Flexible Actuator (e.g., Bowden Wire; Chain) Patents (Class 251/294)
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Patent number: 5901943Abstract: Opposite ends of a first film-like damper with a plurality of air vents defined therein at a given position are wound respectively on first and second takeup shafts, and a drive wire is coupled to the first and second takeup shafts. A wire has an end directly coupled to the drive wire at substantially intermediate position between the first and second takeup shafts. The other end of the wire is connected to a manually operable knob. When the knob is manually turned, the wire directly displaces the drive wire in the direction indicated by the arrow A or B, moving the film-like damper.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Tsunoda
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Patent number: 5881994Abstract: A rotary temperature control system for use in controlling the temperature of a blended air stream supplied to a vehicle passenger compartment includes a manually operable rotary control knob operatively connected with a control pulley that is, in turn, connected through a pull-pull cable system to a vent pulley. The vent pulley operates a blend door that controls the output temperature of a blended air stream. A drive connection between the vent pulley and a drive shaft of the blend door includes non-circular gears for producing a predetermined generally non-linear relationship between rotary movement of the control pulley and rotary movement of the output shaft to produce a generally linear relationship between the rotary movement of the control pulley and the temperature of the air stream throughout a major portion of the rotary movement of the control pulley.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignees: TRW Inc., Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Jordan M. Stevenson, Bipin D. Parekh, Dennis Shifflett, Fred W. Butler
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Patent number: 5871202Abstract: A hand lever apparatus (throttle lever) (10) is provided which has an automatic restoring function (automatic idle rotation opening position restoring function) to cope with an accident and which can perform normal operation lightly and swiftly. The hand lever apparatus (10) has a rotationally operable operating lever (30) and a toggle mechanism (T). The operating lever (30) is operated to actuate, through the toggle mechanism (T), a cable (20) connected to a driven member (CV) so as to pull the cable (20).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventors: Toshio Taomo, Hisato Ohsawa, Hirofumi Yamami, Fumihiko Aiyama
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Patent number: 5868377Abstract: A hand lever apparatus (throttle lever) is provided which has the automatic restoring function (automatic idle rotation opening position restoring function) to cope with accidents and steadily hold a desired operation position (intermediate opening position of a throttle valve). The hand lever apparatus has a rotationally operable main lever (30) and a sub-lever (40) rotationally operated to pull a cable (10a) connected to a driven member (CV). The main lever (30) has a brake plate (34). By pressing the brake plate (34) against an operating portion (42) of the sub-lever (40), rotation of the sub-lever (40) is regulated to hold the sub-lever (40) in a position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Kioritz CorporationInventors: Toshio Taomo, Hisato Ohsawa, Hirofumi Yamami, Fumihiko Aiyama
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Patent number: 5772184Abstract: A control arrangement for a fluid pressure operated hoist has a load mounted handle assembly including tubular handle portion slidable on a support rod attached to the hoist cable, and a bracket fixed at one end to the handle and extending alongside and offset from said support rod. A three position spring centered valve is mounted to the bracket, with a pair of pins each engaging one end of a valve element and a respective fixed flange on the support rod allowing valve operation by movement of the handle to block, vent, or pressurize a hoist fluid chamber to hold, lower, or raise the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Knight Industries, Inc.Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
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Patent number: 5765816Abstract: This invention generally relates to fluid valves and, more particularly, to water supply hydrants. The hydrant (40) according to the invention comprises a handle assembly (60) which is operationally mounted to a valve (100) which, in turn, is fluidly interconnected to a source of pressurized fluid. The handle assembly is configured so that a limited amount of rotation of the handle assembly actuates the valve. In one embodiment, the handle assembly is provided with an axial conduit which is adapted to dispense fluid delivered from the valve. In another embodiment, a flexible conduit is located between the handle assembly and a body portion of the hydrant so that the fluid dispensed from the hydrant can be aimed in a particular direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.Inventor: Jimmie D. Chrysler
