Involving Pressure Control Patents (Class 137/14)
  • Patent number: 9075414
    Abstract: To provide a pressure control device that can prevent ringing and overshoot without changing gain even with a high gain setting, can quickly change pressure to a steady state even with a large set pressure value, and can equalize the time required from an initial to steady state regardless of the set pressure value, a valve control part is provided that includes an open degree operated amount output part that outputs an open degree operated amount based on a measured pressure value and a set pressure value, and a limiter part that sets an upper limit value of the open degree operated amount according to the set pressure value and that controls a pressure control valve by the open degree operated amount of the upper limit value when the open degree operated amount exceeds the upper limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Takijiri
  • Patent number: 9068699
    Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignees: Brandeis University, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Seth Fraden, Hakim Boukellal, Yanwei Jia, Seila Selimovic, Amy Rowat, Jeremy Agresti, David A. Weitz
  • Patent number: 9038650
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method for providing a fluid at a target pressure may include providing a fluid at a velocity to a supply line through a dispenser, measuring a pressure of the fluid flowing through the supply line, comparing the measured pressure with the target pressure, and adjusting the velocity based on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Kelekar
  • Publication number: 20150136270
    Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system may include a damped valve that moves from a closed position to an open position faster than from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: James Keane
  • Patent number: 9033307
    Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Katja Friedrich, Walter Gumbrecht, Peter Paulicka
  • Publication number: 20150129044
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for processing a wafer are provided. A method for processing a wafer includes creating an exhaust flow in a fluid conduit assembly that is connected to a process module used for processing the wafer. The method also includes detecting the exhaust pressure in the fluid conduit assembly. The method further includes determining whether the exhaust pressure meets a set point. In addition, the method includes regulating the exhaust flow if the exhaust pressure fails to meet the set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-Hua CHOU, Shih-Hung CHEN, Jian-Huah CHIOU
  • Publication number: 20150114479
    Abstract: A regulating device may include a housing that defines an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, with a flow restriction seat between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A flow restriction valve is movable relative to the flow restriction seat to adjust the flow between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber of the regulating device. A servo valve having a servo chamber may be used to adjust the position of the flow restriction valve. The servo chamber may be fluidly coupled to the inlet chamber though a fixed flow restriction and to the outlet chamber though an adjustable flow restriction. A stepper motor may be used to adjust the servo valve to adjust the adjustable flow restriction between the servo chamber and the outlet chamber. This causes a change of the servo pressure, which moves the flow restriction valve and adjusts the flow of the regulating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Willem Super
  • Publication number: 20150114478
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system capable of releasing excess pressure above a predetermined point by opening and closing repeatedly through the actuation of a moving element. The said moving element is capable of bursting in case of a rise in pressure above a secondary predetermined point. The invention hence provides a way to regulate the pressure in two different manners depending on the severity of the overpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Pierre-François Jérôme Tavard
  • Publication number: 20150114480
    Abstract: Method and device for metering a medium from at least one storage tank by a metering device, which has a piston pump, which defines a working chamber with a cylinder and a piston, wherein in a first method step a determined filling quantity of a medium is conveyed via an inlet valve into the working chamber and the determined filling quantity is greater than the quantity to be metered and, in a second method step, the piston reduces the working chamber in size enough that only the quantity to be metered remains, wherein the excess medium flows out of the working chamber, wherein the excess medium flows via the inlet valve back into a ring line, which is connected in a medium-conducting manner to the storage tank and is arranged outside the working chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan HERTEL
  • Publication number: 20150107681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying compressed gaseous fuel to a consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Walter H. Killeen, Bryan Killeen, Carl Guichard
  • Publication number: 20150101674
    Abstract: A pressure regulator having an outlet port, an inlet port, and a vent port, and a regulator piston having an internal passage in constant fluid communication with the outlet port. The regulator piston has a first position where the passage is in fluid communication with the inlet port and not the vent port, a second position where the passage is not in fluid communication with either the inlet port or the vent port, and a third position where the passage is in fluid communication with the vent port and not the inlet port. The pressure regulator also has a spring piston in mechanical communication with the regulator piston that is biased to exert a force on the regulator piston sufficient to move the regulator piston between the first, second, and third positions. The spring piston is enclosed in a spring housing with an internal area maintained at about atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan Cheaney Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20150097900
