Tortuous Path Patents (Class 138/42)
  • Patent number: 5487528
    Abstract: A solenoid controlled, pilot actuated inlet water valve apparatus has an inlet connected to a residential water source pipe and an outlet connected to an appliance such as a dishwasher or clothes washing machine. The inlet water valve contains a flow control, a noise suppressor, a pilot valve controlled by an electrically operated armature, and a main valve composed of a diaphragm, diaphragm insert, valving surface and bleed passage. The noise suppressor is located downstream of the flow control and reduces water velocity by first radially dispersing incoming water to the periphery of the noise suppressor in a dispersion chamber. Next, water passes through passage holes located around the periphery of the noise suppressor into a recombining chamber with it is directed toward a central exit port. When water moves in the recombining chamber toward the central exit port, the water converges from different directions further reducing water velocity and noise caused by cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: James W. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5468057
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit for wheel slip control, which is located between a master cylinder and wheel brake cylinders. Reflection damping devices are installed in main brake lines located between the hydraulic unit and the master cylinder which damp pressure waves that originate at control valves of the hydraulic unit. When the control valves are triggered in the wheel slip control mode the pressure waves are largely kept away from the master cylinder. By the means of length adaptation of the main brake lines, the brake lines can also contribute to the damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Megerle, Guenther Hohl, Erich Ludewig, Guenter Kaes
  • Patent number: 5462088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine, the diffuser being designed to be inserted downstream from a last expansion stage constituted by an outlet duct of circular cross-section containing a central bulb. The diffuser includes a flared transition duct having an inlet end of circular cross-section identical to the cross-section of the outlet duct of the last stage, an outlet end of square cross-section, and four fixed fins disposed inside the ducts close to respective corners of the square cross-section for directing the exhaust gases toward the corners of the square cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Dite: European Gas Turbines SA
    Inventors: Jacques Poux, Liberto Gandia, Frederic Rouget
  • Patent number: 5451106
    Abstract: A mixer for viscous liquids having an inlet for connection to a pressurized source of the liquids and an outlet for the mixed liquids. A series of chambers are arranged between the inlet and the outlet, these chambers being separated by several convergent/divergent surfaces providing narrow openings between said chambers. The openings are in the form of slits defined by the inner edges of dies which also form the convergent/divergent surfaces upstream and downstream of the slits. The chambers include parallel sided portions which allow for quiescent flow of liquid through these portions. At least some of the dies are movable to adjust the width of the slits. Preferably, the dies and chambers are annular and concentric, and the liquids pass radially inwardly through the narrow openings during mixing and are subjected to increasing stress as they progress through the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Xuan Q. Nguyen, Lechoslaw A. Utracki
  • Patent number: 5449350
    Abstract: A flow control device for a liquid agent administration apparatus includes a body. The body has an inlet port, an outlet passage, and a flow control orifice between the inlet port and outlet passage. A deflection surface is located within the outlet passage and is spaced from the orifice to be impinged by a stream of the liquid discharging from the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Con A. Lasaitis, Robert J. Kruger
  • Patent number: 5419371
    Abstract: A throttle device, especially a throttle valve, is a throttle cage which is a composite of at least two or three layers including an engineering ceramic layer and at least one metal sleeve. In a two-layer embodiment the ceramic is provided on the upstream side and the metal sleeve on the downstream side. In a three-layer configuration the ceramic layer is sandwiched between metal sleeves. The throttle device is particularly adapted to take up shock stresses and alternating stresses namely temperature and or pressure stresses, and also provides the requisite resistance to corrosion, abrasive action, cavitation and the like to materially increase the useful life of the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Cerpraecis Anwendungen fur Ingenieurkeramik GmbH
    Inventor: Rutger Berchem
  • Patent number: 5417481
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit for wheel slip control, which is located between a master cylinder and wheel brake cylinders. Reflection damping devices are installed in main brake lines located between the hydraulic unit and the master cylinder which damp pressure waves that originate at control valves of the hydraulic unit. When the control valves are triggered in the wheel slip control mode the pressure waves are largely kept away from the master cylinder. By the means of length adaptation of the main brake lines, the brake lines can also contribute to the damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Megerle, Guenther Hohl, Erich Ludewig, Guenter Kaes
