Unit Orientable In A Single Location Between Plural Positions Patents (Class 137/270)
  • Patent number: 11865557
    Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary shower head is presented. The shower head is useful for spraying a shower water in different directions during the same shower without having to readjust the entire shower head. The shower head is further useful for directing the water flowing from the shower head in different directions as desired without further intervention. The shower head has two pipes, each flexible coupled to a valve and the pipes have nozzles. The shower head has a main pipe coupled to a main valve and is coupled to a splitter connector pipe. The connector pipe is coupled to each of the pipes via the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Benoit Poirier
  • Patent number: 11614174
    Abstract: The fluid channel structure includes a base and a connector. The base includes a first side surface defining at least three first openings, and a second side surface defining at least three second openings, each of the at least three first openings is communicated to one corresponding second opening to form a first inlet channel, a second inlet channel, and an outlet channel, inner surfaces of the first inlet channel, the second inlet channel, and the outlet channel are provided with threaded connecting elements. The at least three through holes are in one-to-one correspondence with the at least three first openings and communicated to corresponding second openings. The present disclosure further provides a valve core assembly and a tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Chunhe Qiu
  • Patent number: 11274683
    Abstract: An electropneumatic controller has an electropneumatic control unit on which is provided an expansion interface, on which an expansion module arrangement is fitted. In the expansion module arrangement there extends at least one expansion working channel which is connected to a main working output and which is fluidically connected to the control unit at the expansion interface for connection to control valve means. The control unit further contains control electronics for electrically controlling the control valve means. Also proposed is a process control device equipped with a controller of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: FESTO SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bodo Neef, Christoph Maile
  • Patent number: 11155984
    Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet pipe, a branch pipe, a fountain valve, and a fountain nozzle with a pressure compensating flow regulator, the faucet pipe having a proximal end to release a water stream in a downward direction through a lower channel and a branch pipe disposed within the faucet pipe to release the water stream in an upward direction through the fountain nozzle, with the fountain valve configured within the proximal end of the faucet pipe to redirect the water stream to the branch pipe by gradually blocking and unblocking the upper channel of the branch pipe, and wherein the pressure compensating flow regulator is disposed with the fountain opening to compensate the pressure of the water stream released from the fountain opening and control the trajectory of the water stream discharged from the fountain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: NASONI, LLC
    Inventor: John Steven Waddell
  • Patent number: 10876640
    Abstract: The valve has a pair of mutually rotatable ceramic valve bodies within the bonnet that cooperate to allow a flow of water in one relative position and to block a flow of water in a second relative position. One valve body is engaged by the valve stem to rotate therewith while the second valve body is held fixed within the bonnet via radial projections that fit into recesses in the bonnet. An elastomeric ring of square cross-section is squeezed against the non-rotatable valve body by a spiral retaining ring that is positioned in a circumferential groove in the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: COMPONENT HARDWARE GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Wen Wang, Brion Gompper
  • Patent number: 10865885
    Abstract: A control valve assembly has a self-aligning construction, better life, durability, and functionality. The control valve assembly includes a valve, an actuator, a yoke, and a positioner. The valve includes a body, a seat, a bonnet, and a plug and stem assembly. The body has at least one first counterbore and at least one second counterbore. The seat is disposed within the body. The bonnet is receivable within the body. The plug and stem assembly is disposed within the bonnet. The at least one first counterbore is configured to facilitate central alignment of the seat with the body. The at least one second counterbore is configured within the body to facilitate the central alignment of the bonnet with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: FORBES MARSHALL PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Milind Joshi, Prashant Ranade, Amol Ambhore
  • Patent number: 10865889
    Abstract: A poppet switch valve device includes a valve body, a first valve rod including a first valve member, a second valve rod including a second valve member, and a solenoid. When a jig engages with an engagement portion of the first valve rod and rotates the first valve rod so that an internally-threaded hole formed in the first valve rod engages with and moves forward and backward relative to an external thread formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second valve rod, the first valve rod is moved relative to the second valve rod in the axial direction. The poppet switch valve device further includes a restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the first valve rod relative to the second valve rod in the axial direction after the first valve rod is moved relative to the second valve rod in the axial direction using the jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Itoh, Kiyonobu Hayashi, Mitsuhiro Kosugi