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid ejection device including a head for ejecting a liquid, a liquid containing unit, a liquid filler, and a pressure adjusting unit, in which the liquid containing unit includes a sealed housing and a flexible member provided in the housing, the housing includes a first containing space communicating with the head and a second containing space partitioned from the first containing space through use of the flexible member, the first containing space contains the liquid, and the liquid filler is filled into the second containing space, the pressure adjusting unit communicates with the second containing space, and adjusts the pressure of the liquid filler filled into the second containing space so as to maintain a negative pressure with respect to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Araki, Yasuyuki Tamura, Akio Saito, Makoto Fukuhara, Hiroyuki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8997686
    Abstract: A system for and method of delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a tool is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 8991446
    Abstract: A pump assisted refilling system for LPG and other fuels wherein the fuel storage pressure is at, or close to, the vapor pressure of the fuel. A fuel pump is selectively activated to assist fuel delivery from the refilling fitting to the tank interior responsive to a determined fuel pressure condition of the fuel so that rapid refilling is always assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Hurley, Nicholas Carter
  • Publication number: 20150086338
    Abstract: The present application provides a control valve actuator cooling system for providing a flow of cooling air to a control valve actuator. The control valve actuator cooling system may include a pressurized air source with the flow of cooling air, an air timing valve system, and a cooling air discharge port positioned about the control valve actuator such that the air timing valve system provides the flow of cooling air to the control valve actuator on an intermittent basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jose Francisco Aguilar
  • Patent number: 8986630
    Abstract: Provided is a gas-generating material which can generate a gas in a large amount per unit time and has high storage stability. The gas-generating material 11a according to the present invention comprises a gas-generating agent that is an azo compound or an azide compound, a tertiary amine, a photosensitizing agent and a binder resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Akagi, Shigeru Nomura
  • Publication number: 20150075634
    Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump unit having a centrifugal pump and a variable pump supplying pressurized flow. A fuel control assembly receives flow from the pump unit and includes at least one metering valve and at least one throttling valve. A control for the variable pump receives first and second pressure signals indicative of a pressure differential across the throttling valve, or across the metering valve/throttling valve combination, for altering operation of the variable pump in response to the pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Nyzen, Martin A. Clements
  • Publication number: 20150075633
    Abstract: A valve is provided. The valve includes a housing including an interior and a side wall at least partially delimiting the interior, a valve element within the interior of the housing and configured to be selectively operable between an open position and a closed position. The valve element includes an interior and a side wall at least partially delimiting the interior of the valve element. The valve also includes a series of pressure relief devices within the side walls of the housing and the valve element. The series of pressure relief devices include at least one check valve and are configured to provide flow communication from the interior of the housing to exterior of the housing upon actuation of the at least one check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher Nnanna Adi, Paul Scott Truzzi
  • Publication number: 20150075635
    Abstract: A system actively regulates the fluid pressure entering the pump of a fluid-dispensing system to provide a more uniform fluid flow exiting the pump. The pump is supplied with fluid from a pressurized reservoir (e.g., that is pressurized from an external air source, or by mechanical or electrically-driven pressurization). A pressure sensor monitors the fluid pressure in the fluid supply line between the reservoir and pump. A controller receives this fluid pressure reading as an input to regulate the pressurization of the reservoir. Optionally, a second pressure sensor can be used to monitor the fluid pressure at the pump exit to provide an additional input for the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GPD GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christian R. Vega, John W. Kohler, Alvin R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150081195
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling fuel injection and a fuel injection system, wherein the fuel injection system comprises a fuel pump and a plurality of injection valves, each connected to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel pump and/or the injection valves produce pressure waves that cause fuel pressure fluctuations, and wherein depending on a respective current demanded fuel quantity in the internal combustion engine the fuel injection quantity is reduced or increased by using at least one actuator to produce additional pressure waves in the fuel injection system that modify the fuel pressure fluctuations with at least temporary boosting of said fuel pressure fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Jens Wojahn, David van Bebber, Klemens Grieser, Uwe Reuter
  • Publication number: 20150068491
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system is provided to reduce the pressure pulsations and noise vibration and harshness of direct injection systems. The fuel delivery system includes an elastic fuel line positioned between a first fuel pump and a second fuel pump and a check valve positioned in the elastic fuel line near the inlet of the high pressure pump, the check valve including an external housing having a peripheral surface with a greater diameter than an unstretched inner diameter of the elastic fuel line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Jensen, Dequan Yu, Dennis Morgan, Christopher Arnold Woodring
  • Publication number: 20150060294
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a compressed fuel storage system. The compressed fuel storage system may include an electrochemical compressor and one or more fuel dispensing units. The electrochemical compressor may be configured to compress a fuel source. Additionally, the compressed fuel storage system may include at least one low pressure compressed fuel reservoir fluidly connected to the electrochemical compressor and the fuel dispensing units and at least one high pressure compressed fuel reservoir fluidly connected to the electrochemical compressor and the fuel dispensing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: NUVERA FUEL CELLS, INC.
