Convertible Patents (Class 137/269)
  • Patent number: 9982807
    Abstract: A resin end-face butt joint, a method for welding the joints, and a piping member ensure a sufficient clamping margin with the clamp of an ordinary welding machine, and ensure an appropriate distance between the centers even when joints having short tubular welding ring parts are welded. It is also possible to align the centers by positioning the centers along the same axis. The resin end-face butt joint includes multiple welding ring parts which communicate with a flow path within a joint base part and which are provided on the joint base part. Fastening parts are coaxial with at least one of these welding ring parts at the outer end of the joint for the purpose of clamping a welding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: KITZ SCT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9945283
    Abstract: A three part valve is provided. The valve has a housing having three axially spaced inlet ports and an outlet port. A rotary valve assembly with a modular rotor is provided for controlling fluid communication between the inlet ports and the outlet port. The rotary valve assembly includes a shaft. Additionally there is provided a first generally cylindrical valve module torsionally affixed with the shaft for controlling fluid communication between a first inlet port and the outlet port. The rotary valve assembly also includes a second generally cylindrical valve assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft controlling fluid communication between a second inlet port and the outlet port. The second valve module has a coupling interface with the first valve module. A third generally cylindrical valve module is also provided rotatably mounted on the shaft. The third cylindrical valve module controls fluid communication between a third inlet port and the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Richard Muizelaar, Darrell F. Greene
  • Patent number: 9945200
    Abstract: A modular assembly for a wellhead has a housing and a plurality of modular cartridges. The housing connects with a studded or flanged connection to the wellhead, which can have a tubing adapter, casing hanger, etc. The modular cartridges can interchangeably stack in the housing's internal pocket so that the bores of the stacked cartridges configure the through-bore of the assembly communicating the wellhead with external components, such as flow lines, capillary lines, etc. The modular cartridges include a spacer cartridge, a hanger cartridge, a valve cartridge, and a cross cartridge. The spacer cartridge can be used to space other cartridges in the internal pocket, and the hanger cartridge can be used to support capillary strings and/or velocity strings in the wellhead. The valve cartridges have valve elements that can be opened and closed by bonnets that affix externally to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Brandon M. Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Michael D. Mosher
  • Patent number: 9810429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas control unit of modular design, in particular for controlling the quantity of gas to be fed to a gas burner, having a pneumatically controlled gas control valve that is configured as a whole as a module and is usable in such a gas control unit of modular design together with a gas safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ebm-papst Landshut GmbH
    Inventors: Enno Jan Vrolijk, Roland Keber, Hans-Joachim Klink
  • Patent number: 9801787
    Abstract: A vial for storing multiple doses of a substance to be dispensed into one or more syringes or other delivery devices. The vial has a body, a variable-volume storage chamber within the body for storing multiple doses of the substance therein, and a one-way valve connectable in fluid communication with a syringe or other delivery device. The one-way valve is moveable relative to the body between first and second positions (i) one of which permits the valve to open so that substance from the variable-volume storage chamber can flow therethrough and into the syringe or other delivery device connected in fluid communication therewith, and (ii) one of which prevents the valve from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DR. PY INSTITUTE LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 9785154
    Abstract: The embodiments herein discloses a linear seal system for interconnecting flow controller modules in a fluid flow controller. The system comprises a flow sensing module is coupled to an inlet connection module to measure a fluid flow rate to generate a sensor output signal. A flow control valve module is coupled to the flow sensing module to provide a user desired flow rate through an outlet connection module. An electronic control system is configured to regulate an operation of the flow sensing module and the flow control valve module based on the command signal to achieve a desired flow rate. A linear track system provided to support all the modules in a linear arrangement, includes a dovetail locking configuration. The linear track has two rod/screws to compress the seals between the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Robert M. McMillan, Edwin Lee Hankinson
  • Patent number: 9765538