  • Patent number: 10858840
    Abstract: An electric blinds roof structure provided in this invention includes a top frame, and at least a group of blinds is installed at the top frame. Each group of blinds includes a plurality of slats, a linkage strip, and an electric control mechanism, each slat is rotatably installed at the top frame, and each slat is directly hinged to the linkage strip or hinged to the linkage strip through a fixing member fixed at the slat. The electric control mechanism is used to drive at least one linkage strip to move thus to control opening and closing of the slats. This invention can drive the linkage strip to move through the electric control mechanism, thereby controlling the opening and closing of slats corresponding to blinds, and operation is convenient and reliable compared to the operation mode of rolling a rolling rod in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kai Ji, Jianqiang Xie
  • Patent number: 10829915
    Abstract: The invention refers to a panel assembly and a tap device including the panel assembly, wherein the tap device includes a valve with a valve cover, and the panel assembly includes a panel with a through hole, wherein the panel assembly further includes a positioning member passing through the through hole and can be secured to the panel, and the positioning member is movably plugged onto the valve cover in the axial direction of the valve cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuanglin Bai, Liming Ye, Jianping Zhou
  • Patent number: 10801303
    Abstract: A choke can include a variable flow restrictor, external ports in communication with a flow passage respectively upstream and downstream of the flow restrictor, and sensor(s) in communication with the external ports. A method can include flowing a well fluid through a flow passage in a body of a choke including a variable flow restrictor, measuring a pressure differential between external ports in communication with respective upstream and downstream sides of the flow restrictor, and operating the flow restrictor, thereby varying a restriction to the flow through the flow passage, in response to the measured pressure differential. A well system can include a well fluid pump, a flow choke including a variable flow restrictor operable by an actuator that includes a displaceable stem and a stem seal that isolates the actuator from the well fluid in the flow choke, and a control system that operates the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Gerald George
  • Patent number: 10701976
    Abstract: A refillable cartridge for a vaporizer is disclosed. The refillable cartridge includes a body housing a reservoir for storing a vaporizing product. The refillable cartridge further includes a lower ceramic pad with a through hole providing access to the reservoir. The refillable cartridge further includes a lid slidably fastened to the upper end of the body. The refillable cartridge further includes an upper ceramic pad positioned at a lower end of the lid. The upper ceramic pad seals the through hole when the lid is slid to a first position and uncovers the through hole when the lid is slid to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: VMR Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Andries Verleur, Dan Recio, Zhiyuan Liu, Hans Verleur
  • Patent number: 10670155
    Abstract: A directional control valve for selectively communicating a valve outlet to one of a vent port and a pressure supply port includes a poppet extending through a cage. Relative positioning of the poppet to the cage selects which of the vent and pressure supply port is communicated to the valve outlet. The poppet position relative to the cage is provided by supplying fluid pressure to one of the opposed sides thereof, and the poppet latches with the cage so that the fluid pressure on one of the sides of the poppet need not be maintained to maintain the poppet position in the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: PROSERV GILMORE VALVE LLC
    Inventor: Andy Patterson
  • Patent number: 10557771
    Abstract: A test cylinder of a valve assembly is mounted a body of the valve assembly, the body includes a holder containing an accommodation chamber, a bottom fence formed, and a cold-water inlet and a hot-water inlet which respectively communicate with a cold-water inflow pipe and a hot-water inflow pipe of the body. The accommodation chamber has a first mixing-water outlet and a second mixing-water outlet which individually communicate with a first outflow pipe and a second outflow pipe. The test cylinder includes a peripheral fence, a first orifice, an edge fence, and a first cavity defined. The peripheral fence has at least one second orifice, a second cavity, and an internal surround portion of the accommodation chamber. The edge fence has a closing portion extending from an outer wall thereof and has a conduit defined in the edge fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Tachun Chang, Yueping Xiao, Kaizhong He
  • Patent number: 10551267
