By Float Patents (Class 137/398)
  • Patent number: 11419451
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and milling dry ingredients with water to produce a homogenous beverage. The apparatus may include, for example, a water supply, a tubing system, a dry ingredient container, a splash-back prevention unit, and a mixer capable of emulsifying and homogenizing a slurry, which, in accordance with some embodiments, may include large ground course particles (such as nuts) and water. The apparatus may also include a pump configured to move the slurry and homogenized beverage through the tubing, and a motor, which, in accordance in some embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, controls the mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Plant Tap, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Camillo Savino
  • Patent number: 10619636
    Abstract: A screw compressor (10) comprising a compressing device (18), in particular, at least one screw-type rotor (20, 22), which feeds a compressed medium to an oil separation device (30). The oil separation device has a first volume (32), a second volume (34) and a separating device (36) that separates the first volume (32) and the second volume (34) from one another. The separating device (36) includes a demister (38) that is located in a first region of the separating device (36). A second region of the separating device (36) is designed as a partition (40) that has one or more oil communication openings (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GEA REFRIGERATION GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Losch, Thomas Nippert
  • Patent number: 10602755
    Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products comprises: a first container adapted to contain a first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a first stirrer, mounted inside the first container; a second container connected to the first container to receive therefrom the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a pipe connecting the first container to the second container; a second stirrer, mounted inside the second container; a pump, having a first inlet duct, connected to the first container in order to draw the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product, a second, air inlet duct, and an outlet connected to the connecting pipe, the pump being also configured to mix the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product with air by compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L. - CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10335715
    Abstract: A water skimmer has a float portion supporting a drain portion for draining water from a sediment basin. The drain portion includes a first pipe connect via flexible couplings to a second pipe and then to a water removal system. Water enters the first pipe's orifice through a removable, restrictive orifice saddle. The first pipe is bolted to the float portion using a guard and brackets that hold first pipe just below the water surface to receive water with less sediment. The guard also blocks floating debris while allowing water to flow to the weir under its bottom edge. As the water level rises and falls, the flexible couplings and float portion help maintain first pipe horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SW Feesaver, LLC
    Inventor: James McCutchen
  • Patent number: 10006191
    Abstract: A shelf is arranged to pivot about a pivot zone. The shelf has a center of gravity offset from the pivot zone. The shelf has a first angular range about the pivot zone configured to situate a linkage in a valve activation position. The shelf has a second angular range about the pivot zone mechanically configured to situate the linkage in a valve de-activation position. An interaction portion is mechanically configured to urge the shelf from the first angular range to the second angular range by a float moving in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: Stu Lieberman, Geoffrey Schoonmaker
  • Patent number: 9938978
    Abstract: The invention is a device which uses stored pressure to pump waste and a corresponding method of use. Waste is stored in a first chamber and the chamber is subsequently sealed by a valve and pressurized prior to a second valve opening. The pressurized waste is thereby ejected from the pressure chamber down an outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Khalil Abu Al-Rubb
  • Patent number: 9855518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertically adjustable screened decanter system to replace prior art stationary or pivoting effluent weirs in water clarifiers and settling basins. The screened decanter has no physical weir and relies instead on maintaining a desired flow rate by controllably varying the depth of immersion of a screened box. The decanter is periodically raised into a hood that provides spray cleaning and disinfection of the screened box. The system is capable of removing up to 85% of the BOD in a wastewater stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ClearCove Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Wright, Tim Cornelison, Markus Bauer, Arvid Abrams
  • Patent number: 9856668
    Abstract: A device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly, thereby allowing the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. A removable plug cap and o-rings enables the pool pump to draw the pool water from the pool main drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, without requiring an electrical sump pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Parks
  • Patent number: 9738393
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to increase a payload capacity of an aircraft are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving a selection via a control display unit to employ a fluid delivery system during takeoff of an aircraft. The fluid delivery system includes a tank disposed on the aircraft. The example method also includes automatically controlling, via a fluid management system including a processor, a flow of the water from the tank during takeoff in response to the selection. The water is to cool an engine heat source of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Landre, Kent E. Karnofski, Derek T. Washio, Daniel Patrick Wehry Hould, Kevin S. Brown
