odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Jaime M Ferreira
  • Patent number: 11697082
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for at least priming water filters are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a device includes a barrel portion, a first opening, a handle portion, a second opening, and a bottom surface for engaging objects of various shapes and sizes, wherein at least a portion of the device is able to be rolled back onto itself at least once by a user. In one or more embodiments, a system includes: a device, a water filter and a faucet. In one or more embodiments, a method for using a device includes: operably attaching a water filter to the device, operably attaching the device to a faucet, applying water pressure from the faucet in order to prime the water filter, and observing the effects of water pressure on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: James Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne H. Jones
  • Patent number: 11692645
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a molten liquid includes an expansion port in liquid communication with an internal volume of the valve that is filled with the molten liquid. An expansion valve can be opened during unfreezing of the valve, to allow melting process substance to expand out of the internal volume into an expansion line as it is melted. During initialization of the valve, an inert gas source, pressure regulator, and ultrasonic transition level sensor can be used to establish a liquid/gas interface at a desired height within the expansion line. The valve can include a multi-zone heater, wherein a first of the zones is adjacent the expansion port, so that during unfreezing, after the first zone has been melted, the remaining zones can be sequentially activated in an order that ensures that each zone is activated only after an adjacent zone has been melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Paul Jeffrey Parish, Michael P. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11691734
    Abstract: A wastewater tank arrangement for an aircraft, including a wastewater tank and a drain pipe having a first end and an opposite second end, the drain pipe fastened with its first end to the wastewater tank and having a second end for connection to a service panel in the aircraft structure. Providing a wastewater tank arrangement can effectively compensate tolerances between the wastewater tank and the service panel, and can effectively compensate installation and manufacturing tolerances during the course of the initial installation, in that the wastewater tank arrangement has a tolerance compensation device configured to connect the second end of the drain pipe to the service panel and compensate tolerances between the second end of the drain pipe and the service panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lutzer, Ulrich Rieger, Eberhard Gumbert, Carsten Ohlfest, Holger Brilsky, Gerke Popken
  • Patent number: 11692638
    Abstract: An actuator (1) comprising a motor (2) assembly, a drive coupling (113, 13, 313) assembly and an actuator shaft (114, 14). The motor (2) assembly comprising a motor housing (120, 20), having a cover (122, 22) and a base (123, 23); an electric motor (111, 11, 211, 2), comprising an external stator (111, 11, 211) and an internal rotor (112, 12); and a hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) that is connected co-axially with the internal rotor (112, 12) such that rotation of the internal rotor (112, 12) causes a corresponding rotation of the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330). The drive coupling (113, 13, 313) assembly comprises a drive coupling housing (115, 15, 315) containing a drive coupling (113, 13, 313), wherein the drive coupling (113, 13, 313) engages the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) such that rotation of the hollow output shaft (130, 30, 330) causes a corresponding rotation of the drive coupling (113, 13, 313).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ROTORK CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventor: David Adams
  • Patent number: 11692639
    Abstract: A temperature control fluid is introduced through a first port. The temperature control fluid introduced into the first port is discharged through a second port. A piston is configured to be moved by a pressure to open or close a path connecting the first port and the second port. A pressure control space is provided at at least one side of a moving direction of the piston when the path is opened or closed. Air is supplied into the pressure control space through a third port. A leak portion communicates with the pressure control space, and allows the air supplied into the pressure control space to leak therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kei Kobayashi, Takehiko Arita
  • Patent number: 11692643
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first and a second component. Each of the components including a connector body, a valve, a handle, a handle lock, and a connector lock. The handles open and close respective valves. Each of the handles has locked and unlocked positions. The handle locks prevent or inhibit the respective handles from being moved between open and closed positions. The handle locks in unlocked positions enable the respective handles to be moved between open and closed positions. The first and second components are configured to be releasably assembled with each other. The connector locks in their respective closed positions assist in preventing or inhibiting the disassembling of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Yu-Nien Huang, Huan-Shu Chien
  • Patent number: 11692409
    Abstract: A shear ram system includes an upper block coupled to a first arm, the upper block positioned to transition from a first location outside a bore to a second location within the bore, the upper block including an upper blade having a cutout formed at a radially outward end, the cutout having a cutout profile. The shear ram system also includes a lower block coupled to a second arm, the lower block positioned to transition from the first location outside the bore to the second location within the bore, the lower block including a gap control arm including a wear insert arranged axially higher than a lower blade, the gap control arm having an arm profile that substantially conforms to the cutout profile. The wear insert of the gap control arm is configured to engage the cutout when the upper block and the lower block are moved to the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Ingram, Connor Cook
  • Patent number: 11686099
