Rotary Valve Patents (Class 251/292)
  • Patent number: 7900889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection plate between the body of a valve for hydraulic or pneumatic circuits and an actuator suitable to control the rotation of the valve stem, the valve body being provided with pawls for the stem rotations. This plate comprises a shaped body that can be inserted on the valve body and has an opening for the valve stem, said shaped body defining passageways for the pawls and adjacent seats where the pawls are housed and held following a rotation of the plate upon assembly. This allows connecting conventional types of valves and actuators to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: EFFEBI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ermanno Tanghetti
  • Patent number: 7874542
    Abstract: Actuator levers, collets and collet tools for use in process control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator lever, a collet coupled to the actuator lever, and a collet tool. In the example apparatus, the collet tool is removably coupled to at least one of the lever or the collet, and the collet tool applies a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the collet, a valve shaft, or an intervening structure to couple or decouple the collet to or from the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Jason Gene Olberding, Douglas James Boyd, Paul Andrew Day
  • Patent number: 7819386
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a flow restrictor, which is positionable between a valve open position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and outlet is open and a valve closed position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is closed. The actuation sub-assembly includes a stem for engaging the flow restrictor. When the actuation sub-assembly is mounted to the valve body, the stem extends through the valve body wall for engagement with an engagement surface of the flow restrictor but is removable from engagement with the engagement surface of the flow restrictor without requiring disassembly of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Nathaniel Combs
  • Patent number: 7798468
    Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing a railway tank car valve (V1, V2, V3, V4), characterized by improved convenience in mounting on a tank car dome (160) and adaptability to various dome geometries, valve configurations, and car-to-car dimensional variations. A clamp assembly (52) mounts assembly (50) on dome (160). An adapter (180) operated by a motor (58) turns a valve handle (A1, A2, A3, A4) when motor (58) runs. A positioning mechanism (54) selectively positions adapter (180) relative to clamp assembly (52) to establish a spatial relationship between them for enabling clamp assembly (52) to be placed at a desired location on the dome wall (162) and adapter (180) to engage a valve handle. Positioning mechanism (54) comprises three degrees of freedom of motion for establishing the spatial relationship of adapter (180) to clamp assembly (52), two of which are in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Powell Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Fortino, David N. Maniez, Jr.
  • 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: 7731153
    Abstract: A handle (1) for valves (4) comprising a connecting region (2) for connecting the handle (1) to a spindle (5) of the valve (4), an actuating arm (3) for actuating the valve (4), a locking lever (8) arranged resiliently in the actuating arm (3) for engaging the actuating arm (3) and a locking and guide disc (16) for locking and guiding the handle (1), the locking and guide disc (16) having a greater external diameter than the connecting region (2) and being arranged to be able to be connected to a flange region (12) of the valve (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Miklo, Peter Tkaczyk
  • Patent number: 7726338
    Abstract: A valve comprises a housing and at least three ceramic discs in the housing such that at least two fixed ceramic discs are provided and at least one rotatable ceramic disc is provided between the fixed ceramic discs. The ceramic discs comprise through holes such that when the holes are aligned, the valve is open, and turning the rotatable ceramic disc turns the holes to be misaligned in successive ceramic discs, which prevents water flow through the valve. The valve further comprises a handle for rotating a rotatable ceramic disc and the handle comprises a stem extending through the housing, and a curved part, the curved part curving at least partly around the housing along the circumference of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Keith Clasen, Adam Platt
  • Patent number: 7669833
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in turning the handle of a spigot. The apparatus comprises a first substantially flat member having a first predetermined shape and made of a predetermined material. The first member has a plurality of apertures disposed therein. There is a second member which has a second predetermined shape and is engageable with the first member adjacent an outer edge thereof, such second member is disposed at substantially a right angle to the first member and a means engageable with the first member and such handle for attaching the first member to such handle of such spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: James R. Marcoz
  • Publication number: 20100025611
