Unit Orientable In A Single Location Between Plural Positions Patents (Class 137/270)
  • Patent number: 6722387
    Abstract: A valve operator is provided having a rotatable spindle extending along an axis. The rotatable spindle is rotatable about the axis. The rotatable spindle is additionally pivotable about a first pivot point. A pivotable linkage operably couples with the spindle. The pivotable linkage is pivotably movable about a second pivot point, such that rotation of the spindle moves the pivotable linkage in a pivoting motion about the second pivot point. Rotation of the spindle additionally pivotally moves the spindle about the first pivot point. The inventive valve operator has a fewer number of parts, a relatively low cost of manufacture, and a high operating efficiency relative to known valve operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Patent number: 6718569
    Abstract: A tub and shower valve assemble including a valve having a housing with an outwardly opening cup-like socket. A removable cartridge having an outwardly extending operating stem is installed in the cup-like socket. A plaster ground is provided for mounting the valve on a supporting wall structure. An escutcheon assembly is positioned over the valve housing and is removably attached to the plaster ground and to the valve housing and cartridge for removal and replacement of the cartridge. A transparent overlay is applied to the escutcheon with graphics and operating indicia applied to the underside of the overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Terry L. Burger, Thomas L. Falencki, Darren S. Lopp, Brian J. Schwartz, Sharon M. Vilagi
  • Patent number: 6688325
    Abstract: A modular fluid control system which comprises a plurality of fluid distribution modules each formed of a parallelepiped-shaped module block of similar shape and size and having fluid channels therein is provided. Each module block has at least two porting faces on opposite sides, selected ones of the channels opening on an associated one of the porting faces to form port openings. The module blocks are arranged in an aligned abutting relationship so that selected port openings communicate with each other at abutting porting faces of adjacent module blocks. The modular fluid control system further comprises a frame which surrounds the module blocks and has connector through ports therein aligned with selected ones of the port openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Christoph Hettinger
  • Patent number: 6666227
    Abstract: A tub/shower valve assembly includes a three-position valve stem adapter for varying the depth dimension of the assembly. The stem adapter has a splined bore with stop members located at a position skewed towards one end of the stem adapter. The stem adapter can thus be pushed onto the valve stem different distances depending on which is the leading end. The stem adapter can be disposed onto the valve stem a further distance by pushing the stop members past the end of the valve stem, allowed by outward expansion of the sides of the stem adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Perry D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6626203
    Abstract: A sanitary mixing valve having two valve disks (1, 2) arranged in a cartridge casing (7), one of which is held in a rotationally fixed manner while the other can be moved by means of a driving element (4) provided on a spindle (3) is created, whereby the driving element (94) has at least one stop projection (5, 15) which, in cooperation with at least one stop (6, 26) on the cartridge casing (7), limits the rotational movement of the driving element (4), whereby the driving element (4) consists of a part (8), which is fixedly connected to the spindle (30) and has a gearing (9) in at least one portion of its outer circumference, and a coupling (10), which has on its inner circumferential surface a gearing (11) which, in the installed state, engages the gearing (9) of the fixedly connected part (8) of the driving element (4), whereby the minimum of one stop projections (5, 15) of the driving element (4) is provided on the coupling (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Hermann-Josef Schneider
  • Publication number: 20030168100
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing different types of water and sanitary fitting elements, such as taps and mixers, there is used a plurality of functional parts (1-19) that have parts which come into contact with water in use, and one or more casing parts (20-22) which are at least partially visible. The water-contacted functional parts are formed in a module system that comprises a limited number of elements, e.g. 10-15 in number, and are made of a material that will not deliver harmful substances to the water. The casing parts are made of another material and are given an inner shape or form which is adapted to the outer shape or form of the functional parts so said casing parts will surround said functional parts, either completely or partially, in an exchangeable manner. The functional parts may be made of a plastic material, e.g. a thermoplastic material, while the casing parts may be made of any chosen material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Stefan Ericsson
  • Patent number: 6612538
    Abstract: A two-way valve has a valve mechanism comprising a displacement mechanism for opening and closing a fluid passage by an action of a pilot pressure from a pilot port. The pilot port is formed on an annular member disposed between a body and a bonnet and is rotatable circumferentially by the annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Patent number: 6595209
