Over Center Mechanism Patents (Class 137/418)
  • Patent number: 11254438
    Abstract: A vessel designed for enclosing at least one sensor is arranged within a fuel tank. The vessel is provided with a fuel inlet connected to a refuelling arrangement of the tank, and with through-holes for the fuel to exit the vessel to the tank or to enter the vessel from the tank. It allows that measurement results which are provided by the sensor during a refuelling operation relate to the fuel currently admitted into the tank, separately from the fuel initially contained in the tank before the refuelling operation has started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AEROTECHNICS
    Inventors: Daniel Lamourette, Julien Delrieu
  • Patent number: 8430118
    Abstract: An automatic flush device is provided that is mounted in a water tank. The automatic flush device includes an inlet control module, a lever module for discharging water and a tank module. The inlet control module includes an inlet element linked to the inlet tube and a solenoid valve set at the inlet element. The lever module for discharging water has a cup connected with the solenoid valve by a filling tube. An electronic sensing controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve to fill water into the cup. When the cup is full of water, the lever unbalances and slants to control the flushing of the water tank. Therefore, it is easy to control water current while requiring minimal power, thereby saving electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Def Xiong
  • Patent number: 8307815
    Abstract: A filter assembly (100) comprises a housing (200) and a filter cartridge (300) that incorporates crankcase pressure-regulating components. The cartridge (300) includes an end cap (330), a plunger (340), and a spring (350). When the filter cartridge (300) is installed in the housing (200), the plunger (340) interacts with a podium (224), in response to crankcase pressure, to allow or block fluid communication with the inlet chamber (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald G. Frazier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6935844
    Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve control mechanism uses magnetic interaction to switch between exhaust porting and motive porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting. Exhaust porting begins when the float falls to the low level position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon William Dukes, Rickie Anthony Pendergrass, Drew Leo Platts, Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 6886589
    Abstract: The float valve (11) controls water level e.g. in an associated plant pot. A housing (21) has a water inlet (25) with an inlet port (26), a float (31) able to rise and fall with the level of the water in the housing (21), a valve operating mechanism (60) able to open and close the port (26), and an actuator means (40) to operate the valve operating mechanism when the float (31) rises and falls to predetermined levels. For opening and closing the inlet port (26), there is a valve operating mechanism comprising a valve operator (60) having a valve member (67) and a lever (61) mounted for pivoting movement about generally central pivot point (65). Actuator means (40) is coupled to the float (31) and switches between a standby condition an active condition respectively to the closed and open positions of the valve operating mechanism (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignees: Autogrow Pty Ltd., Aquarose Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: John Earnest Oretti
  • Patent number: 6244828
    Abstract: A combination pump and trap is disclosed which includes a snap-over mechanism useful for small floats with little buoyancy. The snap-over mechanism has a geometry in which the distance between the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to a first arm or toggle link is greater than the distance from the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to the float or compression arm. This geometry allows the magnification of buoyancy by the main arm which is transmitted to the first toggle link to be large and the magnification of buoyancy by the first toggle link which is transmitted to the change-over valve to be large. A trap which is connected to the float arm is also used, which allows a liquid seal to be maintained at the liquid discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TLV Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 6123099
    Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes an upstanding fill tube integral at its upper end with a valve housing carrying a flexible resilient pinch tube valve member. The valve housing defines a conduit which communicates with a downwardly extending tube parallel to the fill tube. A float has portions respectively receiving the fill tube and the downwardly extending tube therethrough so that the float slides vertically along the tubes as the water level in the tank varies. In one embodiment, an actuator rib on the float fits in a slot in the housing to directly engage the pinch tube valve member, and in another embodiment an actuator pivots on the housing and is coupled by linkage to the float. In the one embodiment an arresting flange on a resilient portion of the float engages an arresting flange on the fill tube for arresting upward movement of the float until the tank is full to provide a snap-action shutoff of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harry W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5934881
    Abstract: A liquid forced-feed apparatus, such as a steam trap or pump-trap combination, simplified in construction by decreasing the number of component parts, and capable of switching a change-over valve smoothly with reduced buoyancy. A float, a change-over valve and a snap mechanism are built in a hermetic vessel. The snap mechanism includes a float arm which rotates around a first shaft, a sub-arm which rotates around a second shaft, a spring bracket section formed on the float arm, a spring bracket section formed on the sub-arm, and a reversible plate spring disposed between the spring bracket sections. The float is connected to the float arm, and the change-over valve is connected to the sub-arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5896887
    Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes an upstanding fill tube integral at its upper end with a valve housing carrying a flexible resilient pinch tube valve member and a pivoting actuator engageable with the pinch tube for opening and closing the valve. The valve housing is fixed to a head member defining a conduit which communicates with a downwardly extending tube parallel to the fill tube. A float has cylindrical portions respectively receiving the fill tube and the downwardly extending tube therethrough so that the float can slide upwardly and downwardly along the tubes as the water level in the tank varies. The actuator is pivotally connected to a linkage which extends outwardly through an aperture in the float and is pivotally connected to the float externally thereof. In one embodiment the aperture defines cam surfaces which engage the linkage to operate the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, Incorporated