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Patent number: 5749561Abstract: A plug assembly (2) which can be used in a drain, sink or bath (5). The plug (2) is of the pop up type being spring biassed into an open position. The plug (2) includes inter-engaging means for engagement of the plug (2) with a waste pipe (3) and means to permit the movement of the plug (2) relative to the pipe (3), both of which are circumferentially situated so that there is no impediment to fluid moving through the plug (2) and into the pipe (3). The means to bias the plug (2) to the open position includes a spring (18) which is arranged between the exterior of the plug (2) side and the interior of the waste pipe (3), and shoulders (6, 19) formed in each, such that said fluid flowing through the pipe (3) does not contact the spring (18). The plug (2) can be manually operated or operated remotely.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Wes Wastes LimitedInventor: Albert Edward Worthington
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Patent number: 5727652Abstract: A device for draining engine oil in a DIY manner including an oil drain screw bolt, a valve, an oil drain tube, a spring element, and a control cable. The screw bolt has a cylindrical rod portion having a drain hole at the center, and a head portion having an oil outlet at one side communicating with the drain hole. The outer end of the oil outlet forms a threaded section of a larger diameter. The head portion is provided with a through hole in a direction perpendicular to the oil outlet. The valve is provided with a rod at a front end for receiving a spring. A front end of the rod is connected to a pull strap. The valve is locked in the through hole of the screw bolt by a sunk-head screw. The oil drain tube has a rotary connecting portion at a front end for locking in the threaded section of the oil outlet. A control valve is provided at a rear end of the oil drain tube. The control cable forms a hook portion at a front end thereof and is passed through a small duct at one side of the oil drain tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: Ying-Chen Ho
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Patent number: 5722552Abstract: A collapsible container system for flowable materials includes a collapsible bag for holding the materials and a collapsible frame for supporting and retaining the bag. The collapsible frame includes top and bottom portions and a plurality of spaced apart upright members extending therebetween. The upright members each include a removable support portion that normally extends in a generally vertical direction and in supporting relation between the top and bottom portions. When all of the support portions are removed from supporting relation between the top and bottom portions the frame is collapsible and its height is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Noslo Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Olson
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Patent number: 5711757Abstract: A controller (10) having a housing (11) within which is positioned a moveable portion (13). The housing comprises an outer housing portion (12a) and an inner housing portion (12b) and having a vent (14) and a limit peg (22). Detent means (15) defines the lower position limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) and second detent means (16) defines the upper limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) with the outer housing portion (12a). Biasing means (17) biases the moveable portion 13 to a first position. The device further comprises an inlet (19) attachable to a pump and an outlet (20) connectable to an inflatable body to form part of a continuous passive motion device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Neoligaments LimitedInventor: Julian D. Bryant
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Patent number: 5704385Abstract: A seismic safety apparatus has a housing having an internal space and an external surface. A seismic safety activating mechanism is provided inside the housing for activating a seismic safety device. The seismic safety activating mechanism includes an inertia ball recess located in the internal space, an inertia ball in the housing that has an unactuated position on the recess and an actuated position displaced from the unactuated position on the recess. The inertia ball recess is formed so that when the inertia ball is in the valve member recess, vibrations or seismic shocks of a predetermined magnitude cause the inertia ball to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position. An engagement component inside the housing is provided as part of the seismic safety activating mechanism at the actuated position for engagement with the inertia ball when the inertia ball is displaced from the unactuated position.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Seismic Safety Products, Inc.Inventors: James C. McGill, Antonio F. Fernandez
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Patent number: 5702298Abstract: A damper control system which employs an unsheathed cable to transmit torque from a torque inducing tool to a damper regulator for regulating a damper of an air processing system. The damper control system has a first cable bracket with a first bracket passage through which the unsheathed cable passes. The first cable bracket is designed to be affixed to a surface accessible to the torque inducing tool. Longitudinal motion of the unsheathed cable with respect to the first cable bracket is limited by a pair of first bracket clips attached to the unsheathed cable and positioned such that the first bracket passage is interposed therebetween. The unsheathed cable is provided with a first cable end which can be engaged by the torque inducing tool and a second cable end which is either permanently affixed to or can be maintained slidable engaged with the damper regulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Stephen J. Conkling
