By Float Controlled Valve Patents (Class 137/409)
  • Patent number: 11473696
    Abstract: A fluid control system to control fluid flow within a drainage system is disclosed that includes a cage configured to couple an interior wall of a structure of the drainage system, wherein the cage at least partially surrounds an aperture of the interior wall, and a float device configured to be encapsulated within the cage, wherein while in a resting state, the float device at least partially covers an aperture of the structure of the drainage system. In some instances, when fluid contacts the float device at a flow rate of at least a flow threshold, the float device is configured to at least partially uncover the aperture of the interior wall, or further uncover the aperture of the interior wall. The float device may be formed from a buoyant material and configured to rise from the resting state in accordance with a rising fluid level within the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Jeremy Hohnbaum
  • Patent number: 11346097
    Abstract: A backwater valve has a valve body, and a valve member pivotally movable about a pivot axis between an open position away from the valve body and a closed position covering the valve body. A control linkage is provided with at least one of a float or a counterweight in communication with the valve member via the control linkage to modify operation of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 11274956
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel foldable and intrinsically safe planar coiled inductance sensor to measure liquid depths, solids in liquid depths, and two different liquids depths. This invention is used in onsite wastewater management systems (OWTS) to monitor depths of solids, oil, and effluent in a wastewater tank. The inductors are configured to allow for solids, liquids and gases to surround the coils. A number of coils are hung in series from near the OWTS tank lid to at least 18 inches below the output baffle to measure the different materials at different depths in the OWTS tank. The inductance sensors are capable of use with various materials to measure solids, oil, and effluent depths in an OWTS tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Derrick Du
  • Patent number: 11220937
    Abstract: An oil pan (14) for an internal combustion engine includes a bottom wall (16) provided with two downward bulges (28) extending in a crankshaft axial direction (X), and an upward bulge (30) positioned between the two downward bulges continuously to the downward bulges and extending in the crankshaft axial direction. The upward bulge has a width (Wb) as measured in a transverse direction orthogonal to the crankshaft axial direction greater than corresponding widths (Wa) of the downward bulges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Asami
  • Patent number: 11105425
    Abstract: A check valve includes a valve seat defining an aperture and a seating surface. A flapper is a single homogeneous component having a contact surface and a filler portion. The flapper is pivotally movable relative to the valve seat between a valve closed position in which the contact surface is sealably engaged to the seating surface thereby occluding flow through the aperture, and a valve open position in which the contact surface is a distance from the seating surface. The filler portion has a plurality of voids such that a density of the flapper is lower than if the voids were not present. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Feng Feng, Cheryl Chunyu Dou, James Streeter
  • Patent number: 10914399
    Abstract: A fluid control system to control fluid flow within a drainage system is provided that includes a fluid control device configured to couple to an interior wall of a cylindrical structure of the drainage, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the fluid control device to the interior wall, wherein, while in a resting state, the fluid control device is configured to at least partially cover an aperture of the interior wall. When fluid contacts the fluid control device at a flow rate of at least a flow threshold, the fluid control device is configured to at least partially uncover the aperture of the interior wall. The fluid control device has a spherical shape, wherein a diameter of the fluid control device has a diameter that is greater than or equal to a diameter of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Jeremy Hohnbaum
  • Patent number: 10760706
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS PLUMBING, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Schwarzbek, Robert Penfil, Sylvia Penfil, Howard Brown, Bruce Skolnik, Jeff Kaczperski
  • Patent number: 10668414
    Abstract: Filtration systems having a normal filtration mode and an enhanced filtration mode are described. In some arrangements, the filtration system is an air filtration system having a primary air filter element, a pre-cleaner, and a pre-cleaner bypass valve. Based on feedback from an intake air quality sensor the bypass valve is either opened or closed to selectively route intake air through the pre-cleaner during sensed dirty air operating conditions (e.g., heavy dust or moisture concentrations). In other arrangements, the filtration system is a liquid filtration system (e.g., a fuel or oil a secondary filter. The filtration system selectively routes the liquid being filtered through the main filter, the secondary filter, or a combination thereof depending on a detected event or sensed characteristic of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Yashpal Subedi, Dane P. Miller, Barry M. Verdegan, Shantanu Nadgir, W. Beale Delano, Andry Lesmana, Jitesh Panicker, Jeffrey L. Oakes
