Detachable Actuator Patents (Class 251/291)
  • Patent number: 11933417
    Abstract: There is provided a service valve for use at an irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables water flow into the sprinkler to be controlled from above a buried irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables maintenance of internal components of the sprinkler without having to turn off a service valve that is remotely located from the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Glade Lamar Hansen, Scott Allen Rottler, Andrew Joseph Pace
  • Patent number: 11828416
    Abstract: A valve comprising a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage fluidly interconnecting the inlet and outlet; a shut-off device of the passage, with an actuating member movable along a longitudinal axis; a hand operating device of the actuating member, for selectively opening or closing the passage, and comprising a support element and a rotating element with at least one contact surface configured for sliding along at least one ramped surface on the support element, or vice versa, so as to convert rotation of the rotating element into a translation of the actuating member; wherein the body comprises two arms extending longitudinally and diametrically opposed relative to the longitudinal axis, with distal ends holding the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ROTAREX S.A.
    Inventors: Stephan Sellen, Philippe Schmitz
  • Patent number: 11499452
    Abstract: An oil treatment system for an internal combustion engine in one implementation includes an elongated dipstick tube defining a tube axis and a first flow passageway, a housing arranged on the dipstick tube and defining an internal cavity, an oil treatment apparatus disposed in the internal cavity, and a retainer coupled to the housing. The retainer may have a cylindrical body comprising an elongated first flow protuberance insertably received through the oil treatment apparatus to establish fluid communication between the oil treatment apparatus and the first flow passageway of the dipstick tube. The retainer comprises a cavity through which oil may be added directly to the first flow passageway of the dipstick which may be fluidly coupled to an oil sump of the engine. The oil treatment apparatus may be an oil filter. An oil treatment additive may optionally be added to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Terrence M. Rotter
  • Patent number: 11394247
    Abstract: This disclosure enables various technologies for controlling and charging stationary and mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Roman Tsibulevskiy
  • Patent number: 11377912
    Abstract: A shock absorber apparatus includes a rod; a tool connection on a first end of the rod; a piston on a second end of the rod; a flange on the rod between the tool connection and the piston; a ring connection slidably connected to the rod between the tool connection and the flange; a first spring between the ring connection and the flange to bias the ring connection axially away from the flange; a sleeve, connected to a second spring between the second spring and the piston, slidably encircling the piston and a portion of the rod, and extending past the piston to a pumpdown connection; and a fin. A method for a placing a tool in a landing ring of a drilling tubular includes using the shock absorber apparatus to absorb shocks caused by the landing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: CORDAX EVALUATION TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Charanjit Singh Sandhu
  • Patent number: 10788142
    Abstract: A stopcock manifold system includes: a manifold provided with one or several stopcocks, each having a rotary opening/closing control apparatus with at least one finger or crank pin; a rotary mechanized actuator coupling part for each manifold, a rotary axis of the coupling part corresponding in use to a rotation axis of the control apparatus, the coupling part coupling with the stopcock by insertion of each crank pin into a closed notch in the coupling part, the closed notch of each coupling part receiving one of the crank pins of the corresponding stopcock, such that the crank pin is insertable into the corresponding coupling part by tilting the manifold and then straightening it, until it abuts on a first bearing point comprised of an edge of the closed notch; and a maintaining system that enables each coupling part to individually maintain the corresponding stopcock in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: TRASIS S.A.
