By Float Controlled Valve Patents (Class 137/409)
  • Publication number: 20130126016
    Abstract: In an oil pan inner tank valve structure, a disc-shaped float valve is arranged below a valve port that provides fluid communication between the inside and outside of a bottom wall of an inner tank, and a lower cover is arranged below the float valve. In addition, a center recess is depressed at a lower surface center of the float valve, and a lateral movement restricting pin is upright from the lower cover and is constantly engaged with the center recess by recess/protrusion engagement. The lower cover restricts a vertically movable range of the float valve. In addition, the lateral movement restricting pin restricts lateral movement of the float valve so that a top portion of an upper surface bulged portion vertically constantly faces an area inside a valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomonari Inoue, Tsutomu Okuda, Yoshifumi Taga, Hiroyuki Sato, Kazuya Yoshijima, Atsushi Konno
  • Publication number: 20130118608
    Abstract: A drain system is configured to collect condensate from flue gas generated by a condensing fuel-fired appliance. The drain system includes a drain body defining an inlet positioned to receive condensate in the drain body, a drain opening positioned to deliver condensate from the drain body, a passage extending between the inlet and the drain opening, and a seat surface disposed within the passage. A float moves within the passage of the drain body at a location between the inlet of the drain body and the seat surface of the drain body. The float moves to a position contacting the seat surface defined by the drain body to block the flow of flue gas through the passage of the drain body when there is little or no condensate in the passage. A neutralizing agent is positioned along the passage of the drain body for contact with condensate in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Laars Heating Systems Company
    Inventors: Chris Holiday, Bertram L. Walters, Richard A. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8434646
    Abstract: A mixed beverage dispense system and method for pumping a first liquid and a second liquid using a controlled gas source. The dispense system can include a first pump that pumps the first liquid and a second pump that pumps the second liquid. The first pump and the second pump can each include a gas inlet, an inlet gas connection, and an outlet gas connection. The dispense system can also include connector tubing connecting the controlled gas source to the first pump and the second pump in series. The dispense system can include a bag-in-box package with chambers that hold the liquid bags and a fitment with fitment openings open to each one of the chambers for receiving the liquids from the liquid bags. The dispense system can also include an outlet connector coupled to the fitment for receiving the liquids from the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Everpure, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Kevin Carlson, Steven T. Jersey, Paul H. Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20130098451
    Abstract: A fuel system for an aircraft has a vent system. The system has a conduit opening into the fuel section. The system has a member connected to the conduit at a proximal end. The member has a seal plate within the conduit sealing the opening into the fuel section when a buoyant section at a distal end rises along with the seal plate through the member with a rise in fluid level within the fuel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: David Scott Krug
  • Publication number: 20130092254
    Abstract: An air release vent valve having a valve body with an inlet port and a venting orifice; a direct float configured with an axial passageway; and a displaceable orifice closure rod deployed in at least a portion of the axial passageway, the displaceable orifice closure rod being longitudinally displaceable therein, wherein at least of portion of the displaceable orifice closure rod extends above the direct float and at least a portion of the displaceable orifice closure rod is configured to close the venting orifice when the water level in the valve body reaches a predetermined level. Also disclosed is a suspended surge prevention element that is suspended within the valve body at an adjustable distance from the venting orifice and configured to seal the initial vent orifice in response to a velocity of the flow of air through the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Bermad CS Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi WEINGARTEN
  • Publication number: 20130092255
    Abstract: A gas vent valve has a valve body having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall having a generally constant inner diameter from the first end to a normal operating liquid level. A spacer is positioned within the valve body and has an aperture formed therethrough. A control float is positioned within the valve body and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body and larger than the inner diameter of the spacer. A top float is positioned within the valve body, above the control float, and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the spacer. A side port can extend from the sidewall and be positioned below the spacer and generally adjacent the top float with the valve in the open condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL VALVE MANUFACTURING, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Rudolph Joseph Lang, III, Anthony John Witheridge
  • Publication number: 20130087220
    Abstract: A specific gravity valve, has a floating valve member with a specific gravity that is less than the specific gravity of a first liquid and greater than the specific gravity of a second, heavier liquid. A valve seat is associated with the floating valve member. A valve member retainer retains the floating valve member and permits limited vertical movement of the floating valve member between an open position away from the valve seat and a closed position engaged with the valve seat, such that in the open position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is permitted, and in the closed position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is prevented. The specific gravity valve may be used with a production tank to prevent an unintended draw off of the wrong fluid component in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: RECONECO INC.