    Inventors: ADAM PRESCOTT, BRYAN GORDON
  • Publication number: 20150059860
    Abstract: A method to stabilize pressure in an electro-hydraulically controlled brake charge system is provided. The brake charge system includes a load-sensing pump, an accumulator, a sensor, a high pressure cut-off valve, a controller, and a charge supply valve. The method includes determination of a pre-determined cut-out pressure and a pre-determined time threshold. The accumulator is pressurized with the fluid from the load-sensing pump. As accumulator pressure becomes equal to the pre-determined cut-out pressure, the controller initiates a counter-timer. When the counter-timer reaches the pre-determined time threshold, an electronic solenoid is activated, flow of the fluid is thus controlled through the charge supply valve based on a signal from the electronic solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Brian D. Horton, Steven E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8967175
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for modulating the downstream pressure output of a pressure reducing hydraulic control valve in response to the flow demand fluctuation the method comprising. Included is an adjustable pressure pilot valve mechanism having a drive element extending from the control valve. The drive element is displaceable in response to a flow capacity through the hydraulic control valve. Also included is an adjustable pressure pilot valve deployed along a control tube connecting an upstream pressure port to a downstream pressure port, the adjustable pressure pilot valve associated with the drive element such that adjustable settings of the adjustable pressure pilot valve are responsive to displacement of the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bermad CS Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Azoulay, Zvi Barkan, Zvi Weingarten
  • Publication number: 20150053274
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for detecting activation of a pressure relief device connected to a storage tank containing a pressurized gas. The method includes calculating a pressure relief device release rate based on a set of inputs, wherein the set of inputs includes at least one of a storage tank volume, a pressure relief set point, an orifice size of the pressure relief device, a gas density, and a reseat point for the pressure relief device. The method further includes monitoring the pressure within the storage tank and calculating a differential pressure reading over time, comparing the differential pressure reading over time to the pressure relief device release rate, and detecting a pressure relief device activation based on the comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: NUVERA FUEL CELLS, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan Gordon
  • Publication number: 20150053273
    Abstract: Method of pumping fluid through a tubing (200) by operating a pulse generator (100) at one end of the tubing (200), the pulse generator (100) reciprocates a displacement member (30) at a frequency of less than 3 Hz to generate pressure waves in the fluid which make a pulse converter (300) at the other end of the tubing (200) permit a flow of the fluid into the tubing (200). Further, there are disclosed a pulse generator (100) for use in the pumping method, and a pump system comprising the pulse generator (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Magomet Sagov, Peter Grubyj
  • Publication number: 20150053272
    Abstract: The pressure of a water supply of a cooling section of a metal processing line is stabilized by supplying the cooling section with water from a water reservoir by a pipeline which is filled with water and providing a pressure container partly filled with air and partly with water. A direct connection is provided for a direct exchange of water between the pressure container and the pipeline. Water is pressed out of the pressure container directly into the pipeline through the provided connection in the event that the water pressure in the pipeline drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Klaus Weinzierl
  • Patent number: 8956320
    Abstract: A capillary fluid flow valve may include a chamber having a first boundary surface and a second boundary surface defined by a housing. The first and second boundary surfaces may be spaced apart by a gap sized to invoke capillary action between the surfaces. The first surface may be angled relative to the second surface. The chamber may have an inlet port, an outlet port, and an air vent port. The gap at the air vent port may be smaller than the gap at the outlet port and the gap at the outlet port may be smaller than the gap at the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikhail A. Ovchinnikov, Satish Yalamanchili
  • Publication number: 20150040992
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices, methods and systems capable of pressurization, generally involving a flow system that includes a pressurized reservoir, at least one pump including a pump control valve, an outlet port, a shut-off valve and a vent valve. The flow system is configured to be pressurized. The shut-off valve is disposed between the pressurized reservoir and the at least one pump. The vent valve is disposed between the at least one pump and the outlet port. The shut-off valve, the vent valve and the pump control valve of the at least one pump are configured to actuate in a coordinated manner to control a pressurization of the flow system. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to devices, methods and systems for column switching, generally including at least a first column, a second column and a column switching valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Kurt Joudrey, John Angelosanto