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for providing high electrical resistance for an upper control assembly (including control handles) of an aerial lift are provided through an isolation member that is integral to the upper control assembly and interposed between fluid lines in the control assembly and a set of fluid conduits that extend from the control assembly towards other portions of the aerial lift. The isolation member is a dielectric element that comprises a manifold that is made of material that is substantially electrically non-conductive, and that has a plurality of through-holes or hoses configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the isolation member into and out of the fluid lines and conduits. These methods, systems and apparatuses are preferably used in upper control assemblies of aerial platforms that can carry one or more operators in order to prevent such operators from electrocution when controlling the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Time Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Randall Christian, Andrew Keith Palican
  • Patent number: 9732739
    Abstract: Mixed concrete is pumped under pressure along a primary flow path to a typically lengthy supply line. In the event a clog, blockage or other supply line concern is detected, a branch conduit in communication with the primary flow path permits a portion or all of the pressurized flow to pass through a diverter valve and a recirculation conduit back into an open-to-atmosphere reservoir or hopper from which the concrete originally was pumped. The recirculation system of this invention permits supply line pressure to be safely regulated, diminished, relieved and jogged, all without there being any need to discharge or waste valuable mixed concrete, and without having to dangerously open one or more connections of a pressurized supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Robert A Drake
  • Patent number: 9689140
    Abstract: A construction machine control system for a construction machine that includes a work machine including a boom, an arm, and a bucket includes: an adjusting device having a movable spool and being capable of adjusting an amount of operating oil supplied to a hydraulic cylinder that drives the work machine with movement of the spool; an operation command unit adjusting the spool; a storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of correlation data indicating a relation between a cylinder speed of the hydraulic cylinder and an operation command value of operating the hydraulic cylinder according to a type of the bucket; an acquiring unit acquiring type data indicating the type of the bucket; and a control unit selecting one piece of correlation data from the plurality of pieces of correlation data based on the type data and controlling the operation command value based on the selected correlation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Baba, Katsuhiro Ikegami, Takeshi Takaura, Masashi Ichihara, Yuki Shimano
  • Patent number: 9689503
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve assembly workability of a manifold solenoid valve. A manifold solenoid valve is assembled by connecting each valve base 12 to an adjacent valve base with a connecting attachment 13, each valve base 12 is provided with: an air supply hole 32 communicating with an air supply port of a corresponding solenoid valve; an exhaust hole 33 communicating with an exhaust port of the corresponding solenoid valve; and an output hole 31 communicating with an output port of the corresponding solenoid valve, each side part of one end part of each valve base 12 is provided with a first protruding part 41, and each side part of the other end part of each valve base 12 is provided with a second protruding part 42, and the connecting attachment 13 has: a first clamp piece 53 provided with a claw part 53 engaging with the first protruding part 41; and a second clamp piece 52 provided with a claw part 54 engaging with the second protruding part 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Joji Inaba
  • Patent number: 9651162
    Abstract: In the relief valve, an annular convex portion 16a that is convexed in a direction in which a valve element 5a moves away from a valve hole 17 along a center axis of the valve hole 17 and that is arranged around the valve hole 17 is formed in a valve chamber 16, an annular concave portion 5d that is concaved in the direction in which the valve element 5a moves away from the valve hole 17 is formed in the valve element 5a, and in a shut-off state, the annular convex portion 16a is accommodated in the annular concave portion 5d, and an annular channel 19 that extends in a direction of the center axis is formed between an outer peripheral surface 16b of the annular convex portion 16a and an inner peripheral surface 5e of the annular concave portion 5d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuki Hirai
  • Patent number: 9623168
    Abstract: A medical fluid pneumatic manifold system includes a plurality of pump and valve chambers for controlling a flow of medical fluid, a header including a plurality of pneumatic passageways, each passageway in pneumatic communication with one of the pump or valve chambers, a plurality of electrically actuated pneumatic valves, and a plate defining a plurality of pneumatic apertures, wherein the header and the plurality of electrically actuated pneumatic valves are separately attached to the plate, such that each pneumatic aperture in the plate is placed in pneumatic communication with one of the plurality of pneumatic passageways of the header and one of the electrically actuated pneumatic valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Paul R. Chapman, Robert W. Childers, Gideon Hecht, Anders Wellings
