Pressure Or Temperature Compensating Patents (Class 220/721)
  • Publication number: 20100320218
    Abstract: The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to create a shape of vacuum absorbing panels that can control swelling deformation involved in hot filling of synthetic resin bottles, without impairing the vacuum absorbing function of the bottles. A principle means of giving solution to this problem is a synthetic resin bottle of this invention comprising multiple vacuum absorbing panels in a dented shape disposed around a body in parallel in a circumferential direction, and also a vertical groove disposed in a laterally central area of each vacuum absorbing panel so that the vertical groove performs a function as a starting point for the deformation into a further dented state at the time of depressurization, wherein the vertical groove has a changing depth that gradually grows larger toward an upper end and a lower end, starting from a vertically central area of each vacuum absorbing panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshimasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7832590
    Abstract: An insert for a multiple component container includes a reservoir with an opening defined by a peripheral edge which, in use, is connected to a sealing element (20). In use, the reservoir and the sealing element define a substantially sealed space. The reservoir includes a stationary portion (2) and a movable portion (4), which is connected to the stationary portion and is movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. A discharge opening (6) is formed in the movable portion (4) and a gas leakage path is provided in the reservoir wall. A valve member (14) is connected to the stationary portion (2) and cooperates with the discharge opening (6) and substantially seals it. The application of a greater gas pressure to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior results in movement of the movable portion (4) away from the stationary portion (2) and thus in the valve member (14) moving out of sealing contact with the discharge opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Carbonite Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Eric Smith, Karl Mondszein
  • Patent number: 7810522
    Abstract: To prevent abnormal deformation of a bellows, an accumulator has a regulation mechanism for reducing a pressure difference generated when liquid sealed in a liquid chamber and charged gas are thermally expanded at a zero-down time, a seal plate is arranged in an inner peripheral side of a bellows floating end, an elastically deformable thin plate is bonded to the seal plate, an outer peripheral portion of the thin plate is bonded to the bellows floating end, the seal plate is away from a seal at a time of a steady operation, the seal plate contacts with the seal at a zero-down time, and the thin plate is elastically deformed to make liquid pressure balance with gas pressure while the seal plate being kept in contact with the seal when the liquid and gas are thermally expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: NOK Corporation, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Nakaoka, Kuniaki Miyake, Taisuke Yamada, Takeshi Watanabe, Tomonari Saito, Eiji Mizutani, Tomoo Ogura
  • Publication number: 20100237036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic container comprising two substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels, separated by a vacuum panel and having at least one arcuate indentation adapted to allow flexure of the respective panel without permanent distortion or creasing when a force is applied to the panel toward the container interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Gregory Trude
  • Publication number: 20100213204
    Abstract: A container (1) is intended for filling with a hot liquid (21). The container (1) has a neck finish (2) with an opening closed off by a primary seal (4) which has an expandable side wall (4a). As the liquid (21) cools, the side wall (4a) is drawn into the container (1) to remove vacuum pressure created within the container (1). A permanent cap (25) can provide a secondary seal for the container and define a secondary headspace (24b) between the primary and secondary seals (4) (25). In other embodiments the seal (4) can be replaced by a mechanically movable seal which may be locked in its downward position. Also the secondary seal can be provided with a port or aperture to provide access into the secondary headspace for a commodity. Also a commodity such as a tablet or pill may be provided within the secondary headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Patent number: 7770599
    Abstract: To prevent plastic deformation of a bellows due to a pressure difference between inner and outer sides of the bellows in an outside gas type or inside gas type accumulator, a disc-like gasket is held in a floatable state to a surface close to a stay in a bellows cap by a gasket holder, so that, the disc-like gasket moves together with the bellows cap at a steady operation time, the disc-like gasket moves together with the bellows cap to contact with an end surface portion of the stay, thereby closing the liquid chamber at a zero-down time, and the bellow cap moves toward a position where liquid pressure and gas pressure balance while the disc-like gasket keeps contacting with the stay due to a difference of pressure receiving areas in both the surfaces when the liquid in the liquid chamber is thermally expanded at a zero-down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: NOK Corporation, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ota, Tatsuhiro Arikawa, Kuniaki Miyake, Kenji Sasaki, Shinya Nakaoka, Eiji Mizutani, Noriyuki Hosoi, Tomoo Ogura
  • Publication number: 20100187245
