Valve Seat And Coupling Element Removable As A Unit Patents (Class 251/152)
  • Patent number: 10883618
    Abstract: A valve coupling for joining pipe elements includes a valve housing surrounded by coupling segments. Projections extend from the segments and engage channels in the valve housing. Engagement between the projections and the channels guides the segments as they are drawn together to engage the pipe elements and secures the valve housing between the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Yang Bae Park
  • Patent number: 9677672
    Abstract: A butterfly valve comprising a housing having an upper side having an upper valve seat member and a lower side having a lower valve seat member, an extension section having an extension shaft member that extends out of an opening formed in a flange, the extension shaft member having a shaft end that fits within a first shaft bearing formed in a movable disc member, the movable disc member having a second shaft bearing formed therein, and a shaft portion for fitting within the second shaft bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Bulk Tank, Inc.
    Inventor: David E Sisk
  • Publication number: 20150115186
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for installing a valve in a pipeline while the pipeline is pressurized, and without leakage of pipeline media. A valve body is formed by attaching a sleeve with an annular space to a pipeline, filling the annular space with curable material, and then machining a cylindrical hole through the pipe, into which a valve is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Robin N. BORLAND, Dennis R. JARNECKE, Edward B. JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 8851446
    Abstract: A product transfer valve (1) includes a valve body (3), an inlet port (2), an outlet port (18). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar (22) with internal threads (23) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar (6) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member (12) is supported on the cam operated mechanism (8) and engages the safety collar (6) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 8813795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passive valve for multi-valve devices for sealing a container or a line. According to one aspect of the invention, the passive valve is free of bearing supports which protrude in a positive sense out of the passive valve. The invention also relates to a multi-valve device for contamination-free connection of two containers or two lines with partial valves that can be rotated about a single axis. According to this aspect of the invention, at least three partial valves, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and can be put under tension so they can be sealed with respect to their surroundings, can be rotated about the single shared axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Andocksysteme G. UNTCH GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Untch
  • Patent number: 8800597
    Abstract: A fine control gas valve includes a tee having opposed first and second tee runs co-axially aligned on a longitudinal axis, and a tee branch. A valve assembly is partially received in and connected to the first tee run having a valve disc connected to a drive screw longitudinally moved by drive screw axial rotation. The valve disc includes a first slot on the valve disc having a first end and a wider second end, and a second disc slot as a mirror image of the first disc slot oppositely positioned about the valve disc. A pipe in the second tee run has a first portion of a pipe end face/seat surface in direct contact with a second tee run shoulder. The valve disc when contacting a second portion of the pipe end face/seat surface defines a valve closed condition. The first and second portions are co-planar to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Colby, Louie Xu Liu
  • Patent number: 8418994
    Abstract: An improved hot-cold inlet pipe structure includes an external-threaded pipe and an internal pipe forming an integrated piping structure. The internal pipe extends outwardly a wrapping section that covers a plurality of threaded openings of the external pipe. The internal pipe is composed of non-toxic materials that include plastic materials that are high resistance to pressure and climate change. The internal pipe also reduces the use of metallic materials and does not release of toxic chemical to water stream. A depressed section of the interior of a top of end of the inlet pipe includes a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber includes an opening that includes numerous slots. The slots receive a control valve unit such that the slots mesh with the control valve unit. This design is also beneficial in the manufacturing of the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hsi Chia Ko, Jui Feng Ko
  • Publication number: 20120312404
    Abstract: The manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention is characterized in that at least branch pipe is formed at a pipe passage having a flow hole through which fluid flows, and an input valve is formed at an end portion of the pipe passage, and a joint coupler forming an output valve at the other end portion is prepared, and an output valve of a joint coupler of the other places is joint-connected with a limited rotation angle at an input valve of at least one joint coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Yuk Nam Choi
  • Publication number: 20110266477
