Valve In Each Inlet Patents (Class 137/606)
  • Patent number: 5865473
    Abstract: In a water flow system, a non-metallic liner 50 is placed within at least a portion of a passage 48 of a supporting metallic end body 38 to preclude contact between any water flowing through the system and the passage of the end body. The liner 50 includes a flared section 60 at a first end 54 thereof which engages a bevelled surface 49 of the end body 38 and is held there in sealing fashion by a cone washer 82 and a nut 84 threadedly coupled to the end body. At a location near a second end 56 of the liner 50, the liner is formed with a first stepped shoulder 62 which facilitates location of the liner within the passage 48 of the end body 38 at the second end of the liner. A second stepped shoulder 64 is formed on the liner 50 which provides a location for an O-ring 72 which engages an adjacent portion of the passage 48 of the end body to form a seal thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Mario E. Semchuck, Curtis S. Woolley, Joe D. Rodriquez
  • Patent number: 5862832
    Abstract: An improved gradient proportioning valve compensates for hydraulic inertia in a compact, reliably sealed valve assembly that is less susceptible to unswept volumes and gas permeation. A flat diaphragm is located within an accumulator volume integral to a valve manifold block. The compliance and damping of the diaphragm are optimized for the application's flow characteristics. Sealing of the diaphragm is provided by a sealing plug installed in the manifold block. The diaphragm has only one sealing joint. The sealing plug configuration allows for a more reliable clamping and sealing of the diaphragm which reduces and substantially eliminates the potential for leaks. Potential for unswept volumes is substantially eliminated by including the accumulator volume as a unitary part of the valve manifold. Air permeation into the fluid stream is substantially reduced by a reduction in surface area and exposed liquid volume in the accumulator, effected by including the accumulator volume as part of the valve manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Richard Victor, Robert J. Dumas, William W. Carson
  • Patent number: 5850853
    Abstract: A fluid control system, and its valve assemblies, are used to control the feeding of fluids accurately (by operating (opening and closing) valves promptly and accurately), for the manufacture of semiconductors, magnetic thin films, biotechnical products, and other products. The fluid control system comprises a principal control line (L) and plural branch control lines (L.sub.1, L.sub.2, . . . ) for feeding plural types of fluid (G.sub.1, G.sub.2, . . . ) into a processing device (C) coupled to the principal control line, and plural valve assemblies (V) incorporated in the branch control lines (L.sub.1, L.sub.2, . . . ) for switching the fluids (G.sub.1, G.sub.2, . . . ) supplied into the processing device (C). Each of the valve assemblies (V) comprises a fluid drive valve (V') having a fluid pressure actuator (1), and an electromagnetic valve (V") integrally attached, in single housing, substantially without hoses, to the fluid drive valve (V') to feed a working fluid (A) into the fluid pressure actuator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, Tadahiro Ohmi
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Michio Yamaji, Nobukazu Ikeda, Hiroshi Morokoshi
  • Patent number: 5829476
    Abstract: A dual-stream filling valve is used in a flowable material filling apparatus to introducing at least two flowable materials into a container. The dual-stream filling valve defines a material flow path therethrough. The valve includes a primary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end and defining a primary filling tube internal flow region. The primary filling tube defines a first opening therein intermediate the inlet and discharge ends. A secondary filling tube has an inlet end and a discharge end and defines a secondary filling tube internal flow region. The secondary filling tube is positioned at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow region, penetrating the primary filling tube through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Yutaka Kaneko, Adam M. Koller, Sven Arne Anderssen, Bengt Andersson
  • Patent number: 5826617
    Abstract: A water sink system comprises two knobs each turnable to adjust hot water and cold water correspondingly, and means for turning knobs to a predetermined angle so that a water from a mixing device connected with both the knobs flows with a desired temperature, the means including a scale formed as a disc and provided with a plurality of lines with numbers, and a central opening so as to be placed on an outer surface of a sink, and a pointer arranged in a bushing extending through the central opening of the scale and located inside a handle, so that by turning of the handle the pointer is turned relative to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Naum Pokhis
  • Patent number: 5810042