    Abstract: A closure for a hot-filled container may have a base adapted to be coupled to the container, the base having a bottom side and a top side; and a roof having an outer diameter, the roof being coupled to the top side of the base at the outer diameter, the roof having: a plurality of substantially flat concentric panels elevated from the top side of the base, wherein each panel is elevated from the next outermost adjacent panel by a sidewall; and a substantially flat center coupled to an inner diameter of an innermost substantially flat panel and elevated therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Al Brown
  • Publication number: 20100133284
    Abstract: A rupture resistant system is provided and comprises a tank comprising a top member, a combined body member, the combined body member forming a side and bottom of the tank, the combined body member comprising at least one curved non-linear surface to define a partially curved interior in at least a portion of the tank; and a component situated within the tank and susceptible to creating increasing pressure within the tank when under a fault condition. At least one of the top, sidewall, and bottom members is connected to another of the top, sidewall, and bottom members in a manner so as to cause an increase in inner volume of the tank under increased pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Michael S. Green, Paul A. Siemers, Malcolm G. Smith, JR., Florian P. Pintgen
  • Patent number: 7722839
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to rapidly thaw and heat frozen bags of biological materials, such as plasma. The apparatus has a hollow bladder having a flexible wall that is placed in contact with the bag. A circulation system draws fluid from a reservoir and fills the bladder with the fluid. The circulation system also drains fluid from the bladder. A heater in the reservoir heats the fluid before the fluid enters the bladder. As heated fluid flows through the bladder, heat is transferred through the bladder wall to the plasma bag to thaw the biological material. The bladder wall expands against the plasma bag as the bladder fills with fluid, and contracts from the plasma bag as the bladder is drained. The expansion and contraction of the bladder wall agitates the plasma bag and biological material to accelerate the thawing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Cytotherm, L.P.
    Inventor: Roman Kuzyk
  • Publication number: 20100108687
    Abstract: A tank for a cryogenic liquid is fitted with a conduit assembly that provides for flow of the cryogenic liquid into and out of the tank, venting of the tank and control of the fill level in the tank. The conduit assembly includes serpentine tubes that extend into an upper region within the inner shell. Within the inner shell, one of the tubes extends downwardly to a lower opening and provides for liquid flow into and out the tank; the other tube has an end with a downwardly facing opening in the upper region whereby vapor can be conducted out of the tank and the fill level is established. A system for effecting pressure management of the cryogenic liquid in the tank includes a conduit network that provides for pressure build as pressure in the conduit network drops and provides for delivery of liquid only to, e.g., a vehicle engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Cryogenic Fuels Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Adkins, Harold E. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20100065306
    Abstract: A rupture resistant system comprises a tank comprising a top member, a sidewall member, and a bottom member, and a component situated within the tank and susceptible to creating increasing pressure within the tank when under a fault condition. At least one of the top, sidewall, and bottom members is connected to another of the top, sidewall, and bottom members in a manner so as to cause an increase in inner volume of the tank under increased pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Florian Peter Pintgen, Paul Alfred Siemers, Malcolm Graham Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090314783
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a fuel tank system for an air vehicle. The system comprises a container having an interior adapted to hold fuel, the container comprising a first opening placing the interior in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere, and a volumetrically-adjustable sizing device adapted to change volume in response to changes in surrounding air pressure, the sizing element disposed within the container and adapted to contain a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Armand Losinski, Matthew Tehan
  • Patent number: 7621296
    Abstract: A separation element of a multi-layer structure for pressure compensation including: at least two mutually superposed flexible, fluid-tight material layers; at least one spacer element which is arranged between the material layers and holds them at a spacing relative to each other, wherein the at least one spacer element is such that the space between the flexible, fluid-tight material layers is at least partly adapted for fluid to flow therethrough, and at an edge region of the multi-layer structure the separation element has a sensor region (S) which is in a communication with remaining space between the flexible, fluid-tight material layers through which fluid can flow, wherein within the sensor region, the flexible, fluid-tight material layers are designed so that, by virtue of an inflow of fluid between them, an increase of pressure causes an increase in the spacing between the material layers relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Prominent Dosiertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Freissler, Alexander Bubb
  • Publication number: 20090242551
