Patents Examined by Meredith H Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 6237634
    Abstract: To provide a changeover valve for a fluid pressure apparatus which can be easily manufactured, assembled and incorporated into piping, and of which the maintenance is easy. For this purpose, there are provided a supply body 1 having a supply passage 8 extending from an introduction port 6 of fluid under pressure to a supply port 30a of a fluid pressure apparatus 30, an exhaust body 2 having an exhaust passage 9 extending from the exhaust port 30 of the fluid pressure apparatus 30 to a fluid exhaust port 7, and a retainer 3 being provided between the supply body 1 and the exhaust body 2 and having a passageway 10 communicating the supply passage 8 with the exhaust passage 9, a valve member 4 opening and closing a valve seat 12 provided in the passage way 10 and a valve seat 11 provided in the supply passage 8 of the supply body 1, and operating means 5 manually opening and closing the valve member 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Narita, Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6227244
    Abstract: A reaction arrangement on a hydraulic servo-valve arrangement which is designed in the manner of a rotary-slide arrangement, with a rotary slide and with a control bush coaxially surrounding the rotary slide and rotatable relative to the latter, in particular for power steering systems of motor vehicles. Arranged on a shaft part located on the rotary-slide side are axial V-grooves, into which reaction bodies can be pressed with controllable hydraulic pressure. The reaction bodies are guided radially on a bush portion connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the control bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz Lenkungen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Schick, Bernd Langkamp, Edwin Breuning, Karl-Hans Koehler
  • Patent number: 6223764
    Abstract: An inflation valve assembly for temporarily connecting inflatable devices to sources of pressurized air is provided. The inflation valve assembly includes a valve coupling mechanism adapted for temporary connection to a source of pressurized air. An outlet nozzle is connected to the valve coupling mechanism. The outlet nozzle is adapted for relatively fluid-tight connection to a variety of inflatable devices. At least one grip member is secured between the valve coupling mechanism and the outlet nozzle. The grip member is adapted to orient the inflation valve assembly in a predetermined position when gripped by a user of the inflation valve assembly during inflation of an inflatable device. The valve coupling mechanism can be provided as a schrader valve. The outlet nozzle ca be configured as an annular frustoconical nozzle. The at least one grip member can be provided as a pair of grip members extending radially outwardly from the inflation valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Todd Charlesbois, Richard Hoinville
  • Patent number: 6220274
    Abstract: An air valve connection head is designed to work with an inflation device comprising an air storage bottle in which the compressed air is kept. The air valve connection head comprises a housing which is provided with a receiving compartment, an elastic annular block disposed in the receiving compartment, and a press member disposed in the receiving compartment such that the press member urges the annular block. The housing is further provided with an insertion hole and an air hole extending from the insertion hole to the receiving compartment. A valve member is movably disposed in the insertion hole for obstructing the air hole. A handle is pivoted to the housing such that the handle is swiveled to push the press member to cause the elastic annular block to deform to lash the air valve of an inflatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6220273
    Abstract: A pumping device includes a main body having a passage defined therein through which air passes, a head, and a pivotal switch member. The pivotal switch member includes a hollow cam seat rotatably received in a first end of the head. The pivotal switch member further includes a lever extending from the cam seat to move therewith. A second end of the head is communicated with the passage. The cam seat includes a central rotating axis relative to the first end of the head. The cam seat further includes a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening communicated with the first opening. A distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the first side is smaller than a distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the second side. A retainer is slidably received in the head and includes a first compartment therein. A second end of the retainer includes a conical recess defined therein. A spring is mounted in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 6216718
    Abstract: The method makes it possible, in the context of the industrial-scale production of control valves, to reduce the spread on the torque of the valve law P=f(C) which spread is due to machining inaccuracies and other variations in geometric parameters. This method consists, for each control valve produced, in adapting the stiffness of the torsion bar and/or of the connection between this bar and the spool of the control valve, according to the difference between the valve law measured for this valve and the theoretical law for the type of valve concerned. In particular, adaptation can be achieved by selecting the axial position of the pin that connects the torsion bar and the spool so as to modify the torsion length of this bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Societe de Mecanique d'Irigny