  • Patent number: 9617911
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine with an adjustable compression ratio has a switchover valve (10) for controlling hydraulic oil flow in chambers of an eccentric adjustment device. The switchover valve (10) has a switching element (12) and a sleeve-shaped connecting section (16) with a first bore (17) that connects to a first hydraulic line (18), a second bore (19) that connects to a second hydraulic line (20), and a venting bore (21) that connects to a vent (22). The switching element (12) can be displaced in the connecting section (16) between a first position (S1) where a groove in the switching element (12) connects the first hydraulic line (18) to the venting duct (22) or a second position (S2) where the groove (14) connects the second hydraulic line (20) to the venting duct (22). A pick-off element (30) extends through the connecting section (16) and interacts with the switching element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Paul
  • Patent number: 9546739
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular solenoid valve kits and associated methods, generally involving a valve body that includes a plurality of actuator section components and a plurality of head section components. The plurality of actuator section components includes a drive solenoid, a solenoid return spring, a stroke calibration collar and an actuator-to-head calibration collar. The plurality of head section components includes a needle, a stem return spring, a seal and a seat. The plurality of actuator section components and head section components are adapted to be interchanged to create a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve. That is, the kits and methods allow for modification of one valve type (e.g., a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve) into a different type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven D. Trudeau, Paul Keenan
  • Patent number: 9501177
    Abstract: A variable mounting sound wave touch pad includes an upper touch pad connected to a microphone to recognize a sound wave. A lower touch pad is spaced apart from the upper touch pad. A plurality of mounting members have one end attached to the lower touch pad and the other end protruding toward the upper touch pad and vary by an actuator which interlocks with the lower touch pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwang Myung Oh, Hui Sung Lee, Sung Min Park, Sung Jin Sah
  • Patent number: 9464417
    Abstract: A ceramic valve includes a casing, a drive seat, a coupling seat, a rotary block and a fixed block sequentially mounted into the casing, wherein a braking shaft is pivotally connected to the drive seat and extends through a top of the casing. A pedestal is sealingly secured on a bottom of the casing for positioning the drive seat, the coupling seat, the rotary block and the fixed block. The rotary block is moved relative to the fixed block to guide cold water into the ceramic valve when the ceramic valve is in a middle section and the braking rod is operated to an inclined status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 9395020
    Abstract: An energy saver valve includes a first spool (12) and a second spool (18) slidably received in a passage (24) of a housing (8). The first spool and the second spool are separate components. The energy saver valve also includes a first outlet port (40), a second outlet port (42), and a resilient member (34) located in a resilient member chamber (36) that biases the second spool towards the first spool. Fluid exits the first outlet port at a first pressure when the energy saver valve is in an initial position, and another passage (58) provides fluid communication between the fluid in the resilient member chamber and the first outlet port. The fluid exits the second outlet port at a second pressure when the energy saver valve is in an actuated position. The first pressure is less than the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: Ross Operating Valve Company, Ross South America LTDA.
    Inventors: JosƩ Carlos Bento, Robert N. Winsand, David W. Haselden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9395005
    Abstract: A compact two-way cartridge valve with combined flanged cover includes combined flanged covers, miniaturized pilot control assemblies and main stage of seated poppet valve, or combined flanged covers and main stage of seated poppet valve, or combined covers and miniaturized pilot assemblies and main stage of seated poppet valve. The present invention can overall realign all the two-way cartridge valve products currently on the market, and innovate new series of MINISO compact two-way cartridge valves in the specifications of 10 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, and will change the quo-status of hydraulic drive and control system, that is the two-way cartridge valves currently are mainly used for large power or flow situations, and can make two-way cartridge valves applied for medium and small power or flow situations, which are the majority of the market in the hydraulic drive and control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai Renhao Hydraulic Technology, Co., LTD
    Inventor: Renhao Huang
  • Patent number: 9347577