    Inventors: Ludovic Talbot, Frederic Baplue, Jean-Luc Morelle
  • Patent number: 10774945
    Abstract: A system for securing a valve actuator to a valve assembly includes an actuator housing with a plurality of housing lugs protruding radially. A cylinder assembly is located within the actuator housing and has a horseshoe connector to engage a valve stem nub of a valve stem and transfer axial movement of the horseshoe connector to axial movement of the valve stem. A bonnet has a plurality of bonnet lugs protruding radially from the bonnet to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the plurality of bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position, the actuator housing being rotatable to a locked position such that the plurality of bonnet lugs prevent axial movement of the actuator housing in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Travis Kyle McEvoy, Robert Kevin Law, Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 10702688
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for vascular access, enabling repetitive vascular access while preventing damage to the blood vessel wall, reducing hematomas, improving flow in a vessel, preventing back-wall perforation, and enabling improved fistula maturation and care. The system includes an implanted conduit that is incorporated into surrounding fibrous tissue that can guide a needle and/or catheter from a puncture site on the skin to a vessel wall, which may be used to provide repetitive vascular access for persons requiring hemodialysis or chemotherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Access for Life Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Mason, Philip Libman
  • Patent number: 10487596
    Abstract: An oilfield assembly including a pump in fluid communication with a string of coiled tubing on a tubing reel through a coiled tubing swivel assembly, includes a fluid inlet segment coupled to a swivel body having a central axis, and a rotatable hollow shaft having a portion that extends axially within the swivel body, wherein the fluid inlet segment, swivel body and hollow rotatable shaft form a conduit for passage of a pumped substance to the tubing reel from the pump. The rotatable shaft includes a first end attachable to the tubing reel, and a distal second end, at least part of which is configured to engage a corresponding indentation in the body, thereby preventing direct contact between the distal end of the shaft and the pumped substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
  • Patent number: 10145487
    Abstract: An HVAC device includes a housing and a conduit tube that defines a lumen into the housing. The conduit tube and/or housing are configured such that rotating the conduit tube relative to the housing changes the direction that an outlet of the conduit tube faces. This may promote easier installation and/or maintenance of the HVAC device in the field, especially in cramped and/or poorly illuminated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Bakken, Matthew Decker, Nathan Carlson, Brad Terlson
  • Patent number: 10087066
    Abstract: Liquid collection and transport device includes a liquid collection tank having an inlet on an upper portion and an outlet on a lower portion. There is a detachable cap on the inlet for retaining a liquid in the tank during transport. A drain is provided on the outlet, and the drain has a valve for controlling the collection and removal of liquid from the tank. A cart includes a frame which releasably secures the tank on the cart, and the tank is slidable relative to the frame, so that the location of the drain relative to the cart can be varied. The liquid collection and transport device may have a handle provided on the valve to open and close the valve, the handle being provided adjacent the upper portion of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: M & E Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Hall
  • Patent number: 9841116
    Abstract: A double action directional fluid flow valve includes a stepped piston connected with a poppet valve and moveable by a controller between open and closed positions by applying a continuous pressure to a small diameter piston face and selectively applying and removing pressure from a large diameter piston face to move the poppet valve between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventors: John Leslie Johnson, James G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9644759
    Abstract: A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. Redundant manual activation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SLOAN VALVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John Wilson, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Alfred J. Costa, Joshua D. Anthony, Klaus H. Renner, Matthew T. Kowalczyk, Joshua P. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 9371935
    Abstract: An adapter for an assembly having a valve and a positioner, which are configured for pipeless valve mounting according to the guideline VDI/VDE 3847, wherein the adapter is intended to be installed between the valve and the positioner, and the adapter enables a variably adjustable position of the valve relative to the positioner, such that possible collisions between the valve and other parts located near the interface intended for the installation of the valve can be largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jochen Gareis
  • Patent number: 9022070
    Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Shawn W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8991420
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, a valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing. A cap is connected to the cap end of the housing. An inlet is located in one of the cap and the housing. A plate is positioned within the housing, the plate having an outer diameter that slidingly engages the inner diameter surface of the housing. The plate moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media from the inlet. A down stop is in contact with the plate. A seal nut has a first end in engagement with the down stop. The seal nut has a second end with an end surface, the end surface being spaced apart from the cap when the plate is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Keith M. Adams, Lloyd R. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 8985137
