Constrained Linear Motion Patents (Class 251/102)
  • Patent number: 8875730
    Abstract: A control device is provided with a switching valve mechanism and first and second actuators. The switching valve mechanism is provided with a valve element for switching which is located within a casing. The valve element can linearly move between an open position at which first and second pressure change chambers of the casing are communicated with each other and a closed position at which the communication is interrupted. The valve element is held at the open position and the closed position by a first holding mechanism (toggle spring). When a float ascends to a first water level, the first actuator moves the valve element from the closed position to the open position. When the degree of vacuum within a pressure detection chamber becomes a second degree of vacuum or less, the second actuator moves the valve element from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Torishima Pump Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitami Muraki
  • Patent number: 8528877
    Abstract: The latching gas ON/OFF assembly includes a housing with a female threaded bore for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder having a tank valve with a pin. A bonnet is slidably connected to the housing and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor connected to the bonnet with a transverse latch button for locking the bonnet in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet from the ON position. When the bonnet is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor to contact the pin of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventor: Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 8444109
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a blowout preventer (BOP) system with an actuator for opening and closing a ram. The actuator includes a locking system having a clutch piston to operate a clutch having ratcheting teeth. The locking system disengages the clutch prior to the ram opening and closing. The clutch piston has a first portion with a larger area than a second portion. A clutch fluid pressure acts on the first portion, and a closing fluid pressure acts on the second portion. This area difference in the clutch piston portions allows the clutch to be disengaged during closing operations, even when the closing fluid pressure is the same as the clutch fluid pressure and the clutch is biased engaged by a bias assembly. Further, closing fluid pressure is applied to lessen the load on the clutch ratcheting teeth, while the clutch fluid pressure is applied to unlock the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: T-3 Property Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Schaeper
  • Patent number: 8418992
    Abstract: A faucet handle includes a safety lock. The safety lock includes a latch that is manually movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch is adapted to engage an associated catch when the latch is in its engaged position. The safety lock also includes a primary lock element that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The primary lock element prevents movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its locked position. The primary lock element allows movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its unlocked position. A faucet including the handle requires three steps to dispense liquid: (i) movement of the primary lock to its unlocked position; (ii) movement of the latch to its disengaged position; and (iii) movement of the handle to its liquid dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Meyer, Michael A. Kolar, Jeffery J. Labinski
  • Publication number: 20120248349
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a valve device, which includes a valve body for opening and closing a fluid path, for retaining the valve body at a predetermined opening position, the valve device further including a gear wheel to which rotational driving force of a rotational driving source is transmitted and a rack section having rack teeth provided thereon for meshing engagement with the gear wheel and configured to convert rotational movement of the gear wheel into linear movement and move together with the valve body. The locking mechanism for a valve device includes: a ball abuttable with a wall face of the rack section; and a spring member configured to press the ball toward the wall face; the valve body being retained by frictional force generated when the ball is pressed against the wall face of the rack section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD, KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Kawauchi, Yukinobu Sakata, Takahiro Sasaki, Takuya Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7540468
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a valve assembly comprising a valve body, a valve element, a shaft, an engagement stop, an actuator housing, a manual lockout, and a lock. The valve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The valve element is disposed within the valve body flow passage, and is movable between a closed position and a full-open position. The shaft is coupled to the valve element and extends through the valve body. The engagement stop is coupled to, and extends radially from, the shaft. The actuator housing at least partially surrounds the shaft. The manual lockout is configured, upon receipt of a torque, to selectively engage and disengage the engagement stop. The lock is coupled to the actuator housing, and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dixon, Craig T. Dorste
  • Patent number: 7389949
    Abstract: A pressure washer wand is connectable to a source of fluid. The pressure washer wand includes a housing that defines an interior and a flow path disposed substantially within the interior. The flow path includes an inlet in fluid communication with the source and an outlet. A valve at least partially defines a portion of the flow path and is movable between a closed position and an open position in which fluid travels from the inlet to the outlet. A user interface is movable between an actuated position in which the valve is open and a non-actuated position in which the valve is closed. A lock member is substantially disposed within the interior and is movable between a locked position in which the lock assembly inhibits movement of the user interface, and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Marchand, Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 7100888