    Inventor: Christian Brunon
  • Patent number: 6213446
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve in which an impact element is spaced from a head on a valve rod, in order to develop kinetic energy when activated end produce impact on the head to free a valve member which may have become stuck to the valve seat due to deposits on the seat from the recirculating exhaust gas. The impact member is activated when the engine is started and after the valve disk is free, the exhaust gas recirculation valve operates conventionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Dismon, Armin Schürfeld, Dieter Thönnessen
  • Patent number: 6202694
    Abstract: A hydraulic power steering gear (10) comprises first and second relatively rotatable valve members (40 and 42). The first valve member (40) has a radially extending first passage (64) and a second valve member (42) partially encircling the first valve member. The second valve member (42) has a cam surface (184) facing radially inward. The first and second valve members (40 and 42) are rotatable relative to one another to selectively port hydraulic fluid. A ring member (160) is fixedly attached to the first valve member (40). The ring member (160) has a radially extending first bore (186) radially aligned with the first passage (64). A detent member (250) acts between the first and second valve members (40 and 42). The detent member (250) is disposed in the cam surface (184) in the neutral condition to provide a physically perceptible indication to a driver of the vehicle of operation of the steering gear (10) between the neutral condition and the actuated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell Lee Gilbert, Lisa McCallum
  • Patent number: 6202672
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an air mattress having a common actuator on a manifold between opposed supply and exhaust valves moving the valves along their actuating axis. The system includes a plurality of actuator/valve combinations for different portions of the air mattress. A pulsating valve is provided which includes a housing having therein supply and exhaust valves each directly controlled by supply and exhaust solenoids. The solenoids are of an improved design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte
  • Patent number: 6202980
    Abstract: An electronic faucet having a spout, a electronically actuated valve, and a microprocessor-based control circuit for operating the valve to enable or disable water flow through the spout. The microprocessor has a control program which includes a calibration routine that uses an infra-red sensor to determine an adjustable setpoint indicative of the signal received from the sensor in the absence of an object in front of the faucet. The microprocessor switches the valve from its closed state to its open state when the signal from the sensor either increases above the setpoint by a selected amount or decreases below the setpoint by a selected amount. This provides a window about the setpoint within which differences between the setpoint and the signal do not result in opening of the valve. Object detection is accomplished using a tracking routine that adjusts the setpoint in an attempt to track the sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Raymond A. Vincent, Jeffrey J. Iott, Randall P. Schmitt, John Kirk
  • Patent number: 6199584
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6199586
    Abstract: A mixing valve has a housing, a fixed valve plate in the housing having a flat outer surface generally centered on and perpendicular to a main axis and formed offset from the main axis with a pair of angularly offset and axially throughgoing inlet ports, and a movable valve plate in the housing having an inner surface flatly engaging the outer surface of the fixed valve plate and an opposite outer surface. The movable valve plate is formed with a pair of angularly offset and axially throughgoing inlet ports alignable with the fixed-plate inlet ports. The ports of one of the pairs of inlet ports are at different radial spacings from a center of the respective plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Max Derr
  • Patent number: 6199575
    Abstract: A valve system includes a movable microelectromechanically structured (MEMS) pressure sensor that not only senses pressure but also functions as a mechanical actuator for the valve. An alternative valve system includes a MEMS pressure sensor that extends through an aperture in a curved wall, such as a curved wall of a valve body or a valve core, at an oblique angle to allow it be securely mounted in the confined space of an automotive-type tire inflation valve. The valve system includes a transmitter integrated with the valve and a receiver located at a remote location, such as the passenger compartment of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald D. Widner
  • Patent number: 6196266
    Abstract: A compact diverting valve having a plurality of output ports for supplying various previously mixed hot water and cold water to anyone of a number of output ports. In some instances more than one output port may be supplied with previously mixed hot and cold water at a particular setting of the device. The system also includes a positive keying system into the diverter valve so that the valve actuator, manipulated by the user, has only one possible “rest” position for each selected output mode position. The valve also includes limit stops to prevent complete rotations of the valve actuator by the user an single spring C clips to facilitate removal of the component parts of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Silvano Breda
