Valve Actuable From Plural Positions Patents (Class 251/289)
  • Patent number: 9010723
    Abstract: An electric actuator has a motor, an electricity storing body, a switch and a resetting unit. The switch is provided in a supply path of electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor. The switch opens the supply path for electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor, in response to an instruction from an operator. The resetting unit is operated through receiving a supply of electric power from the external power supply when the external power supply has been restored from being cut off. The resetting unit closes the switch that is provided in the supply path of electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Someya, Makoto Saruwatari, Takuji Abe
  • Patent number: 8967201
    Abstract: A pilot regulator system includes a housing having a fluid inflow port, a ball valve to regulate fluid flow among two fluid outflow ports, two regulator outputs each associated with one of said two fluid outflow ports, and a regulator selection aperture. An extension portion, generally horizontal to the regulator outputs, is connected to the regulator selection aperture, and includes an open end for access to a selection member that can be moved between two positions to select fluid flow to one of two regulator outputs. The extension portion also has a groove and the selection member has an extension extending through the groove so as to be movable by either the extension or the selection member itself. The extension portion has an expansive cross-sectional element to guide a remote vehicle to the selection member for movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Subsea Company
    Inventor: Barry J McMiles
  • Patent number: 8931756
    Abstract: An electric actuator has a switch, a setting unit and a resetting unit. The switch is provided in a supply path of electric power from an electricity storing body to a motor. The switch opens and closes the supply path. The setting unit is operated through receiving a supply of electric power from the electricity storing body in response to an instruction from an operator. The setting unit opens the switch provided in the supply path for electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor. The resetting unit is operated through receiving a supply of electric power from an external power supply when the external power supply has been restored from being cut off. The resetting unit closes the switching unit provided in the supply path of electric power from the electricity storing body to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Someya, Makoto Saruwatari, Takuji Abe
  • Patent number: 8925586
    Abstract: A direct drive servovalve (10) includes redundant drive motors (14) coupled to a common valve drive shaft (22,24) by a connection device (26). The connection device (26) is configured to allow operation of the servovalve (10) in the case where one or more of the drive motors (14) becomes inoperable, such as caused by jamming or binding of a rotor associated with the drive motor. By use of the connection device (26), in the event that one of the drive motors (14) was to become jammed, the remaining operable motors (14) can continue to stroke or cause translation of a valve member (18) of the direct drive servovalve (10) to allow its continued operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventor: John Lauffer
  • Patent number: 8833394
    Abstract: A water supply valve comprising a valve body having a first orifice and a second orifice, a rotatable valve shaft, and a handle. The rotatable valve shaft can be inserted into the first orifice or the second orifice, thereby converting the water supply valve from first configuration where the handle is on the left side to a second configuration where the handle is on the right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ayrlett, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. McCoy, Leonard G. Franklin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8467907
    Abstract: A self-contained valve actuator of the present invention can comprise an actuator component. This actuator can be linear or quarter turn depending on the valve. The actuator can be double acting which means the piston will move once to open and once to close. The self-contained valve system uses hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. The valve system is directly powered with electric power from a battery. Solar panels are also incorporated to capture solar energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is stored in the battery which enables the battery to continuously supply energy while substantially reducing the possibility of exhausting battery power. This resupply of electrical energy and the use of the hydraulic fluid creates a self-contained valve actuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Certus Process Solutions
    Inventor: Charles Hagler
  • Patent number: 8328162
    Abstract: A pivotable control valve assembly may be used with a water treatment device in a water treatment system. A pivotable control valve assembly may be pivotable relative to the water treatment device to allow user controls on the pivotable control valve assembly to be oriented in a desired user access position. In a water treatment system including a plurality of water treatment devices, for example, one or more pivotable control valve assemblies may be pivoted such that user controls for each of the water treatment devices are in desired user access positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: R.E. Prescott Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Russell E. Prescott, Perrin T. Prescott
  • Publication number: 20100155642
    Abstract: A handle and a valve actuated by the handle. The handle includes first and second handle portions offset from one another in one or two directions and joined by a linking portion. Offset handle portions allow one handle portion to be aligned with the centerline of the valve, or to be placed on an opposite side of the valve from the other handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Weston, Heng Yung
  • Patent number: 7418885
    Abstract: A device for driving a plurality of hydraulic shift cylinders, especially shift cylinders for shifting gears of a twin-clutch transmission, includes a first slide valve having a control intake to which control pressure is applied, a system pressure intake to which system pressure is applied, two outlets and at least one return outlet, the one outlet being connected to the system pressure intake and the other outlet being connected to the return outlet, as desired, and a valve device connected to the outlets of the slide valve via which the shift cylinders may be selectively actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Eric Müller, Manfred Homm
  • Patent number: 7353652
    Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for operating six hydraulic valves from two different positions. The control apparatus is particularly suitable for operating the hydraulic controls of a six function trash loader. First and second three-function joysticks are mounted at the first position, and third and fourth three-function joysticks are mounted at the second position. A first set of three rotatable rods extends between the first and third joysticks, and a second set of three rotatable rods extends between the second and fourth joysticks. Each joystick includes a handle which is movable along a first axis for rotating a first rod of one of the sets, along a second axis for rotating a second rod of the set, and about a third axis for rotating a third rod of the set. A crank arm on each of the six rods is connected to one of the six hydraulic valves so that rotation of each of the rods operates one of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Petersen Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Osburn
  • Patent number: 7173539
    Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling one or more valves. The method can include sensing a condition of a valve, transmitting the condition to a sensor server, and transmitting a data stream including the condition to an assessment application. The method can also include generating a predictive model and comparing the condition to the predictive model. The method can further include transmitting a control instruction to at least one of a valve positioner and the sensor server and varying the position of the valve based on the control instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Florida Power and Light Company
    Inventor: Paul C. Schultz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6877718
    Abstract: A system 12 and method are provided for controlling delivery of fluid product between one vessel, such as a portable vessel 32 mounted on a vehicle 30, and another vessel, with the one vessel including a manually operated product valve 14 for controlling delivery of product. The system includes an actuator 16, a cam over lever 32, closure arm 36, and an actuator 10 with an electromagnet 58. The system may include a radio transmitter 50 and a vehicle mounted receiver 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Publication number: 20040159814
    Abstract: A system 12 and method are provided for controlling delivery of fluid product between one vessel, such as a portable vessel 32 mounted on a vehicle 30, and another vessel, with the one vessel including a manually operated product valve 14 for controlling delivery of product. The system includes an actuator 16, a cam over lever 32, closure arm 36, and an actuator 10 with an electromagnet 58. The system may include a radio transmitter 50 and a vehicle mounted receiver 52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 6708726
    Abstract: A first pipe, a second pipe and a third pipe are airtightly connected with each other. A cam member rotates about a rotation axis for moving a valve body so as to open/close the first pipe and the second pipe so that the third pipe is selectively communicated with the first pipe and the second pipe, the cam member being movable in a direction parallel with the rotation axis. A cam actuator drives the cam member so as to move the cam member in the direction parallel with the rotation axis to open both of the first pipe and the second pipe, when the cam member is rotated at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sanyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Katsuo Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6684898
    Abstract: An air turbine starter valve able to open despite being frozen shut. Dual actuators apply sufficient torque upon an air turbine starter valve to overcome obstructions presented by frozen moisture. By applying separate and generally-aligned torques, the actuators are able to provide sufficient force to overcome the adhesion provided by frozen moisture between the valve plate and adjacent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Wiggins, Glenn Lane, Dori Marshall, Michael Kolic
  • Publication number: 20040000656
    Abstract: An air turbine starter valve able to open despite being frozen shut. Dual actuators apply sufficient torque upon an air turbine starter valve to overcome obstructions presented by frozen moisture. By applying separate and generally-aligned torques, the actuators are able to provide sufficient force to overcome the adhesion provided by frozen moisture between the valve plate and adjacent structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jimmy Wiggins, Glenn Lane, Dori Marshall, Michael Kolic
  • Patent number: 6102366
    Abstract: A balanced valve for flows operated by the axial driving of a stem which commands a sealing body liable to axially slip between an opened position far from the valve seat and a closed seal in contact with the valve s eat. The valve basically consists in a valve body having an inlet opening for the flow with a valve seat at the bottom. The valve body also has an opening for the flow outlet oriented in a substantially cross-section way to the flow inlet. Between the inlet and outlet of flow there is a cylindrical cavity with a ring-shaped broadening in the zone communicating with the flow outlet above the valve seat. There is an elastomeric sealing body located inside the cylindrical cavity, which is mainly made up of a relatively solid sealing end, with a slightly greater height than the height of the ring-shaped broadening of the cylindrical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Sergio Perez C.
  • Patent number: 5439028
    Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventors: George G. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer, William J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 5356285
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a single valve for adjusting the flame size. A plurality of push buttons is provided for adjusting that valve to respective positions of adjustment, so that the flame size depends upon which button is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Youb Kim
  • Patent number: 5295503
    Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventors: George G. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer, William J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 5168901
    Abstract: A multi-function fluid communication control system for effecting selective automated control of fluid communication between fluid sources and instruments is disclosed. The system comprises a disposable stopcock manifold having a plurality of stopcocks adapted to be releasably connected to an actuator system which automatically operates the stopcocks. The stopcocks may also be manually operated to override the automatic operation of the stopcocks. The actuator system for the stopcock manifold is controllable by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Marks
  • Patent number: 5042363
    Abstract: The invention aims at bringing about a device for remote controlling of, for example, directional valves, which likewise allows a manual direct controlling, using a hand lever, for example. The control device includes a hydraulic cylinder (37) with ports (31,32) for feeding and evacuating, respectively, of hydraulic fluid, a piston (14) arranged in the cylinder (37), as well as a piston rod (13), for accomplishing the controlling function. The piston rod (13) is arranged to be slideably supported in the piston (14), allowing a limited movement of the piston rod (13) relative to the piston (14) independent of the pressure and load conditions in the cylinder (37), the movement possibility of the piston rod (13) being limited in at least one direction by a stop (17) arranged on the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Aktiebolag AB
    Inventors: Lars P. Eriksson, Bengt-Goran Persson
  • Patent number: 4945874
    Abstract: A throttle body for an internal combustion engine, comprising a suction passage for supplying a suction air to the internal combustion engine; a throttle valve provided in the suction passage and fixed to a rotatable throttle valve shaft so as to adjust a quantity of the suction air; an interconnecting lever rotatably mounted to an interconnecting shaft and adapted to be rotated by pulling an accelerator cable; a throttle valve operating lever mechanically connected to the interconnecting lever and fixed to the throttle valve shaft, the throttle valve operating lever being rotated in predetermined relational association with rotation of the interconnecting lever to open and close the throtle valve; and a tension spring for normally biasing the throttle valve in a valve closing direction, the tension spring having one end or pivotal point fixed to a part fixed to the throttle body and the other end or operation point fixed to the throttle valve operating lever; wherein the pivotal point and the operation point
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tutomu Nishitani, Takio Suzuki, Yasuaki Kono, Tadamasa Osako, Sunao Kitamura, Youzou Sakakibara, Naruto Ito
  • Patent number: 4856622
    Abstract: In the braking systems of many vehicles, a parking brake is utilized that is spring applied and fluid pressure released. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a mechanical device or other specialized tools must be used to bring about the disengagement of the parking brake so that the vehicle may be towed. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an auxiliary actuating mechanism for a spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brake that includes an auxiliary accumulator that will maintain a preselected amount of pressure upon the loss of the primary source of pressure. An auxiliary actuating valve is positioned between the accumulator and the parking brake to selectively communicate fluid therebetween. The auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided with two remotely located actuators that may be utilized to selectively position the valve to permit the communication of the pressurized fluid within the accumulator with the parking brake assembly to achieve the disengagement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Sartain, Richard W. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 4630644
    Abstract: An improved, remote controlled valve and dual push button assembly, having a hand operated push button which, when depressed and released, opens a water valve for a predetermined length of time after which the valve closes. The valve is also connected to a foot operated push button which, when depressed, holds the valve in an open configuration as long as the foot button is depressed. The improved valve and button assembly provides an air flow path through the foot button when the foot button is not depressed. The air flow path utilizes a hole in a diaphragm of the foot button which communicates with an air flow path in the base of the piston which depresses the foot button diaphragm. The disclosure also includes a check valve held in the needle valve which is a part of the timing mechanism of the hand operated button. The check valve prevents the flow of air out through the needle valve and permits air to only flow in through the needle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron T. Hahn, Keith D. Marshall, Theodore J. Sally
  • Patent number: 4540301
    Abstract: A peristaltic-type pump having an intake which may be conveniently connected to a liquid coating source includes an impeller having a pair of rollers. Rotation of the impeller causes the rollers to progressively compress a length of tubing in the pump. This compression creates suction to draw the coating material into the pump and pressure to drive a flow of coating to a handle attached to an applicator. The handle includes flow control devices which may be selectively operated to supply coating to the applicator only as required. During periods of non-flow the coating pressure is sensed to deactivate the pump when the pressure exceeds a preselected limit. Deactivation of the pump saves energy and prolongs a life of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Inventors: Dennis E. Swanson, Robert D. Lerum
  • Patent number: 4440379
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an unloading assembly for a top operated lading valve is disclosed. The unloading assembly includes means for connecting an unloading outlet chamber to the existing depending valve outlet chamber of the lading valve. The unloading outlet chamber is hollow and is in fluid communication with the lading valve outlet chamber. The unloading assembly includes an operating shaft extending upwardly through the unloading outlet chamber and through the valve outlet chamber. The operating shaft includes a non-round connection portion adapted to engage a non-round connection portion of the top operating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gunter R. Behle, David P. Hillstead
  • Patent number: 4313591
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Wempe, Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4310145
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Wempe
  • Patent number: 4280679
    Abstract: A tank car bottom unloading valve that meets A.A.R. specifications which can be dually-operated either from above or below the tank, wherein the valve is retained in a heavy, longitudinally sloped mounting flange by a segmented ring which does not interfere with the valve actuating mechanism and yet allows the containment of the valve up inside the tank so as not to result in hazardous protrusion of the body of the valve from the bottom of the tank. Said vale is shut from below by an over-center cam and link mechanism which locks the valve poppet on its seat through a resilient compression spring but which does not lock-up the valve when it is shut from above, so that lower working torque is required by the operator and less maximum stress is imposed on the valve in its operation, and there is less criticality of adjustment upon assembly. A valve actuating lever disengages from the over-center cam and link mechanism for rotation and hookup in an out-of-the-way place below the tank car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: The Protectoseal Co.
    Inventor: Harry N. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4272053
    Abstract: A tank vehicle lading valve assembly is provided including a lading valve mounted in an opening in the bottom of the tank which is movable vertically between open and closed positions. A valve housing or outlet chamber including an unloading spout is attached below a tank bottom mounting flange with fasteners, which preferably define a shear plane. A first operator attached to an upper portion of the lading valve extends vertically up through the tank to the upper portion of the tank where it is adapted to receive a suitable handle or tool to move the lading valve between open and closed positions. A second operator is preferably attached to a lower portion of the lading valve. The second operator portion preferably extends at least partially through the valve housing. Thus the lading valve is operable from either the top of the tank or from the bottom of the tank. The first operator may be eliminated and the lading valve operated from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Wempe, Gunter R. Behle
  • Patent number: 4240607
    Abstract: In a top operated tank car valve, a mounting flange is welded to an opening in the bottom of the tank. A valve seat is located inboard of, and above the lower surface of, the mounting flange. A vertically extending cage is integrally attached to the mounting flange. A top operator extends to the top of the tank, and a stem is attached to the lower portion of the top operator. The stem extends into an opening in a valve closure plug. A non-round cavity is formed in the bottom of the stem. The closure plug includes a seat which engages the valve seat located within the mounting flange. The closure plug includes a circular guide ring which engages a portion of the vertically extending cage as the closure plug moves between open and closed positions. The closure plug includes a vertical, generally central opening which communicates with the circular head portion of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4237934
    Abstract: A vacuum flush water closet having a bowl and rim which are made from steel stampings covered with chemical resistant porcelain. The water closet has a self-contained flushing water and sewage valve discharge control system which is operatively mounted around the bowl and enclosed by an outer shroud made of a molded high impact plastic material. The water closet is shock proof and is mounted on a base plate that may be fixedly secured to a mounting surface, such as a floor or ship's deck. The bowl is mounted on a sewage discharge valve which is spring closed and vacuum opened. Flushing water is supplied through a spray ring mounted around the upper end of the bowl. The flushing water is controlled by a vacuum operated valve. The operation of the flushing water valve and the sewage discharge valve is controlled by a vacuum-gravity timer which is activated by a push button switch mounted at the rear of the bowl rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Jered Brown Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Gregory, Michael Brian, Jerald F. Thomas, James F. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4232709
    Abstract: A four-way ball type valve including a spherical valve element operable to as many as four positions and which can be installed on a railway car in place of the branch pipe tee to eliminate the need for an angle cock at each end of the brake pipe and a brake control valve cut-out cock. The ball valve is functionally analogous to a rotary valve in cutting off the brake pipe at either end of the car without interrupting the brake control valve connection with the brake pipe, or in cutting out the brake control valve while establishing brake pipe continuity through the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Zoric
  • Patent number: 4180243
    Abstract: An automatic and manual linear reversion control mechanism for a hydraulic servo actuator assembly is disclosed for linearly transferring control between an automatic (fly by wire) control mechanism and a manual control mechanism. A command select mechanism includes two axially aligned pins mounted on a rigid command selector bar, with the first pins slidably mounted in a slot in a control bar of the manual control mechanism and the second pin slidably mounted in a slot in the control bar of the automatic control mechanism so that movement of the command selector bar to displace the two axially aligned pins in their associated slots provides a linear transfer of control of the hydraulic assembly between the manual control and the automatic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Hsu, Robert McPherson
  • Patent number: 4099702
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pivoted double handle self-locking mechanism for operating a valve. Each of a pair of oppositely extending handles is pivotally mounted on a socket member secured to a key that rotates the valve, each handle being provided with a gear segment that meshes with a corresponding gear segment on the other handle whereby rocking of either handle about its pivot by a lever connected thereto effects rocking of the other handle so that a lug on one handle is moved to a position in which it will not engage a stop carried by the valve body upon subsequent arcuate movement of both handles while in their rocked position in response to a manual pull exerted on the lever connected to either one of the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Fred Temple
  • Patent number: 4069836
    Abstract: A brake pipe end cock provided with a pair of operating handles disposed respectively on opposite sides of the end cock, whereby the end cock may be operated from either side of the car, because one handle, which is self-locking on one side, is connected by a crossover bar to the other handle on the opposite side, which may or may not be self-locking, as desired, to provide concurrent movement of the two handles as a unit, said crossover bar being necessary to unlock the self-locking handle in order to effect operation of the valve device if the non-locking handle is the one manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Raymond M. Sowinski