On-off Only Patents (Class 239/533.15)
  • Patent number: 11421794
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a check valve may include forming an upper housing as cylindrical body with (i) an internal surface including an upstream internal surface and a downstream internal surface having a projection and (ii) an external surface, forming a T-shaped filter member and mounting the T-shaped filter member in the internal surface of the upper housing. The method may further include forming a lower housing with a support portion at a central portion thereof, mounting a flexible valve member on the support portion, and coupling the upper housing with T-shaped filter member mounted therein onto the lower housing with flexible valve member mounted therein such that the T-shaped filter member is disposed upstream of the flexible valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Feith, Eugene Mason
  • Patent number: 11014668
    Abstract: An agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage, a flight power apparatus, a plurality of spray nozzles, a plurality of water pumps, and a controller. The flight power apparatus is mounted at the fuselage. The plurality of spray nozzles are installed below the flight power apparatus. The plurality of water pumps are connected to the plurality of spray nozzles and configured to deliver liquid to the spray nozzles. The controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of water pumps, and configured to selectively control one or more of the plurality of water pumps to pump the liquid to one or more of the spray nozzles connected to the one or more of the water pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaolong Wu, Xumin Wu, Li Qiu, Le Zhou
  • Patent number: 8998105
    Abstract: A spray generator (10) including: a membrane (40) having a perforate portion through which, in use, a fluid is caused to flow when the membrane (40) is vibrated; an electronically-driven or a piezoelectrically driven actuator for vibrating the membrane (40); a chamber (18) for storing fluid for supply to a surface of the membrane (40); and a sealing element (13) located in and movable within the chamber (18) between a first position in which fluid flow from the chamber (18) through the membrane (40) is prevented and a second position in which fluid flow from the chamber (18) through the membrane (40) is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Technology Partnership Plc
    Inventors: Robert Gordon Maurice Selby, Martin Scott Goodchild
  • Patent number: 8939330
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Patent number: 8292199
    Abstract: A locking element for a dispenser for discharging a medium, with an insert body, which has an outlet channel and an exit opening for the medium to be discharged, and a piston element which has a piston head co-operating with a piston seat and at least one elastic resilient leg, characterized in that a sealing element is arranged in the outlet channel, which forms the piston seat, and the piston element with the at least one resilient leg is arranged in an enlarging channel portion of the outlet channel, wherein the piston head is pre-tensioned against the piston seat and is pushed out of the piston seat by the exiting medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Lindal Ventil GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Horn, Rudiger Belau
  • Patent number: 8210454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, which fuel injector comprises an injection valve element, for opening and closing at least one injection opening and a pressure booster, by way of which fuel which is at system pressure is compressed to injection pressure. The pressure booster is actuated via a first control valve and the injection valve element is actuated via a second control valve. The pressure booster comprises a pressure booster piston which is assigned a spring element which is supported by way of one side on the injector housing and by way of the other side on the pressure booster piston. The pressure booster piston delimits a compression chamber, a differential pressure chamber and a control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Frasch, Stephan Wehr
  • Patent number: 7950596
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a fuel injector body defining a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a valve having a first valve state and a second valve state and an actuator for the valve. The fuel injector includes a biasing spring including a cylindrical rolled sheet having a first spring end, a second spring end and defining a longitudinal center axis. The cylindrical rolled sheet is configured to change in length to bias the actuator toward the first actuator position and includes a helical seam located between the first spring end and a second spring end which has a shape adapted to reduce non-uniformity in a spring constant via distributing stiffness about the longitudinal center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Venkataraghavan, Michael Long, Zhenlong Xu, Stephen Lewis
  • Patent number: 7828231
    Abstract: A discharge head for fluids, with a discharge nozzle (1) which has a discharge opening (2) and accommodates an internal sleeve (5) in which is arranged an internal body (4) which delimits an outlet channel (7) and has a connecting element (8) for connection to a counterpart (9) of a discharging apparatus, the internal sleeve (5) having, on the end side adjacent to the discharge opening (2), a sealing surface (10) against which a valve stopper (3) which is located on the internal body (4) and closes the outlet channel (7) is spring prestressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar GmbH
    Inventor: Heiko Harms