    Inventors: Dean SCHLEKEWY, Wade TOKAREK
  • Publication number: 20130087208
    Abstract: A production tank with a tank body has an oil outlet and a water outlet in combination with specific gravity valves. A specific gravity valve is mounted to each outlet. Each specific gravity valve has a floating valve member, a valve seat associated with the valve member and a valve member retainer. The valve member retainer retains the valve member and permits limited vertical movement of the valve member between an open position, away from the valve seat, and a closed position where the valve member directly engages with the valve seat. In the open position, fluid may flow through the outlets and, in the closed position, fluid flow through the outlets is prevented. On the oil outlet, the valve member retainer retains the valve member above the fluid outlet and, on the water outlet, the valve member retainer retains the valve member below the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: HOT ROD HEATERS INC.
    Inventors: Dean SCHLEKEWY, Wade TOKAREK
  • Publication number: 20130074953
    Abstract: The invention relates to the structure of a water inlet device of a water tank, wherein a float seat is slipped outside an external water-lifting pipe, an internal water-lifting pipe is installed inside the external water lifting pipe, a control valve is fixedly connected on the upper end of the external water-lifting pipe, a valve set is set inside the control valve, the valve set includes a membrane, a positioning plate, a silencing washer, a water feeding plate and a water supply pipe. The shock and vibration caused by inflowing water current may be buffered by using the construction of the valve set, to thereby enhance the silence effect and achieve the purpose of reducing noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: So-Mei Huang
  • Publication number: 20130019963
    Abstract: A fuel cut-off valve assembly may include a housing disposed within a fuel tank and defining therein a float chamber communicating with a space defined in the fuel tank. The housing has a fuel vapor outlet hole, so that fuel vapor can flow from within the float chamber to a fuel vapor processing device. A float valve may be received within the float chamber so as to be vertically movable for opening and closing the fuel vapor outlet hole in response to change in a level of fuel within the fuel tank. The float valve may have a valve body and a buoyancy center positioned at a level higher than a central position of the valve body with respect to the height of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masanori SUGIURA
  • Publication number: 20130019962
    Abstract: A float valve comprising a shut-off lever and a float lever is disclosed. The shut-off lever is supported for pivotal movement about a first axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever is supported for pivotal movement about a second axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever and the shut-off lever include cams which cooperate to transmit closing forces and opening forces between the levers. The valve exhibits a snap closing action whereby seeping is prevented over a substantial range of liquid levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20130000751
    Abstract: A vertical float valve for use in a fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve able to open and closed based upon the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve having a body portion. The body portion attached to a float portion via a four bar (4-bar) linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Publication number: 20120318382
    Abstract: A device for detecting leaks and shutting off a water inlet into a main toilet flushing cistern in which the water inlet is controlled by a main valve which is closed by an operating lever, said main valve supplying the main cistern via a filling column, a float contained in a float compartment pivoting the operating lever when the main cistern is full. The float compartment is closed in its bottom part and over its entire lateral periphery so that the water contained in said float compartment can be expelled only by causing it to pass over at least one of the side walls thereof, and in that said device comprises an actuating mechanism for emptying said float compartment. The mechanism is configured to bring about the lowering of the float into said float compartment so as to cause the opening of the water inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Hubert Magar
  • Publication number: 20120312393
    Abstract: A flush valve actuator comprising a float, a linking arm and a flush valve seat disc that can be attached to and used with a toilet flush valve that is already installed. Also disclosed is a universal flush valve actuator kit comprising at least one float, at least one flush valve seat disc, and a plurality of linking arms that are variously attachable to differently configured toilet flush valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chad H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120312377
    Abstract: In one example, a fuel system includes a fuel tank having a wall with an opening. A fuel float valve has a float and a seal plate on opposing ends of a beam. The fuel float valve also includes a fulcrum about which the beam is configured to pivot in response to a change in fuel level. The fuel float valve is movable between unsealed and sealed positions in which the seal plate is respectively unsealed and sealed relative to the opening. The seal plate includes first and second portions. The first portion seals against the wall, and the second portion is movable relative to the first portion in the sealed position from a closed position to an open position with respect to the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: William Beeson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120291883
    Abstract: A fluid level control mechanism comprising a reservoir assembly, a flow line assembly, and a resilient force assembly. The flow line assembly has a main flow line capable of passing a fluid, a diverter flow line, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve is connected to a lower end plate of the reservoir assembly via a lever arm, such that the reservoir assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the main flow line in response to a fluid level. Downward movement of the reservoir assembly opens the diverter valve and upward movement of the reservoir assembly closes the diverter valve. The resilient force assembly is attached to the main flow line and the reservoir assembly and is capable of exerting a vertical force against the reservoir assembly to close the diverter valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: WILLIAM K. FILIPPI