    Abstract: Provided is a pressure detection device which includes: a pressure detection unit configured to detect a pressure transmitted to a diaphragm of the pressure detection unit; a flow passage unit in which a flow passage and a diaphragm of the flow passage unit are formed, a fluid being made to flow through the flow passage along a flow direction from an inflow port to an outflow port, and the diaphragm of the flow passafe unit being configured to transmit a pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow passage to the diaphragm of the flow detection unit; and a nut configured to allow the flow passage unit to be detachably mounted on the pressure detection unit. The pressure detection unit includes a mounting detection sensor configured to detect that the flow passage unit is mounted on the pressure detection unit in a state where the diaphragm of the pressure detection unit and the diaphragm of the flow passage unit are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masamichi Kobayashi, Masanori Taguchi
  • Patent number: 10508742
    Abstract: A cage assembly for a valve includes a hollow first member having a first end for operably connecting to a valve body and an opposed second end for receiving a hollow second member. The assembly includes the second member having a third end for receiving a hollow third member, the second member including first openings formed through a sidewall, and the third member having a fourth end for operably connecting to the valve body. The assembly includes when assembled inside the valve body, the first member, the second member and the third member forming an aligned second opening therethrough, the second opening having a uniform cross section, for slidably receiving a valve closure element for controlling a flow of fluid through the first openings during operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CIRCOR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: James Kloss
  • Patent number: 10450729
    Abstract: A pull-out faucet contains: a hollow body, a control valve assembly, a water supply pipe set, a water hose, and a spray head. The hollow body has a longitudinal chamber, an accommodation groove, and a first orifice. The control valve assembly includes: a right-angle valve block having multiple inlets, an outlet, and multiple apertures. A positioning element is configured to connect the right-angle valve block so as to accommodate a part of the right-angle valve block in the accommodation groove, a mixing valve is configured to communicate with the multiple apertures, a first cap is configured to position the mixing valve in the accommodation groove, and an operation lever is configured to turn on/off and to control the mixing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Jihtung Chang, Chaota Yang
  • Patent number: 10364018
    Abstract: A coupling device for supporting a first wing section against a second wing section of an aircraft, and configured for passive flight load alleviation includes a housing including a chamber including a first portion and a second portion and filled with a fluid, a piston device movably arranged in the chamber and separating the first portion from the second portion in a fluid tight manner, a first fluid pathway connecting the first portion to the second portion, a first pressure relief valve arranged in the first fluid pathway and blocking the first fluid pathway, if the pressure in the second portion is smaller than a first relief pressure and opening the first fluid pathway, if the pressure in the second portion is greater than the first relief pressure. In addition, the coupling device can be used to actuate the second wing section against the first wing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignees: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andreas Wildschek, Stefan Storm, Stephen Rolston, Martin Herring
  • Patent number: 10344461
    Abstract: An actuation control for a flush system includes a cartridge valve being actuated between an opened position and a closed position to compete a flushing cycle. The cartridge valve includes a cartridge housing having a valve inlet for communicating with a water source and the valve outlet for guiding water to flow to the flush system, and a control disc unit which is supported in the cartridge housing at the valve inlet thereof and is orientated perpendicular to a water-in direction of the water for biasing against water pressure from said water source. At the closed position, the valve inlet is closed by the control disc unit for blocking the water to pass through the valve inlet. At the opened position, the valve inlet is opened up for allowing the water passing to the valve outlet so as to complete the flushing cycle of the flush system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 10253765
    Abstract: A valve assembly in a reciprocating compressor used in oil and gas industry is provided. The valve assembly comprises an actuator configured to a valve actuating motion and a valve. The valve has a valve seat comprises an inlet port configured to allow a fluid to flow through the valve seat, a counter-seat comprising an outlet port configured to allow the fluid to flow through the counter-seat, and a valve closing member attached to the counter-seat and configured to cover the inlet port when the counter-seat is in a closed position. The counter-seat is configured to receive the valve actuating motion and to move between the closed position and an open position in which the valve closing member does not cover the inlet port thereby selectively allowing the fluid to flow on a flow path which comprises the inlet port and the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Riccardo Bagagli, Leonardo Tognarelli