    Abstract: A dry powder delivery system and method for use, the system having an elongated tube containing a matrix having a measured amount of dry particles of a therapeutic compound and a porous element having a desiccant therein. The porous element with the desiccant can be combined with the powder-containing matrix or it can be two separate elements. The pressure drop induced by inhalation of the user causes air to flow through the tube and into contact with the particles of dry powder for discharging the particles for inhalation by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Jed E. Rose, Frederique Behm, James Turner
  • Patent number: 6595235
    Abstract: There are provided a fluid flow control valve and an orifice for a fluid flow control valve. The orifice defines two seats against which a diaphragm of the valve can be urged. Each seat defines a particular contour, including one or more channels, slots, and or protrusions that form flow control passages through which fluid flows between the diaphragm and the orifice. The orifice can be configured in either of two orientations so that either seat can be disposed toward the diaphragm. As the pressure differential across the valve increases, the diaphragm is urged more firmly against the seat facing the diaphragm and the diaphragm partially closes the flow control passages, thereby regulating the flow to a substantially uniform volumetric rate. The contours of the two seats can be the same, or each seat can be different to provide a unique controlled flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hays Fluid Controls, a divison of Romac Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: GangFu Zhang
  • Publication number: 20030079779
    Abstract: A valve operator is provided having a rotatable spindle extending along an axis. The rotatable spindle is rotatable about the axis. The rotatable spindle is additionally pivotable about a first pivot point. A pivotable linkage operably couples with the spindle. The pivotable linkage is pivotably movable about a second pivot point, such that rotation of the spindle moves the pivotable linkage in a pivoting motion about the second pivot point. Rotation of the spindle additionally pivotally moves the spindle about the first pivot point. The inventive valve operator has a fewer number of parts, a relatively low cost of manufacture, and a high operating efficiency relative to known valve operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Patent number: 6546950
    Abstract: A lacquer bullet gun gas entry valve, placed inside the lacquer bullet gun at an entrance of a conduit between an expansion chamber and a bullet chamber. The lacquer bullet gun gas entry valve comprises a valve body and a shutter. The valve body has a passageway, allowing compressed gas to pass to the bullet-chamber. The shutter tightly closes a front end of the valve body. The shutter has a first surface to which a first rod is attached and a second surface opposite to the first surface to which a second rod is attached, which is aligned with the first rod on a common axis. Depending on how the shutter is oriented, the first or second rod pass through the passageway, having a far end which extends beyond a rear end of the valve body, so that pushing of the far end by the firing device causes the shutter to be opened. Several longitudinal grooves are cut into the far end both of the first and the second rod, providing a path for compressed gas to push back the firing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Juan
  • Patent number: 6540206
    Abstract: The present finding relates to a bidirectional ball valve usable particularly for ecological frigorific gases, which has a valve body housing a ball shutter connected to a control rod sealingly protruding from said valve body. The peculiarity of the finding is in that the ball shutter is turnable by 180° and is provided with a through hole on the side surface, and in the closing step can be arranged in the incoming flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fratelli Guerra KMP Srl
    Inventor: Daniela Guerra
  • Patent number: 6499205
    Abstract: A method of converting a control set from an identifiable first control pattern configuration to an identifiable second control pattern configuration. The method provides a pair of control assemblies that may be easily rotated from a first position to a second position to accomplish the conversion. Each of the control assemblies include a respective control lever, rocker assembly, and linkage rods. After rotation of the control assemblies, the control levers are interchanged and connected to the opposite control assembly to establish an ergonomic position for the control levers. The method of converting the control set is completed without the need for additional components or complex modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Patrick W. Laffan
  • Patent number: 6453930
    Abstract: A method for assembling a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular brake system includes the following steps of: providing a sleeve having a closed end; sliding a spring over an armature to form an armature/spring subassembly; orientating the armature subassembly to produce a normally open valve or a normally closed valve; sliding the oriented armature/spring subassembly into the sleeve; sliding a valve seat into the sleeve; crimping a portion of the sleeve onto the valve seat to form a sleeve/valve seat subassembly; inserting the sleeve/valve seat subassembly into a bore of a housing. Two additional steps can be combined with the above listed steps to provide a method of assembling the control valve subassemblies described above on a hydraulic control unit. The additional steps include: inserting the sleeve/valve seat subassembly into a bore in a housing; and pressing a coil assembly about the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Herbert L. Linkner, Jr., Wendell D. Tackett
