With Holding Means Functioning Only During Transportation Assembly Or Disassembly Patents (Class 137/316)
  • Patent number: 11707979
    Abstract: A fuel pump module which may be easily assembled and mounted in a flat bombe having a small height in an LPG vehicle, may have a structure in which a reservoir cup may be rotated and restored with respect to a plate by support bars and springs, so that the fuel pump module may be easily assembled and mounted even in a flat bombe having a small height. Furthermore, members for blocking noise and absorbing vibration are combined with a fuel pump, so noise and vibration may be reduced when the pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Seong Cheol Cho, Ju Tae Song, Sung Won Lee, Se Jin Kim, Joon Seup Kim, Hyeong Cheol Yuk
  • Patent number: 11248573
    Abstract: Provided is a high-pressure fuel pump that ensures oil tightness even at high fuel pressure and has a small and lightweight inexpensive discharge valve structure. Therefore, a high-pressure fuel pump according to the present invention includes: a discharge valve arranged on a discharge side of a pressurizing chamber; a discharge valve seat on which the discharge valve is seated; and a facing member configured independently as a separate member from the discharge valve seat and located on an opposite side of the discharge valve seat with the discharge valve interposed therebetween, in which a stroke direction regulating portion that regulates displacement of the discharge valve in a stroke direction is formed on a tapered surface of the facing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moritsugu Akiyama, Satoshi Usui, Hiroyuki Yamada, Shigehiko Omata, Masashi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 11199270
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve member extending through at least a portion of the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a seat pocket forming an annular recess in the valve body and a seat arrangement positioned at least partially within the seat pocket. The seat arrangement includes a lower seat extending radially inward from the annular recess toward the valve cavity axis. The seat arrangement also includes an upper seat at least partially overlapping the lower seat, the upper seat extending radially inward toward the valve cavity axis to contact the valve member along a seat face. The seat arrangement further includes an interface seal positioned along an interface between the upper seat and the lower seat, the interface seal receiving a fluid pressure to drive the lower seat radially outward and into the annular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lauren Valera, Jeremy Choate, Keith Adams, Mahesha Udipi
  • Patent number: 10914387
    Abstract: A rotary valve is provided for use in highly corrosive and abrasive applications. The valve includes a valve body and an adapter coupled to one end of the valve body, thereby defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve interior in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve also includes a floating ball element pivotably mounted in the valve interior via a valve stem to control fluid flow through the valve, a first valve seat movably disposed in the valve interior, and a second valve seat removably disposed in the valve interior. The first valve seat is biased toward the ball element to sealingly engage a first portion of the ball element. The second valve seat is configured to sealingly engage a second portion of the ball element and is clamped between a surface of the valve body and a surface of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Wade J. Helfer, Robert M. Meloy
  • Patent number: 10767785
    Abstract: A pneumatically-actuated valve is provided in which a spring member that applies an axial force to a shaft connected to a valve body, in an axial direction of the shaft, and a valve-actuating pressure chamber that actuates the valve body by applying a force resisting the axial force to the shaft are provided inside a valve casing. The pneumatically-actuated valve includes an axial-force adjusting device that adjusts the magnitude of energy stored in the spring member, via a surface-pressure adjusting screw provided to be inserted through the valve casing, from the outside of the valve casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Taya, Hatsuo Mori, Tomoharu Oda, Masanori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10742830
    Abstract: A book digitization apparatus includes: a table capable of storing a type of paper and a physical property of an energy ray, which the paper is able to absorb, in association with each other; an acquisition unit that acquires, from the table, a physical property of an energy ray, which corresponds to a type of paper that is input; and an image capturing unit that acquires three-dimensional data of a book by capturing an image of the book with an energy ray having the acquired physical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tohru Nakanishi, Zenken Kin
  • Patent number: 10605371
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a first spring seat disposed within the valve body, a preload spring disposed within the valve body and mated with the first spring seat, and a second spring seat disposed within the valve body and mated with the preload spring. The second spring seat is adjustably mated to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Mario Padilla, Gary Grenon
  • Patent number: 10460866
