With Selective Motion For Plural Valve Actuator Patents (Class 137/636)
  • Patent number: 11680649
    Abstract: An example spool includes a shaft varying in diameter along a length of the shaft, and a plurality of annular lands formed on the shaft and spaced-apart by respective reduced diameter annular neck portions. The plurality of annular lands comprise at least one annular metering land, and wherein the at least one annular metering land comprises: one or more sine notches formed as a portion of a sine wave, and one or more additional notches having a different shape from the one or more sine notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporstion
    Inventors: Mitchell P. Eichler, Michael Broeckmann, Bipin G. Kashid
  • Patent number: 10915136
    Abstract: A joystick assembly includes a joystick and pre-load centering springs coupled to the joystick for biasing the joystick to a neutral position. The joystick has a central free-play zone, a transitional zone surrounding the central free-play zone in which the pre-load centering springs begin to act upon the joystick, and a load zone surrounding the transitional zone in which the pre-load centering springs exert a relatively flat spring rate upon the joystick. An angular position sensor system generates a first signal indicative of a travel angle of the joystick. A force sensor system generates a second signal indicative of a force applied to the joystick. A controller receives the first and second signals and sets start/stop points for control by the joystick approximately synchronously with the joystick moving from the transitional zone to the load zone based upon the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund C. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10870569
    Abstract: A dispenser with an alcohol throttle valve includes a dispenser base, a head, an operation control device and a throttle valve. The dispenser base has a head socket hole formed at the middle of the dispenser base and matched with and movably connected to the head. The operation control device is matched with and connected to the dispenser base and the head. The head controls its head movement in the head socket hole of the dispenser base by the operation control device. The throttle valve is matched with and installed in the head and can adjust the liquid flow in the head. The alcohol output can be controlled by adjusting the liquid flow passing through the throttle valve, so that the dispenser has the function of controlling the alcohol output flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: NINGBO MAJOR DRAFT BEER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xiaoyang Ye, Bangcai Luo
  • Patent number: 10830359
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a choke valve that includes a choke body, a choke trim disposed in the choke body, where the choke trim is configured to adjust a cross-sectional area of a flow path in the choke body to adjust a fluid flow through the choke valve, a needle of the choke trim disposed in the flow path of the fluid flow, where the needle includes a first portion having a superhard material, a seat of the choke trim, where the needle is configured to move along an axis extending through an opening of the seat to adjust the fluid flow through the choke valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Miller, Ghulam A. Barkatally, Jerry A. Martino, Declan Elliott, Edmund Peter McHugh, Jonathan Marshall, David Hoyle, Neil Cannon
  • Patent number: 10184230
    Abstract: An inventive touch faucet device for coupling to a pressurized fluid supply is provided that includes a faucet with a depressible touch surface segment and an outlet, where a mechanical touch mechanism is actuated by the touch surface, and induces a fluid flow from the pressurized fluid supply through the outlet in response to a user depression of the touch surface segment. The touch faucet device may further include a mixing valve for control of fluid temperature and flow rate. The mechanical touch mechanism in embodiments of the inventive touch faucet device includes an activation knob in an activator mechanism that is actuated by pressure applied by the touch surface, and a hydraulic valve in mechanical communication with the activator mechanism, the activator mechanism controlling the hydraulic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SIDUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mordechai Lev
  • Patent number: 9561783
    Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle is provided which includes a hydraulic booster to make wheels of the vehicle produce frictional braking force, a solenoid valve, and a collision avoidance controller. The solenoid valve selectively exerts the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid stored in an accumulator on a spool valve in the booster. When determining that there is a risk of a collision with an obstacle, the collision avoidance controller opens the solenoid valve to achieve emergency braking to minimize the risk of the collision. Basically, emergency braking is achieved by installing the solenoid valve to selectively exert the hydraulic pressure on the spool valve, thus allowing an emergency avoidance braking system to be constructed with a minimum of equipment and facilitating the mountability of the braking apparatus in the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironobu Yamashita, Takahiro Yamaguchi, Kiyohito Takeuchi, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Junji Ishimura, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9555424
