Flow Comparison Or Differential Response Patents (Class 137/100)
  • Patent number: 11391214
    Abstract: Methods and systems of operating a gas turbine engine in a low-power condition are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes supplying fuel to the combustor by supplying fuel to the first fuel manifold via a first flow divider valve and supplying fuel to the second fuel manifold via a second flow divider valve. While supplying fuel to the combustor by supplying fuel to the first fuel manifold, the method includes stopping supplying fuel to the second fuel manifold and supplying pressurized gas to the second fuel manifold via the second flow divider valve to flush fuel in the second fuel manifold into the combustor and hinder coking in the second fuel manifold and associated nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Cédric Saintignan, Joseph Daniel Maxim Cirtwill, Kian McCaldon, Marc-André Tremblay, David Waddleton, Ignazio Broccolini, Stephen Tarling
  • Patent number: 11311458
    Abstract: A connector is configured to connect a drug container with a solution container and permit contents of the drug container to be combined with the solution container. The connector has a connector body with a first coupling for fluid connection with the drug container. The first coupling defines a first fluid passage. The connector body also has a second coupling for fluid connection with the solution container. The second coupling defines a second fluid passage. A control valve has a movable valve body that defines a third fluid passage. The valve body is positionable relative to the connector body in a first position, in which the first fluid passage is sealed from the second fluid passage. The valve body is also positionable in a second position, in which the first fluid passage is connected in fluid communication with the second fluid passage by the third fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: B Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Panick, Bruce Brunetti, Michael Janders, Alan Wentzell
  • Patent number: 11297571
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing end nodes of a Low-Power Wide Area Network. A mode change command indicating a desire to switch the operating mode of each of a plurality of end nodes is broadcast. A determination is made as to whether all the end nodes have switched mode to match the desired operating mode, and the mode change command is rebroadcast if it is determined that not all end nodes have appropriately switched mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Lei Feng, Xiaobo Jiang, Shengli Zhang
  • Patent number: 11156302
    Abstract: A tub and shower diverter assembly includes a manifold sub-assembly that is configured to be detachably coupled to, and in fluid communication with, an existing waterway connector of a conventional tub and shower diverter system. The manifold sub-assembly includes a manifold, first and second flow control valves coupled to the manifold, and first and second tolerance adjustors adjustably coupled to the first and second flow control valves, respectively. The first flow control valve is configured to provide a flow of water to one of a tub or a shower device. The second flow control valve is configured to provide a flow of water to the other of the tub or the shower device. The first and second tolerance adjustors are each configured to be selectively adjusted to change an axial position of the respective tolerance adjustor relative to a wall adjacent the manifold sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tucker A. Jones, Brian J. Mooren, Evan S. Yee, Gregory R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11092173
    Abstract: A flow control circuit for an actuator is provided. The actuator includes a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber experiences a volume change that is larger than a volume change experienced by the second chamber upon actuation of the actuator. The flow control circuit includes a first port configured to be connected to the first chamber, a second port configured to be connected to the second chamber, and a flow control valve assembly including one or more valves configured to provide a flow of pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to one of the first and second ports along a fluid supply path and further configured to provide a flow of fluid from the other of the first and second ports to a fluid sink along a fluid return path. The flow control circuit further includes a fluid bypass path comprising a bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Mikkel Aggersbjerg Kristensen
  • Patent number: 11009052
    Abstract: A device to augment air mass flow so an exit airflow will have a higher exit velocity than an inlet airflow has an inner structure having a first open end and a second open end. The inner structure is hollow. The inner structure tapers down from both the first open end and the second open end to a neck area. At least one opening is formed in the neck area. An outer structure has a first open end and a second open end. The outer structure is hollow. A diameter of the first open end of the outer structure and the second open end of the outer structure are approximately equal and allow the inner structure to slide within the outer structure. At least one outer structure opening is formed in a central area of the outer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Jonathan Jan
