Planar Strainer Normal To Flow Path Patents (Class 137/550)
  • Patent number: 6550492
    Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 6546954
    Abstract: A flow control valve with a reduced number of parts and with few restrictions on installation space is provided. A back pressure chamber of a diaphragm-type valve body communicates with a communication port through a vent hole formed in a case of the flow control valve. An air filter is integrated with the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Sato, Nobuharu Muto
  • Patent number: 6523566
    Abstract: An internal fuel filter for a pressure regulator having a body that encloses a fuel flow path. A first support includes a first surface adapted to be sealingly surrounded by the body. A second support is spaced from the first support along an axis. At least one rib is disposed between and contiguous with the first and second supports, wherein one of the rib and the second support includes a second surface adapted to sealingly surrounded the body. A filter element extends between the first support and the second support and surrounds the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Wynn, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030015241
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire inflation valve having a filter positioned at an outlet end thereof capable of filtering the air released from within the tire through the valve core to prevent foreign matter contained within the tire from entering the valve core seat assembly and the atmosphere. The present invention also prevents foreign matter, which may be contained within a tire from being forced into the valve core over time through use of the tire and due to routine checking of tire air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Fogal
  • Patent number: 6494325
    Abstract: A toilet water-line filter (10) that is designed to protect a toilet's fill valve (62) from the intrusion of potentially damaging debris such as rocks, vegetation, etc. The filter (10) is comprised of a housing (12) and an internal filter (34) which consists of a mesh staining element (36). The filter (10) is attached between the toilet's fill valve (62) and a typical, flexible, water line (66). Debris that would normally pass into the fill valve (62) becomes trapped in the mesh staining element (36), from where the debris is easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Israel Mizrahi
  • Publication number: 20020179871
    Abstract: A flush valve diaphragm that includes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The body portion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portion includes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter prevents clogging of the bypass arrangement. The diaphragm is used in a flush valve diaphragm assembly and a flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Verdecchia
  • Patent number: 6488048
    Abstract: An explosion relief valve for a confined space, more particularly for the crankcase of an internal combustion engine, includes a seat (1) which may be fitted into a boundary wall (3) of the space to be protected, a spring-loaded closure plate (4) cooperating with the valve seat, at least one flame barrier (9) having low pressure resistance in the gas path leading through the valve, preferably consisting of sheet-metal strips stacked one above another transversely to the throughflow direction of the gas, which sheet-metal strips are provided preferably at least over part of their width with irregular corrugations, and at least one other perforated wall (11, 12) in the gas path of expanded metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Ventilwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kühmayer, Johannes Besau
  • Publication number: 20020108655
    Abstract: A compact arrangement and method for removing particulate generated by a fluid pressure regulator including location of a filter element within the pressure regulator downstream of the regulating member and valve seat is disclosed. The fluid pressure regulator can be adapted to allow replacement of the filter element. The filter element and corresponding filter receiving space can be configured to account for different fluid flow ranges and particulate removal ratings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Vreeland
  • Publication number: 20020108654
    Abstract: A compact arrangement and method for removing particulate generated by a fluid pressure regulator including location of a filter element within the pressure regulator or substantially adjacent thereto. Location of the filter element downstream of the regulating member and valve seat is disclosed. The fluid pressure regulator can be adapted to allow replacement of the filter element. The filter element and corresponding filter receiving space can be configured to account for different fluid flow ranges and particulate removal ratings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas A. Vreeland, Donald E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6422258
    Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein a central cavity and a bracket-receiving opening. The valve assembly also includes a first valve component positioned in the central cavity of the valve body. Moreover, the water valve assembly includes a retaining bracket having a flange which has a crimped end portion defined therein. The flange is positioned in the bracket-receiving opening so as to retain the first valve component in the central cavity of the valve opening. The crimped end portion of the flange contacts the valve body so as to retain the flange in the bracket-receiving opening. A method of making an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael R. DuHack, Eugene A. Ritter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6415817