    Abstract: Provided is an airbrush in which a needle cap separated from a nozzle is not easily lost. The airbrush includes: an airbrush body; a nozzle that is provided at a tip of the airbrush body so as to spray paint and air; a needle cap that is separably attached to the nozzle; and a needle cap attachment portion that is provided at a rear end of the airbrush body so as to temporarily attach the needle cap separated from the nozzle thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ikuko Saito, Takahiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9175780
    Abstract: A button switch three-way valve includes a fixation unit disposed with an inlet waterway and two outlet waterways. A priority valve is disposed between each outlet waterway and the inlet waterway. The on-off of the outlet waterway to the inlet waterway is controlled by the sliding of the valve shaft in each priority valve. The fixation unit is disposed with two control surfaces opposite to each other, each disposed with lock grooves. A button is disposed between the two control surfaces, with a central part and two connection parts in the two sides of the central part. The central part is pivot joint to the fixation unit. Two connection parts are separately connected to the two valve shafts to control the sliding of the two valve shafts, the exterior sides of the two connection parts are disposed with lock tooth to couple to the lock grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Fuli Guo, Jianmin Chen, Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 9033002
    Abstract: To improve operability of a switching operation and locking operation of an operation pattern switching valve for switching the operation pattern of controlling devices for actuator control valves. An operation pattern switching device has a rotating operation member that rotates around a shaft center of a rotating support shaft, and thereby performs a switching operation of the operation pattern switching valve; and an operation lever that is provided rotatably integrally with the rotating operation member and performs a rotating operation of the rotating operation member. The rotating support shaft is, at each pattern switching position of the operation pattern switching valve, in a circumferential direction, provided with a plurality of lock engagement parts each with which the operation lever engages. The operation lever moves in a direction orthogonal to the shaft center of the rotating support shaft, and be thereby made engageable/removable with/from each of the lock engagement parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kato, Toshihiro Nakao
  • Patent number: 8916029
    Abstract: A contaminated solvent recycling system is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a separate, lower, waste collection zone. A heater heats contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can process consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed. The waste collection zone can accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: ChemChamp, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Harland, Dennis William Mount, Mathieu Fredette
  • Patent number: 8887966
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Publication number: 20140069513
    Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a substrate having a cavity therein, and a bendable membrane within the cavity and having a plurality of spaced apart valve passageways therein. The bendable membrane may be bendable between a first position with the valve passageways being opened, and a second position with the valve passageways being closed. The microfluidic device may further include an actuator configured to bend the bendable membrane between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD
    Inventor: ARCHIT GIRIDHAR
  • Patent number: 8667988
    Abstract: A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, includes at least two open/close valves which can be actuated by moving at least one magnetically active body, in particular a permanent magnet, relative to the open/close valves. For actuating an open/close valve, a position of the magnetically active body, which is preferably implemented in the form of a permanent magnet, can be varied relative to the shut-off body of the open/close valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Christophe Cadeau, Stéphane Clauss, Alexander Eisenberg, Jörn Naumann
  • Patent number: 8646473
    Abstract: A fail-safe system and method for an electro-hydraulic system. The system includes a controller, sensor, directional control valve, interlock, hydraulic valve and movement actuator. The directional control valve moves when the controller is moved. The interlock is hydraulically coupled to the directional control valve; and is in active position when the directional control valve is moved, and in shutoff position when the directional control valve is not moved. The hydraulic valve has an input side coupled to a flow source and an output side coupled to a hydraulic function. The movement actuator moves the hydraulic valve to a desired position as directed by the controller when the interlock is in the active position, and does not move the hydraulic valve when the interlock is in the shutoff position. The sensor detects movement of the controller and sends a control signal to the first valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Derek Scott Hall, Joshua Dean Graeve, Brian K. Kellogg, Eric Richard Anderson, Jeffrey William Dobchuk
  • Publication number: 20130263955