    Abstract: Connector assemblies are provided for controlling flow in a fluid line that include an outer shell, an inner housing, and a tubular member. The inner housing is disposed within the outer shell and includes a boss disposed adjacent a first end of the outer shell. The inner housing is movable axially within the outer shell between first and second positions when a device is connected to the first end. The tubular member is carried by the inner housing and includes a fluid passage extending between a second end of the outer shell. The tubular member moves axially as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, and cam features on the outer shell and the tubular member cause the tubular member to rotate as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, thereby opening a fluid path between the fluid passage and the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: INFUSION INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Stroup
  • Patent number: 8028525
    Abstract: A multistage exhaust turbocharger is easily mountable in a narrow engine compartment of a vehicle by simplifying its construction and reducing its bulk. The multistage exhaust turbocharger has a high-pressure stage turbocharger and a low-pressure stage turbocharger. A cover of the high-pressure stage turbocharger has a compressor inlet passage, a bypass inlet passage, a switching aperture between the passages to be opened and closed by a valve body of the compressor bypass valve device, and a bypass outlet pipe part connecting to the bypass inlet passage to introduce bypass air passed through the aperture opened by the bypass valve to the compressor bypass channel which is to be connected to the bypass outlet pipe part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeongil An, Takashi Shiraishi, Toru Kikuchi, Mamoru Wakita
  • Publication number: 20100264343
    Abstract: A combined connector and valve, for example, for connection of an air line to a source of compressed air or to a vacuum source (all for use in an hydraulic fluid line) the connector comprising a one piece housing (112) a spring-loaded valve member (130) located in a bore (118) in the housing. The valve member (130) is removably retained in the bore by means of a threadedly engaged cap (134). A standard spring-loaded sleeve (140) is slidably located on the open end of the housing (112) to provide a means of connection, and a standard ribbed stem (114) may receive a hose at the remote end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: James Jeory
  • Patent number: 7516942
    Abstract: An air-conditioning service plug-type valve includes a valve body having a chamber. First and second openings extend through the valve body. The air conditioning plug-type valve also includes a stem having a plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valve body. The stem, when the plug portion is received in the chamber, is rotatable relative to the valve body between a closed position blocking fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body and an open position enabling fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body. The plug portion includes a fluid blocking portion located immediately adjacent the first opening when the stem is in the closed position. A groove extends into a peripheral surface of the plug portion defining the fluid blocking portion. A seal is disposed in the groove and extends between the plug portion and the valve body. The seal, when located in the groove, is stretched by at least a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Grau, Thomas C. Trent
  • Patent number: 7487955
    Abstract: This is a process and apparatus for using a passive desuperheater for passively desuperheating a superheated gas stream before the stream is transmitted to a heat exchanger. A spent gas stream of a liquid condensate is accumulated in the passive desuperheater. An incoming superheated gas stream comes into the passive desuperheater below the liquid level of the liquid condensate in the passive desuperheater for maximum direct contact heat transfer between the incoming steam and the liquid condensate. An outgoing stream of saturated gas exits the desuperheater above the level of the condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Marathon Petroleum LLC
    Inventor: Keith Buercklin
  • Publication number: 20080224079
    Abstract: A valve having a diameter-reducible joint includes a diameter-reducible housing having a flow path therein and accommodating a seal sleeve formed of rubber, a valve mechanism provided with a valve element and built in the housing to enable switching of the flow path and controlling of a flow rate, and a junction pipe having a junction end joined with the seal sleeve to the diameter-contracted joint in a tightly sealed fashion through diameter reduction of the housing. A plumbing system comprising a pipe that has a terminal and a valve which comprises a diameter-reducible joint part having diameter-enlarging and -reducing functions, a housing having one or both joint portions enlarged and reduced in diameter to join the pipe thereto and a disc disposed within the housing and which is attached to the terminal of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuhide Maruyama, Chikashi Gomi
  • Patent number: 7051763
    Abstract: A faucet adapter including, without limitation: a valve body having a valve; an inlet end coupled to the valve body for connection to a faucet; a tubular member having an outlet end and a coupling end; and a coupling connection for coupling the tubular member to the valve body; wherein the coupling connection includes, without limitation: a barbed shank inserted into an end of the tubular member opposite the outlet end; a body member for enclosing the valve body and pressing the tubular member against the barbed shank; and a retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: L.R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence Heren
  • Patent number: 6883538
    Abstract: A flow control valve coupling structure that does not require complicated machining and facilitates the installation of a flow control valve. The coupling structure includes a fitting portion having a male thread that is formed on a peripheral surface of the flow control valve. A coupled member has a coupling hole to receive the flow control valve. A cylindrical elastic sealing member is engaged with the coupling hole to seal the space between the flow control valve and the coupling hole. The elastic sealing member has an inner surface defining a mounting hole in which the fitting portion is fitted. A female thread is formed on the inner surface and is mated with the male thread of the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignees: Pacific Engineering Corp., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Toyokawa, Hiromu Nakamura, Ryohei Adachi, Iwao Murakami, Chikashi Ono