    Abstract: A magnet valve for tank venting in motor vehicles, having at least one valve opening forming a sealing seat and having a spring-loaded valve member cooperating with the at least one sealing seat for opening and closing the valve and actuated by an electromagnet counter to the restoring force of a restoring spring. Downstream of the valve member, a flow element that throttles the flow of a gas is disposed, the shape of the flow element is adapted to the opening cross section of the sealing seat that cooperates with the valve member, for determining (metering) the flow quantity of the gas through the cross section of the flow element when the magnet valve is open. The shape of the flow element is determined (metered) in such a way that the area of the opening cross section of the effective valve seat is greater than 2.5 and preferably greater than 9 times the area of the effective cross section of the flow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz, Tilman Miehle
  • Patent number: 6412517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump device for a gas oil tank of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a pump (10) and a filtering strainer (20) placed at the intake of the pump (10), and being characterized by the fact that it includes a valve (100) disposed in a passage (22) formed through the strainer (20) so as to close said passage (22) in normal operation, the valve (100) being adapted to open automatically when the pressure difference between the outside of the strainer (20) and the inside thereof exceeds a threshold because of the strainer (20) becoming clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Marwal Systems
    Inventors: Will Flambert, Jean Filjak
  • Patent number: 6408872
    Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: New West Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet L. Skeens, Gerald W. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6408873
    Abstract: A flush valve for use with urinals or water closets includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat therebetween. There is a piston assembly movable in the hollow valve body to a closing position on the valve seat to control flow through the valve. A pressure chamber is above the piston assembly for holding it on the valve seat. There is a bypass passage to the piston assembly to connect the inlet with the pressure chamber to provide fluid to move the piston assembly to the closing position. The bypass passage includes a filter and an orifice, with the filter including multiple filters in series between the inlet and the bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: David C. Hall, Martin E. Marcichow
  • Patent number: 6405752
    Abstract: A solenoid valve with a valve dome in which an armature is contained in an axially movable fashion and onto which a coil is slid for actuating the solenoid valve. In order to mechanically fasten and seal the solenoid valve in a receiving bore of a hydraulic block. A valve seat part is inserted into an open end of the valve dome and an annular ring-shaped valve support is press fitted onto the open end of the valve dome so that the valve seat part, the valve dome, and the valve support are mechanically connected to one another and are sealed in a pressure-tight fashion. The solenoid valve is easy-to-manufacture and is sealed without separate seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Fritsch, Martin Kirschner, Peter Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6401697
    Abstract: The solenoid valve has a fuel feed conduit, and a shutter in the form of a ball controlled by an electromagnet and cooperating with a conical seat in the conduit. The conduit has a fuel filter for preventing particles of dirt from getting between the seat and the shutter, without causing an excessive fall in fuel pressure. The filter is defined by a metal plate having a number of holes of about 0.1 mm in diameter and formed using laser technology; and the plate is fitted to the opposite end of the conduit from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Elasis Sistema Ricerca Fiat Nel Mezzogiorno
    Inventor: Werner Banzhaf
  • Patent number: 6394128
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve is disclosed for use in air intake tracts of I.C. engine installations. The air valve includes a tubular member having apertures therein covered over by resilient diaphragm elements that, when a negative pressure (vacuum) within the system exceeds a pre-determined level, deflect and enable relief of the negative pressure within the air intake. When the negative pressure returns to normal operating levels, the diaphragm returns to position. The negative pressure within the intake tract can be raised, for example, by an obstruction at the air inlet of the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Engine Management, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Concialdi
  • Patent number: 6382245
    Abstract: A generally ring-shaped intermediate member having a bracket-mounting portion is interposed between an upper tank having an inflow pipe and a lower tank having an outflow pipe. A resinous reservoir tank according to the invention is formed by connecting and integrating the upper tank, the intermediate member and the lower tank. When connecting the upper tank, the intermediate member and the lower tank, their relative angles in the rotational direction are set appropriately. Thus, the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe can be oriented in desired directions with respect to the intermediate member, which is fixed in position by the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 6349741
    Abstract: A flow control valve with a reduced number of parts and with few restrictions on installation space is provided. A back pressure chamber of a diaphragm-type valve body communicates with a communication port through a vent hole formed in a case of the flow control valve. An air filter is integrated with the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Sato, Nobuharu Muto
  • Publication number: 20020007858