    Abstract: A control valve includes: a body having valve holes for communicating an inlet port and the outlet ports together, respectively; valve elements for opening and closing valve sections by contacting and leaving the valve holes, respectively; a stepping motor having a rotor for driving the valve elements in the opening and closing directions of the valve sections; and a valve actuating member that drives the valve elements in the opening and closing directions of the valve sections by converting a rotational movement of the rotor around the axis line thereof into a translational movement of the valve actuating member in the axis line direction. The valve actuating member is supported by the rotor so as to be capable of making a translational movement of the valve actuating member in the axial direction with respect to the rotor, while a rotational movement with respect to the rotor is regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Hirota
  • Patent number: 8434519
    Abstract: Pressure regulator device comprising a body (1), a minimum of a pressure reducer and a damper mounted in control and damping cavities, respectively, in the body (1), and a control member (4) pivoting on an upper face (10) of the body (1). The device is noteworthy in that the control and damping cavities have open ends in a peripheral face (12) of the body (1) and the control member (4) has parts (47) that are opposite the peripheral face (12) in order to face the open ends of the respective control and damping cavities, from which control (21) and damping pushrods, respectively, project. The present invention has an application in the hydraulic remote controls of civil engineering machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth D.S.I.
    Inventors: Gérard Larzoe, Laurent Drutel
  • Publication number: 20110174393
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a service passage, a first bore in fluid communication with the service passage, a first passage, a second bore in communication with the service passage and a second passage. The first bore has an inlet portion, a first service portion in communication with the service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first passage is in communication with the first load holding portion and the service passage. The second bore has a return portion, a second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of the second bore and the return passage. A valve is disposed in the second passage. The valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Chris William Schottler
  • Publication number: 20110168268
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Patent number: 7896017
    Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system for the use in the delivery of medical fluids. The medical fluid delivery system may include a pumping system, a disposable medical fluid line set and a valve operating system. The disposable tubing line set may include valves adapted to interface with the valve operating system. The valve operating system may be adapted to operate only selected valves using a single drive means. The pumping system may be operated over a wide range of medical fluid delivery rates by employing a bi-directional drive member and a transmission interfaced with the drive member and a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: StnDrd Infusion Corp.
    Inventor: David R. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7861742
    Abstract: A cartridge of a water supply valve that controls the flow rate and temperature of water without causing interference between flow rate control operation and temperature control operation of the valve. In the cartridge, a flow rate control knob (12) angularly moves forwards and rearwards and actuates a control lever (14) to open or close cold and hot water supply holes (1a and 1b). A temperature control knob (13) is coupled to the flow rate control knob (12), linearly moves leftwards and rightwards, and actuates the control lever (14) to control the opening ratios of the water supply holes. Thus, this cartridge does not change the existing temperature of water during flow rate control operation or change the existing flow rate of water during temperature control operation. This invention reduces the quantity of water to be unnecessarily wasted and, at the same time, prevents undesirable consumption of excessive energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jong Koo Kim
  • Patent number: 7810521
    Abstract: Sanitary fitting (10, 10A) with an outlet (38) and a first supply line connection (74) connected hydraulically thereto and capable of being connected to a first source of liquid, with a pilot valve arrangement (48) arranged hydraulically between the first supply line connection (74) and the outlet (38), and with a second supply line connection (76) capable of being connected to a second source of liquid. The sanitary fitting (10, 10A) also exhibits a control device (50), which is connected on the inlet side to the first and the second supply line connection (74, 76) and on the outlet side to the pilot valve arrangement (48), the pilot valve arrangement (48) being permanently connected by hydraulic means via the control device (50) to at least the first supply line connection (74) or the second supply line connection (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Herbert Gloor, Hans-Ulrich Alder
  • Publication number: 20100229985
    Abstract: A cartridge including an anti-ram device comprises a multiple braking mechanism, including at least two pistons housed in the cover/driver element of a top movable plate, on the sides of a milled ball seat of the faucet control rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Piero Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 7753077