  • Patent number: 5409042
    Abstract: An apparatus to control fluid flow to an approximate fixed rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing (12), an orifice (22), a diaphragm (24), and a cage (26). The housing has two ends, an inlet end (18) having an inlet opening and an outlet end (20) having an outlet opening. The ends are arranged and configured to receive piping (14 and 16). The orifice is disposed within the housing. The orifice has an upstream end and a downstream end with a seat (34) formed in the upstream end. The fluid flows over the seat and through the orifice before exiting the outlet end of the housing in normal flow. The diaphragm is disposed within the housing adjacent and upstream of the seat of the orifice. The diaphragm has an upstream side, a downstream side, and sidewalls. The downstream side of the diaphragm is opposite the seat such that a pressure drop across the diaphragm pulls the downstream side of the diaphragm toward the seat. The cage surrounds at least a portion of the sidewalls of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Romac Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kirchner
  • Patent number: 5406982
    Abstract: The reducer device comprises a tubular housing having end caps and having an inlet and outlet end. An inlet barb is mounted on the end cap at the inlet of the housing and adapted to sealingly connect with a supply line. An outlet barb is mounted on the end cap at the outlet end of the housing and adapted to sealingly connect with a delivery line. A primary spiral tube extends axially within the tubular housing from the inlet end to the outlet end. An inlet tube is connected to the inlet barb and extends through the spiral of the primary spiral tube integrally joining with the outlet end of the primary spiral tube. An outlet tube is connected to the outlet barb and extends through the spiral of the primary spiral tube integrally joining with the inlet end of the primary spiral tube. Upon closing the end caps on the housing, the ends of the primary spiral tube are urged apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Edward L. Phillips
    Inventors: Edward L. Phillips, Robert H. Brunst
  • Patent number: 5407274
    Abstract: Steam quality at both outlets of a T junction is equalized by a static mixer immediately adjacent the inlet to the junction causing substantial homogenization of the liquid and vapor phases of wet steam entering the junction so that the steam exiting both legs of the junction will have substantially the same quality as the steam entering the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Woerheide, James R. Stoy, Mark T. Rubel
  • Patent number: 5404945
    Abstract: A device is provided for controlling fluid flow in oil well casings or drill pipes. The device defines a flowpath for fluid through a casing section or drill pipe with the flowpath including a throttling valve which restricts or prevents the flow of fluid therethrough. This can be used to prevent U-tubing in casings or can be used to locate leaks in drill pipes or can be used to monitor the position of successive fluids of differing viscosities in a casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Stirling Design International Limited
    Inventors: Philip Head, Paul Gullett, Paul Wilmott
  • Patent number: 5399015
    Abstract: A mechanical emulsifying apparatus makes oil/water emulsions without chemicals and without moving parts. Oil is pumped at a nominal pressure axially into an emulsifying stack of alternately clockwise and anticlockwise abrupt-reversal helical spin-reversing helix disks, with integrally machined separator necks. The stack transfers partially emulsified oil/water mix from one helical disk to the next. Water is introduced directly into the emulsifying stack (for heavy oil, from the side) at a pressure higher than the oil pressure, to shear into the oil stream. The oil/water stream, as it penetrates the oil stream, follows a spin-reversing flow path through the stack. Each disk is cut with a helical pathway, alternately clockwise or anticlockwise, and with a separator neck, for an abrupt transition at a nominal 135 degree angle. The oil and water streams, partially merged, strike the transition at the separator neck between helix disks. This reverses the helical flow abruptly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventors: Xie Zhi-qiang, Liu Erh
  • Patent number: 5397179
    Abstract: A device and method for inducing turbulence in the flow of a fluid in the course of a continuous flow process are disclosed. The device comprising a series of chambers extending along an axis. Each chamber is defined by (1) a cylindrical conduit that extends along the axis and between opposite ends and has a constant internal diameter along the axis; (2) a frusto-conical diffuser that has an internal diameter increasing along the axis from a reduced internal diameter at an inlet of the diffuser to an internal diameter substantially equal to that conduit at an outlet of the diffuser; and (3) a frusto-conical confuser that has an internal diameter decreasing along the axis from an internal diameter substantially equal to that of the conduit at an inlet of the confuser to a reduced diameter at an outlet of the confuser. The conduit, diffuser and confuser of each chamber are arranged coaxially and the cylindrical conduit extends from the outlet of the diffuser to the inlet of the confuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Turbocom, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Berlin, Yuri A. Prochukhan, Karl S. Minsker, Alexei S. Konoplyov, Valeri Z. Kompanietz, Sergei K. Minsker
