Fluid Pressure Type Patents (Class 137/488)
  • Patent number: 7380568
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling water flow is provided. The apparatus is a novel electronic water controller capable of operation using a battery-type power source, and providing for achievement of long battery life. The apparatus generally comprises an electronic control module, a vacuum pressure sensor, a trigger switch, a vacuum switching module and a means to electrically connect the electronic control module to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Tiwet
  • Publication number: 20080121288
    Abstract: A high pressure valve for hydrogen gas includes a valve seat and a valve member, which is movable to selectively open and close the valve seat. One of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of austenitic stainless steel, and the other one of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of flexible synthetic resin or soft metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicants: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOOKI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Toshihiko Shima, Soichi Shirai
  • Publication number: 20080110506
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided comprising: a housing (19) including a first chamber (21) communicated with an inlet port (11) and a second chamber (22) communicated with an outlet port (12); a cylindrical portion (25), which extends in the second chamber, for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber; a valve seat (61) provided at a forward end portion (25a) of the cylindrical portion; and a valve body (32) for opening and closing the valve seat, wherein at least one of the valve seat and the valve body is made of a material, the heat deformation of which is smaller than that of material composing the cylindrical portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to stably adjust the flow rate of a fluid of a high temperature and pressure. A pressure chamber (29), which is communicated with the second chamber and provided with a pressure port (18), may be arranged in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7367349
    Abstract: A method for opening tank shut-off valves in a fuel cell system that includes multiple pressurized tanks. A flow control device is positioned in a supply line downstream of the tank shut-off valves. When the system is started up, only one of the tank shut-off valves is opened to allow the pressure in the supply line to increase between the tank shut-off valves and the flow control device before the other tank shut-off valves are opened. Therefore, only one of the tank shut-off valves is subjected to the high pressure difference that induces significant valve wear and tear. The valve opening sequence is controlled so each of the tank shut-off valves is selected as the one to be opened at system start-up by a cycling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jurgen Thyroff
  • Publication number: 20080098731
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a load control system capable of controlling pressure generated by a pneumatic device with a high degree of accuracy and further capable of reacting to variations of the pressure without delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Fujikura Rubber Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Chinda, Mitsuaki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20080078456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic variable unit with a servo system bringing about the control of the hydrostatic unit and with a valve unit controlling the servo system, the valve unit comprising two magnetically actuated proportional pressure-reducing valves which respectively act upon one of the sides of a servo system, which sides operate counter to each other, and having a safety function which, in the event of an incident, transfers the servo system into a safety position. The safety function is realized by at least one of the proportional pressure-reducing valves being designed at the same time as a pilot valve for activating and deactivating the second proportional pressure-reducing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS INC.
    Inventor: Reinhardt THOMS
  • Patent number: 7318447
    Abstract: A pressure loaded pilot valve system and method for a regulator valve is provided. The system includes a regulator valve connecting an inlet line to an outlet line, a servo control valve assembly, and a pilot valve assembly. A supply line is connected to the servo control valve, and a pilot loading pressure line connects the servo control valve to the pilot valve assembly An exhaust line connects the servo control valve to the outlet line, thereby avoiding waste, pollution, etc. associated with bleeding excess pilot pressure to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventor: Stephanie Marie Law
  • Publication number: 20080000531
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a regulator valve comprising a duct, a valve element, a regulator unit, and a fluid pressure sensor. The duct has an inner surface that defines a flow passage. The valve element is movably disposed within the duct flow passage. The regulator unit is coupled to the valve element, and is further coupled to receive fluid at a feedback pressure magnitude. The regulator unit is configured to controllably position the valve element based at least in part on the feedback pressure magnitude, to thereby regulate fluid pressure downstream of the valve element to a regulated pressure magnitude that results in a static pressure magnitude at least proximate the duct inner surface. The fluid pressure sensor is disposed downstream of the valve element, and is configured to supply the fluid at the feedback pressure magnitude, with the feedback pressure magnitude being less than the static pressure magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Robb, Don J. Atkins, Paul W. Banta
  • Patent number: 7314059
