Pivoted Valve Patents (Class 137/448)
  • Patent number: 11603308
    Abstract: A float controlled nozzle valve for use in a fuel nozzle, to provide for gradual delivery of fuel to a fuel tank, the nozzle, having a housing, including a generally horizontally arranged spout, and embodying a float rod and float assembly, which act upon a valve provided within the nozzle housing, to detect and provide for the flow of fuel into an associated fuel tank, or to curtail the same. The float rod pivotally mounts within the nozzle housing, contains an adjustment screw, which can bias against a valve pin to determine when a valve ball is to be opened from its valve seat, to allow the passage of fuel, or when the valve ball is allowed to seat upon its valve seat, to curtail the further flow of fuel. The nozzle housing is provided for securement to the fuel tank, for which it detects the level of fuel within the tank, to determine when an additional supply of fuel is to be dispensed by way of the nozzle, into its associated fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: John C. Sever
  • Patent number: 10442207
    Abstract: A liquid surface detector includes a tube through which a liquid passes; an electrode pin disposed on an inner wall of the tube; and a ground pin disposed on the inner wall of the tube. In the liquid surface detector, the electrode pin and the ground pin are disposed in different directions as viewed from an axial direction of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Akitomo Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 9845977
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a condenser and first and second cooling circuits. The condenser is configured to condense refrigerant to a liquid. The first cooling circuit includes a direct expansion valve coupled to the condenser, a first evaporator coil coupled to the direct expansion valve, and a compressor coupled to the first evaporator coil. The first cooling circuit receives at least a first portion of the liquid refrigerant and output first refrigerant vapor, and the compressor receives the first refrigerant vapor and output a compressor refrigerant output to the condenser. The second cooling circuit includes a pump coupled to the condenser, an economizer valve coupled to the pump, and a second evaporator coil coupled to the economizer valve. The second cooling circuit receives at least a second portion of the liquid refrigerant and output a second vapor refrigerant to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John H. Bean, Jr., Zhihai Gordon Dong
  • Patent number: 9463971
    Abstract: An overfill prevention valve system including an overfill prevention valve having a blocking component. The blocking component is movable between a closed position, wherein the blocking component generally blocks fluid from flowing through the valve, and an open position, wherein the blocking component generally allows fluid to flow through the valve. The valve further including a float operatively coupled to the blocking component. The system additionally has an actuator that is operable to directly or indirectly move the blocking component to at least one of its open or closed positions to thereby enable testing of the overfill prevention valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: OPW FUELING CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeromy E. Higgins, Charles J. Liebal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9414732
    Abstract: A heatable high-pressure cleaning device (10) is provided with a fuel-operated heat exchanger (19) and a fuel tank (34) which has a tank upper section (38) with a closable filling opening (34) and a tank lower section (36) forming the base (48) of the fuel tank (34). In order to develop the heatable high-pressure cleaning device (10) further in such a manner that it can be produced more inexpensively and have a longer service life, the tank upper section (38) can be connected to the tank lower section (36) in a materially joined manner via a join area (60) and the fuel tank (34) can be fillable with liquid fuel only up to beneath the join area (60) in a horizontal position of use of the high-pressure cleaning device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Kelle, Ralph Seitter
  • Patent number: 9410628
    Abstract: A valve arrangement having a valve, in particular, a disk valve, is provided which has a first housing with several connections for a fluid or a gaseous medium, and with a drive unit, which has a second housing with a drive mechanism arranged therein. The housings are at least essentially spaced apart from one another. The valve has a control shaft and the drive unit and a drive shaft that is operatively connected to the drive mechanism and operatively connected or operatively connectable to the control shaft by means of a coupling device. The coupling device is arranged between the first and the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Mack & Schneider GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Bachofer
  • Patent number: 8997780
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: William Beeson
  • Patent number: 8944268
    Abstract: A fuel introducing member is connected to an opening end of a siphon pipe forming a fuel tank. The fuel introducing member has an opening for introducing fuel within the tank, and the opening is formed in the upper surface of a cover section. A lid body is pivotably mounted to the upper surface. When the opening is above the level of fuel, the lid body closes the opening by the weight of the lid body, and when the opening is below the level of the fuel, the lid body floats in the fuel to open the opening. The opening is located below the upper end of the inner diameter of the opening end of the siphon pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Takeaki Nakajima, Kiyofumi Shida, Hiroaki Watanabe, Yutaka Utsumi, Kengo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140332096
    Abstract: A shut-off device for a pipe in a pipeline for operation in response to ingress of water, has a valve for installation in a pipe of the pipeline. The valve has a valve member moving between an open position, when the valve is open, to permit passage of fluid through the pipe, and a closed position, when the valve is closed, to shut off a passage extending through the pipe. A buoyant member associated with the valve member moves the valve member to the closed position automatically in the presence of ingress water in the vicinity of the buoyant member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
    Inventors: Wai Keung Carson Lee, Wai Yeung Cheung