  • Patent number: 5390896
    Abstract: In order to discipate energy from a high pressure fluid without causing damage and environmental nuisanse an energy loss device is used. This device includes energy loss paths including void areas arranged to draw energy from the high pressure fluid as it passes through the path. These paths may also include turns and other features to enhance energy loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Smirl
  • Patent number: 5373873
    Abstract: A gauge block assembly for use in conjunction with the refilling of high pressure gaseous oxygen cylinders. The gauge block is used in an oxygen transfill header or manifold and includes a gas transfer control unit that allows rapid evacuation of the spent oxygen cylinder but that prevents rapid refilling of the oxygen cylinder with fresh oxygen. The gas transfer control unit includes a valve assembly having a restricted orifice therethrough. During the evacuation process, the check valve opens, bypassing the restricted orifice, to allow rapid evacuation of the oxygen cylinder at a first rate of flow. During the refilling process, the check valve closes. The incoming oxygen must flow through the restricted orifice at a second rate of flow less than the first rate of flow thereby regulating the flow of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Miller, Max Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5357793
    Abstract: Device for measuring pressure differences or mass portions in a fluid flow--gas or liquid--and/or for implementing processes for mixing fluids, whereby when in use the fluid flows into the device, then passes a part therein where the fluid flow is laminar and the flow measurement is made, and finally flows out of the device, whereby the device has a turbulence filter which is integrated therein, with a settling chamber behind it. The fluid then first flows through that filter, so that a laminar flow leads to the flow measuring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V.
    Inventor: Wijbren Jouwsma
  • Patent number: 5343754
    Abstract: A pressure transducer is shown having a pressure responsive movable diaphragm which effectively forms a wall of a pressure chamber; the diaphragm upon sensing fluid pressure thereagainst is effective for accordingly varying an electrical resistance; a passage operatively interconnects the pressure chamber with a source of fluid whereby the fluid and its pressure are communicated to the pressure chamber; the passage is shown as being helically formed in order to, within a limited axial length about which the helical passage is formed, sufficiently damp perturbations in the pressure of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hi-Stat Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Stone
  • Patent number: 5327941
    Abstract: A cascade orificial resistive device for throttling fluid flow which minies acoustic noise and internal vibrations is described herein. The device has a hollow body defining a fluid passageway, a plurality of perforated plates mounted within the passageway, a fixed end ring adjacent one end of the perforated plates, and a threadable end ring adjacent an opposite end of the perforated plates to place the plates in compression. Each of the perforated plates is a single piece molded plate having an integral outer ring and an integrally formed center keying mechanism as well as a plurality of orifices. The keying mechanism formed on each plate is designed so that adjacent ones of the plates have their orifices misaligned. In this manner, a pressure drop across each plate is created and the fluid flow through the device is throttled. The device of the present invention has utility in a number of onboard marine vessel systems wherein reduced acoustic noise and internal vibrations are particularly desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nicholas Bitsakis, James Cassidy
  • Patent number: 5309946
    Abstract: A flow rectifier for mounting in a circular section duct conveying a fluid flow, the rectifier establishing two series of oppositely-rotating vortices in a ring, which vortices cancel one another, and are created by two series of angularly offset fins. The first series of fins is disposed uniformly around the inside surface of the ring while the second series of fins is disposed uniformly around a circumference centered on the center of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, S.A.
    Inventor: Patrice Ligneul
  • Patent number: 5287613
    Abstract: This device relates to a pneumatic control system and more particularly to an annular slit restrictor in connection therewith and a method for precisely centering an annular plug within an accurately formed annular hole in a flow control body in a shrink fit operation to cause the plug and hole to be co-axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Professional Instruments Co.