    Abstract: An improved double block and double bleed stream switching system (modifiable to, for example, a double block, single bleed stream switching system) includes a common stream path for a multitude of gas streams from, for example, a process pipeline. The improved stream switching system includes a heating mechanism and insulation oven to help temperature stabilization, along with a structure to separate temperature sensitive solenoids from the heated area. Pre-heat coils are located between the sample switching system and the sample shut off system to warm the gas sample and to act as a flow restrictor. A first embodiment is suited for the Division 1 environment and a second embodiment is suited for Division 2 uses. The improved stream switching system may also feature membrane or cartridge filters located upstream of the sample wetted portion of the stream switching system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Teresa Lechner-Fish
  • Patent number: 6340034
    Abstract: A device for regulating gas pressure comprising a regulator body, the regulator body having walls defining a single high pressure inlet port and walls defining at least two regulated ports. The regulator body further comprising a high pressure manifold for providing gas to the regulated ports at the pressure it is received at from the high pressure port. The outlet pressure at the regulated ports is independently regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventors: Glen M. Arnott, Trevor K. Markham
  • Patent number: 6311724
    Abstract: A reservoir is provided having an upper reservoir body connected to a lower reservoir body. The reservoir includes and inlet port and an outlet port that are separated by a filter, which filters fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet. In addition, a re-circulating cover is provided to separate fluid returning through the inlet port from the fluid in the main reservoir chamber. A re-circulating cover is provided that defines a re-circulating chamber. Fluid communication between the main reservoir chamber and the re-circulating chamber is restricted by the re-circulating cover until the main reservoir fluid reaches a predetermined temperature threshold. Accordingly, a given quantity of fluid is re-circulated from the inlet port to the outlet port and is continuously warmed before mixing with main reservoir fluid. Such a reservoir design helps to eliminate cold start up noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Key Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Tracey, Thomas W. Hagan, Donald P. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6286545
    Abstract: A reservoir for power steering fluid includes an upright housing that forms an upper interior space for storage of a reserve fluid supply, and a lower interior space containing a fluid filter. Fluid connectors are provided for causing fluid to flow in a circumferential swirling pattern as it moves through the filter, such that the flowing fluid has a relatively long residence time in the lower portion of the reservoir for achievement of an effective cooling action. The fluid filter is connected in a return line form the power steering unit to the associated pump, so that the filter exerts a back pressure on fluid flowing from the power steering unit to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, TRW Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Moy, David Kaminski, John E Saarinen
  • Patent number: 6283141
    Abstract: A liquid metering device for a compressed air tool including a sealable liquid tank whose lower part is connected to the compressed air inlet on the tool downstream from a throttle valve, via a through-flow impeding filter element that is in contact with the liquid in the tank. The filter element communicates directly with an upper tank space disposed in the tank above the intended maximum liquid level of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Berema AB
    Inventors: Lars Saxback, Sune Kauppi
  • Patent number: 6260574
    Abstract: A fill valve particularly suited for OEM assembly in gravity operated flush toilets has a modular construction including a main valve body that encloses a pilot operated diaphragm valve operated by a float arm. A hollow riser has a lower end configured for connection to a water supply line. Mating couplers are provided on the bottom of the main valve body and on the upper end of the riser for rigidly securing the riser to the main valve body. The riser has a length that is pre-selected to place the diaphragm valve and float arm a predetermined height within the tank to ensure that the tank is re-filled to a predetermined optimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 6260576
    Abstract: A diaphragm-type of flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and there is a valve seat therebetween and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat. The valve member includes a diaphragm which is peripherally attached to the body. There is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm for holding the valve member on its valve seat and there is a filter and a bypass orifice connecting the inlet and the pressure chamber. There is a downwardly-facing peripheral recess on the underneath side of the diaphragm, which recess is located generally intermediate the diaphragm outer periphery and the valve seat. A bypass orifice is formed in the diaphragm in alignment with and communicating with the recess. There is a filter ring positioned within the recess and in fluid communication with the water inlet. The filter ring has a multitude of small passages therein which connect the inlet and the bypass orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Charles S. Allen
  • Patent number: 6254199
    Abstract: A rod-shaped solenoid valve that is provided for insertion into a receiving bore of a hydraulic block of an antilock hydraulic brake system of a vehicle, wherein a fluid influx takes place through an axial bore of a valve seat part that is inserted into a valve support. For simple sealing, a plastic end piece is placed onto the end of the valve support that prodrudes into the receiving bore and seals the valve support in relation to the receiving bore and also seals the valve seat part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Megerle, Siegfried Fritsch, Martin Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6253789
