Patents Examined by Seth W Mackay-Smith
  • Patent number: 10888694
    Abstract: An exemplary pharmaceutical compounding system and device for mixing materials from at least two distinct material sources can include a valve including a valve housing and a valve structure located within the valve housing. The valve structure can be configured to permit fluid to flow through the valve when in an open position, and can include a gravity wall wherein, when the valve structure is in the open position, fluid moving through the valve structure moves upward against a force of gravity when travelling through the valve and traversing the gravity wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Konrad, Jr., Mike Janders, Aaron S. Pearl
  • Patent number: 10890153
    Abstract: A valve, in particular a suction valve (2), in particular in a high-pressure pump of a fuel injection system, has a valve element (14) that moves between an open position and a closed position, comprising a magnet armature (10) which is in mechanical contact with the valve element (14) in the axial direction and which is in contact with a first pressure spring (4) on the side facing away from the valve element (14), and wherein the magnet armature (10) can be axially moved via an electromagnetic actuation and same is supported in a starting position on a valve body (40) via a stop plate (20). The stop plate (20) is held in contact with the valve body (40) via a securing element (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Kolb, Steffen Holm
  • Patent number: 10883621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for opening and closing a flow path, comprising a drive motor, comprising a valve disk, comprising a valve tappet and comprising a transmission device for converting rotational movement of the drive motor into translatory movement of the valve disk, wherein the valve disk is connected to the valve tappet and is able to be moved by way of movement of the valve tappet, wherein the transmission device is formed from flexible elements and at least one toothed segment which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein only tensile forces are able to be transmitted by the flexible elements, and wherein the toothed segment is able to be at least partially wrapped around by the flexible elements by way of rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Carsten Mikolajek
  • Patent number: 10854374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor vehicle solenoid valve (10). The solenoid valve includes a fixed body (20) intended to be mounted in a hydraulic system of the vehicle, a cylindrical coil supporting unit (40) mounted on the fixed body, a mobile body (30) slidingly mounted in the fixed body through the coil supporting unit and at least a first coil winding (50) arranged about the coil supporting unit and suitable for generating a magnetic field for control of the sliding of the mobile body. The solenoid valve further includes a second coil winding (60) arranged about the first coil winding in order to contain the magnetic field generated by the first coil winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Philippe Lehue
  • Patent number: 10845063
    Abstract: A manifold has a frame and a plurality of valves supported by the frame, each valve having a cross gear that includes four semicircular recesses and four arms that terminate in pointed tips, and wherein the tips are non-jamming rubber tips. The manifold also has a screw drive and a splined rotatable shaft parallel to the screw drive. The manifold further includes a slider driven by the screw drive over the splined rotatable shaft. The slider includes an actuator that protrudes from the slider to engage one of the cross gears to actuate a respective one of the plurality of valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Malcolm Macduff, James Macduff
  • Patent number: 10837467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus, in particular to a hydraulic valve or to a hydraulic regulator, having a housing, at least one piston axially displaceably supported in a housing bore, and a respective at least one compression spring acting on the at least one piston, wherein at least one externally accessible regulating screw is adjustable within the housing bore to set the preload of the compression spring in the axial direction, wherein the adjustment distance of the at least one regulating screw is divided into at least two adjustment ranges and the torque to be applied for the adjustment of the regulating screw is larger in a second adjustment range than in a first adjustment range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: LIEBHERR MACHINES BULLE SA
    Inventors: Lennard Geissler, Patrick Wohlhauser
  • Patent number: 10837574
    Abstract: A drive circuit for controlling a solenoid valve having a solenoid coil and a poppet that translates therein is provided. The drive circuit includes a first node, a second node, a control circuit, and a flyback circuit. The first node is configured to be energized by a power source to a first voltage. The control circuit is coupled to the first and second nodes, and is configured to: (1) selectively couple the first and second nodes in series with the solenoid coil, and periodically energize the solenoid coil using a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal having a frequency and a duty cycle configured to regulate a current conducted through the solenoid coil. The flyback circuit is coupled to the solenoid coil and configured to energize the second node to a second voltage with energy stored in the solenoid coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kale Schrader
  • Patent number: 10829916