    Abstract: A device for ensuring the safety of the oxygen and gas supply to a welding and cutting torch (4). The object of the device is to prevent accidental escape of oxygen and/or gas when the torch is not in use. For this purpose, the device is characterized in that the oxygen supply line and the gas supply line each contain a controlled regulating valve (10, 12), which valves are connected to a common control line (14). The oxygen supply line, downstream of the regulating valve (12), viewed in the direction of flow of the oxygen, contains a starting tank (20), and a flow-pressure switch (21) which operates a regulating slide valve (16) accommodated in the control line, said control line being in communication by way of the regulating slide valve and a line (30) with the part of the oxygen supply line situated upstream of said regulating valve (12).The invention is also embodied in a flow-pressure switch, which is suitable in particular for use in the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Bastiaan van der Plaat
  • Patent number: 5777213
    Abstract: The invention provides a preparative liquid chromatography apparatus wherein flow rate control can be effected in a wider range and with a higher degree of accuracy than where a pump is used while preventing production of air bubbles in liquid and the mixture ratio of chemicals can be controlled in a wide range and with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: TFC Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Tsukazaki, Kazuya Akaike
  • Patent number: 5765591
    Abstract: A valve apparatus (2) for selectively distributing the sequential passage of separate, organic fluids to a common receiver, such as a reaction vessel. The valve apparatus comprises a valve body member (16) having multiple openings (56) and a plurality of separate conduits (54) each communicating a fluid source with one of the openings. The body member also has a common passage (60) with circular groove portions (62) surrounding the openings so that fluid flows radially outward from the openings toward the common passage. A plurality of pistons (30) are individually reciprocable between first and second positions for controlling fluid flow between associated openings and the common passage. The invention also provides a system (100) and method for measuring and delivering a precise quantity of each of the organic fluids, e.g., chemical reagents, to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Argonaut Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Wasson, Steve Miller, Peter Wright, Daniel M. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 5738662
    Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure, and retrograde flow through the first inlet is controlled by a flapper portion which may be biased to an open position to allow unrestricted flow from the first inlet to the outlet or configured so as to be in sealing contact with a valve seat in order to preferentially inhibit flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Pacific Device/Avail Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Shannon, Donald Henry Koenig
  • Patent number: 5730167
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing device which comprises an inner housing (11) provided with a hot water inlet hole (17), a cold water inlet hole (18) and a mixed water delivery hole (19), and an outer housing (31) having openings (33, 34, 32) communicating with a hot supply passage (15), a cold water supply passage (16) and a mixed water supply passage (14). The inner housing (11) is inserted into the outer housing (31) to form a hot water passage (20), a cold water passage (35) and a mixed water passage (30) between the outer housing (31) and the inner housing (11). The hot water passage (20) and the mixed water passage (30) are formed by enclosing the hot water inlet hole (17) and the mixed water delivery hole (19) by the respective seal members (26, 29) which each are partly arranged so as to intersect with the circumferential line of the inner housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Enoki, Toshihide Ushita, Hideyuki Matsui, Tatsuo Matsukuma, Yuji Matsuo, Mineo Nakashima, Hirosi Tutiya, Satoru Furuta
  • Patent number: 5706859
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for controlling a flow of gaseous or liquid fluid and including a valve housing having a valve chamber, into which opens a central channel and on each side thereof a first side channel and a second side channel, respectively, each having an external connection for fluid, valve seats arranged in the housing, an elastic diaphragm adapted to be brought into and away from sealing contact with at least one of the valve seats and controls for actuating the diaphragm. At least one portion of each valve seat is common to the central channel and one of the side channels. Two controls are arranged to press the diaphragm against one such portion each, thereby to shut off the passage of fluid between the central channel and the respective side channel, and to raise one portion each of the diaphragm off the respective portion of the valve seat thereby to open passage of flow between the central channel and the respective side channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Robovalve AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Backlund
  • Patent number: 5697888
