Position Or Extent Of Motion Indicator Patents (Class 137/553)
  • Publication number: 20130068972
    Abstract: An air shutoff valve includes a passage for supplying air, a swing gate, a shaft attached to a reset handle, and a spring to urge the gate toward its closed position. A trigger assembly secures the shaft and gate in the open position and includes an actuator, a cam, and a rocker arm. A cam surface of the arm has a notch to receive a sear point of the cam. Movement of the handle against the spring causes the cam contact surface of the cam to follow the cam surface to cause the arm to rotate such that the sear point is received in the notch. Actuating the actuator causes the arm to pivot away from the cam such that the sear point is released from the notch, wherein the spring causes the shaft to move the gate to its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AMOT CONTROLS CORP.
    Inventors: Kamyar Molavi, Ken McClymonds
  • Publication number: 20130068976
    Abstract: A valve with a housing including an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid; a closure element through which a flow of the fluid is controllable; an actuation device including an electric actuator for adjusting a closure cross section of the closure element; a drive housing at which a stator of the electric actuator is fixated, wherein a moveable moving element of the electric actuator is kinematically coupled with the closure element in an inner cavity of the drive housing which is loaded with a pressure from the fluid, wherein the stator is disposed in the inner cavity, and wherein the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element. In order to use a valve with an actuator disposed in an abrasive fluid the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Esveldt
  • Patent number: 8387657
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to indicate a position of a valve are described. An example apparatus includes a first pressure sensor to detect an inlet pressure of a valve, a second pressure sensor to detect an outlet pressure of the valve, and a controller operatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a position of the valve corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined operational states of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Yin Zhuang, Lu Cang, Fan Jian Jun
  • Publication number: 20130047967
    Abstract: Three-way valve with two flaps comprising single control means (9) for the two flaps and actuation means (12, 13, 50) arranged each to drive, pivotwise, one of the two flaps, from one to the other of its open and closed position of one of the pathways, with a temporal phase-shift, characterized in that it comprises maximum displacement end-stops for each of said actuation means, the end-stop (31) of the second actuation means (12, 50) corresponding to a fully closed position of its flap and the end-stop of the first actuation means (13) being positioned beyond the position of said first actuation means when the second actuation means (12, 50) is on its end-stop (31), the kinematic chains linking the first and second actuation means to the single control means operating nominally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR
    Inventors: Grégory Hodebourg, Sébastien Adenot
  • Patent number: 8381583
    Abstract: A method for determining a functioning of a gas bleed valve in a primary reservoir for a medium for a hydraulic system includes connecting a testing apparatus with a separate reservoir of the medium to the primary reservoir; pumping the medium from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; measuring the volume of the medium pumped from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; and determining the functioning of the gas bleed valve by comparing the volume of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir with: a change of the medium volume measured in the primary reservoir, or a change of the pressure of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sun Test Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Klaus Leonard Witt
  • Patent number: 8327864
    Abstract: A movable flow controller is interposed in a fluid flow path. The flow controller includes an elongate groove having a first end and a second end. The groove preferably is sized and shaped so that a cross-sectional area of the groove changes along its length from the first end to the second end, and terminates in a hole through the flow controller. In operation, a portion of the groove is aligned with an inlet of the flow path on a first side of the controller, and the hole is in communication with an outlet of the flow path on a second side of the controller. Moving the flow controller relative to the flow path input varies the minimum cross-sectional area of the flow path through the controller and thus selectively limits fluid flow through the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Coast Pneumatics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Ellis, David L. Goodale, Brian R. Jarrett
  • Publication number: 20120211098