    Abstract: A combination thermal management valve for management of the flow of heat transfer media is provided. The thermal management valve includes a manifold including two or more independently controlled valve assemblies configured to fluidly isolate the heat transfer media from each other. The valve assemblies may be configured to maintain desirable flow characteristics for each thermal medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FLEXTRONICS AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Peterson
  • Patent number: 9274531
    Abstract: An assembly for a thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body including a first fluid channel having a first inlet port for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply line, a second fluid channel having a second inlet port for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply line, and a cartridge chamber having a first layer, a second layer offset from the first layer, and an opening for receiving a thermostatic mixing cartridge. A first removable insert guides the first fluid to the first layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the first layer when inserted into the second fluid channel. A second removable insert guides the first fluid to the second layer when inserted into the first fluid channel and guides the second fluid to the second layer when inserted into the second fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Daniel Guilbert, Bernard Barrault, Diego Russo
  • Patent number: 9259631
    Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Garza and Gowan Sports Equipment
    Inventors: Carl W. Gowan, Guillermo A. Garza
  • Patent number: 9255645
    Abstract: A valve is provided. The valve includes a body defining an interior and apertures, additional bodies each having opposed, open ends and being respectively coupled to each of the apertures at one of the respective open ends to define a flow path through each of the additional bodies and into the interior and a valve member. The valve member is disposable in first and second positions in the interior. In the first position, the valve member fluidly couples pairs of the additional bodies with one another via first combined flow paths that crisscross through the interior. In the second position, the valve member fluidly couples different pairs of the additional bodies with one another via second combined flow paths that are substantially parallel through the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Army, Peter J. Dowd
  • Patent number: 9032986
    Abstract: A volume booster for a fluid flow control device comprises a supply path for supplying a fluid boost to facilitate actuation of an actuator in a first direction, and an exhaust path for enabling controlled exhaust to facilitate actuation of the actuator in a second direction. The supply path defines a supply resistance that is set by the geometry of a supply trim component. The exhaust path includes an exhaust resistance that is set by the geometry of an exhaust trim component. The supply and exhaust trim components are independently removable and replaceable with replacement components to customize the exhaust and supply resistances, and therefore, the exhaust and supply capacities for specific applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michel K. Lovell, Kenneth W. Junk, Ryan J. Jwanouskos
  • Publication number: 20150122342
    Abstract: Plumbing fitting assemblies are described. The plumbing fitting assemblies use a male and female fitting combination that enables a user or installer to make a sealed connection on an internal diameter of a female part or receiving end by way of an o-ringed shank on a male part or insert end. A connecting device is rotatably attached to the male end. The connecting device also engages to an outer surface of the female part such that the sealed fitting assemblies will not disconnect under normal pressure of a fluid or air working through the assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 9016305
    Abstract: A configurable actuation-orientation valve (100) includes a valve body (120) including a valve bore (126) and a coil (180), a first port (101) and a third port (103) located at a first end (111) and a second port (102) located at a second end (112), a pole piece (138), an armature (130) configured to move in response to energization of the coil (180), and a biasing device (135) between the pole piece (138) and the armature (130). When the biasing device (135) is selected to provide a normally-closed biasing force to the armature (130) then the configurable actuation-orientation valve (100) comprises a normally-closed (NC) valve and when the biasing device (135) is selected to provide a normally-open biasing force to the armature (130) then the configurable actuation-orientation valve (100) comprises a normally-open (NO) valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Norgren GT Development Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Morris, Charles E Stephens
  • Patent number: 9010371
    Abstract: An anti-cavitation seat which is disposable between an inlet and an outlet of a pressure reducing valve, and including a plurality of inlets causing fluid to flow into a converging pathway to reduce pressure of the fluid. The inlets form a tortuous path for a portion of the fluid flowing into the anti-cavitation seat, so as to further reduce the pressure of the fluid. A standard stem assembly is used in conjunction with the anti-cavitation seat to alter the flow of fluid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cla-Val Co.