  • Patent number: 6837270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic yoke for a pressurized gas reservoir. The yoke comprises an aperture for receiving a stem of the pressurized gas reservoir, the stem having a stem valve selectively operable to permit a flow of pressurized gas through an opening of the stem; a gas passage for alignment with the opening of the stem to accept the flow of pressurized gas; a gas diverting conduit in fluid communication with the gas passage; a movable clamping member within the gas diverting conduit, the movable clamping member having a surface forming a boundary of the conduit, the boundary displaceable by a flow of gas into the conduit to thereby vary the volume of the conduit to thereby engage the clamping member with the stem; and, a release valve in fluid communication with the gas diverting conduit, the release valve selectively operable to permit a flow of gas from the conduit to permit disengagement of the movable clamping member with the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Andrew S. Douglas, Patrick A. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6648018
    Abstract: A bypass control valve including a wall that defines a first passage disposed along a first axis and having a first portion, a second portion, and a transitional portion disposed between the first and second portion. The transitional portion has a first port, a pivot point, and an annular locking member proximate the transitional portion, with the first port having a sealing surface disposed thereon. The bypass control valve also includes a first bypass passage disposed along a second axis oblique to the first axis. The first bypass passage has a second port, which projects into the transitional portion and which has a sealing surface and a receiver portion. The receiver portion is coupled to the locking members. The bypass control valve further includes a closure member having a first planar surface and a second planar surface with at least one elastomeric member disposed on each of the first planar surface and the second planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6637726
    Abstract: A valve core includes a generally cylindrical core body fixed in a core mounting hole formed in a counterpart member, the core body having an open end, a moving shaft extending through the core body so as to be directly driven, the shaft having an end, a pair of flanges formed on the end of the shaft, a generally annular sealing member held between the flanges so as to adhere closely to an inner circumferential edge of the open end of the core body or an inner circumferential face of the core mounting hole to close the core mounting hole, and a pair of engagement portions formed in either flange and the sealing member so as to be brought into a concavo-convex engagement with each other to limit deformation of the sealing member causing an increase in its diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6557825
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a plumbing appliance and for sealingly attaching an air admittance valve in a vent pipe. The connector assembly has an elastomeric sealing gasket with an interior threaded bore which is expanded by a rigid bottom portion of an air admittance valve. The bottom portion of the valve body has exterior threads and an expander portion which cooperates with the lower sealing ring of the sealing gasket to compress the elastomeric body of the sealing gasket against the interior of the vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Cherne Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Raun A. Kopp
  • Publication number: 20020139952
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a plumbing appliance and for sealingly attaching an air admittance valve in a vent pipe. The connector assembly has an elastomeric sealing gasket with an interior threaded bore which is expanded by a rigid bottom portion of an air admittance valve. The bottom portion of the valve body has exterior threads and an expander portion which cooperates with the lower sealing ring of the sealing gasket to compress the elastomeric body of the sealing gasket against the interior of the vent pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Raun A. Kopp
  • Patent number: 6352086
    Abstract: A pressure relief device is placed in line with a water supply hose for a recreational vehicle to facilitate bleeding off back pressure when disconnecting the hose from a water hook-up. The device has a tubular nipple with a needle-valve assembly affixed onto it about midway between threaded fittings on the ends of the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph A. Harper
  • Patent number: 6308735
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a valve assembly and a retainer that couples the valve assembly in a fuel tank. The valve assembly includes a housing having a body portion, a flange coupled to the body portion and retainer blocks extending from the body portion spaced-apart from the flange. A valve is positioned to lie in the housing. The retainer is adapted to be coupled to an exterior surface of the tank. The retainer includes a body portion that defines a passageway sized to receive the body portion of the housing and a ring coupled to the body portion of the retainer and formed to extend into the passageway. The flange and retainer blocks cooperate with the body portion of the retainer and ring to couple the valve assembly and retainer together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Publication number: 20010008276
