Patents Examined by Michael R Reid
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Patent number: 11802396Abstract: A hybrid faucet assembly configured to operate in a touchless, hands-free automatic mode and a manual mode comprises a faucet body; a faucet spout; a first manual flow control valve connected to a cold water source; a second manual flow control valve connected to a hot water source; an electromechanical valve connected to a cold water source or to both a cold water source and a hot water source; a flow director; a controller; and an activator device. The hybrid faucet assembly may comprise an override mechanism to disable an automatic mode during operation of a manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: AS America, Inc.Inventors: Xiaojing Ye, Walter Pitsch, Jesus Garcia, Enrique Gonzalez
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Patent number: 11796079Abstract: A multi-way valve assembly includes a valve housing having a plurality of fluid ports, a first valve member having one or more first flow channels defined therethrough and a first shaft, rotation of which causes rotation of the first valve member relative to the housing, the first valve member defining a cavity, and a second valve member arranged within the cavity of the first valve member and having one or more second flow channels defined therethrough and a second shaft. Rotation of the second shaft causes rotation of the second valve member relative to the housing. The assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to, in a locked position, cause the second valve member to rotate with the first valve member relative to the housing and, in an unlocked position, to permit the second valve member to rotate relative to the first valve member and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: Piotr Kroczek, Dariusz Sapija, Łukasz Turek
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Patent number: 11788635Abstract: A hot and cold water faucet, including a hot and cold water mixer, a hot water valve, a cold water valve, a hot water rotating assembly, a cold water rotating assembly, a hot water connecting component and a cold water connecting component; the hot and cold water mixer has a hot water inlet connected with the hot water valve, a cold water inlet connected with the cold water valve, and a mixed water outlet; the hot water valve is provided with a hot water valve core; the cold water valve is provided with a cold water valve core; a rotating part of the hot water rotating assembly and the hot water valve core are connected with the hot water connecting component; a rotating part of the cold water rotating assembly and the cold water valve core are connected with the cold water connecting component.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Inventor: Man Hon Lee
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Patent number: 11788633Abstract: A spool for a spool valve assembly defines a spool longitudinal axis and includes a first land module defining a first land module circumferential surface, a second land module defining a second land module circumferential surface, and a first metering module. The first metering module has a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap is coupled to the first land module, and the second end cap is coupled to the second land module, to form the spool. The first metering module may further include at least two pillars extending from the first end cap to the second end cap, wherein the at least two pillars are entirely disposed within a virtual first metering module hollow cylinder area that surrounds a virtual first metering module central core area concentric with the spool longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Martin, Paul A. Zwart, Michael C. Marstall, Mikhail A. Sorokin
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Patent number: 11774026Abstract: A tube connection kit for a vacuum system, and a method of clearing the vacuum system using the kit. The kit includes a female coupler and a male coupler. The male coupler includes a forward portion that connects to a first tube or a vacuum applicator, and a rearward portion that connects to a forward portion of the female coupler. A rearward portion of the female coupler connects to a second tube or a vacuum source. Interiors of the first tube or the vacuum applicator, the male coupler, the female coupler, and the second tube or the vacuum source are fluidly connected, such that a vacuum may be provided to the vacuum applicator. The female coupler includes a clearing valve that connects an exterior of the clearing valve to the interior of the female coupler, upon application of a fluid thereto, to allow clearing of the second tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventor: Randy Witherow
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Patent number: 11773877Abstract: A connecting element for connecting ports of a valve array's valve attachment block to a supply block may include first engagement elements on one side for establishing a connection to the ports, and second engagement elements on another side for establishing a connection to the supply block. The first and second engagement elements may be configured to establish gas-tight connections, wherein the connecting element includes a flexible material. In a further combination, the supply block has an attachment side for attaching tubes to the supply block and a connection side for connecting the supply block to the connecting element, the connection side having engagement elements which are engageable with the second engagement elements of the connecting element for establishing a gas-tight connection. The supply block may be less flexible than the connecting element. A further combination may include the valve array.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision SEInventors: Erich Dörfler, Ronny Gehlmann, Matthias Mitzler
