Flow Sensing Turbine Patents (Class 137/119.07)
  • Patent number: 11525522
    Abstract: Disclosed is a four-way reversing valve, including a valve body, a motor transmission structure, and a reversing valve disc; the valve body includes a valve seat, an insulation sleeve welded to upper end surface of the valve seat, a D pipe, an S pipe, a C pipe, and an E pipe connected to lower end surface of the valve seat; the motor transmission structure includes motor worm gear and shaft transmission assembly and a planetary gearbox kit; the motor worm gear and shaft transmission assembly is sleeved onto upper external wall of the insulation sleeve through shaft hole of an external drive sprocket, and a non-through blind-hole is formed in a valve seat center; a central shaft is embedded into the blind-hole, and the central shaft connects the reversing valve disc and the planetary gearbox kit; the reversing valve disc and the planetary gearbox kit are inside the insulation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ZHUJI YIBA ELECTRONIC VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huajun Chen, Yulong Chen, Xiaoshui He
  • Patent number: 10815958
    Abstract: An adapter element for a solenoid valve assembly in an irrigation system includes an integral water turbine generator including an impeller positioned in an outlet flow path of a solenoid assembly thereof such that the impeller rotates when water flows to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 10641401
    Abstract: A water distribution valve assembly is carried in a multi-port water distribution valve with a bottom inlet. The assembly includes a bearing plate including a plurality of openings, and a valve plate including a port, the valve plate mounted for rotation on and with respect to the bearing plate. A drive assembly is operably coupled to impart rotational movement of the valve plate with respect to the bearing plate, in response to the application of a flow of water, through a plurality of positions each characterized by the port of the valve plate being aligned with a respective one of the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10473495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for metering the flow of a fluid. A fluid-metering device for a hose or pipe, comprises: a body (10) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (11); an impeller (20) drivable by a flow of fluid through the device; a barrel (40), having an inlet (42) and an outlet (43), slidably mounted in the body (10) such that the barrel (40) is slidable between an open position wherein the barrel inlet (42) and outlet (43) are aligned with the body inlet (12) and outlet (11) such that a fluid can flow through the device and drive the impeller (20), and a closed position wherein the barrel inlet (42) and outlet (43) are offset from the body inlet (12) and outlet (11) such that a fluid cannot flow through the device, the barrel (40) being biased towards the closed position; and latching means (50) arranged to hold the barrel (40) in the open position, wherein a predetermined number of rotations of the impeller (20) will release the barrel (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Flostem Limited
    Inventor: Austen Miller
  • Patent number: 9890548
    Abstract: A distribution valve of an in-floor pool cleaning system is provided. The distribution valve includes a housing having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. A turbine within the housing rotates about a shaft in response to fluid flowing through the inlet port. The turbine is releasably coupled to a gear mechanism, and the gear mechanism is releasably coupled to a distribution valve disk, the disk having an aperture therein. As the turbine rotates, the gear mechanism also rotates and drives the rotation of the disk around the shaft. The rotation of the disk sequentially places the aperture over one of the plurality of outlet ports, thus allowing fluid to flow out of the outlet port over which the aperture is positioned, but restricting fluid flow into any of the outlet ports that are covered by the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Blue Square Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gerald Malinasky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9695952
    Abstract: A water distribution valve for directing a flow of fluid through a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing having an inlet and outlets. A plurality of gates are mounted in the housing, each corresponding to a respective one of the outlets. Each gate is mounted to open and close the respective one of the outlets to which the gate corresponds in response to the flow of fluid into the housing from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9625041
    Abstract: A wearless water distribution valve directs a flow of water through a swimming pool cleaning system and includes a housing having an inlet, outlets, and an inner surface bounding and defining an interior coupled in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlets. The valve further includes a disc having a port, and being mounted for rotation in the housing for movement among a plurality of positions, each position of the disc characterized by the port being aligned with a respective one of the outlets. The valve further includes a drive assembly carried by the housing and operably coupled to impart rotation to the disc. In response to application of the flow of water into the housing, actuation of the drive assembly imparts rotation to the disc through the plurality of positions. The disc is disposed in spaced relation away from the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9599237
