Patents Examined by Peter DeVore
  • Patent number: 8978215
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing piezoelectric actuators, a vibrating body plate supporting vibrating bodies at vibrational nodes thereof and a moving body plate having moving bodies are provided. Each of the vibrating bodies has a vibrator and a piezoelectric body mounted on the vibrator. The vibrating body plate and the moving body plate are stacked over one another to provide a piezoelectric actuator assembly. The piezoelectric actuator assembly is then cut at the vibrational nodes of the vibrating bodies to provide individual piezoelectric actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Watanabe, Tatsuro Sato, Kazuo Tani, Yoko Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7401759
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the submarine valve actuators, and specifically to those actuators, that in order to effect a standard valve closing operation are connected to an oleo system feeding an hydraulic cylinder (1), whose plunger (3), by a mechanical link, operates the valve and compresses a spring (8) which provides for the standard opening operation. Said actuators are provided with an input shaft (21) for connectin a ROV for valve opening and closing operations when there is a failure in the oleo system. The connection between the ROV-operated input shaft (21) and the mechanical link between the piston (3) and the spring (8) is carried out by a planetary gear reducer (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Biffi Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giordano Alfieri
  • Patent number: 7198072
    Abstract: A purgeable manifold system for the movement of low vapor pressure chemicals that may be embodied in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, a container for storing the low vapor pressure chemical has a plurality of ports; a first manifold detachably connects a first port to a source of gas, vent, or vacuum by flow communication through a first diaphragm valve; a second manifold detachably connects a second port to a source of gas, vent, vacuum, or low vapor pressure chemical, or to a process tool by flow communication through a second and a third diaphragm valve, or alternatively detachably connects a third port to the same source by flow communication through a fourth and the third diaphragm valve; and a third manifold, detachably connects a fourth port to a source of gas, vent, or vacuum by flow communication through a fifth diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: David James Silva
  • Patent number: 7168459
    Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley H Buchanan, Jim A Austin
  • Patent number: 7121523
    Abstract: Particularly in an engine that has been inactive for a substantial period of time at a cold temperature, fluid forces acting on moving members, such as electronically-activated fluid control valves, may be significant until the engine warms up. A way to reduce the fluid forces and their detrimental effects is to reduce the volume of fluid which are creating the fluid forces, including venting all or some of this fluid to drain. Additionally, fluid that gathers can be drained away. In order to accomplish such venting, the present disclosure includes a fluid control valve having a body with at least one fluid passage connected to a bore, a movable member in the bore, an actuator connected to the movable member to move the movable member, and at least one vent passage opening into the bore between the fluid passage and the actuator. The disclosure may include additional drain passages to drain away gathered fluid from actuating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth Adams, Wade Robel, Frank Jianyuan Yang
  • Patent number: 7117901
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a casing which envelopes a set of drive and control members and is provided with supports for containers holding the medicinal starting solutions and containers for the medicinal output solutions, and is characterized in that it comprises means for supporting and locating a unit for the suction and expulsion of the solutions, combined with a distributor for defining the liquid inlets and outlets, the apparatus having means for the closure of the flexible inlet and outlet tubes of the distributor by pinching and means for actuating the device for the suction and expulsion of solutions, as well as means for the programmed control of the operating cycles of the means for the closure of the flexible tubes by pinching, with means for the input of operational instructions by a keyboard or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Probitas Pharma, S.A.
    Inventors: Enric Martinell Gisper-Sauch, Jordi Menendez Cortina
  • Patent number: 7114531
    Abstract: A system for purging high purity interfaces connecting a high purity chemical container to process lines comprises a first purging manifold, connected at one end to a first adapter manifold extending from the high purity chemical container, and connected at the other end either to a process tool, to a second high purity container, to a source of gas, or to a source of vacuum on one side, or to a source of vent or to a source of vacuum on the other side; and a second purging manifold connecting the second adapter manifold either to a source of push gas, a source of purge gas, or a source of vacuum; or to a source of vent. A related method comprises blowing purge gas through both the first and the second purging manifolds, and, optionally, applying vacuum to both purging manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: David James Silva
  • Patent number: 7114535
    Abstract: Continuous circular motion filling machine is provided for filling containers. The machine includes a rotating platform having an in-feed section disposed to receive empty containers and an out-feed section disposed to transfer filled containers from the rotating platform. A filling turret is disposed generally above the rotating platform and is rotatable at a speed corresponding generally to that of the rotating platform. The turret includes a plurality of filling elements movable between a rest position and a filling position as the turret rotates. Radially extensible and retractable indexing arms are spaced around the platform. The arms are at a retracted position at the in-feed section and are subsequently extended as the rotating platform rotates so as to index the containers into groups on the rotating platform between respective indexing arms. Each group of containers is arranged in a desired pattern and spacing between adjacent arms corresponding to a pattern and spacing of the filling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, Mark W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7114869
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes drywall tools that employ rotatable joints, e.g., ball joints, and methods of using such tools. One particular implementation of a drywall tool includes a body having a recess adapted to pivotably receive a rounded connector of a handle. A retainer carried by the body includes first and second rods. Each of the rods is rotatable about an axis and has a non-uniform circumference with respect to that axis such that such that a surface of the rod is spaced farther from a recess axis of the recess when in its open position than when in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Northstar Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Mark MacMillan
  • Patent number: 7097149
    Abstract: A bistable electromagnetic valve is proposed, which is to be used in refrigerant circuits. The valve can be produced at particularly low outlay and at the same time is reliably leaktight. This is achieved, according to the invention, in that the valve chamber (7) is formed within a control coil (3) by a cylindrical tubular body (2) which extends at least beyond the pole pieces (5, 6) inserted into the cylindrical tubular body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Hubert Ott