  • Patent number: 6408868
    Abstract: An interface module for an island of electropneumatic control valves on bases, the module comprising a body having at least one face for connection to a base of the island and, away from said base, means for coupling to at least a first external duct, said body having at least one internal main channel, a secondary channel, and a branch internal channel for connecting the main channel to the secondary channel, which branch channel is provided with a two-position selector which, depending on its position, provides continuity for the connection or interrupts it. The selector also has has connection means for connecting the secondary channel to a second external duct, which means are accessible from outside the module when the selector is in its interruption position and are masked when the selector is in its continuity position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin RAK SA
    Inventors: Serge Rondreux, Grégory Lucas, Daniel Bouteille
  • Patent number: 6382229
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a valve stem, an annular bonnet configured to receive the valve stem, a valve disk coupled to one end of the valve stem, a seal, and an insert. The seal is disposed adjacent the valve disk and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes a first pair of sealing ridges extending upwardly therefrom and the bottom surface includes a second pair of sealing ridges extending downwardly therefrom. The insert includes a recess configured to receive the seal that performs a sealing function and a biasing function. The valve assembly can easily be configured to open in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction without resort to adapters or other additional pieces by rotating the bonnet/valve stem sub-assembly 90° relative to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Emhart LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Baker, Oscar Romero, Mark Bloom
  • Publication number: 20020020445
    Abstract: A modular fluid control system which comprises a plurality of fluid distribution modules each formed of a parallelepiped-shaped module block of similar shape and size and having fluid channels therein is provided. Each module block has at least two porting faces on opposite sides, selected ones of the channels opening on an associated one of the porting faces to form port openings. The module blocks are arranged in an aligned abutting relationship so that selected port openings communicate with each other at abutting porting faces of adjacent module blocks. The modular fluid control system further comprises a frame which surrounds the module blocks and has connector through ports therein aligned with selected ones of the port openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Christoph Hettinger
  • Patent number: 6260572
    Abstract: A valve-coupling device includes a main body having a first end engaged with a gas output end of an inflating device, a slider slidably received in a second end of the main body, an end cap mounted to the second end of the main body for enclosing the slider, and a switch member including a stem rotatably received in the main body. The stem has an operative portion outside the main body for manual operation. When the switch member is in a first position, the end cap is engageable with the valve of a first type. When the switch member is in a second position, the end cap is engageable with the valve of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 6240941
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed. The valve includes at least two valve bodies that each have an annular chamber for operably supporting a flow control member. An adjoining member is attached between the valve bodies and houses an adaptor for engaging a portion of each flow control member such that rotation of one flow control member rotates the other flow control member. Each flow control member can engage the adaptor at a plurality of orientations about an actuation axis that extends through the valve. A method for reorienting to interconnected valve bodies relative to each other is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Laars, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Small, Gene L. Pecci
  • Patent number: 6237622
    Abstract: A flow diverter, two position, plate type, assembly connected to a mixing valve always to deliver hot water to the same designated hot water inlet port of the mixing valve and cold water to the same designated cold water inlet port of the mixing valve. The flow diverter assembly including a housing, hot and cold inlet lines to be connected in one or the other of two positions and a plurality of interconnected plate members always to deliver hot and cold water to the same inlet ports of the mixing valve regardless of whether the hot or the cold water inlet lines are connected in one or the other positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cook, Arthur C. Inocelda, Robert G. Tice
  • Patent number: 6220276
    Abstract: A control valve assembly for a heavy vehicle provides a symmetrical design that minimizes costs and provides a universal adaptation to a number of OEM configurations. The valve assembly can be used with different design platforms since symmetrical surfaces allow the valve body to be oriented as desired. Symmetrical mounting openings, alternate actuating lever mounting arrangements, and preselected angled orientation of the valve ports provide for the use of low-cost fittings that are useful in a wide variety of OEM configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Co.
