Plural Inflows Patents (Class 137/111)
  • Patent number: 11767214
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: fairlife, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Peter Doelman, Vincent A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 11215290
    Abstract: A one-way valve device or a non-return valve mechanism in the valve device provides a higher retaining residual pressure without upsizing. A non-return valve cassette in a consumption valve device regulates gas flow. The cassette includes a check valve movable forward and backward between a valve-closed position and a valve-open position in an outlet secondary flow channel and movable backward to the valve-open position under pressure of the gas flowing upstream, and a first coil spring with a spring force biasing the check valve upstream. The first coil spring permits the check valve to move downstream against the upstream biasing when an upstream pressure is a predetermined pressure or greater. The check valve includes a downstream end smaller than an upstream end in an area communicating with an upstream space at the valve-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NERIKI VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Takeda, Kazuyuki Miyata
  • Patent number: 10955057
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve unit includes an input port hydraulically coupled to a pump, a working port hydraulically coupled to the working load, and a return port connected to a hydraulic tank. The unit includes a control slide movable into different working positions in an axial direction for controlling a hydraulic flow between the hydraulic ports and a slide housing surrounding the control slide. The control slide includes a control segment which is delimited in the axial direction by a control edge, and cooperates with an axial housing segment of the slide housing for controlling a flow cross section for hydraulic flow at the control segment. The control slide is rotationally driven about an axis of rotation in a rotational direction. The control edge of the control segment or the housing segment cooperating with the control segment is designed such that the flow cross section has a different size depending on a rotational position of the control slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Meid, Sebastian Traut
  • Patent number: 10774848
    Abstract: A neutral valve includes a spool inserted in a housing so as to be movable in a predetermined direction, the spool configured to move to a neutral position set such that a first and second port are connected to each other through a valve passage, a first offset position located at neutral position's first side in the predetermined direction and set such that second port and valve passage are disconnected from each other, and a second offset position located at neutral position's second side in the predetermined direction and set such that first port and valve passage are disconnected from each other. The spool's outer peripheral portion includes a first pressure receiving surface receiving first port's fluid pressure to be pushed toward the first side in the predetermined direction and a second pressure receiving surface receiving second port's fluid pressure to be pushed toward second side in the predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 10471504
    Abstract: A simplified and downsized coupling position switching mechanism capable of transmitting reliably and smoothly the driving force of the drive unit to the slide metal frame to switchably change a coupling position between the slide metal frame and the drive unit in the sliding nozzle apparatus. A coupling portion in the slide metal frame protrudes on the side of the drive unit and allows a rod head of the drive unit to be coupled thereto, and the coupling portion has a coupling space allows the rod head to be disposed movably in a sliding direction of the slide metal frame. A separator is inserted into the coupling space to divide the coupling space into first and second coupling chambers in the sliding direction of the slide metal frame. The coupling portion has a fitting section for allowing the separator to be fitted thereinto when it is inserted into the coupling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KROSAKIHARIMA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Imahase, Junichi Funato
  • Patent number: 10408357
    Abstract: A valve for an adsorption heat pump may be adjustable between a closed position, a first open position, a second open position, and at least one intermediate position. The valve may include a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, a first valve unit, a second valve unit, and a spring element providing a closing force upon the first valve body and the second valve body. The valve may also include an actuating drive configured to hold the valve in position without power. The actuating drive may include a stepping motor and a gear unit constructed and arranged to hold the valve in position via a currentless holding moment. The first valve unit and the second valve unit may have a valve opening characteristic of a flow coefficient dependent on an adjustment path that is not linear. The valve opening characteristic may include at least one flat region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Burk
  • Patent number: 10099915
    Abstract: A system of multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a portable platform and preferred embodiments which allow for improved access to the contents of each fuel tank, ability to transport multiple fuel types in a single system on a vehicle without towing apparatus, and the ability to maneuver the system via a forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Robinson Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Kittoe
  • Patent number: 9878793