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve housing that has a main passage defined therein and a valve assembly that includes a valve body, which is movable within the main passage between open and closed positions, and a valve stem that fixedly engages the valve body. A handle is disposed on the valve housing that is connected to the valve stem and is operable to rotate the valve body between the open and closed positions via the valve stem. A switch is disposed within the housing, which operatively engages the valve assembly and is configured to transmit a signal to an operator's station regarding the position of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: S. Clay Evatt, Gregory Stephen Childers
  • Patent number: 8245726
    Abstract: A citrus juice apparatus may include at least one citrus juice processing device. The at least one juice processing device may include at least one juice output having a flow of juice therethrough. The at least one juice processing device upon a malfunction may cause an undesired material release along with the flow of juice into the at least one juice output. An undesired material release detector may be coupled to the at least one juice output for detecting the undesired material release. The detector may operate based upon magnetic proximity sensing of a moving filter plate within a housing of the detector. Alternatively, the detector may operate using a filter plate, and based upon pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Garland Mathews, Michael L. Suter, Mark R. Jackson, Kevin G. Socha, Jose D. Milla, Gregory W. Schrader
  • Patent number: 8237430
    Abstract: The displacement sensor (100) includes a rod (103) including a conical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) and a magnetic sensor (110) located in close proximity to the concical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105). The magnetic sensor (110) generates a positional signal that is related to the position of the concical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) in relation to the magnetic sensor (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Norgren GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Thode, Jorg Siebert, Martin Rust
  • Patent number: 8225812
    Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing two springs. The two springs are co-axially located and separated by a casting tube. Further, the two springs are attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. A snap ring flange is also attached to the valve body, the snap ring flange being used to secure the safety device to a main regulator in the gas distribution system. The valve body also includes a cam mounted within the valve body. A limit switch is directly connected to the cam such that the limit switch moves directly in response to movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, a reset pin extends from the valve body and interacts with the cam such that the cam may be reset from a closed position to an open position by moving the reset pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Claude Faillat, Arnaud Bourgeois, Guillaume Fournel
  • Patent number: 8210204
    Abstract: A socket for a fluid-transfer coupling device (5) that communicates a flow path in the socket with a flow path in a plug (70) since the socket (10) and the plug are connected to each other, includes a mount panel attachment (17) arranged in the vicinity of an entry (19) of the socket allowing the plug to be inserted, and attaching the socket to a mount panel (18) and a support (35) arranged in a different position from the entry and supporting the socket. Consequently, the socket can be stably supported on the mount panel even if the flow rate of fluid is large. It is preferable that at least one part of the socket is constructed in a spigot-and-socket manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8191574
    Abstract: A visual indicator assembly displays the state of an isolated stem control valve contained in a housing of an air tank. The visual indicator assembly comprises a rotatable handle member adapted for operative connection to the isolated stem control valve contained in the housing of the air tank. The rotatable handle member opens and closes the control valve without axial movement of the rotatable handle member. An “OFF” indicator is visible with the control valve in a closed condition, and an “ON” indicator is non-visible with the control valve in a closed condition. The “ON” indicator is movable to become visible and obscure the “OFF” indicator upon rotation of the handle member to adjust the control valve to an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Edward H. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110297255
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve actuated by a diaphragm's integral spring whose thicker part acts with greater force to close the diaphragm and plug unit of the valve and whose thinner part may complete the closing motion so that the integral spring may weaken faster than linearly in relation to displacement of the diaphragm and plug unit. A snap seat supporting the plug may include a seat portion and a grip skirt portion integrally joined at an acute angle. A bracket and sliding guide may guide a helical rotor touching an indicator. Movement of the diaphragm and plug unit may rotate the helical rotor and the indicator without the indicator rising out of the valve. The cover may have an internal control passage in communication with a base of the valve to allow the cover to be installed horizontally and vertically conveniently and without disconnecting the control tubing above the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BERMAD CS LTD.
