Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 137/413)
  • Patent number: 11912213
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering wastewater from a recreational vehicle to a drain includes a housing having an outer wall and an inner wall generally perpendicular or slightly angled to the outer wall. The housing and the inner wall define an inlet chamber above the inner wall and a further chamber below the inner wall. The housing further includes an outlet downwardly extending from the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Thetford BV
    Inventors: Jacco Van Beek, Joop Van Leeuwen, Tijs Slezak, Wilco Wessels, Ruud Van Den Heijkant, Ronald Van Der Hoeven, Mark Mulders, Tom Kieboom, Didier Van Riel, Mitchell Van De Sande, Dineke Van Duijn
  • Patent number: 11332361
    Abstract: A fully-integrated, flow-control module for top-fill fuel tanks is designed to operate with a fuel line attached that supplies fuel under constant pressure. A main flow control valve within the flow-control module closes automatically when the fuel tank is full, and automatically opens when the fuel level drops a certain amount below the full level. A spring-biased valve plunger of the main flow control valve has a bleed aperture that diverts a small amount of incoming fuel to a bleed path that is controlled by a fuel level float that operates on a lever arm that either opens or closes the bleed path. When closed, fuel pressure beneath the valve plunger increases sufficiently that the plunger biasing spring is able to exert a force sufficient to close the valve plunger. Bleed path control hysteresis prevents rapid cycling of the main flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Dean Edward Mackey
  • Patent number: 11208310
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for refilling fluid containers. A fluid container may include a bottle and a valve assembly. The valve assembly may include two valves and be configured to engage with the bottle and a filling head or dispensing head. A system is configured to provide pressurized fluid to the refillable container, monitor filling, determine when to stop filling, and determine how much fluid was provided. The valve assembly may include a float mechanism coupled to one of the valves of the valve assembly to ensure fluid flow is stopped when the fluid container is full. The fluid, which can include carbon dioxide, is stored in a storage tank. A flow system provides the fluid to a filling head, which engages with the fluid container. The flow system includes a transfer pump, valves, and sensors configured to provide the fluid to the filling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FOUNTAIN MASTER, LLC
    Inventors: Francis X. Tansey, Jr., Gwenivere R. Tansey
  • Patent number: 10851910
    Abstract: A fully-integrated, flow-control module for top-fill fuel tanks operates with a fuel line attached that supplies fuel under pulsating pressure. There are two bleed paths in the module, which open and close sequentially in response to the position of a fuel float within the module. In order for a main valve plunger, which controls fuel entry into the tank, to fully close, both bleed paths must be closed. A first bleed path closes first, followed by closure of the second. For the main valve plunger to fully open, both bleed paths must be open. The second bleed path opens first. Movement of the main valve plunger is controlled by both a biasing spring and pressure beneath the plunger. Pressure beneath the plunger builds up to a level sufficient for the biasing spring to fully close the plunger against a valve seat when both bleed paths are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Charles Cooley, Dean Edward Mackey
  • Patent number: 10794505
    Abstract: An internal valve including a valve body, a poppet valve coupled to the valve body, a bleed valve, a stem slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve. The stem is shiftable from a first position wherein the poppet valve and the bleed valve are both closed, to a second position wherein the bleed valve is open, and a third position wherein the bleed valve is closed, the poppet valve is open, and the poppet valve may shift toward the closed position and the bleed valve may open in response to a pressure change. A spring seat is coupled to the stem via a retaining feature such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body, and a spring is operatively coupled to the stem via the spring seat and configured to bias the stem toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Li Li, Jing Chen, Fei Fei Ji, Shao Lijing
  • Patent number: 10752870
    Abstract: An automatic apparatus for regulating and controlling the level of a liquid (1) in a tank (2) includes a liquid level detector (8). A vessel (3) associated with the tank (2) has a predetermined volume and is equipped with an upper closure (6) and with an open bottom (5) in communication with the interior of the tank (2) at a height below the level of the liquid (1). The automatic apparatus increases/decreases a liquid-free portion of the volume inside the vessel (3) and consequently transfers part of the liquid to/from the tank (2) through the bottom (5) in response to changes in the liquid level inside the tank (2) as detected by the liquid level detector (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: PARSEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Floridia
  • Patent number: 10562758