  • Patent number: 10820977
    Abstract: A system and method of administrating conventional hyperbaric chamber therapy as well as supplemental oxygen therapy at ambient conditions to an animal using a veterinary hyperbaric chamber. The hyperbaric chamber can function in its usual mode of operation; i.e., providing oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure and also in a second mode of operation to administer supplemental oxygen thereafter at ambient pressure conditions. In the second mode of operation, the method and apparatus may deliver approximately 80 liters per minute continuous flow of 0.21 through 1.0 FI02 adjustable oxygen gas mixture. The mixture is delivered at ambient pressure from one end of the chamber, flows across the animal positioned within the hyperbaric chamber, and exits at the opposite end for exhaust to ambient conditions. A high flow gas mixture is utilized to maintain accurate gas mixture concentrations with fluctuating supply pressures of medical air and medical oxygen gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Sechrist Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Ambalal Talati, Danny Bruce Hudson, Teofilo Raymund G. Tan, III, Ronald Lyman
  • Patent number: 10752489
    Abstract: A tap tower and keg tap alert system combination for alerting bartenders when a beer keg is running low or empty includes a coupler that is configured to selectively engage a beer keg, a first hose coupled to the coupler that is in fluid communication with the coupler, and a sensor coupled to the first hose. The sensor utilizes a flow sensor to detect flow volume and pressure of beer in the hose. A battery is used for power. A second hose is coupled to the sensor and a tap faucet of a tap tower. An indicator is coupled to the sensor that is in operational communication with an LED light coupled within the tap tower. The LED light is configured to shine green, orange, and alternatively, red, when pressure and volume detected indicate the beer keg is good, nearing empty, and empty, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jason J. Alger
  • Patent number: 10495119
    Abstract: A spool valve includes a valve portion that opens and closes a portion between an input port and an output port and a radial-direction-position changing portion provided in an outer lateral surface of the valve portion in a radial direction. When a first value is equivalent to or larger than a threshold that is larger than 0, the portion between the input port and the output port are opened to permit a flow of the oil inside the first connection oil passage, and when the first value is smaller than the threshold, the portion is closed to block the flow of the oil inside the first connection oil passage. The radial-direction-position changing portion extends in the axial direction, and a position thereof in the radial direction changes inwardly from a first side towards a second side in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC TOSOK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kunio Kimpara
  • Patent number: 10443751
    Abstract: A valve comprising a first flow control valve for controlling flow of a first fluid from a first source; a second flow control valve for controlling flow of a second fluid from a second source; a first actuator that controls movement of the first flow control valve; a second actuator that controls movement of the second flow control valve; and a fail-safe device that holds each of the first and second actuators in a control position in response to electric power being supplied to the valve, wherein the fail-safe device releases the first and second actuators in response to an absence of electric power being supplied to the valve such that the first actuator and the first flow control valve move toward a closed position and such that the second actuator and the second flow control valve move toward a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin T. Peel, Sean P. Conway
  • Patent number: 10422531
    Abstract: A system for controlling activity in a combustion chamber. The system does not necessarily need to be mechanically adjusted and yet may provide precise control of a fuel air mixture ratio. A sensing module of the system may have a mass flow sensor that relates to air flow and another sensor that relates to fuel flow. Neither sensor may need contact with fuel. Fuel and air to the system may be controlled. Pressure of the fuel and/or air may be regulated. The sensors may provide signals to a processor to indicate a state of the fuel and air in the system. The processor, with reliance on a programmed curve, table or the like, often based on data, in a storage memory, may regulate the flow or pressure of the fuel and air in a parallel fashion to provide an appropriate fuel-air mixture to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Willem Super, Frank van Prooijen, David Kucera, Sybrandus Munsterhuis, Jos Praat
  • Patent number: 10343479
    Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for the operation of a pneumatic system includes a compressed air feed, a compressed air connection to a pneumatic unit, a venting connection, a main pneumatic line disposed between the compressed air feed and the compressed air connection, and a first venting line disposed between the compressed air connection and the venting connection, the first venting line including a venting valve including a first venting valve connection, a second venting valve connection, and a control connection pneumatically connected to a control valve by a pneumatic control relay line. The venting valve is closed between the first venting valve connection and the second venting valve connection to the venting connection in a first switching state of the venting valve and is opened between the first venting valve connection and the second venting valve connection to the venting connection in a second switching state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventors: Marc-Michel Bodet, Frank Meissner
  • Patent number: 10240816
    Abstract: A smart water heater system (SWHS) for a domestic water system having a plurality of fixtures has a water tank having a cold water inlet and a heat source configured to heat the cold water. The SWHS may also have a mixing valve to blend cold water with the hot water to produce blended water, wherein the blended water is directed to the domestic water system. The SWHS may have a controller in communication with the mixing valve configured to identify which fixture is being used when the domestic water system is drawing water from the water tank, determine an average water temperature utilized by each fixture, and adjust the mixing valve based on which fixture is identified such that a temperature of the blended water is generally equal to the average water temperature for the identified fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Cameron Dean Whitehouse, Md Anindya Tahsin Prodhan
  • Patent number: 10179200
    Abstract: A disposable cassette and system for dialysis are disclosed. An example disposable cassette includes a rigid portion, a fluid source inlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid source, and a fluid pumping receptacle placed in fluid communication with the fluid source inlet. The fluid pumping receptacle is configured to operate with a fluid pump actuator to pump fluid from the fluid source. The example disposable cassette also includes a dampening chamber formed as part of the rigid portion and in fluid communication with the fluid pumping receptacle. The dampening chamber is sized and arranged to reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluid delivered from the fluid pumping receptacle. The example disposable cassette further includes an outlet in fluid communication with the dampening chamber. The outlet provides dialysis fluid for a dialysis treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, David S. Brown, Ramesh Wariar, Sujatha Karoor, Shahid Din, Leo Martis, Cody Buchmann, Paul Soltys
  • Patent number: 10031532
    Abstract: A pressure balance valve of an internal retention structure includes a control head, a valve housing, a balance valve assembly, and a valve seat assembly. The balance valve assembly includes a balance valve body, a piston, and sealing elements. The valve seat assembly includes a valve seat, two water stop sleeves, and a plug cap. The valve seat is integrally formed with a valve core chamber receiving therein balance valve assembly and closed by the plug cap. The valve seat assembly forms sealed and movable engagement with the control head by means of the water stop sleeves. Positioning between the valve core the valve seat and the valve housing can be made more accurate and more reliable and sealing performance of the valve core is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chuanbao Zhu, Keping Li, Canzhong Zeng
  • Patent number: 9951680
    Abstract: A turbocharger system is provided. The turbocharger system includes a turbine positioned downstream of a combustion chamber and a turbine bypass conduit in fluidic communication with a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet. The turbocharger system further includes a wastegate positioned in the turbine bypass conduit, a wastegate actuator coupled to the wastegate adjusting a position of the wastegate, and an air-cooled solenoid valve coupled to wastegate actuator adjusting a position of the wastegate actuator, the air-cooled solenoid valve receiving cooling airflow from an intake conduit positioned upstream of a compressor mechanically coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Matthews
  • Patent number: 9915960
    Abstract: A single-handle dual-control thermostatic faucet, comprises a faucet shell, a thermostatic valve provided in the faucet shell, a handle which controls the thermostatic valve, a cold water incoming pipe, a hot water incoming pipe and a mixed water outgoing pipe which are connected with the faucet shell, the handle is connected with the driving lever of the thermostatic valve; wherein the cold water incoming pipe and the hot water incoming pipe form an internal control cavity respectively, inside the control cavity, the following are provided: a hollow guiding part which is connected with the water inlet of the control cavity; a piston part provided between the guiding part and the water outgoing end of the control cavity; the internal cavity of the piston part is connected with the internal cavity of the guiding part, and the piston part has a water drawing portion, an elastomer action portion and a contact portion which are connected with one another successively can move axially inside the control cavity, th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SUPREMA (ZHUHAI J/V) THERMOSTATIC SANITARYWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qingjun Xie