    Abstract: A resin-made fuel tank structure of a vehicle is provided to suppress the formation of a notch in a mounting portion of an insert portion on a tank body. The fuel tank structure includes a tank body. The tank body includes a resin material having fuel permeation resistance. The fuel tank structure includes an insert portion separate from the tank body. The insert portion includes a resin material. The insert portion also includes a mounting portion to mount the insert portion on the tank body and a fuel fill opening. The insert portion is configured to be mounted to an outer layer of the tank body. The outer layer of the tank body is configured to be in close contact with an end portion of the mounting portion of the insert portion. The outer layer is configured to bulge more outward and upward than the mounting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Takahiro Matayoshi, Akihito Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090107570
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic accumulator, in particular a bladder accumulator, comprising two at least partially adjacent plastic casings (12, 14). The first plastic casing (12) comprises a collar part (16) at least at one end thereof. The aim of the invention is to produce a leakproof accumulator arrangement which is economical to produce. To achieve this, a gap opening (24) between the casings (12, 14) extends up to a point, at which the casings (12, 14) are positioned together in a coaxial manner, and a disk valve (50) is provided as a valve for controlling the supply and discharge of the medium in the opening (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Publication number: 20090071965
    Abstract: A pressure container has an inner shell with a pair of fittings and a reinforcement layer formed around the inner shell, and is configured so that a reinforcement member is attachable to the pair of fittings in a process of forming the reinforcement layer and a functional component which performs a predetermined function is also attachable to the fittings. This can allow the reinforcement member to prevent expanding deformation of the pressure container in production of the pressure container, and can ensure effective use of openings after removal of the reinforcement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Iida, Natsuhiko Katahira, Koichi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080264955
    Abstract: Vessels systems are disclosed which change their shape as a function of their environment. This can include adopting to the amount of fluid held by the drinkware or the surface upon which it resides. The drinkware is therefore designed well for reside on both flat and irregular surfaces. As mass is added or removed from a vessel portion, a support system provides features such as measure, signaling, increased stability, and associated entertainment value corresponding to such features. The support system can serve to lower the center of gravity of a vessel when it is relatively full compared to when it is relatively empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: David Joshua John, Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 7402029
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cooligy Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7377292
    Abstract: A vehicular brake system component is used in a brake system of a vehicle. The brake system component includes a sealable bonded component having a metal member and an elastic rubber member bonded to each other and located so as to touch a brake fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., ADVICS Co., Ltd., Kokoku Intech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Mori, Koichiro Yamada, Hiroshi Mizukami, Chiharu Umetu, Kenichi Suzuki, Juichi Shibatani, Masaaki Kobayashi, Yutaka Kikuchi, Kazuhiro Takahara, Tatsumi Ohishi
  • Patent number: 7351467
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion, are laminated together to make plastic bodies that move in response to temperature change. The thermally movable plastic can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices. In one embodiment, the thermally moveable plastic can be used in a beverage safety lid. The safety lid is particularly useful as a lid for hot drinks, such as hot coffee, soups and other foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Greg E. Blonder
  • Patent number: 7322488
    Abstract: A double-diaphragm bladder. The bladder comprises a non-flexible diaphragm having a peripheral edge and a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral edge. The non-flexible diaphragm has an aperture adapted and constructed to be connected to a liquid port, and the peripheral edges of the non-flexible diaphragm and the flexible diaphragm are sealed together. The bladder is suitable for use in an expansion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Flexcon Industries Trust
    Inventors: Robert Lombari, David van Houten
  • Patent number: 7303091
    Abstract: A double-diaphragm bladder. The bladder comprises a non-flexible diaphragm having a peripheral edge and a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral edge. The non-flexible diaphragm has an aperture adapted and constructed to be connected to a liquid port, and the peripheral edges of the non-flexible diaphragm and the flexible diaphragm are sealed together. The bladder is suitable for use in an expansion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Flexcon Industries
    Inventor: Robert Lombari
  • Patent number: 7278549
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cooligy Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
  • Patent number: 7255133