    Abstract: An air supply controller is configured to supply cooling air to an air cycle machine. The controller includes a chamber having a first inlet configured to receive air from a first source, a second inlet configured to receive air from a second source, and an outlet configured to pass air from first inlet and/or the second inlet to an air cycle machine. A control member is disposed within the chamber and configured to move from a first position to a second position. When the control member is in the first position it obstructs an airflow from the second inlet to the outlet and permits an airflow from the first inlet to the outlet. When the control member is in the second position it obstructs the airflow from the first inlet to the outlet and permits the airflow from the second inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Darryl A. Colson
  • Patent number: 9879631
    Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a sub fuel tank, a booster pump, a fuel pipe, a fuel pressure sensor and a controller. The sub fuel tank stores a fuel supplied thereto from a main fuel tank. The booster pump is disposed inside the sub fuel tank. The fuel pipe has a returnless structure and supplies the fuel with a pressure increased by the booster pump to a fuel injection device of an engine. The fuel pressure sensor detects the pressure of the fuel inside the fuel pipe. The controller is configured or programmed to perform a feedback control of the booster pump based on a value of the pressure of the fuel detected by the fuel pressure sensor such that the pressure of the fuel inside the fuel pipe becomes greater than or equal to a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kadobayashi
  • Patent number: 9764722
    Abstract: A brake system for controlling a brake of a unit hauled by a vehicle, the brake system including a first pedal for braking a right rear wheel of the vehicle through a first braking circuit, a second pedal for braking a left rear wheel of the vehicle through a second braking circuit, an input line arrangement including a first input line for receiving a fluid from the first braking circuit and a second input line for receiving a fluid from the second braking circuit, at least one output line for sending a fluid to the brake of the hauled unit, and a selective connector for selectively connecting the input line arrangement to the output line by setting a first connection configuration when the vehicle has a speed greater than a threshold value and a second connection configuration when the vehicle has a speed lower than the threshold value, whereby in the first connection configuration pushing any of the pedals activates the brake of the hauled unit, and in the second connection configuration pushing only one o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Casali, Giorgio Benedetti, Gabriele Ferola
  • Patent number: 9657614
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a “dry” sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Thomas A. Wright
  • Patent number: 9638341
    Abstract: A loop flushing valve assembly for use in a hydraulic circuit has a pair of valve subassemblies cooperating with a respective valve seat between a port and an outlet passage. Each subassembly has a main port plug and a fluid passage plug with a fluid passage extending therethrough. A valve body is engaged to the fluid passage plug and is axially moveable from a closed position where its seat end is in contact with its respective valve seat to prevent fluid flow from the respective fluid side to the outlet passage to an open position and the valve body is biased to the closed position. A poppet extends out the seat end of the each valve body. When pressure in one fluid side exceeds pressure in the other side, the valve subassembly poppet axially moves towards the other poppet to open the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnersip
    Inventor: John Tyler Hibbard
  • Patent number: 9377112
    Abstract: A mixing adjusting thermostatic water valve with a pressure balancing device includes a valve body, a water temperature adjusting block and a temperature sensor. A left and a right pressure balancing cavities are arranged on two sides of the lower part of the inner cavity, and the two ends of the rack pass through the internal sidewalls of the left and right pressure balancing cavities. Left and right vertical platforms are arranged on two ends of the rack. A soft bowl type piston is arranged between the left and right vertical platforms and the internal sidewalls of the left and right pressure balancing cavities respectively to form the pressure balancing device. The valve is provided with the pressure balancing device, so that outlet water temperature can be stably adjusted when pressure difference of cold and hot water is more than 0.6MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Zhaokeng Pan
  • Patent number: 9068539
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a first check valve member that seats on an injector body, and a second check valve member that seats on the first check valve member covers a first nozzle outlet set when in a closed position. When the first check valve member moves to an open position, gaseous fuel is injected through both a first nozzle outlet set and a second nozzle outlet set. When the second check valve member moves to an open position, liquid fuel moves through a through passage defined by the first check valve member to facilitate injection of the second nozzle outlet set. The first and second check valve members may be controlled by first and second control valves, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dana R. Coldren
  • Patent number: 9022056