    Abstract: Mounting assemblies for use with fluid control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bonnet to be coupled to a valve and a mounting assembly including a first side to be coupled to an actuator and a second side to be rotatably coupled at an end of the bonnet to enable a rotational position of the mounting assembly to change relative to the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Jacob Burgett, Brian J. Tutt, Todd William Larsen
  • Patent number: 8955548
    Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Shawn W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8939743
    Abstract: With the invention, a device for fluid feed for explosive forming, which has a valve and an activating mechanism to activate the valve, is to be improved, so that the device permits both good filling of a die with fluid and good sealing during the explosive forming process in a technically simple design. This task is solved by a device for fluid feed for explosive forming that has a valve and an activating mechanism to activate the valve, in which the activating mechanism is arranged separate from the valve in an inactivated valve state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cosma Engineering Europe AG
    Inventors: Andreas Stranz, Alexander Zak
  • Publication number: 20150021506
    Abstract: Apparatus to attach a fluid valve bonnet are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bonnet having a neck portion and a nut engaged with the neck portion of the bonnet to couple the bonnet to a body of a fluid valve. A central axis of the nut is coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the bonnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew John Kinser
  • Patent number: 8864104
    Abstract: Apparatus to mount process control devices to actuators are described. An example includes a mounting plate having a first side to receive the process control device and a second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a first clamping finger extending away from the second side and configured to engage a first edge of an actuator yoke. The example apparatus also includes an elongated clamp arm having second and third clamping fingers adjacent respective ends of the elongated clamp arm, where each of the second and third clamping fingers is configured to engage a second edge of the actuator yoke opposite the first edge, and where the elongated clamp arm is slidably coupled to the mounting plate. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a fastener adjustable to cause the elongated clamp arm and the mounting plate to slide toward each other so that the first, second and third clamping fingers engage the respective edges of the yoke to fix the mounting plate relative to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Ben Koch, Brian Burlage
  • Patent number: 8820343
    Abstract: The mechanical coupling of an actuating element of a valve to a connection element of an actuator is accomplished with the actuating element able to be displaced along a z-axis for the purpose of adjusting the valve and the connection element, at a corresponding orientation of the actuator, can likewise be displaced along the z-axis relative to the valve by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Evertz, Martin Sprecher
  • Publication number: 20140242685
    Abstract: An inlet valve charges an inner chamber of a system or sample container with liquid and has a first pipetting axis, an inlet opening, it supplies liquid by a laboratory pipette that is automatically reclosed and also has a valve body with a blocking element, a pressing part and a throat, a valve space enclosing the valve body at least partly near the throat, a spring mechanism and a sealing element. The throat connects the blocking element to the pressing part and has an open passage region which opens into the liquid passage of the pressing part and into the valve space. The spring mechanism presses a sealing surface of the blocking element against the sealing element in a closed position of the valve body. The valve body can be brought to an open position by pressing the pressing part against the spring mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Marina Knoppke, Nico Birkner, Thomas Iten, Markus Wiggli
  • Publication number: 20140217320
    Abstract: A gate valve system for controlling fluid flow having a valve body with a bore through which fluid can flow. The system includes a valve body having a bore to allow fluid to pass through the valve body and further having a cavity defined by substantially parallel innerside walls of the valve body, a gate wherein at least one end of the gate is defined by a radius perimeter. The system also has a bonnet that is removably coupled to a face of the valve body, wherein a portion of an innerside of the bonnet includes a curved surface adapted to mate with the at least one end of the gate defined by the radius perimeter, and an actuation mechanism operationally positioned and removably connected to the gate by way of a thru-hole in the bonnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ZP INTERESTS, LLC
    Inventors: Hernani G. DeOcampo, Robert Y. Jones, Balazs Horvath, Henry O. Tohill, Ricky D. Knight, Melvin B. Medina
  • Patent number: 8789807
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method couple an actuator to a valve or damper. The mounting apparatus includes five primary parts: a base which attaches to the valve or damper, an actuator mount which attaches to the actuator, a rotational coupler, a handle and a bail. The base and the actuator mount encircle the rotational axis in a mating relationship. The bail slides into aligned holes on the base and the actuator mount to secure the two together, preferably with legs on opposite sides of the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: KMC Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Louis Kreuter