    Abstract: A configuration for the rapid replacement of a faulty multiphase transformer includes a plurality of single-phase transformers each of which has a housing filled with an insulating fluid and in which a core having a higher-voltage and a lower-voltage winding is disposed. At least one bushing socket is connected by a winding connection lead extending within the housing to the higher-voltage or lower-voltage winding. At least one high-voltage feed-through or bushing can be inserted into the bushing socket and a cooling module, which can be detachably connected to the housing and is filled with insulating fluid, cools the insulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Ettl
  • Patent number: 10428959
    Abstract: An annular assembly for compressing a seat of a ball-valve, including: a valve body or insert, including an annular internal counter-bore that defines an inner counter-bore diameter; a sleeve inserted into the annular internal counter-bore, defining at least one outer diameter of the sleeve; the body or the insert defining with the sleeve an annular housing in which the assembly includes, in succession: a downstream stack of head rings, an annular head shim, a stack of mechanisms of compression, an annular base shim, and an upstream stack of base rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMTQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, TECHNETICS GROUP FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Guimet, Florent Ledrappier, Michel Lefrancois
  • Patent number: 10266050
    Abstract: A fuel supply device has a cover member which is attached to an opening portion of a fuel tank and a pump unit comprising a pump. The cover member and pump unit are connected via a connecting portion where the pump unit is rotatably connected to the connecting portion. Further, the fuel supply device includes a fuel residual amount detection device which is attached to the pump unit and configured to detect the residual amount of fuel. The fuel residual amount detection device includes a gauge main body to which electric wirings are connected, an arm portion which is movably mounted relative to the gauge main body and a float which is attached to a leading end of the arm portion. The float is positioned above a lower terminal end of the base portion when the cover member is held and lifted while the pump unit rotates with respect to the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Kono, Koji Yoshida, Tatsuki Fukui, Shinya Higashi, Yuichi Murakoshi, Takayuki Kondo, Akihiro Yano, Kensuke Niwa, Hidetomo Ishida
  • Patent number: 10166554
    Abstract: A valve injector (10) comprising: a body (12) defining a fluid conduit (14), the fluid conduit (14) accommodating first, second and third checks (16, 18, 20), the first check (16) being disposed within the fluid conduit (14) towards a first end (10a) of the injector (10), the second check (18) being disposed towards a second end (10b) of the injector (10), distally from the first end (10a), and the third check (20) being located between said first and second check (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Score (Europe) Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Delaney
  • Patent number: 10130009
    Abstract: A power electronics based system using natural, convection cooling, includes an enclosure housing a plurality of discrete components distributed in a vertical direction from a bottom portion to a top portion of the enclosure and having a heat density weighted average center at a first height along the vertical direction. There is a heat exchanger adjacent to the enclosure, including an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the enclosure. The heat exchanger has a vertical cooling average center at a second height. There is a cooling fluid disposed in the enclosure and in the heat exchanger to cool the discrete components. The discrete components are positioned in the vertical direction in the enclosure such that the first height of the heat density weighted average center along the vertical direction is below the second height of the vertical cooling average center of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: American Superconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Jie Yuan, Peter Hansen, John Brubaker, Patrick Flannery, Peter Winn
  • Patent number: 10088072
    Abstract: A single use valve structured to allow only one fluid or gas or powder filling or extraction operation of a container such that neither a subsequent refilling nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single use valve may be used for extraction of ink from, or filling of ink to, a security ink container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Nicola Duca, Yvan Wirz
  • Patent number: 9835354
    Abstract: An adjustable regulator and lock device for a pivotally rotatable damper adapted for installation in an air duct of an HVAC system is disclosed, which includes a pivot rod rotatably attached to the air duct and arranged for rotation with the damper. The pivot rod has coupled to it, a lockdown member having a plurality of radially extending teeth extending outwardly therefrom. A plate member is fixedly spaced from the air duct and has a plurality of correspondingly shaped and dimensioned tooth-shaped cutouts adapted to receive the teeth of the lockdown member to selectively lock the rotational position of the pivot rod and the damper in a selected angular orientation. The teeth of the lockdown member are biased by a coil spring toward engagement with the cutouts of the plate member, and yet selectively releaseable therefrom. The invention provides secure and locked positioning of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: CAPITAL HARDWARE SUPPLY, INC.