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve apparatus of a urea tank for a vehicle, the valve apparatus configured such that a urea solution injection pipe is flexibly bent and has a float so that a urea injection valve provided at the urea solution injection pipe is prevented from being immersed in the urea solution in the urea tank. Thus, the urea solution can be prevented from being damaged upon freezing in a winter season. Further, when a urea solution is injected, the urea solution injection pipe is straightened by flow pressure of the urea solution such that the float is forced to be immersed in the urea solution in the urea tank, and accordingly the urea solution injection valve is immersed therein. Thus, the urea solution can be efficiently injected into the urea tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Ho Ham, Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 10082415
    Abstract: An improved evaporation pan assembly and measurement method comprising adjustable buoyancy floats attached to an outer wave-guard that surrounds the evaporation pan. An anchor system preferably restricts lateral movement while allowing for vertical movement with changing fluid levels. Preferably, the evaporation pan assembly further comprises a baffle system within the evaporation pan to prevent sloshing of the fluid within the pan. The height of the body of fluid being evaluated is preferably measured with a guided float assembly within the evaporation pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Jacob William Collison
  • Patent number: 8678050
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Spill Protection System
    Inventors: Glyn Dobson, Mathew Jones
  • Patent number: 8550111
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device which includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston fitted within the first tubular member, a second tubular member having a cylindrical recess open, a plug arranged within the second tubular member, a float rod having a cam plate, a float connected with a lower end of the float rod, a valve body having a lower end engaged with the first tubular member, a pinion pivotally connected to the second tubular member by the pin, a toothed rack meshed with the pinion and engaged with the second tubular member, a control rod having an upper end extending into the valve body and a lower end secured to the toothed rack, a first magnet mounted at the upper end of the control rod, and a gauge mounted on the valve body and provided with a second permanent magnet and a needle operatively connected with the second magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Grand Hall Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: William Home
  • Patent number: 8550128
    Abstract: A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising a fluid flow control valve connected via a bleed line to a fluid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Patent number: 8430117
    Abstract: A combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Patent number: 8281823
    Abstract: A refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus having a combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems. The refueling apparatus further having a fluid flow control valve module, a fluid level sensor module having a sensor, and a testing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Spillx L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mitrovich, John Byrne
  • Patent number: 8261769
    Abstract: A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy C. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8057192
    Abstract: A condensate pump includes a condensate reservoir, a liquid level float sensor operable to sense a liquid level within the condensate reservoir, and a pressure/vent valve including a pressure source, a pressure vent, and a primary piston slidably supported in a primary cylinder and sliding in the primary cylinder responsive to the liquid level sensor. A secondary piston is slidably supported in a secondary cylinder and moves responsive to a movement of the primary piston between a first secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is in communication with a gas space of the condensate reservoir and the pressure vent is isolated from the gas space, and a second secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is isolated from the gas space and the pressure vent is in communication with the gas space. An aperture in the primary piston and passages may also be provided to prevent build-up of gas pressures and maintain pressures in preselected regions within the pump at atmospheric pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Spence Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Page, Jr., Dan Walter Cole
  • Patent number: 7967025
    Abstract: An overfill protection device includes a piston (5) comprising a main seal or semi-sphere packing (3) on its tip and a V-shaped packing (4) on its side, a retracting spring (2) for pushing the piston back to its original position, a main valve (7) with an o-ring that drops into the inner hole of the retainer (10) to block off the gas flow, a level arm consisting of a rising faced section (28) and a U-shaped section (29), whereby no gas will be allowed to flow through the overfill protection device when the gas reaches the predetermined 80 percent level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: SCG (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jakaphan Kidprasert
  • Patent number: 7891373