  • Patent number: 9889414
    Abstract: A carbonated water production unit for a refrigerator includes a coupler to which a container is coupled to be detachable, a cylinder configured to store carbon dioxide, a nozzle module configured to inject carbon dioxide into the container, a regulation member, a first valve, a second valve, a user interface which receives a command for production of carbonated water and an input of concentration of the carbonated water, and a controller which controls the first valve to supply water when the command for the production of carbonated water is input, determines information on injection of the carbon dioxide corresponding to the concentration of the carbonated water when the supply of water is completed, controls the regulation member to inject the carbon dioxide based on the determined information on the injection, and controls the second valve to regulate the pressure of the container when injection of the carbon dioxide is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Wan Kang, Jung Won Park, Sung Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 9870007
    Abstract: There is provided a gas mixer arrangement comprising a first gas source for supplying a first gas; a second gas source for supplying a second gas different from said first gas; first and second flow regulation devices for regulating the respective flow of the first gas and second gases from the first and second gas sources; a mixer; and an outlet. The mixer is located downstream of the first and second flow regulation devices and arranged, in use, to mix the first and second gases to provide a mixed gas to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Alexander Downie, Thomas David Matthew Lee
  • Patent number: 9803345
    Abstract: A single waterway shaft structure includes a valve housing, a valve cover, a temperature control rod assembly composed of a water stopper and a temperature adjustment rod, a spring, and a gasket. A lower portion of the temperature control rod assembly is formed with an eccentric water hole. The gasket and the spring are placed in an eccentric water inlet of the valve housing in order and confined in the valve housing. The temperature control rod assembly cooperates with a faucet handle. A one-way connecting structure is provided between the valve cover and the valve housing. An upper end of the valve cover is provided with a fan-shaped limit block for limiting the turning angle of the temperature control rod assembly. The shaft is designed to be one-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keping Li, Canzhong Zeng
  • Patent number: 9791060
    Abstract: A touch faucet contains: a body, a connector, and a touch valve assembly. The body includes an inlet segment, an outlet segment, a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and an accommodation chamber. The connector is housed in the accommodation chamber and includes an inflow portion, a first coupling portion, a second coupling portion, and an outflow portion. The touch valve assembly is connected with the second connecting part and includes a positioning cylinder which has at least one through orifice, a province valve, and a driving post, such that the water flow enters into the at least one through orifice from the first coupling portion via the positioning cylinder. The touch valve assembly also includes an actuation device, at least one part of which extends out of the body so as to be operated by user and to drive the driving post to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Huiling Chiu, Chiahua Yuan, Yiping Lin
  • Patent number: 9772628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fluid discharge device of a fluid transfer pipe, and to a technology which alters the sectional area of a discharge hole in proportion to the increase or decrease in fluid discharge flow per unit of time so as to maintain a relatively uniform fluid discharge rate from the discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Euntae Park
  • Patent number: 9726071
    Abstract: An exhaust casing for use with a turbocharger includes a hollow body that has two mutually opposed large walls, which extend along first and second major dimensions of the hollow body and are spaced apart by a minor dimension of the hollow body, the hollow body defining a plenum and an inlet nozzle opening into the plenum along the minor dimension of the hollow body. The casing further includes an outlet nozzle opening from the plenum along one of the major dimensions of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shirish Bhide, Trent A. Larson, Abhijeet Warale, Gary Szuch, Pratap Subhash Shitole, Jayesh Jain, Vijayaselvan Jayakar, Charles B. Atz, John Dowell, Aravind Kalavara, Amit Kawatkar
  • Patent number: 9720426
