Flow Path With Serial Valves And/or Closures Patents (Class 137/613)
  • Patent number: 11933409
    Abstract: A flow diversion valve, the flow diversion valve including: a valve housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and an inner cavity; a float valve provided within the inner cavity of the valve housing; and a check valve provided on the float valve. The flow diversion valve having a first configuration in which the float valve is in a closed position to provide a first flow path from the first inlet to the first outlet. The flow diversion valve having a second configuration in which the float valve is in an open position to provide a second flow path from the first inlet through the second outlet and a third flow path from the second inlet to the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Elvin Cyriac
  • Patent number: 11886212
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve for attachment to a source of high pressure gas comprises a valve body which comprises a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A rupturable membrane extends across the gas inlet. A membrane support element is slidably supported in the valve body for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the membrane support element having a lower end engageable, in the extended position, with the rupturable membrane to support the rupturable membrane against rupture. The valve body further comprises a bore through which the membrane support element extends and one or more gas supply passages bypassing the bore for providing a gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. The membrane support element is configured to be movable from the extended position to the retracted position to permit the rupturable membrane to rupture under the pressure of the high pressure gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Piotr J. Zajac, Kamil Czechowski, Adrian Tarnowski
  • Patent number: 11732811
    Abstract: A dual shut-off valve including a valve body defining an interior cavity and a flow tube passing therethrough, an outer cylinder including a body portion defining an interior cavity and a through hole passing therethrough, the outer cylinder being rotatably disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body, and an inner cylinder including a body portion defining a through hole passing therethrough, the inner cylinder being rotatably disposed within the interior cavity of the outer cylinder, wherein the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are both rotatable between a first position in which the through holes of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are aligned with the flow tube and a second position in which the through holes of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are transverse to the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC
    Inventor: James Brian Inman
  • Patent number: 11674608
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop an air flow into an enclosed environment or piping system comprises (a) a housing, (b) a first valve seat, (c) a first sealing member, (d) a second valve seat, (e) a second sealing member, (f) at least one locking mechanism configured to limit a movement of the first sealing member and/or the second sealing member; wherein the first sealing member moves away from the first valve seat when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure in a predetermined pressure difference; wherein the second sealing member moves away from the first valve seat when the third pressure is greater than the second pressure in a predetermined pressure difference; wherein the first pressure communicates with a system pressure in the piping system; and wherein the third pressure communicates with an ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Di Monte
  • Patent number: 11644117
    Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve structure capable of fixing a first connecting port of a first valve box block and a second connecting port of a second valve box block to each other when the first valve box block, a first driving portion block, the second valve box block and a second driving portion block are fixed to each other by bolts. [Solving means] A first valve box bolt insertion hole 113 is formed in the first valve box block 110, a first driving portion bolt fixing hole 123 is formed in the first driving portion block 120, a second valve box bolt insertion hole 213 is formed in the second valve box block 210, and a second driving portion bolt fixing hole 223 is formed in the second driving portion block 220.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANCE DENKI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoko Kaiya
  • Patent number: 11598488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a leak-proof fluid dispensing system with a pressure sensor and an adjustable dispensing regulator, comprising: a gas cylinder and a pressure dispensing control valve. The dispensing control valve is formed outside the bottle body opening and has an internal channel that communicates with an inlet port, an outlet port, a bottle port, and the joint portion. The internal of the dispensing body includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pressure dispensing regulator, a filter, and a pressure sensor. The pressure at the outlet end of pressure dispensing regulator is lower than or equal to a preset opening pressure value, the fluid is allowed to flow out. With the implementation of the present invention, it may prevent accidental leakage of fluid in the gas cylinder and dynamically monitor the flow gas capacity in the gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: ION ELECTRONIC MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Stuart-James Muller, Jiun-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 11584630
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sanitary fitting for dispensing prepared liquids, for example, for beverages. A disclosed system includes a first control element for setting a quantity of the prepared liquid to be dispensed and an actuating element for providing the quantity of prepared liquid set by means of the first control element, wherein at least one second control element is configured to select a type of preparation, for example, from at least two different types of preparation, of non-prepared liquid, wherein the first and the at least one second control element are actuatable independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BLANCO GMBH + CO KG
    Inventors: Thomas Funke, Özkan Kaya
  • Patent number: 11519160
    Abstract: A pot filler including a metered dispense input device for dispensing of predetermined volumes of water. The pot filler illustratively includes an electrically operable valve operably coupled to a metered dispense input unit, and a control module configured to control operation of the electrically operable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Joshua Wales, Robert W. Rodenbeck, Joel D. Sawaski, Anthony G. Spangler, Kent Rittenhouse
  • Patent number: 11427993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for an electronic tap having a handle or controller with an extended operative range of motion, which allows moving said handle or controller beyond its normal range of motion determined by a first stop, providing in said extended areas additional functionalities using a control system that determines the position of the handle in order to associate to said position a flow value, a fluid mixing ratio value, and/or an additional functionality. The invention also relates to the tap including said cartridge with a handle having an extended operative range of motion and to the operation method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SEDAL, S.L.U.