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a tank, such as a fuel tank on heavy equipment. An inlet valve includes a head portion for making connection with a nozzle, a receiver attached thereto and a piston which closes against a face in the head portion. A float valve includes a float and a valve which seals when a predetermined fluid level is reached. A bleed line is used to connect the receiver to the float valve. The unique design allows placement of the float valve at any desired height within the tank, and placement of the bleed line inside or outside of the tank as may be desired for the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Flomeg, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Workman, Larry L. Locke, Jon B. Rose
  • Patent number: 7886780
    Abstract: A reservoir for an anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein. The reservoir includes an open interior and a high-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The high-pressure channel is configured to transfer an anesthetic agent from a storage container into the open interior when a pressure level within the storage container exceeds a pressure level within the open interior. The reservoir also includes a low-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The low-pressure channel is configured to transfer the anesthetic agent from the storage container into the open interior when the pressure level within the storage container is less than or approximately equal to the pressure level within the open interior. The low-pressure channel and the high-pressure channel are configured to prevent the open interior from being overfilled with the anesthetic agent under conditions wherein the pressure level within the storage container exceeds the pressure level within the open interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John C. Falligant, Steven Alan Jandl, Brian David Paap
  • Patent number: 7814930
    Abstract: A liquid refill control for a holding tank includes a pneumatic solenoid valve for delivering liquid to the tank in an open state and restricting delivery of the liquid to the tank in a closed state. The solenoid valve has a pneumatic exhaust. A container mounted in the tank includes an inlet for introducing liquid from the tank into the container and an outlet formed below the inlet. A discharge valve is operably mounted to the tank for alternately closing and opening the outlet. A lower float closes the discharge valve when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level in the tank and opens the discharge valve when the liquid is below the predetermined level to discharge liquid from the container. A pneumatic exhaust valve alternately opens and closes the pneumatic exhaust which in turn changes the state of the pneumatic solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Action Manufacturing & Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Shepherd, Daniel A. Klein
  • Patent number: 7806133
    Abstract: A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy C. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7584766
    Abstract: An overfill prevention valve for mounting on the filling inlet of a liquid storage tank has an elongated, tubular valve body provided with an inlet at one end and one or more outlets in the sidewall thereof. A pressure-actuated piston is moveable between an open position spaced below an annular valve seat between the inlet and outlets and a closed position engaging the valve seat to close the outlet. An orifice in the top of the piston communicates with an actuating chamber on the opposite side of the piston so that a measure of piloting liquid flows into the chamber and out a pilot hole at the bottom of the valve body during normal filling operations. A buoyant float is slidable along a hollow guide tube attached to the bottom of valve body and communicates with the pilot port for closing a discharge hole in the guide tube when the float rises to an upwardly buoyed position due to the liquid in the tank reaching a predetermined maximum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Clay and Bailey Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald R. David, Ronald W. Borst
  • Publication number: 20080178944
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a tank, such as a fuel tank on heavy equipment. An inlet valve includes a head portion for making connection with a nozzle, a receiver attached thereto and a piston which closes against a face in the head portion. A float valve includes a float and a valve which seals when a predetermined fluid level is reached. A bleed line is used to connect the receiver to the float valve. The unique design allows placement of the float valve at any desired height within the tank, and placement of the bleed line inside or outside of the tank as may be desired for the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Workman, Larry L. Locke, Jon B. Rose
  • Patent number: 7392822
    Abstract: A liquid level controller including a pilot valve switchable between snap and throttle modes. A displacer translates changing liquid level in a tank into movement that is transferred to the pilot valve which will provide output gas to a control valve to allow or to prevent the discharge of fluid from the tank. The pilot valve has a throttle supply inlet and a snap supply inlet and a single output passage. When the pilot valve is in the throttle mode, the snap supply inlet is a vent passage and when the pilot valve is in the snap mode, the throttle supply gas inlet is a vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kimray, Inc.