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Publication number: 20110240136
    Abstract: An interlock monitoring system includes a magnetic proximity sensor within a poppet valve type coupler to detect whether the poppet valve is opened or closed. An open poppet valve indicates a proper connection. The sensor consists of dedicated electronics that prevent cheating, or bypassing, by either shorting out or opening the contacts to the sensor. In addition, a ferrous metal proximity switch is used to provide a redundant confirmation of proper connection of the coupler. The ferrous magnetic proximity switch will indicate whether or not the coupler is actually in contact with an appropriate connection. Each of the magnetic proximity sensor and the ferrous magnetic proximity switch must indicate a respective proper condition in order to determine a valid interlock condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Robert R. Trottier
  • Publication number: 20110203685
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to indicate a position of a valve are described. An example position indicator apparatus includes a status indicator to provide an indication that corresponds to a displacement of a poppet relative to a seat ring of the fluid valve to determine one of a plurality of predetermined operational positions of the fluid valve. A follower is coupled to the poppet to follow movement of the poppet between the plurality of predetermined operational positions of the fluid valve. A coupler operatively couples the status indicator and the follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Publication number: 20110174399
    Abstract: An apparatus for the wireless and remote monitoring of covered floating storage tanks monitors roof position, flexure, fires and the presence of vapours or liquids from water, hydrocarbons or other chemicals. The apparatus relies upon on one or more encapsulated intelligent sensor units and communication units. The sensors are deployed on the floating roof of a storage tank and the communication units are deployed near the top wall of the floating roof storage tank or on the fixed roof of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Nikolay Nikolov Tzonev, Dale John Shpak
  • Publication number: 20110168270
    Abstract: In one aspect, an extended range fluid flow resistor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and defining a fluid passageway therebetween A plunger is slidably received within the fluid passageway and an actuator is rotatably coupled to the housing and the plunger, such that rotation of the actuator causes sliding movement of the plunger within the fluid passageway The plunger has a sealing region and a variable flow region axially adjacent the sealing region Fluid flow through the fluid passageway is prevented when the sealing region is aligned with the inlet and fluid flow through the fluid passageway is permitted when the variable flow region is aligned with the inlet The variable flow region includes a helical groove extending from a first end of the variable flow region adjacent the sealing region and away from the sealing region to a second end of the vanable flow region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: FLUIDNET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Benjamin G. Powers
  • Publication number: 20110155250
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a sliding stem control valve assembly is mounted between a control valve and an actuator housing. The hydraulic actuating device is connected to one of a control valve stem, an actuator stem, and a stem connector and the hydraulic actuating device moves either the control valve stem, the actuator stem, or the stem connector in response to varying hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic actuating device. The hydraulic actuating device may be used to override an actuator of the sliding stem valve during emergency operations, or to provide a backup actuator in the case of a primary actuator malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT (TIANJIN) VALVES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Li Nannan, Gao Chun
  • Publication number: 20110090488
    Abstract: An actuator rod position indication device is described, where a unit having a separate enclosing housing on one surface of said housing has mounted a magnetic field sensor, such that a magnet provided on an actuator rod's free end will be moved substantially linearly closer to and further from said sensor during operation of the actuator, where the sensor detects the magnetic field strength between the magnet on the actuator rod and the sensor and uses this information as input in a processor, comprising a storage, in which storage pre-defined activation values are stored, such that when the input corresponds to one of the stored values, an output specific to that value is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Jens Christian Folkmar Andersen, Karsten Schack Madsen, Kenneth Rehhoff
  • Publication number: 20110048539
    Abstract: A device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction (D) comprises a magnetic compass (10) and a selector (20) provided with an alignment mark (21) for aligning the magnetic compass (10) with respect to the direction (D) in which the fluid flows through the valve (V). The compass (10) comprises a reference plane and a magnetic indicator (12) which is mounted such that it can pivot in all three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve, the valve setting being represented by the angle (?) formed, in the reference plane, between the magnetic indicator (12) and the alignment mark (21) when the magnetic indicator (12) is positioned perpendicular to the reference plane, the magnetic compass then being centered on the magnetic centre of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Philippe Negre, Christophe Moureaux, Jean-Philippe Lemaitre
  • Publication number: 20100326288
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes a cooking medium tank for storing the cooking medium and a rotary valve including a rotary inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the cooking medium tank. The rotary outlet further includes a plurality of rotary outlets including a first rotary outlet in fluid communication with a first cooking vessel and a second rotary outlet in fluid communication with a second cooking vessel. Moreover, the rotary valve is configured to selectively place the rotary inlet in fluid communication with one of the plurality of rotary outlets. In other embodiments, the system further includes a motor operatively connected to the rotary valve and configured to operate the rotary valve to select one of the plurality of rotary outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Joe TISZAI, Craig VAGEDES, Tim LANDWEHR
