Indicator Element Rigidly Carried By The Movable Element Whose Position Is Indicated Patents (Class 137/556)
  • Patent number: 11674613
    Abstract: A powered actuating assembly configured for mounting on a tubular valve body. The actuating assembly includes: (a) an actuator unit configured to impart torque to the valve stem; (b) an actuator mounting plate with a first surface supporting the actuator unit and a second surface configured to engage and resist movement relative to the valve body; and (c) securing links configured to extend around a valve body surface opposite the mounting plate and secure the mounting plate to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: M & M Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Andy Paul Todd
  • Patent number: 11668403
    Abstract: Technologies are described for devices and methods to seal a diaphragm to a body exterior seal periphery. The methods may comprise rotating a handwheel of a bonnet assembly to move a load plate to apply a compression force to a top portion of a transition pressure ring. The top portion of the transition pressure ring may have a circular cross section. A bottom portion of the transition pressure ring may include a bead that may project out from a bottom surface of the bottom portion and may have a congruent shape and size as the body exterior seal periphery. The body exterior seal periphery may not be congruent to the circular cross section of the top portion. The compression force may press the bead against a diaphragm assembly and the diaphragm against the body exterior seal periphery, to seal the diaphragm to the body exterior seal periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Louis E. Matalon
  • Patent number: 11529457
    Abstract: Medical device having a detachable cover element A medical device (1) for administering a medical solution to a patient comprises a housing (10), a receptacle (12) for receiving a pumping apparatus (3) for administering the medical solution to the patient, and a cover element (2) for covering the receptacle (12). The cover element (2), in a connected state, is pivotably connected to the housing (10) about a pivot axis (P) by means of a hinge connection, the hinge connection being releasable for detaching the cover element (2) from the housing (10). In this way a medical device is provided which may have an increased adjustability for use in different environments in a healthcare environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Fresenius Vial SAS
    Inventors: Remi Duprez, Damien Archat, Mathieu Paoli, Abdel-Nasser Jhuboo, Thibault Cretinon
  • Patent number: 11236843
    Abstract: A device is configured to monitor a state of a rotatable handle of a valve when the device is attached to the rotatable handle. The device comprises a vector magnetometer configured to measure a magnetic field. The device comprises a processing unit configured to obtain from the vector magnetometer measurements of the magnetic field when the handle is rotated; calculate a change in the state of the rotatable handle based on a difference between the measurements of the magnetic field; and report the change in the state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN, IMEC VZW, ALOXY NV
    Inventors: Maarten Weyn, Jan Coppens
  • Patent number: 11033707
    Abstract: A portable control device (10) for regulating a continuous oxygen flow to a user from an oxygen source, comprising: an inlet (11), to which the oxygen source may be fluidly connected; an outlet (12), to which a breathing device may be fluidly connected; a valve arrangement (20) fluidly connected to said inlet and to said outlet, said valve arrangement being adjustable between a maximum flow state corresponding to a maximum continuous flow of oxygen from the inlet to the outlet, and a minimum flow state corresponding to a minimum continuous flow of oxygen; and an actuator (13) movable between a maximum and a minimum position and being mechanically connected to the valve arrangement so that when said actuator is in the maximum position said valve arrangement is in the maximum flow state and when said actuator is in said minimum position said valve arrangement is in said minimum flow state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: LungFlex AB
    Inventors: Pär Andersson, Kjell Henriksson, Bengt Hansson
  • Patent number: 10960195
    Abstract: The device includes a manipulation mechanism for maneuvering a base into position proximate a subcutaneous port. Arms extending from the base enable the device to receive the port and substantially immobilize the port relative to the device. The manipulation mechanism also enables a user to substantially immobilize the device relative to a patient. With the subcutaneous port substantially immobilized by the device, the user has greater confidence and accuracy when inserting a needle into the port. Further, embodiments of the device provide protection to the user to prevent inadvertent sticking of the user as the needle is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Sadiel E. Garcia-Menocal
  • Patent number: 10960135