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having main body and an outer unit. The main body has an insertion section. The outer unit comprises an inner tube removably mounted on the insertion section and an inner tube removably mounted on the inner tube. A first passage is provided between the inner tube and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section, and a second passage is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube. Liquid is supplied to and drawn from the distal end of the insertion section through one of the passages. Gas is applied onto the distal end of the insertion section through the other of the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Kobayashi, Takao Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5695478
    Abstract: Safety connector for infusion therapy for supplying several lines and having a casing (1) in which there is a chamber (4) that is bordered by an essentially cylindrical inside wall (5) of the casing into which several connecting channels (2) for joining infusion lines open and which has an outlet channel (9) for attaching an outlet line. The cylindrical outside wall of an elastic ring-shaped valve body is in contact with the inside wall (5) of casing (1) that surrounds chamber (4). The safety connector is simple and inexpensive and has an uncomplicated design. The cylindrical contact surfaces between the ring-shaped valve body and the cylindrical inside wall (5) surrounding chamber (4) result in a good seal for the non-return valves even at a low contact pressure. The sealing force can be determined even down to a very low pressure. Thus, for the first time a safety connector suitable for gravity infusion systems is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Hans Haindl
  • Patent number: 5671776
    Abstract: An end body 34 is formed with a chamber 45 having a bevelled surface 62 and a cylindrical wall 60 in a portion thereof. A sleeve 46 is formed with an outward flange 48 at one end thereof and an annular bead 50 near another end 54 thereof. The sleeve 46 is formed with a press fit section 56 between the end 54 and the bead 50 thereof. The sleeve 46 is inserted axially into the chamber 45 of the end body 34 and the section 56 thereof is press fit into the cylindrical wall 60 of the end body with the bead 50 locating on the bevelled surface 62 of the end body. A valve 44 is threadedly attached to an end 58 of the end body 34 whereby a seal 64 of the valve engages the flange 48 of the sleeve 46. Water enters the end body 34 at the bottom thereof and flows into an axial passage 49 of the sleeve 46. If valve 44 is closed, the water will not flow any further. If the valve 44 is open, water will flow through the sleeve 46, the valve, the chamber 45 and out of the end body 34 to other facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Minassian, Donald J. Segien, Jr., Paul F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5669417
    Abstract: A water-guide device in a tap, which includes an outlet connector with a circular plate, being mounted on the water outlet of a tap; the circular plate of the outlet connector is mounted on a positioning seat by means of a bubble head; the other end of the outlet connector is formed into a cylindrical part to be connected together with a guide pipe; the guide pipe extends through a passage of the body portion of the tap, and to the outer end of a concave seat of the water inlet; the guide pipe is connected with a snap connector having a partitioning ring, and then is connected with a water valve seat. The guide assembly can provide an isolation structure between the water valve seat and the bubble head so as to prevent water stream containing heavy lead from contact with the tap, i.e., to avoid lead being dissolved into water to jeopardize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Kuo Lian-Jie
  • Patent number: 5653807
    Abstract: An epitaxial film deposition system has a low vacuum venturi pump for initially partially purging the system of toxic gases, and a high vacuum turbo-molecular pump to further sharply reduce the pressure to maximize toxic gas purging along with the detection of any slight leaks of toxic gases in the system. A source gas mixing manifold has an array of gas feed lines layed out in a rectangular array for forwarding the gases to the reactor furnace, wherein each feed line has an equal path length between each run valve of the mixing manifold and the reactor to minimize switching transient variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Todd E. Crumbaker
  • Patent number: 5653259
    Abstract: A manifold block and valving system using the manifold block are provided, which are used for conducting chemical reagents, solvents, and other fluids. The manifold block includes a "straight-through" common passage in fluid connection with several entry ports, including also a number of projections in the common passage in the vicinity of the entry ports. These projections partially obstruct the fluid flow, causing a turbulence that provides a washing action in those port regions. The manifold may be constructed of a photosensitive glass ceramic such as Fotoceram.TM. which consists of a number of layers which have been processed to form the manifold block, or of other suitable materials such as silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O. Ramstad
  • Patent number: 5642755