    Abstract: A device includes a first hot fuel bleed, a second cold fuel bleed, a fuel pressure regulator including a fuel inlet line, a fuel outlet line and a fuel pressure set point line, the pressure of the outlet line being set by the regulator to a fixed divergence from the pressure of the set point line, a first connector to connect the first bleed to the inlet line of the regulator and the second bleed to the set point line of the regulator, when a first pressure of the first bleed is greater than or equal to a second pressure of the second bleed and to connect the first bleed to the set point line of the regulator and the second bleed to the inlet line of the regulator when the first pressure is lower than the second pressure, and a second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sébastien Gameiro, Philippe Vertenoeuil
  • Publication number: 20150000758
    Abstract: A dialysis service box for centralized control and plumbing arrangement of a dialysis machine is disclosed. The dialysis service box includes a plumbing arrangement with a warm water inlet and a cold water inlet in fluid flow communication with a temperature mixing component. The thermostatic mixing component mixes the cold water and the warm water to produce mixed water maintained at a predetermined temperature between the temperature of the cold water and the temperature of the warm water. The dialysis service box can be universally installed to operate, control and adjust any dialysis machine that requires supply connection, waste connection, backflow preventer, thermostatic mixing component, a trap primer, or any combination of the foregoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff Randall, Bryan Dewitt, Peter Dewitt, Rick Garcia, Don Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20140311587
    Abstract: Embodiments of the Water Supply Conduit Heating are comprised of a control apparatus and a delivery apparatus. The control apparatus is comprised of two electrically actuated solenoid valves, a pump, a hot water connection, a cold water connection, an electronic control, a temperature sensor, and a double-pipe source connection. The two electrically actuated solenoid valves are controlled by the electronic control. As the temperature of the fluid inbound from the source varies, the electronic control adjusts the mix of hot water and cold water from the hot water connection and the cold water connection to provide an appropriate temperature fluid to the outbound fluid to the source connection. The electronic control is used to measure the temperature of the fluid in the conduit and to direct fluid into the conduit as required to control fluid temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: PLAN 9, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Eugene Ellis
  • Patent number: 8851065
    Abstract: A heating system can include certain pressure sensitive features. These features can be configured to change from a first position to a second position based on a pressure of a fuel flowing into the feature. These features can include, fuel selector valves, pressure regulators, burner nozzles, and oxygen depletion sensor nozzles, among other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 8777383
    Abstract: A pressure purging device for an inkjet recording apparatus includes a back pressure tank 21, a distribution tank 12, ink opening/closing electromagnetic valves 13, and recording heads 14, and in which the distribution tank 12 is connected to the back pressure tank 21 via an ink supply path 24, the ink opening/closing electromagnetic valves 13 are attached to the distribution tank 12 while being connected to the recording heads 14 via the distribution supply pipe 15, the ink opening/closing electromagnetic valves 13 are directly attached to the distribution tank 12, and there is provided an air switching three-port electromagnetic valve 61 connected to an upper part inside of the back pressure tank 21 via an air path 63 while being connected to a compressed air supply path 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Miyakoshi Printing Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Izawa, Akira Ishikawa, Wataru Itabashi
  • Patent number: 8740102
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine valve is disclosed. In one form the valve includes two inlets in fluid communication with an outlet. The valve can include a spool having two lands capable of selectively closing either of the two inlets. The valve can include energy storage devices that initially position the spool within a valve housing. A temperature motor is provided to position the spool based upon a temperature of a mixture of working fluid from the two inlets. A working fluid flowing into the first inlet can be in fluid communication with a second end of the valve; and a working fluid flowing into the second inlet can be in fluid communication with a first end of the valve. A relatively high pressure condition at one or the other of the inlets can be used to alter a position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel G. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8733384
    Abstract: A method and system for boosting pipeline gas pressure in a low-pressure gas pipeline in which a supplemental gas supply pipe in fluid communication with a supplemental pipeline gas supply is provided to an interior of a gas pipeline containing a pressurized pipeline gas, where the pressure of the supplemental pipeline gas supply is greater than the pressure of the pressurized pipeline gas. The gas pressure differential between the pressurized pipeline gas and the supplemental pipeline gas supply pressure is measured. When the pressure differential reaches a certain predetermined set value, supplemental pipeline gas is provided from the supplemental pipeline gas supply through the supplemental gas supply pipe into a pipeline space between the gas pipeline and the supplemental gas supply pipe. The flow of supplemental pipeline gas is halted upon achievement of a second predetermined set differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Daniel Allen Ersoy, Daniel Thomas Germata