    Abstract: A valve and a method for administering a plurality of drug fluids to a patient are disclosed. For each drug fluid, the valve may be rotated into a selected drug position associated with the drug fluid. With the valve being in the selected drug position, a backpriming may be performed of a connector line of a drug container containing the drug fluid. Thereafter, the drug fluid may be administered with the valve being in the same selected drug position. Thereafter, the valve may be flushed, optionally while maintaining the same selected valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CYTO365 AB
    Inventor: Micael Tornblom
  • Patent number: 10920980
    Abstract: A gas manifold for a convection conveyor oven includes an elongated housing having a wall that at least partially encloses an interior volume; a gas inlet in fluid communication with the interior volume and extending through the wall; a plurality of gas outlets in fluid communication with the interior volume and extending through the wall; a plurality of seat inserts removably coupled with a plurality of gas outlets; a plurality of valve openings formed in the wall and aligned opposite the plurality of gas outlets; and at least one valve removably coupled to the wall and aligned with a first valve opening, wherein the valve is aligned with a first gas outlet and has a first position in which a first seat insert is not in fluid communication with the gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
    Inventors: William S. Schjerven, Sr., Richard H. Van Camp, Theodore James Chmiola, Brent James Carlson, Robert Edward Jacob
  • Patent number: 10876650
    Abstract: A pressure equalization valve comprises a first pressure cylinder, a second pressure cylinder, an aperture, and a stationary member. The stationary member is located between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. The second pressure cylinder is located within the aperture. A primary piston is located within the first pressure cylinder and a secondary piston is located within the second pressure cylinder. A stem is directly connected to the aperture and the primary piston. The stem includes a fluid passage between the first pressure cylinder and the second pressure cylinder. When a pressurized fluid is introduced into the first pressure cylinder, the pressurized fluid pushes the primary piston and the stem to open the aperture in a linear direction, the pressurized fluid travels to the second cylinder through the fluid passage and pushes against the aperture in the same direction as said first piston further opening the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lund, David J. Adams
  • Patent number: 10760710
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes: a valve body, a valve seat, a valve rod, a flow display device, a transparent cap and a turning knob. The flow display device is installed around a display section of the valve seat, includes a plurality of display straps observable from any direction via the transparent cap in order to determine the instant fluid flow rate regardless of whether the location of the flow control valve in an open and unobstructed space, or many obstacles in the wall, corner, or narrow space. The user can clearly see the flow display device from any angle so as to determine the real-time flow rate without deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Eric Tsou
  • Patent number: 10691146
    Abstract: A control valve for adjusting fluid flow has a cylindrical housing bushing with a first and a second flow opening. A control bushing is arranged coaxially in the housing bushing and adjustable between control positions opening and/or closing the flow openings. A first spacer disk and a second spacer disk are arranged axially spaced apart at the housing bushing and surround the housing bushing. At least the first spacer disk is arranged eccentrically at the housing bushing by eccentric displacement relative to a longitudinal axis of the control valve. A first side of the housing bushing has a larger radial spacing relative to an outer rim of the first spacer disk than a second side of the housing bushing. At least one of the first and second flow openings is arranged at the first side of the housing bushing. A cooling system is provided with such a control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Talmon-Gros, Christoph Baumann, Christopher Mueller, Markus Braeuer
  • Patent number: 10655744
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems for mitigating erosion in flow conduits, and may include a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a flow path there between. A movable or static (passive) insert is disposed within the housing and may be configured to alter a flow of a fluid passing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The apparatus may also include a mechanism to adjust a position of the movable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: WorleyParsons Europe Ltd.
    Inventor: Prasad Laxman Kane
  • Patent number: 10655753
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic spool valve, comprising: a spool, axially movable within a manifold; a position feedback system provided at a first end of the spool; and an end cap provided on said first end so as to form a first high pressure reservoir between the end cap and the first end of the spool. The end cap provided on the end of the spool partly defines the high pressure reservoir by containing the high pressure fluid in the vicinity of the spool end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: CLAVERHAM LTD.