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a dual-path fluid routing system that uses a flow restriction device to enhance temperature and pressure control of fluid are provided. Systems and methods for using a setpoint pressure control system to accurately control the setpoint pressure of a regulator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl T. Schuetze, Matthew D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7306195
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in conjunction with a pneumatic valve assembly of the type which includes an airway having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve disposed within the airway and configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, comprises a first actuator coupled to the valve for moving the valve between the open position and the closed position in a first operational mode, and a second actuator coupled to the valve for opening the valve in a second operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuck W. Plevich, Gary T. Barker, Ronald J. Louis
  • Patent number: 7302961
    Abstract: A surge relief valve comprising a main valve body having a dome port and an inlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a first fluid. The invention further includes a dome reservoir connected to the main valve body via the dome port and arranged to hold a second fluid, a piston located in the main valve body, the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dampening ring positioned around the circumference of the piston operatively arranged to dampen the piston, wherein the first fluid exerts an upward force on the piston, the second fluid exerts a downward force on the piston, and the piston is arranged to move in response to a differential in the upward and downward forces, wherein the first and second fluids are isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Flow-Safe, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Martin, John W. Ostroot
  • Patent number: 7296586
    Abstract: A gas-regulating unit for regulating an internal gas pressure in a gas-tight liquid-storage tank is mounted on the gas-tight tank in which stored liquid is sealed from outside atmosphere by covering a top surface of the stored liquid with an isolating-gas. The gas-regulating unit includes a main gas-exhausting unit and an isolating-gas regulator. The main gas-exhausting unit includes an exhaust valve for opening and exhausting gases from the gas-tight tank when an internal gas pressure in the gas-tight tank increases to more than a specified level. The isolating-gas regulator supplies the isolating-gas when an isolating-gas pressure decreases to less than a specified level. The main gas-exhausting unit and the isolating-gas regulator are integrally coupled with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kaneko Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideto Hosoda
  • Patent number: 7284563
    Abstract: A surge relief apparatus for sensing, tracking and responding to pressure changes in a flow system. The apparatus includes a fluid storage tank that is in fluid communication with the flow system. The apparatus also includes a control valve that is connected to the fluid storage tank, wherein the control valve compensates for pressure in response to pressure change in the flow system. The control valve also controls the rate of pipeline pressure rise in the flow system. The surge relief apparatus also includes a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the control valve along with a surge relief valve in fluid communication with the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Partridge, Donald J. Wass, Donald M. Allen
  • Patent number: 7249610
    Abstract: For adjustment of a desired burner gas-air ratio over the broadest possible load range without additional pressure tapping of the burner, combustion chamber, or air lines, a ratio controller is provided that permits adjustment of the gas flow as a function of counterpressure. For adjustment, the ratio controller has at least one position-variable measurement site, or at least two measurement sites, connected directly or indirectly via a pilot valve, to an actuating diaphragm via a valve block or throttle valve block. Depending on whether the control pressure is picked up more from one or more from the other measurement site, the gas flow and therefore the gas-air ratio can be adjusted to be larger or smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Karl Dungs Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Moses
  • Patent number: 7240740
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed having an inlet duct aligned with an outlet duct and an angularly oriented elliptical seat positioned between them. A pressure chamber faces the seat. A pivoting valve closure member is positioned between the pressure chamber and the seat. An asymmetrical rolling diaphragm is attached to the closure member and defines part of the pressure chamber. A seat engaging surface on the side of the closure member opposite the pressure chamber is sealingly engageable with the seat to close the valve. The valve closure member is pivoted into the closed positioned by pressurizing the pressure chamber. The valve remains closed against hydraulic pressure in the inlet duct. The valve is permitted to open by de-pressurizing the pressure chamber, allowing the closure member to pivot out of engagement with the seat. Fluid may then flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Joseph K. Banis
  • Patent number: 7201180
    Abstract: A water supply system comprising a supply line and a network of consumers, one of which being a monitored consumer who receives the least amount of pressure, a pressure regulation system comprising a pressure reducing valve (PRV) associated with a pilot valve preset to a nominal output pressure and a pressure control system comprising a differential control valve (DCV). A pickup unit is provided for measuring a flow parameter indicative of the pressure at the monitored consumer and emitting a pressure signal to a controller generating in turn a control signal responsive to the pressure signal to activate an actuator of the DCV thereby governing the flow rate through the DCV, so as to obtain desired pressure at the monitored consumer, regardless of altering flow rate through the PRV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Optimus Water Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Ephrat, Abraham Gleichman