    Abstract: A faucet 30 includes a housing 32 having a base 34 and a spout 36. The base 34 and the spout 36 are each formed with an opening which communicate with each other to form an opening of the housing. A putty plate 54 is formed in a configuration similar to a configuration of the opening of the base 34. The putty plate is formed with a ledge 57 on which is formed a pair of spaced "L" shaped channels 80 and a locking tab 76 with a latch bar 78. A throat plate 104 is formed with a body 106 with a ledge 116 extending therefrom. The ledge 116 is formed with a pair of spaced tabs 118 and 120 extending from one side of the ledge and an elongated hole 122 formed in the ledge between the tabs. A pair of bosses 124 and 126 with holes 128 are formed in spaced portions of the body 106. The tabs 118 and 120 of the throat plate 104 are located in the channels 80 of the putty plate 54 and the latch bar 78 is located in the hole 122 to retain the throat plate with the putty plate as an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Darren M. Mark, Donald J. Segien, Jr., Curtis S. Woolley
  • Patent number: 5579805
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a principal duct on which there are connected, laterally, several ducts for the return of the condensates, each duct comprising two valves separated by a separator, the assembly being characterised in that the principal duct (11) comprises, laterally, several secondary ducts (10) forming at least one coplanar group (B-C) of secondary ducts; in that the manoeuvering rods (13) of the two valves are disposed in alignment in each secondary duct (10); and in that each secondary duct is provided with two lateral connections (17.sub.2, 20), one for a separator (15), the other for the duct (16) for returning the condensates, these two lateral connections being disposed on the same side of the arrangement comprising the coplanar group (B-C) of secondary ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Cruchet Alain
  • Patent number: 5549134
    Abstract: A sanitary valve comprising a valve body, a diaphragm and an actuator is provided. The valve body includes a cavity or bowl which defines a fluid chamber. A hole for passage of fluid into or out of the chamber is located in the bottom of the cavity. A second hole is located in the side of the cavity. Passages connect the holes to connection ports on the outside of the valve body. The ports, passages, holes and fluid chamber provide a fluid path through the valve. The diaphragm is mounted over the cavity and includes in its center a boss or raised area which extends into the cavity. The boss controls the flow of fluid through the valve. The size of the boss is slightly larger than the hole in the center of the cavity. The boss has a thickness selected so that the boss closes the center hole when the diaphragm is flexed towards the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: MarcValve Corporation
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, Marc Baril
  • Patent number: 5524668
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing device comprises an outercasing having openings 51, 52, 170a and 180a which communicate with a hot water supply passage, a cold water supply passage and a mixed water delivery passage, respectively, and a hollow inner casing 60 formed with two primary water holes communicating with the hot water supply passage and the cold water supply passage, respectively, and with a secondary water hole communicating with the mixed water delivery passage, said primary and secondary water holes being penetrated from the outer surface of the inner casing. The inner casing 60 is inserted into the outer casing 50 with a gap remaining radially therebetween, and further, separating members 77 are arranged within the gap, so that fluid passages 55, 176 and 184 are defined between the outer casing 50 and the inner casing 60. All or a portion of the outer casing 50 is formed using a resin material such as engineering plastics or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobusuke Matsuo, Masakazu Kogo, Yoshinori Sagara
  • Patent number: 5495875
    Abstract: A system for continuously filling a plurality of cylinders with a precise concentration of a vaporized liquid component blended into a gas is disclosed wherein the concentration of the liquid component of the resultant final blended mixture is continuously analyzed, and immediately adjusted, during the filling process. Due to the constant analysis and adjustment, any error in the concentration of a component is typically realized before the concentration is outside an acceptable range. The inventive system allows for a large number of cylinders to be accurately and quickly filled with the compressed, final blended mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Scott Specialty Gases, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Benning, Stephen B. Miller
  • Patent number: 5494259
    Abstract: A non-metallic faucet body has spaced hot and cold water hollow inlet shanks and a hollow body located generally centrally between the shanks. The hollow body is formed end adapted to mount a faucet control valve. There ere water conduits connecting the hollow inlet shanks and the hollow body. There is a reinforcing beam which supports the lower side of the conduits, with the beam extending between and being generally continuous from one shank to another. There are reinforcing elements for each of the shanks to resist shank failure from torque applied to the exterior thereof during installation of the faucet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5487408
