Alternate Or Successive Inflows Patents (Class 137/112)
  • Patent number: 7273098
    Abstract: A method for producing oil or gas from multiple wells, the wells including at least a first well and a second well, with each well using an artificial lift system that includes a plunger associated with a motor valve off time, and first and second identical connecting subsystems that connect their respective wells to a common sales line. The first connecting subsystem includes: a) a plunger arrival sensor connected to a micro controller; b) a wellhead connected to the first well; c) a motor valve connected to the wellhead; d) first and second pressure transducers on either side of the motor valve, conductively coupled to the micro controller; and e) a micro controller for keeping the motor valve closed during the motor valve off time, and extending the motor valve off time following a determination of the existence of a pressure spike in the common sales line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Scientific Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Evans, Michael A. Oehlert, Trevor Pugh
  • Patent number: 7243671
    Abstract: A chatter resistant shuttle valve is provided to direct fluid flow from at least two sources of pressurized fluid to a downstream apparatus. The shuttle valve includes a valve body with a shuttle valve member movably mounted inside. A dampening chamber is provided which dampen opening movement of the shuttle as it moved from a closed position on one side of the shuttle toward a closed position on the other end of the shuttle. One or more dampening chambers may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Thrash, Jr., Rodney C. Hope
  • Patent number: 7201179
    Abstract: A modular fluid supply system for use with a liquid supply source includes a plurality of container packs, a fluid delivery line in fluid communication with the containers of the packs, and a controller. Each container pack includes at least one container that contains a fluid mixture of at least two different fluid components. The fluid delivery line is configured to deliver fluid mixtures from the containers to a tool that utilizes the fluid mixtures, and the controller is configured to selectively and automatically control the flow of the fluid mixture from each container pack to the tool. The modular fluid system can be integrated with a main fluid supply system or independently implemented for continuous and reliable supply of mixed fluids to a particular application, such as off-shore pipeline welding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventors: Jeremy Barr, Fred Schweighardt
  • Patent number: 7165571
    Abstract: A dual pneumatic quick-disconnect coupler preferably includes a valve body, a sealing ball and two pipe tap sleeves. The valve body includes a ball cavity that retains the sealing ball. A pipe tap nipple extends from one side of the ball cavity and two threaded holes are formed through the other side thereof. A quick-disconnect plug is threaded into one end of the pipe tap sleeve and a ball seat is formed in the other end to receive the sealing ball. An air hose with a quick-disconnect coupler is attached to one of the quick-disconnect plugs. Air traveling through the air hose will force the sealing ball to seal the unused quick-disconnect plug. A second embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a spring loaded piston. A third embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Mirko Buzdum
  • Patent number: 7159605
    Abstract: A chatter resistant shuttle valve is provided to direct fluid flow from at least two sources of pressurized fluid to a downstream apparatus. The shuttle valve includes a valve body with a shuttle valve member movably mounted inside. A dampening chamber is provided which dampen opening movement of the shuttle as it moved from a closed position on one side of the shuttle toward a closed position on the other end of the shuttle. One or more dampening chambers may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Thrash, Jr., Rodney C. Hope
  • Patent number: 7150288
    Abstract: A control for parallel hybrid transmission has a valve mechanism, which is operable to supply fluid pressure to a torque-transmitting mechanism with or without the operation of the vehicle engine. The valve mechanism is responsive to an electrically driven pump to supply fluid pressure whenever the engine is discontinued and the electric driven pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7128688
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission includes a lubrication passage for feeding lubricating oil to a wet clutch and lubrication points of the transmission, first and second passages with a large-diameter orifice and a small-diameter orifice, respectively, arranged upstream of the lubrication passage, a switching valve for switching fluid communication between the lubrication passage and the first and second passages, a solenoid for controlling the switching valve, and an ECU for controlling the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Katou
  • Patent number: 7121266
    Abstract: A fuel pump cutoff shuttle valve is located between a multiple fuel pump arrangement. The valve has a first tubular member with a hollow, biased sliding member inside that moves according to the fuel pressures of the pumps. The fuel that flows through the valve member passes out through a valve member central orifice so that the fuel can flow into the second tubular member en route to an engine. When the fuel pressure in a pump greatly exceeds that of another pump on the opposite side of the valve member, the valve member moves and places the valve member central orifice adjacent to the interior wall of the first tubular member, stopping the flow of fuel. Alternatively, the valve member may have an orifice at each end of the valve member to permit a reduced flow of fuel to the engine when fuel is not supplied by the central orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Powell