  • Patent number: 8739821
    Abstract: A fuel introduction member is connected to an open end of a siphon tube which constitutes a part of a fuel tank. The fuel introduction member is provided with an opening through which a fuel is introduced from the tank into the siphon tube and from the siphon into the tank, a lid portion which is swung by the hydraulic pressure from the siphon tube so as to open the opening, and a float member which floats on the fuel in accordance with the rise of a fuel liquid surface in the tank to displace the lid portion in order to open the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Murabayashi, Kengo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140144524
    Abstract: A backwater valve has a valve body, and a valve member pivotally movable about a pivot axis between an open position away from the valve body and a closed position covering the valve body. A control linkage is provided with at least one of a float or a counterweight in communication with the valve member via the control linkage to modify operation of the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 8596293
    Abstract: A water appliance including a water flow control unit for controlling a water flow. The control unit includes a flow restrictor and a leakage stop in serial fluid communication with the flow restrictor. The leakage stop cuts off the flow when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the flow restrictor is below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Mous, Sander De Jonge
  • Patent number: 8596289
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David Scott Krug
  • Patent number: 8578961
    Abstract: A low profile backwater valve includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom. A pivoting valve member is pivotally movable between a normally open position along the bottom of the valve body and a closed position sealing the inlet. The valve member has a hinge end, a remote end, and opposed sides. A float is positioned as an appendage along at least one of the opposed sides of the valve member, such that the float adds buoyancy to the valve member causing the valve member to float into the closed position in the presence of a backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 8517045
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to an automatic fluid flow control device 1 for a fluid supply, the device comprising: an actuator 41 that carries or includes a magnet 43, the actuator being movable within a housing 3 from a first position corresponding to a normal fluid supply to a second position corresponding to a fluid oversupply, wherein the actuator 41 is removable from the housing 3 to enable the device to be cleaned, and the housing and actuator are configured so that the actuator can only be accommodated in the housing in an orientation that enables the magnet to exert a magnetic force to close a valve in the fluid supply as the actuator moves from the first to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: About Time Design Limited
    Inventor: James Wesley Barnham
  • Patent number: 8499785
    Abstract: A system and valve for regulating the level of a fluid. The valve having a floating head member that is connected via a rotatable member to a drain member, where fluid may drain from the valve. The system having the valve and a tank, where the fluid drains from the tank once the fluid level reaches the level of the drain member of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Apricus Inc
    Inventor: Michael Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8485215
    Abstract: Liquid tank venting system comprising a chamber that is inside the tank and that is equipped with a drainage device that comprises at least one opening made in the chamber and an elastomer-based non-return valve capable of sealing/freeing this opening, according to which this non-return valve is forced into a position for leaktight closure of the opening via a specific device starting from a certain liquid level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arnalsteen, Alex Blieux, Vincent Cuvelier, Jerome Ropert, Thierry Rouxel
  • Patent number: 8474478
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Peters
  • Patent number: 8430119
    Abstract: A water valve for an animal waterer which can be assembled, disassembled and repaired without the use of tools. The float arm pivots upon the valve body about an integral trunnion bar to permit selective engagement of the valve seal with the valve seat. A cover member overlies the valve body and retains the float arm to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nelson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Warren Fackler, Joseph Robinson
  • 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: 8215335
    Abstract: A fluid control device for a fluid supply includes a housing (31) defining a fluid supply channel (34) with a fluid inlet (35) for coupling to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet (36) for coupling to an appliance. The housing additionally defines a chamber (44) with an inlet (40) for coupling to an overflow and an outlet (41) for coupling to a drain. A valve (55) is located in the fluid supply channel (34) and is moveable from a first open position to a second closed position where fluid flow through the channel (34) is substantially restricted. An actuator (52) is provided in the chamber (44) and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The valve (55) and actuator (44) are magnetically coupled to one another such that movement of the actuator (44) from the first position to the second position causes the valve (55) to move from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: James Wesley Barnham
  • Patent number: 8186376
    Abstract: A liquid purge valve comprising a housing for sealingly fitting at an uppermost end of a substantially vertical pipe, an outlet tube extending from the housing and projecting into the pipe, an outlet port fitted with a sealing boundary and sealable by a sealing member pivotally secured within the housing so as to pivotally displace between a closed and an open position, a biasing member biasing the sealing member into its open position, and a mass articulated to the sealing member and extending downwards into the pipe. The mass applies a force at an opposite direction of the biasing member such that the resultant force acting on the sealing member determines its position such that when water level rises within the pipe the sealing member displaces into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Shuval