    Inventor: Garman Oscar Kimmell
  • Patent number: 7356856
    Abstract: A toilet overflow prevention device including an overflow valve assembly, a control valve and a water level sensor. The overflow valve assembly is configured to selectively permit a flow of water through the valve assembly from the tank to the bowl of an associated toilet. The water level sensor is configured to provide a control signal in response to detecting an above-normal water level within the bowl of the toilet. The control valve is configured to actuate the overflow valve assembly in response to a control signal from the water level sensor. Preferably, the overflow valve assembly is separate from the primary flush valve of the toilet and is located between the primary flush valve and the bowl of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Limit, Inc.
    Inventors: Otto R. Butsch, Kevin G. Bowcutt, Gregory Blake, Daniel L. Corbin, Dennis A. Repp
  • Patent number: 7352287
    Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Patent number: 7284567
    Abstract: A liquid level controller for maintaining the level of liquid in a tank at a predetermined height includes a housing with an upper and lower section wherein the upper section is connected to a liquid supply and the lower section is submerged in liquid the level of which is to be maintained. The upper section includes a pressure chamber and an outlet chamber divided by a resilient material; a bore extending through the resilient material; and an inlet tube extending from the supply to the bore. A control valve controls the liquid flow through a hole providing communication between the pressure chamber and the lower part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Pong Kit Chan
  • Patent number: 7240690
    Abstract: A valve assembly, such as a tap for a liquefied gas cylinder, includes an overfill protection device and a liquid level gauge having an electrode assembly comprising a pair of lamellar electrodes mounted closely adjacent a housing member of the overfill protection device and deflectable into close proximity with a float of the overfill protection device for insertion into the gas cylinder. A circuit board is provided, preferably mounted on the electrode assembly, and has an electronic converter circuit for measuring the electrical capacitance between the electrodes and producing in response to the measured capacitance an output signal representative of the liquid level in the container. A display means is mounted on a body of the valve assembly or remote therefrom, to indicate the liquid level in the container in response to the output signal from the electronic converter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Torrent Trading Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Schmitz, Linze Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 7219686
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tap assembly for a liquid vessel, having an overfill protection device and a float controlled mechanical or magnetic level gauge. A single float actuates a stem of the overfill protection device as well as a rod of the level gauge. The rod of the level gauge has one end movable linearly in a valve body bore and carrying a permanent magnet for actuating a magnetic level indicator. In one embodiment a crank mechanism may be provided between a float lever and the rod of the level gauge to cause the rod to effectuate a swinging movement and simultaneously displace the rod longitudinally to cause linear displacement of the permanent magnet in the valve body bore. In another embodiment the rod may be actuated by a cam to cause axial displacement thereof without swinging motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Torrent Trading Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Schmitz, Privat Roderes
  • Patent number: 6910499
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a pressurized fluid vessel such as a propane tank has a housing defining a main fluid passageway therebetween with a valve seat (734) defined in the main passageway, a main valve member (742) movable against the valve seat (734) to block the passageway, an insert (738) defining an internal chamber within the interior of the housing within which the main valve member (742) is disposed, a secondary fluid flow passageway through the insert (738), through a conduit (748) connected to the main valve body, and through openings (751) in an end of the conduit (748) facing second ports opening into the vessel, and a secondary valve member (760) movable to block the openings (751) under the action of a float (721) on a predetermined fluid level being reached, thereby exposing the main valve member (742) to a pressure differential to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Corporation
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Patent number: 6729367
    Abstract: An overflow prevention system and method for storage tanks includes a flow disturber situated in the tank fill tube, a fluid level sensor for sensing fluid level in the tank, and an actuator that causes the flow disturber to move toward the fill tube inlet in response to rising fluid level sensed by the fluid level sensor. The flow disturber is arranged to travel between a first position in which it does not cause turbulent flow in the fill tube and a second position in which it causes turbulent flow. The actuator is responsive to the fluid level sensor to move the flow disturber to the second position when a predetermined fluid level is reached. The transition to turbulent flow triggers the automatic shut-off feature of the dispensing nozzle to prevent the tank from being filled beyond the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Leroy Peterson
  • Patent number: 6640829
    Abstract: A two-way valve is disclosed comprising at least two lateral openings which can be shut off by a piston provided with an axial orifice for the passage of gas, which piston slides axially in the casing between a position in which the openings are shut off under the influence of a spring and an open position counter to the action of the spring under the influence of the pressure of the filling gas, and a level valve activated by a float at the bottom of the casing. In order to prevent pressure from building up inside the casing after closure, the latter is provided with vent orifices. A seal member is arranged on the piston to cover or uncover the vent orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Torrent Trading Ltd.