    Abstract: A valve for metered introduction of fuel, volatilized from a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine, into the engine, having a valve housing which has an inflow neck for connection to a fuel tank or to an adsorption filter downstream of the tank for the volatilized fuel, and having an outflow neck for connection to the engine, having a valve member accommodated between the inflow neck and the outflow neck in the interior of the valve housing, which valve member is actuatable by an electromagnet that has a magnet core, and which cooperates with a valve seat embodied on a valve seat body, is characterized in that the valve housing includes a first housing part, closed on the inflow side by a protective screen, in/on which the electromagnet, the valve member, the valve seat body and the outflow neck are provided, and a second housing part, on which the inflow neck is disposed and which can be secured to the first housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz, Tilman Miehle, Manfred Zimmermann, Maria Esperilla
  • Publication number: 20010003991
    Abstract: A flow control valve with a reduced number of parts and with few restrictions on installation space is provided. A back pressure chamber of a diaphragm-type valve body communicates with a communication port through a vent hole formed in a case of the flow control valve. An air filter is integrated with the flow control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Sato, Nobuharu Muto
  • Publication number: 20010002597
    Abstract: A fire department connection (“FDC”) and a check valve in one. FDC saves labor and time when compared to the current FDC, because with current FDC, one has to install a check valve and then install the FDC. The new FDC is a one-step process. FDC is equipped with swivels which don't allow debris, garbage or trash to be deposited in the FDC and this makes FDC debris proof. FDC allows back flushing test to be performed by removing the cap and reversing the FDC. FDC comes with three different styles of outlets which are grooved, flange, and threaded. This gives the consumers more selections to suit their needs. Current FDC's come only with one style of outlet, which is threaded outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Abdul Addo, Ali Addo
  • Patent number: 6234188
    Abstract: An adapter for connection to an opening in a fluid containing vessel for applying a vacuum to the interior of the vessel is provided. The adapter includes at least partially concentrically disposed outer and inner sleeves, each having a generally conical shape and a generally radially extending opening in a side wall thereof. The inner and outer sleeves are rotatable relative to each other such that the extent to which the openings in the side walls of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve are aligned can be selectively adjusted. The inner and outer sleeves define a passage through the adapter extending from a proximal opening at a proximal end to a distal opening at a distal end of the adapter. The proximal end of the adapter is configured for connection to a vacuum source and the distal end is configured for insertion in and to sealingly engage the edge of the opening in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Prism Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6227221
    Abstract: A single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system and a method and system for fluid distribution are provided. The single-fluid, multiple-reservoir hydraulic system utilizes a single-fluid to supply all vehicle power and lubrication fluid requirements. The hydraulic system combines separate fluid reservoirs and fluids into a single integrated system that services multiple systems without a need for multiple dedicated reservoirs. The hydraulic system maintains and prioritizes separate dedicated fluid reserves within one reservoir and may also reach and maintain consistent fluid temperature and viscosity. Consistent performance and extended component life are provided while maintaining circulation with the hydraulic system. In addition, the single fluid and single reservoir hydraulic system have a single fluid fill point, a common reservoir check point and fluid level monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6227247
    Abstract: A thruster valve has a continuously positionable piston between a closed position and a maximum open position. The piston moves in response to the difference in pressure between the pressure in the intermediate annulus and the pressure behind the piston. A pivotable flapper valve regulates this pressure difference. When a change in thrust is required, the position of the flapper is changed causing a change in this pressure difference which causes the piston to move until the desired thrust level is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International
    Inventor: Stephen G. Abel
  • Patent number: 6220283
    Abstract: A reservoir for power steering fluid includes an upright housing that forms an upper interior space for storage of a reserve fluid supply, and a lower interior space containing a fluid filter.* Fluid connectors are provided** for causing fluid to flow in a circumferential swirling pattern as it moves through the filter, such that the flowing fluid has a relatively long residence time in the lower portion of the reservoir for achievement of an effective cooling action. The fluid filter is connected in a return line from the power steering unit to the associated pump, so that filtered liquid is supplied to the pump. The fluid filter is preferably a flat disk-like filter unit located in a horizontal plane between the inlet fluid connector and the outlet fluid connector. *The upper interior space and lower interior space containing a fluid filter are separated by a frusto conical partition. Residence of the fluid above the frusto conical partition allows air entrained in the fluid to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, TRW Inc.