    Inventor: Eugene L. Dahl
  • Patent number: 5275730
    Abstract: A baffle means (2) is provided at a dip pipe (1) which latter projects into the separating chamber of a facility for the separation of substance mixtures of a liquid or gaseous medium and a liquid or solid substance under the effect of centrifugal forces, the medium being discharged from the facility through this dip pipe. The baffle means (2) includes at least one baffle (3) having the shape of the shell of a truncated cone, the axis of curvature (4) of which extends in parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) of the dip pipe (1) and is offset with respect to this axis (5). By the baffle means (2), the medium is guided into the dip pipe (1) with simultaneous reconversion of the flow energy into pressure energy, there being imparted to the medium an acceleration oriented axially in the flow-off direction of the medium and an acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Josef Keuschnigg
  • Patent number: 5238026
    Abstract: A liquid outflow control unit used in an instrument for injecting a liquid such as a liquid medicine into a human body. It includes a plurality of separate partial members, at least one of which has a groove on a joined face thereof to form a small path through which a liquid passes. A liquid enters one end of the groove and goes out of an exit which fluid communicates with the other end of the groove. The liquid flowing out of the exit is injected into the human body via a connection tube and a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Goto
  • Patent number: 5209265
    Abstract: A flow control device for feeding water flow at a constant flow volume regardless of the pressure. The device comprises a conduit body with a coupling end for coupling with a water supply pipe to receive water therefrom and a discharge end for discharging the water therethrough. The conduit body is formed in the coupling end with a concavity having a bottom wall recessed from the coupling end face and a peripheral inner wall. A passage extends through the conduit body to have its one end opened into the bottom wall and the other end leading to a discharge end. Received within the concavity is an elastic valve having a constricted aperture in fluid communication between the water supply pipe and the passage for feeding the water into the passage through the aperture from the water supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Taguri, Yasuo Maeda, Shinjiro Seto, Yoshihiro Sakurai
  • Patent number: 5207386
    Abstract: An emitter unit having an elongated flowduct. The flowduct comprises a central elongated control duct of substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape having a width a and two sets of successive like flow pockets located respectively on either side of the control duct and opening into the control duct. Each flow pocket of the sets is defined between a pair of adjacent side walls of a pair of successive baffles of a corresponding set of baffles. Each baffle has baffle side walls which terminate in a baffle edge of width c and of height b, the baffles of one set being respectively directed substantially towards the mid-points of the inter-baffle regions of the opposite set. The baffle edges of each set of baffles are substantially aligned and define one pair of opposite longitudinal sides of the control duct, the other pair of longitudinal sides of the control duct being defined by first and second opposite control duct walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Hydro-Plan Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Raphael Mehoudar
  • Patent number: 5203496
    Abstract: A thermostatic control valve assembly for use in continuously mixing a hot first fluid with a cold second fluid to continuously produce a mixed fluid at a constant temperature. The valve assembly includes an improved mixing dome defining a mixing chamber that facilitates thorough mixing of the hot and cold fluids over a wide range of flow rates, including rates as low as two gallons per minute. The improved mixing performance is accomplished by a plurality of baffles sequentially disposed along the flow path within the mixing chamber. Each baffle defines an elongated opening which is angularly displaced from the elongated opening of the other baffles to turn the fluid flow, thereby optimally mixing the hot and cold fluids over a wide range of flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Lawler Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 5201344
    Abstract: A pipe blind including a plate for connecting to the end of a pipe, the plate having an outer edge and two parallel faces, the plate having at least one channel therein, the channel being located in the interior of the plate and having an exit port and an entrance port, the entrance port being located on one of the faces of the plate and the exit port being located on the edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Larry G. Lacouture
  • Patent number: 5181532
    Abstract: Using conventional manufacturing methods, porous, sintered, compacted powder bodies shaped as straight cylinders can be produced with extremely small variations in their flow resistance to a fluid. According to the invention, such bodies are produced in series so that, for a certain fluid and a certain pressure drop above the body, they produce a predetermined flow which can easily be regulated by using simple pressure-regulating equipment for controlling the pressure drop. The invention comprises an apparatus consisting of a pipe with pressure-regulating means, a container for a body according to the invention, and a series of bodies with different flow resistance for setting different flow intervals in the pipe for given fluids. The invention also comprises a method for setting a predetermined flow for a specific fluid at a given pressure, and the use of well defined porous bodies enabling a desired pressure to be set by regulating the pressure drop across the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventors: Lage Brodefors, Lars Irstam