    Inventor: Loll Kerger
  • Patent number: 6615863
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Tuan V. Le
  • Patent number: 6595236
    Abstract: A valve comprising a body having an inlet (13, 113, 213) adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of liquid and an outlet (15, 115, 215) which is to communicate with a reservoir, a valve seat (25, 125, 225) between the inlet and outlet, a valve member (27, 127, 227) movable relative to the valve seat between an open and closed position, the valve member having a first face (29,129, 229) which is movable to be in opposed relation to the valve seat and to be engaged with the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position, the valve member having a second face (31, 131, 231) located in opposed relation to the first face, a chamber (33, 133, 233) located between the body and the second face, a first passageway (35, 135, 235) providing communication between the first face and the chamber, the chamber having a discharge outlet (51, 151, 251), a control means (43, 45, 143, 145, 243, 245) associated with the discharge outlet, the control means being controlled by a bearing member (17, 117, 217) adapted to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Geoffrey Francis Herlihy
  • Patent number: 6539973
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a resilient pinch tube disposed in a conduit between a pressurized water source and a toilet flush tank and is pinched closed by a piston disposed in a cylinder formed in a bracket mounted on the conduit. The piston is engageable by a float which moves it between closed and open positions with changes in water level. A tube connects the source to the cylinder. When the float moves to the closing position it closes a drain port in the cylinder so that water pressure in the cylinder assists the piston. A manually adjustable screw on the float cammingly engages a bead on the conduit to yieldably arrest upward float movement and provide snap-action shutoff of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harry W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6513541
    Abstract: A pipeline vent valve comprising a body (13) defining a chamber (A) having an inlet (17) towards its lower end which is adapted to be connected to a pipeline and an outlet (21) towards its upper end, the outlet defined by a valve seat, a first valve member (23) supported in the chamber to be moveable between a first position at which it is in sealing engagement with the valve seat and a second position at which it is out of engagement with the valve seat, the first valve member in its movement to the first position being responsive to the magnitude of the gaseous flow rate through the valve seat to be moveable to the first position on the gaseous flow rate exceeding a desired level, the first valve member also being responsive to the level of liquid in the chamber and being adapted to close when the liquid level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level, the first valve member having in opening providing communication to each side of the first valve member, a second valve member fixed to the first valve me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Geoffrey Francis Herlihy
  • Patent number: 6497246
    Abstract: A snap pilot used to pneumatically energize and de-energize a control device, such as a valve. The pilot has two valves—one to admit pilot pressure, and one to exhaust pressure. The pilot incorporates valves having an elastomeric seal but maintaining the precision of metal to metal contact. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric seal is an O-ring placed in a groove, without adhesive, having only a small amount of deflection when the seat is closed, whereby simultaneous metal-to-metal and elastomer-to-metal contact is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivy J. Nicewarner, John J. Frese, James N. Reed
  • Publication number: 20020179146
    Abstract: A snap pilot used to pneumatically energize and de-energize a control device, such as a valve. The pilot has two valves—one to admit pilot pressure, and one to exhaust pressure. The pilot incorporates valves having an elastomeric seal but maintaining the precision of metal to metal contact. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric seal is an O-ring placed in a groove, without adhesive, having only a small amount of deflection when the seat is closed, whereby simultaneous metal-to-metal and elastomer-to-metal contact is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Ivy J. Nicewarner, John J. Frese, James N. Reed
  • Patent number: 6354323
    Abstract: An improved liquid level controller is shown having a pneumatic pilot assembly located outside the main controller housing. A filter housing is also located outside the main housing. The controller internal components include a torque bar acted upon by a displacement member, a lever and an adjustable connector for interconnecting the torque and lever. A biasing spring contacts the torque bar to balance the force exerted on the torque bar by the liquid displacement member. The pneumatic pilot is actuable by it movement of the lever to provide a selectable output for controlling a desired liquid level within the vessel interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Anderson Controls LC