    Abstract: An interlocking control valve which can be used to control the flow of fluids such as water and gas. The control valve features a push button on the end of a handle which permits the interlocking valve to engage the valve stem when the push button is pressed. A fixed washer is provided with a hole-and-groove cutout, thereby preventing rotation of the handle with respect to the washer unless the push button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Chad Johnson
  • Patent number: 6997148
    Abstract: An engine valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is provided. The actuator includes a housing having an opening. An adjustment member is disposed in the housing and defines a fluid chamber having a chamber wall. A piston is also disposed in the opening. The piston defines a piston chamber and has a pressure surface, a protrusion extending from the pressure surface, and a groove disposed in the pressure surface surrounding the protrusion and in fluid communication with the piston chamber. A fluid passageway is adapted to controllably communicate pressurized fluid to the housing opening. A push rod is operatively engageable with the piston and is adapted to controllably actuate an engine valve of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David Yu-Zhang Chang
  • Patent number: 6962319
    Abstract: A safety switch for a water dispenser includes a sealing ring movably received in the channel to alternatively block communication between the inlet and the outlet, a guiding rod securely received in the sealing ring and having a first spring compressibly mounted around an outer periphery of the guiding rod, a handle adapted to be pivotal relative to the water dispensing tube and having a first distal end securely connected to a second distal end of the guiding rod, a support engaged with an outer periphery defining the channel and a sliding block movably sandwiched between the support and the handle so that movement of the sliding block relative to the support allows the pivotal movement of the handle, which initiates an upward movement of the guiding rod as well as the sealing ring such that the communication between the inlet and the outlet is resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Zhen Zheng
  • Patent number: 6669165
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly for a vehicle includes a barrel and a solenoid disposed in the barrel for connection to a source of power. The solenoid valve assembly also includes a movable plunger disposed in the barrel and cooperating with the solenoid and a latch connected to the plunger and cooperating with the barrel to maintain the plunger in either one of an open state and closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Howard Burke
  • Patent number: 6666178
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator assembly having a plurality of hydraulic pressure operated pistons controlled by a single solenoid operated shut-off and vent valve. Eaton hydraulic piston has an exteriorly extending arm attached thereto for contacting a release latch on the engine valve gear for disablement or deactivation of the valves in selected engine combustion chambers. The actuator assembly is disposed with the shut-off and vent valve vent port vertically above the hydraulic piston bores; and, a bleed orifice is provided for bleed flow from the hydraulic piston bores to the valving chamber in the shut-off and vent valve for permitting bleed flow and air purge. Gravity flow from the vent port may also provide lubrication for the engine cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Michael L. Rasnick
  • Publication number: 20030071236
    Abstract: A method of deforming a pattern comprising the steps of: forming, over a substrate, a layered-structure with an upper surface including at least one selected region and at least a re-flow stopper groove, wherein the re-flow stopper groove extends outside the selected region and separate from the selected region; selectively forming at least one pattern on the selected region; and causing a re-flow of the pattern, wherein a part of an outwardly re-flowed pattern is flowed into the re-flow stopper groove, and then an outward re-flow of the pattern is restricted by the re-flow stopper groove extending outside of the pattern, thereby to form a deformed pattern with at least an outside edge part defined by an outside edge of the re-flow stopper groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shusaku Kido
  • Patent number: 6220274
    Abstract: An air valve connection head is designed to work with an inflation device comprising an air storage bottle in which the compressed air is kept. The air valve connection head comprises a housing which is provided with a receiving compartment, an elastic annular block disposed in the receiving compartment, and a press member disposed in the receiving compartment such that the press member urges the annular block. The housing is further provided with an insertion hole and an air hole extending from the insertion hole to the receiving compartment. A valve member is movably disposed in the insertion hole for obstructing the air hole. A handle is pivoted to the housing such that the handle is swiveled to push the press member to cause the elastic annular block to deform to lash the air valve of an inflatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6105930
    Abstract: A fluid controller comprises a pivotal member pivotally movable about the axis of a horizontal pin, a pair of rollable rollers rotatably supported by the lower end of the pivotal member and having an axis in parallel to the axis of the horizontal pin, a slope provided by the upper surface of a bonnet for allowing each roller to roll therealong in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the roller, and a stopper supported by the pivotal member so as to be movable between a position to engage with a valve stem and a position to be out of engagement therewith. The pivotal member is pivotally moved to roll the rollers along the slope and move the roller-supporting pivotal member upward or downward with the rolling movement, whereby the horizontal pin is raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryutaro Nishimura, Takashi Hirose