    Abstract: A liquid conveying hose with an integral valve mounted on the end connector thereof. The valve allows the user to control the volume of the liquid at the end of the hose even though distant from the supply. The flow of liquid can be turned on or off or reduced to any volume therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Assenheimer
  • Patent number: 6189567
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a vent valve assembly in an aperture of a fuel tank comprising a valve assembly including a housing having a body portion and a flange coupled to the body portion and with a retainer block extending from the body portion spaced-apart from the flange and with a valve positioned to lie in the housing. A retainer is adapted to be coupled to an exterior surface of the fuel tank including a body portion defining a passageway being sized to receive the body portion of the housing therein and a seat formed integrally with the body portion of the retainer and extending into the passageway, so that the flange and the retainer block can cooperate with the seat to couple the valve assembly and retainer together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Patent number: 6189568
    Abstract: A gas flow control valve configured to facilitate back-to-back mounting with a second, similarly constructed valve. The gas valve includes a valve body defining an inlet port and an outlet port, the inlet and outlet ports being surrounded by seal forming O-rings of different diameters. Flanges surrounding the inlet and outlet ports are configured with distinct attachment features for accommodating bolts for securing one valve in series with another or with a pipe flange or other auxiliary device, the inlet flange having either a slot dimensioned to hold and prevent rotation of a bolt head or nut, or a clearance slot permitting use of a wrench, and the outlet flange having the other slot configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Bergum, David M. Edlund
  • Patent number: 6138987
    Abstract: An improved quick-release connector for replenishing air conditioning coolant has a female connector and a male connector detachably connecting with the female connector, wherein the male connector comprises a hollow body, a ball valve with a radial passage defined therein operatively received in the hollow body, a cap screwed on one end of the hollow body with an inlet fitting screwed therein, an inlet channel defined in the cap communicating with the inlet fitting and the interior of the hollow body and a control button provided on the ball valve for controlling of the communication and flow of the coolant. Two caulking blocks with concave surfaces are provided on opposite sides of the ball valve respectively to improve water tightness and reduce the abrasion to increase life of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Yen-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 6123106
    Abstract: A thrust washer for a mounting assembly disposed below an opening in a deck for mounting a faucet above the opening in the deck. A plurality of water lines extend through the opening in the deck to be connected to the faucet. The thrust washer being wider than the opening in the deck and formed in the shape of a "W" with a central opening at its midpoint for connection thereof to the mounting assembly. The thrust washer has a pair of outer legs defining wings which create an enlarged space above the central opening thereof adjacent the top of the "W". The thrust washer defines a solid, squat member having a height substantially equal to one-half the distance of the enlarged space thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Evan A. Benstead
  • Patent number: 6109590
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control slide valve for control of product flow through it in which the valve internals are maintained in position by the clamping action of a split clamp and may be released and removed and replaced through the bonnet quickly and easily by release and reclamping the split clamp rather than by utilizing bolts which often gall, break, and are difficult to remove and replace. The slide valve is particularly suited for high temperature abrasive flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Tapco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre F. Koerner
  • Patent number: 6105932
    Abstract: A radiator valve for preventing water from leaking out of a radiator when the radiator is detached from its hot water supply. The radiator valve includes a tubular housing with a lumen and opposite first and second ends. A ball valve is rotatably mounted in the lumen of the tubular housing to substantially block passage of fluid through the lumen of the tubular housing. The first end of the tubular housing is designed for attachment to a fluid opening of a radiator to fluidly connect the lumen of the tubular housing to the fluid housing of the radiator. The second end of the tubular housing is designed for removable attachment to a fluid supply outlet of a fluid supply conduit to fluidly connect the lumen of the housing to the fluid supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Crook
  • Patent number: 6085778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall connection for connecting a fitting (2) to a water network, with a connecting piece (3) having on the wall side a connection part (4) with an inlet duct (6), and on the fitting side a connection part (5) with an outlet duct (7). The inlet duct (6) and the outlet duct (7) are preferably excentrically staggered with regard to each other. In order to make a wall connection available for the connection of the fitting to the water network, in which the connection between the wall connection and the fitting takes up as little place as possible and is at the same time simple to produce, the invention provides that a flange (9) with tapped holes (12, 13) is provided for connecting the wall connection (1) to the fitting (2) by means of fastening screws (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 6062537
