With Nonelectrical Actuator Patents (Class 251/129.03)
  • Patent number: 11945298
    Abstract: A fuel tank isolation valve is provided having a main valve body including a fuel tank port and a canister port, a main bore, and an actuator selectively operable to allow or inhibit vented fuel vapors to move from the first port to the second port along a first path. The body can define an airflow bypass orifice that allows vapors to move from the first port, through the main bore, to the second port along a second path, while the actuator is in the closed mode inhibiting vapors from moving along the first path. This flow through the orifice can equalize pressure in a fuel tank and the canister during a purging operation on the canister. The valve can include a fitting that directly couples the valve to the canister without any intermediate hoses, in a cantilevered manner. A related method of use is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Rodrigues Martin, Carla Patricia Lara Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11920695
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base, a housing thereon and a motor within the housing, an output socket rotatably coupled to the housing and extending through the base, a ring lock rotatably coupled to the output socket, a locking assembly which locks the ring lock to the output socket and can be released to allow removal of the ring lock from the output socket, a plate rotatably coupled to the ring lock, and a mating assembly configured to couple the plate to the base in at least two positions, while preventing rotation of the plate relative to the base. A key that is used to exercise a valve can be connected to the output socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 11565355
    Abstract: A poppet valve device is proposed, comprising a valve stem, a poppet, having a sealing surface and being formed separately from the valve stem, wherein the poppet is actuatable via the valve stem, and wherein, following an imaginary line parallel to a longitudinal direction of the valve stem along the closing direction of the poppet, the sealing surface is passed before a front end of the valve stem is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ETO MAGNETIC GmbH
    Inventor: Matthew Peterson
  • Patent number: 11366575
    Abstract: An interface device, including: a touchscreen; one or more hardware interfaces having an operation element disposed on a surface of the touchscreen; a storage unit configured to store the operation element in association with a disabled region that is a region on the touchscreen where touch operation is disabled; and a control unit configured to disable touch operation to the disabled region that is associated with the operation element, during a prescribed period estimated that a user operates the operation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Shiga
  • Patent number: 11359579
    Abstract: A multi-redundancy electromechanical servo system for regulating a liquid rocket engine, comprising a triple-redundancy servo controller (1), a double-redundancy servo driver (2), double-winding electromechanical actuators (4, 5), a triple-redundancy position sensor (6), a thrust regulator (8) and a mixed ratio regulator (9). Engine thrust, a mixed ratio regulation instruction and a feedback signal of the triple-redundancy position sensor are inputted to the triple-redundancy servo controller, and the triple-redundancy servo controller outputs thrust and mixed ratio regulation PWM wave control signals to the double-redundancy servo driver. The double-redundancy servo driver outputs a three-phase variable-frequency variable-amplitude sine wave current to drive the double-winding electromechanical actuators to drive the thrust regulator and the mixed ratio regulator to move, thus achieving engine thrust and mixed ratio regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: XI' AN AEROSPACE PROPULSION INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Bin Li, Hui Chen, Xiaoguang Zhang, Yalong Yang, Jingfang Wei, Yushan Gao, Guochuang Dong, Dongying Ma, Weiyu Chen, Xingxing Pu
  • Patent number: 11326706
    Abstract: A valve operating machine includes a base having a housing thereon. A motor, and a planetary gearbox are mounted within cavities in the housing. A motor gear, a planetary input gear and an idler gear are mounted within a separate cavity. The motor gear is mounted for rotation with a motor shaft of the motor and the planetary input gear is mounted for rotation with a planetary gear spindle of the planetary input gear. The idler gear is engaged with the motor and planetary input gears. An output socket is connected to the planetary gearbox for connection to a key that is used to exercise a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 11326710
    Abstract: A valve with an electrodynamic actuator includes a magnet device that generates a magnetic field and a drive element that is movable relative to the magnet device. The drive element is pivotally mounted and comprises a current-carrying air coil that is arranged in the magnetic field and is fixedly coupled to a coil carrier made of a non-magnetic material. Sealing surfaces for sealing valve seats are arranged on two opposite sides of the drive element, such that the sealing surfaces face in opposite directions. A housing is comprised of a plurality of plastic housing parts and a metallic encasement. The metallic encasement surrounds an upper area of the housing in which the electrodynamic actuator is arranged and at least partially surrounds a lower area of the housing in which fluid channels are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Ralf Scheibe, Sebastian Hettinger, Christina Ripsam, Holger Schwab, Simone Knauss, Johannes Baumann, Christian Hartmann, Rainer Kuenzler