  • Patent number: 7066197
    Abstract: A water supply system for supplying water to a building including a water tank (13) for collecting water from the roof (10) and gutters (12) of the building (11); a water level sensor means (21) for sensing the level of water in the water tank; a tank water system (22) for supplying water from the water tank (13); a water pump (23) for pumping water from the water tank (13) along the tank water system (22); a non-return valve (25) downstream of the pump in the tank water system; a pressure sensor means (26) for sensing water pressure of water within the tank water system, said pressure sensor means (26) is located downstream of the non-return valve (25); a mains water system for supplying mains water; a three port valve (35) having a first port (34) connected to the tank water system downstream from the pressure sensor means (26), a second port (37) connected to the mains water system and a third port (41) connected to the building's water reticulation system; wherein when the first (34) and third port (41) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Urban Rainwater Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Gray, Rodney Douglas Moore, Gregory Duncan Cameron
  • Patent number: 7032606
    Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heater which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tri-Tech Medical Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Lucas, Jr., Donald M. Simo
  • Patent number: 7000638
    Abstract: A diverter valve includes a valve bore having a set of valve seats associated with each fluid outlet port. Each set of valve seats is at least partially separated from one another by a flow channel. The valve seat configuration increases the impact area for the valve element. As a result, the impact force upon seating against the valve seats is reduced. Moreover, by including flow channels between the sets of valve seats, the switching force and performance of the valve element is not adversely affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International. inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Tseng, Bruce Larsen
  • Patent number: 6857440
    Abstract: In a method for a safety valve plus such a safety valve, the safety valve has the form of a valve body axially displaceable in a cavity with an inlet on either side of which are arranged outlets, whereby liquid and/or gas flow takes place from the inlet and past the valve body via a flow path to the outlets. On the valve body side, the flow path is provided with a structure that raises the friction in relation to the liquid and/or gas flow between the inlet and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lind Finance & Development AB
    Inventor: Björn Lind
  • Publication number: 20040206396
    Abstract: The invention relates to an An automatically opening and closing value [[(1)]] for fluids, in which a connecting duct is opened or closed by means of a piston [[(7)]] displaceable axially by the fluid pressure. The invention can be used in refrigerating and/or pressure-medium engineering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Behrends
  • Patent number: 6805148
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure-limiting valve to limit the pressure of hydraulic oil which can be admitted through two intakes, consisting of a control rod in a cylindrical housing equipped with the two intakes, which can be moved against spring force, which, when one intake is exposed to oil under high pressure, connects the other intake supplied with oil kept under low pressure to an outlet leading to the pressure-limiting valve. A pressure-limiting valve of simple construction, which easily installed, is achieved through the fact that the control rod is provided with an axial hole in which a second control rod can be moved against the force of at least one limiting spring adjusted to the pressure to be limited, and that the first control rod, depending on which of the two intakes is subjected to the high pressure, is pushed into a position in which the second control rod connects the intake that is under low pressure to an outlet opening, while overcoming the force of the limiting spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Liebherr-Machines Bulle S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Progin, Erich Eckhardt, Franz-Josef Schwede
  • Patent number: 6779543
    Abstract: In some prior art Blowout Preventer (BOP) operating systems, high velocity fluid flows and low differential pressures induced vibration in the system. This vibration may result in collapsed and failure of hydraulic hoses in the system. A quick dump valve has been added at or near the open port on the BOP assembly to reduce vibration and other problems. The dump valve has a vent position and an open position. Several alternative embodiments add a ball check valve assembly to the shuttle in the quick dump valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: F. Harold Hollister, Jason P. Curtiss, III, Frank B. Springett
  • Patent number: 6708717