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Patent number: 11774000Abstract: A fluid control device includes: a joint block defining a fluid flow path open to an upper surface thereof, and which has an engaging portion on the bottom surface side thereof; a support member having a guide portion which restrains the joint block on the upper surface while permitting the joint block to move in longitudinal direction; and a fluid device fixed to the upper surface of the joint block. The support member is provided with at least one plunger such that the tip end portion protrudes from the upper surface of the support member. A recess is provided in the bottom surface of the joint block, and the recess engages with the tip end portion of the plunger to set the position of the joint block in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Kenji Aikawa, Tomohiro Nakata, Toshiyuki Inada, Akihiro Harada, Takahiro Matsuda, Tsutomu Shinohara
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Patent number: 11767929Abstract: An assembly includes an inlet tube. The assembly includes a first outlet tube. The assembly includes a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position in which fluid is inhibited from flowing from the inlet tube to the outlet tube. The solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger to the closed position. The solenoid assembly has a strain gage fixed to the spring. A strain detected by the strain gage indicates whether the plunger is at the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Valeo North America, Inc.Inventors: Segundo Baldovino, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Charles Prain, Michael Whitney, William S. Smith, Theophile Jullien, Denis Thebault, Jean Baptiste Lahilaire
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Patent number: 11761532Abstract: A hydraulic control unit (10) for a transmission (36) of a motor vehicle drive train may include a housing top section (12), a first valve housing (14) having a first valve (60), and a second valve housing (16) having a second valve (62). The first valve (60) is aligned along a first direction (30) and the second valve (62) is aligned along a second direction (32), wherein the first direction (30) differs from the second direction (32).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Tobias Pfleger, Hans-Joachim Martin, Marco Berner, Jens Schmidt
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Patent number: 11761558Abstract: Fluid flow control devices comprise a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a sidewall. The cylindrical body has a first channel extending longitudinally along the sidewall and a second channel extending longitudinally along the sidewall. At least a portion of one of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel extends longitudinally at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a pattern of channels for improving the flow characteristics of a fluid through the channels.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: FLOWSERVE PTE. LTD.Inventors: Jeff Parish, Bradford Haines, Gifford Decker
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Patent number: 11754229Abstract: Disclosed are processes, apparatuses, and systems in natural gas pipelines to significantly reduce pigging and blowdown emissions. In an example, a process involves filtering and/or separating pigging or blowdown emissions. The filtered and/or separated pigging/blowdown products can then be stored in a storage, sent back into the natural gas pipeline at a downstream location, or sent to an adjacent pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: NEXT CARBON SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Ivan Van Der Walt, Ben Heichelbech, Connor Rivard, Vikrum Subra
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Patent number: 11746548Abstract: The invention comprises an adjustable valve system, apparatus and method using an adjustable drum assembly that can be used in conjunction with a blower or pump to drive air into and out of the drum assembly, wherein the adjustable valve system is useful in connection with operating wave generator caissons for wave pools. The present system preferably comprises an inner drum coaxially aligned and rotatably positioned within an outer drum, wherein side openings are provided on the inner and outer drums which can be aligned together to allow air to flow into and/or out of the drum assembly. That way, by adjusting the position of the inner drum relative to the outer drum, the valve system can enable the air to flow either into or out of the drum assembly and therefore the associated caisson. The system can be used to introduce positive or negative air pressure in the caisson and create waves in a wave pool.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Inventor: Steve Hovey