    Abstract: A fluid pressure system (S) includes a flexible diaphragm bladder (172) located inside a pressure tank (164) installed within a fluid system such as well (168). In preferred aspects, the bladder (172) can be inflated by the introduction of air and is located within a flexible confining tube (198) or confining element (298) for preventing over expansion of the bladder (172). The bladder (172) and the confining tube or element (198, 298) are free floating in and without physical connection with the pressure tank (164) in preferred forms. The pressure tank (164) includes a flexible side wall (196) to allow folding or willing of the assembled fluid pressure system (S) in preferred forms. Confining tube (198) in a preferred form is of a cylindrical configuration and arranged concentrically around the bladder (172). Confining element (298) is carried by the bladder (172) and creates a barrier extending along a chord of a cross section of pressure tank (164).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: In-Well Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Meyers, Thomas A. Moon
  • Patent number: 7243813
    Abstract: A food container preferably for heated food, has a lid member and a base member. The base member has complimentary embossed portions in the bottom of the base member to engage a complimentary indented portion in the top surface of the lid member. The retaining mechanism allows containers to be stacked so as to secure each container while allowing steam to escape from the lid of a container. Also, a fluid return system retains fluid in the container and promotes flow of fluid into the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Anchor Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Krueger
  • Patent number: 7108016
    Abstract: A lightweight, low permeation, piston-in-sleeve high pressure accumulator is provided. The accumulator includes a cylindrical composite pressure vessel with two integral rounded ends. A piston slidably disposed in a thin nonpermeable internal sleeve in the accumulator separates two chambers, one adapted for containing a working fluid and the other adapted for containing gas under pressure. Working fluid is provided in a volume between the nonpermeable internal sleeve and the composite pressure vessel wall. Further means are provided for withstanding harmful effects of radial flexing of the composite vessel wall under high pressures, and from stresses present in use in mobile applications such as with a hydraulic power system for a hydraulic hybrid motor vehicle. A method for pre-charging the device is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Andrew J. Moskalik, Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7108015
    Abstract: An in-line expansion tank. As fluid traverses a pipe within the tank, it may pass into and displace a diaphragm disposed outside of the pipe if the fluid pressure is greater than a tank pressure pushing the diaphragm against the pipe. When the fluid pressure decreases, the fluid passes from the diaphragm back into the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Flexcon Industries
    Inventors: Robert Lombari, Wei-Chiao Lo
  • Patent number: 7040350
    Abstract: Perforated pulsation dampening devices of this invention comprise a housing having a structural wall section with opposed ends defining an internal chamber. The housing is characterized by a plurality of openings disposed therethrough. A compressible member is disposed within the internal chamber and positioned to be contacted by fluid passed from an outside surface of the housing through at least one of the openings. The compressible member is configured to absorb a known fluid flow variation or pressure pulsation in the fluid contacting the compressible member to attenuate the same. If desired, a sleeve can be interposed between an inside surface of the internal chamber and an outside surface of the compressible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Winston B. Young
  • Patent number: 7013924
    Abstract: A fluid pressure system (S) includes a flexible diaphragm bladder (172) located inside a pressure tank (164) installed within a fluid system such as well (168). In preferred aspects, the bladder (172) can be inflated by the introduction of air and is located within a flexible confining tube (198) for preventing over expansion of the bladder (172) and in the preferred form being of a cylindrical configuration and arranged concentrically around the bladder (172). The bladder (172) and the confining tube (198) are free floating in and without physical connection with the pressure tank (164) in preferred forms. The pressure tank (164) includes a flexible side wall (196) to allow folding or willing of the assembled fluid pressure system (S) in preferred forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: In-Well Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Meyers, Thomas A. Moon
  • Patent number: 7013925
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an accumulator tank assembly and method in which a flexible bladder is received within an accumulator tank. The accumulator tank and the flexible bladder can each have an inlet aperture through which fluid is received within the accumulator tank assembly and an outlet aperture through which fluid exits the accumulator tank assembly. In some embodiments, inlet and outlet flanges positioned adjacent the inlet and outlet apertures of the accumulator tank are used to couple the flexible bladder to internal or external surfaces of the accumulator tank, thereby creating fluid tight seals between the flexible bladder and the accumulator tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: SHURflo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Steven T. Jersey
  • Patent number: 6988514