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120243940
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlled release of water for plants includes a chamber; a damper that allows the water into the chamber; and a float having a drain tube. The float is adapted to rise with the water level in the chamber to a predetermined upper level, sink, and substantially release the water through the drain tube. The chamber is positioned inside or adjacent to a grow bed. Water from a fish tank may be pumped into the grow bed through a conduit in the chamber, and the apparatus periodically drains a measured amount of water back to the fish tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jon Thenhaus
  • Publication number: 20120234397
    Abstract: Liquid separation systems for installing in liquid distribution installations having a conduit with a first liquid destination, a first liquid supply for supplying a first liquid into the conduit, and a second liquid supply for supplying a second liquid into the conduit via an accessible conduit access unit with an inlet and an outlet in flow communication with the conduit. The liquid separation systems are configured to redirect the second liquid to a second liquid destination different from the first liquid destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Netzer Peled
  • Publication number: 20120211035
    Abstract: A parts washer may include a reservoir including a bottom, a cleaning solution having a surface, a cleaning chamber associated with the reservoir, a dispenser assembly in the cleaning chamber, a control assembly connected to one of the reservoir and the cleaning chamber, and a circulator assembly in the reservoir. The circulator assembly may include a pump, a float connected to the pump, a bracket including a guide and an actuator, a track that constrains movement of the pump and includes a switch to define a minimum pump orientation and to deactivate the circulator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, Brad Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120193355
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Mike McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20120144571
    Abstract: The toilet water tank refilling system includes an inlet pipe adapted for installation within the toilet water tank and adapted for connection to a water supply, a valve connected to the pipe, a float operably connected to the valve to open the valve when the water level falls below a predetermined level and to close the valve when the water level in the tank reaches the predetermined level, and a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply into the tank when the valve is open. The system does not have a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply through the overflow tube directly into the toilet bowl. The only paths for discharging water from the water supply to the toilet bowl in the toilet water tank refilling system are through the tank's flush valve when the toilet is flushed and through the overflow tube when the water level in the tank exceeds the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: GEORGE J. WAJDA
  • Publication number: 20120138168
    Abstract: In a nonreturn valve having a tubular body, which can be installed in a vertical section of an exhaust line, a valve seat, formed within the tubular body, for at least one float, and at least one circumferential groove, which is open in the downstream direction, the intention is to make available a solution by means of which it is possible to provide a nonreturn valve that is simple, advantageous in terms of production engineering and has a particularly high performance, and to do so in a way which is simple in terms of design and is economical. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the circumferential rim of the at least one float projects radially over the radially inner circumferential wall section and has an axial lip facing upstream, which extends into the circumferential groove in the axial direction when the at least one float is resting on the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CENTROTHERM SYSTEMTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Richter
  • Publication number: 20120132295
    Abstract: A septic system can include an improved and more reliable apparatus for distributing effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. In such apparatus, an effluent container, or collection tank, is connected with the outlet of a septic tank, and an effluent-operated valve controls effluent flow from an outlet of the effluent container, or collection tank, to an effluent distribution tank which is connected to a plurality of portions, or fingers, of a sewage drain field to uniformly distribute the effluent from the septic tank to the drain field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Neal Zook
  • Patent number: 8177090
    Abstract: A combination liquid petroleum storage tank and emergency drainage system for draining rain water accumulated on the floating roof of the storage tank, including a drain duct having an inlet adapted to receive rain water accumulated on the roof and extending downward about a central axis, and a petroleum vapor barrier valve in the drain duct at an axial location downstream of the inlet, the valve formed as a multi-blade rotor that is rotatably mounted in the drain duct for rotation about a central rotor axis extending generally perpendicular to the drain duct central axis at the axial location, the rotor having a plurality of generally semi-circular blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Zaid Sulaiman Farraj Al-Farraj
  • Publication number: 20120082571