  • Patent number: 9671038
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a normally open valve, a normally closed valve, and a combination valve. The valves include a valve body with an inlet coupled to a fluid supply line, an outlet providing a service flow of fluid, a vent venting to atmosphere, a lower piston, a lower diaphragm, and a mechanical valve actuator. The mechanical valve actuator includes an upper piston, an upper diaphragm, a pilot piston with a bore and a plunger, and a spring. The spring is positioned either inside the pilot piston for the normally open valve or inside the upper piston for the normally closed valve. The valves are actuated based on a control fluid entering a system pressure port and exceeding a pressure set point in order to either open or close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventor: Tedd Michael Schneidewend
  • Patent number: 9643106
    Abstract: A screen decanter for screening solids from waste water in a waste water treatment system comprising a drain manifold and a plurality of cylindrical cartridges mounted to the drain manifold, each of the cylindrical cartridges having an outer screen defining a cavity. Each of the cartridges includes a drain standpipe disposed within the cavity in communication with the drain manifold. Each drain standpipe includes a plurality of patterned openings arranged in at least one row along the length and partial circumference thereof and preferably comprises three rows of patterned openings, each row being disposed at a 120° rotational angle from the adjacent row of patterned openings. Each drain standpipe is disposed at a 30° rotational angle from its neighbor drain standpipe such that no row of patterned openings in any of said drain standpipes faces directly at any other row of patterned openings in any other drain standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ClearCove Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Qausarali Goriawala, Michael A. Butler, Terry Wright, Alfred Bertoni, Jonathan M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9360227
    Abstract: A reservoir system for an operating unit, such as a humidifier, includes a removable water tank configured to provide the operating unit with water. The removable water tank includes a primary reservoir for holding water, with an opening in the removable water tank fluidically connecting the primary reservoir with a secondary reservoir in the operating unit. A plunger is slidably disposed in the opening and movable between an open position in which the opening fluidically connects the primary reservoir to the secondary reservoir, and a closed position that seals the opening to fluidically disconnect the primary reservoir from the secondary reservoir. A float member in the secondary reservoir includes a buoyant main body and is configured to generate a force upon the plunger to urge the plunger into the open position according to the height of water in the secondary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventor: Robert Alan Barker
  • Patent number: 9200723
    Abstract: The system for opening and/or closing an inlet valve (10) and/or an outlet valve (30) of a liquid container (24), particularly for water toilets, water tanks or the like, comprises an inlet tube (16) with an inlet valve (10) in the upper portion of the container (24) and an outlet tube (20) with an outlet valve (30) in the bottom portion (25) of the container (24), both valves (10, 30) being provided with a valve body. It is characterized by the use of a bistabile inlet valve (10) having a lag-free opening and closing characteristic without any intermediate opening position of the valve body (14; 38, 46), the closing stroke of the valve body being assisted by the flow of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ABERTAX RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph Pulé, Joseph Cilia, George Schembri, Werner Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150059872
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the formation of beer stones and a gas-induced phenomenon, in which foamy beer spurts out of a draught beer container, is disposed in a pipe between the draught beer container and a draught beer dispensing apparatus so as to prevent the gas-induced phenomenon from occurring when the beer is discharged from the draught beer container to the draught beer dispensing apparatus, and to remove and prevent the formation of beer stones deposited on the inner surface of the pipe, between the draught beer container and the draught beer dispensing apparatus, or on the inner surface of the draught beer dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jong Ha PARK
  • Patent number: 8950427
    Abstract: A water transport system comprising a first container, a second container, a mechanical connector fixing the first and second containers to each other and/or a towing vehicle, and a control device. The water transport system may be used in a method of water management for recreational vehicles (RV), trailers, or motor homes. The water transport system may be sized and configured to fit in a bed of the towing vehicle used for towing the RV, trailer, or motor home. The second container may be coupled to a macerator pump of the RV, trailer, or motor home to receive wastewater therefrom and the control device may be configured to automatically shut off the macerator pump when the second container is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene F. Gallo, Amy-Noelle Gallo
  • Patent number: 8813779
    Abstract: A recycling sprinkler system incorporates at least one collection vessel assembly for runoff water, as well as a pump module for recycling a substantial portion of the collected runoff water back into an irrigation sprinkler system along with the primary water source for the irrigation sprinkler system, so that the amount of water required from the primary water source is reduced and a substantial portion of the runoff water is prevented from being discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony J Criss, Celestino John Gaeta