    Abstract: For the single-handle dual-control thermostatic valve and the faucet, a hot water incoming channel, a hot water outgoing channel, a cold water incoming channel and a cold water outgoing channel are provided in the valve core body respectively. A static ceramic chip is provided above the valve core body in the valve jacket, a dynamic ceramic chip is provided on the static ceramic chip. On the static ceramic chip, a hot water inlet passage, a hot water outlet passage a cold water inlet passage and a cold water outlet passage are provided separately, the hot water inlet passage, the hot water outlet passage, the cold water inlet passage and the cold water outlet passage are connected correspondingly with the hot water incoming channel, the hot water outgoing channel, the cold water incoming channel and the cold water outgoing channel of the valve core body respectively. On the dynamic ceramic chip, a hot water controlling channel and a cold water controlling channel are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SUPREMA (ZHUHAI J/V) THERMOSTATIC SANITARYWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qingjun Xie
  • Patent number: 9708877
    Abstract: A blowout preventer for sealing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing having a bore therethrough for receiving the tubular, at least one ram slidably positionable in the housing (each of the rams having a ram block for sealing engagement about the tubular), an actuator for selectively driving the ram block (the actuator comprising a piston slidably positionable in a cylinder), and a monitor for detecting the piston therein. The monitor has a visual indicator on an exterior of the cylinder. The visual indicator is operatively coupled to the piston for displaying a position of the piston as the piston travels within the cylinder whereby a position of the ram may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph James Liotta, Eric Trevor Ensley, Christopher Dale Johnson
  • Patent number: 9689318
    Abstract: An equilibrating flow distributor for a gas turbine engine includes a balancing valve and multiple flow dividers, each with a movable valve or divider member. The balancing valve has an inlet receiving media at a first pressure area and an outlet defining a plurality of first metering orifices. The valve member defines at least one second metering orifice receiving the media at a second pressure area. Each flow divider has an inlet receiving the media through an associated one of the first metering orifices at a third pressure area and an outlet defining one of a plurality of third metering orifices receiving the media at a fourth pressure area. Each flow divider has a second pressure area in communication with second pressure area of the balancing valve. Flow through the fourth pressure area of each flow divider is substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: JANSEN'S AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerame James Powell, Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 9689403
    Abstract: A liquid pump (10) comprises an impeller (60) housed in an impeller chamber (22) having an axial inlet (26) and a plurality of centrifugal passages (23, 24) communicating with a plurality of outlets (35a, 35b) through a valve (80). The rotation of the impeller (60) pumps the liquid into one of the centrifugal passages (23, 24) and elastically deforms the valve (80) that controls through which outlet (35a, 35b) the liquid is pumped out of the pump (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Chuanhui Fang, Feng Liu, Feng Xue, Chuanjiang Guo, Liang Guan, Serge Pesetsky
  • Patent number: 9675085
    Abstract: Fluid distribution systems for use in meat-handling facilities include a fluid distribution assembly for fluidly coupling with a fluid supply where the fluid distribution assembly comprises at least one valve for alternately supplying fluid to a first nozzle assembly and a second nozzle assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may further include at least one motor for oscillating the nozzle assemblies. Cabinet assemblies for use in meat-handling facilities may include a fluid distribution system. Valve assemblies may include a diverter for selectively supplying fluid to at least two outlets. Methods of washing at least a portion of a carcass include spraying fluid onto the at least a portion of the carcass with a first set of nozzle assemblies and with a second set of nozzle assemblies positioned over the first set of nozzle assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BIRKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Espy
  • Patent number: 9669815
    Abstract: An engine system including a first flowpath between a first component and a second component where a first aspirator forms a portion of the first flowpath, and a second flowpath between the first component and the second component, where a second aspirator forms a portion of the second flowpath. A shut-off valve forms a portion of the second flowpath. The first aspirator and the second aspirator each have a suction inlet, and the suction inlet of the first aspirator is in fluid communication with the suction inlet of the second aspirator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Miller, Keith Hampton, David E. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9644761
    Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may be used to provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water to the reverse osmosis unit. Concentrate valve bodies direct concentrate from the reverse osmosis unit to the back sides of the pistons to reduce the work required from the hydraulic pumps. The concentrate valve bodies are designed to open and close based upon the flow of concentrate through the valve bodies. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to sea water and RO brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Willard D. Childs