  • Patent number: 7147430
    Abstract: A starter air valve assembly includes a valve body, a flow control valve, a rate control servo mechanism, and a valve actuator. The valve body defines a flow passage having at least an inlet port and an outlet port. The valve is disposed at least partially within the flow passage and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The rate control servo mechanism is adapted to receive pressurized fluid and is configured, upon receipt of the pressurized fluid, to supply a controlled flow of the pressurized fluid. The valve actuator is coupled to the valve and is in fluid communication with the rate control servo to thereby receive the controlled flow of the pressurized fluid. The valve actuator is configured, upon receipt of the controlled flow of the pressurized fluid, to move the valve between the closed position and the open position at a substantially controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Wiggins, Paul W. Banta, Edward E. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 7073392
    Abstract: Performance of mass flow controller may be vulnerable to pressure transients in a flow path to which the controller is coupled for the purpose of controlling the fluid flow. A system and method are provided for reducing or eliminate performance degradations, instabilities, and/or inaccuracies of a mass flow controller caused by changes in the pressure environment. In particular, a method and system are provided for compensating for pressure transients in the pressure environment of a flow path and mass flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Celerity, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Lull, Chiun Wang, Joseph A. Saggio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7066203
    Abstract: Gas flow control is addressed using a controllable approach that facilitates safe operation. According to an example embodiment, a control arrangement for gas flow comprises two main valves connected in series and two servo valves operated by an actuator, the opening of the main valves being controlled via said servo valves. The main valves are operated by means of diaphragms limiting a first gas chamber, wherein the first servo valve is connected to the first gas chamber of the first main valve, to a second gas chamber in the inlet area of the first main valve and to the first gas chamber of the second main valve. Due to this construction a leakage gas flow out of the first gas chamber of the first main valve leads, if the first servo valve fails, to an increase in pressure in the first gas chamber of the second main valve, whereby it is ensured that the main valve is safely closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerrit Jan Baarda
  • Patent number: 7066710
    Abstract: A starter air valve assembly includes a valve body, a flow control valve, a rate control servo mechanism, and a valve actuator. The valve body defines a flow passage having at least an inlet port and an outlet port. The valve is disposed at least partially within the flow passage and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The rate control servo mechanism is adapted to receive pressurized fluid and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to supply a controlled flow of the pressurized fluid. The valve actuator is coupled to the valve and is in fluid communication with the rate control servo to thereby receive the controlled flow of the pressurized fluid. The valve actuator is configured, upon receipt of the controlled flow of the pressurized fluid, to move the valve between the closed position and the open position at a substantially controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Wiggins, Edward E. Woodruff, Paul W. Banta
  • Patent number: 7044156
    Abstract: A protection system for a pipeline comprises a hydraulically actuated valve operable to switchably prevent a flow of fluid from a first section of the pipeline to a second section of the pipeline, a hydraulic fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid to said hydraulically actuated valve to enable actuation thereof, a vent for venting hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically actuated valve, the hydraulically actuated valve being connected to the vent via a differential pressure valve to control venting of the hydraulically actuated valve, a pressure transfer barrier with a first port connected to the first section of the pipeline and a second port connected to said differential pressure valve, said differential pressure valve being supplied with hydraulic fluid at a reference pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventor: David Webster
  • Patent number: 7036794
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vacuum valve arranged between two vacuum chambers comprises a valve body with a valve opening, a closure member which closes the valve opening in a closed state of the vacuum valve and which releases the valve opening in an open state of the vacuum valve, wherein, for closing the valve opening by the closure member in the closed state of the vacuum valve, at least one flexible seal contacts a sealing surface of the vacuum valve, which sealing surface is acted upon by a pressing force in the closed state of the vacuum valve, an actuating device for opening and closing the vacuum valve with at least one actuator by which the seal is placed against the sealing surface for closing the vacuum valve, and with a control unit which controls this at least one actuator, pressure measurement values being supplied to this control unit as input signals from pressure sensors which detect the respective pressure in the two vacuum chambers, wherein a differential pressure between the two vacuum cha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Duelli, Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 7025088