    Inventor: David Yoskowitz
  • Patent number: 9416888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas regulating unit of modular construction, in particular for regulating the amount of gas to be supplied to a gas burner, and to a gas regulating valve which, as a whole, is in the form of a module and which can be used in an aforementioned gas regulating unit of modular construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Roland Keber, Hans-Joachim Klink, Enno Vrolijk
  • Patent number: 9228675
    Abstract: A two-segment joystick identification structure for a water control valve has a radial through-type holding hole, a step-shaped actuating rod, an internal holding groove, an elastic expandable assembly and a resisting and drive surface. The identification structure achieves a two-segment hand feel identification effect of the joystick of the water control valve and thus saves water, has compact components, simple fabrication, convenient assembly and practical advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Publication number: 20140360594
    Abstract: A system for automatically connecting tubing to a medical fluid machine includes at least one fluid container including a tube having a cap on an end of the tube, a shuttle configured to receive the tube, a driving mechanism configured to translate the shuttle, a cap removal device configured to remove the cap from the end of the tube, and a control unit programmed to cause (i) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle holding the tube in a first direction towards the cap removal device so that the cap removal device can engage the tube cap, (ii) the driving mechanism to translate in a second direction away from the cap removal device so that the cap removal device removes the cap from the end of the tube, and (iii) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle in the first direction with the cap removed from the tube so that the tube can be mated with the medical fluid machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick Lee, John Biewer, Robert W. Childers, Mark W. Foohey, Richard R. Gilbert, II, Andrey Kopychev, Randy Murphey, Austin J. Orand, Douglas Reitz, Rodolfo Roger, John E. Steck
  • Patent number: 8839808
    Abstract: In an assembling structure of an actuator part of a chemical liquid valve, a cover is formed with a protrusion extending in a radial direction of a valve element, and a cylinder is formed with an engagement part engageable with the protrusion. A cover is placed to hold a spring in a compressed state in the cylinder and make a cap part cover an opening of the cylinder. The protrusion and the engagement part are engaged with each other to integrally connect the cylinder and the cover without separating from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Naofumi Murata, Hiroyuki Murase, Kazuhiro Sugata, Shinji Ikenoya
  • Patent number: 8720483
    Abstract: With a device (1) for equalizing pressure surges in cases of possible dust or gas explosions in closed systems, such as silos, pipelines or the like, comprising a hinged cover (3) which can be pivoted on an outlet connection or a closing edge (2) and has a smooth outer surface (12) and comprising a deflecting plate (8) on the outlet connection or on the closing edge (2) for the cover (3) to strike against in the event of an explosion, it is intended to achieve not only cost-effective production but also in particular a significant weight saving of the hinged cover, quick changing of the cover in the case of damage, or quick fitting of the cover in the first instance, and an improvement in the protective effect of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Thorwesten Vent GmbH
    Inventor: Albert Thorwesten
  • Patent number: 8656943
    Abstract: A liquid appliance (1) has a liquid reservoir (20), a liquid inlet (24) for supplying liquid to the liquid reservoir (20), a float system (3) provided with a float (2) and a valve system (5). A transport lock (8) switchable between a first position in which the transport lock (8) blocks the float system (3) relative to the liquid reservoir (20), and a second position in which a cooperation between the float (2) and the valve system (5) for opening and closure of the liquid inlet (24) is unimpeded by the transport lock (8). The transport lock (8) is switchable between said first and second positions by an installation prevention element (12). The element (12) can be switched to a prevention position, wherein installation of the appliance into an operational position is impeded by the element (12). In the prevention position the first position of the transport lock (8) is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Matthijs Hendrikus Lubbers, Marc Alexander Pastoors, Jasper Nicolaas Ten Berge, Henk Uil
  • Patent number: 8469057
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve cap, a valve body, a diaphragm, biasing means and a locking mechanism. The valve cap includes a plurality of process conduits and process ports. The valve body faces the valve cap and includes a plurality of plunger passages extending therein. The diaphragm is positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve body includes a plunger assembly, a first support structure and a second support structure. The plunger assembly includes a plurality of plungers, each slidable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the plunger deforms the diaphragm in order to block communication between two of the process ports. In the open position, the plunger is retracted away from the diaphragm. Each plunger is either a normally closed plunger or a normally open plunger. The normally closed plungers are mounted upon first support structure and the normally open plungers are mounted upon the second support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mecanique Analytique Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Gamache, André Fortier