    Abstract: A fast pipe joint is composed of a sleeve and a main body. The sleeve is fitted over the main body such that an elastic piece extending upward from lower end of the inner edge of the sleeve is engaged with a retaining hole of the main body. The retaining hole is located in the channel of the main body. The main body is provided at the lower end thereof with a tubular body. The retaining portion of the elastic piece is engaged with the top of the retaining hole such that the inner edge of the retaining hole is urged by the retaining portion, so as to press against the tubular body located in the channel. When the sleeve is exerted on by a downward force, the sleeve is actuated to move downward, so as to enable the retaining portion to be retained in the bottom of the retaining hole to move out. The structure is thus simple and cost-effective. The structure can be quickly fastened or unfastened with the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Chen-Chien Chih
  • Patent number: 6059261
    Abstract: A plumbing connector is provided to communicate water between a wall valve and a toilet. An adapter is provided to facilitate a mating relationship between threads of a first configuration on the valve and threads of a second configuration on the connector. The adapter has a cylindrical configuration with outer threads mating with the connector, and inner threads mating with the valve. The adapter can be positioned within a cap associated with the connector so that no separate gaskets are required for sealing purposes. With the adapter, a single connector size can be inventoried to accommodate different thread configurations associated with the wall valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph U. Han
  • Patent number: 6052995
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has an intake device with a turbocharger compressor device with a valve in a bypass line that bypasses the compressor device. To assure a simple, economical installation of the valve in a way secured against relative rotation, the valve is secured to a tubular receiving element, by means of a bayonet mount, formed by the valve and receiving element. The valve is intended for internal combustion engines that are equipped with a turbocharger compressor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz
  • Patent number: 5967489
    Abstract: A connecting member connected to an extension of a massflow controller has attached thereto a gatelike member to hold the connecting member from opposite sides thereof. The gatelike member has a pressing member for pressing the extension against the connecting member from immediately above a seal portion between the extension and the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Aera Japan Ltd., Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Masahiko Nakazawa, Kazuo Tsukada, Michio Yamaji, Hisashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5954088
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a hollow valve body for mounting a valve ball therein. A drive transmitting stem has a proximate end coupled to the valve ball, and a distal end extending outwardly of the valve body for coupling with an output drive shaft of a valve control device. A hollow bearing housing of a single-piece construction is sleeved spacedly on the stem, and has a mounting end inserted into the valve body, and a support end for supporting securely the valve control device. An annular packing member, a tensioning member and a bearing member are mounted sealingly on the stem and are completely received in the bearing housing. As such, the ball valve can be connected directly to the valve control device through the bearing housing without the need for a connecting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Transworld Steel Enterprise Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Huang
  • Patent number: 5906224
    Abstract: An improved, panel-mounted fuel reserve valve for a recreational vehicle fuel system. The valve body is molded plastic with a cruciform-symmetrical arrangement of throughbores defining the fuel inlets, the fuel outlet and a valve bore for receiving an internal valve assembly. In the illustrated embodiment the fuel inlets are coaxial, the fuel outlet and the valve bore are coaxial, and the internal valve assembly includes a ball valve element which mates with O-ring type seals associated with the fuel inlets. In a preferred form the valve includes molded hose connectors inserted in the fuel inlets, the hose connectors having valve seat portions which define retainers for the O-rings to hold them firmly and precisely against the ball valve element in the valve body. The invention is also a method for achieving the inventive valve body structure with little or no "flash" or injection leakage which would affect the valve sealing tolerances inside the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Dapco Industries
    Inventors: Willis E. Tupper, Donald Koengeter
  • Patent number: 5836352
    Abstract: Fill valve 10 controls the flow of propane from a fill line FL to a control valve CV mounted on a propane use tank T. The fill valve includes a valve body 12 having a propane inlet 20, an elongate sleeve 24 and a discharge housing 22 surrounding the elongate sleeve and having an external left-hand thread 30 for interconnection with a mating thread in the control valve. A nose tip 26 is secured to the elongate sleeve and has an external surface 68, an annular seal 70 for sealing engagement with the control valve, and a fill valve seat 100 defining a portion of a flow passage 66 therethrough. Valve stem 18 extends through the valve body and the elongate sleeve and is axially moveable between opened and closed positions. A lower end of the valve stem is positioned within the nose tip. A handle is pivotably connected to the valve stem. A fill valve seal 76 is carried on the valve stem for sealing engagement and disengagement with the fill valve seat 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 5752690