  • Patent number: 7798431
    Abstract: A flow control device can be implemented to include an riser, a control valve, a simplified retaining rod, and a ball. The riser can include multiple threaded segments, one or more predetermined breakaway points, and a predetermined length and diameter. The control valve can include a first threaded valve end for detachably connecting to the riser, a second threaded valve end for detachably connecting to a supply line, and a ball housing integrally connected to the first and second valve ends. The ball housing has a predetermined internal housing diameter. The ball is enveloped inside the ball housing, and the ball diameter is smaller than the internal housing diameter and larger than a first opening between the first valve end and the ball housing and a second opening between the second valve end and the ball housing. The retaining rod physically prevents the ball from obstructing the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher J. Eader
  • Patent number: 7775464
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic fuel injection valve, a valve housing is formed by sequentially connecting a valve seat member, a magnetic cylinder, a nonmagnetic collar, and a stationary core. A coil housing is fittingly fixed to an outer periphery of the magnetic cylinder, and houses a coil assembly provided in an outer periphery of the stationary core. The coil housing includes a shell part surrounding the coil housing, an annular bent part bent radially inward from a front end of the shell part, and a cylindrical boss part projecting forward from a front end of the annular bent part. An inner peripheral surface of the annular bent part and an inner peripheral surface of at least a rear half part of the boss part are shrinkage-fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the magnetic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Shoji, Kiyomi Honda
  • Patent number: 7594616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles. The discharge nozzle has a flow control device. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from at least one perforated plate. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum pressure on a decaying portion of a stream of liquid right in the center of the outlet of the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Evergreen Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Hupp
  • Patent number: 7464885
    Abstract: A spraying head assembly has a tubular body, a cap, an upper plug, a lower plug and a spring. The cap is attached to the body and has a spraying channel, a conical cavity and a spraying hole. The conical cavity is defined inside the cap and communicates with the spraying channel and the spraying hole. The upper plug is held in the body and comprises a spraying end, a connecting end, a head and shaft. The head has a recess communicating with the spraying channel having a conical bottom. Multiple passages are defined in the head and communicate with the recess. The lower plug is mounted movably in the chamber in the body and is connected to the upper plug using the spring. In this arrangement, a liquid supplied to the connecting end forms vortexes in the body to reduce particles of liquid nebulization and raise ejection speed and therefore distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tanong Precision Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Sheh Chang
  • Patent number: 7458522
    Abstract: A protective cover is provided for substantially enclosing and protecting a bubbler head of a drinking fountain or the like against contamination when water flow to the bubbler head is turned off. In one preferred form, when the water flow is turned on, the protective cover is hydraulically elevated or pops up to a raised position permitting substantially unimpeded projection of a water stream from the bubbler head for drinking, etc. In an alternative preferred form, the bubbler head is hydraulically elevated or pops to a raised position within a stationary protective cover when the water supply is turned on for substantially unimpeded projection of water stream from the bubbler head through an open flow port formed in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Haws Drinking Faucet Company
    Inventor: Sam T. Hong
  • Patent number: 7389942
    Abstract: A pop-up bubbler assembly for drinking fountains or other appliances that includes a head with a dispensing spout that rises upward out of a housing to dispense an arc of clean water when activated. The bubbler head then drops back down into the housing after water flow stops such that the dispensing spout is covered when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Kenyon, Tu Hung-Chieh
  • Patent number: 7318556
    Abstract: A safety valve for a lawn sprinkler system having at least one subterranean flow line and at least one head for spraying irrigation water. The valve includes a tubular member connected between the flow line and the head. The tubular member has an axial passage therethrough for the flow of water from the flow line to the head. A seat is located within the passage. A ball is located in the passage upstream of the seat. The ball is axially movable from an open position upstream of the seat to a closed position in engagement with the seat if the water flowing through passage reaches a selected flow rate. A coiled spring in the passage is in engagement with the ball for urging the ball toward the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Charles A. Lee, Fredrick J. Arnato
  • Patent number: 7314187