    Inventor: Rafael Bello Larroche
  • Patent number: 11391381
    Abstract: Control valve assembly for controlling a process fluid flow in a process engineering plant such as a power plant, a chemical plant, a food processing plant or the like, wherein at least one fine-adjustment poppet valve with a fine-adjustment drive for the fine adjustment of a fine-adjustment poppet valve flow area; and at least one open/close poppet valve having a discrete adjustment actuator for placing the open/close poppet valve either into an open position, in which a poppet valve flow area is completely open, or into a closed position, in which the poppet valve flow area is closed off, wherein a cumulative total flow area of the adjustment valve assembly is defined by the fine-adjustment poppet valve flow area of the at least one fine-adjustment poppet valve and by the poppet valve flow area of the at least one open/close poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Kolbenschlag
  • Patent number: 11204120
    Abstract: This document describes devices and methods for reducing liquid spillage, such as fluid coupling devices that include one or more apertures that reduce spillage when the fluid coupling devices are disconnected. In some embodiments, the one or more apertures are designed with features to increase a level of acceleration that liquid within an internal volume of the fluid coupling devices would need to be exposed to in order to spill from the internal volume via the one or more apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: David A. Burdge, Charles W. Extrand, Koray Sekeroglu
  • Patent number: 11148156
    Abstract: An intermittent air blow gun (10a) has a switching valve (26) including a switching-valve case (27) and a valve assembly (31), and the valve assembly (31) includes: a valve body (53) configured to open and close a valve hole; a small-diameter piston (33) partitioning so as to form a small-diameter pilot chamber (34); and a large-diameter piston (37) partitioning so as to form a large-diameter pilot chamber (38). The valve body (53) is switched to a closed position when air discharged from an inside of the switching-valve case (27) to an air discharge section (24) is supplied to the large-diameter pilot chamber (38) through a bypass flow path (77), and the valve body (53) is switched to an open position when air is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Furukawa, Koichi Teraki
  • Patent number: 11053957
    Abstract: An electro-hydrostatic actuating drive has a variable-volume and/or variable-speed hydraulic machine, which is driven by an electric motor, for the provision of a volumetric flow of a hydraulic fluid. Furthermore, the actuating drive comprises a cylinder with a piston, a piston rod and a first piston chamber, a valve with a first position and a second position, which valve can be moved by a first hydraulic actuator into the first position and by a second hydraulic actuator into the second position, wherein the second position controls a greater volumetric flow of the hydraulic fluid than the first position, a sink, a main line which connects a first piston chamber of the cylinder to the sink and in which the hydraulic machine is arranged, an auxiliary line which connects the first piston chamber to the sink and in which the valve is arranged, a first control line to the first hydraulic actuator, and a second control line to the second hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Moog GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Helbig, Sascha Dany, Udo Koelbl, Werner Haendle
  • Patent number: 11002392
    Abstract: A pipeline assembly includes a hollow body having a first opening and a second opening. A valve port fluidly coupled to the first opening is provided on the body and a valve port seat is disposed in the valve port. A shutter is urged against the valve port seat by a spring fluidly de-coupling the second opening from the first opening and the valve port. A valve plug includes a check valve. When the valve plug is disposed in the valve port, the valve plug decouples the shutter from the valve port seat to fluidly couple the first opening and the second opening with a fluid flow in only a first direction when the check valve is in an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SOCLA SAS
    Inventors: Ousmane Konaté, Christophe Foldyna
  • Patent number: 10920934
    Abstract: A mobile dispenser may be used to at least partially fill hydrogen tanks of fuel cell-powered vehicles. The dispenser uses a purely mechanical control of the fill using an orifice plate across which a pressure differential is maintained through use of a backpressure regulator whose reference pressure is controlled by a differential pressure regulator. Because it does need or use electrical power, it may be used in situations where no electrical power is available or convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Jorge E. Lopez, Aaron Harris, Chad Nickell, Gerhard M. Schmidt, Owen C. Owens, Per Olsson
  • Patent number: 10884435
