Patents Examined by Paul J Gray
  • Patent number: 11885433
    Abstract: An actuator (1) having two detent devices (2) which include in each case at least one terminal detent element (3) for a part (27) of a drive train, and at least one adjustment element (4, 19) which is operatively connected to the terminal detent element (3) and is specified for setting a position of the terminal detent element (3). The at least one gear unit (5, 18) is disposed between the at least one terminal detent element (3) and the at least one adjustment element (4, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AUMA Riester GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Benjamin Hofmann
  • Patent number: 11879580
    Abstract: Quick disconnect devices for high pressure fluid transfer, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative quick disconnect system includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector can have an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of the first connector. The second connector can include a poppet positioned to open the first connector when the first connector is connected to the second connector. The second connector can include an inner sleeve moveable between a first position wherein the poppet head forms a fluid-tight seal with the annular seat of the inner sleeve, and a second position wherein the second end portion is open to permit fluid flow through the end portion of the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is pressure balanced in every direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: BLUE ORIGIN, LLC
    Inventors: Randall J. Strauss, William Goettler
  • Patent number: 11865387
    Abstract: Automatic fluid control assemblies and methods for fire protection include an arrangement of electrically operated control points, a valve body and a controller to operate the fluid control assembly. The automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet, an outlet and a valve body to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. An electric latch includes a first electrically operated control point and a second electrically operated control point in fluid communication with a control line to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the valve body and outlet. The methods of fluid control include controlling a plurality of electrically operated control points to perform any one of: a leak test, a trip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, and a validation test of a non-trip condition and a trip condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: James O. Williams, Roger S. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 11859374
    Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head being movable from a retracted position adjacent the faucet body, and an extended position away from the faucet body. In the retracted position, the faucet spray head has at least one aligned position with the faucet body. The faucet includes an alignment coupling. The alignment coupling includes first and second alignment elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively, to align the spray head with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling that is configured to retain the faucet body and the faucet spray head immediately adjacent one another. The retention coupling includes first and second retention elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively. The retention coupling is separate from the alignment coupling, and at least one of the first or second retention elements is a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc.
    Inventors: Adam William Tracy, Oscar Romero, Evan Benstead, Jan Van Leyen
  • Patent number: 11860024
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for a guided wave radar level gauge including a valve housing holding a movable valve element having a through-opening, the movable valve element being configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position. A probe section arranged in the through-opening of the movable valve element. Upper and lower probe sections are located on respective sides of the movable valve element. A spring-loaded connection assembly is configured to form an electrical connection between the upper and the lower probe section via the probe section in the movable valve element when the movable valve element is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR AB
    Inventors: HÃ¥kan Fredriksson, Mikael Eriksson, Christoffer Widahl
  • Patent number: 11852260
    Abstract: A time delay valve includes a switching valve that switches between a first position and a second position; an urging member that urges the switching valve toward the first position; a driving mechanism that urges the switching valve toward the second position located opposite the first position in the presence of the pressure of a pilot fluid being supplied; a pilot flow channel that introduces the pilot fluid to the driving mechanism; and a delaying mechanism that delays the switching timing of the switching valve. The delaying mechanism includes a first throttle valve provided on the pilot flow channel, a compensation mechanism that urges the switching valve toward the first position in the presence of the pressure of the pilot fluid being supplied, and a compensation flow channel that is branched from the pilot flow channel to introduce a portion of the pilot fluid to the compensation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akiho Nishimura, Akira Tadano
  • Patent number: 11852299
    Abstract: Preloading a containment vessel with Low Vapor Pressure (LVP) liquid; partially evacuating the containment vessel to generate a vacuum in a headspace above the LVP liquid; and relieving material from a process vessel into the containment vessel during a process relief event in the process vessel. The containment vessel pressure may be equalized with ambient conditions prior to preloading the LVP liquid. The containment vessel size and quantity of LVP liquid may be determined to absorb the energy and mass of relieving fluids from the maximum anticipated relief scenario, permitting the gases to condense to liquid form to be recovered in liquid state instead of atmospherically venting or combusting the gases. The containment vessel headspace may be partially occupied with High Vapor Pressure (HVP) liquid comprising C5-C10 hydrocarbons configured to flash during the evacuation step to create and occupy a headspace, providing additional head space volume and heat rejection capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: CARBOVATE DEVELOPMENT CORP.
    Inventors: Edward John Brost, Gary Stewart Locke
  • Patent number: 11851031
    Abstract: A manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet; a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector; a block member configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position; and a rail member including a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies USA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J Hornby, Steven Paul Nowinski, Michael J Zaitz
  • Patent number: 11846391
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus includes: a mounting portion installed on a cabinet; a gas supply portion installed on the mounting portion so as to be raisable and lowerable; and a gas container fixing portion fixing a gas container to the gas supply portion, wherein the gas supply portion includes a compressed gas association (CGA) fastening module that is installed on the mounting portion and is detachable from the gas container, and the CGA fastening module includes: a case; an end cap housing rotatably installed on the case; a CGA connector housing installed on the case so as to be disposed adjacent to the end cap housing; a gasket detection sensor installed on a sensor installation mount of the case and disposed under the CGA connector housing; and a power transmission portion spaced apart from the end cap housing and connected to the end cap housing and the CGA connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Beomsoo Hwang, Jongkyu Kim, Hyunsik Kim, Kyeongsup Byeon, Byungjun An, Byeongchan Jeong, Kimoon Lee, Hyungho Choi
  • Patent number: 11846360
    Abstract: A P/V valve that can be positioned at a working height above grade (i.e., a height reachable by a service technician positioned at grade) while still providing appropriate resistance to fire and explosion by venting to atmosphere at an appropriate height above grade (e.g., 12 feet) is disclosed. In certain exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve features a diaphragm actuated two-way poppet valve actuatable by a valve piston. In alternative exemplifications of the present disclosure, the P/V valve is positioned intermediate grade and the distal end of a P/V valve riser pipe and is contained in a vault fluidly connected to the P/V valve riser pipe, the P/V valve locally venting in the vault, which is hermetically sealed to the P/V valve riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Justin F. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 11839970
    Abstract: A system for preventing debris buildup in vacuum sensor lines includes: a manifold, including a positive air pressure source and a controller; and one or more positive air pressure lines. Each positive air pressure line is in fluid communication with the manifold and can be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum sensor line. The controller is operably connected to and selectively activates the positive air pressure source to emit a positive flow of air, which can be directed into the one or more positive air pressure lines, and then into and through the associated vacuum sensor lines to evacuate debris. In some embodiments, a positive flow of air can also be directed through one or more vacuum lines of the end effector to promote the release of a parcel engaged with the end effector and/or clear the vacuum lines of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah Douglas, Paul Receveur
  • Patent number: 11834322
    Abstract: A liquid supply system is provided. The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank configured to store a liquid. The liquid supply system also includes a liquid measurement module positioned outside the liquid tank and fluidly connected two connecting ports that are located at opposite sides of a surface of the liquid stored in the liquid tank. The liquid tank includes a tube extends parallel to a height direction of the liquid tank. The liquid tank also includes a floating member located in the tube and configured to float on the liquid. The liquid tank further includes a detection member configured to emit a detection signal toward the floating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Fang-Pin Chiang, Chi-Tung Lai, Heng-Yi Tseng
  • Patent number: 11834323
    Abstract: An input includes a specified fluid product to be transported, a specified volume transfer of the specified fluid product to a berth, and a target flow rate of the specified fluid product. A first allowable operating range for volume transfer and a second allowable operating range for flow rate are determined at least based on: the specified fluid product, an availability of meters for metering, an availability of loading arms for loading the specified fluid product to a ship located at the berth, and an availability of vapor combustion units for flaring. A control signal is transmitted to at least one of multiple valves to establish a flow path for the specified fluid product. A start signal is transmitted to initiate a recipe that controls flow through the flow path within the first allowable operating range and the second allowable operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Buckeye Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Clinton D. Johnson, Brett Buzbee, Alvin Johnson, III, Matthew Barrow, Francesco A. Inzone
  • Patent number: 11828417
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen. In some embodiments, the method may comprise (a) storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b) transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c) loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted or partially depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Universal Hydrogen Co.
    Inventors: John-Paul Clarke, Jason Chua, Paul Eremenko, Jon Gordon
  • Patent number: 11807550
    Abstract: A water delivery control system operates to selectively deliver water from a water source to water use devices. The system includes at least one controller that wirelessly communicates messages with a portable user device. The system includes a water control valve and a motor that is operative to selectively move at least one valve element of the valve. A water meter is operative to measure water flow that corresponds to flow through the valve. The controller is operable to cause the valve to enable or prevent flow through the valve responsive at least in part to water flow data. The controller is operative to determine a water use condition responsive to a water usage pattern, and to cause at least one message to be sent to the portable user device responsive to the determined water use condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William D Chandler, Jr., Aaron R Wolfe, Cody A Harbaugh, Patrick Frazer
  • Patent number: 11807564
    Abstract: A liquid control valve (320) that is utilized in a liquid treatment system includes a valve body (322). The valve body includes a plurality of liquid ports (A, B, C D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow cavities. A piston (328) which includes at least one annular flow passage and a longitudinal flow passage, is selectively movable within a bore (324) within the valve body responsive to operation of at least one motor. The piston is selectively axially positionable within the bore to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The exemplary valve enables treatment material housed in an associated liquid treatment tank to undergo a regeneration cycle as a result of liquid flow though the valve, while the valve outlet port that is operable in a valve service condition to deliver treated liquid, is continuously not in fluid flow connection with any other port the valve during the regeneration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Chandler, Jr., Aaron R. Wolfe, Cody A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 11808364
    Abstract: A valve configured to seal against a valve seat. The valve and valve seat are configured to be installed within a fluid end. A recess is formed within the valve for receiving a seal. A shape of the recess and a shape of the valve are designed to reduce wear to the seal during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Kerr Machine Co.
    Inventors: Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Kelcy Jake Foster
  • Patent number: 11808366
    Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body with a plurality of ports and a plurality of annular flow passages. At least one valve element such as a piston which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore within the valve body through operation of a valve controller. The valve controller includes a motor that is selectively operative to control the position of the at least one valve element to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve may be utilized in system arrangements which oxidize and filter out contaminants in liquids such as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Chandler, Jr., Aaron R. Wolfe, Cody A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 11806651
    Abstract: A gas filtering rubber pipe and a pressure regulating valve bank are disclosed. The pressure regulating valve bank includes an angle valve, a pressure reducing valve and the gas filtering rubber pipe including a pipe body and a filtering mechanism. The filtering mechanism includes a shell assembly and a connector arranged at a lower end of the shell assembly, the shell assembly is provided with a separation cavity and a gas outlet channel located in an upper portion of the shell assembly. The gas outlet channel can be communicated with the separation cavity. A lower end of the connector is provided with a connecting portion fixedly connected with an upper end of the pipe body, an upper end of the connector is provided with a filtering barrier. A gas outlet hole is arranged in a peripheral wall of the connector connected with the filtering barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Guoquan Chen, Xianmin Deng, Jintang You, Guangzhi Mai
  • Patent number: 11808410
    Abstract: A hydrogen filling apparatus that can quickly fill vehicles equipped with multiple large-capacity fuel tanks with hydrogen gas while complying with filling protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TATSUNO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi Yoshida