    Abstract: A fluid level control mechanism comprising a float assembly, a flow line assembly, an upper centralizer, and a lower centralizer. The float assembly has a cylindrical outer float tube and a cylindrical inner float tube connected by upper and lower end plates to form a sealed cavity. The flow line assembly has a main flow line capable of passing a fluid, a diverter flow line, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve is connected to the lower end plate of the float assembly via a lever arm, such that the float assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the main flow line in response to a fluid level. Downward movement of the float assembly opens the diverter valve and upward movement of the float assembly closes the diverter valve. The upper and lower centralizers center the mechanism within a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: WILLIAM K. FILIPPI
  • Publication number: 20120048888
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Switch Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacella, Domenico Leone
  • Publication number: 20120024400
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Weir Minerals Australia Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Martin Smit
  • Publication number: 20120012197
    Abstract: A valve for controlling the amount of water in a rim-side supply pipe of a fill valve in a water toilet. The valve includes a fill valve for permitting and stopping supply of washing water from a hydrant into a water tank. A fixing section fixes the fill valve to an overflow pipe. A float has a packing for opening or closing an opening/closing hole of the fill valve depending on a level of water contained in the water tank. A water amount control valve controls the amount of washing water which is supplied to the rim-side supply pipe of the fill valve. The amount of washing water, which is supplied toward a rim of the toilet, is controlled by the opened area of the rim-side supply pipe of the fill valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: WATOS COREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Gwang Song
  • Publication number: 20110315240
    Abstract: The invention refers to a ventilation valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle with a housing (2) that has a ventilation opening (28), a movably arranged float (5) in the housing in the direction of its middle longitudinal axis (16) and a float-held sealing element (29), which—seen in the top view towards the middle of the middle longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (2)—is fixed on the float (5) outside of the ventilation opening (28,28a) on the arranged fixing spot (35), in which case the ventilation opening (28,28a) has a non-circular opening contour and, extending away from the fixing spot (35), a terminal section (39) whose clear width (36) increases with increasing distance from the fixing spot (35), in which case the clear width (36) is measured transversally to an imaginary middle plane (37) that cuts the fixing point (35) in the center and contains the middle longitudinal axis (19) of the float (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Matthias Müller, Jürgen Theissler
  • Publication number: 20110315241
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve has a housing defining therein a float chamber and a float disposed in the float chamber. The housing defines a connection passage positioned above the float chamber and fluidly connecting the float chamber with outside of the housing and a hole positioned below the fluid chamber fluidly connecting the float chamber with outside of the housing. The float has a valve part that is configured to close the connection passage and defines therein a first passage passing through the float in a vertical direction and a second passage extending from a part of the first passage to an outer surface of the float in a substantial horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro YASUDA, Kazumi HARUTA, Takashi KATO
  • Publication number: 20110297250
    Abstract: An opening/closing device includes a gate that receives a flow of a sewage, and can fall toward a downstream side of the flow, a fall prevention unit that prevents the gate from falling by supporting the gate, a support release unit that releases the support for the gate by the fall prevention unit, a first float that is arranged on the upstream side of the gate, and is smaller in specific gravity than the sewage, a surfacing prevention unit that prevents the first float from surfacing, a second float that is arranged on the upstream side of the gate, above the first float, and is smaller in specific gravity than the fluid, and a surfacing-prevention release unit that releases, resulting from surfacing of the second float, the prevention of the surfacing of the first float by the surfacing prevention unit. Further, the support release unit is activated resulting from surfacing of the first float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicants: NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD., KANSEI COMPANY, TOKYO METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE SERVICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Komatsu, Motonobu Ito, Kazuhiro Yamanouchi, Kenji Hasegawa, Iwao Ito
  • Publication number: 20110209778
    Abstract: This invention relates to a valve comprising a housing having first and second apertures for the ingress and egress of fluid into/from a passageway located within the housing extending indirectly from the first to the second aperture. The passageway forms an air-lock. The valve further comprises at least one bleed valve for allowing fluid out of the passageway at a rate slower than fluid is able to enter one of the apertures. A liquid entering one of the apertures is prohibited from passing along the passageway to the other of the apertures until substantially all air within the valve has bled out of the bleed valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Toby Priestly
  • Publication number: 20110197976