    Abstract: Atomizers for administering liquids to the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye, special eye adapters for atomizers and the use of atomizers for ophthalmological administration. The atomizers are free from propellant gas and have an energy reservoir for supplying the energy needed for the atomization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg, Michael Diestelhorst, Isolde Martin
  • Patent number: 7278593
    Abstract: A common rail fuel injector comprises a three-way control valve that controls the flow of high-pressure fuel to a fuel cavity for fuel injection. Specifically, when the control valve is transitioning to a first, on position, from a second, off position, high-pressure fuel is provided to both the fuel cavity and to a check control cavity, thereby preventing fuel injection until the control valve seats in the first, on position. Once seated in the first, on position, the control valve only provides high-pressure fuel to the fuel cavity allowing fuel injection to occur. To stop injection, the control valve is moved from the first, on position to the second, closed position. Once again, while the control valve is in the transition location between the two positions, high-pressure fuel is provided to both the fuel cavity and to the check control cavity thereby terminating injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yongxin Wang, Ye Tian, Norman D. Knapp, Norval J. Wiemken
  • Patent number: 7188790
    Abstract: The fuel injection valve, for an internal combustion motor, has a valve body with injection openings (20) at its point. A valve needle has an axial movement within the valve body, with a conical needle point to give a selective blocking and release of the fuel flow through the injection openings. The point of the valve needle has recessed grooves matching each of the injection openings. The width of each groove matches the diameter of an injection opening, with a stepped contour and a curved cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrej Astachow, Grit Krüger
  • Patent number: 7150416
    Abstract: Liquid fuel injectors are provided. The liquid fuel injectors allow the injection of a fine spray of liquid fuel. The liquid fuel injectors utilize a schrader valve movable between an open position and a closed position. When the schrader valve is in the closed position fuel flow is blocked and purge gas is allowed to flow through the fuel injectors. When the schrader valve is in the open position, the flow of purge gas is blocked and fuel is allowed to flow through the fuel injector. In this manner, the fuel injectors provide for an immediate and automatic purge of the fuel lines when the fuel flow is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Martin, Harry Eugene Flynn, Charles A. Natalie
  • Patent number: 7104470
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 7093774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for injecting a pulsed supersonic gas flux, including a first chamber (2) inside which the gas to be injected is found under pressure on either side of a free piston (4), the device comprising means (12) for setting this free piston into motion, connected to the first chamber and able to cause propulsion of the free piston (4), the device further including a supersonic nozzle (6) able to communicate with the first chamber via an aperture (8), and also including a valve (10) closing up the aperture (8) and able to be actuated by percussion of the free piston (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Gilles Martin
  • Patent number: 6981654
    Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Q Industries LLC
    Inventor: Quentin M. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6918547
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process. The device according to the invention consists of a hollow piston displaceably mounted in a cylinder and a valve member which is guided by the hollow piston and mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the hollow piston. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston inside or immediately in front of the end of the hollow piston. The device is used in a mechanically operated high pressure atomizer. This consists of a two part housing which comprises a pump housing with nozzle, a blocking mechanism, a spring housing with spring, a non-pressurized storage container for the fluid and a medical counter integrated in the spring housing. The valve operates without any auxiliary force, closes very rapidly and is sealed tight against high pressure. The atomizer is safe and simple to operate and environmentally friendly. The fluid is metered extremely accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6827295
    Abstract: A high pressure misting nozzle is disclosed having a nozzle stem body with a fluid inlet and a first chamber in communication with the fluid inlet, a fogger nozzle attached to the nozzle stem body, the fogger nozzle having a nozzle orifice and a second chamber in communication with the nozzle orifice and the first chamber, a valve member movably located in the first chamber and movable between a closed position preventing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the first chamber, and an open position which allows fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the first chamber, and a nozzle pin movably located in the second chamber, the nozzle pin having fluid metering notches and being freely movable between a first position in which it is displaced away from the nozzle orifice, and a second position in which it is located adjacent to the nozzle orifice, the fluid entering the second chamber urging the nozzle pin toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: VAL Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Rhyne Hendren, Kenneth Eugene Parsons
  • Publication number: 20040227005
    Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Quentin M. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6805305
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning windshields, headlights and such of vehicles has at least one storage container for a cleaning liquid, at least one supply line, and at least one spray nozzle connected to the at least one supply line. At least one pump is arranged in the supply line and configured to convey the cleaning liquid within the supply line to the spray nozzle. At least one high-pressure pressurizer is connected to the supply line and configured to pressurize the cleaning liquid which is stored in a pressurized tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Schlosser, Bernd Steinbach
  • Patent number: 6752329
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the delivery of cleaning fluid to a washer system of a vehicle is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve seat having a fluid input port through which fluid can enter the valve assembly, a resilient valve member extending across the valve seat and having a central zone and at least one hole through the valve member formed peripherally of the central zone, valve biasing means for biasing the central zone against the valve seat to close the valve and thereby seal the fluid inlet port and fixing means for fixing the peripheral edge of the valve member to the valve seat. The central zone of the valve member may be displaced away from the valve seat under the action of fluid pressure in the inlet port to open the valve and allow the cleaning fluid to exit the valve assembly via the at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Price
  • Patent number: 6748872
    Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling fluid flow characteristics in a nozzle assembly. An outwardly opening poppet is movably disposed in an axial conduit to control fluid flow through a forward portion of the axial conduit. A fluid conduit is coupled to the forward portion at an angle configured to provide a desired degree of fluid swirl through the forward portion. The outwardly opening nozzle assembly produces a spray having geometrical characteristics correlated to the desired degree of fluid swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventor: Scott E. Parrish
  • Patent number: 6732947
    Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Quentin M. McKenna
  • Patent number: 6726124
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6702199
    Abstract: The present invention prevents coolant from leaking out of a valve (23) after a feed pump (4) stops feeding the coolant, and diminishes a time-lag between the onset of feeding the coolant and mist generation, when the feed pump (4) starts feeding the coolant again. In the machine tool of this invention, the coolant is fed from a feed pump (4) into a mist generating device (13) provided on the tip of a spindle (8) by way of a feed line (7), and a valve (23) is provided at an inflow part for coolant of the mist generating device (13) to be closed when the coolant pressure within the feed line (7) lowers below a fixed level. A coolant sucking and delivering (2) sucks a fixed amount of coolant in the feed line (7), when the feed pump (4) stops feeding the coolant. On the other hand, the device (2) feeds a fixed amount of coolant into the feed line (7), when the feed pump (4) begins feeding the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030106912
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 6543703
    Abstract: A non-clog actuator assembly having a flexible face member that flexes away from first and second positive shutoff mating surfaces when product under pressure flows into contact with the flexible face member. The flexible face member then resiliently springs back into abutting, sealing contact with these shutoff mating surfaces. Preferably, the device flexes away from the two shutoff mating surfaces at a predetermined minimum pressure, such as 55 psig, and then flexes back into sealing contact when the product pressure drops below this minimum pressure, thereby controlling the dispensing of the product with a positive shut off (i.e., the product is dispensed in a fairly constant pattern and then shut off rather than being very strong at the beginning of the spraying process and then dribbling out at the end or under low pressure operations).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Blake
  • Patent number: 6511002
    Abstract: An EMD-type injector is provided with a spring seat in which the juncture between the head and the stem of the spring seat is formed as an undercut groove within specified shape parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Frank DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6497373
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6478199
    Abstract: A dispenser can automatically dispense chemical from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives chemical from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it valving that controls a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a porous gasket disposed in a passageway linking the dispenser to the aerosol container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Shanklin, Nathan R. Westphal, Thomas Jaworski
  • Patent number: 6431465
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for generating a pulsed high-speed fluid jet that can be used to extinguish fires and/or to launch a projectile. A valve, such as an instant on-off valve, preferably operates in combination with a pressure accumulator. In a controlled manner, a pulsed fluid jet is generated and directed through a nozzle. The nozzle can draw into the fluid-jet an additive. The nozzle may also be used to launch a projectile using the fluid jet as a propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Jetec Company