  • Patent number: 10544872
    Abstract: A liquid capture valve may have a housing that physically contacts a lid and contains a floating member. The lid can have an inlet and an outlet with the outlet positioned at an apex of a sealing surface. The floating member can be configured to seal the outlet by contacting an outlet edge in response to the housing containing a predetermined volume of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: IBALL INSTRUMENTS LLC
    Inventor: Carl Bright
  • Patent number: 10458112
    Abstract: A backwater valve has a valve body, and a valve member pivotally movable about a pivot axis between an open position away from the valve body and a closed position covering the valve body. A control linkage is provided with at least one of a float or a counterweight in communication with the valve member via the control linkage to modify operation of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 10151098
    Abstract: There is provided a powerless back-flow prevention apparatus comprising: a body having a sewage inlet at a front thereof, a sewage outlet at a rear thereof, and a length-wise sewage channel there between; a door pivotally coupled to the body at the rear thereof to open or close the outlet, wherein the door comprises: a number of floating members arranged spacedly with each other; and a guide disposed on the floating members to pivot upwards via the floating force to close the outlet, and to pivot downwards via a gravity in an absence of the sewage back-flow to open the outlet, and, then to guide the sewage from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA MACHINERY IND. INC.
    Inventor: Jongsun Kim
  • Patent number: 10053829
    Abstract: An automated flashboard riser device comprises a housing with a rotatable gate that can be incrementally positioned to control flow of water over an upper edge of the gate. The device is installed at a control point in an impoundment area, such as a settling pond. The gate is raised and lowered by rotation of the gate about a hinge. Automatic control is provided for operation of the gate by a controller communicating with an actuator. A system of the invention includes the automated flashboard riser device and the controller. A method of the invention includes controlling flow of water from an impounded water source by use of the automated flashboard riser device. Manual or non-automated embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Norman Paul Watson
  • Patent number: 9693669
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided including a first filter, a second filter, and a backflow device. The backflow device is positioned within the second filter and movably attached to the second filter, such that backflow device is movable between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the backflow device prevents a flow of fluid through an inlet of the second filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 9546738
    Abstract: An air valve includes a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet and an outlet; a seat mounted within the valve body and having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the outlet of the valve body, the upper surface and the lower surface defining a bore and a fastener hole, the bore and the fastener hole extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the upper surface further defining a first sealing ridge and a second sealing ridge, a second sealing ridge, the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge extending between the bore and the fastener hole; a fastener extending through the fastener hole into the valve body; and a float moveable within the valve body and engageable with the bore of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Sean A. Cardia, Timothy Q. Fallon
  • Patent number: 9446215
    Abstract: A device for humidifying breathing air for artificial respiration of mammals, in particular human beings, includes at least one essentially closed container for receiving water, a first opening for letting in the non-humidified air and a second opening for letting out humidified air, and an inlet for supplying the water to the container. The inlet is located in the upper part of the container, which is adjoined by a tube essentially crossing through the container interior, and on the free end of the tube, a valve is disposed, which limits the level of the water supplied via the tube in such a way that the container bottom in the container interior is essentially covered with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ARTA PLAST AB
    Inventors: Helge Steg, Leif Hall
  • Patent number: 9404248
    Abstract: A sewage backflow assembly of sewage stopper systems is a check valve designed to operate with low flows such as is found in sewage drain pipes. The check valve disc is light weight plastic and easily lifts when outgoing flow is present but closes when backflow occurs to prevent flooding of building structures. The device has an inlet pipe segment, a flapper housing with a flapper, and an outlet pipe segment. The sewage backflow assembly may be glued into a pipe using glue type slip couplers or may be installed using re-useable pipe clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Delvin Marshall, Tremaine Dansbury
  • Patent number: 9050094
    Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: PULMONX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nikolai Aljuri, Rodney C. Perkins, Ryan Olivera, Hoang Nguyen, Sri Radhakrishnan, Niyazi Beyhan