  • Publication number: 20150040993
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher system, including monitoring an output pressure of at least one recirculation pump in the dishwasher system, and deactivating at least one fill valve in the dishwasher system when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Errin Whitney GNADINGER, Brian WORRASANGASILPA
  • Publication number: 20150034169
    Abstract: A system and method for inflating an inflatable device is disclosed. The system includes an inflation cylinder configured to hold a gas mixture under pressure, a heating element configured to selectively heat the gas mixture and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the gas mixture. A control module is coupled to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The the control module controls heating of the gas mixture based on the measured temperature, a mass of the gas mixture and a volume of the inflation cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jayant V. Deshpande, Wilfred Ray McBurnett, III
  • Publication number: 20150034168
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to limiting a rate or pressurization in a reconfigurable pressurized flow system for which different system configurations can have different system volumes. In exemplary embodiments, the system can determine a limit for the rate of pressurization by configuring the system for a closed system rate of pressurization, measuring the closed system rate of pressurization at a set flow rate, and determining a relationship between the closed system rate of pressurization and the flow rate. The system can use the relationship to dynamically set the limit for different flow rates in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Paul Keenan
  • Publication number: 20150027556
    Abstract: Urea injection system wash cycle methods and systems are disclosed. An exemplary wash cycle method includes operating a urea injection system to provide urea solution to a first inlet of a blending chamber, provide pressurized gas to a second inlet of the blending chamber, and output a combined flow of pressurized gas and urea solution from the blending chamber. A pressure of the combined flow at a location downstream from the first inlet and the second inlet is monitored. A wash cycle is performed based upon the monitored pressure wherein the flow of pressurized gas is turned off and urea solution is provided to the blending chamber. An exemplary system includes a controller configured to control a urea injection system to perform a wash cycle in accordance with the exemplary method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Cummins Emission Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Huang, Yongquan Chai, Andrew Myer, James F. Burke, Joydeep Chakrabarti, Mugdha Naik, John Anthis, John Heichelbech, Guinnes Shrestha
  • Publication number: 20150027557
    Abstract: A pressure relief comprises a valve body which includes an inlet bore that is connectable to a flow line, an outlet bore that is connectable to a vent line and a valve bore that extends to between the inlet and outlet bores. A valve member is slidably supported in the valve bore and is moveable between a closed position in which the fluid in the flow line is prevented from flowing from the inlet bore to the outlet bore and an open position in which the fluid in the flow line is permitted to flow from the inlet bore to the outlet bore. A solenoid operated pilot valve is connected to the valve body over the valve bore, and a fluid chamber is located in the pilot valve above the valve member. The fluid chamber is filled with a hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic fluid in the fluid chamber is operatively engaged with the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20150028039
    Abstract: A vehicle tank system for storing a fuel in an extremely cold state is provided. The vehicle tank system includes an inner tank that accommodates the fuel and an outer skin that surrounds the inner tank to form an insulation layer approximately constituting a vacuum. The vehicle tank system also includes a vacuum pump that is permanently provided in the vehicle and is connected to the insulation layer. The vacuum pump is configured to increase the quality of the vacuum if the quality of the vacuum does not meet predetermined requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Oliver KIRCHER, Klaas KUNZE, Bastian LANDECK
  • Publication number: 20150020891
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pressure control assembly includes a cylindrical hollow body having an opening to receive a ballast gas, a first and second flange, and a first and second cone. The first flange is coupled to a first end of the body, and a second flange is coupled to an opposing end of the body. The first cone is coupled to the first flange, and the second cone is coupled to the second flange. A method for controlling pressure in a chamber includes measuring a pressure of the chamber and a pressure of an exhaust system coupled to the chamber. The method includes dynamically adjusting the pressure in the exhaust system in order to adjust the pressure in the chamber, by creating a first pressure drop that is greater than a second pressure drop in the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: David K. CARLSON
  • Publication number: 20150013776