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Patent number: 11739850Abstract: A ball valve trim apparatus for high differential pressure service that is resistant to erosion includes elements selected from a plurality of stacked impedance trim plates positioned in the passage of the ball portion of the valve; the plates being independently adjustable along transverse axes that are parallel to the axis of rotation of the ball: one or more of the plates having a convex upstream contour, each plate provided with a predetermined pattern of variously sized fluid passageways, the pattern varying from plate-to-plate in the stack; erosion-resistant bushings inserted into the trim plate holes can be independently rotationally adjustable to control the rate of the flowing fluid, the upstream surface of the plate surrounding the orifice of the bushing defining a raised toroidal body.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Pablo Daniel Genta, Antonello Vago
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Patent number: 11739981Abstract: An isolation valve including a main body including a fluid passage, a first port connected to the fluid passage, a second port connected to the fluid passage, a third port including an openable and closable valve, the valve connecting the third port to the fluid passage, and a plug removably coupled to the second port.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: MATSUIKIKI INDUSTRIES CO., LTDInventors: Sadanori Matsui, Yukikazu Terada, Takashi Kitagawa
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Patent number: 11739507Abstract: A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kevin Simon
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Patent number: 11725747Abstract: A water arrestor valve assembly permits the servicing and/or replacement of a water hammer arrestor in a segment of a plumbing system. The water hammer arrestor can be isolated from the incoming and outgoing water supply by a valve or a tee-shaped valve body. In addition, the bleeder drain valve(s) can be located on the tee-shaped valve body to reduce the pressure and drain fluid before removal of the water hammer arrestor and can also be used to isolate, reduce the pressure and drain the length of piping of the fixture/appliance that is downstream of the water hammer arrestor.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: NIBCO Inc.Inventors: Christopher W. Mason, Lisa Lyon, Andrew J. Terry
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Patent number: 11703133Abstract: A valve block includes a fluid-transfer plate with multiple inlet bores connecting to a common inlet channel, and multiple outlet bores connecting to a common outlet channel. The inlet bores and the outlet bores are arranged in a curved shape. The valve block also includes a pressure plate and diaphragm aligned and connected to the fluid-transfer plate in a way that allows pressurized material in the pressure plate to control the state of the channels formed by the inlet and outlet bores.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Tosoh Bioscience LLCInventors: Brian A. Harbrecht, Robert Charles Mierendorf, Scott G. Manke
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Patent number: 11698148Abstract: Rotary ball valves with noise attenuators are disclosed herein. An example rotary ball valve includes a valve body defining a passageway between an inlet and an outlet, a ring-shaped seal in the passageway, a closure member in the passageway, the closure member rotatable in the passageway relative to the seal, and a noise attenuator coupled to the closure member in the passageway. The closure member and the noise attenuator are rotatable between a closed position, a fully open position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the closed position and the fully open position. The noise attenuator includes walls that are spaced apart from each other. The walls at least partially form a plurality of channels. The channels are aligned with the passageway when the noise attenuator is in the fully open position. The walls include a first wall that is curved such that such that when the noise attenuator is in a first intermediate position, an edge of the first wall is aligned with the seal.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Daniel Eilers
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Patent number: 11692640Abstract: A fluid control device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, a seat, and a control element that is coupled to a stem. The control element and the stem are movable along a first axis and biased toward a closed position in which the control element engages the seat. The fluid control device includes an actuator assembly including a shaft that is operatively coupled to the stem via a Scotch yoke mechanism such that rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction causes movement of the stem and control element along the first axis in a first translational direction. The actuator assembly includes a trigger mechanism that is responsive to fluid pressure and prevents rotation of the shaft in a first mode of operation and releases the shaft to allow rotation in a second mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: FISHER JEON GAS EQUIPMENT (CHENGDU) CO., LTD.Inventors: Jie Yuan, Min Qiu, Yanbo Shi, Xiaojuan Qin
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Patent number: 11691231Abstract: A system may be configured to manufacture a layered cage of a trim. Some embodiments may additively manufacture, in each of a plurality of layers, a plurality of channels each having a cross section such that an amount of the layers satisfies a criterion, the cross section being defined by vertical walls, angular portions that extend from the walls, and a shaped top and/or bottom intersecting with angular portions. And the channels of one of the layers may not intersect with any other channel of any other layer of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Celeros Flow Technology, LLCInventors: Robert Wnek, Mark Bober, Brian Jarrett, David Ristau, Kevin Teygart