    Abstract: A water sink system, comprising a water discharge member, two rotatable knobs for allowing hot water and cold water to flow into the water discharge member and meet there to produce discharged water with a desired temperature, a scale provided near each of the turnable knobs and having a plurality of graduation marks, and a pointer provided on each of the turnable knobs and turnable with the latter, so that when a user by turning the turnable knobs reaches a desired temperature, each pointer points to a respective graduation mark of each scale, with graduation marks can be memorized by a user and thereafter he can turn the knobs immediately to the memorized graduation marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Naum Pokhis
  • Patent number: 5469751
    Abstract: The improved valve assembly controls flow of fluid in "stream sampling" applications. The assembly valve block has at least two inlet passages, an outlet passage and a separate flow control valve for connecting each inlet passage to the outlet passage. Each valve has a single primary valving surface and each of the two inlet passages is selectively placed in flow communication with the outlet passage by positioning one of the primary valving surfaces. Actuation of each valve places the corresponding inlet passage in flow communication with an outlet passage common to all inlet passages. Both ends of the outlet passage are connected together by a "smooth bend" curvilinear tube attached to a fluid analyzer. The assembly can be operated by a control device for "programmed" stream sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Weiss, Eugene R. Rommelfaenger
  • Patent number: 5462224
    Abstract: An automatic temperature control means 16 for automatically generating a mixed warm water of prescribed temperature by mixing an introduced hot water from a hot water inflow passage 14 and an introduced cold water from a cold water inflow passage 12 with each other at a flow rate ratio corresponding to the prescribed temperature, and a flow rate control means 19 for regulating the temperature of the discharged mixed warm water by mixing it with a hot or cold water introduced from the hot or cold water inflow passage 14 or 12 through a by-pass 18 around the former means are provided. As a result, mixed warm water of desired temperature can be easily obtained by manipulating the flow rate control means 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Enoki, Osamu Tokunaga, Shinichi Yamato, Masahiko Imazono
  • Patent number: 5452740
    Abstract: A water conservation system including a thermostatically controlled valve means effectively diverts water from the hot water tank to a storage tank until the temperature or the water therefrom reaches a predetermined temperature. The stored water is then caused to be mixed with the water directed to the cold water conduit initially be pressure in the storage tank and subsequently by siphon action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Gerald E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5433238
    Abstract: A system for evacuating a reactor chamber includes a main evacuation line connected at one end thereof to the reactor chamber and at another end thereof to a means for creating a partial vacuum. A valve in the main evacuation line divides the line into a chamber side and a vacuum side. A second line is connected at one end to the vacuum side of the main evacuation line and at another end to a fluid supply source. As the valve in the main evacuation line is opened, fluid is supplied through the second line to the main evacuation line to prevent rapid, turbulence-inducing pressure drops in the reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Cannizzaro, John Cain, Miguel Delgado, Ramiro Solis
  • Patent number: 5431202
    Abstract: A liquid supply set and receiver set are provided for use with an apparatus for compounding liquids from a plurality of supply containers. The supply set includes a plurality of lines connected to a delivery manifold. Each line includes an elongated connector joining two sections of the line together, and each connector includes an inlet extending in a direction perpendicular to the length of the connector and an outlet extending from an end of the connector. The supply set cooperates with a receptacle formed in the frame of the apparatus to properly position the lines for use and to provide an indication of which line corresponds with which supply bottle being used. The receiving set and supply set include cooperative structure for permitting attachment of the receiving set with the supply set while preventing leakage from the supply set when the receiving set is not in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: W. Cary Dikeman
    Inventors: W. Cary Dikeman, Ronald Kemnitzer
  • Patent number: 5431187
    Abstract: A bidet is disclosed which incorporates an anti-scalding mixing valve which automatically limits the temperature of the water emanating from the bidet spray nozzle so as to avoid discomfort for the user. The bidet has a spray arm with a spray nozzle pivotally attached to a mounting bracket structure which may be easily attached to a standard toilet. The bracket may be readily attachable to the toilet by the fasteners utilized to attach a standard seat to the toilet. An anti-scalding mixing valve is attached to the mounting bracket and has an outlet connected to an outlet tube which, in turn, is connected to the spray arm. A housing pivotally attached to the end of the outlet tube is attached to the end of the spray arm such that a linkage mechanism, readily accessible to the user, may pivot the spray arm relative to the outlet tube to move the spray nozzle between a retracted position and a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Ming Z. Nee