    Inventors: Jamie Philips, Reg Raval
  • Patent number: 10648587
    Abstract: A fluid valve incorporates a plunger with a fluid channel. The plunger is connected to a boss coupled to a diaphragm, this boss also includes a fluid channel and the plunger and boss fluid channels are in fluid communication. The boss fluid channel opens to the backside of the diaphragm in the valve cavity and permits substantially complete pressurization or evacuation of the volume behind the diaphragm in the valve. The substantially complete pressurization of the volume behind the diaphragm enables full closure of the diaphragm and improves contact of the diaphragm with the valve seat thereby improving performance of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Iraj Gashgaee, George Gonnella, Bruce Garber
  • Patent number: 10641399
    Abstract: A valve (100, 200, 300). The valve (100, 200, 300) comprises a valve body (1); a valve rod (4, 302); a valve core (2, 2?, 304); a valve base (3, 305); a transmission apparatus (5?, 5?, 307) used for transmitting movement of the valve rod (4, 302) to the valve core (2, 2?, 304); and a limiting apparatus (1h, 1g) used for limiting the movement sequence of the valve core (2, 2?, 304). The limiting apparatus (1h, 1g) is used for limiting the movement of the valve core (2, 2?, 304) during opening of the valve (100, 200, 300). The valve (100, 200, 300) can be opened according to a movement sequence, has a compact structure, and is easy to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI HONGYAN RETURNABLE TRANSIT PACKAGINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhengwei Fang
  • Patent number: 10596314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion flow adjuster which is used in order to adjust the flow rate of an infusion solution to be administered when performing infusion therapy, and relates to an infusion flow adjuster in which an arc-shaped flow path for adjusting the distance through which the infusion solution passes and a circular flow path for inducing discharge of the infusion solution that has passed through the arc-shaped flow path are constituted in a single plane, and which is easy to produce as a product for accurately adjusting the flow rate, affords convenience of handling being provided with a handle in a suitable position, and also, in addition to allowing fine adjustment of the flow rate, limits the maximum flow rate to an appropriate value, so being convenient to use during actual infusion therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hanvit MD Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Doo Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 10494797
    Abstract: A shower control assembly for adjusting a temperature of water in a shower includes a base that is coupled to a wall in a shower thereby facilitating the base to be aligned with a valve that is coupled to the wall. A cover is rotatably coupled to the base and the cover is in mechanical communication with the valve. The cover is manipulated thereby facilitating the valve to be adjusted between a cold position and a hot position. A knob is rotatably coupled to the cover and the knob is in mechanical communication with the valve. The knob finely adjusts the valve between the cold position and the hot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Armand Matossian
  • Patent number: 10295100
    Abstract: A variable flow module controls flow of a fluid through a fluid distribution system. More specifically, the variable flow module comprises one or more rotatable elements allowing for the flow of the fluid, such as water, to vary in flow volume through a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Polycarb Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Handley, Charles Robert Gass
  • Patent number: 10251332
    Abstract: A row crop planter has a pneumatic system for conveying seeds to individual row units employing three-way splitters above certain master row units for supplying seed to each master row unit and a pair of associated slave row units. Each three-row splitter has an upper inlet chamber of annular shape with an offset inlet coupled to a conveying hose for receiving an air entrained seed flow, and an annular passageway extending downwardly from the inlet chamber to an outlet for delivering seeds to the master unit below. A pair of laterally extending slave outlet conduits extend obliquely upward and each has a jumper hose connecting with an adjacent slave unit. The flow circulating within the annular region allows seeds to fall downwardly and air to spiral upwardly into a supplemental air conduit. An air bypass passageway conveys air flow from the supplemental air conduit toward the slave outlet conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Frank C. Legner, III
  • Patent number: 10252304
    Abstract: A method of remediating an environmental contaminant and device for performing the same is disclosed herein. The device uses a liquid carrier source with a venturi pump in liquid communication with the liquid carrier source and an output for the venturi pump and at least one injection port in fluid communication with the output of the venturi pump. The injection port injects a remediator, such as an oxidizing material or chemical, into the liquid carrier, which is then contacted with the environmental contaminant and permitted to degrade or dispose of the environmental contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: EN RX Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance I. Robinson, Erik R. Piatt
  • Patent number: 10197183