  • Patent number: 5156680
    Abstract: A flow restrictor (12) for a fluid comprising, an elongated conduit (26) having a lumen (28), and a restriction member (32) snugly received in the lumen (28) of the conduit (26), and having a pair of opposed ends (38) and (40), an entry port (33) adjacent one end (38) of the restriction member (32), and an exit port (35) adjacent the other end (40) of the restriction member (32), and a device (42a-j) and (46a-i) defining a tortuous path (48) between the entry port (33) and exit port (35) to restrict passage of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Orzechowski
  • Patent number: 5123628
    Abstract: A water saving valve is provided for attachment between a water supply pipe and a showerhead. The water saving valve has a spool fitted in a bore defined by first and second walls having first and second openings, respectively. The first and second walls separate the bore from a pipe passageway and a showerhead passageway, respectively. A circumferentially recessed groove is provided in a central portion of the spool, the recessed groove defined by a core which has a diameter approximately 80% of the diameter of the spool. The core has a valve passageway which, when the spool is fitted in the bore in a first portion, substantially horizontally aligns with the first and second openings to allow water to flow unrestricted therethrough. The spool may be rotated by a handle to different positions to regulate the quantity of water allowed to flow through the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Jim Yu
  • Patent number: 5104233
    Abstract: A mixing element according to this invention comprises a passage tube through which fluids to be mixed pass, a fluid structure providing a plurality of fluid passage in the interior of the passage tube, and an auxiliary body disposed on the inner wall surface of the passage tube and at least a part of the surface of the fluid passage structure, whereby the area in contact with the fluids and the shearing force are increased, whereby the mixing effect is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Hisao Kojima
  • Patent number: 5102095
    Abstract: The flow restrictor is a unitary one-piece element that can be fabricated from either metal or plastic by casting or molding. In use, it is press fitted into a bore in a solenoid valve body to provide a certain restrictive effect. It has a circular cylindrical central core that has a series of flanges that are axially spaced by gaps. Each flange has a circular outer edge that is interrupted by at least one axially extending through-notch. These notches are arranged to provide a tortuous path for the fluid flow, and sized to create a desired restriction. The restrictor provides two parallel flow paths, one, the tortuous path just described, and two, a through-hole through the core of the restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: Eric J. Schmitt-Matzen, George T. Bata
  • Patent number: 5096004
    Abstract: A progressive cavity drilling apparatus which includes a drill bit, a drill bit driving shaft have a hollow bore formed therein and a progressive cavity drive train for driving the drilling shaft. A flow restrictor is provided to cause fluid leaving the progressive cavity drive train to enter the interior of the hollow drilling shaft and then to be exited therefrom through nozzles formed in the drill bit. The flow restrictor includes a groove to allow a small amount of fluid to flow in a path winding around the circumference of the flow restrictor and into a bearing assembly located below the flow restrictor. Because the flow path winds around the circumference of the flow restrictor, it is significantly longer than a straight longitudinal flow path. Consequently, the velocity of the high pressure fliud through the flow path is significantly reduced thus minimizing erosion and wear of the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Russell D. Ide
  • Patent number: 5094433
    Abstract: A vibration isolating device is disclosed, which comprises two vibration-damping liquid chambers, and a partition member interposed between the two liquid chambers and provided with a restricted passage therein. In this device, the partition member comprises a pair of lapped plate materials, at least one of which is provided with a depression for defining the restricted passage in the lapping of the plate materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Dan, Nobuaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5086976
    Abstract: A sprinkler flow control fixture for insertion between a water main and a sprinkler head contains a solid wall separating the inlet side from the outlet side with a passage therethrough calibrated to permit a flow rate of about 130% the normal flow of the sprinkler head so that removal of the head will not result in excessive water loss and drop in water main pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: James R. Sessions
  • Patent number: 5081847
    Abstract: A variable flow restrictor valve is disclosed that is adapted to be inserted in a fluid line to provide first and second alternative flow paths therethrough in accordance with the pressure differential between inlet and outlet ends of the valve. The assembly is characterized by use of a moveable orifice tube which defines one of the alternative paths and an intermediate part of a valve housing defines a flow path which forms another alternative flow path having flow therethrough regulated by a stop disk and a valve disk both of which are fixed to the orifice tube on either side of the intermediate part to position the valve disk to either close or open the another alternative flow path in accordance with the aforesaid pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Russell C. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5081737