    Abstract: A device for conveying and/or distributing fluids comprises a housing with connection portions, one or more threaded ring nuts that can be screwed to the connection portions in order to join them, a control handle and a tightening seat formed in the housing and adapted to support the control handle in a tightening position, rotatable around a tightening axis. The control handle comprises a drive portion which, in the tightening position, engages with a coupling portion of the ring nut, in a manner such that a rotation of the control handle around the tightening axis leads to a screwing or an unscrewing of the ring nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: F.I.P. FORMATURA INIEZIONE POLIMERI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Corrado Mazzacano, Andrea Bisio
  • Patent number: 7641172
    Abstract: An actuator installation bracket is provided for a water shutoff system including a water line, a shutoff valve having a stem, and an actuator. The actuator includes a housing having first and second ends, sides, and a pivotable actuating member. The actuator installation bracket includes a first mounting portion having first and second ends and a base portion extending therebetween. The base portion includes a number of apertures and receives the actuator. A second mounting portion extends outwardly from the base portion and is coupled to one of the water line and the shutoff valve, in order that the pivotable actuating member of the actuator is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base portion and with the stem of the shutoff valve. A key couples the pivotable actuating member to the shutoff valve stem to open and close the shutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Richards, Michael R. Mammone
  • Patent number: 7604216
    Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Technology Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk A. Gebler, John G. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7552910
    Abstract: A handling device is associable to an on-off valve and comprises handling means suitable for being gripped by an operator, a connection device for supporting said handling means, spring back means for returning said valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration (or vice versa) and a positioning and support device through which the handling means support the spring back means in a position suitable for operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Soldo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni Soldo
  • Publication number: 20090114867
    Abstract: Rotary valve lever apparatus having removable shaft adaptor inserts are described. An example lever apparatus includes a lever arm to rotatably mount to a stem of an actuator. The lever apparatus also includes a first opening having a first splined inner surface to receive a splined shaft, and a second opening adjacent the first opening and having a second splined inner surface to receive at least a portion of an insert member having a splined outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Jerry L. Miller, Dennis V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 7516941
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet, an actuator, and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a valve ball with a ball body and a transverse passage extending through the ball body. The valve ball is positionable between a valve open position wherein said transverse passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a valve closed position wherein the ball body blocks the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The actuation sub-assembly engages the actuator, which in turn engages the valve ball. In addition, the valve body includes a valve body wall with a planar portion. The planar portion includes a mounting surface for mounting the actuation sub-assembly to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric N Combs
  • Patent number: 7469876
    Abstract: A method and system for securing the exposed valve actuation portion of the valve system in order to restrict the unauthorized use therefrom; including a first device keying the exposed valve actuation portion, a second device, containing the exposed portion of the keyed valve actuation, a third keyed device for locking the valve actuation portion within the second device, a fourth keyed device for actuating the pressure adjustment portion, a fifth device for maintaining ease of rotation, a sixth device for securing the third device to the existing valve system, and a seventh device for engaging and operating the first and/or third devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 7387291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible shaft and control assembly that is useful for transferring rotational control valve movements to a control surface. The invention includes a housing, shaft, and actuator arm. The housing defines a hollow cylinder. The shaft has a resilient end with a plurality of flexible strips capable of radial bending so as to transition between an expanded position and a compressed position. The shaft is positioned in the hollow cylinder, in the expanded position, so that the shaft can rotate. The actuator arm is positioned within the resilient end of the shaft so as to maintain the resilient end of the shaft in the expanded position. Both the actuator arm and shaft include reciprocal engagement means, and the actuator arm and shaft are positioned so as to engage the reciprocal engagement means. A rotational movement of the actuator arm thus causes a rotational movement of the shaft. A flapper affixed to the shaft can direct air depending on the radial position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Jira, Robert D. Sleeper, Mark W. Williams, Stuart K. Denike, Don J. Atkins
  • Patent number: 7334606