    Abstract: A flushing system for air conditioning drainage pipes including a pipe assembly, a valve for selectively blocking the pass of the upstream drain line and a connection for a pressurized fluid supply. Each of the pipe assembly ends has a slidable tubular member cooperatively larger in diameter than said pipe assembly and drain line to snugly receive the ends of the pipe assembly. The tubular members are slid partially over the drain line ends and the ends of the pipe assembly. An alternate embodiment uses cooperating threads on the ends of the pipe assembly and one of the ends of the slidable tubular members. To flush the system with a fluid (liquid or gas), a user closes the valve assembly by rotating the ball valve member and applies the pressurized fluid to flush the system. Also, O-rings are used to enhance the sealing engagement in yet another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Coogle Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gregory Coogle
  • Publication number: 20040050416
    Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly, comprising a valve housing containing first, second and third ports, and a cavity in the housing, a poppet shiftable in the cavity between a first position and a second position, the poppet in its first position directing flow between the first port and the second port, communication between the second port and third port then being blocked, the poppet in its second position directing flow between the third port and the second port, communication between the second port and first port then being blocked, and a friction responsive holder acting to hold the poppet in said first position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to said second position, and to hold the poppet in said second position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Carl Kunkler
  • Patent number: 6675110
    Abstract: A method of determining flow through a valve includes determining a first differential pressure across the valve. The valve is bypassed and a second differential pressure is determined across the valve. A flow decision is determined for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures. A method of testing a relief valve in a reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly includes determining a first differential pressure across an upstream check valve during a no flow condition. The upstream check valve is bypassed for the purpose of opening a relief valve, and a zone vent is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Watts RegulatoryCo.
    Inventor: Lester Engelmann
  • Patent number: 6659735
    Abstract: A scroll compressor that simplifies the structure of a valve and decrease the size of the entire compressor includes a casing having a first chamber into which a fluid is sucked and a second chamber at which compressed fluid is discharged, a driving unit housed inside the casing to generate a driving force, a compressing unit having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll connected to the driving unit by a rotational shaft to compress and discharge the fluid when the driving unit is operated. A valve assembly is rotatively installed to the upper surface of the fixed scroll, opening/closing a discharge hole at which the compressed fluid is discharged and opening/closing a passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Su Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 6644335
    Abstract: A fluid control system incorporates an orificing device between each of a plurality of pilot operated control valves in connection with a control device and a resolver. The pilot operated control valves are actuated by the control device to control different functions of a work machine. The actuation of the pilot operated control valves produces pressure flows that are sent to the respective resolver. The orificing devices include a plurality of steps that may be varied in size and shape to dampen the pressure flow to the respective resolver so that independent control for the pilot operated control valves is achieved. Additionally, a precision edge is defined within each of the orificing devices to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through the respective orificing device and maintain a consistent viscous drag therethrough independent of temperature and oil-viscosity variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul A. Dvorak, Gabriel G. Khairallah, Chin T. Khaw
  • Patent number: 6584995
    Abstract: Currently, there are no products available which allow a user to treat microbial and bacterial growth inside a HVAC condensate drain line or clear a clogged line without cutting into the drain line. Our valve is an in-line condensate drain line valve that can be installed easily, quickly and economically, either during new construction or onto existing HVAC systems. The HVAC user can add household bleach to the condensate line, which inhibits microbial and bacterial growth without cutting into or disassembling the drain line. The design of our valve allows the user to perform safe routine maintenance to the HVAC drainage system without having to resort to expensive and repetitive service call repairs over the lifetime of the HVAC system. The valve is further designed to prevent undesirable reverse airflows into the HVAC system and home or building, caused by a dry water trap in the condensate drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Atwood M. Kimbrough, Carl Brian Kimbrough
  • Publication number: 20030015237
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure-limiting valve to limit the pressure of hydraulic oil which can be admitted through two intakes, consisting of a control rod in a cylindrical housing equipped with the two intakes, which can be moved against spring force, which, when one intake is exposed to oil under high pressure, connects the other intake supplied with oil kept under low pressure to an outlet leading to the pressure-limiting valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Pascal Progin, Erich Eckhardt, Franz-Josef Schwede