    Abstract: A hydroaccumulator, in particular a bladder accumulator, includes a pressurized container (1) and a separation element (5) located in the container to separate a gas chamber (7) lying adjacent to an inlet on the gas side from a fluid chamber (9) lying adjacent to an inlet on the fluid side inlet (3), having a fluid connecting sleeve (11) and a valve arrangement located in the connecting sleeve (11). The valve body (17) has a transversal bore (33). The valve body is pretensioned in an open position which allows the passage of fluid and can be displaced into a closed position by a displacement of the separation element (5). The interior surface (15) of the connecting sleeve (11) lies directly against the valve body (17) and guides the displacement of the body between the open and closed positions. The side of the valve body (17?) that faces the separation element (5) is configured as a planar plate extending partially into the fluid chamber (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6981523
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir (10, 10?, 10?, 10??) comprises a body 12, 12?, 12? 12??) defining a variable volume chamber having one end portion movable with the level of fluid in the chamber. A biasing member (18, 18?, 18?, 18??) acting on a traction rod (16, 16?, 16?, 16??) extending from the movable end portion restrains movement thereof under fluid pressure. The fluid pressure in the variable volume chamber advantageously counterbalances the force of reaction in the biasing member (18, 18?, 18?, 18??).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sobacor
    Inventor: Carl Seguin
  • Patent number: 6971411
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator of the liquid-gas type, comprising a housing (11) defining a chamber (11C), a gas port (30) and a liquid port (19). A gas charging valve (31) is disposed in the gas port (30) to control admission of high pressure gas. A semi-permeable separator (35) is disposed within the housing (11) to separate the internal chamber (11C) into a gas chamber (33) in communication with the gas port (30), and a liquid chamber (21) in communication with the liquid port. A means (41) is within the liquid chamber for collecting gas which passes from the gas chamber (33), through the semi-permeable separator, and into the liquid chamber. Included is a conduit (45) having one end (45a) in communication with the gas collecting means (41), and another end (45b) operably associated with the housing (11,27) to communicate gas from the collecting means (41) out of the liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Don R. Draper
  • Patent number: 6957669
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator A to be removably attached to a support member includes a liquid chamber R2b having a predetermined volume even when no pressurized operating liquid is accumulated, and communicating with a liquid inflow port Pi and a liquid outflow port Po, which are disposed below the liquid chamber R2b. A liquid-chamber-R2b-side end of an outflow passageway So connecting the liquid chamber R2b and the liquid outflow port Po opens to an upper portion of the liquid chamber R2b. Further, an inflow passageway Si connecting the liquid chamber R2b and the liquid inflow port Pi is coaxially disposed within the outflow passageway So, and a liquid-chamber-R2b-side end of the inflow passageway Si opens to the upper portion of the liquid chamber R2b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Yuichiro Sakakibara, Yutaka Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6915922
    Abstract: A pressure tank having a reinforced stainless steel connector that can bear heavy weight and the stainless steel connector makes the pressure tank well water-tightened. The pressure tank mainly contains: an upper chamber, an inner chamber, a sealing washer, a stainless steel connector, a leakproof ring, an elastic diaphragm, a stainless steel ring washer and a lower chamber. The upper chamber has a hole on top thereof. The upper chamber encloses the inner chamber. The inner chamber has an inward protrusion on top thereof. The inward protrusion has a through hole aligned with the hole of the upper chamber and a recession around the through thereof. The sealing washer is installed between the upper chamber and the inner chamber. The sealing washer has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the inner chamber. The stainless steel connector is engaged through the hole of the upper chamber, the through hole of the sealing washer, and the through hole of the inner chamber in order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Li-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 6901965
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes an accumulator housing (1) and a diaphragm (3) forming a displaceable partition element in the housing between a gas chamber (7) and a liquid chamber (5). The membrane has several annular regions (31, 33, 35, 37, 39), interconnected by annular weak points (61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71). The annular regions (31, 33, 35, 37, 39), have protuberances (81, 83, 85, 87, 89) on the interior face of the membrane (3) facing away from the wall of the accumulator housing (1). The protuberances are at their thickest in the central region between adjacent weak points, thus increasing the wall thickness of the membrane (3), and are at least partially convex (91,93), tapering off to a respective flat form towards the weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: HYDAC Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Baltes, Markus Lehnert
  • Patent number: 6880578