  • Patent number: 7793678
    Abstract: A converter valve allows product dispenser operator to change from a first fluid source to a second fluid source without fluid crossover. The converter valve includes a first port in fluid communication with a dispense point, a second port in fluid communication with a first fluid source having a first fluid, and a third port is in fluid communication with a second fluid source having a second fluid. The converter valve includes a passage between the first and second ports, and a plug in fluid communication with third port. The second and third ports of the converter valve are disposed symmetrically about the first port, and, accordingly, the converter valve is rotatable about the first port. As such, the converter valve delivers the first fluid to the dispense point, and delivers the second fluid through the passage to the dispense point when the converter valve is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Frank Carreño, Michael J. Riley
  • Publication number: 20100170581
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve combination for regulating the rate of flow or the differential pressure in liquid-conveying heating and cooling systems, consisting of a housing (2) provided with a feed pipe (10), a discharge pipe (11) and a connection pipes (6) arranged between them and a regulator (3) which is arranged axially in the connection pipe (6), wherein the regulator (3) keeps the differential pressure constant at a preset value by means of a first flow regulator (4) also arranged axially in the connection pipe (6) and can be adjusted by an actuating part (8) which projects from the housing (2) and acts on a second seat (24), and by means of a presettable second flow regulator (5) which is arranged axially or coaxially thereto, wherein the flow cross section (9) is adjustable, which is characterized in that, when an actuator (29) that acts on the actuating part (8) is installed, the flow cross section (9) is adjustable by means of a handle (7) not covered by the actuator and that, when the actuato
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gerhard Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20100089473
    Abstract: A method of checking the operability of an actuator is provided. The actuator includes a control valve adjustable via an actuating drive by an actuating element, a position sensor detecting the actual position of the actuating element, and an electropneumatic position controller creating a pneumatic controlled variable depending on an actual position and a target position. The target position is provided to the actuating drive via an activated magnetic valve. The actuating element is moved over a section of an adjustment path for an execution of a partial-stroke test of the actuating element, the adjustment movement being detected. The magnetic valve is deactivated for a short time such that the actuating element is moved over only a section of the adjustment path. To facilitate the monitoring of the operability of the actuator, the partial-stroke test and the test of the magnetic valve are performed in a single test sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Nicolas Grein, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100084029
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to indicate a position of a valve are described. An example position indicator apparatus includes a follower operatively coupled to a flow control member of a valve to sense a displacement of the flow control member. The example apparatus further includes a status indicator to provide an indication that corresponds to the displacement of the flow control member to determine one of a plurality of predetermined operational positions of the valve and a visual display to cooperate with the position indicator to indicate a position of the valve corresponding to one of the plurality of predetermined operational positions of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Publication number: 20100037966
    Abstract: A method for checking the functionality of an actuator is provided. A control valve is adjusted by an actuating drive by a manipulating element engaging the control valve, a position encoder captures the actual position of the manipulating element, and an electro-pneumatic position controller generates a pneumatic actuating variable as a function of the actual position and a target position. The actuating variable is applied to the actuating drive by an activated magnetic valve that is deactivated to vent the actuating drive. The magnetic valve is briefly deactivated so that it may be tested, such that the manipulating element moves through only a part of its adjustment path. The magnetic valve test is evaluated as successful if the manipulating element has moved at least a prescribed minimum distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Michaela Braun, Volker Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20100006162
    Abstract: An assembly for estimating consumption of a fluid includes a coupling device enabling fluid flow, a carrier assembly slidingly coupled to the coupling device, a biasing mechanism positioned between the coupling device and the carrier assembly, and a displacement sensing mechanism including a sensor coupled to one of the coupling device and the carrier assembly, and a magnet coupled to the other of the coupling device and the carrier assembly. The displacement sensing mechanism is configured to sense a displacement of the magnet relative to the sensor due to coupling of a fluid source to the coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: COLDER PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventor: William John Rankin
  • Patent number: 7624749
    Abstract: A flow regulator for medical liquids comprising a first body and a second body coupled to one another in a rotatable way and a gasket set between them and overmolded on the second body. Provided thereon is at least one graduated scale formed by impressions and/or, respectively, by reliefs integral with the second body, and by inserts and/or, respectively, by complementary openings of a side skirt of the overmolded gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Industrie Borla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 7609056
    Abstract: Apparatus to determine the position of a movable member of an actuator operating a valve assembly are disclosed. The movable member of the actuator displaces an actuation arm of a position sensor such that relative displacement occurs between a magnetic flux source and a magnetic flux sensor of the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth William Junk, Michel Ken Lovell, Ronald Francis Hurd, Steven B. Paullus