  • Patent number: 8443829
    Abstract: A solenoid device includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a stator (42, 32, 38), a coil (36) for generating a magnetic field, and first retention structure (64). Armature and seal assembly includes armature structure (14, 16) that moves with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, seal structure (22) that is coupled with a proximal end of the armature structure and has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof, and second retention structure (68). A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position. The first and second retention structures engage and retain the armature and seal assembly with respect to the stafor assembly prior to installation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 8424553
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluid clip for use with a coolant system for electrosurgical procedures. The fluid clip includes a clip housing having proximal and distal ends and a channel defined therethrough. The channel is dimensioned to receive tubing for carrying a cooling fluid from a cooling source. The fluid clip includes a luer that includes a passageway defined therethrough. The passageway is dimensioned to securely receive the tubing such that the tubing extends through the luer for reception within the channel defined in the clip housing. The luer includes one or more interface on a surface thereof that matingly engages a corresponding interface on the clip housing. The interface on the luer cooperates with the interface on the clip housing to limit rotation of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arnold V. DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 8191568
    Abstract: A fuel tank capable of attaching functional parts and tubes in an interior thereof. In a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, which is formed by blow molding for attachment of a built-in part in an interior thereof, and of which an outer wall composed of a synthetic resin has an opening, a functional part adapted to discharge fluid from the interior of the fuel tank or feed fluid therein is attached to the built-in part, a tube adapted to discharge fluid from the interior of the fuel tank or feed fluid therein is connected to the functional part, and a tube connector is attached to an end of the tube. A temporal holding connector is formed integrally with the built-in part, the tube connector is attached to the temporal holding connector, and after blow molding, the tube connector is detached from the temporal holding connector and is attached to a tank cap adapted to close the opening of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., FTS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiharu Takeuchi, Norihiro Yamada, Hideyuki Tsuzuki, Tomohide Aoki
  • Publication number: 20120037240
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring fluids such as, for example, liquefied natural gas between a source structure such as a floating storage vessel and a receiving structure such as a floating transport vessel utilizing a controllable deployment system to deploy a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit end is supported by a mooring device which is positioned by the controllable deployment system. A transfer vessel is also provided which utilizes the controllable deployment system to position and support a fluid conduit for connection with a manifold on a receiving vessel. The deployment system operates in active mode during positioning and in passive mode during fluid transfer. The fluid transfer system disclosed allows safe, controlled operation and fluid transfer in open sea conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmie Dean Adkins, Donald G. Danmeier, John S. Hartono
  • Patent number: 8037895
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluid clip for use with a coolant system for electrosurgical procedures. The fluid clip includes a clip housing having proximal and distal ends and a channel defined therethrough. The channel is dimensioned to receive tubing for carrying a cooling fluid from a cooling source. The fluid clip includes a luer that includes a passageway defined therethrough. The passageway is dimensioned to securely receive the tubing such that the tubing extends through the luer for reception within the channel defined in the clip housing. The luer includes one or more interface on a surface thereof that matingly engages a corresponding interface on the clip housing. The interface on the luer cooperates with the interface on the clip housing to limit rotation of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold V. DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 7942161
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated valve, push connection and push release components, and a valve mounting assembly for use on fluid, air or gas applications. The invention allows for the installation of the valve by sliding the valve over the supply tube/piping or pushing the tube/piping into the valve. Once connected, an o-ring seals the connection, a packing gland applies energy to the o-ring seal maintaining constant, even pressure across the seal, and a grip ring applies opposing energy to prevent the disconnection of the assembly. The quick connection assembly is retained by a retaining cap, which applies constant, positive force on the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Crompton
  • Patent number: 7708025