  • Patent number: 8091581
    Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to support a valve housing assembly for operation of a toggle valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a float rod when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the valve housing. The other extreme of the float rod is attached to a rod holder to hold the float rod. The rod holder passes through an outlet apertured valve seat wherein a valve washer attached to the rod holder within the toggle valve cavity is urged against the outlet valve seat by water pressure from a water hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael E. Buchtel
  • Patent number: 8033291
    Abstract: A cut-off valve assembly for use with a toilet tank, includes a float within the toilet tank, a water retaining float guide within the toilet tank which allows the vertical travel of the float, the water retaining float guide having weep holes below the lowest travel of the float. The weep holes slowly release the retained water when the water in the tank is below the weep holes, a magnet within the toilet tank, affixed to the bottom of the float, and a magnetically activated cut-off valve for cutting off the water flow to the toilet tank when activated by the magnet. The magnet will activate the magnetically activated cut-off valve when the float is at the lowest travel. A preferred form of the cut-off valve assembly also includes a stem affixed to the float and extending downward from the float. The magnet is affixed to the bottom of the stem, and the magnet is affixed to the float through the stem. In a preferred form, a magnet housing is affixed to the bottom of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Ovie L. Randolph
  • Patent number: 7469725
    Abstract: A system for accurately measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of fuel to a vehicle for a specified mission. This system rapidly refuels vehicles to a specific wet vehicle weight. The fuel loading value is determined based upon an algorithm, which accounts for interactions of mission duration, and/or mission payload weight, and/or mission environmental effects. The fuel loading is accomplished by using one or more measuring tubes with a floating valve, which precludes the continued flow of fuel into the tank when the predetermined amount of fuel is delivered. The measuring tubes can be of specific lengths each corresponding to an output of the algorithm or a single telescoping tube that enables varying the length of the tube. Each unique tube length corresponding to a unique output of the algorithm. An alternative system comprises different sized fuel bladders. These systems enable a rapid foolproof method of refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Annati
  • Patent number: 7395633
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Helio Baeta
  • Patent number: 7357149
    Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Howe
  • Patent number: 7334600
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted priming system for a fluid pump including a housing defining a hopper that communicates with a pump inlet. The housing mounts a first port that communicates with the source of vacuum and a second port that communicates with atmosphere. A check valve allows atmospheric air to flow into the housing under certain operating conditions but inhibits reverse flow. A valve member pivotally mounted within a valve chamber carries first and second sealing elements that are engageable with first and second seats. The lever arm is operatively connected to a float via a lost motion connection. When the fluid level in the hopper rises to a predetermined level, an actuating rod moves the lever arm to a first sealing position. When the fluid level falls to a predetermined level, the actuating rod moves the lever arm to a second sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Gorman-Rupp Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Scott
  • Patent number: 7331365
    Abstract: A shut off valve (10) is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system (70) during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage (20) in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage (30) and a magnetic flapper body (40) movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator (60) whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved form the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Transdigm Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7243669
    Abstract: A float-responsive valve includes a valve actuator that is selectively responsive to operation of a float to move from a first position to a second position in which the valve actuator holds the valve element in its open position. When the valve actuator is in the second position thereof, fluid pressure that would otherwise tend to force the valve element toward its seat is essentially incapable of closing the valve element. Preferably, a force vector applied through a flapper-type valve actuator forms an essentially nonnegative, more preferably generally collinear, angle with a bisector line passing through a pivot axis of the valve actuator and a primary contact point between the valve actuator and the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Clack Corporation
    Inventor: Don Douglas Vaughan
  • Patent number: 7243675
    Abstract: A drop tube segment is adapted for use with a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment includes a conduit with an end portion and a sidewall including a sidewall portion at least partially defining an interior housing area. The drop tube segment further includes a valve assembly comprising a valve member attached to the end portion of the conduit, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected to the valve member. The valve assembly further includes a driver member at least partially disposed in the interior housing area. An adjustment of the float may rotate the driver member to engage the linkage device to facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the end portion of the conduit. The valve assembly further includes a structure adapted to inhibit, such as prevent, fluid from leaking into the interior housing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher A. Kane, James E. Kesterman
  • Patent number: 7213610
