Float Controlled Patents (Class 137/122)
  • Patent number: 11879394
    Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a shut off valve for an ecology fuel return system can include an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for effusing the fluid, and a valve member configured to move between an open position such that the valve member allows fluid to effuse from the outlet and a closed position such that the valve member prevents fluid from effusing from the outlet. The valve member can include a pressure deflector configured to prevent fluid flow from biasing the valve member toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Carpenter, Leo J. Veilleux, Jr., Lubomir A. Ribarov
  • Patent number: 11780740
    Abstract: A system of filtering runoff water from a roof cleaning is used to remove contaminants from water that has been used for rooftop cleaning. The system is also configured to gather water noninvasively from downspouts or topographically low points upon the roof. The system of filtering runoff water from a roof cleaning utilizes a pump that is connected to a large bin for filtration. The pump is placed at a low point upon the rooftop, thus enabling optimal water collection for subsequent pumping. The bin contains a disposable filter through which pumped water may pass, either through force from the pump pressure or due to the effects of gravity. Clean water is then ejected from the bin, or otherwise guided to an appropriate drainage area. This arrangement allows for easy maintenance, as a rooftop cleaner need only to swap out the old filter for a new one after cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Nils Nedrelid
  • Patent number: 11371657
    Abstract: The invention is related to a tank system for storing a high pressure gas. The invention provides a system for storing a gas, the system comprising at least two tanks, a first tank and a last tank, the first tank comprising an inlet port connected to a system inlet, the last tank comprising an outlet port connected to a system outlet, each tank being provided with an on tank valve comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a communication line leading into the tank, each on tank valve comprising a communication line between the inlet port and the outlet port of the on tank valve, the outlet port of the on tank valve of the first tank being connected to the inlet port of the on tank valve of the last tank, the at least two tanks being serially connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PLASTIC OMNIUM NEW ENERGIES FRANCE
    Inventors: Corentin Michel Roger Bouron, Bjorn Criel, Eric Deparis
  • Patent number: 11274550
    Abstract: A well test module is disclosed including a production manifold, a well test manifold, and a plurality of diverter valves, each having an input port coupled to a well inlet, a first output port coupled to the production manifold by a production loop, and a second output port coupled to the well test manifold. The well test module also includes a first flow meter having an input port coupled to a first end of the well test manifold and an output port coupled to the production manifold by a first well test flow line and a second flow meter having an input port coupled to a second end of the well test manifold and an output port coupled to the production manifold by a second well test flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Iain Duncan, Wade Wells
  • Patent number: 10995017
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a mobile reservoir system to provide potable water to desired destinations. The mobile reservoir system includes a waterborne vessel that includes a cargo hold. A collection unit comprised of a material for safe and sterile storage of potable water is disposed in the cargo hold. One or more collectors channel rainwater into the collection unit. Each collector is a sheet of a non-porous material supported on a retractable frame and a plurality of support arms. The sheet provides a surface area for collecting rainwater. A porous material covers the collection unit and operates as a filter for collected rainwater. A retractable cover may be extended over the cargo hold to provide protection to the collected rainwater in the collection unit. A filtration system is configured to offload the rainwater as potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Phillip Fuqua Smith
  • Patent number: 10962130
    Abstract: A lubricant reservoir system includes a lubricant reservoir having an interior wall and an inlet for receiving lubricant from a supply. A follower device in the reservoir contacts the interior wall of the reservoir in a sliding and sealing manner, and the follower device is movable up and down in the reservoir from a first position to a second position in response to a changing lubricant level. A valve is in fluid communication with the inlet and is configured to selectively prevent a flow of the lubricant through the inlet. A connector operatively connects the follower device to the valve unit such that the flow of the lubricant through the inlet is prevented when the follower device is in the second position. The connector is configured such that the valve is positionable independently of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SKF LUBRICATION SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Mandera, Dieter Hess, Tobias Mueller, Andreas Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 10730765
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a mobile reservoir system to provide potable water to desired destinations. The mobile reservoir system includes a waterborne vessel that includes a cargo hold. A collection unit comprised of a material for safe and sterile storage of potable water is disposed in the cargo hold. One or more collectors channel rainwater into the collection unit. Each collector is a sheet of a non-porous material supported on a retractable frame and a plurality of support arms. The sheet provides a surface area for collecting rainwater. A porous material covers the collection unit and operates as a filter for collected rainwater. A retractable cover may be extended over the cargo hold to provide protection to the collected rainwater in the collection unit. A filtration system is configured to offload the rainwater as potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Phillip Fuqua Smith
  • Patent number: 10106971
    Abstract: The device herein disclosed and described provides a water collection system that separates the initial flush of rainwater, which contains higher concentrations of undesirable contaminants from later received rainwater having lower concentrations of contaminants to be stored for later use or to be discharged directly to receiving bodies of water. The device contains a cistern for treating first flush rainwater, a basin for receiving water in fluid connection with the cistern and a water storage tank, a water diversion channel that diverts first flush rain water to the cistern and additional rainwater to a water storage tank, a floatation device on a connecting rod affixed to the diversion channel that acts to operate the diversion channel when the water in the cistern achieves a desired height by diverting the additional water received to the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventors: Arturo J. Villanueva, Arturo N. Villanueva, Jr., Vernon N. Villanueva
  • Patent number: 10024447
    Abstract: A modular manifold assembly is configured to connect to a manifold block of an auto cascade system used to fill an individual fluid tank. The modular manifold assembly may include a main housing that contains one or more sequence valves and fluid conduits. The sequence valve(s) are configured to allow fluid to be sequentially drawn from a plurality of fluid storage cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Gordon E. Rado
  • Patent number: 9883968
    Abstract: An injector apparatus comprises an elongate structure having one or more openings positionable near a penetrable barrier of an implantable device so as to receive fluid of the implantable device. The apparatus comprises a needle and a sheath extending over at least a portion of the needle. The elongate structure may comprise a distal tip to penetrate tissue and the penetrable barrier, and a distal opening near the tip to release therapeutic fluid into the implantable chamber. In many embodiments the distal tip, the distal opening, and the plurality of openings are separated from a stop that engages a tissue of the patient and limit penetration depth such that the distal opening and the plurality of openings are located along an axis of the implantable device to increase an efficiency of the exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ForSight Vision4, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Doud, Randolph E. Campbell, Signe Erickson, K. Angela MacFarlane, Mike Barrett, Christina Skieller, David Batten, Greg Stine, Eugene de Juan, Jr., Douglas Sutton, Kathleen Cogan Farinas
  • Patent number: 9879902
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which includes a carbonated water production assembly, wherein the carbonated water production assembly includes a structure in which purified water or carbonated water which overflow from a carbonated water container in which the carbonated water is produced is discharged by detouring. Through this, cleanliness of the carbonated water container may be improved, and safety may be improved during the carbonated water production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Koog An, Byung Mo Yu
  • Patent number: 9290923
    Abstract: A flow control device for a storm water management system includes a storage chamber and a number of discharge openings extending through the storage chamber. Associated with each opening is a valving mechanism that opens or closes the opening in response to changes in water level in the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Joel Lang, Patrick X. Collings, Douglas K. Graham
  • Patent number: 8725301
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Carskadon, Patrick Barrett
  • Patent number: 7775232
    Abstract: A filtration device, which can be installed at a relatively low place below the full water level of a storage tank, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Totetu Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
  • Patent number: 7309419