  • Patent number: 6196260
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a flow control valve including a first sheet having a hole therein and a second sheet secured to said first sheet at a plurality of separate seal locations along a periphery of the first and second sheets. The seal locations define at least one channel between the seal locations. The second sheet has an aperture therein in fluid communication with the hole and selectively in fluid communication with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dielectrics Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Pekar
  • Patent number: 6196254
    Abstract: An inflation valve fitting adapted for use with the typical inflation valve assembly found on large inflatable articles. The fitting allows inflation of articles using a conventional air hose with and end piece used to inflate tires, such as the air hoses available at most gasoline service stations. The fitting includes a body member having one threaded end and the other end being closed except for a small central opening. An auxiliary inflation valve, such as those used on automobile tires, has an enlarged section that frictionally engages the interior of the body member and a smaller terminal end that extends through the central opening. The terminal end selectively receives the end piece of the conventional air hose to rapidly and conveniently inflate the large inflatable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sportsstuff, Incc.
    Inventor: Alvis Hudson Shaw
  • Patent number: 6192917
    Abstract: This invention is related to a self-sealing valve for inflatable articles, including balloons, made of non-elastomeric material of the kind of valves formed by multiple layers of thermo-plastic film joined by heat which form three sections; a nozzle, main channel and a multi-valved section. This valve design permits the production of balloons or inflatable objects with a valve without requiring sophisticated machinery for the exact placement of the valve in the article or balloon. This is characterized in that the nozzle of the article consists of four films; two external films with an outer face that is compatible with heat fusion with the material of the inflated article in which the valve is to be placed and inner faces that are compatible with each other and the inner films with outer faces that are compatible with the outer films and inner faces that are incompatible with each other and outer films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Ernesto Antonio Ramos Loza
  • Patent number: 6186173
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic steering arrangement (1) with an adjustable throttle, which has an internal rotary slide (2) with internal steering openings (4) in its circumferential wall and rotatable in relation to this, an external rotary slide (3) with external steering openings (7, 10) in its circumferential wall (8). The production of such steering arrangements must be inexpensive, yet a jamming during operation must be avoided. For this purpose, each of the external steering openings is made by a substantially radially extending bore (7), which penetrates part of the circumferential wall (8), and a following section (10) with reduced flow cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Charlotte Duus Hansen, Tage Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6182943
    Abstract: A gas valve with electromagnetic actuation, in particular for use as a fuel injection valve for gas engines, includes a sealing element (7), actuable by way of an armature (12) of a controllable electromagnet (19), between a or each fuel inlet (4) and a or each fuel outlet (24), and at least one closing spring (8) acting on the sealing element (7). In order to achieve very short switching and response times while at the same time having a large passage cross-section, and thus to render the gas valve suitable also for use in multi-point systems and in supercharged engines, in particular gas engines for commercial vehicles, the gas valve is designed as a flat-seat valve with a plane valve seat (3) and a sealing element (7) with at least one plane sealing surface facing this valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Ventilwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Steinrück, Karl Rein, Josef Horvath
  • Patent number: 6173739
    Abstract: Addow's FDC is different from current FDCs, because it is a FDC and a check valve in one. Addow's FDC saves labor and time when compared to the current FDC, because with current FDC, one has to install a check valve and then install the FDC. With Addow's FDC, it is a one step process. Addow's FDC is equipped with swivels which don't allow debris, garbage or trash to be deposited in the FDC and this makes Addow's FDC debris proof. Addow's FDC allows back flushing test to be performed by removing the 4 inch cap and reversing the FDC. Addow's FDC, unlike current FDCs, comes with three different styles of outlets, which are grooved, flange, and threaded. This gives the consumers more selections to suit their needs. Current FDCs come only with one style of outlet, which is threaded outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Abdul Addo, Ali Addo