    Abstract: A method of providing an indication of the position of a valve member of a valve in a fluid path where the valve member is moveable between a fully open position in which a maximum flow of fluid past the valve member is permitted and a closed position in which fluid flow past the valve member is at least substantially prevented, the method including sensing the fluid pressure in the fluid path upstream of the valve member to provide a first signal to a controller, sensing fluid pressure in the fluid path downstream of the valve member to provide a second signal to the controller, and sensing fluid flow downstream of the valve member to provide a third signal to the controller, the controller comparing the first and second signals and applying the third signal, and depending on the comparison of the first and second signals and the third signal, the controller signalling an alerting device which indicates whether the valve member is in at least one of an open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Arthur Frank Saunders
  • Patent number: 7000641
    Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Crane Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Welfare
  • Patent number: 6968856
    Abstract: A mechanical automatic fluid consumption limiting apparatus for limiting flow through a primary flow line includes an actuating line, a control line, a rotary meter, a control assembly, an actuating valve, a diaphragm valve on the primary line, an eductor and an engagement controller. The actuating valve, initially spring-biased to a non-actuating position, is rotated to an actuating position effecting closure of the diaphragm valve responsive to a predetermined quantity of flow through the rotary meter and mechanical response of the control assembly. An eductor diaphragm is positioned within the eductor responsive to flow through the primary line and pressure from the actuating line. The engagement controller is connected to the eductor diaphragm. The control line by-passes the diaphragm valve to provide pressure within the eductor to re-position the eductor diaphragm after closure of the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Goza
  • Patent number: 6944529
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system for an automatic transmission, a method for automatically draining fluid from an oil cooler and related hydraulic lines when power is off to prevent fluid leakage, escape and outflow when they are disconnected from the system. A control system includes a source of relatively high pressure when power is on, an oil cooler, fluid circuit lines for supplying transmission oil to the cooler, a source of low pressure for containing fluid, such as an oil sump, and a valve hydraulically connected to the circuit, high pressure source, and low pressure source, the valve having a first state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the source of low pressure is closed when power is on, and a second state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the low pressure source is open when power is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Person, Lee Becker
  • Patent number: 6892745
    Abstract: A flow control valve assembly, and a method of determining and controlling fluid flow through the valve, that is relatively simple in design, is relatively inexpensive, is accurate, and has a relatively wide measurement range. The flow control valve is relatively compact and includes all of the flow measurement and control components in a single, relatively compact assembly. Such components may include a differential pressure sensor, pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, and a processor. The differential pressure sensor senses differential pressure across the variable area flow orifice. The pressure sensor senses fluid pressure within the valve and supplies a fluid pressure signal. The temperature sensor senses fluid temperature and supplies a fluid temperature signal. The position sensor senses the position of the variable area flow orifice and supplies a position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
  • Patent number: 6893505
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating fluid flows, such as flows of electrochemical processing fluids for processing microelectronic workpieces. The apparatus includes a valve body having an entrance port, an exit port, and a flow passage between the entrance and exit ports through which a first fluid flows. The valve body further includes a pressure chamber coupleable to a second fluid source and at least partially isolated from the flow passage. A regulator, movably disposed in the flow passage to change a flow area of the flow passage, has a first surface with a first projected area and a second surface with a second, larger, projected area, both of which are operatively coupled to the first fluid. A third surface of the regulator is operatively coupled to the second fluid. The regulator can adjust its position to maintain a constant or nearly constant first fluid flow rate as the fluid pressure at the entrance port changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Peace
  • Patent number: 6880568
    Abstract: A pressure relief system is provided to detect and abate an overpressure condition in a pressurized fluid disposed in a conduit. The system includes a valve assembly and an actuator configured to actuate the valve assembly to establish an overpressure path for the pressurized fluid. The system further includes a piston assembly coupled to the conduit, a pressure responsive member (preferably a collapsible buckling pin) configured to mechanically fail when an axially directed compressive force exceeds a threshold level, and a multi-port, two-position valve disposed between the piston assembly and the pressure responsive member. The multi-port, two-position valve includes a spool that moves from a first position to a second position upon failure of the pressure responsive member, thereby directing control fluid through the spool to the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6843265
    Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and abating an overpressure in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure response assembly that has a pressure responsive member, such as a buckling pin, configured to buckle when a predetermined force is applied to the member. When the buckling pin buckles, a piston slides to expose an inlet to a communication path to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a pair of sliders that move from a retracted position to an extended position when pressurized fluid enters an actuator assembly housing. The sliders have a rack that turns a pinion when the sliders move from the retracted position to the extended position. The pinion is rigidly attached to a rotatable actuator shaft. Rotation of the actuator shaft causes a valve assembly to open or close to direct the pressurized fluid through an overpressure path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6832628
    Abstract: The present invention is an intrinsically safe pneumatically actuated flow controller. A preferred embodiment for the flow controller has a housing assembly defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure signal inlet port, and a main flow path extending between the inlet port and the outlet port. A restriction member is arranged in the main flow path. A first valve assembly and second valve assembly control fluid flow along the main flow path. A first regulator assembly operates the first valve assembly. A pressure signal actuation assembly has an actuation bellows attached to an actuation piston mounted on a flow control piston rod that passes through an isolation plate and is sheathed by an isolation bellows. The flow control piston rod terminates in a flow control piston that engages a second regulator assembly, which operates the second valve assembly based on pressure signals transmitted through the pressure signal inlet to the pressure signal actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: FlowMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Petur Thordarson, Patrick A. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6814837
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, the present invention provides methods and arrangements for controlling supply process gas to a process chamber for use in the manufacturing industry. Methods include controlling the operation of a valve coupled to the supply process gas line in a way such that pressure bursts in the process chamber due to the operation of the valve are reduced, or even eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Advance Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kin-Sang Lam, Dennis C. Swartz, Roger Sorum
  • Patent number: 6805148
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure-limiting valve to limit the pressure of hydraulic oil which can be admitted through two intakes, consisting of a control rod in a cylindrical housing equipped with the two intakes, which can be moved against spring force, which, when one intake is exposed to oil under high pressure, connects the other intake supplied with oil kept under low pressure to an outlet leading to the pressure-limiting valve. A pressure-limiting valve of simple construction, which easily installed, is achieved through the fact that the control rod is provided with an axial hole in which a second control rod can be moved against the force of at least one limiting spring adjusted to the pressure to be limited, and that the first control rod, depending on which of the two intakes is subjected to the high pressure, is pushed into a position in which the second control rod connects the intake that is under low pressure to an outlet opening, while overcoming the force of the limiting spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Liebherr-Machines Bulle S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Progin, Erich Eckhardt, Franz-Josef Schwede
  • Patent number: 6772786
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit, comprising a control line connected to a device to be controlled by fluid pressure in the control line; a time-out valve on the control line, the time-out valve having a time-out period during which time-out period operation of the time-out valve is delayed after actuation of the time-out valve; a pump connected to the control line for pressurizing the control line with fluid; and an arming valve operated by pressure on an arming line connected to the control line and the arming valve being connected to the time-out valve to reduce the time-out period in response to pressure on the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Argus Machine Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: James Richard Ellett
  • Patent number: 6695005
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve for controlling an upstream fluid pressure in relation to a reference pressure by regulating the fluid quantity let through the valve, comprising a housing (1) having an upstream inlet (2) and a downstream outlet (3) for the fluid, a pressure-sensitive element (5) for sensing the pressure difference between the upstream pressure and the reference pressure, and a spring-loaded regulating piston (7) which, in cooperation with a seat (8), is arranged to regulate a flow passage (9) between the inlet (2) and the outlet (3), the piston (7) being operatively connected to the pressure-sensitive element (5), to change its position relative to the seat (8) in accordance with the position of the pressure-sensitive element (5). The regulating piston (7) is slidably arranged on the outside of a guide sleeve (10) having openings (11) for the flow of fluid from the flow passage (9) to the outlet (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ottestad Breathing Systems AS
    Inventor: Nils Terje Ottestad
  • Patent number: 6694746