  • Patent number: 6477937
    Abstract: A valve arrangement including a release valve. The valve arrangement controls a piston of a cylinder assembly upon interruption of a source of fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder assembly, the cylinder assembly including a first port and a second port and slideably housing the piston for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve arrangement includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the source of fluid pressure and with the first port and the second port to control fluid flow between the source of fluid pressure on the first port and between the source of fluid pressure on the second port, and a release valve fluidly connected to the first port and to the second port, the release valve being operable to control flow of fluid from the first port and from the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Aladdin Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Edward R. Horn, Robert E. Dowd
  • Patent number: 6463819
    Abstract: An oil supply system supplies oil under pressure to a bearing or journal enclosure during normal positive gravity conditions as well as negative gravity and zero gravity conditions. A closed oil storage tank containing a volume of oil below a gas filled headspace with primary drain in a bottom portion normally supplies a pressure pump which passes a pressure control valve before entering an inlet of the enclosure. In negative gravity or zero gravity conditions oil is absent from the tank bottom and the primary pressure pump is starved of oil. The invention solves this problem with an auxiliary tank outlet disposed above the bottom drain (at the top and/or sides of the tank) and the oil-air separator separates the air before pumping the oil under pressure to the bearing or journal enclosure past a directional switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Giusseppe Rago
  • Patent number: 6450217
    Abstract: A switch-over device for a filling station has at least a first and a second input (21 and 22 respectively) for a fluid which is under pressure, and an outlet (9) for the fluid and flow connections (19, 29) via which each input (21, 22) can be connected to the outlet (9). A switch-over valve (42) which has a valve body (421), which can be actuated by the fluid and which in its closure position closes the flow connection (29) between the second input (22) and the outlet (9), is provided in the flow connection (29) between the second input (22) and the outlet (9). Control connections (142, 942) for the fluid are arranged in such a manner that the valve body (421) of the switch-over valve (42) is acted upon on the one side by the pressure of the fluid at the first input (22) and on the other side by the pressure of the fluid at the outlet (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: GreenField AG
    Inventor: Heinz Mutter
  • Patent number: 6446656
    Abstract: A dual inlet backflow prevention valve for preventing mixture between two inlets. The dual inlet backflow prevention valve includes a tubular member having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion. A first opening extends through the tubular member along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Each of the first and second portions defines an inlet duct. A second opening extends into a peripheral wall of the middle portion and into the opening and defines an outlet duct. A pair of saddles is positioned in the middle portion and spaced from each other. Each of the saddle has an aperture extending therethrough and being coaxial with the first opening. Each of the saddles comprises a magnetized material. A bearing is positioned in the middle portion and comprises a metal material. The bearing has a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the apertures in of the saddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: George W. Franks
  • Patent number: 6397874
    Abstract: A dual backflow check valve for use in a vacuum sewage system, wherein the check valve includes a valve body and a valve flap pivotally mounted inside the valve body, the valve body having a primary (branch) conduit and a secondary (service) conduit entering the primary conduit at an acute angle. The primary conduit has an upstream portion forming a primary inlet into the valve body and a downstream portion forming a primary outlet out of the valve body, and the secondary conduit forms a secondary inlet into the valve body. The valve flap is pivotable between two positions, a first position in which it prevents fluid from entering the secondary conduit and a second position in which it prevents fluid from entering the upstream portion of the primary conduit. Preferably, the primary conduit and the secondary conduit of the check valve are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane in the vacuum sewage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Airvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Burton Addison Featheringill, John Merril Grooms
  • Patent number: 6378958
    Abstract: A fluid flow valve having a body (11) with first, second and third fluid inlets (8, 18, 25), a working fluid outlet (4), a first pressure element (11) movable, under the influence of pilot pressure fluid applied to the first inlet, from a first position in which it causes closure of the second inlet, to a second position in which it causes opening of the second inlet, and a second pressure element (20) movable, in response to pressure at the fluid outlet, from a first position in which it causes closure of the third inlet (25) to a second position in which it causes opening of the third inlet, said elements (11, 20) operating in conjunction to permit an initial high volume fluid flow from the second inlet through the outlet and subsequently, with the second element causing interruption of a path between the second inlet and outlet, a high pressure fluid flow from the third inlet through the outlet. The invention embraces a vehicle braking system incorporating the aforesaid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Mark Batchelor