  • Patent number: 9632514
    Abstract: An electronic shower system including a mixing valve operably coupled to a mixing valve drive, and a diverter valve operably coupled to a diverter valve drive and in fluid communication with the mixing valve. A controller is in communication with the mixing valve drive and the diverter valve drive. A user interface includes a removable module in communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Garry R. Marty, Todd Huffington, Kyle R. Davidson, Brian W. Johnson, Larry D. O'Cull, Patrick B. Jonte
  • Patent number: 9605861
    Abstract: An energy recovery ventilator includes first and second blowers, a pressure transducer and a controller. The first blower is configured to direct a first air stream into a first zone of an enclosure. A second blower configured to direct a second air stream into a second zone of the enclosure. A pressure transducer is configured to determine internal air pressure within the enclosure. A controller is configured to control the first blower and/or the second blower in response to the internal air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Justin McKie, Eric Perez, Steve Schneider
  • Patent number: 9587880
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for drying a substrate. The apparatus includes a housing, a substrate support member, a fluid supply member, and a discharge member. The housing provides a space in which a drying process is performed. The substrate support member is provided in the housing to support the substrate. The fluid supply member includes a supply line for supplying a process fluid of a supercritical state to the housing. The discharge member includes a discharge line for discharging the process fluid from the housing. Here, the supply line includes a first supply line provided to supply the process fluid to the housing at a first supply flow rate, and a second supply line provided to supply the process fluid to the housing at a second supply flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SEMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Boong Kim, Ki Bong Kim, Gil Hun Song, Oh Jin Kwon
  • Patent number: 9535429
    Abstract: A water pressure controlled valve including a housing and a piston slidably received within the housing. First and second water control chambers are positioned on opposite ends of the piston and are fluidly coupled to first and second water control valves, respectively. Operation of the first and second water control valves controls water pressure in the first and second water control chambers to cause sliding movement of the piston and control water supplied to a water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Garry R. Marty, Joel D. Sawaski, Jeffrey J. Belz, David M. Groves
  • Patent number: 9482213
    Abstract: Pulses in a pumping system resulting from paired reciprocating pumps are dampened by a pressure vessel that includes two compartments separated by a flexible membrane and otherwise isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Charlton
  • Patent number: 9459191
    Abstract: There is provided a meter for measuring the molecular weight of a gas, the meter comprising a housing having an inlet and an interior for receiving said gas to be measured, a sensor assembly comprising a high-frequency planar piezoelectric crystal oscillator located within said housing so that, in use, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is in contact with said gas, said sensor assembly being arranged: to drive the piezoelectric crystal oscillator such that the piezoelectric crystal oscillator resonates at a single resonant frequency; to measure said single resonant frequency of said piezoelectric crystal oscillator to determine the density of gas; and to determine from the density, determined or pre-determined pressure of the gas and determined or pre-determined temperature of the gas, the molecular weight of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Alexander Downie
  • Patent number: 9399089
    Abstract: The invention relates to the balancing of fluid streams in a dialysis system. In particular the invention relates to a cassette for conveying a first and a second fluid stream in a dialysis system, wherein the first and the second fluid streams can be medical fluid streams such as for example dialysate streams or blood streams, wherein the cassette has a sensor as a device for balancing the first and the second fluid stream, and wherein the sensor has a first channel for the first fluid stream and a second channel for the second fluid stream. The invention further relates to a dialysis system, which is configured to accommodate at least one cassette which is configured as described above. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an arrangement by which two channels for the first and the second fluid streams are formed. In addition, the invention relates to a method for construction of the two channels or the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Dejan Nikolic, Alexander Heide
  • Patent number: 9284721