  • Patent number: 11268625
    Abstract: Multi-position valve actuators principally for water-circulation systems of pools and spas are detailed. At least some actuators may indicate position of an associated valve in a non-electronic manner, as by using a handle visible externally of the actuator and directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the valve so as to move therewith. Hence, even if power to an actuator is disrupted, positioning of the valve may be determined by viewing the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: David Goldman
  • Patent number: 11175077
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes an expansion device, a pipe, and a transmission sound suppressing member. The expansion device includes a valve body to control a flow rate of refrigerant. The pipe is connected to the expansion device to extend along moving directions, in controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant, of the valve body of the expansion device, and allowing the refrigerant to pass therethrough. The transmissive sound suppressing member is positioned at a first region, which is defined on an outer side of the pipe to cover at least a tip of the valve body of the expansion device, and a second region, which is continuous to the first region and is defined on an outer side of a portion of the pipe including a portion of connection to the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Fujiwara, Kosuke Sato
  • Patent number: 11162605
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for remotely controlling the flow of an effluent fluid stream from a dispensing hose of a fluid dispenser. An actuator controls at least one valve assembly of the fluid dispenser and comprises a generator located remotely of the at least one valve assembly, for generating a low-pressure signal, and at least one receiver in fluid communication with the generator for receiving the low pressure signal of each receiver operably associated with each valve assembly. The actuator also facilitates the simultaneous, sequential and alternate control of the at least one valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventors: John Boticki, Jim Bournoville, Paul Larson
  • Patent number: 11156290
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a rotary actuator includes a drive assembly including a motor and one or more gears coupled to and rotated by the motor, an output rotated by the drive assembly and a housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion to define an interior in which at least part of the drive assembly is received. The housing also includes a first motor locating feature that engages the motor and positions the motor within the housing and prevents rotation of the motor, and a first gear locating feature that locates and retains the position of at least one of said one or more gears. The first motor locating feature and first gear locating feature are both integrally formed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: DUS Operating, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinseok Jeon, Aubrey J. Nofzinger
  • Patent number: 11047083
    Abstract: A dispensing device for a liquid, including a reservoir inside which a holding chamber for a liquid is defined; a ram movable inside the holding chamber, wherein between the ram and the seat a variable volume working chamber is defined, able to communicate with the holding chamber; and a non-return valve, arranged at the outlet opening and downstream of the seat. During the stroke of the ram from a forward end-of-stroke position to a backward end-of-stroke position the liquid flows from the holding chamber to the working chamber, and during the stroke of the ram from the backward end-of-stroke position to the forward end-of-stroke position the liquid is dispensed out from the working chamber through an outlet opening. The device further includes an actuating group arranged outside of the holding chamber and capable of contactlessly controlling motion of the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Marone
  • Patent number: 10989323
    Abstract: A pneumatic solenoid valve, comprising an electromagnetic actuator and an air chamber with multiple air connections configured to be connected with the interposition of the air chamber via multiple switching positions of the magnetic actuator is disclosed. The actuator is configured to assume three different switching positions by energizing the actuator in a unipolar manner with three different current intensities and to move first and second sealing element via an actuation mechanism when switching between the switching positions. In a first position, a first sealing element closes a first air connection, and a second sealing element releases a second air connection. In a second switching position, the first sealing element closes the first air connection, and the second sealing element closes the second air connection. In a third switching position, the first sealing element releases the first air connection, and the second sealing element closes the second air connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Stefan Bauer, Holger Fernengel, Alexander Kerler, Martin Kolbinger
  • Patent number: 10746433