  • Publication number: 20140230904
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Fuel Active Limited
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Patent number: 8720477
    Abstract: A drain assembly includes a closing element having a lower surface and one or more floating elements extending from the lower surface. A receiver element has an inner ring and an outer ring and one or more receptacles disposed between the inner ring and outer ring. The receptacles receive corresponding floating elements and the receiver element has one or more inlet openings associated with the outer ring and one or more outlet openings associated with the inner ring. The one or more inlet openings receive a liquid to fill the receptacles to provide a lifting movement to the one or more floating elements within the corresponding one or more receptacles to lift the closing element. As the closing element lifts, the one or more receptacles fill with the liquid and drain the liquid from the one or more outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
  • Patent number: 8725301
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Carskadon, Patrick Barrett
  • Patent number: 8701701
    Abstract: A float switch of a humidifier at least includes a main body, a water tank and a float switch. The main body has a base located at a bottom and provided with a water tank groove and a water basin having a projected portion formed at a bottom. The water tank possesses a water outlet with plural ribs to engage with a float, a circumferential wall used to combine with a protective hood of the float switch, and a space formed between the water outlet and the circumferential wall for containing the float. The float switch is set between the water tank and the water basin, used to automatically fill water in the water basin by means of the float. When the water tank is separated from the main body, a compressing end of a pressing plate is to push up the float enabling a water stopper to seal the water outlet to prevent water from leaking outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8596293
    Abstract: A water appliance including a water flow control unit for controlling a water flow. The control unit includes a flow restrictor and a leakage stop in serial fluid communication with the flow restrictor. The leakage stop cuts off the flow when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the flow restrictor is below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Mous, Sander De Jonge
  • Publication number: 20130220449
    Abstract: A system for preventing flooding caused by blockages in the drain lines of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like included a sealed connection between a washing machine drain line and the sewer line drain, further including a washing machine drain line inlet attachment to a housing, the inlet line connecting to the sewer drain line and to a sealed vent pipe connected to the sewer line drain above the inlet attachment, and including a C-shaped loop in fluid communication with the sewer drain line and containing a float actuated control valve adapted to cut off power to the washing machine upon actuation; a kit containing components of the system and methods of installing the system and kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: R. Kevin Dawes
  • Patent number: 8499785
    Abstract: A system and valve for regulating the level of a fluid. The valve having a floating head member that is connected via a rotatable member to a drain member, where fluid may drain from the valve. The system having the valve and a tank, where the fluid drains from the tank once the fluid level reaches the level of the drain member of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Apricus Inc
    Inventor: Michael Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8316695
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak in a conduit line includes a housing in fluid communication with the line, a valve including a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the seat between opened and closed positions, a bypass line around the valve, a flow detector coupled to the bypass line for detecting fluid flow therethrough, and a first mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position. The apparatus may further include a second mechanism separate from the first mechanism for maintaining the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The first mechanism may operate on the principle of buoyancy and the second mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian F. Jarvie
  • Patent number: 8291929
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dual float rollover valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank assembly. The rollover valve may include a housing having an upper portion with a top end defining a vapor passage and an opposed bottom end, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom ends and defining a channel extending therethrough; and a lower portion having a first end engaging with the bottom end of the upper portion, an opposed second end including a vent hole therethrough, and an outer wall extending between the first end and the second end and defining a chamber therein. An inner seal may be mounted between the channel and the chamber and include a seal bore extending from the channel to the chamber, with an upper float mounted in the channel, and a lower float, mounted in the chamber, having a buoyancy relative to fuel such that it is adapted to float on the fuel and selectively seal against the seal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Greene, Kenneth J. Kalvelage, Matthew S. Whipple
  • Patent number: 8186376
    Abstract: A liquid purge valve comprising a housing for sealingly fitting at an uppermost end of a substantially vertical pipe, an outlet tube extending from the housing and projecting into the pipe, an outlet port fitted with a sealing boundary and sealable by a sealing member pivotally secured within the housing so as to pivotally displace between a closed and an open position, a biasing member biasing the sealing member into its open position, and a mass articulated to the sealing member and extending downwards into the pipe. The mass applies a force at an opposite direction of the biasing member such that the resultant force acting on the sealing member determines its position such that when water level rises within the pipe the sealing member displaces into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Shuval