  • Patent number: 8622073
    Abstract: The liquid flow rate control apparatus includes a first flow rate control unit which includes a first flow rate control valve for a small flow rate with a first controlled flow rate range, and a second flow rate control unit which includes a second flow rate control valve for a large flow rate with a second controlled flow rate range. In particular, an overlapped range is present between the first and second controlled flow rate ranges and a liquid flows on either any one or both of the first and second flow rate control units depending on variation of a required value of a total rate. The flow rate on any one of the first and second flow rate control units is maintained and the flow rate on the other one increases while increasing the total flow rate of the liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Keigo Satake
  • Patent number: 8448659
    Abstract: A check valve assembly for well stimulation operations. The check valve assembly includes a valve body having an axially extending passageway including an inlet and a valve body seat. The valve body has a discharge port extending laterally from the passageway. A valve cap slidably engages with the valve body and has an opening with a valve cap seat. A piston is disposed within the passageway. In a closed position, a first sealing surface of the piston engages the valve body seat to prevent fluid communication between the inlet and the discharge port. In an open position, a second sealing surface of the piston engages the valve cap seat allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the discharge port. A spring disposed within the passageway between the piston and the valve cap biases the piston toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Veit
  • Patent number: 8397742
    Abstract: A shuttle valve useful in connection with operation of underwater blowout preventers employs soft seals sealing an annulus between an inlet bore and the outer periphery of the shuttle to provide hydraulic function control from a high pressure low flow supply source such as a low volume positive displacement pump on a remotely operated vehicle without losing opposing inlet sealing and hydraulic fluid dump the opposing inlet during a return stroke of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: DTL Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Frank Matteucci, Patricia Thrash
  • Patent number: 8360086
    Abstract: An omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is disclosed. The omnibus quasi-hydrosystem includes a module base, at least two channel switching members mounted in the module base, at least two inlets formed in the module base and at least two outlets formed in the module base. The inlets allow fluid entering into the omnibus quasi-hydrosystem, the channel switching members alter the fluid path in the omnibus quasi-hydro system to a desired outlet to output the fluid. In addition, a modular omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Innotech Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Chyi Chou, Wei-Che Chiu
  • Patent number: 8329354
    Abstract: An ejector and a fuel cell system using the ejector which can improve a control of an ejection pressure of a fluid. The ejector 50 includes a body 60, a nozzle 80, a needle 70, a diffuser 90 which sucks a second fluid by a negative pressure generated by a first fluid ejected from the nozzle 80, and a first, a second and a third diaphragms 100, 110, 120 which are movable in the axial direction against the needle 70. The first diaphragm 100 and the second diaphragm 110 have the same effective area, and an effective area of the third diaphragm 120 is different from those of the first diaphragm 100 and the second diaphragm 110.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Fukuma, Satoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8327869
    Abstract: A fluid distribution control element for use in a ball check valve assembly having a valve housing defining a valve chamber and a first inlet opening spaced from a second inlet opening. The control element is arranged inside the valve housing to transition along a substantially linear path of displacement. The control element includes first and second obstruction elements each being configured to respectively fluidly seal the first and second inlet openings. The control element also includes a web portion, having a web length, which secures the first obstruction element to the second obstruction element. The web length is configured to restrict one of the first and second obstruction elements from sealing a respective inlet opening when the other obstruction element is sealing the other respective inlet opening. The web length is further configured to minimize the seat-to-seat distance the control element must travel along the linear path of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter Donald Bock, Roman Shestakov
  • Patent number: 8327884
    Abstract: A regulator valve is structured such that hydraulic pressure to be output from a regulated pressure output port is regulated according to urging forces, i.e., line pressure to be regulated, throttle pressure, spring force from a compression coil spring, and operating force from a plunger, which are applied to a valve spool. The plunger has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion, both of which are axially displaceably retained in a spring receiving sleeve. The small diameter portion is urged in one axial direction at one end of the plunger that protrudes into a spring chamber and faces the valve spool, while the large diameter portion is urged in the other axial direction by range pressure at the other end of the plunger which is isolated from the small diameter portion located in the spring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akiko Nishimine, Shinichi Ito, Kenichi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 8322361