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Patent number: 5694960Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic valve actuating system that is responsive to various externally detected stimuli. The system is comprised of a monitoring and alarm components that close a valve upon the detection of a fault occurring from the undesirable presence of carbon monoxide or combustible gases. Combustible gases, such as, propane, methane, hydrogen and the like can create a hazardous explosive environment, especially when these gases are mixed with the oxygen in the air. The valve actuating apparatus mounts directly to an existing valve, such as one that opens and closes within a quarter of a turn. An audible alarm is given when a hazardous condition is detected. For those who are hearing impaired, an optional visual alarm is also given. A CO.sub.2 cylinder provides a pressure source to operate a pneumatic linear actuator. A low pressure switch sounds a secondary alarm to alert the maintenance personnel to replace the carbon dioxide tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventors: Edward J. Turk, Douglas A. Morgan
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Patent number: 5685534Abstract: Method for controlling a valve unit having a rotatable inner part, by which at least one of positive pressure and negative-pressure consumers of a sheet-processing machine is connectible to and disconnectible from a source of positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, in accordance with an operating cycle of the sheet-processing machine, the operating cycle being repeated at a frequency variable between a minimum cycle frequency and a maximum cycle frequency, includes superimposing an adjusting speed on a rotary speed of the rotatable inner part of the valve unit; and device for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Jurgen Zeltner
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Patent number: 5678802Abstract: A gate valve having a valve housing with an upper housing member, and a lower housing member, which contains a flow passageway. A valve closure device with a valve stem is moveable transversely of the flow passageway between the upper housing member, to cause the passageway to open, and the lower housing member, to cause the passageway to close. An axially moveable sleeve covered cable, which is connected to the valve closure device at the valve stem, is provided to impart movement to the valve closure device. A clamp assembly which includes identical cooperating members adapted to align in opposing relationship to engage and secure the upper housing and the cable and cable sleeve between them enables the cable to be operated from a remote and convenient location outside the recreational vehicle at any desired angle of bend to engage the valve closure device to cause it to move easily and effectively back and forth within the valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Valterra Products, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Lunder
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Patent number: 5653354Abstract: A container system for flowable materials includes a frame having a bottom, front, rear, and at least one side. The frame includes a support tray disposed above the bottom and having a discharge chute. A pair of spaced apart tubes for receiving the forks of a forklift extend horizontally from the front to the rear of the frame below the support tray. The container system further includes a bag having a bottom portion adapted to rest on the support tray and having a discharge opening registered with the discharge chute. The bag has a flap that normally covers the discharge opening. A slide mechanism mounts at the side of the frame, transversely to the tubes, and is connected to the flap so as to peel it back to uncover the discharge opening and thereby dispense flowable material.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Noslo Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Olson
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Patent number: 5640988Abstract: A vortex valve (40) includes a housing defining a votex chamber(44), the housing having an inlet (46) through which liquid may enter the vortex chamber (44)in a manner to promote swirl within the vortex chamber (44) and an outlet (30) at one axial end of the vortex chamber (44). A wall of the housing is provided with an opening which is normally closed by a closure, this closure (6) being operable between the closed position and an open position in which livid may enter the vortex chamber (44) by-passing the inlet (46). The vortex valve is free from a spring device capable of urging the closure (6) from the open position to the close position. The vortex valve (40) may be provided at the outlet of a gully and is useful in enabling a blockage, which may occur at the inlet (46) of the vortex valve (40), to be by-passed, thereby draining any accumulated liquid in the gully. The blockage may then be removed when the gully is relatively dry.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Hydro International plcInventor: Roy Brereton
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Patent number: 5568911Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a water drain having a motor-actuated valve. The motor drives first and second rotatable members in a common first direction until the second rotatable member reaches a drain-opening position for actuating a drain-opening mechanism to open the drain valve. Simultaneously, an electric switch is operated to temporarily de-energize the motor in order to keep the valve open for a predetermined period. After the motor restarts (i.e., once the draining has been completed) the first and second motors are again rotated in the common first direction until a cam on the second rotatable member engages a fixed cam. The cam on the second rotatable member rides on the fixed cam to disengage the second movable member for rotation relative to the first rotatable member in a second direction to reclose the drain valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin D. Kim