    Abstract: A valve tester assembly is disclosed that includes an articulated arm assembly having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the articulated arm assembly being movable away from and toward the first end such that when the first end of the articulated arm assembly is connected to a vehicle, the second end of the articulated arm assembly is movable away from and toward the vehicle. The assembly includes a rotation mechanism that is mounted on the articulated arm assembly toward the second end of the articulated arm for rotating a shaft for exercising a valve. The assembly further includes a moving mechanism that is mountable on a vehicle for moving the first end of the articulated arm assembly away from and towards the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Lyndon J. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7325782
    Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Innovative Technology Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk A. Gebler, John G. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7322563
    Abstract: Underground water valves having square operating nuts, such as but not limited to critical water valves which control different pressure zones or different demand areas, are secured by a shielding cap, each of which have a recess that receives a valve operating nut and a cylindrical projection which frustrates attempts to rotate the operating nut. When an authorized person decides to open or close one of the valves, the shielding cap is retrieved from the operating nut by a retrieving head which has the socket defined by a frustoconical recess. Within the recess are a pair of opposed pins which seat in J-shaped slots in the frustoconical projection. Upon rotating the retrieving head, the pins move into alignment with open ends of the J-shaped slots, down shank portions of the slots and abut closed ends of the slots so that the shielding cap may be pulled from the valve operating nut and withdrawn through the valve operating box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Custodian Patent, LLC
    Inventors: Fred J. Stehling, Terry R. McWilliams, Roy Istre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7296589
    Abstract: A universal gas valve finishing flange assembly is provided which is adapted to receive a plurality of different size gas valves. The finishing flange assembly comprises a flanged coupler comprising a pipe coupler having internal threads and a pair of ends. The internal threads are adapted to be received by a first gas shut-off valve with a valve stem leg having threads with a first diameter. The flanged coupler further includes a flange attached to one end of the coupler and is centered about an axis defined by the coupler. The flange further includes an orifice for receiving a gas valve key. A trim plate is also provided having a frontside and a backside and a hole there through to receive the pipe coupler. Also, the trim plate includes recess disposed in the frontside to receive the flange. Additionally, a reducer nipple is provided having outer threads and inner threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: William A. Durkee
  • Patent number: 7207547
    Abstract: An assembly for swinging an external handle of a tank dome valve on a tank dome about a generally horizontal axis has a gearbox and an air motor. In a preferred embodiment, a housing is cooperatively formed by the gearbox casing and the motor cover. The gearbox contains a worm that meshes with a gear that turns within the casing. The air motor turns the worm, thereby turning the gear. An adapter that is external to the casing has a spline that passes through an aperture in the casing to mesh with an internal spline of the gear. The adapter is shaped for engagement with the handle of the tank dome valve. The housing and adapter are arranged such that, when the adapter is in engagement with the valve handle and the motor is operated to turn the gear via the worm, the far end of the motor cover is forced to bear against the tank dome and consequently force the adapter to swing the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Powell Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Fortino
  • Patent number: 7195229
    Abstract: In a direct injection type automatic sampler, a sampling needle having a liquid sample collected from a sample vessel by using suction force of a pump is inserted into an injection port. Then, a flow path-switching valve is rotated to switch a flow path to make a flow of mobile phase liquid pass through a loop to thereby introduce the collected sample into a column. The injection port is directly incorporated in the flow path-switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Maeda
  • Patent number: 7131635
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes selectively releasable engagement apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operating member extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating member are provided. The engagement apparatus includes a latch arm extending from the valve side of a base, rather than the actuator side of the base. A plurality of protrusions on the valve body and corresponding mating receptacles on the base resist torque forces on the base. A slot in the base adjacent an edge of the latch arm provides passage for tooling used in forming the base. A base in the form of an adapter allows attachment of an actuator not having a selectively releasable engagement apparatus to a valve body that does include a selectively releasable engagement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hung-Sun Oh
  • Patent number: 7104518