  • Patent number: 8733735
    Abstract: A mounting adaptor for a valve actuator includes a driver aperture configured to receive a valve actuator driver. The mounting adaptor further includes a plurality of mounting posts configured to engage a thermal riser or a valve attachment pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Cory C. Strebe
  • Patent number: 8672294
    Abstract: A wall-mounted faucet control module comprises: two control handles, three joints and a panel set. Each control handle has a containment space for accepting the joints. The joint has an insertion aperture, the insertion aperture of each joint has a different cross-sectional shape such that the control handle can be installed with the various control rod. The panel set has an assembling panel and two ornament covers, the ornament cover engages with the connecting slot of the assembling panel, and the two ornament covers respectively have an assembling hole with different diameter such that the assembling panel can be installed with the main body of the various water valve. The joints, the sleeves and the ornament covers can be correspondingly alternated for the various water valves, the control handles and the panel set can be installed with the various water valves, which can provide variety and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alexander Yeh Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 8602385
    Abstract: A device is described for mechanically coupling an actuator to a valve which is adjustable by a plunger that is displaceable along a z-axis. The device has (a) a retaining element which can be mounted on a connecting chassis of the actuator and which is embodied for engaging on two opposite sides of a connection piece of a valve body in a recess incorporated in the connection piece, and (b) a clamping device which is disposed on a section of the retaining element and which is embodied in such a way that when the clamping device is actuated the section of the retaining element is displaced parallel to the z-axis relative to the connecting chassis such that the connecting chassis bears against the connection piece. An actuator having a coupling device of said kind and a method for mechanically coupling an actuator to a valve are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Evertz, Martin Sprecher
  • Patent number: 8567430
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a body having at least one waterway, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the at least one waterway, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water through the at least one waterway and a stem operably coupled to the moveable valve member for movement therewith, and a handle coupled to the stem for movement therewith. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the handle and the stem, and at least one magnet is supported by the other of the handle and the stem that is configured to magnetically attract the magnetically attractive element to couple the handle to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Allen, Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Patent number: 8528877
    Abstract: The latching gas ON/OFF assembly includes a housing with a female threaded bore for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder having a tank valve with a pin. A bonnet is slidably connected to the housing and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor connected to the bonnet with a transverse latch button for locking the bonnet in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet from the ON position. When the bonnet is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor to contact the pin of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventor: Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 8499794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Takahashi, Masaaki Sakurai, Jiro Wakamatsu
  • Publication number: 20130168587
    Abstract: Mounting assemblies for use with fluid control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bonnet to be coupled to a valve and a mounting assembly including a first side to be coupled to an actuator and a second side to be rotatably coupled at an end of the bonnet to enable a rotational position of the mounting assembly to change relative to the bonnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Tescom Corporation
    Inventor: Tescom Corporation
  • Patent number: 8444112
    Abstract: A locking Y-valve has branches that can be independently locked open or locked closed. Each branch has a ball valve connected to a rotating valve column. The valve column extends through a lock plate and attaches to a housing that contains a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a retractable lock pin that cooperates with two recesses in the lock plate to keep the housing, valve column, and ball valve locked in place. The locking mechanism is attached to a rotatable handle outside the housing. Rotating the handle retracts the lock pin from a recess so that the handle can be moved. Releasing the handle extends the lock pin into a recess, securing the handle in place. One or more of the lock plate and housing may be integral with the Y-valve. In the preferred embodiment, the lock plate is configured to be retrofit onto existing Y-valves, so that a non-lockable Y-valve may be converted into a lockable Y-valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Cravener, Tom Conner
  • Publication number: 20130056666