    Abstract: A poppet valve member includes a main body, and a cover portion disposed at the first end of the valve member. The cover portion is removable from the main body, the cover portion including a first seal disposed about an outer perimeter of the cover portion. The valve member includes a head portion disposed proximate the first end and behind the cover portion, the head portion including a second seal disposed about an outer perimeter defined by the head portion. A webbing portion is disposed between the cover portion and the head portion, the webbing portion including a fault structure to enable the cover portion to be removed from the main body and broken off from the head portion. The main body is formed of a molded material, and the first and second seals are formed of an overmold material molded onto the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030089871
    Abstract: A valve opening/closing drive device includes a main body case formed by press molding and connected respectively with an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe. A valve element is provided within the main body case for opening and closing an opening part and a motor having a stator part placed on the outside of the main body case and a rotor part positioned inside of the main body case and opposite to the stator part for opening and closing the valve element is also provided. The device further includes a holder member supported by the main body case and provided with a temporary holding part for temporarily holding the inflow pipe or the outflow pipe when the pipes are joined with the main body case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Katsuo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6553969
    Abstract: An assembling device for assembling and disassembling of a fuel injector (3) in a mounting hole (3) of a cylinder head in an internal combustion engine has at least two contact surfaces engaging in the fuel injector. A hold-down surface is formed on each elastic contact element to transmit a hold-down force to the fuel injector and a locking recess in which a locking projection of the fuel injector engages to transmit a disassembling force to the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Hans, Christof Vogel
  • Patent number: 6463954
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a transmission of a motor vehicle has a housing with a bore hole and a valve piston that is contained in the bore hole and slidable between different axial positions. The shift levels of the transmission are determined by setting the axial position of the valve piston. Prior to installation of the control device on another part of the motor vehicle, the valve piston is secured by a safety element against axial movement. Installation of the control device causes the safety element to release the valve piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Urban Panther
  • Patent number: 6145809
    Abstract: An actuator for an electromagnetically adjustable valve having a drive unit which moves an adjustment element in at least one direction. The adjustment element is divided into at least two assemblies and includes a stroke setting that can be adjusted with respect to a defined operating position, within an adjustment process. The actuator has a reference plane on which a stop can be attached as a setting device. One assembly of the adjustment element enters into operative connection with the stop during the assembly process, and the other assembly of the adjustment element is held in a defined operating position by a positioning device. The two assemblies of the adjustment element can be connected using a securing device which is effective in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Andreas Forster
  • Patent number: 6125879
    Abstract: A release mechanism is provided for a portable sprayer having a pump unit removably connected to a fluid tank. The release mechanism provides locking for the connection between the tank and the pump unit. Moreover, the release mechanism unlocks the connection between the pump unit and the tank, and operates in conjunction with a pressure relief mechanism to concurrently de-pressurize the tank to ease disconnection from the pump unit. Further, the compass of the pressure relief mechanism also serve to automatically relieve pressure when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Prosper, Tri Nguyen, Colin Dyke, Jerry N. Moscovitch, Rene Allen, Gabriel E. Concari
  • Patent number: 6116279
    Abstract: A valve cartridge has a hollow housing having an open end, a floor plate closing the open end and formed with a plurality of throughgoing ports each having an inner surface, a valve plate in the housing fixed atop the floor plate and formed with holes aligned with the floor-plate ports, a movable valve plate in the housing atop the fixed valve plate and formed with a cavity, and an actuating element connected to the movable valve plate for displacing the movable valve plate on the fixed plate and shifting the cavity into and out of engagement with the fixed-plate holes so that if one of the holes is supplied with water under pressure the actuating element can control flow from the one hole to the other hole. Respective annular seal rings made of an elastomeric plastic are received in the ports, formed in situ in the ports, and have outer surfaces bonded to the inner surfaces of the respective ports. The floor plate is made of a material that can bond to and slide relative to the plastic of the seal rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Horst Titze, Manfred Graf
  • Patent number: 6062252
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a gas meter from settling when fill dirt surrounding a plastic gas line settles with time including a rigid protective sleeve, positioned in surrounding relation to the plastic gas pipe line. A support rod is provided which has one end resting upon a footer of the building. The other end of the support rod is secured to an upper end of the protective sleeve. At the bottom of the protective sleeve, a break-away pipe support fixture is secured to the protective sleeve. The support fixture extends away from the protective sleeve and is positioned to releasably hold a looped slack portion of the plastic gas supply line before the supply line extends into the protective sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: David J. Southern, Leslie H. Zuck