    Abstract: A ready method to disconnect the motive power of an actuator from the input of a valve. A handle is inserted onto the coupling held in the housing, disconnecting the motive power of the actuator and engaging the driven piece connected to the input shaft of the valve. With this handle in place, manual control of the valve is attained and the handle indicates position. The housing can be orientated so that the handle can be inline with the valve action as normally done on manually operated valves. The position of the valve may be fixed by locking the handle to the housing, removing automatic control of the valve. When the handle is removed from the coupling, normal automatic operation is restored. The handle may store at the valve for ready use by maintenance or in a secure location to prevent unauthorized use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: George William Wood
  • Patent number: 7063302
    Abstract: A multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve is disclosed. The integration of the sample shut off function eliminates extra plumbing and labor costs associated with a separate sample shut off valve. Additionally, the multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve provides a shorter equilibration time and less tubing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy D. Cordill
  • Patent number: 7059338
    Abstract: A valve control system comprises a programmable electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller is configured to provide an emergency actuation signal to a motor upon receiving an emergency close signal. The programmable electronic controller is configured to provide a test actuation signal to the motor upon receiving a test close signal. The valve control system further comprises a gas detection input configured to receive a gas detection signal. Receipt of the gas detection signal at least partially meeting a first criterion causes the emergency close signal to be supplied to the controller. The valve control system further comprises a user interface configured to provide the controller with the test close signal in response to a user input. The valve control system further comprises a low battery input configured to receive a low battery signal. Receipt of the low battery signal causes the emergency close signal to be supplied to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Halogen Valve Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kincaid, James S. Shivers, Frederick A. Mosher
  • Patent number: 7007922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating regulating device, especially for a valve comprising a pivotable or rotatable valve body. Said device comprises at least one actuating device for rotating a regulating element which can be connected to the valve body in a moveable manner. The aim of the invention is to improve one such rotating regulating device in such a way that in its precise and reproducible, and can be especially automatically actuated. In order to achieve this, the regulating element is a rotating collar which is rotationally positioned in relation to a bearing collar, and the actuating device comprises at least one mechanism which converts a linear movement into a rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Norbert Lenz
  • Patent number: 6932319
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear actuator including: a rotary electric motor; a shaft (46) extending into a rotor (44) of the rotary electric motor and extendable into a body extension (30) of the valve; the shaft (46) having an externally threaded portion (36) extending into the rotor (44) and in engagement with a complimentary threaded internal surface of the rotor (44); and the shaft (46) having an externally splined portion (34) extendable into the body extension (30) of the valve and engageable with a complementary splined internal surface (110) of the extension (30) of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Tritex Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Kowalski
  • Patent number: 6908068
    Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing railway tank car valves (V1, V2, V3, V4) characterized by a series of novel adapters (180, 240, 242, 244, 252, 254) for enabling one valve closure assembly to turn the handles of various different valves, including soft-seat valves and hard-seat valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Powell Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Fortino, David N. Maniez, Jr.
  • 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: 6880806
    Abstract: A valve gear includes a valve (30), which controls a flow rate of a fluid and an opening of which is determined according to a rotational position of a valve element, an actuator (20) for providing a rotational force to a rotary valve shaft that changes the opening of the valve (30), and attaching/detaching means. The attaching/detaching means includes a locking element (32) formed at its prescribed positions with locking concave/convex portions and an engaging element (22) formed at its prescribed positions with engaging concave/convex portions. The locking element (32) and the engaging element (22) are relatively rotatable around the rotary valve shaft up to a prescribed angle, and prevent the actuator (20) from coming off the valve (30) at an engaging position where the engaging concave/convex portions and the locking concave/convex portions are engaged with one another, and allow the actuator (20) and the valve (30) to be detached from each other at a disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Haikawa, Kouichi Sekine
  • Patent number: 6874757