    Abstract: A user input device is provided for a hydraulic system that has a source of pressurized fluid and a tank. The user input device includes a body with a supply passage for receiving the pressurized fluid, a tank passage for connection to the tank, and a first chamber. A handle is pivotally attached to the body and operates one or more valves within the body. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be pivoted independently about two orthogonal axis with separate pairs of valves operated by movement about each axis. In response to the position of the handle, each valve connects a separate chamber alternately to either the supply passage or the tank passage and different pressure sensor produces an electrical signal indicating a level of pressure in the chamber of each valve. Thus an electrical signal is produced from each valve to indicate motion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: HUSCO International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Bertolasi, Joseph L. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7753078
    Abstract: A user input device is provided for a hydraulic system that has a source of pressurized fluid and a tank. The user input device includes a body with a supply passage for receiving the pressurized fluid, a tank passage for connection to the tank, and a first chamber. A handle is pivotally attached to the body and operates one or more valves within the body. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be pivoted independently about two orthogonal axis with separate pairs of valves operated by movement about each axis. In response to the position of the handle, each valve connects a separate chamber alternately to either the supply passage or the tank passage and different pressure sensor produces an electrical signal indicating a level of pressure in the chamber of each valve. Thus an electrical signal is produced from each valve to indicate motion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: HUSCO International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Bertolasi, Joseph L. Pfaff, Dwight B. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7712485
    Abstract: A control lever (10) is provided with a grip (12), which in a joint (14) having two degrees of freedom is supported in a housing (11) and can be switched from an initial position in various directions for activating shift elements (18, 19), whereby spring elements (41, 42) are provided for returning the grip (12) to its initial position, and with a functional device for overcoming a pressure point during the activation and/or for retaining a desired shift position. In order to provide functional devices in greater numbers in a gearshift lever of this type without requiring substantially more installation space or substantially higher costs, provision is made that the functional device is constituted by an electrically controllable hydraulic arrangement (35), which connects to diametrically opposing shift elements (18, 19), which can be activated by the grip (12) in two opposing directions of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Coactive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kitten, Joachim Meyer-Quade, Henning Koschke
  • Publication number: 20090314352
    Abstract: A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Dongchul D. Hyun, Michael Fleury
  • Patent number: 7625167
    Abstract: A control apparatus for material handling vehicle, the control apparatus having an operator control moveable in a first direction. A first actuator controls a first part of the material handling vehicle and a second actuator controls a second part of material handling vehicle. The control apparatus includes a mechanical link moveable between a first position to connect the operator control to the first actuator and a second position to connect the operator control to the second actuator such that movement of the operator control in the first direction causes selective operation of the first actuator or the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: JCB Compact Products Limited
    Inventor: Alan Leigh Walchester
  • Patent number: 7607449
    Abstract: A mixer tap assembly is shown which has a mixing chamber for mixing fluids from two inputs, and a mix controller to control the ratio of fluid flow into the mixing chamber from the inputs. The mix controller includes a mix actuator which operates a mix control apparatus, such as a rotatable sleeve, which is connected to a mix valve apparatus associated with the mixing chamber. The mix actuator and a fluid outlet are mountable on or above a work surface via a mounting apparatus, while the mixing chamber is mountable below the work surface. Furthermore, the mix control apparatus and an output conduit, between the fluid outlet and the mixing chamber, pass through a bore in the mounting means, so minimizing the footprint of the mixer tap assembly on the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hornbeam Ivy Limited
    Inventors: William Peter Herring, James Moore
  • Patent number: 7530365
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Patent number: 7367358
    Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system for the use in the delivery of medical fluids. The medical fluid delivery system may include a pumping system, a disposable medical fluid line set and a valve operating system. The disposable tubing line set may include valves adapted to interface with the valve operating system. The valve operating system may be adapted to operate only selected valves using a single drive means. The pumping system may be operated over a wide range of medical fluid delivery rates by employing a bi-directional drive member and a transmission interfaced with the drive member and a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Infusion Technology, LLC