    Abstract: A pressure-type flow rate control device 1, while maintaining an upstream pressure P1 of an orifice 5 at approximately at least twice a downstream pressure P2, calculates a flow factor FF of a mixed gas consisting of two types of gases mixed at a mixture ratio of X:(1?X) by FF=(k/?){2/(?+1)}1/(??1)[?/{(?+1)R}]1/2 using an average density ?, an average specific heat ratio ?, and an average gas constant R of the mixed gas that are calculated by weighting the densities, specific heat ratios, and gas constants of the two types of gases at the mixture ratio, and calculates a flow rate Q of the mixed gas passing through the orifice by Q=FF·S·P1(1/T1)1/2, where S is the orifice cross section, and P1 and T1 are respectively the pressure and temperature of the mixed gas on the upstream side of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Masaaki Nagase, Kaoru Hirata, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10864468
    Abstract: A water purifier that includes: a filter unit that is configured to purify water; a cooling unit that is configured to cool water purified by the filter unit using cooling water; a water discharge unit that is configured to discharge water cooled by the cooling unit; a cold water flow path that couples the cooling unit to the water discharge unit and through which water cooled by the cooling unit passes; a cold water discharge valve that is coupled to a first side of the cooling unit and that is configured to control water flow inside the cold water flow path; and a check fitting unit that is coupled to a first side of the water discharge unit and that is configured to block pressure change inside the cold water flow path is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jewook Jeon, Kobong Choi, Yonghyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10816102
    Abstract: A steam valve includes a housing defining a steam inlet and steam outlet in fluid communication with a valve cavity, and an annular valve seat disposed within the valve cavity. A control valve is configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve further includes a stop valve configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve includes a pressure seal head configured to receive the stop valve. The pressure seal head includes an elongated body having a bore extending longitudinally through the body; and a nose piece extending from an end of the elongated body. The nose piece has at least a tapered end portion and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The bore of the nose piece is longitudinally with the bore of the elongated body. The nose piece is formed of a first material which has greater erosion properties than a second material forming the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guido F. Forte, David Ernest Welch
  • Patent number: 10773045
    Abstract: An anesthesia delivery and ventilation system (ADVS) includes an expiratory section, a circulation flow system (CFS), an inspiratory section, a ventilation drive system (VDS), and an anesthesia delivery system (ADS). The expiratory section receives gases from a patient and the inspiratory section and fresh gases from a fresh gas supply system. An elastic mixing reservoir receives and mixes the gases circulated by the CFS with residual gases via a connector element. The inspiratory section connects to the expiratory section at one end and to a patient connector tube at the other end. The ADS infuses an anesthetic agent into the mixed gases in the inspiratory section. The VDS delivers the mixed gases with the anesthetic agent to the patient. The VDS and the CFS are controlled and operate independently of each other to provide positive end-expiratory pressure control and ventilation control to the patient without use of a proportional valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Kirura Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Govinda Nallappa Rajan, Diederik Antonius Maria Paulus Johannes Gommers
  • Patent number: 10670154
    Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a solid material from an opening includes a gate having a first face adjacent the opening, a second face opposite the first, and an orifice. A support is disposed adjacent the second face of the gate and is configured so that the gate can move relative to the support from a first position permitting the material to flow from the opening through the orifice and a second position preventing the material from flowing through the opening. The support is movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction so that the distance from the first face to the opening can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: AARON ENGINEERED PROCESS EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10655848
    Abstract: A premixing apparatus includes a mixing unit, an air supply adjusting unit, and a gas switching unit. The mixing unit draws a fuel gas in the mixing unit by supplied air to mix the fuel gas and the supplied air with each other. The air supply adjusting unit applies a load on the supplied air flowing toward the mixing unit and switches the load. The gas switching unit switches a gas amount of the fuel gas to be supplied to the mixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: PURPOSE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Sei