    Inventors: Robert Folk, David Becker
  • Patent number: 9010722
    Abstract: A switchbox for monitoring the position of a manual quarter-turn valve has a housing mountable to the valve to be monitored/controlled. A handle-driven shaft extends through the housing, with one end of the shaft couplable to the valve stem such that movement of the shaft moves the valve stem. One or more shaft position sensor switches interact with a cam on the shaft to signal shaft position and/or provide control signals. A plate coupled to the shaft articulates within a recess on the surface of the switchbox to limit motion of the valve to an operable range, such as between full ON and full OFF. The switchbox has a pair of lock tabs with lock apertures. A lock aperture in the plate is alignable with the lock tab apertures to receive a pin or padlock for locking the valve in a selected position. A potentiometer can be utilized in place of a switch as a shaft position sensor. The switchbox may be used with an original or new handle and may feature detents to allow a range of valve settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Hoots, Jon Terence Stone
  • Publication number: 20150059869
    Abstract: A base connection device used to change a flapper drain valve to a barrel drain valve includes a flapper base and a first overflow pipe disposed in the external side of the flapper base; further includes a connection base and a second overflow pipe, the bottom of the connection base is sleeved on the flapper base in sealing way, and closing the bottom of the first overflow pipe, the top of the connection base is formed to a matching portion; the bottom of the second overflow pipe is connected to the outlet of the flapper base. To change a flapper drain valve to a barrel drain valve, the flapper base does not need to be disassembled. The barrel drain valve is inserted to the connection base to sleeve the connection base on the flapper base, with the second overflow pipe as an overflow pipe of the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Feiyu LI
  • Patent number: 8960236
    Abstract: A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body and pistons. A fluid inlet extends into the valve body. Stations are disposed in the valve body and extend from a first end to a second end; each station comprises piston stations extending through the valve body and a bypass station fluidly isolating the first end from the second end. The piston stations comprise a piston bore and a piston. The bypass stations comprise first and second fluid passages extending from the first and second ends to positions inside the valve body. Outlet bores extend into the valve body, and each comprises first and second sets of outlet bores. Porting forms passageways connecting the stations to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 8955537
    Abstract: Actuator stem guide apparatus for use with fluid valve actuators are described. An example actuator stem guide apparatus includes a base having an opening to allow an actuator stem of the fluid valve actuator to tilt or lean within the base to enable a lever of the fluid valve actuator to rotate and a guide receiving area adjacent the opening of the base. A guide is coupled to the guide receiving area and the guide has a bearing surface to slidably engage the actuator stem to limit lateral movement of a diaphragm assembly relative to a longitudinal axis of the opening to prevent the diaphragm assembly from engaging an inner surface of an actuator housing as the actuator stem moves between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Quinn Leger, Trenton Frank Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140345707
    Abstract: A valve assembly, such as a canister purge solenoid (CPS) having one or more interchangeable components which may be used to reconfigure the valve assembly to have one or more additional vacuum ports. The design of the valve assembly eliminates the need to mold these ports into the intake manifold, simplifying the design of the manifold, and the tooling needed to make the manifold. The direct mount design of the CPS of the present invention includes at least one additional port to serve as an additional vacuum port to be used for any other purpose, such as a PCV valve, brake booster, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Jefford, Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, David William Balsdon, David Rene Forgeron
  • Patent number: 8857460
    Abstract: A valve insert for a sanitary fitting can be inserted as an insert into a recess in the housing of the sanitary fitting and interacts there with lines of the sanitary fitting that open into the recess. The valve insert contains a base element which receives and holds the moving parts of the valve contained in the valve insert. An adapter element which is preferably injection-molded from plastics material and contains a valve inlet opening and a valve outlet opening can be connected in an exchangeable manner to this base part. The openings interact with the lines that open into the recess. A water guide leads from these two openings to the valve. By exchanging the adapter element, the valve insert can be used for different applications. Preferably, the valve seat itself can also be arranged in the adapter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventor: Arno Hahn
  • Patent number: 8844558
    Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 8740180
    Abstract: A conventional rotary valve in which is provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the degree of aperture so as to prevent misoperation and reduce accidents caused thereby, and even a previously installed valve can be converted to a valve having a locking mechanism, simply by replacing the handle alone. In a rotary valve wherein a valve element that is engaged with a stem is turned by turning the stem, which is connected to a handle, so as to open and close the valve, and having a top flange that is provided on a neck of a valve body that supports the stem, a notch is formed at the peripheral edge of the top flange, and a locking member, having a protrusion that can be latched in the notch in the top flange by way of a torsion spring, is pivotably supported at the center of the handle or on a grip portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsushita, Tomoki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8733389