  • Patent number: 5429485
    Abstract: An integral disposable manifold and pump cassette, through which fluid is pumped from inlet tubes, forms a single disposable cassette which may be inserted into a single pump housing. The integral disposable manifold and pump cassette includes first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. Sealed inlet channels are formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material, with the sealed inlet channels being connectable to inlet tubes for fluid passage therethrough. The sealed inlet channels can be individually pinched off to prevent fluid passage therethrough. A sealed main channel, which is connected between the inlet channels and an outlet tube is formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. The sealed main channel includes a pumping chamber which is also formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Larry H. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5417348
    Abstract: A mixer tap unit has a body connected to a nozzle having two separate water passages extending the length of the nozzle. A hot water connection, a cold water connection and a filtered water connection are provided for the body. In use, the hot and cold water can mix in a mixing chamber in the tap body and flow along the passage. Filtered water flows separately along the passage. Valves are provided to respectively control the flow of the hot, cold and filtered water. In a preferred form, a chamber allows carbonization of the filtered water prior to delivery to the tap body and the supply of CO.sub.2 gas to the chamber is controllable by a valve. The valve is operated in a first direction to inject CO.sub.2 gas into water in the chamber, and in a second direction to allow the carbonated water to flow to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Avilion Limited
    Inventors: Robert B. Perrin, Gregory N. Rowe, Peter R. Charters, Patrick S. Racz
  • Patent number: 5395352
    Abstract: A Y-adaptor manifold assembly includes a main tubular segment adapted to be coupled to an intravascular catheter. A first, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The first side port forms an infusion port for radiopaque dye. A second, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The second side port and main tubular segment are adapted to receive dilatation catheters. To prevent backbleeding, the second side port and main tubular segment include passive hemostatic valve mechanisms. Each valve mechanism includes a valve member and a disk valve. The valve member has a normally closed, sealed state, an open state and an in-use sealed state. The valve member has an inherent tendency to move to its normally closed, sealed state or its in-use state (wherein the valve member conforms about the dilatation catheter).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: SciMed Lift Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Penny
  • Patent number: 5364065
    Abstract: A push control faucet handle is provided for a sink having a spout which consists of a housing mounted to the sink. A water control valve is connected to bottom of the housing. The water control valve has a first pipe line connected to a water supply and a second pipe line connected to the spout in the sink. A knob rides within the housing and is adjustably coupled to the water control valve. A device is for biasing the knob to a raised position above a top surface of the sink. The knob can be manually rotated to open and close the water control valve to control the flow of water from the water supply to the spout in the sink. A mechanism is for retaining the knob in a lowered position flush with the top surface of the sink, when the knob is pressed down into the housing and for releasing the knob so it will return to the raised position when the knob is pressed again. When the knob is in the lowered position a young child will have difficulty in reaching and operating the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Reef L. Tauati
  • Patent number: 5358177
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided to supply a liquid, for example water, at a constant temperature, for example to a shower by mixing two supplies of the liquid, one hot and the other cold. Control of the output temperature is effected by measuring and controlling the flow rate in one or both of the supplies by way of flow meters having a rapid response time and motor driven valves.In the case where the flow rates in both supplies are measured and controlled it is possible further to control the output flow rate in addition to and independently from the output temperature, also by controlling the flow rates in the supplies.Further accuracy may be achieved by sensing the input supply temperatures in addition to the flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: The Computer Shower Company Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Cashmore