    Abstract: Example valve stem and plug connections and example staking tools are described herein. An example apparatus includes a valve plug having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a bore extending from the first side to the second side. A first portion of the bore is tapered from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A valve stem is disposed within the bore of the valve plug. The valve stem includes a first section, a second section and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is tapered from a third diameter to a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. The tapers of the first portion of the valve plug and the third section of the valve stem, when engaged, create a frictional force that resists movement of the valve stem out of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Paul Taylor Alman
  • Patent number: 10046955
    Abstract: An extendable folding boom includes a turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of boom segments pivotable at folding joints about respectively horizontal folding axes with respect to an adjacent boom segment or the turntable, and a sensor configured to sense a folding angle between two adjacent boom segments or between a boom segment and the turntable. The sensor includes a field-generating element and a field-sensing element spaced apart from each other along a horizontal axis in a contactless arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SCHWING GMBH
    Inventors: Reiner Vierkotten, Carsten Conrad
  • Patent number: 9957771
    Abstract: A status assembly to provide visual and electronic indication of the position (open, closed, in-between) of the ram of a ram-type blowout preventer (BOP). The assembly is capable of coupling with a hydraulic motor that can be used to open and close the ram locks. The status assembly includes a rotatable element protruding from the BOP, a gear rotatable by the rotatable element, and an indicator that indicates the rotation position of the rotatable element and thus the linear position of the BOP ram. Some embodiments can also include a sensor that outputs an electronic signal to the system operator and can be incorporated into the main display for the BOP control system. This device is able to give immediate feedback to operators and to indicate whether each ram has achieved its intended travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Jaffrey, Gerrit M. Kroesen, John Mangan
  • Patent number: 9931665
    Abstract: A liquid compound dispensing apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of liquid compound onto a workpiece is described. The apparatus comprises a cartridge system. The cartridge system may accept a liquid compound cartridge containing liquid compound. The apparatus also comprises a plate, having a threaded bore, positioned above the cartridge system that is movable in a first and second direction, at least one plunger attached to the plate at a first end and attached to a piston at a second end. The piston is dimensioned to move within the liquid compound cartridge to displace liquid compound when the plate is moved in the second direction. A driving mechanism moves the plate in the first and the second directions to dispense product and comprises a motor, a threaded rod disposed through the threaded bore of the plate that is driven by a driving belt attached to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Dason Cheung, Murad Kurwa, Raymundo Alatorre Mercado
  • Patent number: 9874312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas container (20), such as a gas cylinder, a valve unit fixed to the gas container (20) and a protective cap (1, 2, 3, 4) arranged around the said valve unit, the protective cap (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising an opening (9) in which a rotary control member (5) is housed. The opening (9) is bordered by a protruding brim (7) jutting out from the external surface of the body (2) of the protective cap (1, 2, 3, 4). The protruding brim (7) comprises a cutout (8) forming a reading window so that marks or markings (11) corresponding to gas flow-rate values can be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude, Air Liquide Santé (International)
    Inventors: Antoine Frenal, Damien Germani, Renaud Ligonesche, Beatriz Lopez, Philippe Rudnianyn, Chiara Tarantello, Catherine Vivier
  • Patent number: 9862065
    Abstract: A support device (1) for supporting motor vehicles, with two plate-like bodies, wherein one of these plate-like bodies is a base plate (2) and the other of these plate-like bodies is a support plate (4) capable of being laid on this base plate (2), wherein the base plate (2) has a first even surface (2a) which is opposite a second even surface (4a) of the support plate (4) and wherein the support plate (4) has a support face (4b) for supporting the motor vehicle. According to the invention the support device (1) has a separation device (6, 62, 32, 34) which at least for a time generates a force which acts between the base plate (2) and the support plate (4) and which holds the support plate (4) in a hovering state above the base plate (2), in which hovering state, in particular, the first even surface (2a) and the second even surface (4a) do not touch each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Herrmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Rothkegel
  • Patent number: 9777869