  • Patent number: 6371149
    Abstract: A fluid pressure device including a housing (13) defining a high pressure port (31) and a low pressure port (33). The housing defines a shuttle bore (35) and disposed therein is a shuttle valve assembly (51) including a shuttle spool (63). The shuttle spool (63) defines a fluid passage (87) disposed to provide fluid communication from the low pressure chamber (57) to the shuttle outlet port (85) as the shuttle spool moves from its neutral position (FIG. 2) to the end of its centered range of positions (FIG. 3). The low pressure fluid from the chamber (57) is communicated through the fluid passage (87) and acts on a shuttle poppet member (75), aiding the shuttle spool (63) and its shoulder (67) and unseating (opening) the poppet member (75), thus reducing the fluid pressure in the high pressure chamber (55) required to begin opening the shuttle valve assembly (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Gust, Marvin L. Bernstrom
  • Publication number: 20020020444
    Abstract: A programmable circuit detects drop in pressure of a supplied pressurized gas below a predetermined threshold pressure and automatically switches to a different supply of pressurized gas and automatically contacts a remotely located host computer. The circuit sends status data to the host computer and enters a server mode in which the circuit performs commands issued by the host computer. The commands include commands to change data of the programmable circuit and to download new programming. The predetermined threshold pressure is established by manually setting the supplied pressurized gas to a desired pressure and causing the programmable circuit to measure the pressure of supplied gas and to store the measured pressure as the threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: William H. Dickerson, Paul D. Primrose
  • Patent number: 6321772
    Abstract: The air (atmospheric air) is introduced from an atmospheric port, and it is throttled to give a minute amount by means of a bleed hole. The air is introduced into a vacuum chamber via a bleed passage, and it is introduced into a pressure regulator port via a feedback passage. Further, the air is allowed to pass through a space between a seat section and a seal member of a valve plug, and it is drawn toward a vacuum port. Thus, the seal member of the valve plug to be seated on the seat section is prevented from biting into the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Uehara, Takashi Shirane, Naoki Iguma
  • Patent number: 6318400
    Abstract: The hydraulic shuttle valve has two coaxial supply ports and a transverse function port to direct fluid coming from alternative control sources to a blow out preventor (BOP). The valve includes a moveable shuttle with opposing tapered metal sealing surfaces to alternatively engage opposing coaxial metal valve seats. The shuttle moves back and forth into alternative sealing engagement depending on which supply port has the highest fluid pressure. As the shuttle moves from engagement with one metal seat to engagement with another, there is low or no interflow from one supply port to the other, thus maximizing the amount of fluid directed to the function port. An obtuse metal point is formed on each metal valve seat which comes into contact with a respective outward tapered sealing surface on the shuttle. Repeated movement of the shuttle to and fro displaces a portion of the metal point into a recessed chamfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Company
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, Richard R. Watson, F. Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 6318403
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Sammy G. Fritz
  • Patent number: 6308724
    Abstract: A switchover device for providing a continuous supply of a gas such as chlorine to a water system. The switchover device includes an outlet in communication with a chamber as well as with a vacuum source and two inlets also in communication with the chamber. The switchover device further contains a shuttle that may be positioned to isolate the first inlet, the second inlet, or neither inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: David Haruch, Mario D. Cabrera, Albert Van Grouw, Gregory Stockinger
  • Patent number: 6293777
    Abstract: A hydraulic positive displacement machine has rotating conveying elements whose end faces are sealed by pressure plate. This pressure plate is loaded by a control valve with hydraulic pressure in order to adjust the size of the sealing gap. The control valve has a hollow piston in which a metering orifice is located. A return connector, a connector communicating with a consumer, and a hydraulic control connector connected to the pressure plate can be controlled by the hollow piston with its metering orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Unsöld
  • Patent number: 6286538
    Abstract: A lightweight, non-metallic valve is preferably formed of molded plastic. The valve has an hour-glass configuration or enlarged recesses formed therein to reduce the overall mass of the assembly and provide increased sensitivity to low flow rates. Sealing O-rings are snap fit into grooves at opposite ends of the symmetrical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Truck Brake Systems Co.