    Inventors: John E Saarinen, Lacramioara Romagnoli, Daniel Moy
  • Patent number: 6216730
    Abstract: A diaphragm-type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a valve seat between the inlet and outlet and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat to control water flow through the flush valve. The valve member includes a diaphragm peripherally attached to the body and there is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm with water therein holding the valve member on said valve seat. An annular filter body is attached to the underside of the diaphragm at spaced locations thereon and there is a bypass orifice in the filter body positioned at one of the spaced locations. The filter body includes a plurality of peripherally spaced grooves and there is a filter ring mounted on the filter body and facing the grooves. The filter ring and grooves form a plurality of filter passages in communication with the bypass orifice and the flush valve inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: David C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6189985
    Abstract: A rodlike magnet valve having a magnetic part which is surrounded by a coil for actuating the valve. The magnet valve can be inserted into a receiving bore of a hydraulic block of a slip-controlled vehicle brake system. For fast, economical manufacture of the magnet valve, the magnet valve has a rotationally symmetrical base body, which has a through bore and a securing flange, as an extruded part without undercuts or tapered features. Along with the advantage of enabling fast, inexpensive manufacture of its base body, the magnet valve has the further advantage that the base body can be made from an economical reforming steel, which can be readily welded for fluid-tight mounting of a valve dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Fritsch, Martin Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6182689
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in a diaphragm type toilet room flush valve includes a diaphragm formed of a flexible material and adapted to separate an inlet and outlet of the flush valve. There is a bypass orifice in the diaphragm. A filter assembly is positioned on the flush valve inlet side of the diaphragm and upstream from the bypass orifice. The filter assembly includes a peripherally extending screen spaced from the underside of the diaphragm with the screen being secured to the diaphragm assembly about an inner peripheral portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John W. Lauer, David C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6173739
    Abstract: Addow's FDC is different from current FDCs, because it is a FDC and a check valve in one. Addow's FDC saves labor and time when compared to the current FDC, because with current FDC, one has to install a check valve and then install the FDC. With Addow's FDC, it is a one step process. Addow's FDC is equipped with swivels which don't allow debris, garbage or trash to be deposited in the FDC and this makes Addow's FDC debris proof. Addow's FDC allows back flushing test to be performed by removing the 4 inch cap and reversing the FDC. Addow's FDC, unlike current FDCs, comes with three different styles of outlets, which are grooved, flange, and threaded. This gives the consumers more selections to suit their needs. Current FDCs come only with one style of outlet, which is threaded outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Abdul Addo, Ali Addo
  • Patent number: 6158455
    Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: William H. Marshall, Robert E. Williams
  • Patent number: 6131608
    Abstract: A water flowrate control device, which includes a casing connected to water source means, a holder member mounted inside the casing, a pressure release element mounted in the holder member, a steel ball put in a stepped through hole in the pressure release element, a rubber cap mounted on the holder member and covered over the pressure release element and disposed in contact with an inside annular flange inside the casing to stop water passage, a bottom cap fastened to the casing at a bottom side to hold the holder member in place, a receptacle mounted in a tubular flange in the bottom cap, a movable element mounted in the receptacle and inserted into the stepped through hole at the pressure release element, and a spring member connected between the holder member and the movable element to push the movable element away from the steel ball, wherein when the receptacle is pushed upwards, the movable element is moved with the receptacle to push the steel ball upwards, for enabling water to flow out of the rubber
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
  • Patent number: 6119454
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold device is provided to allow air to enter an exhaust manifold during normal operation of an engine to prevent exhaust gases being sucked into the cylinders via exhaust valves. Air can be supplied via valves (18 and 21) to the exhaust manifold as required and is supplied to the valve (21) at pressures, above atmospheric pressure, that increase with engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Gentech Design Limited
    Inventor: Steven Valisko
  • Patent number: 6116274
    Abstract: A sight glass filter and check valve apparatus for use in a fluid line. The apparatus includes a housing, first and second couplers connected to the housing, a sight glass assembly, a filter assembly, and a check valve assembly. The housing includes a pair of coordinated apertures. Each of the couplers includes a first end and a second end with the first ends threadedly received by the housing and the second ends connected to the fluid line. The sight glass assembly is disposed within the housing in alignment with the apertures. The filter assembly is disposed between the housing and the first coupler. The check valve assembly is disposed between the housing and the second coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: A-1 Components Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6105609