    Abstract: A mixed water control valve having a body and a spindle is disclosed. The body has two inlet pipes and two outlet pipes which are longitudinally corresponding to the two inlet pipes. The two inlet pipes are branched into a upper inlet pipe and a lower inlet pipe which are disposed in different height positions. The spindle is rotatably assembled in the body. The spindle has an upper and a lower inlets corresponding to the height of the upper and the lower inlet pipe and. The spindle also has an upper outlet and a lower outlet respectively corresponding to the two outlet pipe. Thereby, the spindle is detachable and convenient to repair and replace and the spindle is also capable of changing mounting directions to change the flowing directions of water and then to match the different arrangements of the inlet pipes of cold and hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chu-wan Hong, Ching-chen Shieh, Yuan-hao Chang, Tsung-yi Lo
  • Patent number: 8733396
    Abstract: A controlling seat structure for a faucet contain a body connecting with an outlet pipe and including a controlling seat extending outward from one side thereof, the controlling seat including a cavity to receive a control valve with a lever, a locking member locked on the controlling seat of the body to position the control valve, and the controlling member being fitted on the lever of the control valve, the cavity including a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and two positioning holes, all of which are fixed on an inner bottom of the cavity, characterized in that: between the inner bottom of the cavity of the controlling seat and the control valve is defined an adjusting member, and the adjusting member includes a first, a second, a third orifices, two fourth orifices, a first, a second, a third apertures and two pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Chun-Chieh Huang
  • Publication number: 20140133960
    Abstract: A cap for cooperating with a flow control element of a valve for a self-priming electric pump, the valve being designed to open and close a recirculation duct for the passage of the recirculating fluid from the impeller assembly to an intake duct, the cap having a tubular body and, coaxially inside the latter, a mushroom-shaped element, which divides, with its head, the cap into a first portion and a second portion to be applied with engagement means at an opening of the recirculation duct outward, respectively in the overhead and underhead installation of the self-priming electric pump, the axial space occupation of the head and of the stem of the mushroom-shaped element that is extended from the head toward the second portion defining two alternative axial positions of interaction with the flow control element of the valve in the overhead and underhead installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: DAB PUMPS S.P.A.
    Inventors: STEFANO TAZIOLI, FRANCESCO SINICO
  • Patent number: 8720475
    Abstract: An air valve connector is threadly engaged to a nozzle head of an air pump, which is eccentrically and pivotally connected with a cam lever. The cam lever is adapted to press against a plug and an airtight ring disposed in the nozzle head to compel the valve connector to connect with different types of air valves such as a French type valve, a German type valve, an English type valve, and an American type valve. The air valve connector is reversed easily between first and second positions to be adapted to connect with the different type valves by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 8651140
    Abstract: A valve arrangement has several valve clusters which are designed for different nominal flow rates. Each valve cluster (1c) comprises a valve base (2) fitted with valve units (4), the valve units (4) respectively having a control portion (13), which is connected by way of electrical interface means (23) with internal signal transmission means (22) of the valve base (2). Irrespectively of the flow rate category the overall height of the valve bases (2), the width of the component mounting sites and of the valve units (4) and also the electrical interface means (23) are identically configured in the case of the valve clusters of all flow rate categories. The modification of the nominal flow rates is performed more especially by the choice of different overall lengths of the valve units (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Grzegorz Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 8641153
    Abstract: A valve assembly, which houses a valve closing member that co-operates with an armature to connect or separate pressure medium channels in a valve housing, the member being directed towards a valve seat which is situated on a valve seat body fixed in the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a solenoid for actuating the armature which is pushed onto a non-magnetisable sleeve section of the valve housing and a magnetic core that is diametrically opposed to the armature in the valve housing. Various valve functions can be achieved by using identical valve components in a modular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Christoph Voss
  • Patent number: 8596610
    Abstract: A universal control valve may use two different seat ring types including a threaded seat ring or a clamped seat ring. The valve includes a valve body, a cage mounting space enclosed by a bonnet and sized to receive two different valve cage types, and a seat ring mounting location including, an annular shoulder, a radiused projection, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion receives a threaded seat ring and the radiused projection forms a seal, while the shoulder supports a mounting flange of a clamped seat ring and forms a seal. Accordingly, the seat ring mounting location can receive a selected one of the two different seat ring types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: William Everett Wears
  • Patent number: 8539973
    Abstract: A normally open non-electric valve includes a flow path through an apertured valve seat . . . cavity isolated from the flow path is sealingly closed off adjacent the valve seat by a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to be pushed and held away from the valve seat by fluid flowing in the flow path. When it is desired to close the valve, a pressure medium is introduced into the cavity so as to force the diaphragm against the valve seat and interrupt the fluid flow in the flow path. The normally open valve can inexpensively be converted from an inexpensive electric solenoid valve by removing the plunger, spring and coil from the electric valve, closing off the plunger cavity with a flexible diaphragm, and selectably introducing a pressure medium into the cavity when it is desired to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Bosko