  • Patent number: 10238024
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 10138621
    Abstract: A faucet handle assembly includes a faucet handle, a handle adaptor, and a bonnet. The handle adaptor includes a plurality of end stops extending radially outward therefrom, and is configured to rotatably couple the faucet handle to a fluid control valve disposed within a valve body, and rotatably couple to the valve body by the plurality of end stops. The bonnet includes an inner ring having a plurality of locking features, and is configured to be removably coupled to the valve body by the plurality of locking features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Brian S. Core
  • Patent number: 10048149
    Abstract: A relative pressure sensor (1) includes a pressure measuring cell (10) having a measuring diaphragm (12), a main body (14) which is connected to said measuring diaphragm, and a the measuring chamber between the measuring diaphragm and main body, a reference pressure being applied to the measuring chamber by a reference pressure channel (18) which runs from a rear face (16) of the main body (14) through the main body (14); a clamping ring (38); and a housing (40) which has at least one housing body (42) with a measuring cell chamber (46), wherein the pressure measuring cell (10) is clamped in the measuring cell chamber (46) by the clamping ring (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Armin Rupp, Raphael Schonhardt, Michael Hugel
  • Patent number: 9995404
    Abstract: A seat valve (10) is described having a valve body (12) which comprises at least two fluid openings (14, 16). Furthermore, the seat valve (10) comprises at least one valve seat (20), at least one valve element (22) which can be displaced in a translatory manner and at least one actuator (24) which is formed as an electro-active polymeric actuator and cooperates with the valve element (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Cricia de Carvalho Rodegheri, Ralf Scheibe, Peter Krippner, Stefan Seelecke
  • Patent number: 9903503
    Abstract: An aircraft water heating tank air vent valve includes an air vent valve housing having an upper vent valve body and a lower valve adapter sealingly mated together to define an interior chamber. A tubular collar is disposed within the interior chamber between an upper planar valve seat member and a lower notched valve seat member, and a ball float is movable within the tubular collar between first and second positions seated on the upper planar valve seat member or the lower notched valve seat member, respectively. The lower notched valve seat member includes oblique notches and frustoconical projections providing upper shoulders upon which the tubular collar is positioned, and providing outwardly flaring radially inner oblique edges upon which the ball float can be seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke E. Kelly, Stuart A. Dietz
  • Patent number: 9879407
    Abstract: A fitting for a faucet handle includes a body having an interior wall disposed within the body, the interior wall having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture has at least a first opening and a second opening fluidly connected by a channel, and the first opening is angularly offset relative to the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: David E. Hansen, Perry D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9772631
    Abstract: A water control valve may comprise a balancing valve installed therein, and the balancing valve has two corresponding housing members which are configured to connect to each other to secure a locating tube and a movable valve core therein. Each of the housing members has a water inlet, and two non-return devices are respectively installed in the two water inlets. With the non-return device and the balancing valve, the water control valve is configured to balance the water pressure between cold and hot water inflows and prevent backflow simultaneously, thus ensuring the water quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Patent number: 9746186
    Abstract: A control device for gas appliances comprises at least one control module (20) having a supporting structure that can be associated to a gas tap (10) and defines a housing, contained within which is at least one first part of a circuit arrangement. The control module (20) comprises a command element operable by a user for activating at least one timing function and/or a function of ignition of a gas burner. The first part of the circuit arrangement comprises control elements, electrical-interconnection elements, and detection elements (45) configured for detecting actuation of the command element and supplying corresponding signals to the control elements. The circuit arrangement comprises further control and/or command elements (PSD, IS, F, LE, BC, ISC) and/or an auxiliary module (PSD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Moro, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 9650029
    Abstract: A compressed air supply system for a utility vehicle includes an air dryer unit provided with a filter unit, an electrically controllable valve unit and a pneumatically controllable discharge valve unit, a compressor with a coupling, which supplies compressed air to the air dryer unit via a delivery pipe, a multi-circuit safety valve unit which removes the compressed air from the air dryer unit, and an electrically controllable compressor coupling switch valve unit. An electronic control unit controls or regulates the functions of the air dryer unit and the compressor coupling switch valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Hilberer