    Inventor: David J. Goodell
  • Patent number: 6220273
    Abstract: A pumping device includes a main body having a passage defined therein through which air passes, a head, and a pivotal switch member. The pivotal switch member includes a hollow cam seat rotatably received in a first end of the head. The pivotal switch member further includes a lever extending from the cam seat to move therewith. A second end of the head is communicated with the passage. The cam seat includes a central rotating axis relative to the first end of the head. The cam seat further includes a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening communicated with the first opening. A distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the first side is smaller than a distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the second side. A retainer is slidably received in the head and includes a first compartment therein. A second end of the retainer includes a conical recess defined therein. A spring is mounted in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 6199590
    Abstract: A modular system to form valve batteries comprises a plurality of valve units (11) to be variously packed in side by side relationship to form the battery. Each valve unit has a face (40) on which outlets for the users appear and through ducts (23, 24, 25) appear on lateral sides thereof, which are intended for being juxtaposed and connected with corresponding ducts (23, 24, 25) of units in side by side relationship. The valve units generally are of parallelepiped shape, the sizes of the mating sides (21, 22) being substantially constant for all units and the thickness of each unit varying on varying of the maximum flow rate of the specific valve unit, to enable a direct coupling between valve units having different maximum flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Metal Works S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Luigi Ferretti
  • Patent number: 6192912
    Abstract: A low profile pneumatically actuated valve assembly including a pneumatic actuator, a bonnet, and an elongated hollow member disposed within the valve actuator, the member having a threaded portion extending from within the actuator, the threaded portion of the member threadedly engaging a correspondingly threaded portion of the bonnet, thereby fastening the actuator to the bonnet. The pneumatically actuated valve assembly further includes a tab and slot arrangement defined by the actuator and the bonnet which permits the actuator and the bonnet to be rotatively positioned relative to each other in at least 90 degree increments to selectively position the air inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Butler, Wayne R. Houck, Edwin R. Tipton, John R. Lehman, Bruce Rowits
  • Patent number: 6182306
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve includes an outlet pipe associated with a wash basin, an outlet tube associated with a wet-bowl configuration and an outlet assembly for filling the tank of the toilet. A blocking device includes a first plug for blocking the pipe in the absence of a wash basin, and a second plug for blocking the outlet tube in the absence of a wet-bowl configuration. An outlet assembly includes a deflector for directing water against a side wall of the tank, and an aerator for adding turbulence to the water in order to minimize noise associated with filling the tank with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph U. Han
  • Patent number: 6176254
    Abstract: A flow control valve for allowing the flow to be controlled on a proportional basis using a direct current(DC) motor thereby improving the flow control function. The flow control valve is constructed in a manner that a valve housing having a guide space and an inlet and an outlet is formed on the both sides of the valve housing, the inlet and the outlet being in communication with each other through the guide space. A spool is installed inside the guide space of the valve housing and up/down movably coupled therein so as to control the opening of the outlet. A spool guide is placed on the upper side of the guide space passing through liquified coolant by moving up/down along with the spool. A elastic support elastically supports the spool guide to one direction. A sealing member prevents the leakage of liquefied coolant by surrounding the spool on the lower side of the valve housing. A driving mechanism moves the spool up/down by use of a DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwan-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 6158454
    Abstract: Generally, A system for providing fluid flow through a structural arrangement is described. Specifically, a containment system for a modular gas system is described.In the present invention, air flow enters an encasement entry port. The air travel through a channel to a mounting plane enter surface area. The air flow is directed through the mounting plane and then through the modular gas system. From there, air flow is directed within an encasement towards an exit port. The air then enters a capture system which contains any gas that may have escaped the gas system and vents off purified air.In an alternate embodiment, the channel couples the gas system exit surface area to the exit port. In another alternate embodiment, the channel couples the mounting plane exit surface area to the exit port. In yet another embodiment, the channel couples the entry port to the gas system enter surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Insync Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Duret, Erin Martin Hasenkamp, Jeffrey R. Markulec, Dennis G. Rex, Richard E. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6142178