  • Patent number: 7549440
    Abstract: A valve position indicator is directly coupled to a valve shaft. The indicator has a gauge that directly indicates rotation of a valve shaft in a subterranean valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Todd W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7546846
    Abstract: A variable pressure regulator control device comprising a valve body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid pressure-sensing chamber, and a valve seat in fluid communication with said inlet and defining an opening into said chamber, a resilient member having an outer edge and a self-restoring wall of the chamber which is responsive to pressure in said chamber, a valve stem extending through said chamber towards the valve seat, a valve element cooperating with said valve seat, said valve element being located between the valve seat and said fluid inlet, an adjuster mounted to said valve body in a position to deflect said resilient member, thereby moving the valve element away from the valve seat while said member flexes in response to pressure changes within said chamber to control the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat, wherein said valve body includes a base incorporating said inlet, said outlet, and said valve seat, a retainer mounted atop said base, said retainer having an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: I-FLOW Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Publication number: 20090145499
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating drive having a position transmitter for control of an actuating element with a position in a process installation. The position transmitter is equipped with a rotary measurement system whose pivoting range is mechanically limited, with the rotary measurement system having a shaft which is connected to a pick-up lever in an interlocking and unconfusable manner, which pick-up lever is articulated by means of the actuating drive or the actuating element. The shaft and the rotary measurement system are connected to one another via a slipping clutch. Markings are arranged isoazimuthally with respect to the rotation axis of the shaft, on the shaft circumference, and include angle information about the angle of the marking position with respect to the pick-up lever. The digital position transmitter has a sensor system for identification and evaluation of the markings. The slipping clutch has hysteresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kleegrewe, Axel Bredemeyer, Manfred Kluppel
  • Patent number: 7533693
    Abstract: The present invention is a side-mounted position indicator for use with a flapper check valve. The indicator is located outside the valve body and attaches to an internal, cylindrically-shaped roller that allows limited rotation about one axis. This roller has a tripper rod that extends from one side of the roller and has a round, non-marring plastic ball on its opposite end. The ball is held in contact with the valve flapper using a mechanical spring. A separate flush port is provided to allow for periodic internal cleaning without substantial disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: GA Industries, LLC
    Inventors: G. A. Pete Colton, Jr., Richard R. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20090120515
    Abstract: A flow rate measurement valve calculates the flow rate of the fluid flowing in a valve body from the differential pressure of the fluid pressure in a flow route upstream from a valve element arranged in the valve body and the fluid pressure in a flow route downstream from the valve element. The downstream fluid pressure is detected without the influence of dynamic pressure by detecting the pressure of fluid stopped in a fluid stagnation part formed in part of the flow route downstream from the valve element. The downstream fluid pressure is measured through a downstream fluid pressure conduction route that passes through an inner peripheral surface of the valve body facing the fluid stagnation part and an outer peripheral surface of the valve body where a downstream fluid pressure detection means is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Ohtani, Motohiro Furuya
  • Patent number: 7472884
    Abstract: When a request to start driving a drive valve has been made, the ECU performs a program including a step in which time-measurement using a timer is started; a step in which an electric current I (0) is supplied to an open/close coil; a step in which a supply of an electric current is stopped when a period of T/4 has elapsed; a step in which the electric current I (0) is supplied to the open/close coil when another period of T/4 has elapsed; and a step in which a holding current I (h) is supplied to the open/close coil when the drive valve comes close to the valve opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nishida, Mikio Yokota
  • Publication number: 20080308157
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to indicate a position of a valve are described. An example apparatus includes a first pressure sensor to detect an inlet pressure of a valve, a second pressure sensor to detect an outlet pressure of the valve, and a controller operatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a position of the valve corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined operational states of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Yin Zhuang, Lu Cang, Fan Jian Jun
  • Publication number: 20080264497
    Abstract: A position indicator (20) mountable on a valve housing (12) that forms a chamber that holds a piston assembly (24) that can slide to different positions spaced along an axis (32) that extends in front and rear directions (F, R), to indicate the position of the piston assembly along the axis. The position indicator includes a frame (60) that forms a cavity (62), a plunger (50) that is slidably mounted on the frame, and a spring (70) that urges the plunger forward along the axis. A plurality of switches (81-83) are mounted in the cavity, and a switch operator in the form of a slider (72) coupled to the plunger rear end to move with it, operates different switches as the plunger moves forward and rearward along the axis. The valve housing has a rear end (22) that can be opened and the indicator frame in mounted on the housing rear end, with a plunger front end (56) projecting forward of the frame and into the housing chamber (34) and abutting a rear end of the piston assembly in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: James E. Rodriguez, Angel Ching
  • Publication number: 20080202607