  • Patent number: 10610750
    Abstract: A golf bag (100) comprises a rotatable roller (116) upon which the bag (100) can be supported while being moved. The roller (116) is axially elongate and has outer portions (120) whose axial section has a convex curvature to reduce damage to ground over which the bag (100) is moved. Also disclosed is a golf bag accessory (200) comprising mounting means (206) for receipt of a portion of a golf bag (202). The golf bag accessory (200) further comprises securing means (204) for securing the golf bag (202) in the mounting means (206) and a rotatable roller (116) which is axially elongate and comprises an outer surface whose axial section (120) has a convex curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Eamonn O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 10605110
    Abstract: A bypass valve assembly for use in turbine generators includes a valve body defining a central bore and a plurality of passageways. Each passageway has a smaller area at an inlet portion and a larger area at an outlet portion to define a flared passageway. A plurality of bypass valves is disposed within the plurality of passageways within the valve body. Each bypass valve includes a base portion and a nose portion, with each nose portion defining a predefined contoured surface area. At least a portion of the contoured surface area includes a wear coating disposed thereon. Optionally, the wear coating includes a plasma enhanced magnetron sputtering nanocoating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis LLC
    Inventors: Mark Jeffrey Passino, Jr., Andrew Koonce, Matthew Monty, Dominick Werther, Roy Satzman
  • Patent number: 10605116
    Abstract: A hydraulic driving device for a steam valve includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators to generate driving force to be transmitted to the valve body through a valve shaft of the steam valve. The hydraulic actuators each include a cylinder, a piston that is capable of reciprocating in the cylinder, and a rod having respective ends connected to the piston and valve shaft. The hydraulic actuators include a main actuator including a throttle portion for regulating a flow of pressure oil in a hydraulic chamber defined by the cylinder and piston so that a damping force is applied to the valve body during its closing operation. The one or more hydraulic actuators other than the main actuator include at least one sub actuator not having the throttle portion. The hydraulic chamber of the sub actuator communicates with the hydraulic chamber of the main actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Katsuhisa Hamada
  • Patent number: 10597280
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a smart water dispenser and a control method thereof. The smart water dispenser includes: a mechanical switch, an electronic switch and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether water usage is normal according to ON/OFF states of the mechanical and the electronic switches; if so, to indicate a water discharged volume detection unit to collect a water discharged volume; and otherwise, to turn off the electronic switch and transmit a play instruction to a voice playback unit. The control method includes: detecting states of the mechanical switch and the electronic switch in real time; determining whether the mechanical switch is in the ON state when the electronic switch is switched from the OFF state to the ON state; if so, turning off the electronic switch and outputting a prompt voice; and otherwise, collecting the water discharged volume when the mechanical switch is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng Feng, Zhongwei Zhang
  • Patent number: 10465810
    Abstract: An integrated tire inflation valve comprises an inlet configured to receive air from an air tank, a pressure protection assembly configured to control air flow into the tire inflation system when an air pressure reaches a pre-set pressure level, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the pressure protection assembly, a pressure regulator configured to be adjusted to a desired pressure to thereby allow air through the pressure regulator at a desired level, a flow switch configured to selectively allow air therethrough, and an outlet configured to provide air from the flow switch to one or more tires of a vehicle. The inlet, pressure protection assembly, valve assembly, pressure regulator, flow switch, and outlet are all positioned within a single housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 10458554
    Abstract: A control valve (1) comprising a valve body (2) having an inlet opening (3) and an outlet opening (4) for a fluid; a obturator (6) placed within the valve body (2) between the inlet and outlet openings (3, 4); recovery means (5) configured to transfer kinetic energy and/or potential energy extracted from the fluid out of the valve body (2), the recovery means (5) comprising a rotating element (7) placed within the valve body (2) downstream of the obturator (6) and configured to be put in rotation by the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: LOCLAIN S.R.L.