    Abstract: Disclosed is a female coupling member which includes a housing having a fluid passage extending therethrough, a valve member selectively opening and closing the fluid passage, and a valve open-closed state indicating member. The valve open-closed state indicating member has a valve open state indicating part and a valve closed state indicating part and is displaced in response to the displacement of the valve member. When a male coupling member is connected to the female coupling member, and when the valve member is in an open position, the valve open state indicating part is visible from the outside of the housing through a window of the housing, whereas, when the valve member is in a closed position, the valve closed state indicating part is visible from the outside of the housing through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Kamimura, Kazunori Aoki
  • Patent number: 9752685
    Abstract: A flow rate control apparatus includes a valve mechanism capable of controlling a flow rate of a pressure fluid that flows from a second port to a first port. Second stopper walls are formed on a seating section of a needle valve constituting the valve mechanism and which is capable of advancing and retracting in an axial direction. In addition, in a total valve-closed state when the seating section of the needle valve is seated on a seat of a first body, the second stopper walls come into abutment and are stopped in a circumferential direction of the needle valve with respect to first stopper walls of the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Shishido
  • Patent number: 9714552
    Abstract: A well comprising: (a) a safety mechanism, the safety mechanism comprising: (i) an obstructing member moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted; (ii) a movement mechanism; (iii) and a wireless receiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal; wherein the movement mechanism is operable to move the obstructing member from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions in response to a change in the signal being received by the wireless receiver; (b) sensors to detect a parameter in the well, in the vicinity of the safety mechanism; wherein a sensor is provided above and a sensor is provided below the safety mechanism. Embodiments of the invention have acoustic and/or electromagnetic receivers or transceivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Metrol Technology Limited
    Inventors: Shaun Compton Ross, Leslie David Jarvis
  • Patent number: 9709465
    Abstract: The invention is a pump testing system that allows users to test centrifugal pumps by the use of an artificially controlled load, measure flow of the pump under controlled operating parameters, and ensure that the pump meets industry standards of operation. The specific embodiment disclosed herein concerns centrifugal pumps used in fire fighting vehicles, but is not limited to such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Dale Alexander
  • Patent number: 9695945
    Abstract: A fine control gas valve is disclosed. The valve has a tee having first and second tee runs co-axially aligned on a longitudinal axis, and a tee branch oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. A rotatable hand operator member cooperates with a threaded member and a sleeve to enable a valve to be adjustably positioned within the tee. Indicia on the valve may be used to help a user understand how a fluid flow through the valve will be affected by adjustments made by the rotatable hand operator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Colby, Louie Xu Liu
  • Patent number: 9662963
    Abstract: An air damper device for a motor vehicle, comprising a device mount which defines a passage opening and on which at least one air damper extending along an air damper longitudinal axis is displaceably mounted in the region of at least one of its longitudinal ends as a mounting longitudinal end relative to the device mount, an opening cross-sectional area of the passage opening being alterable by displacement of the at least one air damper relative to the device mount, the mounting of the mounting longitudinal end of the air damper comprising a mounting component that has a mounting portion mounted on the device mount so as to be movable relative thereto in the fully assembled state of the air damper device and has a connection portion provided at an axial spacing thereto and connects the mounting portion to the air damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Schneider
  • Patent number: 9637204
    Abstract: A device for providing information on the positioning of a moveable coupling located on a movable end of a fluid transfer line, the other end of which is fixed to a base, includes a first GPS device which is positioned on or adjacent the coupling and provides information on the absolute positioning of the coupling in space, and a second apparatus which is adapted to cooperate directly with the first apparatus and provides information on the positioning of the base. The second apparatus is disposed on or adjacent the base and provides, on the basis of the information on the positioning of the base and the information on the positioning of the coupling, information on the relative positioning of the coupling directly relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Nicolas Sylard
  • Patent number: 9573280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surface area vacuum gripper for sucking and handling workpieces, comprising a housing, in which a negative pressure chamber is provided that can be subjected to negative pressure and wherein the housing comprises on the suction side, facing the workpiece, suction openings having a suction cross-section, wherein a flexible lining is associated to this suction side, which is applied to the workpiece. A film is interposed between the suction side of the housing and the flexible lining. The film includes flow openings which are locally corresponding to the suction openings, wherein the flow resistance of the suction openings is adjustable via the flow cross-section of the flow openings of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventor: Leonhard Harter
