Common Actuator Patents (Class 137/614.11)
  • Patent number: 11566794
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an air conditioner includes a housing having an outlet, and a blade configured to open and close the outlet and having a plurality of holes. The blade includes a first side extending in a first direction, a second side extending in a second direction, and a block area in which none of the plurality of holes are formed, at least a number of the plurality of holes are disposed on a first line extending in the first direction, and a second line spaced in the second direction from the first line, respectively, where the second line extends in the first direction, and the block area comprises an area formed in the first direction between the first line and the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jang Jung Lee, Hyun-Ho Kim, Hong Yeol Moon, Chul Byung Park, Hyeon U Park, Seung-Jun Yoon, Jei Min Choi
  • Patent number: 11498712
    Abstract: The invention describes a filling device with a discharge container for filling upwardly open packaging containers with at least one opening flap for opening and closing a discharge opening for the product, the opening flap being moveable along a path between a closed position and an open position by means of a driving element. At least one delay device is provided by means of which the movement of the opening flap may be delayed on a section of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Windmöller & Hölscher KG
    Inventors: Hans-Ludwig Voss, Oliver Huil, Christian Häger, Ralf Udally
  • Patent number: 11395877
    Abstract: A system for at least partial closed-loop control of a medical condition is disclosed. The system includes at least one medical fluid pump. The medical fluid pump including a sensor for determining the volume of fluid pumped by the pump. Also, at least one continuous analyte monitor, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the medical fluid pump and the at least one continuous analyte monitor. The controller includes a processor. The processor includes instructions for delivery of medical fluid based at least on data received from the at least one continuous analyte monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11071643
    Abstract: An ocular therapeutics tool including a stabilizer including a hollow body and a base connected to the body, the hollow body extending from the base, and the base being adapted to fit the eye surface, and an injection guide connectable to the stabilizer and adapted to receive an injection needle, wherein the injection guide includes at least one stopper adapted to define the injection depth of a needle inserted into the injection guide. The present application also provides an injection guide. The present application also provides a kit with the tool or the injection guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Visionisti Oy
    Inventor: Timo Kangastupa
  • Patent number: 11067184
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a refrigerator valve and method of routing water through a refrigerator with the valve. The valve includes three valve bodies that route water in a refrigerator to different features. The middle valve body is higher than the two outer valve bodies, allowing the solenoid actuators to be mounted in a space-saving manner. The three valve bodies are linked by a central core pin that can be continuous or discontinuous such that the central core pin can provide fluid communication between all three valve bodies or divide the valve into two separate but linked valves. In a valve with a discontinuous central core pin, one valve body is isolated from the other two valve bodies so as to provide a redundant shutoff and allow a filter of a filtration unit to be replaced without having to shut off the water being supplied to the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Jay P. Griswold, Todd D. Tiefenbach
  • Patent number: 10954750
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve assembly has a valve body with an axially oriented valve bore and a valve cavity that intersects the valve bore. A disk valve member is positioned within the valve cavity and has a disk bore. A piston member is moveable between a contracted position and an extended position, such that in the contracted position the disk valve member is in a valve closed position with the disk bore offset from the valve bore, and in the extended position the disk valve member is in a valve open position with the disk bore axially aligned with the valve bore. An uphole seal member circumscribes the valve bore, forming a seal between the uphole side of the disk valve member and the valve body. A downhole seal member circumscribes the valve bore, forming a seal between the downhole side of the disk valve member and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Marius Neacsu, Ahmed Al-Ramadhan, Ahmed Al-Mousa
  • Patent number: 10859166
    Abstract: A pressure relief arrangement for a gas turbine engine comprises a panel and a plurality of pressure relief mechanisms provided in the panel. The mechanisms have a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the panel is sealed to prevent fluid flow through the panel in a thickness direction and in the second configuration the mechanisms are arranged so that a plurality of holes are provided in the panel so fluid can flow through the panel in a thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Oliver C. Taylor-Tibbott, Zahid M. Hussain
  • Patent number: 10718435
    Abstract: A compressible seal that can be used for sealing an interface between a movable object an a stationary object is described. Also described is a method of sealing an interface between a recreational vehicle slide out and the frame of the recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GDC, INC.