    Abstract: A pigging ball valve with a ball core mounted on an improved trunnion mounting. The pigging ball valve has a valve housing with a longitudinal axis. A side entry port on the valve housing is provided for entry of pigs into the valve housing. The ball core has an interior bore and is mounted on a trunnion in the valve housing for rotation about a transverse axis to the longitudinal axis of the ball core. The trunnion is a rotating stem journalled in the valve housing and connected to the ball core by a non-cylindrical portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the non-cylindrical portion towards the interior bore of the ball core. Preferably, the cylindrical portion terminates inwardly in a curved portion fitting the interior bore of the ball core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas A. M. Hallett
  • Patent number: 6874758
    Abstract: A valve stem is provided with a handle assembly having a noncircular axially extending formation and a retaining element fixed to the stem and formed with an array of axially extending and radially deflectable tongues having radially outwardly directed bumps and a screwthread of predetermined axial length axially offset from the stem formation and from the tongues. A handle having a hub formed with a hole fittable axially over the retaining element is formed inside the hole with a screwthread complementary to the retaining-element screwthread, with a handle formation complementary to and fittable axially with the stem formation and offset from the handle screwthread by a distance greater than the retaining-element screwthread axial length, and with a radially inwardly open groove. The handle fits with its hole over the element with the formations interengaged, the screwthreads not engaged, and the bumps in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Heimann, Christian Frankholz, Matthias Schlüter
  • Patent number: 6848672
    Abstract: A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve body, an actuator and a bracket that snap fits onto the valve body. The bracket includes a plate on which an actuator can be installed. In one form, the bracket is saddle shaped with depending legs that snap over a part of the valve body. Means such as bolts are provided to apply a gripping force to the legs so that the bracket is clamped onto the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Robert W. Jacobs, Gary W. Scheffel, Michael M. Stankovich
  • Patent number: 6832623
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter valve for connection to an outlet of a gas meter and a method for its use. The gas meter valve comprises a valve inlet coupleable to the meter outlet, a valve outlet coupleable to piping for supplying gas to a customer and a valve body coupled to the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve body includes a chamber for communicating gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and a valve assembly disposed in the chamber and adapted to prevent the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a first position and permit the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a second position. The gas meter valve further includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the valve assembly for positioning the valve assembly in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny A. Johnson, James S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6802335
    Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a first handle attached to rotate a fluid control member and includes a first groove. A second handle is attached to move the fluid control member along a central axis and includes a second groove aligned with the first groove. A retainer ring disposed is movable within the first and second grooves between a release and a secure positions. A biasing member within the second groove biases the retainer toward the release position and a threaded member within the first handle biases retainer toward the secured position. The setscrew moves the retainer from the release position by moving a portion of the retainer from the second groove to the first groove within the first handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Scott Kevin Jones, Garry Robin Marty
  • Publication number: 20040173770
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear actuator including: a rotary electric motor; a shaft (46) extending into a rotor (44) of the rotary electric motor and extendable into a body extension (30) of the valve; the shaft (46) having an externally threaded portion (36) extending into the rotor (44) and in engagement with a complimentary threaded internal surface of the rotor (44); and the shaft (46) having an externally splined portion (34) extendable into the body extension (30) of the valve and engageable with a complementary splined internal surface (110) of the extension (30) of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Kowalski
  • Patent number: 6783113
    Abstract: An improved quarter-turn valve having an improved valve stem and handle is presented. The valve stem has four substantially square sides of desired predetermined dimensions and a top surface. The valve stem dimensions may conform to ISO 5211. The valve stem has a keyway extending vertically along one of its sides and a position indicator line extending diagonally across its top surface to positively indicate the status of the valve, whether open or closed. The valve handle valve handle has a substantially square bore that conforms to the side dimensions of the valve stem and a key that extends into the valve handle bore at a desired location. The key conforms to the dimensions of the valve stem keyway so that the handle may be attached to the valve stem only in a desired position with respect to the position indicator line so that the status of the valve, whether open or closed, is indicated by the valve handle as well as the position of the position indicator line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Stephen Schommer