    Inventor: David R. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7128080
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Patent number: 7066198
    Abstract: An intuitive pressurized fluid controller using tilt/push/pull (3 axis) operator includes a swivel joint such that it can move axially and tilt. A first array of valves is arranged to be activated as the lever tilts. A second array of valves is arranged so they can be activated when the lever is pulled axially. A third array of valves is arranged so they can be activated when the lever is pushed axially. When plumbed to a plurality of pressurable positioners supporting heavy equipment, the first array of valves can control the equipment pitch and roll as the lever is tilted, and the second/third arrays of valves can control the equipment elevation as the lever is pulled/pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jason L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6935375
    Abstract: A multiway valve, which is more particularly intended for a hand-operated shower, contains several individual valves, whose closure members are fitted to a tiltable element. By tilting the tiltable element, which is supported at one point, some of the plurality of individual valves can be opened and optionally also closed. The multiway valve can be housed in a confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Gerd Blessing
  • Patent number: 6926034
    Abstract: A hydraulic spool lock with a hydraulic spool housing, first and second hydraulic spools mounted within the hydraulic spool housing for independent selective movement with respect to the hydraulic spool housing, and a lock plunger movable mounted to the hydraulic spool housing. The present invention allows independent movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in the unlocked position. The present inventions prevents movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Prince Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Otterby
  • Patent number: 6910504
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Patent number: 6901962
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann, Ian F. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6742542
    Abstract: A multiport valve having a valve body and a controllable opening in a surface is provided. An activation element is also disclosed which is controllably attached to a sealing element in communication with the surface. An elastomer membrane is provided about the activation element and in contact with the sealing element. The activation element selectively elevates the sealing element from a valve seat. Additional multiport valve embodiments are also disclosed including a toggle to regulate multiple valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen
    Inventor: Gerold Dierks
  • Publication number: 20030121555
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Patent number: 6575050
    Abstract: A control device for a backhoe that moves four separate reversible hydraulic valves in any combination or all at the same time with only one human hand needed to manipulate said controls. These valves are controlled through an organized series of arms, levers, and push rods. Lever one 1 can pivot forward or backward, move up or down, push forward or pull backward, and move to the left or right. Lever two 2 pivots up or down at lever four 4, therefore lever one 1 moves with lever two 2 as a unit. Lever four 4 spins around lever three 3 with lever two 2 and lever one 1 as a unit. Lever three 3 pivots forward and backward taking lever four 4, lever two 2, and lever one 1 with it as a unit. Lever one 1 pivots forward or backward to actuate valve 20 through a number of pins, rods, and arms. As lever one 1 is moved up or down, it pivots lever two 2 causing valve 22 to be actuated, leaving valve 20 uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Greene
  • Publication number: 20030056839
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Publication number: 20020056479
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupe, William J. Kullmann, Ian F. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6273137
    Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Clark C. Davis, David F. Knutti
  • Patent number: 6019133
    Abstract: A cross lever valve control device (1), especially for a lifting device such as a crane, with at least one manually actuated cross lever (2,3) which can be swivelled in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and in a second cross direction (K.sub.2), and with at least two control valves (5, 6, 9, 10) which each have one movable valve body (11, 12, 15, 16), cross lever (2, 3) being coupled to valve body (11, 16) of first control valve (5, 10) and valve body (12, 15) of second control valve (6, 9) such that first control valve (5, 10) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and second control valve (6, 9) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in second cross direction (K.sub.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Riedel & Sohne oHG
    Inventors: Norbert Riedel, Ludger Riedel
  • Patent number: 5868166