    Inventors: Claudio Angelo Gattavari, Lorenzo Ferioli
  • Patent number: 10408017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole flow device for controlling a flow of fluid between an annulus and an inner bore of a well tubular metal structure arranged in a borehole. The downhole flow device comprises a tubular part comprising a first opening and an axial extension, and a sliding sleeve configured to slide within the tubular part between a first position covering the opening and a second position fully uncovering the opening, the tubular part comprising a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being arranged at a first distance from the second groove along the axial extension, and the sliding sleeve comprising a projecting part configured to engage the first groove in the first position and the second groove in the second position, wherein the tubular part comprises a third groove configured to be engaged by the projecting part and having a second distance to the second groove which is smaller than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Satish Kumar, Neil Hannah
  • Patent number: 10408353
    Abstract: An isolation valve assembly having a valve body (22) provided with an inlet (23) and an outlet (24), fluidly connected by a fluid passageway (25), and an isolation valve (26, 27) that is operable to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A vent is fluidly connected to the fluid passageway and a vent valve (34) is operable to open and close fluid communication between the fluid passageway and the vent. The vent valve comprises a stem (36) with a sealing member (37) and is operable between an open position, in which the sealing member is disposed such that the fluid passageway and the vent are fluidly connected and a closed position in which the valve stem extends across the fluid passageway and the sealing member seals the vent from the flow passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bifold Fluidpower Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Edward Balmforth
  • Patent number: 10392907
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a full top-to-bottom subsea system and method used to drill, complete, produce, and perform interventions on HPHT subsea wells is provided. The disclosed systems and methods involve the use of a controlled multiple barrier system, such as a high integrity pipeline protection system (HIPPS), incorporated into the subsea system to divide the system into two sections. The sections on either side of the barrier may be rated for different pressures, temperatures, and/or flow rates. For example, the first section (upstream of the barrier) is rated for operating at pressures/temperatures/flow rates up to a first (higher) threshold. The second section (downstream of the barrier) is rated for operating at pressures/temperatures/flow rates up to a second (lower) threshold. The disclosed subsea production system methodology, which uses barriers to divide the system components between two pressure ratings, may allow for enhanced development of HPHT reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Joseph Witwer, Justin Edward Morse, Daniel J. McLaughlin, Gregory Dale Williams, James R. Bower
  • Patent number: 10371265
    Abstract: A process control valve comprises a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a plug. The plug selectively restricts fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The plug can have a plug body and a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the plug body between a first end of the plug and a second end of the plug. Each one of the plurality of fins can have a tapered section proximate the second end of the plug. The tapered section can taper radially inward toward the second end of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Wesley Richardson, Timothy Randall Parrie, Robert Lee Backes, David Steven Goode
  • Patent number: 10344546
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for flushing of debris from a valve assembly arranged in a fluid line. The valve assembly comprises at least two flow regulating units arranged in series between an inlet and an outlet of the valve assembly. The inlet pressure is larger than the outlet pressure, and each flow regulating unit has a spring element and an opening is provided for each flow regulating unit which initially is set as a minimum opening allowing fluid to pass from one side of the each of the flow regulation unit to the other side of the flow regulation unit. The spring element regulates the opening in response to the pressure difference over the flow regulating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Knut Roar Braaten
  • Patent number: 10337265
    Abstract: A tubular guide assembly provides lateral support to a tubular extending through a BOP. The inner diameter of the BOP encasement is larger than the joint diameter. The assembly has a guide spool with a central bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, wherein the diameter of the guide spool central bore is greater than the joint diameter of the tubular. At least two guide spool apertures extend radially inwardly through a wall of the guide spool to the central bore. A guide post for each guide spool aperture is movable through the respective guide spool aperture into the guide spool central bore to limit lateral displacement of a tubular extending therethrough. A method for providing lateral support to a tubular extending through a BOP during a snubbing operation uses their guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignees: Deep Well Services, Consolidated Rig Works, LP
    Inventors: Brian Edward le Vann, Steven Michael Byra, Caleb Everett McKendree Fulks
  • Patent number: 10328229
    Abstract: An adapter includes a housing having an inlet port defining a flow path and an outlet port. An interior wall has an inner surface defining an interior passageway communicating with the outlet port and an exterior surface defining an exterior passageway communicating with the inlet port. The interior wall defines a mouth communicating between the interior and the exterior passageways. The interior wall is positioned transverse to the flow path of the inlet port. A medicament delivery port opens into the mouth. A valve is moveable between a closed position, wherein the valve closes the medicament delivery port, and an open position, wherein the medicament delivery port is open. A ventilator circuit and method of delivering a medicament are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Neritan Alizoti, James Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10309182