    Abstract: An improved threaded joint for connecting a first tubular member, for example a valve housing, with an outer end having interior threads with pitch W and terminating in a shoulder. A second tubular member has an exterior threaded end and a flanged end. A shoulder extends outwardly of the second tubular member intermediate the threaded and flanged ends. A flange at the flanged end has N equally circumferentially spaced connectors. One of the first shoulder and second shoulder includes a portion that is elastically deformable over a distance at least equal to W/N so that connectors in the flange may be aligned with connectors in a connecting flange of a pipe line. A side entry cap is disposed in the valve assembly. The side entry cap includes a threaded portion and a sealing portion inward of the threaded portion, the threaded portion being cylindrical and the sealing portion having an exterior surface forming a conical section increasing in diameter outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Argus Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Richard Ellett
  • Patent number: 5429151
    Abstract: An integrated plumbing system comprising a plurality of interchangeable and interengagable parts which is especially useful in conjunction with boats or other marine vessels. The plumbing system includes a through-hull unit, a mounting unit, a ball valve and a plurality of components useful therewith. The components, including the valve, are made of a strong, non-corrosive, non-metallic material, in particular, a plastic-type material known as MARELON. The valve and associated components and fittings provide various configurations of units which are adapted to numerous plumbing requirements. The mounting unit permits close-coupling of the system to provide enhanced lever ratios in the event accidental side loads are applied to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: R.C. Products Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Millett, Robert R. Foresman
  • Patent number: 5419356
    Abstract: A hot water tank construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hot water tank construction comprising a hot water tank having a wall provided with an opening therethrough and a spud carried by the wall and having an opening therethrough that is disposed in aligned relation with the opening in the wall, and a fuel control valve unit having a shank provided with a portion thereof disposed in the opening of the spud and being interconnected to the opening of the spud so as to be carried by the wall, the opening of the spud having axial securing structure therein, the portion of the shank having axial securing structure thereon, the portion of the shank having been axially pushed into the opening of the spud until the portion is in a predetermined position thereof whereby the axial securing structures cooperate together to interconnect the fuel control valve unit to the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jay R. Katchka
  • Patent number: 5405062
    Abstract: A rotary distributor for the supply and discharge of products has a rotor member having a recessed cell compartment and is mounted rotatably in a casing. The casing has two sleeve members which are positioned slidably in two bore openings in the casing to provide, upon rotation of the rotor member, a product inlet to the rotor cell compartment and a product outlet from the compartment. Each inlet and outlet sleeve member is formed by a coupling flange member and a seal member which are positioned so that the seal member is positioned between the coupling flange member and rotor member, and each seal member has a portion configured and positioned for bearing on the rotor member. The coupling flange member of each sleeve member is mounted to the casing adjustably for mounting each sleeve member slidably towards and away from the rotor member for adjusting a frictional force between each seal member and the rotor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Torchard
  • Patent number: 5348048
    Abstract: A male/female quick-connect system is provided which is adapted to sealingly couple to the opening of a container of liquid product. The female component of the system is adapted to couple to any standard 3/4" plumbing fitment and/or 1/4" ID standpipe and is self-venting so that any stock container can be used without modification. The male component which sealingly couples to the female component is provided with a barbed tip adapted to receive a variety of feed line sizes. A one-way elastomeric valve is disposed in the male member which only allows product to flow therethrough when the male component is coupled to a source of vacuum thereby preventing product from flowing back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Lowell C. Schirado, James L. Chambers, Richard H. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 5348037
    Abstract: A hot water tank construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hot water tank construction comprising a hot water tank having a wall provided with an opening therethrough and a spud carried by the wall and having an opening therethrough that is disposed in aligned relation with the opening in the wall, and a fuel control valve unit having a shank provided with a portion thereof disposed in the opening of the spud and being interconnected to the opening of the spud so as to be carried by the wall, the opening of the spud having axial securing structure therein, the portion of the shank having axial securing structure thereon, the portion of the shank having been axially pushed into the opening of the spud until the portion is in a predetermined position thereof whereby the axial securing structures cooperate together to interconnect the fuel control valve unit to the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jay R. Katchka
  • Patent number: 5284318