    Inventor: Harry W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5894858
    Abstract: There is described a device for shutting off the feed or discharge pipe (1) of a mobility separator, comprising a shutting flap (3) which in dependence on the position of a float (2) can be swivelled from an open position into a closed position about a rotational axis (5) extending transverse to the pipe axis. To create advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed to provide the feed or discharge pipe (1) with a sealing (6) at the end face for the shutting flap (3) pivotally mounted with a radial distance with respect to the feed or discharge pipe (1), where the housing (4) of said shutting flap axially adjoining the feed or discharge pipe (1) constitutes a discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Johann Schlusselbauer
  • Patent number: 5613835
    Abstract: A water powered sump pump has a flow control apparatus connected to a source of water under pressure and to a suction generator. Water from the flow control apparatus flows through a nozzle in the suction generator, creates a pressure drop, suck water in from a sump, and discharge water through a discharge line. The control apparatus has a variable pressure chamber and a constant pressure chamber. The constant pressure chamber is connected to a source of water under pressure and to the suction generator. A diaphragm separates the two chambers and opens and closes a passage between the water source and the suction generator. An orifice connects the two chambers. A bleed valve opens and closes the variable pressure chamber. A spring biased arm of an actuator assembly is biased in one direction to open the bleed valve, drop pressure in the variable pressure chamber, move the diaphragm and open the passage which permits flow to the suction generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Leslie M. Tyner
  • Patent number: 5445501
    Abstract: A device for feeding liquid under pressure comprises a vessel having an operating fluid inlet, an operating fluid outlet, an inlet opening for the liquid to be fed under pressure and an outlet opening for the liquid to be fed under pressure; a float disposed within said vessel; a change-over valve for alternately switching the operations of opening and closing the operating fluid inlet and outlet in response to the movement of the float; and a link mechanism. The link mechanism comprises a valve operating rod connected to the change-over valve and a compression spring supported at one end thereof by the valve operating rod and adapted not to cross any fulcrum at the time of operation thereof, and operates to move the valve operating rod in a snap motion in response to the movement of the float. The compression spring is supported by the valve operating rod so that the vector of action of the compression spring passes onto the point connecting the compression spring with the valve operating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5406972
    Abstract: A backwater valve is described which includes a liquid retaining body having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, opposed sides and an inner chamber. A first flow conduit extends through one of the top of the body and the first end adjacent the top of the body and protrudes into the inner chamber. A second flow conduit extends from the inner chamber through the second end adjacent the bottom of the body and protrudes past the second end. An annular seal is positioned on an annular peripheral edge of the first flow conduit which protrudes into the inner chamber. A plate is pivotally mounted to the body. The plate having a wear resistant lubricious first face, a second face, a first end and a second end. The first end underlies the first flow conduit. The first face extends past the first flow conduit thereby serving as a spillway for liquids flowing through the first flow conduit. The plate is pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventors: Gabe Coscarella, Vitto Chiodo
  • Patent number: 5287876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water piping system wherein when a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water in a hose has stopped, the water is drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing proliferation of various bacteria in the water standing stagnant in the hose and when the temperature of the water drops, the water is completely drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing a water pipe from rupturing or cracking in the wintertime. The water pipe including a reducing valve which is at a position higher than a waterstop valve is connected with a hose through a first electromagnetic valve. The required number of second electromagnetic valves are located intermediate on the hose. When a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water through the hose has stopped, the first valve is temporalily closed while the second valves are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Oze
    Inventor: Yoshishige Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5230361
    Abstract: A snap action toggle valve actuator assembly for use in a fluid holding tank. Movement of a float or other movable actuating element causes pivotal movement of pivot arm, which compresses a spring. When the float element reaches a predetermined level, the spring causes a downward movement in linkage attached to the rear of a valve actuating lever and an upward movement of a valve rod secured to the other end of the valve actuating lever and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Carr, Daniel Douro
  • Patent number: 3972650
    Abstract: A sewage system wherein a sewer line for delivering sewage to a discharge point and a compressed air line extend adjacent to each other. A pluraity of tanks at spaced points and serving to collect sewage from different sources are connected to the sewer line and to the air line. Each connection of a tank with the air line is controlled by a multiple stage valve means which normally vents the tank and prevents air flow to the tank. Each multiple stage valve means includes a pilot valve controlled by float means in the associated tank and a pneumatically activated valve. Check valves are interposed adjacent each tank at the sewage collection and sewage discharge points thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1976
    Inventor: Bernard E. Brennan
  • Patent number: 3960164
    Abstract: A device for mixing gases with liquids is disclosed, which is characterized by the use of gas inlet and vent valves of unique construction and highly efficient in operation, and the use of a unique toggle mechanism for opening and closing said valves which consists of a minimum number of parts arranged to form a compact unit. The device further includes a fully enclosed or hollow float which coacts with the valve opening and closing mechanism, and a rigid metallic gas inlet tube which functions as a support for a gas diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Inventor: Zar W. Kelley