    Abstract: A fluid flow control system has a heating device for heating a fluid and a first flow path for providing the heated fluid from the heating device to a use region. A heat exchanger has a supply path that received fluid from a fluid supply, and an outlet path that receives fluid from the use region, whereby the fluid in the supply path is pre-heated by the fluid in the outlet path. A second flow path provides pre-heated fluid from the supply path of the heat exchanger to the heating device. Modulating devices control fluid flow through the outlet path along the supply path. A flow control device controls the modulating devices such that the fluid flow rates in the fluid supply path and outlet path of the heat exchanger are balanced, so as to be substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Patrick Gilbert
    Inventor: Patrick Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9261887
    Abstract: A pressure balance valve contains: a receiving chamber including an external cold-water inlet, an external hot-water inlet, an external cold-water outlet, and an external hot-water outlet; a valve core including a pressure sensing fence, a first ring portion and a second ring portion. Between the first ring portion and the pressure sensing fence is defined a cold-water pressure cavity, and between the second ring portion and the pressure sensing fence is defined a hot-water pressure cavity. The first ring portion has an internal cold-water inlet and an internal cold-water outlet, the second ring portion has an internal hot-water inlet and an internal hot-water outlet. The first ring portion also has at least one first fixing slot for fitting with at least one first resilient loop, and the second ring portion also has at least one second fixing slot for fitting with at least second resilient loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chungyu Kuo, Chunghsiang Chang, Yuanhao Chang, Chuwan Hong
  • Patent number: 9098082
    Abstract: The invention supplies a quantity Q of gas while dividing at flow rate ratio Q1/Q2 from a gas supply facility equipped with a flow controller. A total quantity Q=Q1+Q2 of gas is supplied into a chamber at flow rate Q1 and Q2 through shower plates fixed to ends of branch supply lines by providing open/close valves with a plurality of branch supply lines GL1 and GL2, respectively, to supply the specified quantity of gas from the gas supply facility, and by utilizing bypass line BL1 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV1 and branched from GL1, bypass line BL2 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV2 and branched from GL2, pressure type division quantity controller connected to the bypass line BL1 and the bypass line BL2, a sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL1, and another sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, Tokyo Electron Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Nobukazu Ikeda, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi, Toyomi Uenoyama
  • Patent number: 9069359
    Abstract: A pressure balance unit for a valve assembly includes a first shell having a tongue extending therefrom, a second shell having a groove indented therein, and a sliding element having a shaft defining an axis. The groove in the second shell is configured to receive the tongue from the first shell for aligning the shells. The first and second shells are united using a sonic welding process. The first shell defines a first bore and the second shell defines a second bore. The first and second bores include inlet ports in circumferential faces thereof, the ports defining openings transverse to the axis. The sliding element includes a first end movable along the axis within the first bore and a second end movable along the axis within the second bore. The ends of the sliding element open and close the inlet ports by sliding across the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Brouwer, Michael A. Niver
  • Patent number: 9028989
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yan Zhang, Steven R. Falta, Steven D. Burch, Glenn W. Skala
  • Publication number: 20150114484
    Abstract: A ceramic balance valve structure includes a valve tube and a pressure regulating member each of which is made of ceramic material. The valve tube is formed with a through hole and two annular grooves. The pressure regulating member is slidably mounted in the through hole of the valve tube and is provided with two water guide grooves corresponding to the annular grooves of the valve tube. The pressure regulating member is provided with a balance wall located between the two water guide grooves and has two opposite ends each provided with a connecting hole. Thus, the valve tube and the pressure regulating member have a ceramic surface contact therebetween to facilitate a sliding motion of the pressure regulating member and to prevent the pressure regulating member from being jammed in the valve tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Patent number: 9016302