    Abstract: A hvac damper control is described. In an example, an apparatus comprises a manual actuator, wherein in a manual use of the manual actuator, the manual actuator is configured to open a hvac damper to an open position and close the damper to a closed position. The apparatus comprises an actuator coupled to a manual actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to open and close the hvac damper by being connected to the manual actuator. When the actuator is connected to propulsion, the actuator is configured to drive itself to the open position, wherein the actuator is configured to lock to the manual actuator. In other examples, a method, a hvac damper, and a hvac system are discussed along with the features of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: HALTON MARINE OY
    Inventors: Risto Paavilainen, Jukka Maksimainen
  • Patent number: 10643805
    Abstract: A starting device including a housing, a circuit board disposed in the housing, an electromagnetic element, a lever structure and a pressing assembly. A recessed hole is formed on one side of the housing. The circuit board is connected to a power cable. The electromagnetic element is electrically connected to the circuit board. The electromagnetic element includes a coil and a plunger operated by magnetic attraction of the coil. One end of the lever structure is in contact with the plunger. The pressing assembly includes a button cover and a screw rod disposed in the recessed hole. One end of the screw rod is fixedly connected to the button cover, while the other end of the screw rod extends out of the other side of the housing. The screw rod is screwably connected to the other end of the lever structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: UNIFORM INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Tsung Chen, Chih-Hung Chen, Shiang-Hau Huang
  • Patent number: 10494795
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for flow control of fluid in pipelines to various utility fluid outlets like water taps and the like by blocking fluid flow from pipeline to said utility fluid outlet when the flow exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In other word, the present invention discloses an automatic fluid flow controlling device for restricting and/or stopping flow of the fluid medium running through the guiding means or the tubing system when fluid flow exceed a certain flow rate as well as stopping flow of the running fluid flow when fluid level in the vessel wherein the running fluid is being delivered reaches a certain height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Somjit Mandal
  • Patent number: 10443219
    Abstract: A faucet having a faucet base, a water hose, a faucet head, and a chamber is provided. A water valve is provided in the chamber and includes a driving member and a control valve movable between a first position enabling mixing of water and air and a second position enabling shut-off of a water flow. The faucet head further includes a control member movably coupled with the faucet head to enable operating the control valve within the water valve using magnets by operating the control member from or near a side of the faucet head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chiahua Yuan, Yiping Lin, Huiling Chiu, Yuanhao Chang
  • Patent number: 10273669
    Abstract: A method for controlling touchless operation of a faucet that includes turning on a sensor of the faucet in response to receiving a signal that a mechanical valve of the faucet is in an open position, wherein the mechanical valve is movable between the open position and a closed position; shifting an electronic valve of the faucet from a closed state, in which a fluid does not flow from the faucet, to an open state, in which the fluid is configured to flow from the faucet, in response to a first interruption of a field of detection of the sensor; and shifting the electronic valve to the closed state in response to a second interruption of the field of detection of the sensor, so long as the second interruption follows the first interruption within a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, David E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10234057
    Abstract: A method to detect cycling of components that result from use of a tight shut-off mode on a valve assembly. Embodiments of the method use operating data from the valve assembly. This operating data includes data that reflects a position for the closure member relative to the seat. This position often corresponds with a measured position of one or more components (e.g., the valve stem) on the valve assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes steps for comparing the measured position to a boundary criteria that defines one or more boundary values proximate, and often equal to, the threshold levels of the tight shut-off mode. The method can also includes steps for identifying patterns in the data that indicate that the closure member is cycling from its closed position to a second position due to tight shut-off mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Claude Prescott, Justin Scott Shriver, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10221958