    Abstract: A pressure-stable cylinder comprises a cover having a dome shape groove and a through hole; an inner wall of the dome shape groove having threads; a cylinder having an opening and an opening section around the opening having a threaded tapered shape matching to the dome shape groove of the cover; the opening section of the cylinder being formed with a plurality of first washers; one end of the opening section having a coupling groove and a second washer; a bellow coupled to the second washer; a disk placed below the bellow; and a compressible spring placed between the disk and a bottom of the cylinder; the compressible spring resisting against the disk so that the cylinder has a predetermined pressure. In assembly, the washer and the bellow are steadily fixed to the coupling groove of the cylinder. The washers have an effect of draining-proof and air-tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Mao Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6871670
    Abstract: In a metal bellows accumulator, a metallic bellows unit is disposed within a pressure space defined in a main shell, and one end of the metallic bellows unit is fixedly secured to one end wall of the main shell. The metallic bellows unit sections the pressure space into an outer chamber serving as a gas chamber in which a pressurized gas is enclosed, and an inner chamber serving as a liquid chamber communicating with a liquid port formed in the end wall of the main shell. A stopper (auxiliary shell) for limiting collapsing movement of the metallic bellows unit is disposed within the liquid chamber and has a communication passage hole. The liquid port always communicates with a liquid chamber to which an inner circumferential surface of a bellows portion of the metallic bellows unit is exposed via the communication passage hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Yasuo Takahara, Hiroshi Kondo, Toshihiko Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6871671
    Abstract: A hydroaccumulator, especially a membrane accumulator, has an accumulator housing with two housing parts and a separating element in the housing. The separating element can be a separating membrane dividing the accumulator housing into a gas chamber and a fluid chamber. The gas chamber is connected to carry gas to and from gas refiller through a connection. The gas refiller is formed from an additional housing part connected to the accumulator housing to form a unit. The connection is at least one connecting opening in the accumulator housing connecting the interior of the additional housing part to the gas chamber. Additional gas accumulator volume is provided without otherwise conventional pipework to save money and installation space and avoid conventional leaks which occur in the area of the pipework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6871672
    Abstract: A bellows-type hydraulic accumulator includes a shell, a bellows unit, and a stay in order to accumulate pressurized liquid within a liquid chamber, divided into a fixed-volume liquid chamber and a variable-volume liquid chamber communicating with the fixed-volume liquid chamber via a communication port formed in the stay. A pipe is inserted into a liquid inlet/outlet port communicating with the fixed-volume liquid chamber, to thereby form an inflow passage inside the pipe and an outflow passage outside the pipe. A tip end of the pipe is located within the communication port of the stay with a predetermined radial clearance formed between the tip end and a wall surface of the communication port, to thereby enable pressurized liquid to be supplied to the variable-volume liquid chamber from the tip end of the pipe and to be discharged from the variable-volume liquid chamber to the fixed-volume liquid chamber via the radial clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryugo Kurokawa, Yoichi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6866066
    Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator, especially a piston accumulator, includes an accumulator housing (10) with at least one gas chamber (12) and a fluid chamber (14). These chambers are separated from each other by a separating element (16). At least one of these chambers (12, 14) can be filled with a pressure medium or at least partially emptied through at least one valve control unit (26) which has switching valves (28, 30). One switching valve (28) is accommodated in a corresponding valve location (29), and can be moved in the direction of movement of the separating element (16) from an opening position into closing position and vice-versa. Expensive line network between the hydraulic accumulator and the valve control unit is avoided. Sealing or leakage problems, such as are common in a line network, never occur. The valve control unit (26) is accommodated in a valve block (24) which is independent from the housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6857450
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic pressure reservoir (1) forms a housing from at least two housing shells (3, 5) connected together. At least the end region of the one housing shell (5) includes an outwardly-extending, funnel-like guide surface between its free end and a sealing element for bringing together the two housing shells (3, 5). At least on elastic sealing element (41) is provided on at least one retaining surface for generation of a tensioning force on the boundary region (21) of the membrane (13). A simplified construction with improved sealing in the critical connection of the pressure reservoir is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Rupp, Markus Lehnert, Herbert Baltes
  • Patent number: 6810915
    Abstract: In an accumulator comprising a pressure vessel, a bellows dividing the interior of the pressure vessel into a gas chamber filled with pressurized gas and a liquid chamber which communicates with a liquid pressure circuit via a liquid introduction port, a stay member attached to the inner surface of the pressure vessel inside the bellows and provided with a communication port for communicating the interior and exterior of the stay member with each other and adapted to be closed by a part of the bellows to define a fully contracted state of the bellows, and a safety valve provided in the stay member, typically in the form of a weakened portion of the stay member, for selectively communicating the exterior of the stay member with the interior of the stay member. Thus, because the safety valve is not provided in the pressure vessel itself, the safety valve of the present invention would not affect the sealing capability of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiharu Umetsu, Hiroshi Mizukami, Koichiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6805166