    Abstract: Drop tube segments are provided. Each drop tube segment may be attached to another drop tube segment of a drop tube assembly. The drop tube segments include a wall with a fastener receiving structure that is devoid of any opening extending between inner and outer surfaces of the wall. Methods of making a drop tube assembly are also provided. The methods include the step of inserting a second end portion of a first conduit over a first end portion of a second conduit while edges of an aperture extend radially outwardly away from an outer surface of a first wall of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pendleton, James E. Kesterman, Kristopher A. Kane
  • Patent number: 7044165
    Abstract: An outflow regulator for a gravity-fed liquid outlet of a liquid reservoir comprising a restriction plate mountable within the liquid outlet for limiting a flow rate of an effluent. The restriction plate allows a lower passage for the effluent when a first level of liquid is reached within the liquid reservoir, and an upper passage for the effluent when a second level of liquid is reached. The regulator also comprises a flapgate pivotable between a closed position where the flapgate covers the lower passage of the restriction device and an open position away from the restriction plate. When the flapgate is in the closed position, the effluent is free to flow out though the upper passage. A float counterweight switches the flapgate between the opened position and closed position according to the liquid level in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Premier Tech Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc-André Malenfant, Yves Bérubé, Nicolas Viel, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6966334
    Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Bolster
  • 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: 6874529
    Abstract: The invention concerns a level limit valve for the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such valves serve the purpose, that upon the filling of the fuel tank, the filled quantity of the fuel is limited. The proposed level limit valve possesses a valve body 1 which can be positioned within the fuel tank at the end of a filling pipe. The valve body is equipped with an intake port 22 which is connectable with the said filling pipe and an outlet port 21 emptying into the interior of the fuel tank. Further, in the valve body 1 is found a flap 4, which is pivotally movable between a position tightly sealing the outlet port 21 and a position wherein this is opened. The float 3 is movably connected to said flap 4 by means of a lever rod 5. The lever rod 5 penetrates the outlet port 21 at least in the opened position of the flap 4 and is connected by means of linkage with that outer side 28 of the flap 4 which is proximal to the outlet port 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG, Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Gebhardt, Helmut Kalb, Günter Strauss, Stefan Kirchdorfer, Thomas Theuer
  • Patent number: 6749743
    Abstract: A device for diverting the flow of liquid in a wastewater treatment system in flow communication with effluent returning from a recirculating treatment section and in flow communication with a discharge line for removing a portion of treated effluent to a receiving body. The device also has openings for returning a percentage of the effluent back to the wastewater treatment system. A valve operatively responsive to a float in the treatment system whereby when the effluent level in the system falls below a critical point, all of the effluent is recirculated back into the treatment system and when the effluent level rises sufficiently a percentage of cleaned effluent exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Zabel Industries International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Rohrer, Theophilus B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 6729368
    Abstract: A shut off valve is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage and a magnetic flapper body movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved from the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus, preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Transdigm, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6499503
    Abstract: A backflow valve has a closure gate that is pivotally mounted for movement between an open position in which the closure gate is positioned on a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a flow passage and a closed position in which the closure gate is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis. The closure gate has a midsection positioned pivot axis and is unbalanced with greater weight being toward the first end. A rotational stop limits pivotal movement when the closure gate is in the open position. A float is secured to the first end of the closure gate. The greater weight at the first end biases the closure gate by force of gravity against the rotational stop and into the open position. The float causes the closure gate to pivotally move to the closed position in response to liquid rising in the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 6446665
    Abstract: A backwater valve includes a body having a flow passage extending therethrough with an inlet side and an outlet side. A closure gate is pivotally mounted within the body above the inlet side of the flow passage. The closure gate has an open position above the flow passage and a closed position blocking the inlet side of the flow passage. A float activated locking member is mounted on the body. The locking member has a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking member engages and holds the closure gate in the open position. The float activated locking member is influenced by liquid rising in the body whereby the locking member is carried to the release position when the liquid rises above a preset level and upon release the closure gate closes by force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 6419662
    Abstract: The present invention is a continuous irrigation system for medical applications, including transurethral resection procedures, which provides automatic bag switching. It includes: (a) a first and second liquid irrigation bag; (b) a first proximal tubing and a second proximal tubing extending from the first liquid irrigation bag and the second liquid irrigation bag, respectively, and (c) a control valve device. The control valve device includes: (i) a main housing having a hollow body and a top and a bottom; (ii) an outlet located on and extending downwardly from the bottom for attachment of distal delivery tubing thereto; (iii) two inlets, located on or near the top of the main housing for the first and second proximal tubing; (iv) a floatation valve for opening and closing the second inlet. There is a distal delivery tubing connected to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Solazzo