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an annular blowout preventer (“BOP”) apparatus for sealing a wellbore. In particular, the annular BOP includes a body comprising a vertical bore extending therethrough, an upper packing element located in the body, a lower packing element located in the body and spaced axially from the upper packing element, and a piston configured to move the upper and lower packing elements radially with respect to the vertical bore. The annular BOP provides for bi-directional sealing across the annular BOP. In other embodiments, the annular BOP may include only a single packing element configured to provide for bi-directional sealing across the annular BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Oscar B. Jones, Nicolas Arteaga
  • Patent number: 10234039
    Abstract: Valve assemblies with butterfly valves for use as a double isolation & bleed (DIB) valve and a double block & bleed (DBB) valve. The embodiments may have a twin-disc design with a non-separable, valve body having a central bore. A pair of butterfly valves may reside in the central bore, each having an annular seal and a rotatable disc that contacts the annular seal to prevent flow of fluid into space between the butterfly valves. Implementations of the embodiments configure the annular seal with a sloped contact surface at an angle to positively seal the rotatable discs in the preferred direction of incoming flow. In this way, the valves can always close in response to either uni-directional flow into one end of the central bore or bi-directional flow into both ends of the central bore, respectively or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventor: Chaur Yue Shyu
  • Patent number: 10197189
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve includes: a first structural layer and a second structural layer; a microfluidic circuit having a first microfluidic conduit and a second microfluidic conduit, which are defined in a superficial portion of the first structural layer, are adjacent, and are separated by a wall; a membrane set between the first structural layer and the second structural layer and delimiting the microfluidic circuit on one side; and a recess containing a gaseous fluid in the second structural layer. The membrane is movable in response to an actuation stimulus between a closed position, in which the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly decoupled, and an open position, in which the membrane is at least in part retracted into the recess and the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly coupled by means of a fluidic passage defined between the wall and the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Pugliese, Francesco Ferrara
  • Patent number: 10073470
    Abstract: An electropneumatic proportional flow valve improves flow control because it incorporates a plurality of internal valves in parallel with each electronically controlled, miniature proportional valve manipulated sequentially to each other. Such parallel arranged valves operated sequentially allows for precision control of the low-end of the full scale output; the larger mechanical valve allows for the high-end of the full scale output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Edmund F. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10071393
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dispensing unit is used to dispense material on a substrate. The method includes connecting a solenoid coil of a pneumatically-driven pump to an amplifier output of a dispensing system, and driving the solenoid coil with the amplifier to a cause the pneumatically-driven pump to dispense material on a substrate. The method further may include commanding an idle current to flow in the solenoid coil during periods of inactivity. The idle current may be sufficient to cause warming of the solenoid coil, yet not sufficient to activate the solenoid to an engaged position. The method further may include commanding a first current level to flow in the solenoid coil to rapidly activate the solenoid, and commanding a second current level to flow in the solenoid coil after the solenoid is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 10030900
    Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for regulating an ambient condition of a space via a heat exchanger that transfers heat energy from a secondary fluid to a primary fluid, and a flow control valve in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to vary a flow of the secondary fluid through the heat exchanger to provide a continuous flow of the secondary fluid between a minimum flow rate and a maximum flow rate. While in a first mode for regulating the ambient condition of the space, the flow control valve is modulated so as to provide variable and continuous flow of the secondary fluid through the heat exchanger to regulate the ambient condition to a desired target ambient condition. While in a pull-down mode for recovering after a defrost cycle of the heat exchanger, the flow control valve is modulated so as to provide variable and continuous flow of the secondary fluid through the heat exchanger to regulate a temperature drop of the secondary fluid across the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ted W. Sunderland, Patrick W. Bundy, Craig M. Obermark
  • Patent number: 10016780
    Abstract: A system for dispensing material on a substrate includes a dispensing unit having a dispensing piston. The dispensing piston is pneumatically driven from a first lower position to a second upper position. The system further includes a solenoid valve coupled to the dispensing unit, with the solenoid valve being configured to control air flow to and from the dispensing piston. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid coil and an amplifier connected to the solenoid coil. The system further includes a controller coupled to the amplifier, with the controller being configured to generate a command signal to the amplifier to control current in the solenoid coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Reid, Thomas C. Prentice, Patsy A. Mattero
  • Patent number: 9936653