    Abstract: A trap seal primer distribution unit capable of providing charges of water to two, three, or four sewer trap lines depending on the initial setting of the unit. The distribution unit comprises two main components. A lid for splitting the water from the trap seal primer valve removably attaches to a distribution body such that rotation of the lid into three alternate positions enables the distribution unit to alternately serve two, three, or four sewer trap lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: MIFAB, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 6135137
    Abstract: A coupler for interconnecting a damper blade shaft having a keyed end with an actuator is provided whereby movement of the actuator is imparted to the damper blade shaft via the coupler. The coupler comprises a socket adapted to receive the keyed end of the damper blade shaft in at least two angular positions and a connector adapted to receive a portion of the actuator. The damper blade shaft can thereby be indexed to any one of the at least two positions relative to the actuator without additional fasteners when the keyed end of the damper blade shaft is received in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Hart & Cooley, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger P. Engelke
  • Patent number: 6131701
    Abstract: A fail-safe transmission service machine (12) allows old ATF to be pumped out of a transmission (10b) as a vehicle engine (10a) runs while the vehicle (10) is stationary. The machine (12) responsively pumps a matching volume of new ATF into the transmission so that dry running of the transmission can not occur. If the supply of new ATF runs out or if power to the service machine (12) is interrupted, the machine reverts to closed loop fluid circulation for the transmission. A hydraulic rectifier (42) provides for universal connection of hoses between the transmission cooler fluid circulation loop (39) of the vehicle (10) and the service machine (12). An electrically driven assistance pump (94) allows the service of vehicles which have low-flow or low-pressure transmission pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Wynn Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Camacho, Mark Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6123096
    Abstract: A pneumatic cartridge valve has supply inlet and consumer outlet passages provided on the end face of a valve cylinder and a control knob by rotation of which either the flow of air to exhaust or the passage of air from the supply to the consumer may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventor: Jarmo Kammonen
  • Patent number: 6123094
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided including a housing having an opening wherein a cartridge is inserted. The housing has axially aligned inlets and outlets for hot and cold water. The cartridge includes a stationary sleeve containing a rotatable stem member. The stem member carries a compound seal having a first primary sealing portion for sealing the inlet of the stationary sleeve and a secondary seal portion for separating first and second chamber areas of the stem member. Preferably the outlets of said moveable stem and said stationary sleeve are substantially L-shaped, and inverted L-shaped respectively, which are selectively alignable to provide for an increased volume of water through the valve assembly. The housing includes a dividing dam in the outlet splitting the outlet in two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Silvano Breda
    Inventor: Silvano Breda
  • Patent number: 6123105
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing having one or more pairs of opposite notches and one or more pairs of opposite channels. A plate has a stem rotatably engaged through the housing and has a pair of curved oblong holes. A base has two gaskets for communicating two inlets to the curved oblong holes of the plate. The base has one or more pairs of opposite juts and one or more pairs of opposite hooks engaged with the notches and the channels of the housing for allowing the housing and the plate to be rotated for 180 degrees relative to the base and to be secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Tsai Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 6085775
    Abstract: A manifold for distributing fuel within a fuel distribution system that is convertible between a multi-hose output design and a single hose output design. The manifold includes a main housing, and a plurality of ports connected with the main housing for inputting and outputting fuel. The ports are selectively positionable between an open position to allow the fuel to pass through the port, and a closed position to prevent fuel to pass through the port. A cover is positioned on the main housing for selectively directing the flow of the fuel through the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Leon B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6073645
    Abstract: A pumping device includes a main body having a passage defined therein through which air passes, a head, and a pivotal tube secured to the main body and rotatably received in a first end of the head. A second end of the head is communicated with the passage. The pivotal tube includes a hollow cam seat securely mounted therein. The cam seat includes a central rotating axis relative to the first end of the head. The cam seat further includes a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening communicated with the first opening. A distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the first side is smaller than a distance from the central rotating axis of the cam seat to the second side. A retainer slidably received in the head and including a first compartment therein. A second end of the retainer includes a conical recess defined therein. A spring is mounted in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Patent number: 6062251
    Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6029692
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem that is rotatable through 90.degree. for opening and closing the valve. A lever sleeve is securely mounted to the exterior end of the valve stem, and includes at least one pair of diametrically opposite threaded apertures. An indicator cap includes a side wall that is mountable over the lever sleeve. The side wall includes an aperture. The indicator cap is mounted on the sleeve such that the aperture aligns with a selected one of the threaded apertures in the lever sleeve. A handle then is passed through the aperture in the indicator cap and is engaged in the threaded aperture of the lever sleeve for selectively rotating the valve stem. If an obstacle near the valve restricts rotation of the handle, the handle is removed, the indicator cap is rotated 180.degree. and the handle is positioned in the diametrically opposite threaded aperture of the lever sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick P. Barber
  • Patent number: 6026834
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for controlling fluid flows through a mass flow controller ("MFC") device 10 in different directions. The technique includes a device 10 having a novel control valve assembly design for selectively providing an upstream or downstream configuration without exchanging parts or requiring additional parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Faramarz Azima
  • Patent number: 6016830
    Abstract: A non-riser valve assembly 30 includes a bonnet or housing 32, a bushing 34, a stem 36, a washer 38 and a stop 40. The assembly 30 further includes a coupling 42, a rotatable or movable disk 44, a fixed disk 46 and a bottom seal 48. In assembly, the bushing 34 and the stem 36 are located within an opening 50 of the housing 32 with the bushing being located between the housing and the stem. One of the stem 36 extends from one end of the opening 50 and the stop 40 is removably attached to the stem to limit the rotational movement of the stem within the housing. The coupling 42 is located in the opening 50 of the housing 32 and is in driving engagement with the opposite end of the stem 36. The movable disk 44 is located with the opening 50 and is coupled to the coupling 42 for rotation therewith. The fixed disk 46 is attached to the housing 32 within the opening 50 and is formed with a surface 224 which is in water-sealing engagement with a surface 162 of the movable disk 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Niakan, Yuhung Edward Yeh
  • Patent number: 6000417
    Abstract: A check valve is described which employs a magnetic biasing component, disposed external to the valve body, to exert force on a poppet, at least a portion of which is ferrous. In a "normal" mode of operation, the poppet is urged against the inlet end surface of the cavity by the basing component, and moves away from the inlet end surface of the cavity to permit fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet (downstream) port once a differential cracking pressure is achieved. In a "bidirectional" or "purge" mode of operation, the biasing component is positioned adjacent the outlet end of the valve body to retain the poppet in an open position, away from the inlet end surface of the cavity. The bi-directional capability of the disclosed check valve is beneficial for welded installation and cyclic purging of systems, and allows for a full vacuum to be achieved because the effect of cracking pressure is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Richard R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5996609
    Abstract: An internal pilot channel branching from a supply port, an external pilot channel leading to an external pilot port, and a pilot input channel for guiding a pilot fluid to a pilot valve are opened in parallel on a channel-switching surface formed in a body. A channel-switching plate having a dent large enough to extend across the openings of two adjacent channels is mounted on the channel-switching surface in such a way that its direction can be changed by 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Akimoto, Masamichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 5992448
    Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
  • Patent number: 5964244
    Abstract: A valve body of a main valve comprises a first and a second body portions, and grooves and shallow dents are formed in both body portions to form pilot fluid channels and a plug chamber in which a switching plug is accommodated. The switching plug that switches a directional control valve between the internal and external pilot types is accommodated in such a way that its axial direction can be changed by 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiramatsu, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5944358