    Abstract: A standpipe float valve having a standpipe housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve plug deployed within the standpipe housing, the valve plug configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the standpipe housing and a float element deployed within the standpipe housing and reactive to a fluid level in the standpipe housing, the float element attached to the valve plug and configured to actuate the valve plug, wherein the standpipe housing has a substantially cylindrical interior volume, the valve plug has a substantially cylindrical outer face and an outside diameter of the valve plug is substantially equal to an inside diameter of the cylindrical interior volume of the standpipe housing such that the valve plug is slidingly displaceable within the standpipe housing between an open position, in which fluid flows through the inlet port into the standpipe housing and a closed position in which fluid flow through the inlet valve is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Bermad CS Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Patent number: 7997297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing parallel chemical experiments. The system comprises an array of parallel flow through reactors each comprising a reaction chamber, a reactor inlet and a reactor outlet connected to the reactor chamber. Downstream of each reactor a corresponding active pressure regulating arrangement is provided for actively regulating the reactor pressure. The pressure regulating arrangement comprises a passage for reactor effluent with an inlet connected to the reactor outlet and an outlet for discharging reactor effluent at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Avantium International B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Smit, Gerardus Johannes Maria Gruter
  • Publication number: 20110186149
    Abstract: A casing has a vessel portion, in which a float valve unit is arranged. A fuel drain through-hole having a small diameter is formed at a closed end bottom of the vessel portion. A cross sectional area of the fuel drain through-hole is extremely smaller than an opening area of an inlet port, so that fuel discharging speed of the liquid fuel from the vessel portion through the fuel drain through-hole is suppressed to a small value. As a result, a fuel holding time of the liquid fuel in the vessel portion, which has entered into the vessel portion from the inlet port, is made longer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroya TAGAMI, Keiji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110146811
    Abstract: The air release valve 10 includes an elongate valve body 12 including an elongate pipe section 14 that has a top wall 16 and a bottom wall 18 secured to opposite ends thereof, thus defining a cylindrical internal chamber 20 within the valve body 12. The valve body 12 further includes a baffle plate arrangement 22 dividing the internal chamber 20 into a top part 24 and a bottom part 26. The bottom wall 18 of the valve body 12 defines an inlet 38 which is connectable to a water pipeline 69. The top wall 16 defines an outlet 40 which operatively communicates with the atmosphere. A valve seat 42, including an O-ring seal 44, surrounds the outlet 40 and permits blocking of the outlet 40 by a valve closure 46, which in combination with a float 48, forms a valve closure arrangement 50 of the air release valve 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: James Douglas Miller
  • Publication number: 20110108028
    Abstract: A float valve system for controlling an amount of liquid in a chamber is disclosed that includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat. Liquid enters the chamber in a first direction to the first valve seat and is transferred in a second direction to the second valve seat. First and second actuating members are provided to selectively open and close the first valve seat and the second valve seat, respectively. A first float is coupled to the first actuating member so as to close the first valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a first predetermined level and a second float is coupled to the second actuating member so as to close the second valve seat upon fluid in the chamber reaching a second predetermined level that is different from the first predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: CareFusion 2200 Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Jesse Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20110041542
    Abstract: A low profile ice maker/dispenser and water dispenser having a high ice making capacity, for ice nugget manufacture is provided, wherein ice nuggets are metered out of a storage bin via a nugget dispenser outlet, and whereby water is dispensed via a water dispenser outlet. A refrigeration cycle is used, wherein an auger compresses ice on a wall of an evaporator and delivers the ice to the ice bin, breaking it into nuggets along the way. An outer wall of the evaporator is comprised of part of the water reservoir. A baffle in the ice bin facilitates metering of the amount of ice discharged. The system comprises a closed system that enables efficient cleaning of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: FOLLETT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger P. Brunner, Steven R. Follett, Matthew S. Greene, Robert Hettinger, Michael A. Rice, Michael S. Yautz
  • Patent number: 7870868
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing filtered rainwater during wet weather, storing the filtered rainwater in an elevated storage tank, conveying the filtered rainwater by gravity to a toilet tank and controlling its introduction into the toilet tank. The apparatus preferably comprises an inline filter for installation in a horizontal or sloping section of a rain gutter, a storage tank that is mountable at an elevation higher than the elevation of the toilet tank, water transfer tubing or piping for conveyance of filtered rainwater to the storage tank, water supply tubing or piping for conveyance of stored water to the toilet tank, and a control valve for introducing the stored water into the toilet tank when it is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the apparatus are provided to the consumer in the form of an easily installed kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Gary K. Ilalaole
  • Publication number: 20110005614
    Abstract: A vent valve assembly at least partially disposed within an interior of a fuel tank is provided. The vent valve assembly comprises a housing, a first venting orifice, a float configured to close the first venting orifice when the level of fuel in the housing reaches a predetermined level, a second venting orifice, and a stop configured to close the second venting orifice to facilitate a pressure differential between the housing and the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Pifer, Charles Joseph Martin, Robert P. Benjey, Andrew McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20100252125