  • Patent number: 6056024
    Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system having: a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. The bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg, Robert M. Jackson, Craig Esser
  • Patent number: 6053199
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovery of oil from submerged tanks is disclosed together with a specialized cutting tool for attaching to and cutting an entry aperture into a submerged tank. The apparatus includes a surface floating vessel having a conduit (preferably conventionally coiled tubing) for receiving oil at the submerged tank and discharging the oil into the vessel. The vessel includes a source of hydraulic power for the remote operation of hydraulic equipment at the site of the submerged tank. Two points of entry are made in each tank for the purpose of equilibrating pressure within the tank; in one point of entry fluid is pumped into the tank to replace the fluid that is removed. At the remaining point of entry, fluid is evacuated to a positive displacement pump, typically of the Moyno.RTM. variety. This pump discharges fluid received from the tank with sufficient pressure to overcome viscosity-induced friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley William Ellis
  • Patent number: 5983917
    Abstract: An installation aid for facilitating the installation of a faucet body of a two handle faucet to a sink deck. The aid has a frusto-conical configuration with a skirt formed of resilient circumferentially spaced apart legs extending radially outwardly downwardly from a top under a retention cap with fingers that removably attach the installation aid to an enlarged head of a spout tube extending upwardly from a central part of a faucet body having spaced valve tubes which along with the spout tube having the temporarily attached installation aid are inserted upwardly through sink deck holes from below the sink deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Kurt J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5950693
    Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system, having a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. The bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters. The bulk canister is housed within a transportation and containment cart that is housed within a cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg, Robert M. Jackson, Craig Esser
  • Patent number: 5890511
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovery of oil from submerged tanks is disclosed together with a specialized cutting tool for attaching to and cutting an entry aperture into a submerged tank. The apparatus includes a surface floating vessel having a conduit (preferably conventionally coiled tubing) for receiving oil at the submerged tank and discharging the oil into the vessel. The vessel includes a source of hydraulic power for the remote operation of hydraulic equipment at the site of the submerged tank. Two points of entry are made in each tank for the purpose of equilibrating pressure within the tank; in one point of entry fluid is pumped into the tank to replace the fluid that is removed. At the remaining point of entry, fluid is evacuated to a positive displacement pump, typically of the Moyno.RTM. variety. This pump discharges fluid received from the tank with sufficient pressure to overcome viscosity-induced friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Stanley William Ellis
  • Patent number: 5868158
    Abstract: A device capable of preventing deformation of an inflating valve on an inflatable article, includes a solid plug member for press-fitting into an air inlet of the inflating valve, a protective ring to be sleeved on a flexible plug unit of the inflating valve, and a connecting section which is disposed between the solid plug member and the protective ring. The connecting section has a length sufficient to straighten a connecting portion of the inflating valve between a flexible valve body and the flexible plug unit once the solid plug member is press-fitted into the air inlet and the protective ring is sleeved on the flexible plug unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Union Plastic Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Yuan
  • Patent number: 5865211
    Abstract: An installation aid for facilitating the installation of a faucet body of a two handle faucet to a sink deck. The aid has a frusto-conical configuration with a skirt formed of resilient circumferentially spaced apart legs extending radially outwardly downwardly from a top under a retention cap with fingers that removably attach the installation aid to an enlarged head of a spout tube extending upwardly from a central part of a faucet body having spaced valve tubes which along with the spout tube having the temporarily attached installation aid are inserted upwardly through sink deck holes from below the sink deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Kurt J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5769112