    Abstract: A fluid connection and control device for fluid machines permits fluid inlet or outlet connections without the necessity for threaded connection to the machine. This is accomplished by an elongate radially symmetrical body having first and second ends and a central axial fluid passage connecting the ends. The body is appropriately sized for the fluid channel of the fluid machine and has a provision at the first end for attachment of a flexible hose. The second end has a provision for a fluid tight seal between the body and the fluid channel as well as a mechanism by which the body is retained within the fluid channel of the fluid machine while permitting rotation thereof. Options are provided for incorporation of a valve mechanism for controlling the fluid flow. This provides the advantages of rapid assembly and avoidance of undue stresses to the fluid machine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Geiger, John M. Clapp
  • Patent number: 5261438
    Abstract: A hot water tank construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hot water tank construction comprising a hot water tank having a wall provided with an opening therethrough and a spud carried by the wall and having an opening therethrough that is disposed in aligned relation with the opening in the wall, and a fuel control valve unit having a shank provided with a portion thereof disposed in the opening of the spud and being interconnected to the opening of the spud so as to be carried by the wall, the opening of the spud having axial securing structure therein, the portion of the shank having axial securing structure thereon, the portion of the shank having been axially pushed into the opening of the spud until the portion is in a predetermined position thereof whereby the axial securing structures cooperate together to interconnect the fuel control valve unit to the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jay R. Katchka
  • Patent number: 5246200
    Abstract: A trouble-shooting, one-quarter-turn quick shut-off valve is mountable directly to a compression-type fitting outlet of a defective shut-off valve in series with the defective valve so that the quick shut-off valve becomes located immediately downstream from the defective valve. Projecting from an inlet end of a housing of the quick shut-off valve is an inlet-tail-tube having an inlet passage extending axially through the inlet-tail-tube. This inlet-tail-tube is adapted for insertion directly into a socket in a compression-type fitting outlet of a shut-off valve. The inlet-tail-tube is made of suitable material for making a compression connection thereto, and the outside diameter of this inlet-tail-tube is equal to an outside diameter often used for flexible plumbing tubing of the type adapted for insertion into a socket of a compression-type fitting for enabling a compression connection to be made between the inlet-tail-tube and the compression-type socket into which the inlet-tail-tube has been inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Paul J. Barker
  • Patent number: 5197711
    Abstract: A fluid connection and control device for fluid machines permtis fluid inlet or outlet connections without the necessity for threaded adapters. This is accomplished by a radially symmetrical body having first and second ends and a central axial fluid passage connecting the ends. The body is appropriately sized for the fluid channel of the fluid machine and has a provision at the first end for attachment of a flexible hose. The second end has a provision for a fluid tight seal between the body and the fluid channel as well as a mechanism by which the body is captured within the fluid channel of the fluid machine. Options are provided for incorporation of a valve mechanism for controlling the fluid flow. The valve mechanism may be incorporated as an integral part of the body or as a separate modular unit which is retained in the fluid channel by the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Geiger, John M. Clapp
  • Patent number: 5163351
    Abstract: A hydraulic lock cylinder in which a cross bore is provided in an end structure of the cylinder housing which intersects the hydraulic fluid inlet passage to the central bore of the cylinder; a control piston is reciprocally mounted in the control bore; and pressurized fluid is admitted to the opposite ends of the control bore to shuttle the control piston within the control bore between a closed position in which the inlet passage is blocked and an open position in which the passage is open. The control piston includes a flat surface and a control port opening in the flat surface and an annular fitting screws into the inlet passage housing and includes a seal on its lower end for sealing coaction with the flat surface on the control piston to seal the inlet passsage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: John Dominka
  • Patent number: 5104092
    Abstract: A ball valve adapted to be used in applications where the temperature of the liquid medium is subjected to various swings in temperature. The valve includes a valve body which is retained between a pair of end connectors to create a valve chamber therebetween. A flow control member having a passage therethrough is rotationally supported within the valve chamber. A valve stem extends into the valve body and is operatively connected to the flow control member. O-rings are affixed in annular fashion to a neck portion of each end connector for creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the end connectors. Flanged packing seals extend around the valve stem within the valve body and are spring biased to provide axial support to the valve stem while creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the stem. A handle member is connected to the valve stem for rotating the flow control member within the valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: PBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Block, Gary W. Friedline