  • Patent number: 7093625
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Smith, Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight, Janet Thompson, Ahmet Ercelebi, Martin T. Garthaffner, Lisa Rogers
  • Patent number: 7083348
    Abstract: In a combination coating film transfer tool and writing implement, a reversible coating film transfer tool can be fitted to the writing implement in either of two ways: one in which the coating film extending past the transfer head is exposed for use, and the other in which the coating film is protected within a housing formed on the writing implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Fujicopian Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Watanabe, Hiroshi Kozaki, Keisuke Fujii, Keiichiro Minegishi
  • Patent number: 7083158
    Abstract: A system connectable to a water line for controlling the flow of water includes an underground housing, a shut-off mechanism disposed within the housing and connected to the water lines, and a controlling mechanism including a wand for sending a signal to the shut-off mechanism and thereby open and close the system. The shut-off mechanism includes a motor, an actuator interface, and a drive shaft operably connected to each other wherein the drive shaft rotates based upon the signal from the wand so that water flow can be adjusted as desired by an operator. The controlling mechanism includes an antenna and transceiver for communicating with the wand. The actuator interface is coupled to the antenna for processing and communicating a signal received from the wand and transmitting same to the motor and drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: James E. Burt, Frederick D. Ireland
  • Patent number: 7077378
    Abstract: A valve assembly (1) operable to allow or prevent the flow of fluid to or from a working chamber of a fluid-operated machine, comprising radially spaced apart inner and outer annular valve seats (8, 15) defining an annular passage therebetween, a valve member comprising a sealing ring (21), and means (3, 7, 26, 25) for moving the valve member axially between a first position in which the sealing ring (21) is in seating engagement with the annular valve seats to close the annular passage to fluid flow therethrough and a second position in which the sealing ring (21) is spaced from the annular valve seats (8, 15) so that the annular passage is open to fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly further comprises axially spaced apart first and second valve guide means (6) for guiding the valve member during axial movement between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Artemis Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: William H S Rampen, Niall J Caldwell, Uwe B P Stein
  • Patent number: 7073772
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor brake structure including: a rotor; a rotor axis relatively fixed to the rotor; a soft material brake having a central portion thereof into which the rotor axis is inserted, the soft material brake rotating identically with the rotor axis; and a case formed at an outer side of the brake, wherein the soft material brake has a base part having a mortise into which the rotor axis is inserted; a flexible part circularly extended from an end of the base part; and a friction part extended from an end of the flexible part, having a friction surface formed at an outer circumference thereof, and large-sized relative to at least the flexible part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Woo Kee Min
  • Patent number: 7073769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least intermittently generating an overpressure in a system S in relation to an ambient pressure U, with a pump P that has a pressure side 20 and an intake side 10, where during the generation of an overpressure, the pressure side 20 is connected to the system S and the intake side 10 is connected to the ambient pressure by means of at least one first valve MV1, in particular a solenoid valve. According to the invention, means are provided, which can provide an additional cross section for the intake volume flow during the generation of an overpressure. The invention also relates to a valve, which is particularly provided for use with the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram Bauer, Harald Merz, Wolfgang Paessler
  • Patent number: 7070159
    Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve includes a valve casing provided with two main ports, a passage connecting the two main ports, a valve seat formed in the passage, a valve element capable of being seated on the valve seat, a valve stem extending from the valve element, and a piston attached to the free end of the valve stem. A valve opening setting unit includes a valve opening setting shaft having a free end held in contact with the back surface of the piston, and a driving mechanism capable of continuously axially moving the valve opening setting shaft to a desired position to set the piston at an operating position corresponding to a desired valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Kajitani
  • Patent number: 7070160
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve capable of increasing durability of a diaphragm comprises a valve body internally formed with a valve chamber having an open upper end and a suck-back chamber having an open lower end, between an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and a through hole which provides communication between the valve chamber and the suck-back chamber. The open end of the valve chamber is closed by a first diaphragm which is brought into and out of contact with a valve seat. The open end of the suck-back chamber is closed by a second diaphragm. The first and second diaphragms are substantially identical in shape. Each circumferential edge portion of the first and second diaphragms is tightly retained by a retaining member mountable to the valve body so that the diaphragms are curved outwardly with respect to the valve chamber and the suck-back chamber respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Eitaro Ijichi, Shigeru Osugi
  • Patent number: 7070161
    Abstract: The invention provides a proportional directional control valve having a valve operating mechanism that permits communication between a first and a second channel through a linear motion of a valve element of the valve operating mechanism, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The valve operating mechanism includes a valve assembly configured with a chamber housing the valve element. The linear motion of the valve element within the chamber allows fluid to be selectively conveyed through channels of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Hydraulics
    Inventors: Travis Raymond Piehl, Kermit Anthony Wold
  • Patent number: 7070165
    Abstract: A thermal isolator assembly that provides rigid construction, linearly and rotationally, is presented. The thermal isolator assembly includes a collar and a sleeve that are thermally isolated one from another but held in rigid mechanical relation. When constructed for actuated valves, the collar forms an actuator arm coupling member while the sleeve forms a valve stem coupling member. A pair of thermal isolators provide thermal isolation between these members. A polyphenylene sulfide compound, and preferably a fiberglass reinforced polyphenylene sulfide compound is used because of its high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity for these thermal isolators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene R. Jornod