    Abstract: An annular dual-flow check valve for controlling the flow through concentric channels that have a common outlet, comprising: an outer body and an inner body that define the concentric channels, which include an outer channel and an inner channel formed therein; a spring activated annular poppet that resides in the outer channel and has a range of motion in the axial direction; and an opening through the inner body that connects the outer channel to the inner channel; wherein: the axial movement of the annular poppet is regulated by the pressure of the flow upstream of the annular poppet in the outer channel; and the axial range of motion of the annular poppet includes at least two axial positions: a closed position where the annular poppet substantially covers the opening and a open position where at least a portion of the opening is not covered by the annular poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean M. Erickson, Douglas S. Byrd
  • Patent number: 8316875
    Abstract: An assembly for delivering a supply of liquid fuel and a supply of purge air to a gas turbine engine, the assembly comprising: an annular dual-flow check valve for controlling the flow through concentric channels that have a common outlet, the annular dual-flow check valve comprising: an outer body and an inner body that define the concentric channels, which include an outer channel and an inner channel formed therein; a spring activated annular poppet that resides in the outer channel and has a range of motion in the axial direction; and an opening through the inner body that connects the outer channel to the inner channel; wherein the axial movement of the annular poppet is regulated by the pressure of the flow upstream of the annular poppet in the outer channel; and the axial range of motion of the annular poppet includes at least two axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dean M. Erickson, David W. Smith, Douglas S. Byrd, Hua Zhang, Daniel B. Holcombe
  • Patent number: 8297744
    Abstract: Provided herein is a functional liquid supply apparatus having: a plurality of sub tanks, a tank unit which replenishes the functional liquid to the plurality of sub tanks, an upstream side functional liquid channel of which an upstream side thereof is connected to the tank unit and a downstream side thereof is connected to each of the sub tanks, and a plurality of third opening and closing valves which replenish the functional liquid to each of the sub tanks by its' opening and closing operations. The tank unit 122 has a pair of main tanks, nitrogen gas supply units connected to the pair of the main tanks respectively, and a switching device which is capable of switching a pressurized liquid of the functional liquid fed from the pair of the main tanks alternatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Hayashi, Yasuhiko Asano
  • Patent number: 8256444
    Abstract: A check ball valve assembly is used to regulate fluid flow from two separate fluid sources to a single fluid outlet. The assembly utilizes a single check ball alternating between two check ball seats in two separate fluid passages. A check ball guide is installed at the intersection of the separate fluid passages and deflects the check ball from the pressurized passage to the non-pressurized passage to prevent backflow into the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Pietras, Constantin Dumitru
  • Patent number: 8235068
    Abstract: A system for processing one or more substrates according to the present invention includes a diversion valve that can deliver two or more process fluids to a dispensing device through a common line/pipe. The present invention also includes related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt K. Christenson
  • Patent number: 8171951
    Abstract: A valve (1) with a AND gate function has a valve member (2) cooperating with moving passage members (23a and 23b) in a valve housing (3) in order to control connections between one outlet (A) and two inlets (E1 and E2). If the pressure difference present at the input side goes above a threshold value, the valve member (2) can thrust back one of the passage members (23a and 23b) against the stressing force of the stressing means (34a and 34b) in order to separate the outlet (A) simultaneously from both inlets (E1 and E2). Accordingly a safety and/or a logic function may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Quendt, Tobias Danner
  • Patent number: 8161994
    Abstract: A product comprising a phase transfer valve, and wherein said phase transfer valve comprises an actuating valve housing having a housing interior; a liquid hydrogen inlet, a gaseous hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet provided in said valve housing; an actuating valve slidably mounted in said housing interior; and wherein said actuating valve is moveable between a first position for sealing said gaseous hydrogen inlet from said hydrogen outlet and a second position for sealing said liquid hydrogen inlet from said hydrogen outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Dieter Kaimann
  • Patent number: 8152515