    Abstract: A device for diverting the flow of liquid in a wastewater treatment system in flow communication with effluent returning from a recirculating treatment section and in flow communication with a discharge line for removing a portion of treated effluent to a receiving body. The device also has openings for returning a percentage of the effluent back to the wastewater treatment system. A valve operatively responsive to a float in the treatment system whereby when the effluent level in the system falls below a critical point, all of the effluent is recirculated back into the treatment system and when the effluent level rises sufficiently a percentage of cleaned effluent exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Quanics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Rhorer, Theophilus B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 7048849
    Abstract: A first flush rainwater diverter and collection system for use with rainwater storage tanks primarily in domestic situations. The system comprises primary (13) and secondary (14) storage chambers, a T-piece (10) for connection in a rainwater flow path, a fall pipe (12) connected to the T-piece and extending into the primary storage chamber, a float within the fall pipe which seals on a seat when the level of rainwater reaches a preset level, a rainwater flow regulator (17) which regulates the flow of rainwater from the primary storage chamber to the secondary storage chamber, an overflow (18) and an outlet (19) in the secondary storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Rodney George Wade
  • Patent number: 6619312
    Abstract: A flow control mechanism for an eaves trough downspout has a primary flow path through a housing from an inlet to a first outlet. A tubular arm extends from the housing and has a first end is in fluid communication with a second outlet. A deflector is pivotally secured within the housing for movement between a deflecting position and an inoperative position. In the deflecting position, the deflector deflects a liquid stream flowing along the primary flow path to a secondary flow path through the second outlet. A linkage extends through the tubular arm. A float is positioned at the second end of the tubular arm and suspended from a second end of the linkage. Movement of the deflector between the deflecting position and the inoperative position is tied by the linkage to the position of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Gaston Doiron
  • Publication number: 20020056475
    Abstract: A flow control mechanism for an eaves trough downspout has a primary flow path through a housing from an inlet to a first outlet. A tubular arm extends from the housing and has a first end is in fluid communication with a second outlet. A deflector is pivotally secured within the housing for movement between a deflecting position and an inoperative position. In the deflecting position, the deflector deflects a liquid stream flowing along the primary flow path to a secondary flow path through the second outlet. A linkage extends through the tubular arm. A float is positioned at the second end of the tubular arm and suspended from a second end of the linkage. Movement of the deflector between the deflecting position and the inoperative position is tied by the linkage to the position of the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Gaston Doiron
  • Patent number: 6182680
    Abstract: A rain water vessel (1) includes a water inlet (21), a main tank (26), a dump tank (27) inside the main tank, and a diverter valve (31, 32). The diverter valve (31, 32) is, after a period without rainfall of less than 1 hour, normally in a first condition in which it directs rain water entering the inlet (21) into the dump tank (27). A float (33) is operated when the dump tank is filled with water to a predetermined amount, to cause the diverter valve to be put in a second condition in which it causes the rain water to flow to the main tank (26). A drain (34, 36) lowers the amount of water in the dump tank over a period of time in excess of 1 minute by outflow to exterior of the vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: George Henry Hart
  • Patent number: 5836116
    Abstract: A tank system includes a tank, a rainwater feed mechanism and a run-off for contaminated water. The rainwater feed mechanism includes a switch unit that passes contaminated water to the run-off. When large quantities of rainwater are received, the switch unit passes the rainwater to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Roland Widmann
  • Patent number: 5213130
    Abstract: An irrigation system includes one or more valve assemblies which are connected in series to a pressurized source of water. Each valve assembly includes a cylindrical housing, a ball valve, an inlet and two outlets with one outlet generally opposite from the inlet in a lower portion of the housing. The other outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing and adapted to direct water to an area of ground for irrigation. A pit and float are associated with each valve assembly and arranged so that some of the irrigation water will flow into the pit and raise the float. The float is connected to spring biasing means and when the float reaches a predetermined level, the ball valve will spring upwardly to close the upper outlet and redirect the water to another assembly. Water pressure will then maintain the valve in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Saleh A. Al-Hamlan
  • Patent number: 4497333