    Abstract: A control valve includes a body, a first end cap, a second end cap, an insert, and a piston. The first end cap, second end cap, and insert are removably secured to the body and define a first port, second port, and third port of the control valve, respectively. The piston is positioned within the bore of the body and is movable between a first position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the second port and not with the third port and a second position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and not with the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd William Larsen
  • Patent number: 9487904
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry treating apparatus may include a detergent storage device positioned below an introduction port for introducing laundry into and removing laundry from a washing tub of the apparatus, a detergent dissolution device to dissolve detergent in water, and a flow path switching valve to selectively open a flow path for dissolution of the detergent and a flow path for supply of the dissolved detergent and washing water solution to the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Naeun Kim, Dongwon Kim, Mingyu Jo
  • Patent number: 9341281
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 8820355
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for substantially improving the energy efficiency of swimming pools having in-floor cleaning systems. Comprehensive data is provided demonstrating the improvement in cleaning capacity realized in a typical prior art pool before and after conversion to the present invention. Methods are disclosed for the reallocation of all or a substantial part of the increase in cleaning capacity toward a proportionate reduction in energy consumption by reducing the run time or operating speed of the pool pump motor while maintaining the same or a higher level of cleaning capacity achieved by the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aspen Research, Ltd
    Inventors: S. Jepson Sutton, Sam Sutton
  • Patent number: 8714182
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for use in in-floor pool cleaning systems. The valve has a housing with an inlet port, an internal cavity and multiple outlet ports. A drive source, which can be an impeller positioned in the cavity and in fluid communication with the inlet port, is directly or indirectly (such as by a gear assembly) connected to a fluid control plate that has one or more apertures. As fluid enters the cavity through the inlet port the drive rotates the fluid control plate. As the plate rotates the aperture(s) rotate to allow the fluid to pass through the aperture(s) and into the respective outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Square Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gerald Malinasky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8256461
    Abstract: An improved multi-port water distribution valve is disclosed together with the improved cam mechanism that significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the valve when used to distribute water to multiple sets of pop-up cleaning heads incorporated into the in-floor cleaning system of a swimming pool. Two forms of prior art distribution valves are disclosed as is the improved cam mechanism that, when used to replace the prior art cam in these devices, significantly improves their performance. Comparative data is provided demonstrating the results achieved with two different prior art valves operated with and without the improved cam. Embodiments of the invention suitable for use in existing six-port and five-port distribution valves are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aspen Research, Ltd
    Inventor: S. Jepson Sutton
  • Patent number: 7104472
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler system for both above-the ground and pop-up rotary sprinkler systems that controls the rate of nozzle rotation is disclosed. To maintain a relatively constant and controlled nozzle rotation, one or more chamfered spokes are included on the turbine of the sprinkler system. This turbine configuration together with a stator assembly that regulates fluid flow to the turbine control nozzle rotation despite variations in fluid flow. In particular, the chamfered spokes counteract the spin of the turbine in direct relation to the amount of water that bypasses the driving blades of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 6921030
    Abstract: A rotary sprinkler system for both above-the ground and pop-up rotary sprinkler systems that controls the rate of nozzle rotation is disclosed. To maintain a relatively constant and controlled nozzle rotation, one or more chamfered spokes are included on the turbine of the sprinkler system. This turbine configuration together with a stator assembly that regulates fluid flow to the turbine control nozzle rotation despite variations in fluid flow. In particular, the chamfered spokes counteract the spin of the turbine in direct relation to the amount of water that bypasses the driving blades of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 6732760
    Abstract: This device comprises a body (2) having outlets (8), and a bonnet (3) housing a rotor (6) being submitted to the action of the inflowing fluid and being connected to a reducing gear (15) activating the closing device. This device is characterized in that the opening of the outlets (8) is carried out with respective angularly sliding shutters (9) being turned by means successively shifting them in opposite directions to thus respectively obtain the opening and closing of the outlets (8). The means shifting the shutters (9) are made up by studs (12, 13 and 14) being provided on the lower surface of the rotary intermediary plate (4) being solid with the reducing gear (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Mellado, Emilio Serrano Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6539967