    Abstract: A magnetically toggled valve apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a valve body provides a valve cavity sized and configured for allowing a commodity to selectively flow therethrough, the valve cavity providing a commodity input configured for engagement with a commodity input source, and a commodity output in fluid communication with the commodity input. A toggle plunger is positioned within the valve cavity, with a first end of the toggle plunger providing a plunger magnet, and an opposing second end of the toggle plunger configured for selectively contacting a valve seat provided by a base of the valve cavity, the valve seat being proximal and in fluid communication with the commodity output. The toggle plunger is configured for moving between a closed position and an open position. An actuating magnet is positioned adjacent and external to the valve cavity. The actuating magnet is configured for selectively transitioning between an active state and an inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander Michael Shane
  • Patent number: 10077848
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve includes a valve body and a motorized unit. The valve body is supported in a fluid system between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and is moved between an opened condition for enabling a flow of fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and a closed condition for blocking the fluid to flow to the fluid outlet. The motorized unit includes an electric motor and an actuator which is operatively linked to the electric motor and is coupled with the valve body, wherein when the electric motor is activated, the actuator is driven to rotate to actuate the valve body between the opened condition and the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 10072772
    Abstract: A setting/operating device including: a sun gear that is rotated by a rotational force from a drive motor; a fixed internal gear fixedly disposed to surround the sun gear and having teeth on an inner peripheral surface; a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the fixed internal gear that rotate in engagement with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear while revolving around the sun gear; a movable internal gear disposed coaxially with the fixed internal gear, having teeth that come into engagement with the planetary gear on an inner peripheral surface, and provided so as to be rotatable; an output shaft coupled to the movable internal gear and configured to rotate the valve stem of the regulating valve; and a manual operation mechanism that rotates the sun gear or the planetary gear by a force applied from the outside of a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Tomofumi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 10054242
    Abstract: A valve comprises a valve housing with at least one fluid port. In the valve housing a valve chamber is formed, in which a closing element axially shiftable by a valve drive is provided, which cooperates with at least one valve seat provided in the valve housing. The valve housing has a first end face to which the valve drive can be coupled, and at least one actuation opening in a second end face of the valve housing opposite to the first end face. The actuation opening extends through the valve housing up to the closing element and is arranged eccentrically in the second end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Weber, Markus Klaiber, Uwe Gruebnau
  • Patent number: 9976670
    Abstract: A gas cock that according to some embodiments includes an electromagnetic actuator having an electrically conductive static element and an electrically conductive moving element. The gas cock has a closure element that is attached to and moves with the moving element. The gas cock has an actuator shaft that in a first position does not contact the moving element, and in a second position pushes against the moving element to cause the moving element to make contact with the static element. The static element is electrically coupled to a signal line. When the actuator shaft is in the second position the closure element is positioned to permit gas flow through the gas cock and the actuator shaft is electrically coupled with the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Copreci, S. Coop.
    Inventor: Félix Querejeta Andueza
  • Patent number: 9901068
    Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a housing, a solenoid operable to receive electrical current flow, and an enclosure, the enclosure housing the solenoid, a magnet coupled to the enclosure, a plunger comprising a stopper and a conductive portion, and a spring coupled to the plunger. When the solenoid receives a first current, the solenoid applies a first magnetic force onto the plunger causing the stopper to disengage from the housing outlet, the conductive portion of the plunger magnetically connects with the magnet, and the stopper remains disengaged from the housing outlet after the first period of time expires. When the conductive portion is magnetically connected to the magnet and the solenoid receives a second current, the solenoid applies a second magnetic force onto the plunger causing the conductive portion of the plunger to disconnect from the magnet so that the stopper engages with the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Fematt, Jacob R. Wilmott
  • Patent number: 9906101
    Abstract: An apparatus for automation technology, comprising an actuator and an assembly for manual actuation of the actuator, wherein an electrical drive or an electro hydraulic drive is provided as the driving element for the actuator. The assembly includes a generator and a manual actuating element for the generator and wherein the assembly can be electrically coupled with the driving element of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AUMA Riester GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Platzer, Benjamin Hofmann, Henrik Newerla
  • Patent number: 9896826
    Abstract: The faucet includes a main body, a positioning sleeve, a water-saving valve and an activator. The main body has an inlet end, an outlet end, a water channel and an outlet opening communicating with the water channel. The outlet opening is located on a wall of the outlet end. The positioning sleeve is fixed in the inlet end and has a water hole and a passing hole. The water hole communicates with the water channel and the outlet opening. The water-saving valve is disposed between the outlet end and the positioning sleeve and has an operating bar for controlling the water-saving valve to allow water in the water channel to flow toward the water hole. The activator has a pressing cap disposed on the outlet end. The pressing cap is slidable on the positioning sleeve and moves the operating bar when the pressing cap is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chuahua Yuan, Yiping Lin, Chunhung Li
  • Patent number: 9882447
    Abstract: An electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotatably secured to the stator. The electric machine further includes a shaft secured to the rotor and a sleeve. The sleeve defines a bore and an outer periphery of the sleeve. The sleeve is slidably secured to the shaft. The electric machine further includes a bearing defining a bore of the bearing. At least a portion of the bore of bearing is fixedly secured to at least a portion of the outer periphery of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Raczek, Christopher Thomas Ohrmundt, Jeffrey Patrick Nelessen, Laura Michelle Reamer, Allen Jonathan Barkholz
  • Patent number: 9859771
    Abstract: A motor device may include a motor including a motor shaft protruded from a motor main body; a worm gear connected with the motor shaft through a transmission mechanism and is formed with a spiral groove; and a worm wheel engaged with the worm gear. The transmission mechanism may include a transmission member to transmit rotation of the motor shaft to the worm gear. One end face on the motor main body side of the worm gear and an end face on a worm gear side of the transmission member may be formed with two protruded parts protruded toward the other of the end faces, and a recessed part engaged with the protruded parts is formed in the other of the end faces. A compression coil spring may disposed between the worm gear and the transmission member between the two protruded parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mamoru Yamaoka, Yoshinori Ogawa, Takafumi Kasuga, Yuji Shingu
  • Patent number: 9809291
    Abstract: Turning gear apparatus (10) for rotating a shaft (11) comprises a rotary drive arrangement (12) and a transmission system including a pivot arm (20). The rotary drive arrangement (12) is fixed, for example to a vessel hull (14), and the pivot arm (20) is pivotable between a first, shaft-disengaged, position and a second, shaft-engaged position where the rotary drive arrangement (12) is operably coupled to the shaft (11), thereby permitting control over rotation of the shaft (11) by the rotary drive arrangement (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Galloway
  • Patent number: 9752689
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a valve. An exemplary valve may be able to provide a more compact profile than current valves, allowing for installation in locations that have size limitations, and/or may allow for more room in areas where prior non-compact valves are installed. Such a valve may be used for fluid intake to a pressurized fluid dispensing system. A compact valve can comprise a valve actuator that is disposed in line with the fluid intake of the valve, and not offset and extending from the valve, such that the flow of fluid passes through a point of rotation of the actuator. Further, a transmission may be used to transfer user actuation input to an internal flow control component, such as a ball-type flow controller, to move the flow control between an open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Akron Brass Company
    Inventor: Layton Michael Broome
  • Patent number: 9702474
    Abstract: A lower housing assembly for a valve actuator comprises a lower housing and an inventive latch subassembly. The lower housing includes valve stem and mounting post apertures that receive therethrough the valve stem and mounting post of a valve assembled with the lower housing assembly. The inventive latch subassembly comprises a rigid latch lever and a latch bias member. The rigid latch lever pivots between engaged and disengaged positions; the latch bias member biases the latch lever toward the engaged position. In the engaged position, the latch lever obstructs the mounting post aperture to prevent assembly of the lower housing with the valve, or engages a slot in the mounting post to prevent disassembly of the lower valve housing from the valve. In the disengaged position, the mounting post aperture is unobstructed by the latch lever, thereby permitting assembly and disassembly of the lower housing and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Mu
  • Patent number: 9636741
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solenoid housing and to a method for providing a solenoid housing having the base, wall, center pole, and flange integrally connected as a single piece. The instant invention provides for mounting protrusions and window for electrical leads as an integral part of the housing and manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Indimet, Inc.
    Inventor: Shreyas R. Mehta
  • Patent number: 9541213
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for a pressure container and which includes a manual shut-off of the valve, a stop, and an electromagnetic shut-off of the valve with a sealing element, a magnet coil, a tappet, and a spring element. When the magnet coil has been currentlessly switched and deactivated, the tappet pressed against the sealing element by the spring element presses the sealing element onto a second opening so as to suppress a fluidic connection from the pressure container. Also, when the magnet coil is activated, the tappet can be moved away from the sealing element as far as the stop, such that the fluidic connection can be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Andreas Zieger
  • Patent number: 9377121
    Abstract: A rotary valve assembly composing a leak-free enclosure containing a worm gear and a pinion gear, an adapter plate that is situated between a rotary valve body and the enclosure and that secures the rotary valve body to the enclosure, and a magnetic actuator assembly. The worm gear engages with the pinion gear such that when the worm gear rotates, the pinion gear rotates as well. The enclosure is situated between the magnetic actuator assembly and the rotary valve body. A shaft extends through the center of the pinion gear and causes a valve within the rotary valve body to open and close based on rotation of the shaft. In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a rotary valve as described above with an integral adapter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Patent number: 9131016
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a virtual auditorium for a remote, live performance to a remote, distributed audience, wherein the performers receive the reaction of the audience members in substantially real time. The live performance can itself be distributed geographically, as taught in the prior art, and may be multimedia in nature, for example audio (monophonic, stereo, or multi-channel) can be augmented by images, video, MIDI, text (e.g., commentary, lyrics), etc. Further, the distributed audience members can receive each other's reaction, also in substantially real time, whereby the virtual auditorium is created wherein the distributed audience members constitute a virtual assembly. The same virtual auditorium, sans performers, can be used as a venue to conduct a conference call of arbitrary size without the expense of a central voice bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Jay Glueckman, Gail Susan Kantor, William Gibbens Redmann
  • Patent number: 9114798
    Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a position sensor disposed to engage the end of a control shaft. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position the control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector. The actuator gears may be integrated in a common sump with the drive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Austin J. Templin, Jesse L. Probst
  • Patent number: 9074700
    Abstract: An actuating drive for safety valves has a high actuating torque. The actuating drive can be driven by a motor by means of a gear train. When the safety valve is opened, the motor simultaneously preloads a mechanical energy store that is connected to the input shaft of the safety valve and that can be locked. After the lock has been released, the mechanical energy store outputs the stored energy and closes the safety valve in the process. The output of the motor is connected to a planetary gear train, the output rotor of which is connected to the input shaft of the safety valve. The mechanical energy store consists of a number of leg springs that corresponds to the number of planet gears. The leg springs are connected at one end to one of the planet gears and at the opposite end to the housing of the actuating drive in a rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignees: Fuehrer Engineering KG, PRAEMAB Praezisionsmaschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Fuehrer
  • Patent number: 9010375
    Abstract: On an outer surface of an electromagnetic valve body, a manual operation element is provided slidably horizontally, and a slide member is provided slidably in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the manual operation element. The slide member is movable to a lock position and a non-lock position. At the lock position, the slide member is retained by the manual operation element to lock the manual operation element at a non-switch position. At the non-lock position, the slide member unlocks the manual operation element to allow the manual operation element to move toward a switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Narita
  • Patent number: 8997784
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. An engagement device, such as a clutch, may disengage the flow selector from a mechanical valve when the fluid flow control system enters a manual mode. When the system is in a manual mode, the engagement device may engage the flow selector with the mechanical valve, allowing the flow selector to directly control the flow rate of the fluid through the mechanical valve. Applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein. Various alternative components and embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard G. Cipolli, David Gibson
  • Patent number: 8978687
    Abstract: An actuating device or displacing a control device, such as a valve, gate valve or other control mechanism, in particular for use in oil or gas production systems, comprises a motor-gear unit (21) and a thread drive (22) which is operable by said motor-gear unit (21) and which comprises at least a threaded spindle (23) and a screw nut (24). The threaded spindle (23) is displaceable in an essentially axial direction so as to displace the control device (2) between a use position (7) and a non-use position (8, 9, 19, 20). To ensure a safe displacement into the non-use position in a simple way and independently of the pressure conditions prevailing between conveying medium and inner medium, the threaded spindle (23) is substantially axially displaceable beyond the use position (7) into a second non-use position (9). The invention also refers to a corresponding method for displacing the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Lenz
  • Patent number: 8973605
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for housed or housingless valves; in particular for valves for pipelines for transporting liquid or gaseous medium, preferably for pipelines above a nominal diameter of DN 100 or channels, having a drive motor, having a gearing (2), and having an emergency running drive (3) by means of which the gearing (2) can be actuated independently of the drive motor, wherein as a drive motor a servo motor (4) is provided which has a measuring device which determines the respectively present position of the servo motor (4) in relation to its initial position and outputs corresponding measured values, a working memory is provided into which the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4) are written, an electronic control unit (8) is provided which reads out the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4); and performs position control of the servo motor (4) and therefore of the actuating device on the basis of the measured values from the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bu-sch Armaturen GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Spotka
  • Patent number: 8967145
    Abstract: A ventilatory valve controls a pressure level in a patient breathing circuit of an anesthetic breathing apparatus. The ventilatory valve has a valve unit having a controllable restriction to control the pressure level in an expiratory branch of the breathing circuit of the anesthetic breathing apparatus, an electrical operating unit for the valve unit, configured to electrically control the restriction during electrical operation of the anesthetic breathing apparatus, and a non-electrical operating unit (100) for the valve unit, configured to non-electrically control the restriction upon electrical defective or powerless operation of the anesthetic breathing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Bo Dahlström, Carl Magnus Tornesel, Lars Danielsen
  • Publication number: 20150021503
    Abstract: The invention relates to an on-off valve with a pressure reducer intended to be connected to a gas cylinder. The objective of the invention is to ensure that the device is closed and put into service by way of simple and reliable means at high pressures. A shutter is controlled by a mobile part of the valve with pressure reducer, forming a low-pressure chamber of the device. The shutter is subjected to an elastic force in the closing direction. A working spring of the valve with pressure reducer acts on the mobile part in the opening direction. A rotary control member working over at least one turn makes it possible to compress the working spring into the position in which the valve with pressure reducer is put into service. In the closed position, a plate of pusher of the control member is remote from the working spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Schmitz, Adrien Zoda
  • Patent number: 8900763
    Abstract: An electrochemically operable actuator (20), includes a support structure, a flexible membrane sealed against the support structure to form a compartment (108), electrochemical element (101) adapted to generate hydrogen or oxygen gas and to deliver the gas to the inside of the compartment, the electrochemical element including an ion conducting membrane having an electrode on opposing sides thereof, and terminal element for connecting a voltage source to enable applying a potential across the electrodes. The electrochemical element can be a hydrogen pump (101) or an electrolyzer or both. A fuel cell assembly (100) incorporating a valve (V) with an actuator is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: myFC AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundblad, Mahsa Mashoof, Daniel Karlsson, Magnus Lindblom, Raphael Poulain
  • Patent number: 8893747
    Abstract: The invention refers to a valve, in particular a pneumatic valve with a tappet or nipple provided on an actuator member that opens or closes a passage opening for a medium depending on the position of the actuator. A tappet is provided the spring of that presses the tappet or nipple on the passage opening in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Weiβ
  • Patent number: 8888571
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for attaching an actuator (2) to a housing (4), in particular for an automotive vehicle, the actuator being provided for driving a movable equipment (41) disposed within the housing. The device comprises attaching means for attaching the actuator on the housing. The mounting means comprise two conjugated connection flanges (20, 40), respectively mounted on a connexion face (28) of the actuator (28) and on a connection face (48) of the housing. The connexion flanges are adapted to be assembled according to a male/female type connection at the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Systems Thermiques S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Vincent, Gilbert Terranova
  • Patent number: 8881759
    Abstract: A selector with at least two settings, useful for controlling flow of fluid in a hydraulic control valve. In at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully automatic, being controlled by the valve actuator, and in at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully manual, being entirely independent of the valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Galcon Bakarim Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.
    Inventors: Shay Shtekelmacher, Sari Razili
  • Publication number: 20140306133
    Abstract: A manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus is disclosed for selectively actuating a valve. The apparatus includes an operator housing defining an enclosure. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and a worm wheel has a first and a second side, the second side of the worm wheel defining a clutch drive. The worm wheel is disposed within the housing and intermeshes with the input shaft such that when the input shaft is driven, the input shaft drives the worm wheel and the clutch drive about a rotational axis. A sleeve has an outer surface which defines an annular groove. The sleeve has a driven end and an output end. The driven end of the sleeve cooperates with the clutch drive of the worm wheel for selective engagement of the clutch drive and the driven end of the sleeve. A clutch actuating handle is rotatably supported by the housing. The clutch actuating handle has a first and a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenico Liccardi
  • Publication number: 20140307527
    Abstract: A method and assembly to produce data pulses in a drilling fluid in a drill string. The assembly comprises a shear valve that includes a valve member mounted in a valve passage in fluid flow communication with a fluid flow conduit of a drill string to which the assembly is connectable. The valve member is connected to a reciprocation mechanism comprising a rocker, a driven crank arrangement, and a slider member that provides a sliding coupling between the crank arrangement and the rocker. The slider member is pivotally connected to the crank arrangement, is keyed to the rocker for angular displacement about a valve axis, and is radially slidable relative to the rocker, so actuation of the crank arrangement causes angular reciprocation of the rocker, and hence of the valve member, about the valve axis, to produce data pulses in the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Sitka