Patents by Inventor Robert H. Neff
Robert H. Neff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9903395Abstract: A proportional pressure controller includes a body having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports. A fill valve communicates with pressurized fluid in the inlet port. A dump valve communicates with pressurized fluid from the fill valve. An inlet poppet valve opens by pressurized fluid through the fill valve. An exhaust poppet valve when closed isolates pressurized fluid from the exhaust port. An outlet flow passage communicates with pressurized fluid when the inlet poppet valve is open, and communicates with the outlet port and an exhaust/outlet common passage. An isolation valve assembly selectively isolates fluid flow to and from the inlet port or the exhaust port to achieve a zero pressure condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Matthew Neff, Kevin C. Williams, Joseph Richardson
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Publication number: 20170241450Abstract: A proportional pressure controller includes a body having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports. A fill valve communicates with pressurized fluid in the inlet port. A dump valve communicates with pressurized fluid from the fill valve. An inlet poppet valve opens by pressurized fluid through the fill valve. An exhaust poppet valve when closed isolates pressurized fluid from the exhaust port. An outlet flow passage communicates with pressurized fluid when the inlet poppet valve is open, and communicates with the outlet port and an exhaust/outlet common passage. An isolation valve assembly selectively isolates fluid flow to and from the inlet port or the exhaust port to achieve a zero pressure condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2016Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Matthew Neff, Kevin C. Williams, Joseph Richardson
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Patent number: 9010373Abstract: A diaphragm sealed, pressure balanced valve assembly includes a valve body and a cartridge connected to the valve body. The cartridge includes a cartridge loading end having a retaining member engaged to the cartridge loading end. A valve member slides coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the valve body. A resilient material first diaphragm is connected to and extends diametrically outward from the valve member having a diaphragm body clasped between the retaining member and the cartridge loading end, creating a first diaphragm fluid pressure boundary. A resilient material second diaphragm is connected to and extends diametrically outward from the valve member at an opposite end of the valve member with respect to the first diaphragm and has a diaphragm body clasped between first and second adjustable retention members, creating a second diaphragm fluid pressure boundary.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Patent number: 8453678Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve bore. A valve member is slidably disposed within the valve bore between first and second stop positions. First and second valve elements of the valve member have first and second sealing surfaces equally angled with respect to a valve member longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second sealing surfaces is oriented parallel with conical shaped first and second seat surfaces. Both first and second seat surfaces are equally angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and have an adjustable spacing such that the first sealing surface contacts the first seat surface and the second sealing surface contacts the second seat surface simultaneously in the first stop position.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Patent number: 8167000Abstract: A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds, Eric P. Janssen
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Patent number: 8151824Abstract: A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Publication number: 20120061600Abstract: A diaphragm sealed, pressure balanced valve assembly includes a valve body and a cartridge connected to the valve body. The cartridge includes a cartridge loading end having a retaining member engaged to the cartridge loading end. A valve member slides coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the valve body. A resilient material first diaphragm is connected to and extends diametrically outward from the valve member having a diaphragm body clasped between the retaining member and the cartridge loading end, creating a first diaphragm fluid pressure boundary. A resilient material second diaphragm is connected to and extends diametrically outward from the valve member at an opposite end of the valve member with respect to the first diaphragm and has a diaphragm body clasped between first and second adjustable retention members, creating a second diaphragm fluid pressure boundary.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Publication number: 20100252132Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve bore. A valve member is slidably disposed within the valve bore between first and second stop positions. First and second valve elements of the valve member have first and second sealing surfaces equally angled with respect to a valve member longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second sealing surfaces is oriented parallel with conical shaped first and second seat surfaces. Both first and second seat surfaces are equally angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and have an adjustable spacing such that the first sealing surface contacts the first seat surface and the second sealing surface contacts the second seat surface simultaneously in the first stop position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Patent number: 7735518Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body having a slidable main valve member and a pilot valve body mechanically connected to the valve body including a slidable pilot valve member. A first solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized directs pressurized fluid to move the pilot valve member between pilot valve open and closed positions. A second solenoid operated valve connected to the valve body when simultaneously energized with the first valve directs the fluid to move the main valve member between valve closed and open positions. A third solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized and when both the first and second solenoid operated valves are de-energized directs the fluid to move the pilot valve to the pilot valve open position and the main valve member to the valve closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Mac Valves, Inc.Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