    Abstract: A pivotable downspout extension system includes an adapter coupleable to a fixed-position downspout, an extension arm pivotally coupled to the adapter, the extension arm having a housing having counterweight apertures, counterweights configured to be received within the counterweight apertures, and a water channel extending from the housing, the water channel forming a pocket where the water channel joins the housing. The water channel remains substantially vertical until water weight exceeds the weight of the counterweights and causes the water channel to pivot and release water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Rusten Gomez
  • Patent number: 11680394
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a hydrant that is fully concealed by the hydrant head. The mounting bracket is fastened to the structure and includes tabs which engage the hydrant head to tightly secure the hydrant to the structure. The hydrant head includes a structure engaging periphery such that the mounting screws are fully concealed and protected from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Prier Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Poskin, Scott P. Brady, William C. Seitter
  • Patent number: 11680652
    Abstract: A valve device is configured to adjust an opening degree of a flow path for fluid, and includes an axial member, a valve body, and a biasing member. The axial member is configured to be fixed to the flow path. The valve body is rotatable about the axial member, and is configured to be rotated in a closing direction in which the opening degree is reduced, and to be rotated, by the use of a fluid flowing down through the flow path, in an opening direction in which the opening degree is increased. The biasing member is provided to the axial member inside the flow path, and is configured to bias the valve body to rotate in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: FUTABA INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Sameshima, Kosuke Onoda, Masayuki Sudo
  • Patent number: 11674292
    Abstract: A system of modular boxes as shown and described can be interconnected directly to one another via connectors that are integrally molded with the sidewalls of the boxes. The connectors of the boxes may include fastener receiving apertures for receiving a stud-mounting fastener therethrough. The connectors are thin and flexible, such that insertion and forcible tightening of a fastener through the aperture will cause a compressive force to be exerted between the interconnected boxes to maintain their spatial relationship and to maintain their interconnection. A further feature of the modular boxes of the system are anti-rotation members and receivers that are integrally molded to the side walls of the boxes. The anti-rotation members and receivers interact with one another at the point of connection between the boxes to prevent the boxes from flexing, rotating, or otherwise moving with respect to one another post-installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Oatey Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth Brown, Aaron Lorkowski
  • Patent number: 11674603
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes: a valve body having flow paths of fluids formed therein and having a diaphragm-arrangement portion on one surface; a diaphragm arranged in the diaphragm-arrangement portion and can open and close the flow path and adjust the opening degree of by elastic deformation; and a driving unit having a stem for pressing the diaphragm to elastically deform and an actuator for driving the stem, wherein the stem is axially movably held via a resin sleeve by a bonnet fixed to the valve body side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kohei Shigyou, Takashi Hirose
  • Patent number: 11674610
    Abstract: A vent plug and method are provide for isolating a feature of a part. The vent plug includes a plug receivable in an opening in the part to form an airtight seal between the plug and the surface of the part. A stem is receivable in a bore through the plug. The stem includes a cap and a collar. The cap has a sealing surface extending radially from an outer surface of the stem and engageable with a first surface of the plug such that sealing surface overlaps a vent hole extending through the plug. The collar extends radially from the outer surface of the stem and captures the plug between the collar and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Custom Fabricating & Supplies
    Inventor: Brian P. Asik
  • Patent number: 11668094
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water diverter comprising an adapter having a first end portion configured to be mounted to a lower end section of a gutter downspout, and a second end portion, and a curved pipe rotatably attached to the second end portion. Methods of making and using the diverter, and corresponding systems, also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald P. Vitarelli
  • Patent number: 11655910
    Abstract: A valve installation is provided, including a valve assembly having a valve, and a fluidized valve actuator coupled with the valve assembly. The actuator includes at least two cylinders and pistons positioned to communicate fluid to apply pressure to the valve assembly. Extension of each piston communicates pressure to the valve assembly and at least partially lifts the valve into an at least partially lifted and open position. The valve installation may be used to regulate fluid flow in various systems, including cyclical swing adsorption processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: John W. Fulton, William N. Yunker, Bennett D. Marshall, Robert A. Johnson, Roland Mischler, Stefan Aschwanden
  • Patent number: 11655926
    Abstract: A system that permits fracturing pumps such as, for example, at least first and second fracturing pumps, each carried on a truck, to be connected to, and disconnected from, respective connection points on a fracturing manifold while fracturing fluid in the fracturing manifold is at pressure, in certain instances at or near fracturing pressure, and/or while other(s) of the fracturing pumps are being operated to pump fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Austin C. Johnson, Tim Marvel, Kyle Schultz
  • Patent number: 11655902
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a ball configured to block fluid flow through the valve assembly while the ball is in a closed position and to enable fluid flow through the valve assembly while the ball is in an open position. The valve assembly also includes an actuator assembly configured to drive the ball to transition between the open position and the closed position. In addition, the valve assembly includes multiple compression springs disposed on one side of the ball. Each compression spring of the multiple compression springs is configured to directly urge the ball toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: John R. Meijer, Mangesh Edke