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Patent number: 5511763Abstract: A water saving device, implemented as a pair of spring loaded, normally-open shutoff valves inserted into the hot and cold water supply lines of a faucet, which are connected via a cable mechanism to a foot actuator. Actuating the mechanism causes the shutoff valves to close, interrupting any flow of water in the supply lines. Releasing the mechanism allows flow to resume. The shutoff valves are installed in series upstream of the normal hand-operated faucet valves. The user starts the water flow and adjusts the temperature of the water in the normal manner using the hand-operated faucet valves. When the user wishes to temporarily stop the water flow he or she steps on the foot pedal, thereby causing the shutoff valves to close. When the pedal is released the shutoff valves open and the water flow resumes at the same flow rate and temperature previously set by the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Inventor: Ronald D. Green
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Patent number: 5496012Abstract: An industrial roll-up damper that contains all welded internal attachment components and during normal operation, all moving parts are isolated from the duct flow. In one particular embodiment, the roll-up damper is designed to be used as a gas turbine inlet shutoff damper in conjunction with an inlet dehumidification system. The roll-up damper comprises a single sheet membrane stored on a roll-up spool and an inflatable rubber seal which when applied to gas turbines, functions to isolate the turbine inlet, thereby allowing dehumidified air to be introduced into the intake of the turbines while the engine is not in operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: C&W Fabricators, Inc.Inventor: Larry A. Kenny, III
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Patent number: 5465939Abstract: A mechanical limit control device for adjustably halting the operation of a winch at preset points including a proportionally driven flexible cog belt providing a compact conformable configuration having projections which operate a snap action air valve to limit the deployment extent of a pneumatically operated winch.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: Leslie J. Sell
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Patent number: 5462254Abstract: In the bulk material container having a bottom outlet valve, a valve seat (2) having a conically shaped feed side (25) is arranged in a conductor tube (1) which is attached at the bottom outlet of the container (24). On the outlet side, on the valve seat is supported a dished valve disk (3), which projects by its dishing into the opening of the valve seat (2) and which has a guide pin (4) on its hollow side. The guide pin is mounted to be able to slide in a guide sleeve (6) arranged in the conductor tube (1) and is connected to an actuating device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventor: Josef Muller
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Patent number: 5423343Abstract: In a sewage piping system that includes a new sewer main line that crosses existing lateral sewer lines, a rotary valve is installed at the intersection of the main line and each lateral line. Ditches containing the lines may be backfilled. Before completion and testing of the new main line; the valve permits the existing lateral line to be used as before. Thereafter the valve is rotated from above ground to connect the lateral line to the new main line and to seal off the unused portion of the lateral line.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Inventor: Ernie N. Crouch
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Patent number: 5356115Abstract: A valve which is particularly suited for use as a vacuum relief valve in an industrial vacuum cleaning system and which the vacuum operator may quickly and easily open from any position throughout a full 360 degrees about the valve to cut off the suction at the intake end of the vacuum system suction hose in the event the hose becomes blocked or some part of the vacuum operator's body or clothes is accidentally sucked into the intake end.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Inventor: B. J. Helmick
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Patent number: 5329960Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly in which a valve is actuated by a flexible high pressure hose in cooperation with a commonly attached linkage. The valve assembly is attachable between a fire hose and a source of high pressure fluid. The assembly allows a user to open the valve to the high pressure fluid source from a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Inventor: Thomas J. Bello
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Patent number: 5307837Abstract: Water valve apparatus with distal control includes at least one valve for controlling flow of water therethrough and having a movable actuator for starting and stopping the flow of water. A permanent magnet, disposed proximate said actuator for magnetic engagement therewith, is provided for moving the actuator between a first position stopping water flow through the valve and a second position allowing water flow through the valve. A movable member is provided to alter the magnetic engagement between the permanent magnet and the actuator in order to move the actuator. A cable, having a slidable center wire attached to the movable member and a sheath attached to the valve is connected to a manually operable lever, for operating said cable in a manner causing movement of the movable member and concomitant movement of the actuator, as a result of magnetic engagement alteration, in order to start and stop water flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventors: Robert L. Woltz, Christopher K. Wynkoop