  • Publication number: 20150090350
    Abstract: A water tank has a container, a micro switch, a limiting assembly and a float. The float is mounted slidably in the container. The limiting assembly has an actuating rod that slides in a direction perpendicular to the sliding path of the float. An inclined guiding track is mounted between the float and the actuating rod to convert the moving direction. Since the actuating rod utilizes the movement to switch the micro switch on and off, the actuating rod and the micro switch need no abutting structures. Therefore, when the actuating rod is moved by an accidental force, the actuating rod self-moves back to its original position once the accidental force is removed. Then the micro switch is switched on again so that the household appliance is restarted without any extra acts by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: NEW WIDETECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung CHIU
  • Patent number: 8978684
    Abstract: Apparatus for stopping fluid flow when liquid is present in the fluid flow. The apparatus generally includes two parts, an internal structure with a float valve, and an external tank. The internal structure includes a plurality of fluid entry holes positioned, sized, and numbered relative to a drain hole. The design is generally thread less, and the preferred process used for making the apparatus includes welding and promotes the conservation of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mike McKenzie
  • Patent number: 8978690
    Abstract: An automatic condensate line purging device for HVAC condensation lines using pressurized gas. The purging device is installed in the condensate drain line of an air conditioning system allowing condensate flow through the device during normal operation where no clog has occurred in the condensate drain line. Should the drain line become clogged, a plug is displaced to seal the condensate drain causing the condensate to back-up up into the external condensate drain pan located beneath the condenser of conventional HVAC systems. When the drain pan fills with water, the safety float switch used to shut down the air conditioner is coupled to a solenoid valve mounted on the purging device wherein a charge of gas is directed into the drain line for removal of the clog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Safe-T-Flush Corp
    Inventors: Austin J. Hubbard, Sr., Louisa E. Winter
  • Publication number: 20150068617
    Abstract: A valve includes: a float that is provided within a fuel tank and that, by floating in fuel, blocks a communication hole that communicates with an engine, a housing that accommodates the float within the fuel tank such that the float can move vertically, and into and from which fuel, that is within the fuel tank, enters and exits, and a dam member that is provided at the float, and that locally narrows a gap between the float and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shinji SHIMOKAWA, Masahide KOBAYASHI, Yoshitaka NOBUSADA
  • Publication number: 20150034177
    Abstract: There is provided a float valve. The float valve includes: a frame; a water supply part fixed to the frame and including a water supply nozzle through which water is discharged; a vertical bar fixedly coupled to the frame and extending downwardly below the water supply unit; a float connected to the vertical bar and vertically movable along the vertical bar; a switching unit connected to the float and configured to open or close the water supply nozzle while being moved vertically according to vertical movement of the float; and a water level sensor disposed on the vertical bar to detect a position of the float. Since the water level senor is integrated in the float valve, the inside space of a product using the float valve may be efficiently used, and parts of the product may be simply assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: DAEYEONG E&B CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Doo-Ha KIM
  • Patent number: 8939169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an unpowered apparatus for preventing backflow, comprising: a tubular main body having a stepped portion, wherein the main body has an inlet port for the inflow of sewage, an outlet port for discharging the sewage, and a communication port which is inclined toward the outlet port and which puts the inlet port and the outlet port in communication; an opening/shutting door having a door body rotatably hinged to the inside of the main body so as to open/shut the communication port, and a pair of blocking plates extending from either side of the door body so as to block the space between the stepped portion and an inner wall of the main body; a floating part which is arranged in the opening/shutting door, the interior of which is empty such that the floating part can float on a water surface, and which provides the opening/shutting door with buoyancy and operates the opening/shutting door so as to close the communication port when the sewage flows back toward the outlet port; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Jong Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140332096
    Abstract: A shut-off device for a pipe in a pipeline for operation in response to ingress of water, has a valve for installation in a pipe of the pipeline. The valve has a valve member moving between an open position, when the valve is open, to permit passage of fluid through the pipe, and a closed position, when the valve is closed, to shut off a passage extending through the pipe. A buoyant member associated with the valve member moves the valve member to the closed position automatically in the presence of ingress water in the vicinity of the buoyant member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