    Inventors: James E. Fent, James M. Kubik
  • Patent number: 6257268
    Abstract: The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly in the pressure biased shuttle valve operates in conjunction with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to actuate blow-out preventers and thus shut in the well during emergency situations. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly opens in response to fluid pressure from the ROV. It requires little or no flow to open. These pressure biased shuttle valves are typically located subsea on a lower marine riser platform (LMRP). These platforms are sometimes brought to the surface for a periodic testing and maintenance. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly is also used as a repair kit which facilitates easy maintenance and repair when the LMRP is brought to the surface. In one embodiment, the shuttle is rigidly connected to a piston rod. In another embodiment, there is a flexible connection between the piston rod and shuttle. The purpose of the flexible connection is to encourage a better seal in smaller size valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Company
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, F. Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 6196252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shuttle valve for a multipath hydraulic circuit comprising a valve body having a main passage extending along an axis and having a uniform inner periphery. The shuttle valve further has a slider valve positioned within the main passage which has a first section adjacent and attached to a second section. The first section has a first outer periphery substantially similar to the inner periphery of the main passage such that the first section of the slider valve and the main passage substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The first outer periphery extends a predetermined length which is shorter than the intersection length. The second section has a second outer periphery with a recessed portion being recessed from the outer periphery of the main passage such that fluid is able to pass between the second section and the inner periphery of the main passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Berthold Martin, Valentin Botosan, Charles K. Streetman
  • Patent number: 6173728
    Abstract: A switching valve (50) for a hydraulic power steering system (10) includes a longitudinally movable valve spool (80). A spring (86) biases the spool (80) to a neutral position. The switching valve (50) is configured to direct hydraulic fluid from a primary pump (34) to a steering control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in a primary position, and to direct hydraulic fluid from an auxiliary pump (38) to the control valve (14) when the spool (80) is in an auxiliary position. The spool (80) is movable against a bias of the spring (86) from the neutral position to the primary position under the influence of a hydraulic fluid pressure differential between the opposite ends of the spool (80). The switching valve (50) defines a flow path for directing hydraulic fluid from the primary pump (34) to an end of the spool (80) when the spool (80) is in the neutral position. The flow path extends axially over a flat portion (124) of an outer surface of the spool (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick D. Venable, Bernard C. Hudgens, Lowell D. Stingley, Gary L. Vandermolen
  • Patent number: 6164619
    Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly in a ram-type BOP selectively connects the volume behind the rams to the more highly pressurized wellbore volume adjacent to the rams (either above or below the rams). The connection made is free flowing in both directions (no check valves) allowing for evacuation and fluctuations with changes in wellbore pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Denzal Wayne Van Winkle, David McWhorter
  • Patent number: 6161586
    Abstract: A tournament oil path constituting apparatus in which while a laminated block is constituted by laminating a number of oil path plates, a number of shuttle valve holes and connection grooves made continuous to the shuttle valve holes are formed at overlap faces of the oil path plates, shuttle valves are integrated to the shuttle valve holes, introductory oil paths communicating with the shuttle valve holes are formed at both of the oil path plates formed with the shuttle valve holes and the oil path plates having match faces on sides of the shuttle valve holes and a high pressure oil is selected by the shuttle valves from pressure oils conducted both of the introductory oil paths and conducted to the connection grooves. The tournament oil path constituting apparatus also including a number of main paths penetrating the number of laminated oil path plates and branch grooves branched from the main paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toichi Hirata, Genroku Sugiyama, Tsukasa Toyooka, Norio Onuma, Ikuo Inagaki, Masao Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 6123645
    Abstract: A control for a power transmission has a neutral idle circuit comprised of a signal valve, a control valve and a shuttle valve. The signal valve supplies a bias pressure to the control valve, which has an output control pressure proportional to the input torque to the transmission. The output control pressure and transmission line pressure act on the shuttle valve to direct the control pressure to a clutch in the transmission when the output pressure is below a predetermined percentage of the transmission line pressure and to direct line pressure to the clutch when the predetermined percentage is exceeded. This permits the clutch to be controlled at or below a slipping engagement state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6098648