    Abstract: Internal valve apparatus are described. An example internal valve includes a body having a valve seat disposed in a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet. A flow control member is operatively coupled to the body and movable between a first position to engage the valve seat to restrict fluid flow through the valve and a second position to move away from the valve seat to allow fluid flow through the valve. A removable actuator is coupled to the body and operatively coupled to the flow control member to cause the flow control member to move between the first and second positions. A portion of the removable actuator is cantilevered in the fluid flow passageway between the inlet and the outlet when the removable actuator is coupled to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Tung Kim Nguyen, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 8322364
    Abstract: An actuator for operating a valve comprises a housing, a cap, a ring and a piston. The housing has a connecting interface for being mounted on the valve. The cap substantially covers a first portion of the housing. Both the cap and the housing define a substantially enclosed space inside the housing. The ring sealably covers a second portion of the housing. The ring is equipped with two ports that are in fluid communication with the enclosed space. The piston is slidably located inside the housing. Advantageously, an actuator assembly may include the actuator as previously described and one bonnet, one of the connecting interfaces of the actuator being connected to the bonnet. The bonnet is adapted to be mounted to a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: MBF Stainless Valve Limited
    Inventors: Louis Lacasse, David Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 8292264
    Abstract: In a valve system or method, an actuator is provided with an actuating rod. A valve is actuated by the rod and has a valve stem and a valve member secured thereto. A travel limiting device defines a travel limit of the actuating rod. A setting mechanism sets the travel limit. The actuating rod and valve stem are decouplable from each other. The setting mechanism comprises a connector for coupling the actuating rod and the valve stem, the connector being designed to set an axial spacing between the actuating rod and the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinfried Hoffmann, Joerg Kiesbauer, Eugen Nebel
  • Publication number: 20120211688
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly may include a valve having a mounting adapter and an actuator housing configured to releasably and non-rotatably attach to the mounting adapter without tools. The actuator housing may be attached at any one of a plurality of discrete radial orientations. In some instances, the actuator housing may include a spring retainer clip configured to engage the mounting adapter, and a button element configured to engage the spring retainer clip to release the spring retainer slip from the mounting adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Carlson, Tom Bakken, Alan Stordahl
  • Patent number: 8146883
    Abstract: Apparatus to connect a valve stem to a valve member are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a valve stem having a laterally extending opening, a valve member having a laterally extending opening, and a coupling having adjacent one end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve stem and adjacent an opposite end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve member. A resilient member is located between the valve stem and the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Eugene O'Hara
  • Publication number: 20120068099
    Abstract: A two-part valve (100) is provided according to the invention. The two-part valve (100) includes a valve body (104) including a valve mechanism (103), with the valve mechanism (103) including an actuation member (107), a valve flange (105) formed on the valve body (104), a valve actuator (123) configured to couple to the valve body (104), with the valve actuator (123) including an actuator shaft (126) configured to couple to the actuation member (107) of the valve mechanism (103), an actuator flange (124) formed on the valve actuator (123), and a clamp configured to clamp the actuator flange (124) to the valve flange (105), thereby removably affixing the valve actuator (123) to the valve body (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventor: Mark Sealy
  • Patent number: 8132784
    Abstract: An actuator (1) is fixed on a valve (2) through a fixing joint (3) which comprises a tubular sleeve (32) on which a tightening nut (30) is screwed; the nut (30) and the sleeve (32) are provided with a conical thread connection (34, 300); by screwing the nut (30), a plurality of longitudinal prolongations (40), arranged in a crown around the axis of the sleeve (32), tightens on a fixing head (20) of the valve (2), firmly fixing the actuator (1) to the valve (2); the joint at issue provides an alternative to a flange connection, equally solid and resistant to unscrewing due to vibrations; by resting against a mechanical stop surface (24) the nut (30), being unscrewed, can act as an extractor that easily removes the joint (3) from the head (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ferrero Rubinetterie S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ferrero
  • Patent number: 8025078
    Abstract: A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable in a plane parallel to the ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Ferrar
  • Patent number: 8002239
    Abstract: A valve body 3 is provided at its one side with a part for receiving an operation tool which turns a valve spindle, the valve body further provided at the other side with a part for mounting a connection tool 8 by which an external piping is attached and detached, and the valve body 3 moreover provided at the middle with a part 33 having a non-round cross section and a part 34 concaved from the outside surface of the part 33. A support member 4 consists of an engaging section 43 which engages with the part 33 to restrict or prevent the valve body 3 from turning and shifting in position, and an engaging section 44 which engages with the part 34 to restrict or prevent the valve body 3 from axially shifting in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Chiyoda Kuchokiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mamoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7938383