    Abstract: A check valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a cup-shaped check valve housing having a cylindrical wall, an open end, and an upstream closed end, to define a chamber. An inlet passage extends through the closed end to introduce flow to the chamber. A filter assembly is received in the chamber, adjacent the upstream closed end of the check valve housing. A valve seat member is received in the chamber, downstream of the filter assembly, and has an annular ring slidingly received in the cylindrical wall and a valve seat extending radially inward from the annular ring with a central opening. A circular valve disk is oriented in the chamber, downstream of the valve seat member, and operates to close the central opening to prevent flow upstream through the check valve assembly and to flex allowing flow downstream through the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Polidan, David C. Shaw, Phillip D. Hamelin
  • Patent number: 6088621
    Abstract: An irrigation control system including an irrigation controller, a portable data shuttle, and a personal computer. The user creates a watering program comprising watering schedules by using a graphical user-friendly interface of the personal computer. The watering program is then downloaded into the portable data shuttle. The portable data shuttle is coupled to an irrigation controller and a first watering schedule is downloaded from the portable data shuttle into the irrigation controller in a matter of seconds. At a later time, the data shuttle automatically downloads a second watering schedule replacing the first schedule, thereby updating the irrigation programming. For example, a new watering schedule may be automatically downloaded at preselected intervals to accommodate the changing seasons. The portable data shuttle includes voltage regulation circuits so that it can receive power from either the personal computer or the irrigation controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Woytowitz, Michael J. McGrady
  • Patent number: 6076550
    Abstract: A solenoid comprising a solenoid coil having a longitudinal hole at the center of a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material and a coil winding wound around the peripheral wall of the bobbin. A yoke comprising a peripheral side plate, an upper end plate and a lower end plate all for the covering the outer peripheral surface and both end surfaces of solenoid coil, a pole core disposed at one end of the longitudinal hole and a plunger fitted slidably into the other end of the longitudinal hole. The solenoid further comprises a protrusion member for forming an irregular magnetic field, formed integrally at the center of the yoke, and a recess for fitting the protrusion member from the end surface of the peripheral wall of the bobbin formed in the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiraishi, Itsunao Koga, Hiroyuki Seki, Taisuke Houei, Takanobu Matsufuji, Yoshinori Nishimoto, Katsuhiro Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6076399
    Abstract: A sewer basin has a tube mounted longitudinally in the basin to isolate the level sensing elements from particulate and non-soluble materials present in the basin which could contaminate the elements, which are used for selectively activating a pump in the basin. The liquid level in the tube is kept in equilibrium with the liquid outside of the tube by an aperture below the normal low liquid level. A filter is provided in the tube between the aperture and the level sensing elements. The filter is formed by a stack of filter elements mounted on an axial post extending into the tube from a bottom end cap. The elements are limited in their axial mobility on the axial post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan G. Free, Mark Kowalak, Brian Mitsch
  • 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: 6058966
    Abstract: A plastic safety valve for containers, especially pallet containers with an internal container of plastic and an external jacket of metal for the transport and storage of liquids, is constructed as an automatic aerating and venting valve and is integrated into a lid or plug for sealing the filling and/or emptying opening or the aerating and/or venting opening of a container. The valve housing, which is constructed as a threaded plug and can be screwed into a corresponding threaded hole in a threaded cover or threaded plug, has a central hub supported by ribs, wherein the hub has a through-hole. The ribs extend outwardly in a star-like manner from the hub toward a ring-shaped shoulder. Air passage holes are formed between the ribs. An elastically constructed valve membrane of an aerating unit for opening and closing the air passage holes between the ribs is pushed from the inside onto the hub up to a shoulder of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 5988211
    Abstract: An I.V. Flow Controller incorporating an adjustable, differential pressure regulator that provides a constant but adjustable differential pressure across a fixed orifice. One end of the adjustment range provides shut-off and the other end full-flow. The adjustment range covers flow rates from zero to 250 ml/hr. At a given setting, the flow rate is independent of the total hydrostatic head height between the supply reservoir and a patient, provided the head height is greater than the pressure drop across the orifice at the maximum regulated flow rate, plus venous pressure, plus the pressure drop in the indwelling catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: Randolph W. Cornell, Alice M. Cornell
    Inventor: William Daniel Cornell
  • Patent number: 5979866
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable disc-type valve includes a pre-assembled hydraulic sub-assembly with a core member and a separately pre-assembled electrical sub-assembly with a body. The exterior surface of the core member is configured to facilitate insertion into the electrical sub-assembly and orientation relative thereto by use of a bushing. The outside diameter of the body of the valve is no more than 13.5 millimeters in the vicinity of the delivery end of the hydraulic sub-assembly. A fluid filter is disposed between a tensioning spring and a calibration slide to facilitate more accurate flow checking and leakage checking of the valve during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sagem, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy C. Baxter, David R. Gallup, H. A. Staples, III