    Inventor: R. David Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020000248
    Abstract: A valve comprising a body having an inlet (13, 113, 213) adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of liquid and an outlet (15, 115, 215) which is to communicate with a reservoir, a valve seat (25, 125, 225) between the inlet and outlet, a valve member (27, 127, 227) movable relative to the valve seat between an open and closed position, the valve member having a first face (29,129, 229) which is movable to be in opposed relation to the valve seat and to be engaged with the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position, the valve member having a second face (31, 131, 231) located in opposed relation to the first face, a chamber (33, 133, 233) located between the body and the second face, a first passageway (35, 135, 235) providing communication between the first face and the chamber, the chamber having a discharge outlet (51, 151, 251), a control means (43, 45, 143, 145, 243, 245) associated with the discharge outlet, the control means being controlled by a bearing member (17, 117, 217) adapted to
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Geoffrey Francis Herlihy
  • Patent number: 6311723
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve (10) has a piston (43) in a first chamber (45), urged by a spring (46) to close fluid passages (36) interconnecting the first chamber (45) to a second chamber (51). A fluid level sensor (20) in a container (100) allows fluid to be bled from a downstream side of the first chamber (45), via a bleed passage (45), to enable the piston (43) to move to open the fluid passages (36). When the fluid sensor (20) detects that the fluid level (101) in the container (100) has reached a preset level, the fluid level sensor (20) shuts off flow through the bleed passage (45) and the equalization of the fluid pressure on both sides of the piston (43) in the first chamber (45) enables the spring (46) to move the piston (43) to close the fluid passages (36), shutting off fluid flow through the valve (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Multiflo Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David Shipp, Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 6263905
    Abstract: An automatic regulating valve apparatus comprises a main valve unit, and a pilot valve unit operatively connected to the main valve unit to control the main valve unit. The main valve unit comprises a main valve casing, a main valve element disposed in the main valve casing, and a main valve driving member disposed in the main valve casing together with the main valve element and having a pressure receiving area greater than that of the main valve element, the main valve element is disposed on the upstream side of a valve seat so as to form a restricting passage between the main valve element and the main valve seat, and the main valve driving member is disposed for sliding movement in a space defined by a cylindrical wall formed in the main valve casing so as to define a main valve driving pressure chamber together with the cylindrical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yokota Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yokota, Shingo Yokota
  • Patent number: 6247492
    Abstract: A fuel storage tank is disclosed which is fitted with an overfill protection device for automatically shutting off flow of fuel into the tank when the fuel reaches an intended maximum fill level. The overfill protection device comprises a fill valve located in a fuel fill tube and linked to a diaphragm or piston which is displaceable within a chamber, said chamber communicating with an aperture which is arranged to vent the chamber into the tank. The device may include a float valve for controlling the aperture and maintaining the aperture closed until fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined fill level, whereupon the aperture is opened and the piston or diaphragm is displaced to cause closure of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: W & J Risbridger Limited
    Inventor: Graham M. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6244829
    Abstract: A liquid forced-feed apparatus has a built-in float in a hermetic vessel provided with a working fluid inlet port, a working fluid discharge port, a forced-feed liquid inlet port, and a forced-feed liquid discharge port. A snap mechanism which is actuated to operate the working fluid inlet port and the working fluid discharge port with the upward and downward strokes of the float, to thereby force a liquid in the hermetic vessel out through the forced-feed liquid discharge port. A power transmitting shaft for transmitting the upward-and-downward movement of the float to the snap mechanism extends out of the hermetic vessel. The snap mechanism is disposed outside of the hermetic vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TLV Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 6230730