    Abstract: A regulating valve includes a regulating-valve-high-pressure connector, a regulating-valve-low-pressure connector, and a regulating-valve-pressure-reducing device. The regulating-valve-pressure-reducing device includes a regulating-valve-high-pressure chamber coupled to the regulating-valve-high-pressure connector, a regulating-valve-low-pressure chamber coupled to the regulating-valve-low-pressure connector, and a regulating-valve-high-pressure regulator coupled to the regulating-valve-high-pressure chamber and the regulating-valve-low-pressure chamber to maintain the regulating-valve-low-pressure chamber at a constant pressure. The regulating valve further includes a pressure gauge coupled to the regulating-valve-low-pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel A. Lammers
  • Publication number: 20150014065
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an inner tube member of a core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The valve assembly works using two separate surfaces and a biasing element with a force. When hydrostatic pressure is present forces are created on these surfaces, these forces have a direct relationship with pressure, as an increase in pressure will increase the force and vice versa. The surface areas are designed such that the valve will maintain closed while under a predetermined fluid pressure, indicating to the driller that the inner tube has landed. When the driller relieves the fluid pressure and the pressure decreases, the force difference between the respective forces decreases until the valve opens for drilling through the force from the biasing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Lambert, Patrick Salvador, Patrick Lu
  • Publication number: 20150007894
    Abstract: An overpressure absorption mechanism is provided for a fluid bed processor. The mechanism includes spring assemblies mounted in the legs of the processor. The arms of the lower housing section extend into the legs and are supported on the springs. If an overpressure condition arises within the processor, the springs compress to allow movement between the housing sections to allow engagement of clamping rings which contain the over pressure condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: James Alan Clark, Nigel P. Wright, Aaron K. Basten
  • Patent number: 8927171
    Abstract: A method and system for preventing gas pressure in a pressure vessel from dropping below a minimum allowable pressure. Pressure readings from a pressure sensor downstream of a pressure regulator are monitored by a processor as they vary within a steady fluctuation band under normal regulated pressure conditions. When the pressure regulator reaches a fully open position in low vessel pressure conditions, the processor detects a drop in the pressure reading to a value below the recent fluctuation band, and recognizes that the pressure is dropping below the regulation pressure value. The processor can use this information to shut off flow of gas from the vessel, thus preventing the vessel from dropping below its minimum allowable pressure, regardless of the actual magnitude of the pressure reading from the sensor—which can vary through a wide range due to tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Hobmeyr, Heiko Hrobarsch, Björn Zörner
  • Publication number: 20150000754
    Abstract: An air release vent valve used to vent air from a liquid filled pipeline, the air release vent valve having a float valve deployed in a float valve housing extending from the pipeline and a surge suppressing shutter valve deployed in a vent passageway extending from said float valve housing such that said surge suppressing shutter valve is downstream from said float valve. The surge suppressing shutter valve includes an elastic shutter element that is pre-shaped to a normally open position and is configured to gradually deform to a closed position as a velocity of air flowing through said vent passageway increase so as to dampen the force of the closure of air release vent valve and prevent a pressure surge within the pipeline. Once a liquid level in the pipeline reaches the float valve, a float is raised so as to fully closes the vent passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Publication number: 20150000755
    Abstract: A pressurizing device and method, for pressurizing a first tank, the device including at least a second tank configured to contain a cryogenic fluid, a first pressurizing circuit for putting the second tank into communication with the first tank, the first pressurizing circuit including at least a first heat exchanger for heating a flow of the cryogenic fluid extracted from the second tank through the first pressurizing circuit, and a second pressurizing circuit with a compressor, branched off from the first pressurizing circuit and leading to the second tank. A feed system for feeding a reaction engine with at least a first liquid propellant includes at least a first tank configured to contain the first liquid propellant, and a device for pressurizing the first tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: David Hayoun, Francois Danguy, Jean Michel Sannino, Pascal Marcel, Jean Noir
  • Publication number: 20150000756
    Abstract: A system including a hydraulic accumulator, a pressure sensor, a fluid source and a data processor to detect a pre-charge pressure is provided. The hydraulic accumulator includes first and second fluid chambers and a separator therebetween. The hydraulic accumulator has an associated pre-charge pressure. The pressure sensor is connected to the first fluid chamber. The data processor is connected to the pressure sensor. The data processor is configured to determine a first and second rate of pressure changes, and a transition pressure between the first and second rates. The approximate pre-charge pressure is determined based on the transition pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dayao Chen, Pengfei Ma, Tonglin Shang, Bryan J. Hillman