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with an inlet, an outlet and a valve chamber therebetween. A valve member is selectively engagable with the valve chamber for controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A solenoid assembly is mounted upon the valve member for moving the valve member to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid and a frame for holding the solenoid. The solenoid assembly is connected to the valve body such that the frame is rotatable and slidable away from the valve body to permit access to and slidable removal of the solenoid from the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Deltrol Controls
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Zur, Brian T. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20110041923
    Abstract: A device for freeing a seized valve having an elongate valve actuating stem projecting out of the valve is described, which comprises gripping means for gripping and engaging with a projecting portion of the valve actuating stem and means enabling the gripping means, when gripping the valve actuating stem, to be subjected to impact forces in a rotational direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Peter Enston
  • Patent number: 7810786
    Abstract: In combination with an external actuator for electrically operating a gate valve for use with a recreational vehicle, a gate valve within a housing, a flow passageway, a valve closure member moveable transversely of the flow passageway to cause the passageway to open and close. The valve closure member comprises a valve stem and a connected handle. Also provided is an electrical control unit with a motor, an electrical drive means and a drive shaft to engage the handle. A switch means electrically connected to the control unit has an on and off position. In the on position, the actuator lifts the handle to move the gate and open the flow passageway. In the off position, the actuator retracts the handle to move the gate linearly to close the flow passageway. Also provided is a releasable ring pin which confines the handle and which, when removed, enables the manual override of the external actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Valterra Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Luis Ontiveros Frias
  • Publication number: 20100243928
    Abstract: A modular gas valve arrangement including a housing that has a valve chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a valve mechanism disposed in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of gas. An interchangeable valve control module is mounted to the housing and has a valve actuator that moves the valve mechanism to control the position of the valve mechanism to thereby control the flow of gas. A diaphragm seal is disposed between the control module and the valve mechanism to seal the valve chamber from the control module. A diaphragm seal is connected to the valve mechanism and acts to retract the valve mechanism under pressure of gas within the valve chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN FLAME, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Flick, Michael Rogers, Jih-Ching Lai
  • Patent number: 7793916
    Abstract: A valve closure system (30) for operating a valve (32) of a fluid-holding cylinder (CYL) between an open and a closed position to allow and disallow communication of the interior of the cylinder through the valve. A coupler (118) engages and rotates a stem (40) of the valve. An electric motor (92) rotates the coupler. A square tube (102) on the motor housing surrounds the coupler. A bracket (50) mounts on the valve body. The parts (50, 102) have respective walls shaped to mutually telescopically engage when, with bracket (50) mounted on the valve, the motor housing has been properly circumferentially and axially aligned with the bracket and then advanced to move the coupler toward engagement with the valve stem. The parts (50, 102) may be pinned together by a hitch pin (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Powell Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Fortino
  • Patent number: 7762274
    Abstract: A pilot valve actuator for use with a hydrant valve has a pilot valve and a removable actuator. The pilot valve blocks communication between a primary hydrant chamber and a piston chamber when in a closed position. Under pressure, the actuator opens the pilot valve against its biasing force permitting the flow of fluid between the hydrant chamber and the piston chamber. The pilot valve is permanently attached to the hydrant valve. The actuator is removable from the pilot valve by a quick disconnect mechanism permitting storage of the actuator remote from the hydrant valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • Publication number: 20100163773
    Abstract: An actuator (1) is fixed on a valve (2) through a fixing joint (3) which comprises a tubular sleeve (32) on which a tightening nut (30) is screwed; the nut (30) and the sleeve (32) are provided with a conical thread connection (34, 300); by screwing the nut (30), a plurality of longitudinal prolongations (40), arranged in a crown around the axis of the sleeve (32), tightens on a fixing head (20) of the valve (2), firmly fixing the actuator (1) to the valve (2); the joint at issue provides an alternative to a flange connection, equally solid and resistant to unscrewing due to vibrations; by resting against a mechanical stop surface (24) the nut (30), being unscrewed, can act as an extractor that easily removes the joint (3) from the head (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: FERRERO RUBINETTERIE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ferrero
  • 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