  • Patent number: 8522825
    Abstract: A fluid apparatus unit structure in which a uniform tightening force is easily applied over the entire periphery by tightening a plurality of fastening members to obtain an advantageous sealing performance is provided. In s fluid apparatus unit structure in which plural fluid apparatus components that are connected via flow paths are collected together and integrated onto a base member, a casing member for the fluid apparatus components is partitioned into plural members in the base member mating direction, a female threading portion assembly (19) in which plural nut portions (18a) that form female threading portions that communicate in the mating direction are integrated by a linking member (18b), is fit and installed on base side partitioned members of a casing member that is disposed at a position in close contact with a base member or a base members, and with base side member interposed therebetween, different fastening members are threaded and tightened from both sides of the nut portion (18a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8505576
    Abstract: A valve housing blank comprises a receiving space for a valve insert having a longitudinal axis. At least two first pairs of supply ducts, which are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis, extend laterally from an outer side of the blank towards the receiving space. The pairs of supply ducts, as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other. Only one of the supply ducts is open towards the receiving space. The other supply ducts are closed off from the receiving space by a destroyable dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Renninger
  • Patent number: 8449289
    Abstract: Cooking appliance having an external control panel equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ is equipped with various peripheral openings for supplying a flow Q. For the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob or a bezel disk in the external panel are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ or the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix in the control knob guided in a slide groove on the control panel of the appliance, or a tongue on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: IƱigo Albizuri
  • Patent number: 8434523
    Abstract: An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Anwar Suharno
  • Patent number: 8413679
    Abstract: A modular control device (1) is proposed, containing a support module arrangement (3) equipped with a control module arrangement (15). Additionally provided information-carrying modules (42) make it possible to make information regarding the control modules (16) available. They respectively contain a fastening section (43) fixed in place on the support module arrangement (3) and an information-carrying section (45), which is pivotably seated on hinge means (44). The information-carrying section is embodied in an L-shape and can be selectively positioned in a working position, in which it extends over the control module arrangement (15), or in a release position, in which it makes the control module arrangement (15) accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eduard Wenske, Heiko Kuhbauch
  • Patent number: 8408237
    Abstract: A control valve comprising a plurality of interchangeable valve body modules, each module having a main valve cavity and a plurality of separate cross valve communication ports communicating; and at least one interchangeable gasket disposed between adjacent modules and configured to individually communicate the main valve cavity and the communication ports between adjacent valve body modules, wherein the gasket is further configured to selectively communicate between the main valve cavity and a selected one of the cross valve communication ports. In one embodiment, each valve body module further includes a passage communicating with the main valve cavity. In this case, the gasket may be configured to selectively communicate between the passage and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports, thereby selectively communicating between the main valve cavity and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports through the passage by selective orientation of the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventors: Emma Cecilia Tejada, Laurence Vaughan Borst, Gregory James Volz
  • Patent number: 8381757
    Abstract: A valve device for a hydraulic circuit (10) divides the incoming volume flow into at least two pre-determined partial flows for supplying hydraulic consumers (V1, V2) of the circuit (10) and has at least one pressure balance (16) and at least one orifice. Since the orifice is embodied as a variable orifice (32) controllable by a proportional magnet (34), the opening area of the orifice varies. A flow regulator is then realized and can switch the regulated volume flow and/or proportionally adjust the regulated volume flow in a defined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hydac Electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Remus, Frank Herold, Franz Fuchshumer
  • Patent number: 8329112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (200). The cartridge (200) has a plurality X of chambers, each accommodating a detergent composition. The device has a lid (3,1100) for receiving water/wash liquor and directing it selectively into a chamber of the cartridge (200) to contact the detergent composition therein and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device has automatic indexing means (100) for automatic movement of said cartridge (200) relative to said lid (3,1100) so as to cause a neighboring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle and features an end stop mechanism (A,B) for preventing actuation of said automatic indexing mechanism (100) subsequent to an Xth washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Karl-Ludwig Gibis, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Gaj Renato