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for filling the container with a predetermined weight of fluid. The device includes an input portion with a throat and a shoulder for introducing fluid into the container. A shut-off mechanism has a shut-off member and a control port. A control mechanism maintains one or more spheres in an inline configuration with the shut-off member such that fluid flow is permitted between the shut-off member and the control port as the device is disposed in an open configuration. A stabilizer is provided for each of the one or more spheres to maintain the inline configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 6202676
    Abstract: A liquid level control unit having a permanent magnet mechanism for translating displacements of a displaces element in the liquid of a container to an actuator device that actuates a control system for a regulated device such as a supply water control valve in a boiler system the control unit utilizing concentrically positioned annular magnet assemblies that are separated by a tube to shield the environment of one magnet assembly from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Bekedam
  • Patent number: 6178994
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tap for compressed or liquefied gases having an overcharging prevention function, in which a gas can be directly infused/discharged into/from a gas storage tank, regardless of pressure/level of the liquefied gas inside/outside a gas storage tank, higher charging efficiency in the gas storage tank can be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Young Do Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Mu Park
  • Patent number: 6155791
    Abstract: An automatic shut-down system for wet/dry glycol pump thereby providing a pump protection system located in the fluid circuit between the reboiler and glycol contactor elements of a gas dehydration system. The system includes a filter or filter system, if one is not already provided within the existing dehydration system, a vertical tank having an external gas operated float valve with controls for remotely pilot operating a cut-off valve located in the wet glycol line between the contactor and the glycol pump. Therefore, in operation, when the dry glycol level in the vertical tanks drops below a set level, the float valve blocks gas pressure applied to the cut-off valve maintaining it in the open condition, thus allowing it to close and thereby blocking the flow of wet glycol to the pump, thus effectively shutting down the pump and the system. Once the imbalance is corrected, the system automatically resumes operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Terry A. Powell
  • Patent number: 6138709
    Abstract: A overfill protection device includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston slidably fitted within the first tubular member, a spring arranged within the first tubular member and fitted over an intermediate portion of the piston, a first and second O-rings fitted in the first and second neck portions of the piston respectively, a second tubular member having an upper portion having a cylindrical recess open at a top and engaged with the first tubular member, a plug arranged within the second tubular member and located under the piston, a float rod having a cam plate at an upper end thereof, and a float fixedly connected with a lower end of the float rod, whereby no gas will be allowed to flow through the overfill protection device when the pressure within the gas tank exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: William Home
  • Patent number: 6076547
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for operating a mechanism (5) of a rinsing fixture, in particular for operating a closing and opening mechanism or a locking mechanism of a rinsing fixture. It shows a float (28) and a first hydraulic or pneumatic force means (15) that shows a regulating unit (16) that is controllable through a float. A second hydraulic or pneumatic force means (9), which has a regulating unit (8) that is connected hydraulically or pneumatically with the regulating unit of the first force means, has an active connection with the mechanism (5).According to the invention it is planned that upon rising the float, in opposition to a restoring force, drives the regulating unit of the first force means for operating the mechanism, that the float upon sinking is uncoupled from the regulating unit of the first force means, and that a valve (12) is arranged in the connection (11, 13) of the two force means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Lothar Steinhardt, Jorg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 6035888
    Abstract: A fill valve for controlling the filling of a fluid reservoir such as a cistern. The valve minimizes the time needed to fill the reservoir by maintaining maximum fluid flow through the valve until instantaneous shut off of the fill valve once the reservoir is filled. The fill valve includes a reciprocating valve head carried on a valve stem connected to a float arm for determining the fluid level within the reservoir. The valve head is disposed within an enclosure having grooves for conducting fluid flow past the valve head to create a back pressure behind the valve head. The valve stem seals a passageway through the valve head which operates as a pilot valve during opening and closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Amos Gil