  • Patent number: 8065759
    Abstract: A monitor embodiment, monitoring overflow levels in a bathtub, comprises an input water unit, including a control circuitry, coupled to a hot-cold water facet; a water level detection unit including telescopically joined tubes with a floatable lowest tube associated with an indicator, an uppermost tube fixed to the input unit, sensors attached to non-lowest tubes variably coupled. The sensors detect the indicator's position reaching a predetermined alarm or shutoff level, causing respective initiating an alarm signal, or terminating the input unit's water flow. Another embodiment additionally comprises an output water unit associated with the circuitry, incorporating a temperature sensor and a user preset-temperature selector. The output unit outlets cooled water from the bathtub, the input unit inlets hot water until the preset-temperature is reached, provided no alarm signal was issued. An additional sensor, incorporated in the input unit, allows adding the hot water when it's hotter than the bathtub water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Aleksandr Smushkovich, Eugene Pogrebinsky
  • Patent number: 7895849
    Abstract: A dehumidifier with multistage draining has a container that collects and stores condensed water from a dehumidifying assembly, a float mounted in the container, a float actuator connected to the float and a drain motor connected to the float actuator and an attachment actuator having a switch. When an external pipe is connected to the attachment connector to switch on the switch and the condensed water in the container gradually raises the float to switch on the float actuator, the drain motor is switched on to pump the condensed water out of the container. The dehumidifier automatically drains condensed water in the container according to the quantity of the condensed water, does not have to be cleared frequently and is convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: New Widetech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20100163117
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Publication number: 20100116361
    Abstract: A fuel pump control device is for a fuel supply system for an engine. The system includes a fuel tank, a subtank, a fuel pump pumping fuel in the subtank for supply to the engine, a pressure regulator regulating fuel pressure from the fuel pump within a set pressure, and a jet pump pumping fuel in the fuel tank into the subtank through pumping action by a fuel ejection flow to the fuel tank through a return pipe of the regulator. The device includes a fuel level detecting unit for detecting fuel tank level and a control unit for controlling fuel discharge amount from the fuel pump. The control unit sets jet pump drive correction amount of fuel for driving the jet pump based on the fuel tank level. The control unit increases the fuel discharge amount from the fuel pump by the correction amount to drive the jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daiji FURUHASHI, Kiyoshi Nagata, Katsuhiko Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7642455
    Abstract: A Transformer Conservator Isolation Valve (TCIV) comprising an inlet conduit or pipe (2), an outlet conduit or pipe (5) connected to a rectangular housing (7) with an operating device (10) fixed on a shaft (19) placed inside the rectangular housing (7) and lever (9) for locking of the operating device (10); the said operating device (10) is provided with a sealing gasket (20) fitted such that during flow of oil due to rupture of electrical transformer tank or bursting of electrical transformer bushing or draining of oil swings towards the outlet conduit or pipe (5) so as to restrict flow of oil from the electrical transformer conservator (1) to the electrical transformer tank (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: V. K. Wakchaure
  • Patent number: 7523761
    Abstract: The device for controlling fluid flow from a rain retention chamber or the like includes an inlet communicating with the chamber, an outlet permitting fluid to flow out of the device, and a shutter disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and supported in the device for linear shifting between a raised position and lowered position. A control element is rotatably mounted in a device for rotation about a central axis and includes a curved controller surface which is non-concentric with the central axis of the central element, such that rotation of the control element varies the radial distance between the central axis and the controller surface. A coupler member operably connects the shutter with the controller surface, such that rotation of the control element shifts the shutter between the raised and lowered positions to achieve a predetermined flow rate of fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Steinhardt GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Stiehl, Thomas Heep, Jörg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Publication number: 20090071547
    Abstract: The standpipe hydraulic float valve of the present invention employs a mechanical linkage between the float mechanism, which is responsive to changes in the fluid level in the standpipe, and a pilot valve, which regulates a control valve that controls the flow of fluid into the standpipe through its inlet port. Therefore, the mechanical linkage actuates the pilot valve in response to changes in the fluid level in the standpipe so as to provide a substantially continuously variably controlled fluid supply flow into the standpipe housing and thereby maintain a substantially constant fluid level in the standpipe housing so as to maintain a substantially continuous flow pressure into the fluid flow system to which the standpipe hydraulic float valve is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: BERMAD CS LTD.