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve usable in combination with a hydraulic steering system has a spring mechanism axially disposed between a pair of axially aligned valve spools. Movement of the spring mechanism in a first direction resiliently moves one of the valve spools to a position for communicating an inlet port with a control port and regulating the pressure in the the control port so that the pressure is proportional to the degree of movement of the spring mechanism. Conversely, movement of the spring mechanism in a second direction resiliently moves the other valve spool to a position for communicating the inlet port with another control port and regulating the pressure in the other control port so that the pressure is proportional to the degree of movement of the spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5690140
    Abstract: A distribution assembly for the selective connection of fluid lines of a first group of lines with fluid lines of a second group of lines, characterized by the following features: First stationary ducts are connected to the lines of the first group of lines. Second stationary ducts are connected to the lines of the second group of lines, the ducts having a cross section adapted to be cleaned by a line scraper, the ducts further intersecting the first ducts, with an intersecting portion leaving a passage within the first ducts for the flow of a fluid in the first duct. A shutoff valve for each set intersecting portions of the second ducts is located within the first duct, the valve having a valve member which selectively shuts off or opens a connection between the intersecting portion and a first duct, the valve member being connected to an actuating member which extends outwardly of the first duct, and an actuator for the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Martin Skibowski, Michael Jakubik
  • Patent number: 5623965
    Abstract: A rubber valve plate is sandwiched between a stator and a cover. Ports in the stator for coupling to a vacuum source and vacuum motors are aligned with poppets molded in the valve plate. A manifold in the plate joins regions surrounding the valves to couple the vacuum source to all the valves. Openings in the cover plate allow a dome of each poppet to protrude. A rotary actuator adjacent the cover is configured to selectively engage the domes to actuate certain poppets which are moved against the stator to close the port to vacuum or are allowed to move toward the cover to connect the port to vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Chris R. Snider, Curtis A. Stapert
  • Patent number: 5476119
    Abstract: A servo valve comprises a valve body, an elongated chamber defined by the body and two oppositely facing annular pistons independently movable longitudinally within the body. Each piston has an inner annular first valve seat and an outer annular first obturating surface. A reciprocable valve stem is surrounded by the pistons. Two oppositely facing spaced annular second obturating surfaces are carried by the valve stem a fixed distance apart, with the pistons located between the two second obturating surfaces and reciprocable on the valve stem. Each of the second obturating surfaces is arranged to cooperate with one of the inner annular first valve seats to control fluid flow along the valve stem from a fluid inlet intermediate the pistons. Two annular second valve seats are fixed in the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5305782
    Abstract: A pneumatic control valve system has a modulating valve and a piston. When the operator depresses the piston, pressure is communicated to a switching piston moving that piston to a switched position so that pressure is communicated to a switching outlet. The switching piston retains this switched position when the first piston is released. When the modulating valve is opened to communicate pressure to a work port, pressure is also communicated to the switching piston in order to move the switching piston back to its unswitched position whereat the switching outlet is vented. The switching piston allows the control of another function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Diesel Equipment Limited
    Inventors: Graham V. Kipling, Paul H. Martin
  • Patent number: 4955442
    Abstract: A vehicular steering mechanism of overly complex construction is known which displaces a left turn control valve or a right turn control valve through separated cams in response to the rotation of a steering wheel. The subject steering mechanism is simpler, more economical and more compact by including an input shaft and a single actuating cam which are conjointly rotatable away from a neutral position in either direction. The actuating cam defines a profiled guide slot of a substantially spiral shape, and a cam follower assembly is cooperatively associated therewith including a cam following roller wheel that is received in the profiled guide slot. The cam follower assembly includes a bellcrank supporting the roller wheel and indirectly connected to a left turn control valve and a right turn control valve. The vehicle is steered by the controlled rotation of the bellcrank and the subsequent displacement of the control valves and. The steering mechanism also includes an effective centering and stop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Elmer R. Crabb, William J. Spivey
  • Patent number: 4911211
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the antifreeze in a vehicle requires only a garden hose and opening of the radiator cap. Water from the hose is utilized to prime a conduit for siphoning used coolant from a side tank radiator and for refilling the radiator. By operating the vehicle with fresh water in the radiator, coolant remaining in the system is mixed with the water, and repeated drainings decrease the remaining used antifreeze by about one-half each time. After removal of the desired amount of antifreeze, new antifreeze may be placed in the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Robert A. Andersen