    Inventors: Wai Keung Carson Lee, Wai Yeung Cheung
  • Publication number: 20140326331
    Abstract: A system for collecting and accumulating excess water from one or more in-building sources and delivering it to one or more flushing toilet tanks and possibly also to one or more other in-building consumption devices, such as washing machines or utility faucets. The in-building sources may include any of condensate from an air conditioner, cool water in a hot water supply pipe emerging during initial flow, treated waste water and collected rain- or snow water. At the heart of the disclosed system is an accumulation tank of large capacity, having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. One of the inlets is connected to the main water supply system and includes a valve, configured to let fresh water flow into the main tank whenever the level of the water stored therein falls below a given height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Izchak Gago Mimone
  • Patent number: 8869817
    Abstract: A sealing and drainage device for a motor vehicle transmission is located in a wall approximately near the bottom of the transmission housing and includes a ball and a plate that encloses the ball in a bore through the housing wall. The plate has an opening on which the ball sits under normal operating conditions. During unexpected flooding conditions, water flows through the opening into the bore. The ball floats on the water such that as the water rises in the bore, the ball rises as well to the top of the bore to seal the bore from the interior of the housing, preventing water from flowing into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Kristopher Villegas
  • Patent number: 8850872
    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 mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position and to maintain the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: OPW Fuel Management Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian F. Jarvie
  • Publication number: 20140283916
    Abstract: An air pipe head having a housing bounding a venting channel and a chamber. The venting channel has an end port opening downwards into the chamber. A float member is arranged in the chamber and guided for guided movement between an uppermost position closing off the end port and a lowermost position spaced below the end port. The chamber communicates with surroundings of the air pipe head via at least one side port. A downwardly facing surface portion of the float member in its lowermost position is shielded in substantially all lateral directions and an upper surface portion of the float member in its lowermost position is left exposed through said side port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Winteb Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Albert Anton van der Velde
  • 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: 20140109993
    Abstract: A gully arrangement comprises a housing (1) having an inlet (17) at an upper end thereof, a reservoir (3) in a lower region thereof, and a conduit system (5, 7) forming a trap at a side of the housing. A valve (19) is provided in an upper region of the housing and adapted to close the inlet in the event liquid in the housing rises substantially to the level of the valve. The conduit system comprises an upper conduit (5) communicating with the housing at a level below the inlet, the upper conduit being closed at the housing by a removable stopper (20), and a lower conduit (7) exiting the housing at a lower level than the upper conduit and extending in an upwardly inclined direction to communicate with the upper conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Kelly
  • Publication number: 20140083524
    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 form leaking outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: CHIN-CHENG HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140060670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilating and evacuating valve for fluid-guiding conduit pipes and/or braces, comprising a valve mechanism (2) and a floating body (1) which acts on the valve mechanism (2), wherein the valve mechanism (2) comprises: a valve body (4) which can be moved into different opening and/or closing positions in order to open and close a valve outlet (3); a diaphragm cup (5); and a roll diaphragm (6) which is arranged between the valve body (4) and the diaphragm cup (5) and can come to rest in different opening and/or closing positions over aperture openings (7) of the valve body (4), wherein the valve also comprises a channelling means (8) which is configured to guide an evacuating flow past the valve mechanism (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Helmut Grassl, Tobias Sperl
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140048157
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water supply delaying structure installed on an inlet valve body of an inlet valve, including an external buoy, a delay buoy, and internal and external screws. The external buoy includes an upwardly-open chamber, open slots formed on a sidewall of the external buoy, an opening formed at the bottom of the chamber, a check valve loosely installed at the bottom of the opening; an end of the internal screw is adjustably coupled to the external buoy, and the other end of the internal screw is rotably fixed onto the inlet valve body; the delay buoy is floatably installed in the chamber of the external buoy, and an end of the external screw is adjustably coupled to the delay buoy, and the other end of the external screw is rotably coupled to a swing rod of the inlet valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: XIAMEN RUNNER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yiz-hou Fu