  • Publication number: 20150000757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing a pressure of compressed natural gas and for delivering natural gas are disclosed. A regulator comprising a vortex tube may be used to reduce the pressure of compressed natural gas while a temperature thereof is also reduced. The temperature reduction associated with a pressure drop in the compressed natural gas is achieved by throttling the gas at constant enthalpy from 3,000 psig to 150 psig through the regulator. At least one heat exchanger may be utilized to increase the temperature of the compressed natural gas to a temperature suitable for injection delivery. A pressure-reducing regulator may be used to further reduce a pressure of the gas to about 45 psig for delivery to an end-user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Questar Gas Company
    Inventors: TODD ALLAN BAYLIFF, TROY DAVID SORENSEN, MICHAEL LOWELL GILL, RICHARD JOSEPH KISER, II, KELLY D. PACE, LEE R. METTMANN
  • Publication number: 20140374177
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately confirming fuel tank depressurization before unlocking a fuel door to enable refueling. Following a refueling request, a fuel system may be sealed from the atmosphere while one or more fuel system valves are adjusted to divert fuel tank pressure or vacuum to an engine intake. Depressurization may be inferred based on the presence of air or vapor flow into the intake as sensed by a manifold airflow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20140366952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for self-calibrating control of gas flow. The gas flow rate is initially set by controlling, to a high degree of precision, the amount of opening of a flow restriction, where the design of the apparatus containing the flow restriction lends itself to achieving high precision. The gas flow rate is then measured by a pressure rate-of-drop upstream of the flow restriction, and the amount of flow restriction opening is adjusted, if need be, to obtain exactly the desired flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Adam J. Monkowski, James MacAllen Chalmers, Jialing Chen, Tao Ding, Joseph R. Monkowski
  • Publication number: 20140366951
    Abstract: A method for controlling lowering of an implement of a working machine is provided. The working machine has a hydraulic system including a hydraulic cylinder for moving the implement and a first control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder, and a recovery unit connected to the control valve for recovering energy by receiving a return flow from the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder. The piston side of the hydraulic cylinder and the control valve are connected to each other, and the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the control valve and to the recovery unit in a point between the control valve and the recovery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall, Kim Heybroek
  • Publication number: 20140366949
    Abstract: A multi-phase separation flow management system includes a housing with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet and in which a movable element is mounted. The movable element has a first passageway with an inlet and an outlet and a second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, and are disposed in the element so that the inlets of the first and second passageways are adjacent one another and the outlets of the first and second passageways are spaced apart from one another. The inlets are disposed adjacent a housing inlet, the first passageway outlet is disposed adjacent a first housing outlet and the second passageway outlet is disposed adjacent a second housing outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Elms, Gregory A. Hudspeth
  • Publication number: 20140354028
    Abstract: An inflatable seat features an inflatable body having a cylindrical shape when inflated so as to visually approximate the shape of a drink can, and a seat topper situated atop the inflatable body. The seat topper features a padding layer disposed atop a base, which is of greater hardness and rigidity than the padding layer and has a flat undersurface in order to flatten out an underlying area of the top end of the inflatable to eliminate bulging of the top end of the inflatable and thereby better approximate the shape of a drink can. A pressure relief valve on the inflatable body prevents blowout of same under extreme pressure conditions when sat upon in high temperature environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Francis Carolan
  • Publication number: 20140352793
    Abstract: A wet connection system including a first connector configured to connect to a first control line. The first connector including at least one first pathway arranged to fluidly communicate with the first control line, and a biased movable plug movable within the first connector; and, a second connector configured to connect to a second control line. The second connector including a second pathway in fluid communication with the second control line and a biased sleeve movable within the second connector; wherein the first and second connectors are each pressure balanced to prevent internal control line pressure. External borehole pressures from moving the plug and sleeve from their biased positions blocking the respective first and second pathways in the disconnected condition of the wet connection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl S. Martin, Marc N. Samuelson, Michael Werries