  • Patent number: 9599250
    Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes and actuator and a yoke. The actuator includes an upper casing and a lower casing defining a cavity and an actuating device disposed at least partially within the cavity and dividing the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The yoke is connected to the actuator and has an actuator spring disposed within a body of the yoke and a yoke tube extending longitudinally through the body of the yoke. The yoke tube extends from an aperture in the lower casing of the actuator and provides an air passage that fluidly connects the lower chamber of the actuator and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: James L. Gossett, William E. Wears
  • Patent number: 9518676
    Abstract: Provision is made of a device for indicating the position of a valve spindle of a valve. The device comprises a valve spindle which can be shifted between a first position and a second position, and a sensor module for detecting at least the end positions of the valve spindle. The device further comprises at least a first optical display element (58), preferably a first LED, for indicating the first position, and a second optical display element (60), preferably a second LED, for indicating the second position. A first end position indication (66) is assigned to the first display element (58) and a second end position indication (68) is assigned to the second display element (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Feinauer, Christof Jacob
  • Patent number: 9494247
    Abstract: A solenoid section of a solenoid three-way valve includes a yoke attached to a valve housing and formed from a bottomed cylindrical main yoke and an auxiliary yoke closing an open end of the main yoke, a coil assembly inside the yoke, a fixed core slidably fitted into a hollow portion of a bobbin and abutted against a ceiling wall of the main yoke, a movable core facing the fixed core and passing through the auxiliary yoke, and a coil spring compressed between the cores. The fixed core is abutted against the wall by a predetermined spring load and by electromagnetic attraction force between the core and wall based on coil energization. A valve rod is slidably supported in a housing hole, having one end separably abutted against an outer end of the movable core and an opposite end abutted against a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Oikawa, Kentarou Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9441752
    Abstract: A valve housing comprising an outer pipe section which is formed from a prefabricated pipe and has a connector for a valve actuator, and comprising an inner pipe section with a valve seat which represents a fluidic connection between the outer and inner pipe sections, is provided with a cut-out in the peripheral wall of the outer pipe section. At least a portion of the inner pipe section including the valve seat protrudes into the outer pipe section from outside the outer pipe section, the valve housing being fluid-tight in the region of the cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Guenther Beck, Michael Adelmann
  • Patent number: 9376947
    Abstract: A hybrid valve assembly for an exhaust system includes an exhaust tube having a bore defining an exhaust flow path. A vane is mounted within the bore and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A resilient member biases the vane toward the closed position. A valve actuator has an ON position where movement of the vane is actively controlled by the valve actuator and an OFF position where movement of the vane is passively controlled by exhaust gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies USA, LLC
    Inventors: Kwin Abram, Joseph Callahan, Robin Willats
  • Patent number: 9360132
    Abstract: A valve comprising a housing defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid path, a valve chamber in the fluid path and having a valve seat, a valve member moveable between an open position in which the valve member is displaced from the valve seat such that the fluid inlet is connected to the fluid outlet and a closed position, and first and second opposed biasing members of unequal loading applying a resulting biasing force to the valve member so as to bias it towards the closed position, a first piston member movable in a first bore relative to the valve for moving the valve member in a first direction, and a second piston member for moving the valve member in a second direction, a first pressure compensation passage, and a second pressure compensation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Bifold Fluidpower Limited
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Dennis, Lee Jason Hardman
  • Patent number: 9334634
    Abstract: A mixing valve for a faucet includes a body configured to receive therein end portions of a fluid supply line and a fluid outlet line, and a coupler. The coupler is configured for insertion through a sidewall of the body to engage features of the fluid supply line and the fluid outlet line so as to retain the fluid supply line and the fluid outlet line within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: William Bares, John C. Esche
  • Patent number: 9273781