  • Patent number: 5470044
    Abstract: A safety faucet including a handle having an opening, a safety sliding block received in the opening on the handle, a casing, and a valve device mounted within the casing, the valve device including a cap fastened to the casing, a valve stem having one covered end with a water stopper and the other end extended out of a hole on the cap and pivotally secured to the handle, and a spring mounted around the valve stem and disposed inside the casing, when the safety sliding block is pressed with the handle to engage projecting plates of the block against the top cap, the valve stem and the water stopper can be lifted by the handle to open the water passage through the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: James Chi
  • Patent number: 5285997
    Abstract: A device for locking a lever for pivoting a valve contained in a valve housing. A recess is formed in the valve housing. An annular groove is formed in the recess. A spring is sited in the recess. A latch has a relatively large middle section connecting an upper section with a lower section. The latch is sited in the recess so that the lower section thereof is inserted in the spring and that the middle portion thereof is sited on the spring. A C-ring engages in the groove so that the latch is trapped in the recess. A hole is formed in the lever. The hole has an upper section and a relatively large lower section. A wedge surface is formed on the underside of the lever. A button has a body connecting with a relatively large head and a groove formed about the body. The body of the button is inserted through the upper section of the hole. A C-clip engages in the groove formed about the body so that the button is trapped in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 5284178
    Abstract: An improved butterfly valve for intercepting a conduit where substances flow, especially suitable for the pharmaceutical, alimentary and chemical fields The valve comprises an annular body (1) integral with the conduit and acting as a support for the rotation stem (4) of the butterfly valve dish (3), which is operable at one end by an actuating lever (6) to open or close the internal port of the annular body (1) where a sealing member (2), tightly engaging with the butterfly valve dish (3) in the closed position, is housed. The body (1) comprises means for allowing an extremely quick and easy mounting and dismounting operations for cleaning purposes without affecting the sealing ability, operability and minimum flow resistance when the valve is fully open. The sealing member (2) is shaped to require a low effort while closing the valve as well as assuring the seal even in correspondence of the stem (4) of the butterfly valve dish (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: CO.I.RA. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Salvatore Lardieri
  • Patent number: 5039062
    Abstract: A tamper-proof valve which includes a valve body fitted with a transverse bore, an entry port and outlet port communicating with the transverse bore and an inner body seat for receiving a tapered inner body having a notch adapted for manipulation in alignment with the entry port and outlet port in open configuration and transverse to the entry port and outlet port, in closed configuration. A plug is provided on the top of the inner body for seating one end of a spring which is slidably encased in a collet. A square key is also slidably disposed in one end of the collet and is adapted to seat in a key seat provided in a top valve assembly which mounts on the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Frank R. England, Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 4946130
    Abstract: A flow control device for use in a fluid or gas line is disclosed. In one example, the device controls the flow of air to the brakes of a large vehicle such as a semi-trailer truck. The device includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port both of which communicate with the interior of the housing and a moveable valve assembly which selectively can close or open the ports with respect to one another. The valve assembly includes means for axially moving the assembly and locking it in open and closed positions. Means are provided for biasing the valve assembly to an open position to prevent accidental closing of the valve which possibly could result in the application of brakes of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Kooiman
  • Patent number: 4890506
    Abstract: A hand lever in particular for actuating a butterfly valve or the like in pipelines includes an outer lever portion which encases an inner lever portion and is movable in longitudinal direction thereof relative to the latter. At its forward end, the inner lever portion is fixedly connected with an element, such as an operating shaft which is operatively connected to the valve. The outer lever portion is provided with projections which are engagable in a stationary toothed wheel supported by the shaft. The movement of the outer lever portion for engaging in or disengaging the projection from the toothed wheel is obtained by a control grip which is swingably mounted to the inner lever portion and acts on the outer lever portion via a nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Fritz Muller
  • Patent number: 4830603
    Abstract: A child-resistant disposable lighter has its pushbutton normally locked and requires the user to move a safety release bidirectionally in order to unlock the pushbutton for operation in the conventional way. The lighter's housing includes a second compartment appended to but otherwise isolated from the fuel compartment, the second compartment having an open upper end. The pushbotton has an underside portion that overhangs and is depressible into the open upper end of the second compartment. A safety spring anchored at a lower end in the second compartment has its upper end providing a probe that extends into a channel formed in the underside of the pushbotton. The safety release is accessible at a side of the housing and is moved first inboard and then rearward and then released so that it returns to a given intermediate position, such movements effecting corresponding movements of the probe within the channel whereby the pushbutton is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Salvatore Cirami