  • Publication number: 20140034140
    Abstract: A sensing unit for detecting an amount of liquid stored in a storage chamber is configured so that: a direction of a first moment which is a moment about a shaft produced by self weights of a rotating member, a float, and a receiver is a direction in which the float is moved from a first position to a second position vertically below the first position; and a direction of a resultant moment obtained by combining a second moment, which is a maximum moment about the shaft produced when the receiver receives liquid supplied to the storage chamber, and the first moment is a direction in which the float is moved from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi DAN
  • Publication number: 20140026984
    Abstract: A dilution apparatus includes a container having an adjustable float-operated make-up valve on the top of the container wherein the make-up valve has an inlet end connected to a water supply tube and an outlet end connected to a fill tube disposed inside the container. The make-up valve is connected to a float disposed in a liquid inside the container. The water supply tube is operatively connected by tubing to a reservoir that contains a concentrate. The water flow through the water supply tube siphons the concentrate through the tube, into the water stream and through the make-up valve to form a first dilution inside the container. A proportioner having a first inlet opening connected to a water supply and a second inlet opening connected to a tube on one end and the other end is connected to the bottom of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Larose
  • Patent number: 8636026
    Abstract: An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween. A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Earl Kelly, Stephanie C. Kelly, William Harley Frankenfield
  • Patent number: 8632736
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems for separating a target analyte from a suspension. A suspension is added to a tube. A float is also added to the tube, and the tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged together, causing the constituent components of the suspension to separate into different layers along the axial length of the tube according to their specific gravities. The float has a specific gravity that positions the float at approximately the same level as a layer containing the target analyte, when the tube, float and sample are centrifuged. Prior to isolation, the material may be located between an outer surface of the float and an inner surface of the tube, or within a central bore that extends longitudinally through the float. The target analyte may then be drawn into a compartment within the float, thereby isolating the target analyte from the other suspension constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rarecyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Spatafore, Jackie Lynn Stilwell, Arturo Ramirez, Evan Castiglia
  • Publication number: 20140007945
    Abstract: An improved liquid level control device for improving growing conditions and efficient crop growth in a series of plant pots includes a first valve means, a connection means, and a second valve means. The first valve means is operable to control a liquid level in a first pot. The connection means is mounted to a portion of the first valve means. The connection means includes an inlet connectable to a liquid source and an outlet for directing liquid to a remote plant pot. The second valve means is slidably received within the connection means and is operably connected to the first valve means. The second valve means is adapted to move between a first position allowing liquid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a second position substantially closing communication between the inlet and outlet depending on the liquid level within the first plant pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Ah Ngau FAH
  • Patent number: 8578961
    Abstract: A low profile backwater valve includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom. A pivoting valve member is pivotally movable between a normally open position along the bottom of the valve body and a closed position sealing the inlet. The valve member has a hinge end, a remote end, and opposed sides. A float is positioned as an appendage along at least one of the opposed sides of the valve member, such that the float adds buoyancy to the valve member causing the valve member to float into the closed position in the presence of a backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Publication number: 20130292311
    Abstract: A stormwater drain backflow control device having a sheet-like, liquid impermeable, skirt member, preferably flexible, and a circular drain opening to allow water to flow through the device and into the catch basin. A cage assembly depends beneath the skirt member beneath the opening, the cage assembly retaining a spherical float member in a manner that allows the float member to rise within the cage assembly and seal the drain opening in the event that the water level within the catch basin rises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Mark D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8561842