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Publication number: 20080251748Abstract: A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Mac Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds, Eric P. Janssen
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Publication number: 20080245427Abstract: A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
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Publication number: 20080163939Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body having a slidable main valve member and a pilot valve body mechanically connected to the valve body including a slidable pilot valve member. A first solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized directs pressurized fluid to move the pilot valve member between pilot valve open and closed positions. A second solenoid operated valve connected to the valve body when simultaneously energized with the first valve directs the fluid to move the main valve member between valve closed and open positions. A third solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized and when both the first and second solenoid operated valves are de-energized directs the fluid to move the pilot valve to the pilot valve open position and the main valve member to the valve closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
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Patent number: 7210501Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve body having both fluid inlet and discharge ports. A flow passage axially extending within the valve body communicates with the inlet and discharge ports. A valve member within the flow passage is movable by an actuator force in a first direction to direct a pressurized fluid from the inlet to the discharge port. The valve member includes first and second valve heads having different diameters and a valve seating member. The valve seating member engages first and second sealing diameters of the flow passage, the second sealing diameter being smaller than the first. Fluid pressure acting on the different diameters of the first valve head and valve seating member in contact with the second sealing diameter creates a net return force directing the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon removal of the actuator force.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Mac Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H Neff, Eric P Janssen, Lynn R Long
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Patent number: 7036522Abstract: A solenoid actuated pneumatic valve assembly including a valve body having a pressurized air supply inlet port in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air, an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with at least one active pneumatically operated device, and a pass-through port. The pass-through port is adapted to be in fluid communication with and provide a pass-through of the supply of pressurized air to the inlet port of at least one other valve assembly such that the valves are mounted in series with respect to the supply of pressurized air. A latching assembly is also provided that is supported upon the valve body and is adapted to engage and be operatively retained within an aperture in a mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
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Patent number: 6637451Abstract: A pneumatic pressure regulator assembly including a regulator housing having an inlet adapted for fluid communication with a supply of pneumatic pressure, an outlet adapted to provide pneumatic pressure to a downstream pneumatically actuated device at a regulated pressure, and a regulator valve assembly. The regulator valve assembly has a valve member movably supported within the regulator housing between an open and a closed position. A piston assembly acts to bias the valve member to its open position when the outlet pressure is below a predetermined value. The piston assembly includes a pressure responsive surface defining a geometric shape with a major and a minor axis wherein the major axis is greater than the minor axis. The piston assembly is responsive to pneumatic pressure flowing between the inlet and the outlet to reduce the biasing force acting on the valve member such that the valve member moves to its closed position when the outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey S. Simmonds
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Publication number: 20030106584Abstract: A pneumatic pressure regulator assembly including a regulator housing having an inlet adapted for fluid communication with a supply of pneumatic pressure, an outlet adapted to provide pneumatic pressure to a downstream pneumatically actuated device at a regulated pressure, and a regulator valve assembly. The regulator valve assembly has a valve member movably supported within the regulator housing between an open and a closed position. A piston assembly acts to bias the valve member to its open position when the outlet pressure is below a predetermined value. The piston assembly includes a pressure responsive surface defining a geometric shape with a major and a minor axis wherein the major axis is greater than the minor axis. The piston assembly is responsive to pneumatic pressure flowing between the inlet and the outlet to reduce the biasing force acting on the valve member such that the valve member moves to its closed position when the outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey S. Simmonds
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Patent number: 5032704Abstract: A multi-purpose control system for a backup type welding gun and similar apparatuses including a positioning directional control valve for controlling the extension and retraction of the positioning or backup cylinder. A multi-pressure air sequence circuit and a time delay means operatively connected to the air sequence circuit for controlling the admission of a predetermined low pressure into the retract port of a backup type welding gun positioning cylinder to speed up the extension movement of the position piston carrying a weld cylinder, and then to control the admission of a predetermined higher retraction pressure higher retraction into said retract port, after a predetermined time delay interval.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Todd C. Voelker