    Abstract: A device for use in a weaving machine to eliminate accumulations of floating fibers by generating pulses of pressurized air has a storage vessel for pressurized air. The storage vessel is connected to an air compressor via a throttle and a valve disposed between the throttle and the storage vessel. The valve has a passage, a first conduit branching from the passage to the storage vessel, a second conduit branching from the passage to the throttle and air compressor, and a third conduit branching from the passage to a nozzle which can be directed onto the weaving machine. A valving element is movable in the passage between a first position in which the first conduit communicates with the second conduit but is sealed from the third conduit and a second position in which the first conduit communicates with the third conduit but is sealed from the second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Gebruder Schmeing GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Theo Dues
  • Patent number: 5076498
    Abstract: A drip irrigation tape and a method and apparatus for manufacture of same in which there are foils of thermoplastics material formed and sealed to produce a main waterway extending along the tape, and a series of tortuous flow restricting channels which are formed in a further foil by forming these in a channel shape mould on a drum, each channel communicating at one position with the waterway and having an outlet at another position to give a drip feed from each channel, the invention further including using an extrusion of thermoplastics foil directly from an extruding machine into such a forming machine, effecting an aperture from the tortuous channel to the main waterway by using a heated finger, effecting an outlet from the tortuous channel by providing an offset channel part which can then be nicked with a hot blade, and effecting an improved sealing together by using spaced apart dimples in providing joining fusing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Townsend Controls Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: James D. Townsend
  • Patent number: 5066137
    Abstract: A device for the injection and mixing of steam into a fluid stream. A conduit which is cylindrically-shaped is provided for carrying a fluid such as water. A tubular conduit is then provided for discharging steam in the vicinity of a material mixing apparatus which possesses a plug for intermittently blocking steam discharge within the cylindrically-shaped conduit. A material mixing apparatus is positioned with the cylindrically-shaped conduit for mixing steam with the fluid stream, the material mixing apparatus being in the shape of the conduit and having openings containing mixing elements each of which induce a rotational angular velocity of the same sign to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Leonard T. King
  • Patent number: 5053200
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the analysis of flammable vapors in an industrial application, such as a solvent drying operation or the like. The apparatus continuously withdraws and returns a sample of gas from the process, separates the sample into a primary portion and a secondary test portion, tests the flammability of the test portion and recombines the test portion with the primary sample, which has been restricted to create a pressure differential enabling the flow of the test portion through the testing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schaeffer, Christopher G. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 5044392
    Abstract: A drainage apparatus having a spiral conduit housed inside a metal tube. Condensates flow through an inlet of the metal tube and through a chamber between the inside wall of the metal tube and the outside of the spiral tube to enter into the spiral tube. After circulating through the spiral tube, the condensates exit outside of the metal tube itself. A casing is provided that is surrounded radially by the spiral tube. Temperature readings may be taken from within the casing with a thermometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Roberto Baviera Sabater
  • Patent number: 5036948
    Abstract: A sound absorption device for a blow nozzle formed with a bore extending from a low-pressure side of the nozzle, at which a gas flow enters the nozzle, to a high-pressure side of the nozzle, at which the gas flow streams from the nozzle through a nozzle opening formed at an end of the bore, includes a sound-absorbing insert for muffling noise which results from a variation in density of the gas flow as it streams through the nozzle opening and has frequencies ranging over substantially the entire audible frequency range, the sound-absorbing insert being shaped as a truncated cone and being rigidly set into the bore formed in the blow nozzle, with the smaller face of the truncated cone being disposed directly at the nozzle opening, the sound-absorbing insert being a rigid structure formed of sintered bronze spheres having a power grain-size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Manfred Henn
  • Patent number: 5033714
    Abstract: The invention provides a flow control system well suited for use in intravenous fluid delivery systems comprising a flow restrictor wafer having one or more flow limiting flow restrictor paths formed thereon. The system provides fixed flow rate control. The system also provides means for selectively orienting at least two flow restrictor paths relative to the main fluid passage to varying the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Winchell, Richard J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5022438