    Inventor: Suresh Ayyasamy
  • Patent number: 10648572
    Abstract: A valve with a built-in orifice includes a base section having a housing recess and first and second flow passages; a valve seat body; an inner disc; a valve element; and an orifice body, wherein the housing recess has a wide-diameter section and a narrow-diameter section, the first flow passage is connected to a space between a wall surface of the narrow-diameter section and the orifice body to communicate with a valve chamber, and the second flow passage communicates with the valve chamber through a through hole of the orifice body and a through hole of the valve seat body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yohei Sawada, Kaoru Hirata, Masaaki Nagase, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10627034
    Abstract: A manifold apparatus includes a plurality of manifold blocks which are coupled together in a line. In each of the manifold blocks, an axial line of a branch port is deviated from an axial line of a main port in a direction perpendicular to a coupling direction in which the manifold blocks are coupled together. The plurality of manifold blocks are configured to be coupled together in a state where one of the adjacent manifold blocks is inverted 180° from the other of the adjacent manifold blocks in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the branch port and the coupling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Sasaki, Ken Gunji
  • Patent number: 10519739
    Abstract: A ram for a blowout preventer, the ram having a top side and a bottom side, a front and a back; a first front seal face and a second front seal face provided on the front of the ram; a fluid communication channel extending through the ram from the front to the back thereof, the first front seal face being provided above and the second seal face below the fluid communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRICAL SUBSEA & DRILLING AS
    Inventors: Thor Arne Haverstad, Erik Norbom, J. Gilbert Nance, John L. Alsup, Bolie C. Williams
  • Patent number: 10386004
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control valve 100. The flow control valve 100 comprises a cylindrical body 20, a piston 40, at least one fluid seal 60, a handle 60 and a nut 90. The flow control valve 100 is connected between an inlet and an outlet of a pipe to control flow of liquid/gases passing there through even at high temperature and pressure. The flow control valve 100 provides good force to the liquid/gas passing there through and provides an equal distribution of the flow at the outlet without resulting in pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventors: Subhash V. Supnekar, Trishul S. Supnekar
  • Patent number: 10386005
    Abstract: A flowline protection system includes a first and second isolation valve connectable to a fully rated pipeline to prevent the flow of fluid through the fully rated pipeline when either of the isolation valves are in a closed position, interrupting the flow of fluids to a downstream underrated piping system to reduce the risk of overpressure or quantity of hydrocarbon released into the environment in the event of a line break. First and second hydraulic control assemblies each include high and low pressure safety pilot valves. Both the isolation valves return to the closed position if either high pressure safety pilot valve senses an operating pressure greater than a high pressure setting or if either low pressure safety pilot valve senses the operating pressure is less than a low pressure setting. The system is self-contained and free of a connection to any component other than the fully rated pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Patrick Flanders, Austin Brell, Michael Picou
  • Patent number: 10244849
    Abstract: A bottle holding system for installed use upon a backpack comprises an inflatable cuff substantially cylindrical in configuration and adapted for positioned attachment to the outer side of the backpack, the cuff formed having a sealed chamber therein to support its inflation and sized to hold a bottle of drinking fluid when inflated. Tubing connected at one end to the cuff chamber is routed along the interior of the backpack, extending outwardly from the backpack near the shoulder straps to connect with a flexible bulb member mounted on one of the shoulder straps with an air release valve connected in-line there between. In operation, the user inflates the cuff through the air release valve, squeezing the bulb to retain the bottle in the inflated cuff, and when drinking fluid is needed, actuates the valve to vent air from the cuff so that the bottle is easily retrieved by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Martin Donald Marino
  • Patent number: 10144631
    Abstract: A tap for dispensing a beverage has a housing defining a channel for dispensing and a dispensing valve arranged in the housing. The valve is operable by a handle and connected via a tap drive shaft and a gear transmission to a valve drive shaft. The gear transmission has at least two cooperating gear wheels. The gear transmission could have a variable gear ratio. A method for manufacturing a tap for dispensing a beverage is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.