    Abstract: A cold/hot water balance valve prevents burning or scalding of the users. The valve is accommodated in the holding space preset into a dual-temperature ceramic valve. The balance valve mainly includes a hot water stop flange, protruded from a first lateral end wall, and meshed with a first end of a moveable spool to block a hot water stream when the first end shifts towards the first lateral end wall. A minimum cold water retaining portion is protruded from the second lateral end wall. When the second end of the moveable spool shifts towards the second lateral end wall, the minimum cold water retaining portion will be abutted onto the second end of the moveable spool, such that a minimum flow gap is reserved between the second end and the second lateral end wall, allowing for constant flow of water stream through the cold water slot of the moveable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: Paijo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Jung Tung
  • Patent number: 8985132
    Abstract: A balance valve is provided with an asymmetric structure. When the dual-temperature ceramic valve is switched to cold water supply modes, and the hot water line is blocked to make a moveable spool abutted towards a first lateral end wall of a holding space, a cold water channel can thus be formed between the cold water opening of a fixed valve pipe and a second end of the moveable spool with the setting of the asymmetric structure. Hence, cold water supply can maintained. When the hot water line is blocked, the cold water supply function of the balance valve of the present invention could still be maintained for improved convenience and applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Paijo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Jung Tung
  • Patent number: 8985133
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt
  • Publication number: 20140318636
    Abstract: A method for drain liquid collection and evacuation in a subsea compression system using a compressor, wherein an external drainage tank is arranged in direct flow communication with the compressor sump via a sump evacuation valve, the tank is set under compressor discharge pressure via a tank pressurizing line arranged to connect the tank to a compressor discharge flow upstream of a throttle valve, a tank evacuation line is arranged to connect the tank to the compressor discharge downstream of the throttle valve, drain liquid evacuation is accomplished through generation, by adjusting the throttle valve, of a flow restriction in the compressor discharge. The tank is set under compressor discharge pressure by opening of the pressure valve and the drain liquid flow is permitted into a reduced compressor discharge pressure downstream the throttle valve by opening an evacuation valve in the evacuation line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Sandinavia AS
    Inventors: Rune STRAND, Francesco BONGINI
  • Patent number: 8869816
    Abstract: A mixed water control valve for a faucet includes a valve housing, a control unit, and a balance unit. The valve housing has a mounting seat which has a receiving chamber and two water inlet holes. The balance unit includes a fixed sleeve secured in the receiving chamber, a pressure regulating sleeve movably mounted in the fixed sleeve, a balance baffle mounted in the pressure regulating sleeve, and two elastic members each mounted in the pressure regulating sleeve and each biased between the balance baffle and the mounting seat. Thus, the balance baffle is compressed between the elastic members which provide a buffering force to counteract a larger pressure applied on the balance baffle, so that the pressure regulating sleeve is moved smoothly and stably without producing resonant noise in the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: HAIN YO Enterprise Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Publication number: 20140261751
    Abstract: A pressure balance unit for a valve assembly includes a first shell having a tongue extending therefrom, a second shell having a groove indented therein, and a sliding element having a shaft defining an axis. The groove in the second shell is configured to receive the tongue from the first shell for aligning the shells. The first and second shells are united using a sonic welding process. The first shell defines a first bore and the second shell defines a second bore. The first and second bores include inlet ports in circumferential faces thereof, the ports defining openings transverse to the axis. The sliding element includes a first end movable along the axis within the first bore and a second end movable along the axis within the second bore. The ends of the sliding element open and close the inlet ports by sliding across the ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Brouwer, Michael A. Niver
  • Patent number: 8826659
    Abstract: PCV systems are well known in the art and commonly used in turbocharged engines. The ejector creates a pressure drop for additional pull of PCV gas under boosted conditions of the turbocharger engine. The ejector typically includes a first inlet and a second inlet and a sole outlet. The first inlet pulls air from the compressor of the PCV system. The second inlet pulls air from the cyclone separator of the PCV system. Air exiting the ejector is exited to the intake manifold. However, when the turbocharger of the system is off, fresh air can leak in from the inlet from the oil separator thereby preventing the ventilation of blowby. The unwanted air reduces the efficiency of the turbocharger system. Accordingly, an ejector preventing unwanted fresh air flow is needed in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tenghua Tom Shieh