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Patent number: 5281049Abstract: A rotatable driver comprising a Geneva type wheel is operated by a turning knob associated with climate designations on a mounting dashboard panel. The driver has drive pins that engage slots in tangential movement in driven links connected to push-pull cables. These cables in turn are connected to control doors in air ducts in vehicle climate control systems. The driver includes a wall segment selectively engageable with the driven links to serve as a stop such that upon driving movement of one of the driven links the other driven link is held stationary. One of the driven links has a cam edge that actuates an electric switch for an air conditioning unit on the vehicle in selected positions of the driven link. A directional air flow lever has an axis of rotation in alignment with the axis of rotation of the rotatable driver and operative between the turning knob and the mounting panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1992Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Sprague Aristo-Aire, Inc.Inventor: Donald E. Holt
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Patent number: 5263449Abstract: A throttle cam for a throttle valve comprises a throttle cam for a throttle valve with the throttle cam comprising a cam body having a shaft opening with an opening axis. The throttle cam further comprises a trough-shaped cable track adjoining the cam body. The cable track comprises a track bottom having one end adjacent to cable connection openings, and a pair of track walls separated by the track bottom. The track walls extend away from an opening axis and lie in a radial plane so that, when the cam body is in a closed position, the throttle cable is received in the track bottom, and when the cam body is sufficiently rotated away from the closed position, a portion of the throttle cable is displaced away from the track bottom in the radial plane. The cable track further comprises a cam clip adjoining one of the track walls to obstruct displacement of the throttle cable beyond the track walls when the cam body is rotated away from the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Ray E. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 5263684Abstract: A foot-operated control for adjusting a water faucet valve mechanism is disclosed herein having a turning mechanism coupled to a faucet valve in a water line responsive to a foot pedal or treadle for selectively opening and closing the valve to control the flow of water therethrough. Examples of a turning mechanism may be a looped cord about a drum or a lever arm attached to the valve, either of which is operated by a push rod or cable actuated by the foot pedal or treadle.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1989Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Inventor: Michael P. McGuire
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Patent number: 5246250Abstract: An air bag valve assembly for installation in an opening in the fabric wall of an air bag includes first and second housing panels of flexible sheet material which overlie one another and are permeable to pass gas therethrough. The edge portions of the housing panels are stitched together to form a housing envelope in which a valve flap panel of flexible sheet material is supported. A tether is attached to the valve flap panel to move the valve flap panel across the gas permeable first and second panels when the tether is actuated. The valve assembly may be normally closed by using a gas impermeable material for the valve flap panel. Alternatively, the valve assembly may be normally open and then the actuation of the tether pulls a gas impermeable valve flap across the gas permeable first and second panels to block the flow of gas. The housing panels may be of a gas impermeable fabric having holes cut therein, or the panels may be an open weave mesh construction to pass gas therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Michael J. Wolanin, Laura C. Stevenson, David E. Pettigrove
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Patent number: 5244184Abstract: A fluid flow control device comprises a duct having an inlet aperture and an obturating member, which is mounted in the duct and movable by an actuating member between a first position in which it closes the duct and a second position in which the duct is fully open. The control device comprises a flexible membrane which is fixed around its periphery to the annular wall of the duct. The membrane is arranged to adopt a closing position in which its central region closes off the inlet aperture within the duct, and an open position in which its central region is spaced away from the inlet opening so that the fluid can pass through the latter and through further apertures formed in an annular region of the membrane which join its central region to its periphery.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Valeo Thermique HabitacleInventor: Patrick Larseneur
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Patent number: 5238220Abstract: A butterfly valve is utilized to control air flow in the environmental control air distribution system of an aircraft. A linkage system enables the valve to be manually controlled under normal conditions but to be shut off remotely in case of an emergency condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1991Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sidney D. Shell, Dung T. Vu
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Patent number: 5230365Abstract: Water value apparatus with distal control includes at least one valve for controlling flow of water therethrough and having a movable actuator for starting and stopping the flow of water. A movable permanent magnet, disposed proximate said actuator for magnetic engagement therewith, is provided for moving the actuator between a first position stopping water flow through the valve and a second position allowing water flow through the valve. A cable, having a slidable center wire attached to the permanent magnet means and a sheath attached to the valve is connected to a manually operable lever, for operating said cable in a manner causing movement of the permanent magnet means and concomitant movement of the actuator in order to start and stop water flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Inventors: Robert L. Woltz, Christopher K. Wynkoop
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Patent number: 5199685Abstract: A fluid flow control device comprises a duct having a masking membrane arranged within the duct for movement between a first position, in which it closes the duct, and a second position in which it allows fluid to pass through the duct. The masking member is in the form of a deformable membrane disposed across the duct, the membrane having two portions having bellows-type folds and opposed end elements defining between them a flow aperture, which can be opened or closed to adjust the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Valeo Thermique HabitacleInventor: Patrick Larseneur
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Patent number: 5193469Abstract: A variable rate "on the go" fertilizer application controller for use with an agricultural earth working implement comprising a controlled metering device mounted on the implement. The control includes a reversible motor that operates a valve in the meter and at the same time a power take-off from the valve actuator drive operates a calibrated dial indicator to be interpreted by an operator so that action may be taken by a remote control device to make adjustments to compensate for variable soil conditions to get optimum crop production.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: Brian E. Tochor
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Patent number: 5180140Abstract: Herein disclosed are a hot/cold water mixing faucet structure and a mounting structure therefor, which are installed on a lavatory sink and enabled to joint and integrate a control knob and a faucet body directly and to control the separate two at a remote position by a control cable. The faucet body (15) housing a control unit (30) for controlling the temperature and/or flow of hot water to be spouted can be integrated into the hot/cold water mixing faucet device by separating the faucet body (15) and a control knob (16) and by jointing the two directly into the integral hot/cold water mixing faucet device through the meshing of the threads (29a and 26b). The faucet body (15) can be disposed in a different position by separating the control knob (16) and the faucet body (15) and connecting them to the ends (17a and 17b) of a removable control cable (17), and by mounting the control knob (16) on the lavatory sink (9) and so on.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: January 19, 1993Assignee: Inax CorporationInventor: Osamu Araki
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Patent number: 5172552Abstract: An exhaust driven turbocharger includes a wastegate valve which is operated by a pneumatic actuator mounted on the outer edge of the compressor housing. A portion of the linkage interconnecting the actuator with the wastegate valve includes a flexible cable which is routed around the edge of the turbine housing, around the center housing and over the outer edge of the turbine housing to a lever which operates the wastegate. In alternate embodiment, the axis of the actuator extends substantially parallel to the axis of the turbocharger, and the flexible cable is looped around the end of the turbocharger and extends across the center housing to engage the lever actuating the wastegate valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1991Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: David G. Elpern, Glenn G. Gaba
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Patent number: 5163473Abstract: A valve system for use on vehicles for automatic fuel delivery to the vehicle fuel tank. An entry member having a conical passage is arranged on the fuel filler door of the vehicle. A valve body located behind the fuel filler door includes a sliding valve member which alternatively opens and closes a central passageway coupled with the vehicle fuel tank. An actuator system employs an actuation switch as well as a safety switch requiring the ignition of the vehicle to be off. Compressed air is controlled by the switch to open and close the valve member through a control cable. An automatic delivery system is associated with the valve system and employs three tracks orthogonally arranged with one track mounting a fuel nozzle to interact with the valve system.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1990Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Inventor: Rudolph A. Strnad, Jr.