    Inventor: Johan Van Rompaey
  • Patent number: 10125889
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a support bushing and an armature pin axially movable within the support bushing. The solenoid shield further includes a valve rigidly secured to the armature pin. The valve includes a diverter sleeve having an overlap portion that is radially spaced from at least a portion of the support bushing and extends along a length of at least a portion of the support bushing. The diverter sleeve further includes a deflector surface disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the armature pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Pekarsky, Robert O. Burkhart, Boya Zhang, Ravindra Velamakanni, Daniel Smokovitz
  • Patent number: 10082319
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a chamber, a first heat exchanger, an adapter, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger includes a cold finger positioned within the chamber. The second heat exchanger is positioned around an adapter and within the chamber. The second heat exchanger is a counter flow heat exchanger to precool refrigerant entering a Joule-Thomson valve. The adapter is positioned between the cold finger and the second heat exchanger. The adapter transfers heat from a thermal load to both the cold finger and the refrigerant emitted from the Joule-Thomson valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Paul M. Lyons, Daniel W. Brunton, Jon E. Leigh
  • Patent number: 10036502
    Abstract: A fluid transmission fitting (100) includes at least two female couplers (47) inserted within a hydraulic feeding block (1), and at least two respective male couplers (48), which can be coupled to the female couplers (47). The block (1) includes at least two hydraulic lines (49) and at least one draining line (50), and a lever (4) integral with an independent member (82, 83) cam (7) adapted to relieve the pressure from a chamber (54) inside each female coupler (47) and adapted to uncouple the male coupler (48) from the respective female coupler (47). Each female coupler (47) includes a pressure relief valve (51), which puts the chamber (54) into connection with the draining line (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: STUCCHI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianmarco Gatti, Sergio Tivelli
  • Patent number: 9976654
    Abstract: A valve device including: a drive source; a base having a valve seat surface in which a fluid inflow hole and outflow hole are formed; a case body covering the valve seat surface-side of the base, and a valve chamber together with the base; a first valve body for opening and closing the outflow hole; and a second valve body for opening and closing the inflow hole is provided. The output part of the drive source, the first and second valve bodies are housed in the valve chamber. The first valve body is a substantially cylindrical member, one end surface of which is in sliding contact with the peripheral edge of the outflow hole in the valve seat surface, receives the driving force of the drive source and pivots such that the outflow hole is switched between a closed state and a fully or partially opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Yokoe, Akihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9931447
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for rapid venting of vacuum to mitigate occlusion break surge within a phaco fluidics aspiration system. The aspiration system may utilize a positive displacement pump to generate flow and a vent valve to vent or moderate the pressure or vacuum level based on pressure sensor feedback detected within the eye and at the pump. Embodiments described herein provide a quick-opening vent valve that produces a quick-opening flow response upon angular rotation of the quick-opening vent valve. The flow performance at the quick-opening vent valve is improved by increasing the effective cross-sectional area of the valve at near-closed valve positions. In particular, the increase in the cross-sectional area is achieved by forming a concaving edge portion to complement a circular edge of and opening of a flow channel formed through the vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Gregory S. Layser, Daniel G. White, Satish Yalamanchili
  • Patent number: 9890869
    Abstract: An electronic expansion valve is provided, a valve rod of which is provided with an axial through-hole in communication with a valve port, and a lateral wall of the axial through-hole of the valve seat is sealed with respect to the valve rod. An end surface of the valve rod includes a sealing surface in sealing contact with an end surface at the valve port, the sealing surface includes a first sealing surface to bear an action force of refrigerant at one connecting port and a second sealing surface to bear an action force of refrigerant at another connecting port, and the effective pressure-bearing area of the first sealing surface is equal to that of the second sealing surface. Further provided is an electronic expansion valve in line contact seal with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Climate and Appliance Controls Group Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming Lv
  • Patent number: 9642757
    Abstract: An adjustable bed base adaptable to tilt in a number of different comfortable positions is presented. The adjustable bed base comprises a bed frame, a deck, a plurality of supporting legs, a plurality of lateral leg supporting members, a left elongated structure, a right elongated structure, a mattress retainer bar, a sliding member, a frame reinforcement bar, a control box, a power supply module, a remote control, a backrest motor, a footrest motor, a plurality of levers and a tilt arm assembly. The tilt arm assembly includes at least one motor claw, a sliding member and at least one bed tilt motor. The backrest motor, the footrest motor and the at least one bed tilt motor receives at least one operating signal transmitted by the remote control and tilts the adjustable bed base in the plurality of comfortable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Sheppard
  • Patent number: 9616866