    Abstract: A valve body for an irrigation system is disclosed. The valve body is formed as a unitary molding and comprises a manifold arrangement integrally formed in the valve body and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. The manifold arrangement includes a valve receiving region located between the inlet and each outlet where each valve receiving region is operable to receive a valve to selectively control the flow of liquid between the inlet and each respective outlet of the manifold arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ANTELCO PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Eric Antel, Lyall Causby, Robert Sigston, Malcom Fry
  • Patent number: 9803558
    Abstract: A redundant valve system to provide a regulated fluid flow includes a housing having an inlet at an inlet end which receives a pressurized fluid, and an outlet at an outlet end which provides the regulated fluid flow, a first piston assembly arranged in the housing having a first cavity, the first piston assembly configured to regulate the fluid flow, and a first fluid connection connected to the first cavity and to a point along the housing at the outlet end. The redundant valve system may further include a second piston assembly arranged in the housing downstream of the first piston assembly having a second cavity, the second cavity having a second fluid connection to a vent, an upstream valve to control the first fluid connection and control a position of the first piston assembly, and a downstream valve to control the second fluid connection and control a position of the second piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Dukes Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Villanueva, Bill Lopez
  • Patent number: 9731351
    Abstract: A part (P) includes a first (FP), and a second portion (SP), which meet at an interface (IF). A channel (CH) extends from the first portion (FP) through the interface (IF) into the second portion (SP). Further there is a method to generate the part (P). To refurbish a part with tiny geometry channels, the second portion (SP) is produced by additive manufacturing technology on the interface (IF) with the first portion (FP), the channel (CH) has a first average diameter (DI) in the first portion (FP) and the interface (IF), and the channel (CH) has a second average diameter (D2) in the second portion (SP) at said interface (IF). The second diameter (D2) is larger than the first diameter (DI). The channel (CH) has a first tapered portion (TP) which narrows in the second portion (SP) at increasing distance from the interface (IF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Olov Andersson, Jonas Eriksson, Andreas Graichen
  • Patent number: 9664296
    Abstract: A check valve includes an internal liquid trap that prevents the backflow of gas and debris from degrading the valve. The internal liquid trap can be formed by internal passages within a valve housing. One embodiment includes three internal passages, an inlet passage, an intermediate passage, and an outlet passage, with connecting passages between each of the inlet passage and outlet package, and the intermediate package. In some embodiments, an internal trap is provided between the intermediate passage and the inlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Curtis Roys
  • Patent number: 9644793
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid control valve assembly including: a main valve body having a first flow passage that is mounted on an inlet of a high-pressure vessel and through which a charging source gas passes, a second flow passage through which a feeding source gas passes, and a third flow passage to which the first flow passage and the second flow passage are connected; a manual valve that is mounted on the main valve body and that opens and closes the third flow passage; a solenoid valve that is mounted on the main valve body and that opens and closes the second flow passage by an electrical signal; a first check valve that is provided on the first flow passage to thus block a reverse flow of the charging source gas; and a second check valve that is provided on the second flow passage to thus block a reverse flow of the feeding source gas, and block the charging source gas from flowing in the second flow passage, to thereby prevent the charging source gas from flowing in the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Youngdo Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9637099
    Abstract: A pressure control valve arrangement is provided for controlling the fluid pressure in an ABS brake system of a vehicle such that, in the event of a tendency of individual wheels of the vehicle to lock, the brake pressure in associated brake cylinders can be adaptively adjusted. At least two diaphragm valves, which have diaphragms which are loaded by spring elements, and at least one electromagnetic control valve, which can be activated by an electronic control device for the pilot control of the diaphragm valves, are provided in a housing of the pressure control valve arrangement. At least one valve seat of the at least one electromagnetic control valve is formed in a unipartite fashion with a housing part which is formed by a plastic injection-molded blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Eidenschink, Wilfried Gerber, Wolfgang Rohn
  • Patent number: 9623389
    Abstract: An exemplary pharmaceutical compounding system and device for mixing materials from at least two distinct material sources can include a valve including a valve housing and a valve structure located within the valve housing. The valve structure can be configured to permit fluid to flow through the valve when in an open position, and can include a gravity wall wherein, when the valve structure is in the open position, fluid moving through the valve structure moves upward against a force of gravity when travelling through the valve and traversing the gravity wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: B. BRAUN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Karl Konrad, Jr., Mike Janders, Aaron S. Pearl
  • Patent number: 9590216
    Abstract: An example battery assembly enclosure includes a tray and a lid secured to the tray to provide an interior therebetween. A plurality of molded retention features secure a battery assembly received in the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Daniel Maguire, Yi Zhang, Rodolfo Palma, Hyung Min Baek
  • Patent number: 9567734
    Abstract: A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a water parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Davidson, Kurt J. Thomas, Derek A. Brown, Ryan J. Shaw