  • Publication number: 20020069915
    Abstract: The invention concerns a level limit valve for the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such valves serve the purpose, that upon the filling of the fuel tank, the filled quantity of the fuel is limited. The proposed level limit valve possesses a valve body 1 which can be positioned within the fuel tank at the end of a filling pipe. The valve body is equipped with an intake port 22 which is connectable with the said filling pipe and an outlet port 21 emptying into the interior of the fuel tank. Further, in the valve body 1 is found a flap 4, which is pivotally movable between a position tightly sealing the outlet port 21 and a position wherein this is opened. The float 3 is movably connected to said flap 4 by means of a lever rod 5. The lever rod 5 penetrates the outlet port 21 at least in the opened position of the flap 4 and is connected by means of linkage with that outer side 28 of the flap 4 which is proximal to the outlet port 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Alfmeier Prazision AG, Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Gebhardt, Helmut Kalb, Gunter Strauss, Stefan Kirchdorfer
  • Patent number: 6318404
    Abstract: A backflow valve which includes a closure gate pivotally mounted along a substantially vertical pivot axis to one of the opposed sides of the valve body. A closure gate engaging profile positioned in a bottom of the valve body locks the closure gate in the open position. The closure gate is biased into the closed position. The closure gate moves to the closed position upon floating free of the closure gate engaging profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 6305411
    Abstract: A backwater valve (for preventing the flow of liquid in a reverse direction when water backs up in the valve) has a gate which sealingly engages the input opening to the valve chamber so as to prevent the flow of water out of or into the input opening. The gate is angularly moveable about a pivot point between a lower, closed position in which the input opening is closed by the gate and an upper, open position in which the input opening is open. Linked to the gate, but positioned angularly away from the gate, is a float. The float and the gate are linked such that gravity normally maintains the float in a lower position and the gate in the upper, open position but, when liquid backs up into the value, the float will float to an upper position thereby moving the gate into the lower, closed position thereby closing the input opening and preventing liquid from flowing out of the valve through the input opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ipex Inc.
    Inventor: Younes Youssef
  • Publication number: 20010023705
    Abstract: A backflow valve for an end of a pipe includes a cylindrical body having coupling at a first end which is adapted to mate with an end of a pipe. A closure gate is pivotally mounted to the second end of the body for movement about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position permitting flow in one direction through the flow passage and a closed position blocking the flow passage to prevent a reversal of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 6148852
    Abstract: A valve assembly that is composed of simple parts is described that is used to provide a sump pit water control device that operates due to the level of water within the sump and not by electricity. This valve assembly includes an adapter in the form of a tee-pipe that is capped at one end and attached at the other end to a drain tile pipe entering the sump. The third and remaining end of the tee-pipe is open but has a valve disposed therein that is operable between two positions. A float member is attached to the valve member by way of a cable so that as the water level rises in the sump, the valve member is drawn closed, and when the water level is at a normal or low level, the valve member is biased into an open position by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: David M. Osterman
  • Patent number: 6138707
    Abstract: An air transfer valve is disclosed comprising a housing (8) having an inlet (21) and an outlet (22), the outlet being controlled by a first non-return, valve (28) which is biased to its closed position and the outlet being controlled by a second valve (30) which is normally in its open position, the first valve being caused to open by an increase in air pressure within the valve but closing in response to reduced pressure. The valve is intended to be fitted into a fill pipe (1) of a fuel storage tank so that the outlet communicate with the tank ullage through an aligned hole in the wall of the fill pipe. In this situation, the valve transfers air from the fill pipe into the ullage and reduces turbulence which would otherwise cause excessive generation of vapor during tank filling (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: W & J Risbridger Limited
    Inventor: Graham M. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6089258
    Abstract: An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Oasis Corporation
    Inventors: Louis M. Busick, Galen L. Gerig
  • Patent number: 6062255
    Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. A secondary banjo valve is mounted along the flow path at a location above the primary valve, and, in the event of primary valve malfunction, is closed by a secondary float responsive to rising reservoir water level. In a preferred form, the secondary valve remains closed upon subsequent descent of the water level, and is manually re-opened by depression of a reset button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Oasis Corporation
    Inventor: Louis M. Busick
  • Patent number: 5988201
    Abstract: An automatic vent has a cup including a bottom wall, a side wall, an open top, and an inlet for introducing fluid into a compartment defined by the bottom and side walls. A valve assembly of the automatic vent includes a cap disposed over the open top of the cup. The cap has a body with an upwardly facing surface, a downwardly facing surface, a bore formed within the body for enabling fluid communication between the compartment and atmosphere, and an annular rim provided around the bore on the downwardly facing surface. A lever arm is hingedly connected at one end thereof to the body of the cap adjacent the annular rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sparco, Inc.
    Inventors: Benno Lebkuchner, Kenneth Sundberg