  • Patent number: 5351705
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying and delivering fluids at a constant pressure includes means for measuring fluid pressure, means for measuring fluid flow and means for actuating fluid valves to control fluid pressure and flow through the valves. A programming means is also included so that fluid pressure and flow measurements are processed and the fluid valves are actuated according to a preprogrammed scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Watertronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Reinders, Anton L. Novak, Frank R. Carlson, III
  • Patent number: 5341837
    Abstract: A two line pilot valve used to exhaust hydraulic fluid from a control circuit when the operating conditions within which a flowline is intended to operate are outside of predetermined limits. The pilot exhausts fluid within a control circuit to a reservoir which allows a dump valve to dump fluid from an actuator which causes the actuator to close the flowline. The pilot has a first poppet sleeve which contacts an o-ring. When the poppet sleeve and o-ring separate, fluid is allowed to pass from the inlet port of the pilot to the exit port and thereby exhaust the fluid of the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Barber Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Clarence W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5339859
    Abstract: A water conservation system including a thermostatically controlled valve means effectively diverts water from the hot water tank to a storage tank until the temperature or the water therefrom reaches a predetermined temperature. The stored water is then caused to be mixed with the water directed to the cold water conduit initially be pressure in the storage tank and subsequently by siphon action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5338113
    Abstract: An improved device for acting upon fluids by means of a pressure jump is disclosed. The device consists of a nozzle which receives an active fluid. A passive fluid is provided to the nozzle such that it mixes with active fluid to form a two-phase mixture flowing with subsonic velocity. The passive fluid when mixed with the active fluid partially evaporates thereby increasing the stagnation pressure of the mixture and decreasing its stagnation temperature. An expansion chamber is joined with the nozzle where the two-phase mixture is accelerated. An outlet channel with constant cross-sectional area is connected to the expansion chamber. In the outlet channel, the mixture is accelerated to its supersonic velocity so as to create a pressure jump. The nozzle of the device comprises at least one working section and at least one control section. In the working section, the passive fluid is provided into the flow of the active fluid to create a two-phase mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Vladimir Fissenko
  • Patent number: 5337773
    Abstract: The vaccum-operated draining system comprises a vacuum source (12), a manifold (14,16) connected thereto and a plurality of connecting conduits (22) connected thereto which are respectively closeable by a suction valve (24). To stabilize the vacuum available on the connecting conduits, thereby safe-guarding the operation of suction valves controlled in response to pressure, provision has been made that the manifold (14,16) between the connecting conduits (22) and the vacuum source (12) is continuously inclined and is dimensioned such that the inner cross-section thereof also at peak loads, in part, is clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Harald Michael
  • Patent number: 5329955
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing gases while providing a substantially constant gas-to-gas ratio while increasing or decreasing the flow of the mixture, wherein the flows of gases introduced into the mixing step are turbulent and have a Reynolds number of above about 2000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Selas Corporation of America
    Inventors: Wayne C. Gensler, John J. Van Eerden, Chad F. Gottschlich
  • Patent number: 5325889
    Abstract: A laminated plate structure including conduit and regent delivery means for a fluid delivery system is provided to deliver precise volumes of a plurality of fluids in sequence to a treatment reservoir. Fluid channels are formed in the plate structure to provide a means for delivering fluids from a plurality of fluid reservoirs attached to the plate structure to one or a plurality of treatment reservoirs attached to the plate structure. Each fluid is delivered by a system comprising a fluid reservoir, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the inlet valve and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the positive displacement pump all of which are attached to the plate structure. The means for delivering fluid and the fluid reservoirs are positioned on opposing surfaces of the plate structure. The plate structure is provided with vent holes for venting vapors that may be produced during formation of the plate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Carlton H. Paul, Russell L. Keene, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5320139