  • Patent number: 6742765
    Abstract: A spring return type valve system includes: a valve (2) having a valve shaft (22) to be operated rotationally for controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing through a fluid channel; an actuator (4) having an output shaft (42) rotated by an electric motor; a spring unit (3) having a rotating shaft (32) for transmitting the rotational power of the actuator output shaft to the valve shaft and a return spring for giving the rotating shaft a rotational power in one direction; and a yoke (5) for the actuator and the spring unit to be detachably mounted on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Takano, Takumi Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20040099833
    Abstract: A valve gear includes a valve (30), which controls a flow rate of a fluid and an opening of which is determined according to a rotational position of a valve element, an actuator (20) for providing a rotational force to a rotary valve shaft that changes the opening of the valve (30), and attaching/detaching means for detachably attaching the valve to the actuator (20). The attaching/detaching means includes a locking element (32) formed at its prescribed positions with locking concave/convex portions and an engaging element (22) formed at its prescribed positions with engaging concave/convex portions. The locking element (32) and the engaging element (22) are relatively rotatable around the rotary valve shaft up to a prescribed angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Haikawa, Kouichi Sekine
  • Publication number: 20040099834
    Abstract: An air motor (34) is arranged at a right angle to the valve stem (54), through a right angle gear drive (36) that provides torque amplification. A bracket (40) associates the motor with the valve body (48), having a flat ring (68) that fits over the valve body and has clearance notches (94) providing circumferential indexing. Semi-circular locking plates (66) are axially adjacent the ring and pivoted for swinging between a locking position where they fit in a groove (59) in the valve body and an unlocking position where they are free of the groove. Each locking plate has several through-holes through any of which a locking pin (42) can pass to lock the locking plate in locking position. Each locking pin protrudes axially beyond the ring to present interference with the valve body preventing the bracket from turning when the motor operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Fortino
  • Patent number: 6708720
    Abstract: A valve actuator adaptor attaches a rotary valve whose mounting is in accordance with ISO 5211/DIN 3337 to a rotary actuator whose mounting is not in accordance with ISO 5211/DIN 3337. The adaptor has first and second mounting surfaces to which the valve head and the actuator are respectively secured and a coupling link extends through the body of the adaptor to interconnect the actuator drive shaft and the valve stem. The adaptor has holes which extend from the first mounting surface to an exposed surface intermediate along the axial length of the actuator. That exposed surface is formed by recesses in the body of the actuator and by partial flanges. Screws or bolts then pass through those holes to the adapter to the valve head, the exposed surface having recesses therein, which recesses are shaped to receive the heads of the screws or bolts, or nuts on the bolts, to prevent them rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kinetrol Limited
    Inventor: Roger C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6701951
    Abstract: A device and method to implement the device, to automatically adjust a single valve or a plurality of valves including turning the valve(s) on and off. The device includes a motor drive assembly, a mounting method, and a control method. Each component is discrete. The three components can be combined easily. The motor drive and control components can be mounted and connected to a valve that is currently connected to pipes. Thus one application of this invention is to provide a method to convert a manual valve to an automatic valve. The control method can operate as a means to turn the valve on and off using a manually operated switch or can be automatically controlled in response to an external stimulus. The invention has many applications including protecting real property from loss due to water damage, and against vandalism in cases where valves can be controlled by unauthorized people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Don Lovis Drinkwater
  • Publication number: 20040026648
    Abstract: A valve stem is provided with a handle assembly having a noncircular axially extending formation and a retaining element fixed to the stem and formed with an array of axially extending and radially deflectable tongues having radially outwardly directed bumps and a screwthread of predetermined axial length axially offset from the stem formation and from the tongues. A handle having a hub formed with a hole fittable axially over the retaining element is formed inside the hole with a screwthread complementary to the retaining-element screwthread, with a handle formation complementary to and fittable axially with the stem formation and offset from the handle screwthread by a distance greater than the retaining-element screwthread axial length, and with a radially inwardly open groove. The handle fits with its hole over the element with the formations interengaged, the screwthreads not engaged, and the bumps in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Heimann, Christian Frankholz, Matthias Schluter