    Abstract: An intake for a bathtub with recirculates water, such as a whirlpool-type tub, includes a water inlet, an interior portion and an outlet that is adapted to be connected to a recirculating pump, so that water can flow from the tub, in through the inlet, through the interior and to the outlet to be recirculated by the pump. A vent communicates with the interior, and extends outside of the interior for communication with ambient air. A shutter is provided that is capable of being switched from a first condition, in which the outlet communicates with the vent, to an operating condition, in which, when a flow of water is caused toward the outlet, the shutter substantially shuts the vent. The shutter is adapted to switch from the operating condition to the first condition when the flow of water falls below a predetermined threshold value so as to enable ambient air to enter the interior through the vent, causing the recirculating pump to become unprimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Domino S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuliano Bertoia
  • Patent number: 6092545
    Abstract: A self actuating valve (10) including a housing (12) and a flow control member (14), and magnetic material (16, 17) integral with the housing (12) and the flow control member (14), respectively, with at least one of the magnetic material (16, 17) being permanently magnetized. The housing (12) includes a flow control chamber (18) and first, second, and third ports (20, 22, 24) connected to the chamber (18). The flow control member (14) is mounted in the chamber (18) for movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the member (14) blocks flow between the first and second ports (20, 22), blocks flow between the first and third ports (20, 24) and allows flow between the second and third ports (22, 24). In the second position, the member (14) allows flow between the first and second ports (20, 22) and blocks flow to the third port (24) from both the first port (20) and the second port (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Blaine Bedore, Gary Lester Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6050081
    Abstract: An air purge/fuel valve for a turbine engine uses a spool configuration to provide both a more reliable check valve system preventing backflow into the fuel line or the air purge line and a mechanically positive prevention of simultaneous gas and air flow, together with the features of a pneumatically actuated valve in which an external pneumatic actuator positively moves the valve spool against possible resistance of the spool caused by minor coking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventors: Harvey B. Jansen, Kevin W. Deutscher
  • Patent number: 6022085
    Abstract: A supply valve for use in a vehicular braking system includes a housing. A sleeve is disposed within a bore in the housing. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore. A valve element is disposed within the sleeve and includes a valve seat and check element for sealing against the valve seat to close the valve element. A lip seal is disposed on the sleeve for allowing fluid to flow from a low pressure accumulator to a pump, but not in the opposite direction. The supply valve is particularly adapted for use in an anti-lock braking system equipped with traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Co.
    Inventors: Blaise J. Ganzel, Ronald L. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6016826
    Abstract: An automatic center cavity equalizing valve for equalizing pressure in a main valve. The equalizing valve includes a body with a bore for providing fluid communication between an upstream port and a center cavity port, and a downstream port and the center cavity port. A metal ball is disposed within the bore and is arranged to mate with upstream and downstream seats to seal communication with the upstream or downstream port and the center cavity port depending upon the differential pressure across valve. The metal ball is spring biased against the downstream seat to prevent damage to the downstream seat due to rattling. In addition, access plugs are provided at opposite ends of the bore to allow for access to the interior of the bore for repairing or replacing the metal ball, the seats, and/or other internal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: M&FC Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl A. Bake, Leonard J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5984651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic brake system which operates by the feedback principle during brake slip control operations and includes a self-priming pump that aspirates pressure fluid from a pressure fluid reservoir for traction slip control operations. In order to improve the delivery rate of the pump, having a parallel arrangement of the two suction valves, a special construction of the pump-assembly is proposed, wherein the two suction valves are integrated in the pump housing. Advantageously, the suction valves are in axially opposed relationship, and the first suction valve is arranged on the movable piston, and the second suction valve is connected with a screw cap. Further, a pump for a slip-controlled hydraulic brake system according to the present invention is suggested having at least one suction valve with a valve seat, a closure member and a valve spring, the preload of the valve spring being variable in response to the position of a delivery piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe, GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Beck, Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Albrecht Otto
  • Patent number: 5983516
    Abstract: An air dryer includes two desiccant chambers, a control system and a cover member into which a shuttle valve mechanism has been incorporated. Secured atop the chambers, the cover member defines an outlet port, first and second passages, and a horizontal chamber between the passages in which a shuttle valve can be moved reciprocatingly. The horizontal chamber has two ends, a first interconnected to the first desiccant chamber by the first passage and a second interconnected to the second desiccant chamber by the second passage. The outlet port of the dryer extends from the horizontal chamber. Governing the flow of air into and out of the dryer, the control system periodically switches the incoming flow of untreated air between the two desiccant chambers. The control system thus determines which desiccant chamber will operate in a drying mode, with the other being operated in a purge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Trapp, Michael V. Kazakis
  • Patent number: RE37090
    Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Kloosterman, John Barlow