    Abstract: The dislodgement of the soft washer of a fluids rate of flow saving or limiting device comprising a fluid pressure actuated needle type shutter and a flow restricting washer assembly through which said shutter passes to obstruct the free flow of the fluid depending on the pressure thereof and inlcuding a soft washer sandwiched between two hard washers is prevented by enclosing said soft washer within a housing having a circular bottom provided with an opening of a predetermined diameter larger than the diameter of said shutter, a cylindrical wall extending upwardly along the periphery of said bottom to a distance sufficient to constitute a cavity for receiving said soft washer, and a lid to cover the housing and having an opening of the same diameter as said bottom, said lid being arranged with respect to said cylindrical wall so as to sandwich said soft washer between said lid and said bottom, said soft washer having an opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the openings in said lid and said bott
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Cesar Faraon-Chaul
  • Patent number: 5020571
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-part casing for a multistage valve, itself configured for noise-reduction. Further noise reduction is achieved by complaint suspension of the valve in a two-part casing wherein separable parts of the casing define a cavity for containing nested stages of the valve. Provision is made for selective adjustment of compressional loading of the compliant suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Marotta Scientific Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Tartaglia, Richard B. Collins, Robert S. Smolen
  • Patent number: 5014750
    Abstract: The invention provides a flow control system well suited for use in intravenous fluid delivery systems comprising a flow restrictor wafer having one or more flow limiting flow restrictor paths formed thereon. The system provides fixed flow rate control. The system also provides means for selectively orienting at least two flow restrictor paths relative to the main fluid passage to varying the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Winchell, Richard J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4994242
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow reaction in the liquid phase. The apparatus is a vessel having a baffle. There are openings in the baffle through each of which a liquid passes as a jet. Neighboring openings are sufficiently close to allow impingement of the jets thereby allowing for reaction of the liquids. The invention finds application in reactions where the reactants are immiscible and is particularly suitable in the nitration of aromatic hydrocarbons using mixed acids in aqueous solution. A method of conducting a reaction between at least two reactants in the liquid phase is also provided comprising passing a liquid containing the reactants through a plurality of adjacent spaced openings to create a series of impinging jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Noram Engineering and Constructors Ltd.
    Inventors: John M. Rae, Edward G. Hauptmann
  • Patent number: 4966329
    Abstract: An applicator (2) and method for distributing a formulation of predator mites and a carrier. The applicator consists of a container (4) having an opening (14) formed at one or both ends (8) thereof. A hollow neck (10) extends from the opening, away from the container. A dispensing port (16) is formed in the neck (10), is concentrically aligned with the opening. A baffle system (6) regulates the flow of the carrier and predator mite mixture as the applicator is rotated during dispensing of the mixture. The baffle system includes a first internal baffle (18) positioned at the end (8) of the container adjacent the opening. A second, exit baffle (20) is positioned within the neck adjacent the dispensing port. In application, the container is rotated about its longitudinal axis (28). Agitation paddles (12) are affixed to the inner surface (22) of the container for agitating the mixture to maintain a uniform consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar D. Show
  • Patent number: 4962792
    Abstract: The clogging by impurities and the annoying noise caused by the rattling action of the internal parts of a fluids rate of flow saving or limiting device comprising a tubular fitting having an inlet end of larger diameter and an outlet end of smaller diameter with an internal shoulder formed therebetween, and a needle type shutter actuated by a spring concentrically arranged within said tubular fitting, are avoided by the improvement comprising a shutter formed by an upper larger diameter body and a lower smaller diameter body arranged concentrically within said fitting, a circular flange on the upper end of said upper body, a shoulder between said upper and lower bodies, said shoulder comprising a plurality of downwardly extending projections, at least one surface groove extending longitudinally of said upper body to permit free non-clogging passage of the fluid, and a soft material washer sandwiched between a pair of rigid washers supported on the internal shoulder of said fitting, said soft washer projectin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Cesar F. Chaul
  • Patent number: 4960260
    Abstract: A restrictor is mounted within a passage of a control valve. The restrictor includes an annular disc having openings for the passage of fluid therethrough. The restrictor also includes a conical element coaxial with the annular disc. The restrictor limits the maximum discharge rate of fluid through the passage of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Paul McEnearney
  • Patent number: RE34255
    Abstract: A static mixing device comprising a conduit in which there are located a plurality of rows of spaced parallel tubes extending across the conduit. The tubes are located in rows in which the adjacent rows extend in a longitudinal direction, but are located at right angles to each other. The heat transfer medium flows through the tubes to maintain the product in the conduit within a preselected temperature range. The adjacent rows of tubes abut each other and thus provide a tortuous path for the product in the conduit to effect mixing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Krup Corporation
    Inventor: Juergen Friedrich