    Abstract: A valve having a hollow body, an inlet and outlet for supplying and discharging pressured liquid, the valve body has a normally open top and a closure is provided to close said open top when positioned over the top opening and held in place by pressure of liquid supplied to the body, a closed air chamber communicates with the interior valve body and is arranged to hold compressed air therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Inventor: Chester C. Rodieck
  • Patent number: 4495960
    Abstract: A suds return valve for automatic washers is provided in which a flapper valve can be manually set to save suds water for subsequent use, the valve being automatically returned to direct rinse liquid to drain after the suds water has reached a predetermined height in a storage receptacle. The valve can be manually set to use suds water in a wash cycle and the valve would be automatically returned to send water to the drain after a predetermined amount of suds water has been removed from the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Cartier, Victor W. Cuthbert, Anthony Mason
  • Patent number: 4428394
    Abstract: A downspout baffle mechanism is disclosed, adapted for use in conventional, vertically disposed downspouts for diverting controlled amounts of water descending in such downspouts to water collecting means located above and spaced from the normal downspout terminus. The baffle mechanism is controlled by the rise and fall of a suitable float in the water collecting means through a motion reversing mechanism such that the baffle diverts water through a side opening in the down position of the float and substantially seals such side opening in the up position of the float. The baffle and control mechanism is preferably incorporated in a preformed assemblage adapted for insertion in a conventional downspout by merely removing, at the desired elevation, an appropriate length of the downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Charlotte M. Wright, executrix
    Inventor: Jack C. Wright, deceased
  • Patent number: 4301824
    Abstract: In a fluid circulation system of the type having a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to an apparatus requiring a supply of pressurized fluid, a sump containing a volume of fluid from which the pump draws its supply, and an overage fluid return line, a sump level maintenance system including a remote fluid reservoir disposed above the sump, a housing in communication with the fluid in the sump and defining a pair of ports in communication with respective ones of the reservoir and the overage return passage, a float structure operative to open both ports when the sump level is below a low level and to close the port to the reservoir to prevent replenishment when the sump level is between the low level and a high level and to close both ports when the sump level is above the high level to prevent overage fluid from returning to the sump, and a fluid conduit from the overage passage to the reservoir operative to divert overage to the reservoir when the second port is closed thereby depleting the fluid volume i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Payne
  • Patent number: 4236509
    Abstract: The curving device in an endoscope is made highly flexible yet resistant to bending. The guide tube of the curving end section is provided with a groove or ring-shaped grooves which are formed respectively spirally or at equal intervals in the outer wall of the guide tube. The coil is made of a wire whose diameter is substantially equal to the depth of the groove or grooves and smaller than the width of the groove or grooves. The coil is fitted into the groove or grooves in a spiral manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventors: Nagashige Takahashi, Nobuhiro Noda
  • Patent number: 4014361
    Abstract: Each valve of the present invention is comprised of a hollow valve body, an inlet connectable to a source of pressurized water, a first outlet disposed at the top of the valve body for emptying into an irrigation basin, a second outlet for connection to the inlet of a second valve; a float activated valve gate loosely guided within the hollow valve body, which gate is capable of sealing and holding closed the first outlet against liquid flow as long as water pressure is being applied to its inlet. In the open position of said first outlet the gate is capable of blocking water flow to the second outlet to prevent water flow to said second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Inventor: Chester C. Rodieck
  • Patent number: 3951163
    Abstract: Each valve of the present invention is comprised of a hollow valve body, an inlet connectable to a source of pressurized water, a first outlet disposed at the top of the valve body for emptying into an irrigation basin, a second outlet for connection to the inlet of a second valve; a float activated valve gate loosely guided within the hollow valve body, which gate is capable of sealing and holding closed the first outlet against liquid flow as long as water pressure is being applied to its inlet. In the open position of said first outlet the gate is capable of blocking water flow to the second outlet to prevent water flow to said second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1972
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Inventor: Chester C. Rodieck