    Abstract: In a tub and shower unit, a faucet body 30 facilitates the supply of hot water and cold water either to a tub or a shower head, depending on whether a diverter valve of the unit is set in a tub mode or a shower mode. A reversible ejector tee 82 or 138 is designed for assembly with a center body 84 of the faucet body 30 to insure that hot water and cold water, which is being supplied to the faucet body, will be directed to a spout of the tub when in a tub mode without any water leaking through the shower head. The tee 82 or 138 will facilitate the directing of the water to the shower head when the diverter valve is in a shower mode. The tee 82 or 138 can be reversed in its installed position within the center body 84 to accommodate different orientations of the faucet body 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Y. F. Ching, Authur C. Inocelda
  • Patent number: 5934320
    Abstract: A rotary fluid valve has a pivotable disk (36) with through slots (38, 39), the disk blocking outer ends of ports (31, 32) in a neutral disk position. When the disk pivots in first or second directions from the neutral position, one of its slots moves into line with one of the ports. This allows pressured air to flow from the now-uncovered port and through the disk slot, and through an upper chamber (46) lying against the upper face of the disk, to allow air to flow between an external fluid coupling (17 or 18) that is coupled to the port, to another external coupling (19, 20) that is coupled to the upper chamber, as to inflate or deflate a vehicle air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Barksdale, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bernard O'Reilly, James Whittier Daum, Tariq Latif, Richard William Mowery
  • Patent number: 5924440
    Abstract: A small diameter piston is provided at one end of a valve shaft having a plurality of the valves, a large diameter piston is provided at the other, the valve shaft is moved by the acting of pilot pressure. A first operated passage communicating with a large diameter pressure chamber is opened and blocked by a first solenoid, a second operated passage communicating with a small diameter pressure chamber is opened and blocked by a first solenoid. A by-pass for communicating between an intake port and the small diameter pressure chamber is formed. A fluid passage changing block is provided at the outside of the small diameter piston of a housing. A by-pass communicating hole and a communicating hole for a second operated passage are opened at the fluid passage changing block in order to convert the initial position and the actuated position. The valve shaft is operated by the operation of the first solenoid with communicating between the by-pass and the small diameter pressure chamber at the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Doi, Naoki Homma, Shinichiro Hamada
  • Patent number: 5918623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a starting valve for progressive build-up of pressure in an installation through which pressure medium flows, comprising a housing with a first opening for coupling to a first component of the installation and a second opening for coupling to a second component of the installation, a channel connecting the two openings, a piston which is movable to and fro in the housing between a closed and an open position and has at least one first and one second pressure surface, wherein on the first pressure surface the pressure prevailing in the region of the first opening applies and on the second pressure surface the pressure prevailing in the region of the second opening applies, means for maintaining a low flow of pressure medium--while the piston is in the closed position--from one opening to the other, and a spring element which pushes the piston into the closed position. According to the invention all pressure surfaces have an action which pushes the piston into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Press Controls AG Rumlang
    Inventor: Ralf Hidessen
  • Patent number: 5918629
    Abstract: By disposing, at that position of a manifold base 2 that has a solenoid valve 3 mounted thereon that allows external operations, an electric switch 12 for interrupting the power supply to the loaded solenoid valve 3, the solenoid valve 3 can be disconnected from the power supply at the solenoid-valve installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5915409
    Abstract: A manifold comprising a supply port, an exhaust port and an output port in which two on-off valves or more different in the number of the output ports or output types are mounted on a manifold base, wherein the two on-off valves or more are mounted on the manifold base in the same direction, and the distance from the manifold base to the outside of the two on-off valves or more is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Kaneko, Shuzo Masuo, Masahiro Tada
  • Patent number: 5904336
    Abstract: A non-riser valve assembly 30 includes a bonnet or housing 32, a bushing 34, a stem 36, a washer 38 and a stop 40. The assembly 30 further includes a coupling 42, a rotatable or movable disk 44, a fixed disk 46 and a bottom seal 48. In assembly, the bushing 34 and the stem 36 are located within an opening 50 of the housing 32 with the bushing being located between the housing and the stem. One of the stem 36 extends from one end of the opening 50 and the stop 40 is removably attached to the stem to limit the rotational movement of the stem within the housing. The coupling 42 is located in the opening 50 of the housing 32 and is in driving engagement with the opposite end of the stem 36. The movable disk 44 is located with the opening 50 and is coupled to the coupling 42 for rotation therewith. The fixed disk 46 is attached to the housing 32 within the opening 50 and is formed with a surface 224 which is in water-sealing engagement with a surface 162 of the movable disk 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Niakan, Yuhung Edward Yeh