    Abstract: An air turbine starter system and air turbine starter valve that has a microvolume actuator to prevent the connected butterfly valve from opening too quickly. Air turbine starter valves can in some circumstances freeze shut, but may be opened by normal actuator operation. Such operation may open the valve too quickly due to stored potential energy. A sharp pressure transient may be inflicted upon the connected air turbine starter which can cause damage. The microvolume actuator air turbine starter system set forth herein allows generation of sufficient force to break ice and move the valve while minimizing stored potential energy that could open the valve too quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Reed, John L. Doak, Jimmy D. Wiggins, Ronald J. Louis
  • Patent number: 6651687
    Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and correcting an overpressure situation in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure responsive member such as a buckling pin configured to mechanically collapse when a predetermined force is applied to the member. An actuator assembly axially compresses the member in response to the pressure of the fluid and rotates a first shaft upon mechanical collapse of the member. A bypass valve assembly establishes a bypass path for the fluid upon rotation of a second shaft. A clutch mechanism decouples the first and second shafts prior to and during initial stages of mechanical collapse of the member and subsequently couples the first and second shafts during remaining stages of mechanical collapse of the member. In this way, forces associated with the bypass valve assembly are isolated from the actuator assembly during steady state operation and during the initial stages of mechanical collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030192595
    Abstract: A flow control valve assembly, and a method of determining and controlling fluid flow through the valve, that is relatively simple in design, is relatively inexpensive, is accurate, and has a relatively wide measurement range. The flow control valve is relatively compact and includes all of the flow measurement and control components in a single, relatively compact assembly. Such components may include a differential pressure sensor, pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, and a processor. The differential pressure sensor senses differential pressure across the variable area flow orifice. The pressure sensor senses fluid pressure within the valve and supplies a fluid pressure signal. The temperature sensor senses fluid temperature and supplies a fluid temperature signal. The position sensor senses the position of the variable area flow orifice and supplies a position signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne M. Benson
  • Patent number: 6609854
    Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20030155014
    Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit, comprising a control line connected to a device to be controlled by fluid pressure in the control line; a time-out valve on the control line, the time-out valve having a time-out period during which time-out period operation of the time-out valve is delayed after actuation of the time-out valve; a pump connected to the control line for pressurizing the control line with fluid; and an arming valve operated by pressure on an arming line connected to the control line and the arming valve being connected to the time-out valve to reduce the time-out period in response to pressure on the control line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: James Richard Ellett
  • Publication number: 20030150490
    Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and correcting an overpressure situation in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure responsive member such as a buckling pin configured to mechanically collapse when a predetermined force is applied to the member. An actuator assembly axially compresses the member in response to the pressure of the fluid and rotates a first shaft upon mechanical collapse of the member. A bypass valve assembly establishes a bypass path for the fluid upon rotation of a second shaft. A clutch mechanism decouples the first and second shafts prior to and during initial stages of mechanical collapse of the member and subsequently couples the first and second shafts during remaining stages of mechanical collapse of the member. In this way, forces associated with the bypass valve assembly are isolated from the actuator assembly during steady state operation and during the initial stages of mechanical collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030150491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum regulator (1) for maintaining a substantially constant vacuum in a vacuum system (2). The vacuum regulator (1) includes a main valve arranged to control a supply of air to the vacuum system (2). The main valve includes a valve seat (3) defining a passage (4) arranged to lead air to the vacuum system (2) and a valve body (5) moveably arranged in a direction between a closed position and a maximally open position in order to regulate the size of a minimum flow area (18) between the valve seat (3) and the valve body (5). A force (19) caused by the vacuum acts on the valve body (5) in a direction towards the closed position. The valve seat (3) and the valve body (5) have such a design, that the value of the force (19), in a continuous way, increases with the degree of opening of the valve body (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Henrik Idensjo
  • Patent number: 6595237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas pressure regulator having a valve, a delivery duct of low pressure gas (Pb), a regulation shutter for the gas delivery flow, a control head of the valve defining an upper chamber [(9)] and a lower chamber. A pilot valve controls the movement of the shutter. The pilot valve has a first chamber with an inlet way, a first outlet way communicating with said delivery duct and a second chamber in which there is the body of an interception shutter adapted to open or close the inlet way [(14)]. The first chamber has at least a second outlet way communicating with the lower chamber and the upper chamber and the inlet way are connected to each other through an auxiliary duct containing gas at an intermediate pressure (Pm) between high pressure (Pa) and low pressure (Pb).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Pietro Florentini SpA