    Abstract: A faucet user interface illustratively includes a support extending along a longitudinal axis, and a handle operably coupled to the support. In an illustrative embodiment, the handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis for controlling a first water parameter (e.g., water temperature), and the handle is axially movable along the longitudinal axis for controlling a second water parameter (e.g., water flow rate). In another illustrative embodiment, a first handle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of a delivery spout for controlling a first water parameter, and a second handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the delivery spout for controlling a second water parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Cipriani, Michael J. Veros, Todd Andrew Huffington, Jeremy Schmitt, Mercedita Andrew, Joel D. Sawaski, Michael Scot Rosko, Raoul Labrie
  • Patent number: 10830371
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve has an armature (22) movable along an axial direction in a valve housing (14) as a reaction to current flowing through a stationary coil (16) and which at one axial end has a sealing member (28) designed to interact with a valve seat (32) assigned to a first valve inlet (P), wherein at least one second valve inlet and/or outlet (A, R) in the valve housing can be opened to the first valve inlet (P) by action of the armature, and wherein the sealing member is provided as sealing bodies (28) on a portion (26) of the armature of narrowed diameter, such that the sealing body having a larger diameter compared to the narrowed portion can be moved by movement of the armature between sealing positions formed at both axial ends of the sealing body, wherein the sealing body (28) is a component separate from the narrowed portion and/or releasable therefrom and has a sealing portion (42) made of a polymer and/or rubber material, and also a support portion (40) made of a material different than and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ETO Magnetic GmbH
    Inventors: Viktor Raff, Oliver Thode
  • Patent number: 10830368
    Abstract: A pneumatic multi-valve device includes a housing (18) having a housing main body (13) with a plurality of electromagnetic valve actuators (1), each having coil elements (2) arranged stationary in the housing (18), a core (4) arranged in the housing (18), and armature elements (15) displaceable along a displacement axis (V) in the housing (18) in relation to a pneumatic connection (12) of the housing (18). Displacement axes (V) of the armature elements (15) are oriented parallel and the pneumatic connections (12) are arranged adjacent to each other. The cores (4) each have a venting bore (5) connected to a venting collection channel (31). The venting collection channel (31) is on the side of the cores (4) facing away from the connection housing side (14), and is bounded on the housing back side (16) by a housing cover (17) fastened to the housing main body (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ETO Magnetic GmbH
    Inventors: Witold Bruczuk, Mariusz Bunio, Michael Zinser
  • Patent number: 10823299
    Abstract: An integrated multiple valve manifold that is reduced in size and weight by integrally incorporating a plurality of valve mechanisms in one manifold. The one manifold, which is formed of an extruded material through which a fluid supply hole and fluid discharge holes extend, includes a plurality of valve holes each of which communicates with the fluid supply hole and the fluid discharge holes by directly intersecting both of the fluid supply hole and the fluid discharge holes, output ports that are formed so as to individually communicate with the valve holes, spools that are slidably inserted into the valve holes, and electromagnetic pilot valves that are individually attached to one ends or both ends of the valve holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Kazuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 10808853
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve, includes an air chamber, a connector for supplying compressed air to the air chamber and one or more connectors for discharging compressed air from the air chamber. The valve includes an actuator with a mobile closure element which, when the actuator is activated, blocks the supply of compressed air via the supply connector, and when the actuator is deactivated, is arranged to permit the supply of compressed air via the supply connector. The actuator is configured such that the closure element, on deactivation of the actuator, is moved by a restoring force into the free position. A check valve with a spring is arranged at the supply connector. The elastic force of the spring in the free position of the closure element prevents back-flow of compressed air from the air chamber into the supply connector when there is no supply of compressed air at the supply connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Stefan Bauer, Markus Ziegelmeier
  • Patent number: 10794508
    Abstract: One or more techniques regarding an atmosphere controlling manifold are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can regard a manifold that can comprise a first channel connected to a first inlet port. The manifold can also comprise a second channel connected to second inlet port. Further, the manifold can comprise a third channel connecting the first channel, the second channel, and an outlet port. Additionally, the manifold can comprise a valve connected to the third channel and regulating fluid communication through the third channel. Moreover, the first channel, the second channel, and third channel can be defined within a body of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TPS IP, LLC
    Inventors: Lyle Oscar Dingman, Michael Abraham Schneck, Gary Allen Hanson, David Allen Strand, Michael Laddie Grande, Geoffry Allen Gromiuk, Steven Edward Kempowski, Jon Allen Ludlum, Necat Demiri
  • Patent number: 10792639