    Abstract: A fill limiter vent valve (FLVV) adapted for suspension downward into a fuel tank has upper and lower housing members having openings in their cylindrical walls cooperating to define a spill-over level for fuel into the FLVV producing float-initiated vent valve closure during a fuel fill event. The lower housing member has a latching member fixedly engageable with one or more cooperating latching features of the upper housing member in a plurality of relative axial positions; and the spill-over level is varied by relative axial movement of the housing members between those positions. Axial alignment of the latching member and the cooperating latching features is maintained by axially aligned, interacting surface features of the housing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Roth, Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Ulf Sawert
  • Publication number: 20100218828
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for maintaining a low-pressure, substantially constant feed of water to an irrigation system. The system utilizes captured rainwater and/or gray water as available. The system can include an element for introducing an additive into the water, such as at least one of water-soluble fertilizer, insecticide, and pest repellent. Preferably the additive is provided so as not to be submerged in the water for maintaining a substantially constant concentration thereof in the water. The system and method are additionally advantageous in that fertigation, extermination, and/or and repelling only occurs when the plants call for water. In use with a typical lawn, the system allows the user to add less fertilizer to the lawn than in prior known systems, thus reducing nutrient (e.g., nitrate), insecticide, and repellant runoff into the aquifer and neighboring bodies of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: DEVELOPMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Edmund A. Sinda
  • Publication number: 20100212756
    Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin J. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20100200082
    Abstract: A liquid level monitor (100) includes a liquid bowl cavity (102) having a liquid sampling port (106). A switching device cavity (104) is formed within an upper portion of the housing (105) having an electromechanical switching device (112) therein. A separator (116) is between the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A venting pathway (120) including a vent passage (122) is for equalizing pressure between a region over the liquid in the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A liquid level indicator including a float (131) is positioned in the liquid bowl cavity (102) for indicating the height of the liquid. The liquid level indicator (131) actuates the electromechanical switching device (112) when the fluid level falls below a predetermined level. A mechanical barrier (115) is positioned in the venting pathway (120) for redirecting liquid back into the liquid bowl cavity (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: Mark A. Mantua, Brad L. Cummins
  • Publication number: 20100175762
    Abstract: The washing machine flood prevention system provides an interruptible power supply to a washing machine. In the event of potential flooding by the washing machine, power to the washing machine is interrupted and an alarm is delivered to the user. The washing machine flood prevention system includes a control box housing a control circuit. The control circuit includes at least one alarm and a power outlet adapted for receiving the electrical plug of the washing machine. A water level sensor, such as a float switch, is in communication with the control circuit. A ground fault circuit interrupter is in electrical communication with the control circuit. The ground fault circuit interrupter provides interruptible electrical power to the control circuit and the washing machine. The electrical power is interrupted if a control signal is generated by the water level sensor responsive to a flood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Carl G. Anacrelico
  • Publication number: 20100139784
    Abstract: A float-controlled water inflow switching device is provided for use with a water pump for pressurizing tap water and functions to safely collect and re-use of water drainage from the pump and associated piping for pressure relief purposes. The switching device includes a container arranged in water supply piping of the pump and forming a water return port connected to a water return pipe from the pump. The container includes a float arranged therein to selectively close/open a tap water supply port and has a water outlet port connected to the water in-feed end of the pump to directly supply tap water to the pump or to alternatively supply water contained in the container to the pump by means of automatic switching realized by closing the tap water supply port by the movement of the float at the time when the water inside the container reaches a preset water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: I-JEN HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100139305
    Abstract: The object is to provide an ice making water tank for an automatic ice making machine capable of stabilizing the operation of a float switch. As a means for achieving the object, there is provided an overflow portion 64 having a wall portion 58 to define a maximum water storage level of ice making water, and a raised-bottom portion 60 to discharge excess ice making water that has overflowed the wall portion 58 to the outside through a discharge port 62 on a side near the outside of a tank portion 52 of an ice making water tank 32. Furthermore, a partition member 68 is removably disposed on the overflow portion 64 side with respect to the disposed position of the circulation pump 14 in the tank portion 52 to divide the inside of the tank portion 52 into two regions, and to allow ice making water near the bottom portion 56 to flow between the two regions. In addition, a float switch 26 is disposed between the partition member 68 and the overflow portion 64 in the tank portion 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Hideji Ota, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Yuji Wakatsuki, Hiroki Yamaguchi, Yushi Yonekura
  • Publication number: 20100126591
    Abstract: A foreign object in a discharge path defined and formed in a valve case is effectively removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: TLV CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike