Mechanical Movement Actuator Patents (Class 251/213)
  • Publication number: 20100025609
    Abstract: A mount for a device, such as a faucet controller or valve actuator assembly for mounting the device to a sink or basin having carrier arm mounting holes. A valve actuator assembly for operating a valve for a sink or basin and operable with a push pad, the valve actuator assembly having a housing mountable to the sink or basin, the housing supporting a shaft and a valve, the shaft rotatable between a normal at rest position and a valve operating position, a rocker operably connected with a shaft, for rotation with the shaft, the rocker having an extent for operably urging a member supporting the valve when the shaft in is the valve operating position, and a push pad mechanism operably connected with the shaft and the push pad to selectively activate the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Tapmaster Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter A. Pubben, Gregory Vincent Browne, Scott Phillips, Chris Denny
  • Publication number: 20100012874
    Abstract: A novel method for diagnosing problems with a valve actuator or other rotary equipment. Frequency analysis is performed upon speed, position, torque, thrust, or vibration data. Speed or position data may be provided by a rotary encoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: William T Dolenti, Byron A. Fleury, Daniel J. Morris, William C. Hooss
  • Publication number: 20090302254
    Abstract: A valve operating means defined by the following features: a slider supported in axially displaceable manner in a housing and linked by an actuation segment to the valve, a first biasing spring configured in the housing and pre-stressing the slider against a first stop, an expansible element configured in the housing and being displaceably supported in approximately coaxial manner relative to the slider between a second and a third stop, a second biasing spring acting on the expansible element and prestressing said element against the second stop, said configuration allowing cooperation between the expansible element's drive pin and the slider, a heater associated to the expansible element, a heat dissipating element associated with the expansible element and cooling the expansible element when latter rests against the third stop, the force exerted by the first biasing spring being larger than that of the second biasing spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Hauk, Rolf Habermann, Carsten Heldberg
  • Publication number: 20090302253
    Abstract: A cryogenic valve includes a main body which has an opening, a bonnet which is coupled to the main body, a disc which opens or closes the opening, a stem which is placed through the bonnet, and a drive unit which actuates the disc and the stem. A first seat is provided at the position at which the disc comes into contact with the opening, and a second seat is provided at the position at which the disc comes into contact with the bonnet, so that either when the valve is closed or when the valve is completely open, fluid is prevented from being drawn into the bonnet, thus making it possible to replace a packing with a new one even when the system is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Jokwang I.L.I Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Wan Ko
  • Publication number: 20090298409
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ventilation valve arrangement (1) with two valve openings (5, 6) in a valve plate (3), the opening degrees of said openings being controllable by means of a valve element, which is rotatable in relation to the valve plate (3). It is endeavoured to create a large range of control opportunities in a cost-efficient manner. For this purpose it is provided that in parallel to at least one valve opening (5, 6) a ventilation channel (9) is arranged, whose flow cross-section is adjustable by means of a motor controlled valve (10). The ventilation valve arrangement (1) can be dimensioned so that at the same time it serves as underpressure valve for a transport container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: MAERSK CONTAINER INDUSTRI A/S
    Inventors: Lars Lübker, Gert Joergensen
  • Publication number: 20090250049
    Abstract: A gas-supply regulating device for use in a gas burner assembly, includes a housing defining a first delivery port communicated with a first burner tube, a second delivery port extending radially, and a gas inlet extending radially, a valve member rotatably disposed within the housing and provided with a duct unit such that rotation of the valve member results in shifting of gas supply of the gas inlet to different modes, and an actuator operable to rotate the valve member and to be shiftable between retained and released positions. Thus, the size of flames from the first and/or second burner tubes can be adjusted to meet the user's requirement during barbecuing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: SING CHEN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jack Tseng
  • Publication number: 20090218533
    Abstract: A valve having a valve trigger which operates to provide coincident fluidic coupling of a fluid delivery passage and fluid compensation passage to a fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Shane C. Whitcomb, Christopher S. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090178715
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for blown fibre closures is provided having constituent components fabricated from plastic. An adaptor is provided for connection to a blown fibre closure, and a body welded to this adaptor, is provided to enclose a piston and a spring within, such that they are protected from the ingress of silt and water. The piston is arranged to provide a double seal such that a pressure relief valve plug and an opening in the enclosing body are closed or opened simultaneously to prevent the ingress of silt and/or water on the one hand and the unhindered escape of pressurized fluid on the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Ian Griffiths, Paul Hubbard, Malcolm Jones
  • Publication number: 20090173283
    Abstract: A flow control mechanism/device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes an inner cap member, an overcap member, and a ball captured therebetween. The overcap member is adapted for axial translation relative to the inner cap member, thereby facilitating one-handed manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: MEDIALORE, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Pappas
  • Publication number: 20090139727
    Abstract: An actuator for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through the valve, the valve having a valve member movable between positions opening and closing the valve. The actuator comprises one or more shape memory alloy elements each being transformable from a martensitic to an austenitic state by applying heat energy to achieve an austenitic transformation. The one or more shape memory alloy elements are connected to the valve member such that austenitic transformation of the one or more shape memory alloy elements induces movement of the valve member from its closing position to its opening position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Baha Tulu TANJU, Peter J. Worman
  • Publication number: 20090108222
    Abstract: A spring-actuator assembly (10) is provided for a fuel pressure regulator. The assembly includes a housing (30) and a washer spring (10) received in the housing. The washer spring has a body (12) with a top surface (13) and a bottom surface (15). The body includes an opening (14) there-through and a plurality of pleats (16, 16?) therein so that that first faces (20) of the top surface are disposed on a plane that is different from a plane of second faces (22) of the top surface. At least certain first faces define contact points (24). The assembly also includes an actuating member (26) disposed at least partially in the opening and engaging the contact points of the certain first faces such that a fluid flow passage (36) are defined between the washer spring and the actuating ball for dampening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Leigh Spiers, Harish Domala
  • Publication number: 20090050832
    Abstract: A normally-closed valve having a microflow rate adjusting device includes a valve stem for opening and closing a fluid passage; a biasing device for biasing the valve stem in a direction to close the fluid passage; a piston body which is engaged in a cylinder in an air-tight manner to form a pressure chamber for moving the valve stem in a valve opening direction against the biasing device; and a stopper mechanism, provided on the cylinder, for controlling a limit of movement of the piston body in the valve opening direction. The stopper mechanism comprises a stroke adjustment member which is screw-engaged with the cylinder coaxially with the valve stem so that a position of the stroke adjustment member relative to the cylinder can be adjusted, and includes an annular tapered surface at an end of the stroke adjustment member which faces the piston body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Fujikura Rubber Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ejiri
  • Publication number: 20090026393
    Abstract: Described here is a mechanism for a flow control device comprising of a valve casing, a plurality of buffer chambers, an elongated stem, and an actuating mechanism. The valve casing includes an inlet flow passage, an outlet flow passage, a valve seat in between, and a barrel housing extended from the flow passage. The buffer chamber is partitioned from the barrel housing by a moveable valve member and is comprised of a first channel and a second channel. The second channel is defined as a pilot valve and functions to adjust the inside pressure of the chamber. The elongated stem comprises of a plug that couples together with a pilot valve port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Ping Xie, Xue Li, Kerry Yujing Xie
  • Publication number: 20090008589
    Abstract: A disconnect apparatus for a gravity fed hopper for a paint spray pump including a valve automatically opening when the hopper outlet is attached to an inlet of the pump and closing when the hopper outlet is detached from the pump inlet. Means for wiping the interior of the outlet may be provided to remove material from the outlet as the hopper is separated from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: WAGNER SPRAY TECH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20090001306
    Abstract: Block valve with emergency input, in particular for vacuum line or network, comprising a valve body traversed by a main fluid passage between a first orifice located at an upstream end of the said main passage and a second orifice located at a downstream end of the said main passage. The valve body further comprises a control device comprising a member operable manually by an operator and movable between at least an open position in which the said control device allows fluid communication between the first and second orifices, and a closed position in which the said control device interrupts any fluid communication between these orifices. An auxiliary fluid passage is fluidly connected via its upstream end to the said main passage between the control device and the first orifice, and comprises a third orifice at its downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Air Liquide Sanita Spa
    Inventors: Patrick DENEUX, Nathalie Demerville, Vittorio De Nando
  • Publication number: 20080302990
    Abstract: What is provided is an interlocking vent valve which when mounted on the body of the air lock is connected to a moving interlock pin with a linkage. When the interlock valve is closed the connected interlock pin extends through a hole in the body ring. The interlock pin blocks the path which the door ring lug must follow in order to open. In order to open the exterior door of the air lock, the operators must retract the interlock pin. The action which retracts the interlock pin also opens the interlock/vent valve which allows the pressure in the interlock to rapidly vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20080237521
    Abstract: An exhaust valve includes a valve body that is fixed for rotation with a shaft supported by at least one bushing. A single spring is used to bias the shaft to hold the valve body in a valve closed position, and to exert an axial load on the shaft to seal the shaft against the bushing to prevent exhaust gas leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Kwin Abram, Govindaraj Kalyanasamy
  • Publication number: 20080237526
    Abstract: A valve has a first duct, a second duct into which the first duct opens, thereby defining an intersection that forms a seat at right angles to the first duct for a valve disk that slides in the second duct at right angles to the seat between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator for operating the valve disk between its two positions. For the open position, the actuator is controlled to bring the valve disk into close proximity to a wall of the second duct facing the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR
    Inventors: Laurent Albert, Antoine Dutot, Nicolas Renard
  • Publication number: 20080202601
    Abstract: A high pressure homogenizer segmentalizes material made of minute solid or the like by passing suspension liquid including the material to a small diameter orifice at high speed under high pressure. An injection valve of the high pressure homogenizer includes: a fixed member having a material introducing passage therein; and a movable member disposed rotatably, swingably, or pulsatingly opposite to the fixed member in an axial direction of the fixed member. The orifice of the injection valve is made of a fine gap in a radial direction disposed between an end face of the fixed member facing an end of the material introducing passage and an end face of the movable member disposed at an end of the movable member opposed to the fixed member. The orifice communicates with a material processing passage via a ring-shaped collision wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Shigeo Ando, Masao Ando, Toyoroku Ando
  • Patent number: 7390310
    Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel McCusker, Alan J. Dextradeur, Rainuka Gupta, Carleton Bryan Southworth
  • Publication number: 20080054208
    Abstract: An elbow fluid flow valve exhibiting reduced flow loss and including a body having a specified shape and size and defining a short radius associated with an elbow shaped fluid passageway characterized by a first fluid flow inlet and a second fluid flow outlet. A cover secures over the valve body, and such that a generally sleeve shaped annulus is defined therebetween. A light-weight and linearly translatable sleeve is mounted exteriorly of the valve body and within the intermediately defined annulus. The sleeve is operable to be displaced between a first location permitting fluid flow to the outlet and a second location interrupting fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Frank W. Groves
  • Patent number: 7331536
    Abstract: A shower head includes a main body formed with a chamber communicating with a water inlet at the upper end. The main body has its lower end formed with central water outlets and peripheral water outlets and has its interior installed with a water-separating unit with a pivot having a sealing member fixed thereon. When the pivot together with the sealing member is moved up and down vertically in the chamber, the sealing member can carry out sealing to control the water flowing in the chamber through the central water outlets or the peripheral water outlets. The main body has one circumferential side installed with a press unit formed with two pushing slopes actuated to move horizontally and push the pivot of the water-separating unit to shift up and down vertically for controlling the shower head to send out water through the center or the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp. (GUIC)
    Inventors: Bruce Zhen, Sheng-Ping Hu
  • Publication number: 20080023577
    Abstract: A shower head includes a main body formed with a chamber communicating with a water inlet at the upper end. The main body has its lower end formed with central water outlets and peripheral water outlets and has its interior installed with a water-separating unit with a pivot having a sealing member fixed thereon. When the pivot together with the sealing member is moved up and down vertically in the chamber, the sealing member can carry out sealing to control the water flowing in the chamber through the central water outlets or the peripheral water outlets. The main body has one circumferential side installed with a press unit formed with two pushing slopes actuated to move horizontally and push the pivot of the water-separating unit to shift up and down vertically for controlling the shower head to send out water through the center or the periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce Zhen, Sheng-Ping Hu
  • Publication number: 20070267589
    Abstract: A valve that may be used in many applications, including applications requiring a one-way diaphragm valve. Embodiments of the invention include a cap which may be manually rotated and configured to maintain engagement with the valve body. The cap contains a groove suitable for an o-ring which maintains a seal between the valve body and the cap. The bottom of the valve is configured with a plurality of openings which allow fluid to be passed through them and out through the cap when pressure is applied to the bottom of the valve to deflect a diaphragm. The valve prevents fluid flow when the cap is manually rotated to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Downing
  • Patent number: 7159845
    Abstract: A bearing module for a pintle valve including a pintle bearing, bearing spring, and two-part housing. The bearing has an axial face for sealing against an inner axial surface of the housing. The bearing diameter is less than the diameter of the housing, permitting the bearing to float radially. The housing fits into a port in the valve body and also extends over an axial surface of the body, thus forming a seal against the wall of the port and the surface of the body. The bearing spring, preferably a wave washer, is compressed within the housing as the two housing parts are assembled to form the module. In a currently preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a coking shield extending along the surface of the pintle shaft within the valve port to reduce the tendency for coking gases to enter the bearing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bohdan M. Lyko, Joseph G. Spakowski
  • Patent number: 7159731
    Abstract: A filter pump cover according to the invention comprises a filter cap, an air purge valve, and a filter cap retainer. An air purge valve according to the invention is comprised of a valve cap, a screw-threaded portion, and a valve stem having one or more outward-facing inverse hooks at the bottom. The inverse hooks are located at the bottom of the air purge valve stem and hook onto the bottom lip of the hollow central portion of the filter cap retainer to prevent complete removal of the valve stem from the filter cap retainer. The valve screw-threaded portion is interrupted by a valve opening slot on one side that permits the release of air from the pump when the valve is opened. The hollow part of the filter cap retainer mates with and holds the air purge valve by means of the screw threads when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
    Inventor: Yao Kai
  • Patent number: 6951632
    Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using the same, which facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from a microfluidic channel located within the microfluidic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Ian D. Manger, Dave Fernandes, Yong Yi
  • Patent number: 6902704
    Abstract: An injection pump assembly 10 in a chemical delivery system for simultaneously delivering reagents into a combinatorial reactor system having multiple injectors. The assembly 10 has a plurality of injectors 12, each injector 12 being in fluid communication with one of the multiple reactors. Each injector 12 has (1) a pump 14 in which a plunger 18 sealingly moves to ingest, store and discharge a flushing solvent 20; (2) a pipette assembly 22 for loading, storing, and discharging one or more reagents into one of the reactors in the combinatorial reactor system, first and second reservoirs for retaining some of the reagents; (3) one or more hollow needles 32, each for selectively delivering a reagent 24 to the first 28 or the second 24 reservoir; (4) a first valve 34 positioned downstream of the first 28 reservoir; and (5) a second valve 36 positioned downstream of the second 30 reservoir. When each valve 34, 36 is in a closed position, the reagents 24, 48 can be stored in isolation from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, L.P
    Inventor: Ronnie E. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030197139
    Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6516763
    Abstract: A method of actuating a device for varying the valve timing of an internal combustion engine without jamming of the locking element during starting of the internal combustion engine, the solenoid of the hydraulic valve is at first energized through a number of high frequency cycles of high and low energization that are broken off after a defined period of time or after a defined number of cycles, followed by a renewed energization of the solenoid with a high energization with a simultaneous check by the microprocessor to determine whether the element fixed to the camshaft has been angularly displaced relative to the element fixed to the crankshaft out of its basic position whereby if the microprocessor determines that the element fixed to the crankshaft is still in the basic position, the first two phases of energization are repeated and the microprocessor has determined an angular displacement of the element fixed to the camshaft, the solenoid is energized with a current defined by the microprocessor which i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventor: Andreas Strauss
  • Patent number: 6192931
    Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a damper mounted in a housing includes a shaft rotatably secured to the damper for pivoting the damper between an open position and a closed position. A lever arm is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and a spring is connected between the housing and the lever arm for normally urging the damper towards the open position. A motor is mounted on the housing and is actuable to overcome the force of the spring to move the damper to the closed position. A force translation arrangement is disposed between the motor and the lever arm for translating the driving force of the motor when the motor is energized to move the damper to the closed position, and for gradually braking the motor when the motor is de-energized and the spring returns the damper to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Research Products Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Guetersloh, Barry B Mulhall, Erick L. Sokn
  • Patent number: 6068751
    Abstract: A microfluidic delivery system (20) and microfluidic system (100) control flows of a liquid or a gas through elongated capillaries (62, 126) that are enclosed along at least one surface by a layer (42, 114) of a malleable material. An electrically-powered actuator included in the systems (20, 100) extends toward or retracts a blade from the layer (42, 114) of a malleable material to either occlude or open capillaries. Reservoirs (46, 124) included in a pouch (22, 108) together with the capillaries (62, 126) supply fluids whose flow is controlled by movement of the blades. The microfluidic system (100) permits dispensing at will, under microprocessor control at predetermined flow rates, liquids, samples, chemicals, reagents and body fluids, and mixing them together and/or reacting for diagnostic medical or analytical tests, DNA sequencing etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Armand P. Neukermans
  • Patent number: 6045118
    Abstract: A cartridge for a one-way hydraulic faucet of the type having a plane shutter member includes a cartridge body having a bottom portion with a hollowed cylindrical seat housing a sleeve packing provided with elastic pushing elements; the plane shutter member is formed by a slide which is guided within the cartridge body for diametrical movement with respect to the body, is kept in operative contact with the sleeve packing, and shows an opening suitable for registering, in a position of the slide, to the passage of the sleeve packing, whereas the slide, in another position, closes that passage; and the slide is kinematically coupled to an inner arm of the lever, which is pivoted in the cartridge body and whose outer arm forms the control member of the faucet. The slide is manufactured of plastics and it may be provided with a thin sheet having a high resistance, in order to prevent its erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Francesco Knapp
  • Patent number: 5941272
    Abstract: A valve assembly for inflatable bladders, including beds, balls, toys, and other inflatable objects includes a locking mechanism within the valve for releasably holding the valve opened. The valve acts in three distinct ways. In a first way the valve is closed maintaining the bladder internal pressure. In a second way the valve may be incrementally opened by a user to release the internal pressure to suit the user. In a third way the valve may be opened and locked or latched to remain open allowing the deflation of the bladder. A spring provides a return force to close the valve when the lock is not engaged. Air pressure from outside the bladder supplied by a pump or the like will force the valve diaphragm open against the spring and allow air to enter. The diaphragm is made of a resilient seal material. The locking mechanism is engaged by pressing the diaphragm open and twisting to engage a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Imaginair, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Feldman
  • Patent number: 5749969
    Abstract: A nozzle actuating and adjustment system for applying sealant to a can lid member comprising a nozzle which has a sealant dispensing opening, a needle valve, a needle valve seat surface and a sealant flow passage for enabling flow of sealant material onto the lid member. The needle valve is selectively axially movable between an open sealant applying position and a closed non-flow position relative to the needle valve seat surface. A spring is operatively associated with the needle valve to normally hold the needle valve in the closed lowered position. A needle valve actuator solenoid is operatively connected to the needle valve for selectively causing axial upward movement of the needle valve from the closed position to the open position by a predetermined axial distance to provide a predetermined sealant flow gap in the nozzle to dispense a predetermined amount of sealant material during a predetermined dispensing time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Preferred Machining Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Leo Kobak, Gary L. Yount, James S. Stirbis, William W. Weil
  • Patent number: 5489226
    Abstract: A hydraulic device for interposition between an outboard propulsion device and a watercraft transom for controlling the trim position of the propulsion device, for permitting the propulsion device to pop up when an underwater obstacle is struck and to return to the trim adjusted position and also including a bypass valve for permitting manual tilt up of the propulsion device without fluid restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuko Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Katsumata
  • Patent number: 5465939
    Abstract: A mechanical limit control device for adjustably halting the operation of a winch at preset points including a proportionally driven flexible cog belt providing a compact conformable configuration having projections which operate a snap action air valve to limit the deployment extent of a pneumatically operated winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Leslie J. Sell
  • Patent number: 5133938
    Abstract: A lockable valve mechanism for introducing a liquid sample into an associated reaction vessel includes a valve body, and a valve member rotatably mounted thereon. The valve member is movable from an open position, wherein inlet and outlet passages of the valve mechanism are aligned for introduction of a sample into the reaction vessel, to a closed and sealed position, wherein the outlet passage of the valve body is sealed. The valve member includes a locking arrangement to prevent movement of the valve member out of the closed and sealed position after movement from the open position into the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Glanville, Mark J. Devaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4669360
    Abstract: An input shaft and an output shaft can rotate relative to each other. Pressure supplied to a pressure-responsive actuator depends on the axial position of a movable valve member. A transmission arrangement serves to move the valve member only in the axial direction as the input and output shafts rotate relative to each other. The valve member and each of the input and output shafts are wholly outside one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tokiyoshi Yanai, Hirotsugu Yamaguchi, Masafumi Nakayama, Megumu Higuchi, Yutaka Aoyama, Moritsune Nakata
  • Patent number: 4523737
    Abstract: An actuator means is provided for a sleeve type of valve wherein a cable or flat band is caused to rotate one end of a sleeve valve with respect to a fixed second end. The relative rotation can be accomplished to operate the valve and can be provided by a simple linear operating type of pneumatic operator. One version of the disclosure provides an actuator that requires no return spring other than that which would normally be present in the pneumatic actuator itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Milo R. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 4509556
    Abstract: A flow control for base mounted valves having a number of ports that extend through it and valve elements that are positioned for directly controlling the flow through at least certain of the ports. The valve elements include operators that are accessible at one end of the valve block for controlling the valve elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: James E. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 4211147
    Abstract: A servo-control valve for a linear hydraulic motor wherein the control valve piston is isolated from the side loading of a cam and roller by employing a cam follower plunger, as a separate detached element coaxial with the piston. The valve piston and the cam follower plunger are maintained in intimate contact due to the constant back pressure applied by the hydraulic system. The plunger is encased in a cylindrical array of balls which are preloaded between the plunger and the piston chamber walls such that the plunger experiences essentially only rolling friction, but no sliding friction, as the plunger moves. This form of preloading of the balls eliminates the backlash associated with clearance around the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hugo A. Panissidi, Glenmore L. Shelton, Jr., Peter M. Will