    Abstract: Inlet and outlet ports are in the top part of a base; a reservoir is in the bottom part of the base; pumps are between the inlet port and the reservoir; a pressure booster valve, a depressurizing valve, a cut valve, and a caliper pressure sensor are along the center axis of each pump; the pressure booster valve is above the center axis; the depressurizing valve is below the center axis; the cut valve is between the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve and is nearer the middle of the base than the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve; and a suction valve is between the depressurizing valves aligned nearer the end of the base than a vertical reference line passing through the rotational center axes of the pumps. The suction valve communicates with cut valves, and a master pressure sensor is on the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Autoliv Nissin Brake Systems Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Iyatani
  • Patent number: 9523425
    Abstract: A hydraulic control unit is provided. A valve is comprised of a piston having a valve element, a cylinder holding the piston while allowing to reciprocate axially, a positive pressure chamber formed on one side of the piston to which pressure to open the valve is applied, a back pressure chamber formed on the other side of the piston to which the pressure to close the valve is applied, and a connection passage for differentiating pressures in the positive pressure chamber and the back pressure chamber. A pilot valve selectively connects the back pressure chamber with a site where the pressure is lower than that of the back pressure chamber. Hydraulic pressure lower than that applied to positive pressure chamber is applied to a low pressure section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takafumi Inagaki, Yuji Hattori, Tomokazu Inagawa, Kenta Kimura, Yu Nagasato
  • Patent number: 9422785
    Abstract: An internal blow out preventer for use in a drill string, comprising a housing having an outer valve closure element and where the outer valve closure element is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position, wherein the outer valve closure element is provided with an inner valve closure element that is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position inside the outer valve closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Slawomir Kukielka
  • Patent number: 9255646
    Abstract: Excess flow shutoff valve comprising a valve body, a valve plug, a partition, and an activation component where the valve plug, the partition, and activation component are disposed within the valve body. A suitable flow restriction is provided to create a pressure difference between the upstream end of the valve plug and the downstream end of the valve plug when fluid flows through the valve body. The pressure difference exceeds a target pressure difference needed to activate the activation component when fluid flow through the valve body is higher than a desired rate, and thereby closes the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Micah S. Kiffer, Stephen Clyde Tentarelli
  • Patent number: 8973604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing and providing a vacuum for a vacuum consumer, having a vacuum source, having a suction valve, having a non-return valve arranged between the vacuum consumer and the suction valve, and having a ventilation valve, the control inlet of which ventilation valve is connected to the suction port of the vacuum source, the output of which ventilation valve opens out between the control valve and the non-return valve, and the input of which ventilation valve is open to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Joma-Polytec GmbH
    Inventor: Willi Schneider
  • Patent number: 8955543
    Abstract: An auto-fill type float collar assembly is provided. The float collar assembly of the present invention has at least one curved flapper-style valve, preferably constructed of composite, non-metallic material. Each flapper of the present invention has a substantially 90° range of motion, and is closed via a torsion spring. Each flapper is held in the open (or “auto-fill”), position via an external shifting mechanism passing around, rather than through, the central flow bore of the assembly. A floatable actuation ball can be run with the tool, or pumped downhole, in order to selectively actuate the assembly and close the flappers when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Groesbeck, Jeffrey Arcement, John C. Jordan, James G. Martens
  • Patent number: 8939387
    Abstract: A spray gun, which is convertible for use with and without an extension wand, may use the valve mechanism and nozzle attached adjacent to the handle of the gun. When spraying requires the spray to be released away from the gun handle and for spot applications of the spraying liquid, the spraying nozzle is removed and the extension wand or tube is attached to the gun handle. The valve assembly remains in place and another valve assembly and nozzle is provided at the end of the extension furthest away from the handle. A rod is attached to and extends between the valves so that they both move together from closed to open positions responsive to the trigger of the spray gun. When the valves are closed, there is no spraying liquid in the extension. The valving is dripless both with and without the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8915239
    Abstract: A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include at least one pressure regulator, a housing, and an actuation member. The housing has a first fuel hook-up for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, a second fuel hook-up for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly, and an internal valve. The actuation member can control the position of the internal valve based on whether the first or the second fuel hook-up is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 8893811
    Abstract: A system for servicing a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore completion string comprising a first master activatable stimulation assembly, a first slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the first slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the first master stimulation assembly; a second master activatable stimulation assembly, and a second slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the second slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the second master stimulation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock Miller
  • Publication number: 20140311602