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Patent number: 5117514Abstract: An improved toilet flapper valve (10) designed to directly replace either a conventional toilet flapper valve or tank ball valve. The valve (10) allows a toilet user to selectively determine the quantity of water used for a toilet flush by controlling the time that a toilet flush handle (38) is held in the depressed position. The water quantity used depends on whether liquid or solid waste is to be flushed. For liquid waste, a partial flush is used; for solid waste a full flush is recommended. The valve (10) consists of a resilient body having a cavity (12) located over the toilet tank drain (34). The cavity houses a weight (16) that fulfills two functions: it provides the weight necessary to make the valve non-buoyant and it produces under the area of the weight, a flat rigid section (18) that extends radially over and beyond the perimeter of the valve seat (36). This rigid section provides a positive seal without sagging which can produce unnoticed leaks.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1991Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Inventor: Robert A. Richter
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Patent number: 5103852Abstract: A safety system for a pressurized transfer installation having piping between a storage tank and a flexible transfer hose, includes a shut off valve located in the piping, the shut off valve having selectable closed and open positions, and a cable for mechanically shifting the shut off valve to the closed position, the cable extending to a position remote from the flexible transfer hose.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Inventors: James S. Jones, David P. Ward
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Patent number: 5052430Abstract: A fluid powered valve actuator is disclosed for a valve having a valve body and a threaded valve stem for connecting to the actuator to be reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to open and close the valve. The actuator includes an actuator housing for attaching to the valve body, a fluid motor mounted on the housing having a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and a piston rod having one end attached to the piston. To connect the valve stem to the piston rod, a connecting block having a threaded opening in one end is screwed onto the threads on the valve stem. An opening in the other end of the block receives the end of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignee: G. H. BettisInventor: Wayne L. Trautwein
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Patent number: 5048556Abstract: The transom-mounted valve includes a valve sleeve disposed in the drain port of a boat transom and carrying a valve stem for axial movement. The valve stem includes a valve head movable with the stem between valve-open and valve-closed positions. A cap is releasably secured on the inboard end of the sleeve and mounts an actuating cable guide and anchor, as well as a cam pivotally carried by the cap and attachable to the movable portion of the actuating cable. The cam engages the valve stem. Upon rotation of the cam by linear movement of the actuator cable, the stem is moved against the bias of the spring from the valve-closed to the valve-open position with the spring bias closing the valve when the cam is moved to the valve-closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Master Concepts Inc.Inventors: Albert L. Grumelot, William J. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5033510Abstract: A conduit isolation baffle assembly designed to be installed in a conduit system such as a vent and wastewater system of a building. The flexible baffle is installed in a groove having a sidewall and seat formed in the interior surface of a conduit to isolate the system for testing. Once the testing procedures are complete, the baffle is flexed into a saddle shape so that it is removable from the conduit without disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Inventor: Donald G. Huber
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Patent number: 5024418Abstract: A poppet is modulated between closed and full open positions by a brushless DC motor operating magnetically through a housing to drive a permanent magnet rotor which carries the poppet. The rotor is supported on several parallel cables which are stationarily fixed at one end and attached to the rotor at the other end, whereby rotation of the rotor twists the cables, causing axial foreshortening and axial translation of rotor and poppet. Axial translation is enhanced by placing a spacer between the cables, intermediate their ends. A permanent magnet ring is disposed around the valve seat directly axially attracting the rotor to a valve closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1989Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert H. Reinicke, Rafic Mohtar, Richard O. Nelson