  • Patent number: 9574673
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a diaphragm valve having a plurality of sealing members disposed on the diaphragm, the plurality of sealing member and the seat define two intermediate chambers, coupled to at least one and potentially more, alarm port, to alert of leakage of fluid from the inlet side and/or the outlet side. A second aspect of the invention provides at least one angled lip disposed to improve the seal quality of any diaphragm valve. The angled lip enjoys increased sealing responsive to increased pressure of the fluid it seals against. The angled lip may be disposed on the inlet side, he outlet side, or both. In certain embodiments the lip is utilized in a diaphragm having two sealing member forming a single intermediate chamber therebetween when the valve is in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9423046
    Abstract: An apparatus such as for a solenoid valve assembly includes a substantially annular flux collector (12) that has a first arced portion (10) and at least one additional arced portion (14). The first arced portion and the at least one additional arced portion are cooperatively configured to interlock with one another to form the substantially annular flux collector. A method (200) of manufacturing a solenoid valve assembly using the annular flux collector is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Bamber, Robert Dayton
  • Patent number: 9347583
    Abstract: A valve position indicator assembly is disclosed herein. The valve position indicator assembly includes a gearing assembly operable to transmit an input rotation to an output rotation. The gearing assembly includes a first gearing member driven to the output rotation by the input rotation. A rate of the output rotation is a fraction of and less than a rate of the input rotation. The valve position indicator assembly includes: a position indicia engaged with the first gearing member such that the indicia and the first gearing member move together; a scale plate including a plurality of graduated indicia defining a scale of rotation movement of the first gearing member; and a mounting bracket comprising a first slot having a length extending between a first end and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Trumbull Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake J. Emanuel, Francis Craig Newmeyer
  • Patent number: 9316401
    Abstract: A unit for grilling or enjoying the aesthetic qualities of a fireplace where the grilling portion of the unit is located above the fireplace portion of the unit, and above the grilling portion is a hood portion for containing heat near the grilling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Henry Guste
  • Patent number: 9309802
    Abstract: A control valve unit for a liquid circuit of an internal combustion engine, includes a valve housing (1) having at least one inlet opening (2) or outlet opening (2?) and at least two outlet openings (31, 32, 33) or inlet openings (31?, 32?, 33?) and at least two closing elements (41, 42, 43) actuated by a control device (22). The closing elements selectively open or close an associated outlet or inlet opening. The closing elements may be continuously adjusted between maximum open and closed positions. The control device (22) includes at least one displaceable or rotatable cam (6) and includes at least two cam tracks (71, 72, 73), each of which is assigned to a closing element (41, 42, 43) and acts on at least one driving pin (11) that is in contact with said closing element (41, 42, 43). The cams (6) are adjusted by an actuator (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Stéphane Warnery, Pascal Noiseau, Mickael Cormerais
  • Patent number: 9273794
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve actuator having integral status indication includes an actuator housing with a recessed bore and a visual indicator coupled to a piston within a cylinder. An actuating pressure chamber is located also within the cylinder. The piston reciprocates in the cylinder in response to fluid pressure build-up in the actuating pressure chamber, and the visual indicator reciprocates within the bore. The visual indicator coupled to the piston can be in a retracted configuration when actuating pressure is not present in the pressure chamber and can be in an extended configuration when actuating pressure is presented in the pressure chamber. The visual indicator, which can have a portion that extends outside the bore colored to provide an indication of the operating state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Roger Gregoire
  • Patent number: 9205020
    Abstract: Exemplary massaging applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual, such as a person or creature, and methods of applying topical oils are disclosed. Some embodiments of an exemplary massaging applicator device may include a body; a vibration assembly disposed within the body; at least one container configured to hold topical oil; and at least one roller-ball foot coupled to the body, wherein the container is in fluid communication with the at least one roller-ball foot such that the at least one roller-ball foot is configured to apply the topical oil. The topical oil may comprise an essential oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Young Living Essential Oils, LC
    Inventors: D. Gary Young, Son Q. Le, Marc F Schreuder, Cole L. Woolley