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a burner. The apparatus can also include an intake valve that includes an input for receiving fuel from either a first fuel source at a first pressure or a second fuel source at a second pressure. The intake valve can include a first output for directing fuel received from the first fuel source and a second output for directing fuel received from the second fuel source. The intake valve can include an actuator configured to permit fluid communication between the input and the first output or between the input and the second output. The apparatus can include a pressure regulator that can include a first inlet for receiving fuel from the first output of the intake valve and a second inlet for receiving fuel from the second output of the intake valve. The regulator can also include an outlet for directing fuel from the pressure regulator toward the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Appliances Inc
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 8132588
    Abstract: A valve for use between a first fluid side and a second fluid side is disclosed herein. The valve comprises a pair of subassemblies, each one slidable between a closed position and an open position. Each subassembly comprises a first component comprising a first component main body, a first component first end and a first component second end opposite the first component first end. A first component first extension is formed on each first component first end, the first component first extension comprising a diameter that is less than the diameter of the first component main body. Hydraulic pressure causes one subassembly to slide to its closed position, and causes it to engage the second subassembly, sliding the second subassembly to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Scott E. Windhorst
  • Patent number: 8118050
    Abstract: A system for providing constant flow on-line dilution comprising a first fluid introduction line carrying a first fluid, a second fluid introduction line carrying a second fluid, a flow path selection assembly coupled to the fluid introduction line and the second fluid introduction line, a mixing assembly suitable for mixing the first fluid, the second fluid and a sample, and a plurality of fluid transport lines coupled to the flow path selection assembly suitable for transporting the first fluid, the second fluid and a sample to the mixing assembly. The flow path selection assembly is suitable for selecting a flow path for each of the first fluid introduction line and second fluid introduction lines and providing changeable coupling of each of the first fluid introduction line and second fluid introduction line to one of the plurality of fluid transport lines through the flow path selection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Publication number: 20100198481
    Abstract: Fuel tank system for a direct ethanol injection octane boosted gasoline engine. The system includes a gasoline engine and a main fuel tank that contains a mix of gasoline and gasoline E85. A smaller secondary tank is provided to contain ethanol or E85. An injector directly injects in a separately controlled fashion ethanol or E85 into a cylinder of the engine to boost octane. A control module controls the relative amounts of gasoline and ethanol used and structure is provided for fueling the main and secondary fuel tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: ETHANOL BOOSTING SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Paul N. Blumberg, Daniel R. Cohn, John Heywood
  • Patent number: 7687171
    Abstract: Multi-stage in-line cartridge ejectors for a fuel cell system provided herein comprise: at least one ejector main body for supplying hydrogen, each ejector main body including a plurality of nozzles arranged in line with a predetermined gap, in which the diameters of the respective nozzles become larger from an inlet side of the ejector main body toward an outlet side thereof, and a plurality of sub-inlets formed on an outer surface of the ejector main body to be connected to the gap or gaps between the nozzles; and a housing accommodating the eject main body and including a main inlet for intake of recirculated hydrogen. The multi-stage in-line cartridge ejectors can improve the system performance by increasing the amount of recirculated hydrogen. Moreover, at least one check valve is provided at an intake position of the cartridge ejectors to effectively prevent reverse flow of recirculation hydrogen gas and at least one heater is provided around the cartridge ejectors to improve cold startability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyeon Seok Ban, Hae Weon Lee, Yong Gyu Noh, Yong Sun Park
  • Publication number: 20090277507
    Abstract: A system for processing one or more substrates according to the present invention includes a diversion valve that can deliver two or more process fluids to a dispensing device through a common line/pipe. The present invention also includes related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt K. Christenson
  • Patent number: 7550219
    Abstract: Three ejectors 5, 7, 9 with differences in specification are connected in parallel between a hydrogen storage unit 3 and a fuel cell 1. Respective ejectors 5, 7, 9 allow excess hydrogen, discharged from the fuel cell 1, to pass through a hydrogen recirculating common flow passage 35 and to be recirculated through three recirculation branch flow passages 37, 39, 41. Shut-off mechanisms 13, 15, 19, 21, 25, 27 are disposed at both upstream and downstream sides of the respective ejectors 5, 7, 9, with closing and opening of the shut-off mechanisms located at both the upstream and downstream sides of the respective ejectors 5, 7, 9 permitting the three ejectors 5, 7, 9 to be properly used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Uozumi
  • Patent number: 7448102
    Abstract: A method for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Tubular Textile Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Milligan, E. Scott Allison, Eric A. Best
  • Patent number: 7416903
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Larry A. Sklar, Andrea A. Mammoli, Richard A. Truesdell, Peter V. Vorobieff
  • Patent number: 7374726