    Abstract: An integrated valve assembly, which integrates two check valves and a solenoid assembly which functions as a purge valve. When the solenoid assembly is in an open position, during a first mode of operation, vacuum pressure places the first check valve in an open position and the second check valve in a closed position, and during a second mode of operation, pressurized air places the first check valve in a closed position, and vacuum pressure generated by a venturi valve member places the second check valve in an open position. Each check valve utilizes a nylon insert along with an over molded rubber seal. The design of the check valves prevents actuation at low vacuums and flows when the vehicle is shut off. The integrated valve assembly eliminates the need for an OBD relief valve, and simplifies the EVAP system, saving costs, complexity, and eliminates several possible leak connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Jefford, John Nelson Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8839817
    Abstract: A valve with a dual rotational valve member is provided. The valve includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuation arrangement is operably positioned between the first valve member and the second valve member to rotate the first valve member in a first direction and the second valve member in a second direction opposite the first direction. This counter-rotation of the first and second valve members selectively aligns or misaligns a pair of flow ports of the first valve member with a pair of flow ports of the second valve member. When the pairs of flow ports are aligned, the flow path of the valve allows for straight through flow of a fluid through the valve thereby decreasing turbulence, back pressure, and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Buildings, LLC
    Inventors: Stanley S. Dederich, Daniel J. Goray
  • Publication number: 20140246106
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8813795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passive valve for multi-valve devices for sealing a container or a line. According to one aspect of the invention, the passive valve is free of bearing supports which protrude in a positive sense out of the passive valve. The invention also relates to a multi-valve device for contamination-free connection of two containers or two lines with partial valves that can be rotated about a single axis. According to this aspect of the invention, at least three partial valves, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and can be put under tension so they can be sealed with respect to their surroundings, can be rotated about the single shared axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Andocksysteme G. UNTCH GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Untch
  • Patent number: 8800820
    Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube that contains a pumping device. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. A piston is located at a first end of the valve stem and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A liquid dispenser suitable for numerous applications and having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a liquid are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Coffee Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Girard, Nasser Pirshafiey, Mario E. Vassaux, Heather B. Kay, Shlomo Greenwald, Zipora Greenwald
  • Patent number: 8746657
    Abstract: A multi-piece valve disk of a sliding and/or seat valve, a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring with an external sealing zone is placed in a ring groove of the valve disk onto a dimensionally stable backup ring, and where an elastic restoring region effectively positioned between the backup ring and the external sealing zone is arranged in the backup ring, the restoring region being embodied in one piece with the sealing ring of its material adjacent to the external sealing zone of the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Martin Sauer, Dieter Weimer
  • Patent number: 8671981
    Abstract: A valve for a fuel cell system includes a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein. Each of the inlet and the outlet includes a passage formed therein to permit a fluid to flow through the valve housing. A movable member is disposed in the valve housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The movable member includes a sliding portion having a first flow regulator and a second flow regulator extending laterally outwardly therefrom. At least a portion of the first flow regulator is disposed in the passage of the inlet and at least a portion of the second flow regulator is disposed in the passage of the outlet when the movable member is in the closed position militating against a formation of ice across the entire opening of the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Matthew A. Lang
  • Patent number: 8668184
    Abstract: A double seat valve having a seat for cooperation with two valve disks which are linearly adjustable relative to each other and together relative with respect to the seat, for a seat valve function and a sliding valve function, each of the valve disks containing a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring in a ring groove, both sealing rings being manufactured with the same shapes and dimensions, each sealing ring being positioned in the ring groove with a backup ring, and both sealing rings being arranged in rotational positions differing with respect to the respective sealing function relative to the direction of adjustment of the valve disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Martin Sauer
  • Publication number: 20140053928
    Abstract: In a double seat valve (12), two preferably equally identical valve closure members (18, 20), said members being equally rigidly connected to another, and two preferably equally identical valve seats (19, 21) are provided. The first valve closure member (18) is arranged downstream of the first valve seat (19). The second valve closure member (20) is arranged upstream of the valve seat (21). In doing so, a radially interior sealing zone (37) becomes active on the first valve closure member (18). As opposed to this, a radially exterior sealing zone (38) becomes active on the second valve closure member (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Siegfried Berger, Martin Lang, Thomas Amann
  • Patent number: 8651139