  • Patent number: 9103460
    Abstract: A control head for a fluidically actuated valve having a main body which comprises a coupling device for fixing the main body to a shaft section of the valve and which supports a control valve device which is designed to provide a control fluid flow for actuating a fluid regulating agent in order to activate the valve, said regulating agent being arranged in the shaft section in a linearly movable manner, and having a path measurement device arranged on the main body, which is designed to determine an axial position of the regulating agent along a movement axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Moedinger, Mathias Schneider
  • Patent number: 9103423
    Abstract: There is provided a linear actuator including an output shaft formed with a helical groove, a retainer having a cylindrical shape to receive the output shaft therein, and provided with a plurality of concave portions in dotted manner at positions of an inner peripheral surface thereof along the helical groove, and a rotor magnet fixed to the retainer. Balls are retained in the plurality of concave portions, respectively, and when the retainer is rotated, the balls are moved along the helical groove of the output shaft in a state where the balls are retained in the concave portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Nakamura, Masaaki Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9101345
    Abstract: A surgical tissue anchor comprising a plurality of jaws suitable for clamping onto tissue, clamp component(s) operable to bias the jaws in a closed position and attachment structure operable for attachment of the anchor to one or more tethers for retracting the clamped tissue. The one or more tethers are guided to the desired region using a surgical guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Dundee
    Inventors: Stuart Ian Brown, Stuart Coleman, Alfred Cuschieri, Leslie Kelly, Paul Simon Maher, James Duncan Shaw Martin
  • Patent number: 9022065
    Abstract: The present invention includes pressure event indicators that identify specific pressurized vessels or pipes from which a pressurized fluid has been exhausted, closed pressurized systems that implement such pressure event indicators, and methods of using such pressure event indicators. Embodiments of such pressure event indicators may include a housing having a substantially horizontal elongate passage, a rotatable axle orthogonally passing through the passage, a paddle fixedly attached to the axle having a closed position, an open position, and a shape that is complementary to a portion of the passage and that occludes a portion of the passage when the paddle is in the closed position, and at least one visual indicator outside of the housing and fixedly attached to the axle, where the purpose of the visual indicator is to identify a position of the paddle to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jay Kenan Kliewer, Gordon Dean Brandt
  • Publication number: 20150107704
    Abstract: A flow rate control device is provided with a flow rate adjustment indication device for operating the displacement of a needle valve relative to a flow passage. The flow rate adjustment indication device is provided with a housing, a rotation transmission member which displaces the needle valve by rotational operation, and an annularly shaped indication ring which has a hole through which the rotation transmission member is inserted. The indication ring has graduations which indicate a change in the flow rate of liquid. The engagement of the engagement section of the needle valve displaces the indication ring in the circumferential direction and changes the position of the graduations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Shishido
  • Patent number: 8991420
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, a valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing. A cap is connected to the cap end of the housing. An inlet is located in one of the cap and the housing. A plate is positioned within the housing, the plate having an outer diameter that slidingly engages the inner diameter surface of the housing. The plate moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media from the inlet. A down stop is in contact with the plate. A seal nut has a first end in engagement with the down stop. The seal nut has a second end with an end surface, the end surface being spaced apart from the cap when the plate is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20150075652
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 8960224
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining whether a valve is fully opened or closed. In one embodiment a valve position translator includes a cam tube and a rod. The cam tube has a cylindrical wall. A first slot in the wall is disposed along a radial arc of the tube. A second slot in the wall extends from an end of the first slot at an angle acute to the first slot. The rod extends through the wall, and rotates the cam tube while moving linearly along the cam tube in the second slot and while moving in an arc in the first slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Case, Robert H. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20150034187
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body (122) comprising a fluid inlet (132) and fluid outlet (134), a valve member (128) disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber (140) above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger (102) proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: FMC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A. Crawford, William H. Garner