    Abstract: A sealing device which is used to seal a leak test aperture in an ECU. The sealing device is selectively disposed in the leak test aperture, and an inner surface is formed as part of the leak test aperture. The sealing device has a first portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The sealing device is press-fitted into the leak aperture such that the first portion is in contact with the inner surface, securing the position of the sealing device in the leak test aperture, and the second portion is also in contact with the inner surface to prevent moisture and debris from passing through the leak test aperture. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter such that the second diameter of the second portion applies a pressure to the inner surface of the leak test aperture, forming a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnathan Guarneros
  • Patent number: 9243733
    Abstract: Embodiments of a valve device that reduces noise and vibration that may occur during low flow conditions in fluid couplings (e.g., valves and flow regulators). These embodiments utilize a plug and seat arrangement with geometry to prevent pressure differentials that cause the plug element to open and close in a cyclic pattern. In one embodiment, the valve device includes a seat element with an aperture and a plug element with a boss that extends into the aperture when the plug element contacts the seat element. The boss has an outer surface that forms a gap, which defines an annular area proximate the point of contact between the seat element and the plug element that is sized to reduce Venturi flow effects that cause the cyclic pattern to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Charles Lively, Lamar Edward May, Kenneth Marcell Graff
  • Patent number: 9163742
    Abstract: A faucet valve seat includes a main body and a valve body. The main body is made of stainless steel, defines an internal space, and is formed with a water inlet communicating the internal space, a coupling opening adapted to be engaged with a switch handle of a faucet assembly, and a water outlet communicating the internal space and adapted to be engaged with a discharge pipe of the faucet assembly. The valve body is disposed in and adhered to the internal space, corresponds in position to the water outlet, and has several valve holes that are blocked and unblocked via operation of the switch handle for controlling water to flow from the water inlet to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Everfit Technology Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Jen-Tzu Yang
  • Patent number: 9139986
    Abstract: A remote-actuated shut off valve apparatus (100) including a valve assembly (200) and a control module (500). The valve assembly includes a valve body (210), a valve member (220), and a motor drive (300) to move the valve member between open and closed states. The control module includes an electronics housing (502) releasably attached to the valve assembly and control electronics (600) disposed within the electronics housing for actuating the valve assembly. A motor shroud (350) overlies a portion of the motor drive (300) and includes first and second contacts (370, 372) electrically coupled to a motor drive (300) of the valve assembly. The electronics housing includes a connector (540) and releasably engages the motor shroud in first and second orientations. In the first orientation, the connector contacts the first contact of the motor shroud. In the second orientation, the connector contacts the second contact of the motor shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Smith, Jason A. Sharratt
  • Patent number: 8985137
    Abstract: Mounting assemblies for use with fluid control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bonnet to be coupled to a valve and a mounting assembly including a first side to be coupled to an actuator and a second side to be rotatably coupled at an end of the bonnet to enable a rotational position of the mounting assembly to change relative to the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Jacob Burgett, Brian J. Tutt, Todd William Larsen
  • Patent number: 8960219
    Abstract: Actuator for a seat valve or a butterfly valve which is of the type that is normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO), and also has a cylinder and a piston being held in the normal position by a spring. The spring includes a closed space with a pressurized fluid, and the actuator further has at least a top unit, with two or more connections for a pressurized fluid. The actuator is with one of the connections in the top unit that is connected to the inside of the cylinder through one or more openings at one end of the cylinder and another connection is connected to the inside of the cylinder through one or more openings at the other end of the cylinder. The top unit is designed to allow the connections to be interchanged by changing the position of the top unit, e.g. by turning the top unit 180 degrees around an axis corresponding to or parallel to the axis of the piston and cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Jens Christian Folkmar Andersen, Karsten Schack Madsen, Kenneth Rehhoff, Louise Wichmann Agner
  • Patent number: 8939167
    Abstract: A pressure relief assembly may include an actuator stem having a plurality of retaining grooves. A relief plate may be operatively connected to the actuator stem and a diaphragm plate may be operatively connected to the actuator stem. A diaphragm may be least partially disposed between the relief plate and the diaphragm plate. A relief spring seat may be releasably attached to the actuator stem at one of the plurality of retaining grooves. The relief spring may be adjusted by moving the attachment point from one retaining groove to another retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Scott Mevius