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to reconfigurable chemical synthesis systems and related components and methods. In one aspect, a fluidic system comprises a plurality of fluid outlets, a plurality of fluid inlets, a plurality of tensioners, and a plurality of flexible conduits associated with the plurality of tensioners, wherein at least one flexible conduit of the plurality of flexible conduits is configured to fluidically connect a fluid outlet of the plurality of fluid outlets and a fluid inlet of the plurality of fluid inlets. Another aspect relates to a method in which ends of a plurality of flexible conduits are physically moved along paths, one after the other, prior to flowing material through the flexible conduits, after which the ends of the flexible conduits are again physically moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Klavs F. Jensen, Dale Arlington Thomas, III
  • Patent number: 10767781
    Abstract: A spool valve, in particular for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, having a valve housing, which houses a guide element, in which an axially movable valve spool is arranged, and the valve housing having at least one radial pressure connection and a radial tank connection being axially distanced therefrom, and a frontal working connection. The guide element has at least one pressure connection opening connected to the pressure connection and one tank connection opening, axially distanced therefrom and connected to the tank connection and one working connection opening, which is axially positioned between the pressure connection opening and the tank connection opening and is connected to the working connection. In the valve housing a partially axially extending connection duct is present, which connects the working connection opening to the working connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Mang, Florian Schreiber
  • Patent number: 10753375
    Abstract: An actuating unit for a process valve is described, which comprises a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for the adjustment of the process valve. The seal has through openings for the passage of fluid, and the adjacent parts have holes, such that different holes are in fluid communication with each other via the through openings or are fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal. A process valve having such an actuating unit is furthermore described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Jan Westermann
  • Patent number: 10753503
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for a fuel system has an electric coil and an armature disposed in a housing. A preassembled valve unit with valve seat, valve member, valve spring, and armature plate connected captively to each other is provided. In the valve unit, the valve seat is loosely secured between valve member and armature plate. The valve unit is inserted and secured in an open housing end and the valve spring contacts an inner shoulder of the housing. Armature plate and armature form a magnetic circuit. The valve member is supported on the armature plate and switched to open and close an outlet of the valve seat. By suppling current, a magnetic field is generated in the armature and attracts the armature plate into an operative valve position. The valve spring returns the armature plate into a rest position when the coil is currentless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Ramler, Felix Mayer, Hiroyuki Oka, Hideki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10746708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve and to a chromatography system comprising such a rotary valve. The rotary valve comprising a stator with an inner stator face, and a rotor with an inner rotor face arranged in sealing contact with the inner stator face, the rotor (1) is rotatably movable to a plurality of rotor positions about a rotational axis (RA) relative to the inner stator face (202), wherein the stator comprises ports and orifices and the rotor comprises two or more rotor interconnection paths for selective fluidic interconnection of said orifices with respect to the rotor position and wherein the rotor interconnection paths are arranged to in a rotary position connect the first orifice (S) to the fourth orifice (LF), the second orifice (W) to the third orifice (LE). And in a rotary position connect the eight orifice (SP) to the seventh orifice (PCFP). And in a rotary position connect the eight orifice (SP) to the fifth orifice (TC), the sixth orifice (FC) to the seventh orifice (PCFP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Markus Olovsson
  • Patent number: 10738893
    Abstract: A valve armature for a solenoid valve includes a main body and a tappet that interacts with a valve seat. The main body and the tappet are connected to one another via a connecting apparatus. The connecting apparatus has at least one first latching element that is arranged on the tappet and at least one second latching element that is arranged on the main body. The latching elements are configured for a positively locking and/or non-positive latching connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Haeusser
  • Patent number: 10711911
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pressure distributor for a motor vehicle, in particular for pneumatic actuators in seats, wherein a pressure generator and a plurality of pneumatic actuators can be connected to the pressure distributor, wherein each actuator is assigned at least one electrically controllable valve which forwards a pressure which is generated by the pressure generator in a targeted manner via a respective outlet to the actuator which is assigned to it, wherein the plurality of valves are supplied with compressed air by the pressure generator during operation of the pressure distributor via a respective inlet of a common air inlet line. The common air inlet line is connected as a separate component via a releasable connection to the plurality of valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Gerhard Berghoff, Alexander Kerler