    Inventor: Gene G. Yie
  • Patent number: 6415994
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an atomizer 28 facing the component 32, 34, 36, 64 to be cooled and sprayed. The atomizer 28 has a first housing 90 and a second housing 92 joined together by threads 103, 108. Fluid passes from the inlet 76 to the outlet 70 through a central conduit 80 and a spring 82 and ball 84 check valve assembly is used to control the fluid flow. The atomized spray 30 takes on a spiraling nature due to the presence of a rotational nozzle 86 within the atomizer 28 that is acted upon by the passage of the pressurized fluid traveling through multiple diagonal channels 94 cut in the nozzle's head 78.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Clayton F Boggs
  • Patent number: 6371441
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve, including a valve member which can control the opening and closing of a fuel outlet opening, an actuating mechanism which can move the valve member, and a compensation device which can exert compensation forces on the valve member that counteract an opening stroke of the valve member, wherein the compensation device has a piston which is supported so that it can move in an associated cylinder, wherein at one end, the piston defines a hydraulic chamber in the cylinder, which is acted on with a reference pressure, and in a starting position, the piston is supported at the other end against a stop that is stationary in relation to the cylinder, and via a force transmission mechanism, the valve member can drive the piston out of its starting position away from the stop. In this manner valve operation should be improved with regard to its controllability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Patrick Mattes
  • Patent number: 6367501
    Abstract: An anti-geyser shut-off valve assembly for a water sprinkler irrigation system. It has a valve housing, a valve member, a coil spring, and a push nut that would be installed on the elongated shaft member of the valve housing for restricting the distance that the valve member may be biased away from a valve housing. When a sprinkler housing is mounted above the shut-off valve assembly and is operating properly, there is minimal obstruction to the water flow passing therethrough. If the sprinkler head or riser is broken off, the uncontrolled geyser of water will be automatically shut off and a thin stream of water would be sprayed upwardly to function as a flag identifying that the sprinkler head requires repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Oswald Svehaug
  • Patent number: 6318641
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly for a fuel injector, having a small package integral design, wherein the response times of the shape memory alloy element is decreased to less than about 1 millisecond by forced, convective heat transfer from the SMA element or elements. The forced, convective heat transfer is provided by the circulation of fluid across the SMA element by a metering orifice plate, which directs a fluid flow across the SMA element so as to maximize the area of contact between the fuel and the SMA element, regardless of whether the fuel injection valve is opened or closed. Use of forced convective heat transfer in accordance with the present invention allows greater power input levels than previously possible without resulting in an over-temperature condition of the SMA alloy, as well as constant response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Martin Knebel, Michael Raymond Salemi
  • Patent number: 6257508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve assembly including a housing, an armature, an armature bias spring, a needle, and a seat. The valve assembly housing has an inlet, an outlet, and an axially extending passageway from the inlet to the outlet along a longitudinal axis. The armature is disposed within the passageway. The armature has an armature passage including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first cross-sectional area. The second portion has a second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area of the first portion is greater than the second cross-sectional area of the second portion. The armature bias spring is disposed within the first portion of the armature passage. The needle is disposed within the second portion of the armature passage. The seat is located proximate the outlet. The flow restrictor is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the armature passage of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Wieczorek, James Paul Fochtman
  • Patent number: 6230982
    Abstract: A valve for dispersing a fluidic substance into a carrier fluid is disclosed. The valve is constructed from few moving parts and is particularly well adapted to distribute fluidic substances with little or no solubility in the flowing liquid into the carrier fluid. The valve is able to disperse difficult to dissolve fluids into the liquid stream by dispersing the fluidic substance into the carrier fluid at the stream's point of highest velocity and creating local turbulence at the points of dispersion. The design of the valve is such that the carrier fluid constantly flushes the valve's moving parts, and the valve is sealed from the dispersed fluidic substance to prevent jamming or clogging the moving parts by undissolved portions of the fluidic substance. The fluid pressure at which dispersal occurs and the volume of dispersal is precisely adjustable. The valve finds use in the irrigation of farmland, golf courses, athletic fields, public parks, and the yards of private homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton