Flexible Or Expansible Patents (Class 251/150)
  • Patent number: 8753587
    Abstract: A microvalve assembly (10) includes an elongate valve body (14) having opposed first and second major surfaces, the first major surface defining a valve recess (34) and the second major surface defining first and second fluid ports (20,22). Both the fluid input port and the fluid output port extend in fluid communication with the valve recess. A gasket (12) is freely positioned within the valve recess so as to extend in overlying registry with either or both of fluid ports. A valve cover (16) is bonded to the valve body and includes a first planar surface positioned in overlying registry with the valve recess so as to enclose the gasket therein. The valve cover is deflectable into the valve recess so as to cause the gasket to seal at least one of the fluid ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor Samper, Christian Rensch, Christoph Boeld, Marko Baller
  • Patent number: 8292263
    Abstract: A pipe shunt device for allowing sewage to bypass a trough in a manhole and travel from an inlet port to an outlet port comprising a hose, a first plug component having a first plug removably attachable to the first end of the hose via a first attachment clamp; a second plug component having a second plug removably attachable to the second end of the hose via a second attachment clamp; wherein a valve lever is disposed in the first plug component that allows or prevents sewage from flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: George Rozsavolgyi, Jeffrey J. Carter, Marilyn K. Carter
  • Publication number: 20120204998
    Abstract: A coupler assembly (6) for use in the transfer of powdered material from a container such as a bag or bottle comprises an active valve assembly (8) having an active valve and docking part and a passive valve assembly (7) which comprises a passive valve and a complimentary docking part, the two docking parts enabling the two assemblies to be secured together such that both the passive valve and active valve can be opened to provide a passage for powder through both valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: EZI-DOCK SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Ronald Brimson, Stephen Thomas McAleavy
  • Patent number: 7523965
    Abstract: A coupling is formed from inner and outer members. The inner member is attached to a pipe wall and is formed with a bulge. The outer member is retained by the inner member and is formed with a clamp that surrounds the bulge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.
    Inventor: Abed Masarwa
  • Publication number: 20090032757
    Abstract: A valve is provided without processing junction sites thereof, in which pipes can infallibly be joined with ease only through the reduction in diameter of a housing to be fastened and, at the same time, the valve has appropriate flexibility relative to the joined pipes and is capable of absorb vibration etc., thereby exhibiting excellent durability. Furthermore, the valve has a diameter-reducible joint part, enables joining the pipes to the opposite sides thereof separately individually and can always maintain high sealability even when the pipes are joined thereto or detached therefrom, thus excelling in cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuhide Maruyama, Chikashi Gomi
  • Patent number: 6945512
    Abstract: An improved control valve includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a passage leading from the inlet to the outlet through the housing, a control configured to selectively control the flow of material through the housing, and at least one extension associated with the housing for changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve. One or more embodiments of a method include the steps of providing a valve having an inlet or outlet which is adjustably positionable with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, and connecting the inlet and outlet of the valve to inlet and outlet pipes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6685162
    Abstract: An improved control valve and method of installation thereof is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the control valve comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a passage leading from the inlet to the outlet through the housing, a control configured to selectively control the flow of material through the housing, and at least one extension associated with the housing for changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve. One or more embodiments of a method comprise providing a valve having an inlet or outlet with is adjustably positionable with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, and connecting the inlet and outlet of the valve to inlet and outlet pipes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20020066876
    Abstract: An improved control valve and method of installation thereof is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the control valve comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a passage leading from the inlet to the outlet through the housing, a control configured to selectively control the flow of material through the housing, and at least one extension associated with the housing for changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve. One or more embodiments of a method comprise providing a valve having an inlet or outlet with is adjustably positionable with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, changing a position of the inlet and/or outlet of the valve with respect to a remaining portion of the valve, and connecting the inlet and outlet of the valve to inlet and outlet pipes, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6329493
    Abstract: Plumbing articles made from a thermoplastic resin comprising a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) and a poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprising bisphenol A residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad J. El-Hibri, Barry L. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6305616
    Abstract: A gasket for use in an electromotive diesel fuel injector. The gasket is made of a polymeric material and is adapted to be received by a filter nut of the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sardello, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Sardello
  • Patent number: 6135140
    Abstract: The invention comprises a diverter device which has an expandable perimeter for removably mounting same to a storm drain and comprises a passageway therethrough for the directing the controlled flow of air and/or fluids from the storm drain during a back-flow incident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Frank J. Grandinetti
  • Patent number: 5644930
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve that is rotatable relative to the pressure relief system to allow flexibility in the connection of an outlet aperture in the pressure relief valve with a vent pipe in the building. A circumferential channel being formed on a conduit comprising a portion of the valve to receive a plurality of fasteners thereon for attaching the valve body to the conduit. Further, a tension relief bar having a pair of apertures is utilized to manually control the movement of a valve member relative to a valve seat within the valve body. One of the apertures being positioned for receiving a locking pin therein to hold the valve member apart from the valve seat. The capability to rotate and separate the valve body from the conduit allows for flexibility in servicing and connecting the valve body to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: Luther D. Albertson, Walter R. Key, Mark B. Key
  • Patent number: 5316264
    Abstract: A flow-through telescoping pole apparatus is provided for use in dispensing fluid from a suitable fluid source, such as a common garden hose. The apparatus includes an elongated hollow outer pole and an inner pole received in the outer pole for axial telescoping movement. A seal is provided in the space between the inner and outer poles to prevent leakage of fluids from between the poles. A locking assembly is also provided, and permits the inner pole to be locked against axial movement relative to the outer pole. The locking assembly includes a cam mounted on the inner pole and a friction member supported between the cam and the outer pole. The cam pinches the friction member against the outer pole when the inner pole is rotated relative to the outer pole to lock the axial position of the inner pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Sr., Robert D. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5284475
    Abstract: A tubular adapter and check valve for Luer fittings. The end of the adapter that receives the Luer fitting is expandable radially outwardly in a substantially uniform manner so that Luer fittings of all sizes are snugly received by the adapter. Deep longitudinally extending grooves are formed in the adapter to provide the expandability. The adapter, when in repose, is designed to tightly receive the smallest in diameter Luer fittings, but it receives even the largest Luer fittings when in its expanded configuration. The adapter is also improved by providing radially inwardly extending fingers that hold a check valve in the adapter against axial displacement and by providing an annular shoulder that limits the depth of insertion of the Luer fitting into the adapter, which shoulder prevents over distortion of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 5060689
    Abstract: A check valve assembly is disclosed which is inserted in a fluid flow conduit leading from a source of fluid flow to a mechanism utilizing the fluid flow. The check valve assembly comprises a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port that communicate with a central chamber in the housing, and a valve disposed in the central chamber adapted to permit fluid flow from the inlet port through the chamber to the outlet port and prevent fluid flow from the outlet port through the chamber to the inlet port. The housing comprises a first attachment piece associated with the inlet port and adapted to be attached to the fluid flow conduit leading from the source of fluid flow, and a second attachment piece associated with the outlet port and adapted to be attached to one of several adapter elements. Various types of adapter elements are disclosed which include sections for connecting the adapter element to the second attachment piece and to the fluid flow conduit leading to the mechanism utilizing the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Ced's, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabor Csaszar, Kenneth M. Kotowicz
  • Patent number: 4684105
    Abstract: A ball valve having means for releasably holding the sealing surfaces of a seal carrier in contact with the valve body and ball. The holding means includes a durable locking strip which is inserted through an opening in the valve body into an annular channel between the valve body and the seal carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Carroll J. Haas, II
  • Patent number: 4492249
    Abstract: A mounted check valve assembly to be installed between two fluid vessels comprises a check valve having a cylindrical body annularly bulged midway, a pipe securely fixed at one end to one of the vessels and engaged at the other end with one end of the check valve, and a hose connected at one end to the other vessel and fitted at the other end over the check valve and farther over the end portion of the pipe to support the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Arino, Teruo Koyama
  • Patent number: 4194721
    Abstract: A plumbing test fitting for waste or vent pipes and stacks extending between adjacent floors of a building having a closure plate adapted to be slidably fitted between a pair of spaced adjacent ends of a pair of pipes, the joint being sealed by a detachable sealing clamp which also sealably bears against the periphery of the closure plate. A sliding valve element having an operating stem which extends outwards between the pipes and through the sealing clamp can be operated to open or close a passage in the closure plate so as to enable the pipe to be closed for testing and thereafter opened to permit testing fluid to escape down the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Nako Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Carsten Nachtigahl
  • Patent number: 4149560
    Abstract: A one-way valve is provided which may be releasibly attached to a wheel brake cylinder of an automobile for bleeding the brake system of any air existing in such system. The bleeder valve has a quick disconnect which may be snapped over the bleeder outlet in sealing engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Inventor: Allen L. Berg
  • Patent number: 4116418
    Abstract: A container coupling suitable for connecting an aperture leading to the interior of a container with a duct for the supply or return of conditioning fluid, the coupling having a first end for connection to the duct and a second end for releasably sealingly engaging a flat sealing surface surrounding the aperture in the container, and the second end of the coupling being movable relative to the first end between a withdrawn inoperative position and an extended sealing position, the coupling having an annular body extending in sealing engagement between said first and second ends and wherein a rolling diaphragm is provided preferably between each end of the annular body and the associated end of the coupling, the rolling diaphragms being in sealing engagement between the body and the coupling ends and defining an annular inflatable space to which fluid may be supplied or exhausted for operating the coupling, there being hinge means connecting the two ends of the coupling together and there preferably being an a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Shipowners Refrigerated Cargo Research Association
    Inventors: Kenneth White Pearson, David William Thomas Richards
  • Patent number: 3970103
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a ceiling terminating gas line to an item of equipment at floor level, which includes, a tubular outer member having a gas inlet end for connection to the ceiling outlet and a gas outlet end, a tubular piston rod, of substantially the same length as the outer tube, telescopically mounted in the outer tube with one end extending from the outlet end of the outer tube and having an internal diameter substantially smaller than the internal diameter in the outer tube, an annular piston mounted on the opposite end of the piston rod in the annular space between the piston rod and the outer tube which presents an annular piston surface to the opening of the gas inlet end of the outer tube and a spring mounted in the annular space between the piston rod and the outer tube having a biasing force greater than the force exerted on the piston by the gas entering the inlet end of the outer tube so that the piston is normally urged toward the inlet end of the outer tube when the apparatus is connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1976
    Assignee: Oxequip Health Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Albert E. McKee, deceased
  • Patent number: 3945603
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum valve having a hollow body formed of a resilient material and a valve means securely positioned at the center of the valve body in a seat integral with the body. The body is divided into two parts, being connected to a vacuum source at one end and an ampule at the other. The valve means alternately closes and opens this connection to the vacuum source in the manner common to valves. The valve further has openings connecting the ampule end of the valve body to the ambient air pressure, allowing release of the ampule without undue turbulence. The body has grooves in its interior walls, two on the ampule side and one on the side of the vacuum source, to enable the valve body to accept different sizes of ampules and connections without deforming and the subsequent loss of vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Assignee: FTS Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas S. Fraser
  • Patent number: 3938543
    Abstract: Fluid control systems for controlling machine tool operations or other automated mechanical devices. An unlimited number of multiple function systems can be assembled from a basic simple function system employing two-way relay valves which, in their normally blocked state, have a "controlled leakage" venting feature effective to prevent any leakage to outlet and possible system malfunction. Fluid memory can also be built in the system. Simple relay valves, limit valves, pressure control relay valves, time delay relay valves and other variations in spool and slide form provide controlled leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Inventor: Gerald T. Sorenson