    Abstract: A distribution valve includes a fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, wherein the distribution valve includes a housing including a fluid inlet (3). The housing includes an upper section (15B) and a lower section (15B). A gear reduction assembly (2) located in the housing includes a gear reduction mechanism (2A) and impeller (2B) located near the inlet port and connected to a rotary input shaft of the gear reduction mechanism (2A). A cam device (6) engages a rotary output shaft of the gear reduction mechanism so as to rotate the cam device in response to rotation of the impeller. The cam device (6) includes a raised section (6A having their own a raised camming surface (6B) which rotates in response to rotation of an impeller of the impeller (2B). A plurality of valve assemblies disposed in the lower section (15A) are arranged to open or close fluid paths through the plurality of fluid outlet ports (4), respectively, in response to rotation of the camming surface (6B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Shasta Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Tarr
  • Patent number: 6397687
    Abstract: A water monitoring and regulation apparatus comprising two vanes connected to two flow meters, a timer, a main gear connected to the two vane shafts, a timer gear connected to the timer, a shut off mechanism, a manual reset and an automatic reset when the shut off has not been engaged. The flow of water through the vanes causes the main gear to turn which causes the timer gear to turn. When the timer gear has turned the number of revolutions corresponding to the pre-selected maximum flow time, the timer will shut off the flow of water. When the water flow is interrupted, as in normal use of the water supply, the time will be automatically reset by the reset mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jesus Garmas
  • Patent number: 6386232
    Abstract: A fluid distributor valve including a chamber formed by a body and bonnet and having an intermediary plate through which a central shaft extends, a rotor being fitted around said central shaft and being submitted to the action of the fluid flowing into said chamber, said body having fluid outlet bottom orifices being each closed by a respective stopper, the stoppers being prised open by activation of a reducing gear connected to said rotor, This valve includes a controlling and arresting device by which the fluid passage towards the rotor is controlled and can even be totally blocked in order to thus adjust the time during which each outlet will be held open, and also in order to keep a given outlet open and all of the remaining outlets closed when the valve has been arrested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.
    Inventors: Emilio Serrano Sanchez, Juan Capdevila Arnau, Armand Puiggros Roig
  • Patent number: 6360767
    Abstract: The base of a fluid distribution valve is configured to allow a cluster of outlet pipe sockets to extend beyond the outer diameter of the base of the valve to accommodate larger diameter pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6325087
    Abstract: A distribution valve includes a fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, wherein the distribution valve includes a housing including a fluid inlet (3). The housing includes an upper section (15B) and a lower section (15B). A gear reduction assembly (2) located in the housing includes a gear reduction mechanism (2A) and impeller (2B) located near the inlet port and connected to a rotary input shaft of the gear reduction mechanism (2A). A cam device (6) engages a rotary output shaft of the gear reduction mechanism so as to rotate the cam device in response to rotation of the impeller. The cam device (6) includes a raised section (6A) having their own a raised camming surface (6B) which rotates in response to rotation of an impeller of the impeller (2B). A plurality of valve assemblies disposed in the lower section (15A) are arranged to open or close fluid paths through the plurality of fluid outlet ports (4), respectively, in response to rotation of the camming surface (6B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Shasta Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Tarr
  • Patent number: 6314999
    Abstract: Alignment arrangement between a valve module and a base containing outlet chambers assures that the valves in the valve module are correctly positioned relative to the chambers. A plurality of posts between a valve actuating assembly in the module and a shut-off plate also in the module assures proper seating of the shut-off plate in the base of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Conn
  • Patent number: 6311728
    Abstract: A multiple outlet valve includes a valve actuating mechanism driven by a turbine. Fluid entering the valve passes through a flow control member which determines the velocity of the fluid entering the turbine and thereby controls the frequency with which the valve operates. The valve further includes a gasket associated with a valve shut-off plate for preventing leakage of fluid between outlet chambers in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6189556
    Abstract: A distribution valve for a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing with a high pressure fluid inlet disposed on a side of the housing, a plurality of outlet ports for connection to a plurality of return lines, respectively, a plurality of valves opening or closing the outlet ports from the interior, and an impeller-driven gear assembly to sequentially open and close each valve in response to rotation of the impeller. A cover unit is connected to the housing, and includes an impeller chamber connected to an underside portion of the cover unit, with the impeller disposed concentrically in the impeller chamber. The impeller includes a circular disk base that forms a bottom of the impeller chamber. A guide passage extends from an inlet window of the impeller chamber to guide a stream of water from the inlet into the inlet chamber against blades of the impeller causing it to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Shasta Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy F. Blake, Paul A. Womack