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Patent number: 7412988
    Abstract: An improved pneumatic level control for the activation, deactivation or regulation or a downstream device or process by way of pneumatic signal in response to increased liquid volume in an attached vessel or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Alexander
  • Publication number: 20080178943
    Abstract: A septic field dosing system is described which utilizes a self starting true siphon to deliver a dose of septic tank effluent into a conventional septic field. The precision siphon unit described by present invention not only eliminates the need for electrical services to the septic tank, thereby eliminating the need for pumps and solenoid operated valves and switches at the septic tank, but also contains the effluent handling equipment in a small unit which uses the available features of the septic tank to assist in the performance of its operations. For example, the drawdown of the septic tank which is now determined by the configuration of the siphon unit is used to entirely control the operation of the dosing siphon. Further, the dimensional configuration of the precision siphon taught by the invention operates within the boundaries of the draw down to deliver a proper size dose to the septic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Abdul Rashid
  • Publication number: 20080000527
    Abstract: A floating drain apparatus and method for maintaining base line flow rates and addressing problems associated with liquid runoff volume increases (e.g., storm water runoff) by transporting a portion of a liquid body through the apparatus which includes a submersible inlet vessel having openings for receiving the liquid body, an outlet hose having a regulating orifice and vent, and a buoyant device connected to the outlet hose such that the liquid body is slowly transferred from the vessel through the outlet hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: STOUT, TACCONELLI & ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary H. Ranstead, Edward A. Vollberg
  • Patent number: 7296590
    Abstract: A liquid suction device for sucking liquid contained in a vessel is described herein. A liquid retention room having an inflow port and an exhaust port is inserted into the vessel via an opening at an upper part of the vessel and is dipped in the liquid. A suction tube connected to the exhaust port extends from the opening of the vessel. A float member provided in the liquid retention room is enabled to open and close the exhaust port. The liquid is retained in the liquid retention room when the retention room is dipped in the liquid and the float member is floated upward so as to open the exhaust port. The retained liquid is exhausted from the inflow port when the liquid is lessened to reach a predetermined volume or below, and the exhaust port is closed by the float member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6886588
    Abstract: A buoyancy flushing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a reservoir for accumulating liquid, having an inlet for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber recessed in a bottom wall of the reservoir. The outlet chamber includes an outlet for draining liquid out of the reservoir. The apparatus further comprises an outlet valve movable between a down position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir and a raised position where liquid accumulated in the reservoir is flushed out via the outlet. The outlet valve comprises a ballast unit sized and shaped to fit loosely in the outlet chamber when said valve is in the down position; and a float unit topping the ballast unit to move the valve in the raised position by buoyancy when a sufficient amount of liquid is accumulated in the reservoir, thereby providing a passageway for liquid between the bottom wall of the reservoir and the valve leading to the outlet in the outlet chamber to flush liquid out of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Marc-André Malenfant, Yves Bérubé, Nicolas Viel, Roger Lacasse, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6845782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the balancing of fuel among tanks in a circulating fuel system. The tanks in the system have both a draw conduit and a return conduit mounted to and extending into the tank. Flow restriction devices are mounted in both the draw and the return conduits and are controlled by a fuel level detection system, which detects the fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Alan D. Osterkil, John W. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6814266
    Abstract: A device for the distribution of water into vases or similar objects. The device includes a water container, at least one tubular duct for the delivery of water to the outside and a control and programming device that establishes the quantity of water to be distributed in pre-established periods of time. The device for the distribution of water has a device for the control of the pressure of the quantity of water to be distributed that can keep the pressure of the quantity of water substantially constant, and an electric control delivery device located downstream of the device for the control of the pressure, upstream of the at least one tubular duct, and in flow connection with both. The delivery device is associated with the control and programming device in order to determine the delivery of the quantity of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Claber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Roman
  • Patent number: 6808370
    Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve is operatively connected to the float. The snap acting valve has a rotatable port member that moves so as to switch to exhaust porting when the float falls to the low level position. The port member further switches to motive porting when the float rises to the high level position. As a result, fluid filling the pump tank causes the float to rise from the low level position to the high level position during exhaust porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6474361
    Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Poppe Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Poppe
  • Patent number: 6453939
    Abstract: A fluid level control apparatus for selectively controlling the movement of liquid flowing out of a flotation cell is described. The fluid level control apparatus is significantly reduced in size in comparison with the flotation cell or cells to which it is connected which enables less expensive construction and reduced operating costs in terms of both the equipment and the plant as a whole. The fluid level control apparatus comprises a vessel having a valve positioned therein which includes a valve body structured with a curved surface which provides selective and finite control of fluid flowing through the vessel of the control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert D. Cook, Jerry W. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6328882
    Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joel Hl. Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 6277287
    Abstract: A suction skimmer with a vertically adjustable inlet for removing preferred upper portions of a liquid from a fluid body under substantially laminar flow conditions and which is self leveling in response to level changes in a fluid body. Suction skimming device includes a skimming sleeve elongated body member having a fluid flow passageway disposed proximally contiguous and slidably movable along the vertical axis of an elongated body sleeve guide member having a fluid flow passageway. The fluid flow passageway of the skimming sleeve member is in open communication with the fluid flow passageway of the sleeve guide member. The suction skimmer is provided with a flotation assembly to buoyantly support the skimming sleeve member thereby positioning the inlet first end of the skimming sleeve member near the surface of a fluid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Separations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Terrien, David T. Walker
  • Patent number: 6257287
    Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel fill pipe shut-off device includes a fuel shut-off valve normally closed relative to a valve seat and disposed in a path of fuel flow through the fuel fill pipe of the motor vehicle to a fuel tank thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley N. Kippe, Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 6240954
    Abstract: The balance float (1) controlled valve assembly of the invention includes at least one valve means (2), a liquid receptacle (4), and at least one balance float (1) connected via a link (5) to a rotatable free end of a pivoted balance lever (31). The valve means (2) comprises a closure member having a valve shaft (25) that is slideably guided between a first end position and a second end position. The valve assembly further includes a mechanism (3) that is arranged between the balance lever (31) and the valve shaft (25) of the closure member of the valve means (2). The mechanism (3) is designed so as to having and staying in an approximately self-locked state when the valve shaft (25) of the closure member of the valve means (2) stays in its first end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: József Bereznai
  • Patent number: 6159362
    Abstract: The invention is a perpetual skimming device for insertion into a reservoir containing liquid at the liquid level which allows the top liquid layer to enter an outer cylinder of the device through longitudinal slots, raising a floating inner cylindrical portion, which in turn, shuts off the liquid entry once enough liquid has entered the device to raise the float to cut off the liquid intrusion. The liquid is then removed by a centrally affixed pickup tube having fluid entry ports at the bottom of the tube, located near the base of the outer cylinder. As the liquid is removed, the inner cylindrical float lowers and allows more liquid into the invention, for a perpetual cyclic skimming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald N. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6129836
    Abstract: A two-chamber fluid control valve for a water softener system is provided. The valve includes a primary chamber having a primary inlet for passage of a primary fluid into the primary chamber and a primary outlet for passage of fluid out of the primary chamber, and a primary valve member disposed for closing the primary outlet. The valve also includes a secondary chamber having a secondary inlet and a secondary outlet fluidly communicating with, and for passing the secondary fluid into, the primary chamber, and a secondary valve member disposed for closing the secondary outlet to prevent the passage of air out of the secondary chamber and into the primary chamber, whereby primary and secondary fluids can be combined in the primary chamber prior to flowing out of the primary outlet of the primary chamber. The valve allows a homogeneous brine/secondary chemical solution to be formed therein and fed to a water softener tank to regenerate and treat the tank and the ion exchange medium therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: RSWC, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Grayson