    Abstract: A valve includes a body, a plug and a diaphragm defining an aperture and a seat. The diaphragm is substantially movable in response to a force applied to the seat by the plug. The valve can be cycled between an open state in which the plug is free of the seat, a closed state in which the plug is seated against the seat, and a third state in which the plug is seated against the seat and substantially deflects the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: NiMCO Corporation
    Inventor: Larry G. Bachner
  • Patent number: 8622069
    Abstract: A valve device for connecting two conduits in a unit for conducting a product comprises a first shut-off member and a second shut-off member and a first leakage space between the first and the second shut-off members, a first connection for one of the two conduits on a side of the first shut-off member facing away from the leakage space, and a second connection for the other of the two conduits on the side of the second shut-off member facing away from the leakage space. A third shut-off member and a fourth shut-off member and a second leakage space are present between the third and the fourth shut-off members, wherein a central third leakage space is present between the second and the third shut-off members, and wherein the second connection for the other of the two conduits is arranged on a side of the fourth shut-off member facing away from the second leakage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Südmo Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Glenn Ferreira
  • Publication number: 20130333803
    Abstract: A pressure regulator valve arrangement may include first and second regulator valves for closing a fluid passage in the event of over-pressure. The valve members may each have pressure ports for sensing the pressure, and the ports may be located downstream of the valve members to minimise interaction between the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Mouskis
  • Publication number: 20130312730
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes substantially co-aligned first and second valve seats and substantially co-aligned first and second valve members. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.,
    Inventors: Mark H. Stark, Mike C. Santinanavat, Ryan D. Jensen, John F. Broker
  • Publication number: 20130306175
    Abstract: A valve system (1) and a fluid flow system, in particular for an offshore installation, with a valve system (1) are disclosed. The valve system (1) comprises a valve housing (2) defining a fluid inlet (3) for receiving a fluid medium, and a fluid outlet (6) for delivering a fluid medium; at least one valve element (7) arranged in an interior part of the valve housing (2), the valve element(s) (7) being movable relative to the valve housing (2), the position of the valve element(s) (7) relative to the valve housing (2) determining a flow rate of fluid medium through the valve system (1) from the fluid inlet (3) towards the fluid outlet (6); a moving mechanism (4) arranged to cause movements of the valve element(s) (7); and a sealing member (5) arranged in an interior part of the valve housing (2), the sealing member (5) being capable of separating the interior of the valve housing (2) into a first part comprising the fluid inlet (3) and the fluid outlet (6), and a second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Kongsberg Esco Multipurpose Valves AS
    Inventor: Per Risvik Syversen
  • Publication number: 20130240071
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process valve for a media flow path, particularly for use in the beverage industry or pharmaceutical, chemical and food industry, g including at least one valve disk, at least one primary seal lying on the valve disk, at least one secondary seal, and at least one hollow space bounded by at least one primary seal and at least one secondary seal having at least one conically tapered groove for holding the secondary seal. The secondary seal is incorporated in such a manner that it seals on only one side and is permeable to media that flow out of the hollow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Krones AG
    Inventor: Johann Justl
  • Patent number: 8485224
    Abstract: An adjustable damping valve device, for a vibration damper, includes a first valve and emergency operation valve, both of which are actuated by a shared solenoid. The emergency operation valve carries out a relative movement relative to the first valve when passing from the emergency operation position into normal operation. A magnetic flux guiding element is arranged in the magnetic flux between the first valve and the emergency operation valve and determines the magnetic flux for the emergency operation valve and for the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Andreas Förster
  • Patent number: 8387660
    Abstract: A split flow valve arrangement comprising a first valve portion having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second valve portion having a first inlet coupled to the first outlet, a second inlet coupled to the second outlet, a main outlet and a secondary outlet. The inlet is selectively coupled to none, one or both of the first and second outlets; the first inlet is selectively coupled to the main outlet and the second inlet is selectively coupled to the secondary outlet. The first and second valve portions are constrained to move in synchronicity to therefore selectively direct fluid to flow from the inlet to none, one or both of the main and secondary outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Antony Morgan
  • Publication number: 20120318363
    Abstract: A system includes a set of valves and a handle, in which one valve in the set of valves is to be open at one time, and the handle is configured to move the valve between an open position and a closed position. The handle is configured to engage and disengage with the valve only when the valve is in the closed position such that the handle is not removed from the valve when the valve is in the open position. Thus, the system facilitates the sequential opening of valves in a set of valves by generally allowing a limited number of valves to be open at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ludovic Bunod, Guy Schermesser
  • Patent number: 8276792
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J Finlay, Kenneth A Ritsher, James M Collins