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Keg Switch Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacalla, Domenico Leone
  • Publication number: 20130255788
    Abstract: A fill valve is provided that includes an inner assembly and a float operatively coupled to the inner assembly. The fill valve also includes a distributor having an inner volume, the distributor is rotatably coupled to the inner assembly. The distributor is freely rotatable 360 degrees. The fill valve further includes a cover having an inner volume, the cover coupled to the distributor. The inner assembly is retained within the inner volumes of the distributor and the cover. The inner assembly includes a body member with a threaded end, an outer body member, ballast, a stem, a diaphragm, a valve cap, a pilot cap and a float arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Muday, John Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20130232678
    Abstract: A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for removing solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for removing liquid or light solid waste in a toilet. It includes a first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conventional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3) a float assembly alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: JAMES T. HAN
  • Publication number: 20130213480
    Abstract: An overfill prevention valve system including an overfill prevention valve having a blocking component. The blocking component is movable between a closed position, wherein the blocking component generally blocks fluid from flowing through the valve, and an open position, wherein the blocking component generally allows fluid to flow through the valve. The valve further including a float operatively coupled to the blocking component. The system additionally has an actuator that is operable to directly or indirectly move the blocking component to at least one of its open or closed positions to thereby enable testing of the overfill prevention valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeromy E. Higgins, Charles J. Liebal, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130200166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fluid discharge device of a fluid transfer pipe, and to a technology which alters the sectional area of a discharge hole in proportion to the increase or decrease in fluid discharge flow per unit of time so as to maintain a relatively uniform fluid discharge rate from the discharge hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Euntae Park
  • Publication number: 20130192694
    Abstract: A structural improvement of a water drainer in a cistern is disclosed. The water drainer has a draining part which has a moving module inside. The moving module has a central hole, in addition, has an upper float-ball and a lower float-ball at inner space to match the upper slot and the lower slot which both are set up on the draining part. Furthermore, an outer convex ring set on a rubber module is fixed into the draining hole on the bottom of the cistern, and an outer convex ring on the cylinder at the lower portion of the draining part is inserted into the hole of the rubber module, meanwhile the latch of the cylinder is hooked onto the bottom of the rubber module to make the water drainer be fixed. With the structural improvement, a purpose of two-stage water draining can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Chung Hsien Li
  • Publication number: 20130192693
    Abstract: A sealing and drainage device for a motor vehicle transmission is located in a wall approximately near the bottom of the transmission housing and includes a ball and a plate that encloses the ball in a bore through the housing wall. The plate has an opening on which the ball sits under normal operating conditions. During unexpected flooding conditions, water flows through the opening into the bore. The ball floats on the water such that as the water rises in the bore, the ball rises as well to the top of the bore to seal the bore from the interior of the housing, preventing water from flowing into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20130192683
    Abstract: An overflow protection system for an oil tank trailer which automatically monitors and controls the level of oil within said trailer. The system comprises a float sensor, a cable assembly, a shutoff valve, a temperature sensor, and a control box. The float sensor comprises an inductive float sensor which monitors the level on the tank gauge of an existing trailer body, which provides electrical signals via the cable assembly. The cable assembly provides electronic connection between the float sensor, valve, temperature sensor, and control box. The shutoff valve is closed when the float sensor is triggered, preventing flow into and out of the tank in order to eliminate overflow spillage. The control box includes a plurality of manual user controls for operating the system as well as information displays including interior temperature and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Glyn Dobson, Mathew Jones
  • Publication number: 20130160871
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor assembly comprises a sensor mounted to a sensor housing. A carrier extends from the sensor housing in an angled orientation. A float is located within the carrier such that the float may move along a longitudinal axis of the carrier. A fragment is secured to the float, and the sensor detects a location of the fragment as the float moves within the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.