    Abstract: A support system for use in construction or repair of a fire hydrant installation includes a lower bracket and an upper bracket. The upper bracket has an adjustable hydrant riser clamp which is connected to an adjustable hydrant valve casing clamp by an adjustable spacer. The lower bracket also has an adjustable riser clamp connected by a like spacer to an upright bar. Ends of this bar then join a pair of vertically spaced apart adjustable casing clamps. As constructed in an open hole, the hydrant installation includes a hydrant riser that is positively joined to a water main and a valve casing that merely sits with a gravity fit on a hydrant valve located between the main and riser. For use, the lower bracket spacer is placed in an adjustable state allowing its respective clamps to be attached to respective lower ends of the riser and casing. Then, the lower bracket spacer is secured in place. Next, the upper bracket is attached in a like manner to respective upper ends of the riser and casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Bruno Rendina
  • Patent number: 5741969
    Abstract: A gas meter installation wherein a gas meter is contained within a protective bag during normal operation and wherein the bag may not be opened to obtain access to the meter without causing a permanent indication of such opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Brooklyn Union
    Inventor: Clement Vincent Sebastopoli
  • Patent number: 5666991
    Abstract: A shut-off valve used in a fluid transmission line for the evacuation and fill of a fluid without the need for first energizing the valve to keep the valve in an open position by using a collar on the shaft of said valve which dissolves or disintegrates automatically upon contact with the fluid for a predetermined length of time such that the valve returns to its normal control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Julie A. Hartig
  • Patent number: 5619988
    Abstract: A self-registering piston for an pressure regulator that minimizes variability of the target regulated pressure. The pressure regulator valve includes a valve body having a valve seat interposed between an inlet port supplying unregulated pressure and an outlet port. A piston having a piston seat at a first end and a counter-force surface on the second end is positioned to translate axially from an engaged position when a piston seat is engaged with a valve seat and a disengaged position. A biasing mechanism is provided to bias the piston toward the disengaged position. The pressure regulator includes a passageway extending generally from proximate the piston seat to the counter-force surface to couple the counter-force surface with the regulated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Mattila, Frank J. Fabin
  • Patent number: 5601110
    Abstract: A device used in an actuator for locking in place a spring module while under load, the device including a spring return cylinder carrying a spring under compression when under load, a spring guide, a pull rod linked to a piston in a power cylinder, and a connection linking the pull rod and the spring guide, the connection being disengageable when said spring is not under compression, but not so when under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Bettis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Rembert, Robert W. Milner
  • Patent number: 5501247
    Abstract: In a fluid pressure regulator, the combination comprising a body forming a cavity and a cap on the body extending over the cavity, the cap and body carrying interengaging threads allowing rotary make-up of the cap on the body; a diaphragm in the cavity and seated on a ledge formed by the body, thereby to form a seal; a pressure transmitting element in the cavity to transmit cap pressure to said seal, the body having flow porting and there being a poppet in the body and movable to control fluid flow via the porting; a spring in the cap and structure in the cavity and axially movable to transmit spring pressure to the diaphragm, the poppet carried for axial movement with the structure, and blocking means to block relative rotary movement between the pressure transmitting element and at least one of the body and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Vemco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 5441074
    Abstract: A unitized, rubber coated valve body for a dry barrel fire hydrant. The valve body is formed to have a hollow, tapered, substantially spherical, cast iron member having a hollow center, a threaded, upwardly facing hole for attachment to a control shaft or stem, a downwardly facing projection, and a rubber coating. The unitized body eliminates labor of assembly during service and maintenance operations. The rubber coating both provides a resilient valve face for effective sealing, and protects metal parts of the valve from corrosion arising from contact with water. The tapered body both distributes force evenly to the rubber valve face in the manner of a prior art metal disc, and enables water to flow therearound with minimized resistance, thereby maintaining head pressure at acceptable levels. The novel valve body satisfies both objectives while minimizing weight and requiring minimal material for fabrication. The body is formed with integral ears for slidably obstructing drain holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: AVK-Holding
    Inventor: Niels A. Kjaer
  • Patent number: 5435229
    Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator assembly (44) adapted for use with a valve member (42) is disclosed, the actuator being of the type comprising a housing assembly (50), and an axially moveable diaphragm assembly (56). A linkage member (48) is operably associated with said diaphragm assembly and extends axially through a linkage opening (70), and is connected to a valve member (42). A preload member (74) includes a generally annular preload portion (76) between a stop surface (55) and the diaphragm assembly (56), and in engagement with both. The preload portion (76) maintains the diaphragm assembly (56) in a position corresponding to a first position of said valve member (42), in opposition to the force of a biasing means (68).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Coates, Randal J. Graves