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Patent number: 5020567Abstract: A valve is installed into an underground conduit to control drainage of water through that conduit. The drainage control valve includes a perforated plate across the conduit. The latter plate is formed with a peripheral groove rectangular in cross section and a hollow tube made of flexible material is inserted into this groove to seal the joint between the plate and the inner surface of the conduit. A flap also made of flexible material is applied against the upstream surface of the plate and is formed with a peripheral edge taper whereby pressure applied on the flap by water upstream of the drainage valve forces the edge taper against the upstream plate surface to form a sealed joint between these flap and plate. The upper portion of the flap is attached to the upper portion of the plate through screw and nut assemblies. These assemblies traverse rigid washers inserted in respective holes made in the flap.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Innotag Inc.Inventor: Serge L. Proulx
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Patent number: 5018470Abstract: The remotely operated linear actuated valve includes a sleeve open at one end with radial ports about the sleeve. A valve seat is disposed between the open end and the ports. A valve member is slidable axially in the sleeve. Slots are formed through the sleeve and valve member to receive a guide for a cam, the valve member carrying a cam follower. By linearly displacing the cam in a direction normal to the axial direction, the valve member is moved between valve closed and valve open positions. A cap is releasably secured on the sleeve whereby ready and quick disassembly and reassembly of the valve elements may be effected.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1990Date of Patent: May 28, 1991Assignee: Master Concepts Inc.Inventors: William J. Mitchell, Albert L. Grumelot
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Patent number: 5010836Abstract: A leak-tight rotatable plug valve for controlling water flow to and from a fish livewell in a fishing boat. The valve body has opposite ends connected with an inlet hose for fresh water intake and a drain hose extending from the livewell drain. A pump inlet passage in the valve body intersects with the valve flow passage and mounts a pump having its discharge connected with a supply hose leading to the livewell. When the valve is open, fresh water can be pumped to fill the livewell when the pump is active and the livewell can be drained when the pump is inactive. When the valve is closed, the pump recirculates water through the drain hose and supply hose to avoid stagnation and provide aeration for the livewell.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1989Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Tracker Marine CorporationInventor: Anthony L. Riviezzo
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Patent number: 5009345Abstract: An apparatus for closing a chute includes a chute for dispensing a granular material. A gate assembly is mounted for controllably opening and closing the chute and includes a bridge member with a curved gate attached to it. The gate assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the gate permits granular material to be dispensed through the chute and in the second position, the gate co-acts with a sealing member and the chute to prevent material from passing through the chute. In a highly preferred embodiment, the sealing member comprises a plurality of inwardly projecting curved ridges formed on the interior of the chute.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: J. I. Case CompanyInventors: Michael A. McSweeney, John F. Stufflebeam
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Patent number: 5009249Abstract: A pressure regulator for use in regulating the pressure of inflating an inflatable member from a high pressure source wherein a valve housing has one end attached to a pressure source and the other end attached to a trigger mechanism. A spool valve is slidably biased into contact with the trigger mechanism which in the locked condition retains the spool valve in an inoperative condition and prevents the flow of fluid from the pressure source to inflate the inflatable member. Upon actuation of the trigger mechanism the spool valve is first unseated from its inoperative condition by a first spring and thence placed into a pressure regulating condition by a second spring in opposition to the escaping fluid pressure acting on annular face of the spool valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich CompanyInventors: John M. Fisher, David R. Young
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Patent number: RE36244Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a burning or gushing well comprises a hollow tubular plug body (20) sized for insertion into a well casing (112). Provided on the plug body are a retainer module (54) for retaining the plug within the well casing; a sealing sleeve (46) provided for forming a seal between the plug body and the well casing; and a valve assembly (50) for selectively closing a hollow internal passageway of the tubular plug body. The plug body is loaded on a gantry assembly (21), which in turn is carried by a shielded vehicle (24). At the base of the gantry assembly are provided an alignment assembly (37) for aid in approach to the well casing and a cutter assembly (40) for sawing off inordinately protruding casings. In one embodiment, a protective break-away shell (118) circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the plug body.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Inventor: Bruce Matthews