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided to deliver precise volumes of a plurality of fluid in sequence to one or more treatment reservoirs. Fluid channels are formed in a plate structure to provide a means for delivering fluids from a plurality of fluid reservoirs to one or a plurality of treatment reservoirs. Each fluid is delivered by a system comprising a pneumatically or electrically activated inlet valve in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the inlet valve and a pneumatically or electrically activated outlet valve in fluid communication with the positive displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Carlton H. Paul, Russell L. Keene, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5318070
    Abstract: A portable electric adapter unit is installed by removing the operating knobs or levers of an existing household faucet and locking the unit to the exposed valve stems. Switches on the unit control motors which drive a gear chain which, In turn, rotate the respective valve stems thereby controlling the temperature and flow of water. A liquid soap dispenser is included in the assembly as well as a pair of switches that allow for setting of the rotation direction of the motors during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Edward C. Surabian
  • Patent number: 5316034
    Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a DNA or protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Porton Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent P. Farnsworth, Paul F. Cartier, III
  • Patent number: 5311899
    Abstract: A coupling device intended to prevent impurities such as dust and particles adhering to the end face of a solution supplying male pipe 2 from being mixed with a high purity chemical solution N, which will be supplied through the device, not to degrade the purity of the solution. It includes a check valve 7 arranged in that end portion of a solution passage 5 in the male pipe 2 which is inserted into a cleaning chamber 15, a valve pusher 44a arranged in that end portion of a solution passage 43 in a solution supplied female pipe 3 which is connected to the passage 5 in the male pipe 2 to push the check valve 7 to open the passage 5, a valve system for opening and closing the passage 43 when the female pipe 3 is reciprocated in the axial direction, and a check valve 51 located on the outlet side of a cleaning liquid passage 48.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Kasei Corporation, Mitsubishi Kasei Engineering Company, Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Isayama, Norihiro Takasaki, Eiji Kariya, Toshiyuki Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5289849
    Abstract: A flow control device with at least one flow channel in a housing that can contain an injection site and/or a pre-biased flow control diaphragm that is stabilized by a flexible contact member. Any flow channel, including that with an injection site, may include a plug acted upon by an external actuator, which can be self-sealing. The injection site with a flexible plug can be used for needleless infusion of fluids, or the flexible plug may be used with a needle for the conventional injection of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph R. Paradis
  • Patent number: 5287886
    Abstract: A gas line override valve for connecting an external gas source to an operational gas line includes a sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end adapted for series connection of the sleeve in the operational gas line, a hole through a wall of the sleeve and a coupling secured in the hole having a passage in pneumatic communication between a first port in the coupling external of the sleeve and a second port in the coupling internal of the sleeve, the second port having an annular seat along a perimeter thereof. A cage extending from the second port into the sleeve loosely contains a ball of diameter greater than the diameter of the annular seat. The cage has openings therethrough for continuous pneumatic communication between the inlet and outlet ends of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Jim L. Russell
  • Patent number: 5261452
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for preparing low concentration gas phase calibration standards. The flows of a standard mixture of impurity in a gas and a dilution gas are controlled by regulating the pressure upstream of respective calibrated orifices. The pressures of the gas flows are regulated such that a critical flow condition is maintained through the orifices. The two flows are then combined to obtain a known dilution of the impurity in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: American Air Liquide
    Inventors: James J. F. McAndrew, Michael D. Brandt
  • Patent number: 5249594
    Abstract: An in-take fuel supply system for a fuel tank that tilts in service comprising a manifold and a plurality of suction pipes that are pivotally attached to inlet ports of the manifold. Each suction pipe extends outwardly of the manifold and has a float valve at the remote end for closing the suction pipe in the absence of sufficient fuel to prevent ingestion of significant amounts of air and vapor. The suction pipes are biased to a horizontal position by springs that allow a fold down configuration for installing the fuel supply system in a fuel tank through a small installation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kizer