    Inventors: Umberto Cecchinato, Claudio Imboccioli
  • Patent number: 6584999
    Abstract: A fluid pressure controller has an air supply valve plug displaceable under an action of pilot pressure of a pilot chamber. When the air supply valve plug is seated on a seat section, fluid communication between a supply port and a regulator port is interrupted. Further, the fluid pressure controller has a solenoid valve. When electric power supply to the solenoid valve is interrupted, the solenoid valve is opened to generate pilot pressure applied to the air supply valve plug by the original pressure of pressurized fluid introduced from the pressurized fluid supply source to the supply port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Inayama, Tohru Inohara
  • Publication number: 20030098071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas pressure regulator (1) comprising: at least a valve (2), a delivery duct (4) of low pressure gas (Pb), a regulation shutter (5) for the gas delivery flow, a control head (8) of said valve (2) defining an upper chamber (9) and a lower chamber (10); a pilot valve (12) for controlling the movement of said shutter (5) in which there is a first chamber (13) with an inlet way (14), a first outlet way (18) communicating with said delivery duct (4) and a second chamber (16) in which there is the body of an interception shutter (17) adapted to open or close said inlet way (14). The invention is characterized in that said first chamber (13) has at least a second outlet way (11) communicating with said lower chamber (10) and said upper chamber (9) and said inlet way (14) are connected to each other through an auxiliary duct (15) containing gas at an intermediate pressure (Pm) between said high pressure (Pa) and said low pressure (Pb).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Umberto Cecchinato, Claudio Imboccioli
  • Publication number: 20030094201
    Abstract: A cartridge relief valve is uses a piston design. The piston replaces a tube used in prior art relief valves. The piston makes the inventive relief valve easier to manufacture and more stable than prior art relief valves. This is due to the fact that, for a given size valve, the diameter of the piston is smaller than the diameter of the tube that it replaces. Furthermore, the diameter of the pilot seat of the inventive relief valve is also smaller than the diameter of the pilot seat of many prior art valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Tomasz Slawinski, Jianping Chen
  • Patent number: 6532980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the switching pressure of a safety appliance, which is adapted to safeguard an installation against exceeding, or falling below, a gas pressure. An increasing pressure is applied to the safety appliance such that the applied increasing pressure rises in accordance with an exponential function. Due to the constant relative increase in the pressure supplied to the safety appliance, it is not necessary to take into account settings of the safety appliance. Errors resulting from incorrect settings by the user are thus prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kamstrap B.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus F. A. Langeveld
  • Patent number: 6508268
    Abstract: A vacuum pressure control apparatus includes a vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 which is disposed on a pipe connecting a vacuum chamber 11 and a vacuum pump 19 and changes its opening to control the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 11, and a pressure sensor 17 which measures the current vacuum pressure in the chamber 11. The vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 has a valve seat 36 and a valve member 33 provided with an O-ring 35 which is made contact with or separate from the valve seat 36. The vacuum pressure control apparatus configured as above controls the pressure in the chamber 11 by changing an elastic deformation amount of the O-ring 35 which is in contact with the valve seat 36 and thereby changing the flow quantity of gas leaking between the valve seat 36 and the O-ring 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Kouketsu
  • Publication number: 20030000579
    Abstract: An improved adjustable fluid flow regulator having a regulator chamber, a moveable diaphragm therein, a spring that acts upon the diaphragm to regulate the flow of fluid, and a first adjustment member and second adjustment member for adjustably biasing the spring against the diaphragm. The improvement includes means for restricting adjustment above a predetermined limit. The first adjustment member is fully adjusted to a limit. The second adjustment member is adjusted to bias the spring to a predetermined maximum setting, and restricted from further adjustment. The first adjustment member would then be adjustable to any setting below the predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Schmotzer, Wilfred G. Soutiea, Mike C. Santinanavat, John J. Love
  • Patent number: 6418956
    Abstract: A pressure controller is provided for a pressure regulator. The pressure controller controls a pressure regulator to deliver process fluid at a regulated pressure from a variable supply. The pressure controller includes a control pressure source independent of the process fluid. One such pressure source could be compressed air which enters the controller through a restriction. The control pressure passes through the controller to the regulator where it exerts pressure on the pressure regulator. The controller is interconnected with the process fluid line at a point of regulation and senses pressure in a diaphragm chamber of the controller. A valve rides on the diaphragm and a bias is exerted against the valve to oppose pressure on the diaphragm. The bias tends to move the valve to a closed position. The bias means is adjustable. The process fluid pressure in the diaphragm chamber exerts a force on the diaphragm and valve, against the bias, to open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Plast-o-Matic Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Bloom