    Abstract: A bellows-type hydraulic accumulator includes a main shell defining a pressure space, and a bellows unit sectioning the pressure space into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber. An auxiliary shell is disposed inside the liquid chamber and fixed to the main shell. The auxiliary shell has an auxiliary liquid chamber communicating with a liquid port. A movable wall member is disposed in the auxiliary shell in order to section the interior of the auxiliary shell into a first interior portion communicating with the liquid port and a second interior portion communicating with the liquid chamber via a communication passage formed in the auxiliary shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Suzuki, Yuichiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 6789576
    Abstract: Disclosed is an accumulator comprising a cylindrical shell including a cylindrical portion, a partitioning member for partitioning the interior of the shell into a hydraulic chamber and a gas chamber, and a port including a hydraulic fluid flow path for communicating the exterior of the shell and the hydraulic chamber. The variation of the pressure of a hydraulic fluid flowing into the hydraulic chamber is accommodated by expansion and compression of a gas in the gas chamber according to expansion and contraction of the partitioning member. The port is approximately airtightly inserted into the cylindrical portion of the shell, and is welded to an outer circumference of the cylindrical portion by means of welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chiharu Umetsu, Koji Nakamura, Hiroshi Mizukami, Koichiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6772794
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir comprises a body defining a variable volume chamber having one end portion movable with the level of fluid in the chamber. A biasing member acting on a traction rod extending from the movable end portion restrains movement thereof under fluid pressure. The fluid pressure in the variable volume chamber advantageously counterbalances the force of reaction in the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Séguin
  • Patent number: 6739470
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an insulated container which provides a high level of safety, which can be manufactured at a low cost, and which is aesthetically attractive and appealing to enjoy a variety of changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignees: Sadao Yawata, Masaki Kato
    Inventor: Masaya Yawata
  • Patent number: 6672337
    Abstract: An in-line type fluid hammer prevention device capable of maintaining pressure energy conversion efficiency of elastic cushion for a long time by improving fluid sealing tightness against an elastic cushion by elastic cylindrical diaphragm, wherein an inlet cylindrical connecting body (1) and an outlet connecting body (3) are connected at an intermediate position of fluid channel (R) of a piping system in series, and both ends of a sleeve (5) is positioned between center through-holes (1C, 3C), and a cylindrical diaphragm (7) is placed around the outer periphery side of small holes (5E) provided on the wall of the sleeve (5), and inward lip portions (7A, 7B) at the both ends of the cylindrical diaphragm (7) are pressed and supported by the protrusive flanges (5C, 5D) and the recessed seats (1D, 3D), and an elastic cushion (8) is placed outside the cylindrical diaphragm (7) around the outer periphery side of the small holes (5E) of the sleeve (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Suzuki Sogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kobayashi, Eiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6564830
    Abstract: An accumulator assembly for managing pressurized fluid includes a housing and a partition provided in the housing moveable in response to fluid pressure imparted on the partition. A deflection member is disposed in the housing and is displaceable between a first position and a second position. The deflection member includes at least one deflection element including a first end and a second end and a flexing portion therebetween. The deflection member provides a resistive force between the first and the second positions of the deflection member in response to movement of the partition. The resistive force is substantially constant between the first and said second positions of the deflection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6527012
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic pressure accumulator, includes a gas chamber, an oil chamber, and a pair of metal bellows separating the chambers. An end plate is displaced according to volume changes in the gas chamber and oil chamber. A valve releases and blocks the flow of hydraulic fluid out of and into the oil chamber and has a valve lifter that controls the valve. During the displacement of the end plate, corresponding to a volume expansion in the gas chamber exceeding a predetermined maximum value, the valve lifter can be displaced by the end plate into a position which blocks the valve. The valve lifter is connected in a fixed manner to the end plate of the metal bellows. The valve can be blocked in two opposing directions by the displacement of the valve lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Weber