    Abstract: In a chemical reactor, a gas and a liquid which are in trace volumes are used to produce air bubbles and thus increase the interface area between the gas and liquid, substantially enhancing the efficiency of reaction between the gas and liquid. The chemical reactor comprises the following: a sheath flow forming block which forms a plurality of alternating sheath flows with two mutually unmixable fluids; a plurality of inlet ports through which said two fluids flow into the sheath flow forming block; a contraction zone which simultaneously contracts a plurality of sheath flows formed in the sheath flow forming block; and reaction flow channels each of which is connected with said contraction zone and is smaller in width than the sheath flow forming block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sano, Ryo Miyake, Akira Koide, Takeshi Harada
  • Patent number: 7291194
    Abstract: A thermal mixer reduces the temperature of flue gas supplied to a fabric filter. Two spray dry absorbers are operable to cool flue gas. A housing of the mixer has first and second inlet passages for gas from the absorbers, an outlet passage for gas to the fabric filter, and a mixing passage. A set of damper vanes extends in the mixing passage and has a mixing position for mixing the flue gases from the inlet passages to supply mixed gas to the outlet passage at relatively high pressure drop but lower temperature if one of the absorbers in not operating. They have a non-mixing position for passage of gases without mixing and at low pressure drop when both absorbers are operating. The invention can also be used to improve mixing of combined gas streams initially having different chemical compositions or amounts of particle loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7288128
    Abstract: A thermal mixer reduces the temperature of flue gas supplied to a fabric filter. Two spray dry absorbers are operable to cool flue gas. A housing of the mixer has first and second inlet passages for gas from the absorbers, an outlet passage for gas to the fabric filter, and a mixing passage. A set of damper vanes extends in the mixing passage and has a mixing position for mixing the flue gases from the inlet passages to supply mixed gas to the outlet passage at relatively high pressure drop but lower temperature if one of the absorbers in not operating. They have a non-mixing position for passage of gases without mixing and at low pressure drop when both absorbers are operating. The invention can also be used to improve mixing of combined gas streams initially having different chemical compositions or amounts of particle loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7083118
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing a liquid such as fertilizer with water flow in a sprinkler pipeline where the liquid is timely dispensed over a period of time from a fertilizer chamber into a mixing chamber for mixing with the water before re-entering the pipeline. The device has a flexible diaphragm that sealingly separates a mixing chamber from a fertilizer chamber. A central disk is fixedly carried by the diaphragm and is biased by a first spring that applies a restoring force upon displacement of the central disk. A valve seat on an axial extension of the central disk extending into the mixing chamber is so dimensioned and proportioned to seat a pin holder fixed to an adjuster holder upon engagement by the pin holder. The adjuster holder is responsive to a second spring and the water pressure in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: C. Anthony Bowles, Dwight N. Johnson, Igancio Cano
  • Patent number: 7082836
    Abstract: The invention is relative to pressure averagers (1), especially flange pressure averagers, with a base body (10) and a separating membrane (5) that is fastened to a side (14) of the base body (10) in a fastening area (6) for the separating membrane (5) and that can be loaded from the outside with a pressure. At least one recess (9) is advantageously formed in the base body (10) on the side of the fastening area (6) of the separating membrane (5), wherein at least one recess (9) in the base body (10) is dimensioned (t, b) in such a manner that tensions deforming the base body (10) are not transferred or are transferred only in a reduced state onto the fastening area (6). It can also be additionally or alternatively provided that the fastening area (6) for the separating membrane (5) and the separating membrane (5) are arranged in the area of a tension plane (n) of the base body (10) and that an at least reduced tension occurs in the area of the tension plane (n) under the bending tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kopp, Jörn Jacob
  • Patent number: 7036686
    Abstract: A system for dispensing and mixing metered amounts of first and second liquid components of a soft drink. The system comprises a mixing chamber connected by separate feed conduits to pressurized sources of the first and second liquid components. First normally closed valves are located in and demarcate the feed conduits into upstream and downstream sections. The first valves are opened automatically in response to pressure above a threshold level in their respective upstream conduit sections, and are operative when open to deliver a constant flow of liquid through their respective downstream conduit sections to the mixing chamber. Second normally closed valves are located in the upstream conduit sections. The second valves are opened in response to a command signal, and each second valve automatically closes in response to a drop in pressure below the threshold level in the upstream conduit section of the other second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Global Agricultural Technology and Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Newton