  • Patent number: 8881755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a faucet valve cartridge 10 configured for use within a dual handle faucet 16, 18. The valve cartridge 10 includes first and second fluid flow control members 94 and 96 received within a valve housing 74 and configured to control fluid flow from an inlet 32, 36 to an outlet 29.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Kurt Judson Thomas, Garry Robin Marty
  • 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: 8833394
    Abstract: A water supply valve comprising a valve body having a first orifice and a second orifice, a rotatable valve shaft, and a handle. The rotatable valve shaft can be inserted into the first orifice or the second orifice, thereby converting the water supply valve from first configuration where the handle is on the left side to a second configuration where the handle is on the right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ayrlett, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. McCoy, Leonard G. Franklin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8764436
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a valve assembly can comprise a housing, a valve body, a first burner nozzle member and a second burner nozzle member. The housing can define an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) inlet and a burner inlet. The valve body can be positioned within the housing and configured to rotate between a first position for a first fuel type and a second position for a second fuel type different from the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Procom Heating, Inc.
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 8727306
    Abstract: A valve handle for a bulk commodity hopper valve, the handle including an extended handle bar member, with a valve stem socket opening near its distal end, an associated, shorter lock lever member positioned to extend generally adjacent the handle bar member, the handle bar and lock lever members having corresponding offset bends along their lengths to clear interfering equipment and being pivotally connected to one another at an intermediate position along their lengths, and a biasing spring normally biasing the proximate ends of the handle bar and lock lever members away from one another and the distal ends thereof towards one another, with the distal end of the lock lever member having a lever tip associated therewith movable into and out of engagement with the valve lock notches as the proximate ends of the handle bar member and lock lever member are squeezed together and released by a user and the valve handle is rotated to operate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Bulk Tank, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 8707981
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and an associated valve assembly that are adapted to increase the efficiency of an upstream water meter. By way of the valve assembly entrained water bubbles can be removed from a water supply. This, in turn, increases the density of the water running through the water meter. This ensures that the water meter is not inaccurately including entrained air as metered water. The result is more accurate water readings and reduced utility bills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Dynamics, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Edgeworth
  • Patent number: 8690123
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flapper drain valve adjusting structure including at least two installation positions disposed at connecting positions of a flapper body and a swinging link rod, a rotating shaft with its axis perpendicular to an arrangement direction of at least two installation positions and a barrier block installed at the boundary of two adjacent installation positions to prevent the swinging link rod from moving horizontally between the adjacent installation positions, and a claw buckle installed on the swinging link rod and detachably and rotably latched onto the rotating shaft. This structure changes the conventional adjusting method and uses the fixed barrier block to separate the adjacent installation positions without the problem of worrying about the precision and structure and adopts the detachable claw buckle to provide a convenient way of replacing the claw buckle that may be damaged after a long time of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xiamen Runner Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Yiz-hou Fu
  • Patent number: 8573259
    Abstract: A modular microfluidic system comprising a base substrate, a plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and an adhesive component is provided. Each individual microfluidic assembly block defines a channel and has a sidewall defining an aperture into the channel. When the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks are arranged on the base substrate, the aperture into the channel of one microfluidic assembly block aligns with the aperture of another microfluidic assembly block with the channels thereof connected along a plane parallel to the base substrate thereby forming a channel network defined by the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks. The subject invention also provides a method of assembling a microfluidic device. The method comprising the steps of providing the base substrate, providing the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and arranging the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks on the base substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Mark A. Burns, Minsoung Rhee, Sean M. Langelier, Brian N. Johnson