  • Patent number: 6662821
    Abstract: The invention is system and method for detecting a leak and operating an existing valve in response to the detected leak. In this regard, a receiving unit may be installed on an existing shutoff valve. The valve may control the flow of a fluid into a site. A transmitting unit may be installed in the vicinity of an appliance receiving the fluid. The transmitting unit may include a detector capable of detecting the fluid. In response to the detector detecting the fluid, the transmitting unit may transmit a signal including a unique 32 bit code. A receiver within the receiving unit may be capable of receiving the signal. Additionally, a PIC microprocessor within the receiving unit may be configured to receive the signal from the receiver and determine if the signal contains the code. In response to determining the signal contains the code, the PIC may control a motor to operate (e.g., turn off) the valve. The motor may be configured for attachment to the valve via a coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rapid Emergency Shutoff Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Jacobsen, Jack Craig, John Lumsden
  • Publication number: 20030127619
    Abstract: A draining-preventing device of a pneumatic-and-electromotive driving valve is disclosed. A driving shaft is installed at a center of a receiving tube of a joint and a lower end of the joint is buckled with a ball valve. The driving shaft and the ball valve rotates synchronously with the pneumatic-and-electromotive driving valve. A tightening sleeve is locked between the receiving tube and the driving shaft. A top surface of the tightening sleeve has an adjusting nut and the adjusting nut has a plurality of adjusting holes. When the draining-preventing washer becomes hard or deforms, so that that the force of the tightening sleeve is insufficient, and therefore, a gap is formed between the tightening sleeve and the joint. Thus water can be stop completely. Furthermore, by a supporting frame, a tray is supported at two sides and other portion is hollowed. If water drains out, it can be known immediately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Zi-Ren Wang
  • Publication number: 20030075704
    Abstract: A valve actuator adaptor attaches a rotary valve whose mounting is in accordance with ISO 5211/DIN 3337 to a rotary actuator whose mounting is not in accordance with ISO 5211/DIN 3337. The adaptor has first and second mounting surfaces to which the valve head and the actuator are respectively secured and a coupling link extends through the body of the adaptor to interconnect the actuator drive shaft and the valve stem. The adaptor has holes which extend from the first mounting surface to an exposed surface intermediate along the axial length of the actuator. That exposed surface is formed by recesses in the body of the actuator and by partial flanges. Screws or bolts then pass through those holes to the adapter to the valve head, the exposed surface having recesses therein, which recesses are shaped to receive the heads of the screws or bolts, or nuts on the bolts, to prevent them rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Roger C. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20030066981
    Abstract: A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve body, an actuator and a bracket that snap fits onto the valve body. The bracket includes a plate on which an actuator can be installed. In one form, the bracket is saddle shaped with depending legs that snap over a part of the valve body. Means such as bolts are provided to apply a gripping force to the legs so that the bracket is clamped onto the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Robert W. Jacobs, Gary W. Scheffel, Michael M. Stankovich
  • Patent number: 6530557
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a motorized drive unit for operating a valve including a gear, a motor, a chain coupling the gear and motor, a housing encasing the motor, gear, and chain, and a rotation limiting piece. Additionally, the present invention discloses a method for mounting a gear to a gate valve handle by providing a gear and a mounting plate, positioning the mounting plate beneath the handle of the gate valve, positioning the gear above the handle of the gate valve, and coupling the mounting plate to the gear. Further, the present invention discloses a method for mounting a gear to a ball valve by providing a gear having a cutout portion, removing the handle from the ball valve stem, placing the second portion of the handle through the cutout portion of the gear, and coupling the handle and the gear to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Field Controls, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven E. Guzorek
  • Publication number: 20020175306
    Abstract: A rotary valve includes a main valve body that including a body, a seat disposed in the body and a valve body disposed in the body so that the seat is rotatable through the seat, and being modulated as a common component part; a stem piercing the body and imparting opening and closing motions to the valve body; an attaching-detaching part disposed at a position at which the stem pierces the body; an operating part disposed on the stem and adapted to operate the valve body; and a coupling part detachably fastened at one end thereof to the attaching-detaching part and mounted at the other end thereof on the operating part for joining the attaching-detaching part and the operating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Chikashi Gomi, Masaru Takusagawa