    Abstract: A valve body defines a fluid passage and a valve sealing body is positioned there. The valve sealing body is operable between open and closed positions which allow for fluid-flow and non-flow, respectively. The valve stem has a free end and an engagement end where the engagement end engages the valve sealing body so that rotation of the valve stem operates the valve sealing body between the open and closed positions. A measurement passage is defined through the valve stem from the free end to the engagement end. The measurement passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage when the valve sealing body is in the open position, and at least one sealing member is positioned within the measurement passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mark C. Hegberg, Amjed Shafique, Prasert Buranatum, Chalard Bunluaphob
  • Patent number: 7409965
    Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic voting trip block defines three separate paths between an inlet and an outlet port. Each path is intersected by a valve cylinder. Valve pistons in each valve cylinder are configured, in the activated position, to block two of thee different paths. As long as at least two of the pistons are in the activated position, communication between the inlet and outlet ports is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventors: Samuel Blaser, Heinz Vogler
  • Patent number: 7392817
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Anthony Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 7377291
    Abstract: A multiport rotary valve has a stator with plural flow paths and a rotary valve plate having plural flow channels. The rotary valve plate defines a rotor that rotates relative to the stator to define unique plural fluid pathways from the stator, through the valve plate, and returning through the stator. Rotation of the rotary valve plate is controlled by a microprocessor, which includes an optical sensor to determine the position of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Serveron Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Moon, John Hinshaw, Steve Mahoney
  • Patent number: 7350535
    Abstract: A valve apparatus (100) for use in sterile fluid transfer or isolator systems has open entry (10) and exit (11) sides and a passageway (9) for fluid between the entry (10) and the exit (11) sides. The entry side (10) is connectable to an opening (4c) of a vessel or pipe (4) and the exit side (11) is connectable to downstream processing by means such as tubing, a vessel or a pipe. The entry side (10) includes a rupturable seal (2a) blocking the open entry side (10). Valve (100) also includes an actuator (5) attached to a piston (1) which moves within the valve (100), the piston being connected to the seal so that on movement of the piston, the seal is torn free from the entry side thereby allowing fluid gain entry to the valve (100) and to pass along the passageway (9) between the open entry (10) and exit (11) sides to downstream processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: GL Tool and Manufacturing Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Liepold, Dietrich Bizer
  • Patent number: 7314021
    Abstract: An operation indicator is provided to indicate the open/closed status of device, e.g. a circuit interrupter operable between open and closed operating positions. The operation indicator includes two indicator members having cooperating interleaved or interlaced construction such that a relative small operating stroke of the operable device results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Moninski
  • Publication number: 20070227271
    Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicants: Artel, Inc., Seyonic SA
    Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat
  • Patent number: 7273067
    Abstract: A relatively small, lightweight valve actuator assembly that can withstand relatively high levels of vibration and shock includes a motor, a position sensor, and a drive belt mounted on an actuator housing assembly. The position sensor is preferably disposed within a sensor housing that is mounted on a side of the actuator housing assembly. As a result, the overall center-of-gravity (CG) and weight of the actuator assembly is significantly reduced, as is the overall size envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Quitmeyer, Kellan P. Geck, Louie T. Gaines, Jeff S. Rayner, Charles M. Royalty
  • Patent number: 7264018
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7213606
    Abstract: A valve device comprises a pipe, a first closing element, mobile between a first position in which it leaves the pipe open and a second position in which it seals the pipe closed, a second closing element, mobile between a first position in which it leaves the pipe open and a second position in which it seals the pipe closed; the first and the second closing elements, in their respective second closed positions, form a chamber and the valve device also comprises an orbital head for supporting at least one nozzle which dispenses a washing fluid, for cleaning the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Vima Impianti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Patrizia Nanni
  • Patent number: 7207351
    Abstract: In a switching valve containing a valve member for opening and closing a valve seat and a piston for driving the valve member by the action of a pilot fluid pressure inside a valve housing, a magnet for positional detection is attached to the piston, two sensor attachment grooves extending in the direction of the axial line L of the switching valve and having different groove lengths in accordance with the operational position are formed in parallel on the side face of the valve housing, and magnetic sensors are attached at locations on the side of the innermost end wall in the attachment grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Shinji Miyazoe, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7191800
    Abstract: A fluid power controller device comprises a plurality of valve modules arranged sequentially in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules comprising respectively a principal valve having at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve. At least two of the valve modules placed sequentially in the row direction are spaced from each other with the formation of an intermediate space. In such intermediate space a diagnostic module is placed for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both principal valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Berner, Grzegorz Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 7191797
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Michael Greenfield, Leon Smith