With Additional Pilot Valve Control Patents (Class 251/29)
  • Patent number: 7175155
    Abstract: The control valve apparatus holds a seat valve member in a position seated on a valve seat to thereby prevent a backward flow even if the pressure in the inlet chamber side becomes lower than the pressure in the outlet chamber side. With a pilot control valve member is in a closed state, when the pressure in the inlet chamber is higher, a pressurized medium is introduced to the control pressure chamber via a first valve unit and is cut off from the outlet chamber by a second valve unit. When the pressure in the outlet chamber is higher, the pressurized medium is introduced to the control pressure chamber via the second valve unit and is cut off from the outlet chamber by the first valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Takiguchi, Masami Ochiai, Tsutomu Udagawa, Katsumi Ueno, Takashi Yagyu, Yukihiko Sugiyama, Mitsuo Aihara
  • Patent number: 7121522
    Abstract: A device for regulating flow comprises a main valve operating under differential pressure wherein the main valve has a main flow inlet and a main flow outlet. The main flow inlet is equipped with a valve seat over which a main shutter is adjusted in a perpendicular direction to its shuttering plane. The main shutter has a hole on its locking face communicating with a pressure chamber disposed above the main shutter. A secondary control valve regulates small flows through the hole so as to create greater or less pressure within the pressure chamber to close or open the main shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Sergio Pérez
  • Patent number: 7028975
    Abstract: A flush valve structure to control flush water through a pressure difference mainly includes a case, a solenoid assembly, an upper intermediate board, a lower intermediate board and a main water ball. The upper intermediate board has a small water pressure release hole. The lower intermediate board has a holding trough mating a medium water valve. The solenoid assembly can open the small water pressure release hole to generate a pressure difference to actuate the medium water valve to form a greater pressure difference so that the main water ball is lifted rapidly to fully open the a main water discharge opening to flush maximum amount of water in a shortest period at the flushing start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Kuo-Chou Lee, Tsan-Chang Huang, Chi-Chin Hsu
  • Patent number: 7025326
    Abstract: Hydraulic engine valve actuation methods for internal combustion engines having improved energy efficiency. In hydraulic engine valve operating systems using spring returns for valve closure, the spring force is a minimum when the valve is closed and a maximum at the maximum lift. The present invention takes advantage of this difference by using a valve opening hydraulic force which is greater than the spring force when the valve is closed and less than the spring force when the valve is open at its maximum lift. The valve actuator is controlled to allow the valve, when opening, to overshoot the equilibrium condition. During the overshoot, the hydraulic actuator backfills with actuating fluid at it normal actuating pressure. When the valve velocity decays to zero or near zero, the flow of hydraulic fluid to (and from) the valve actuator may be cut off, capturing the valve substantially at the overshoot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Lammert, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Daniel D. Giordano, Christopher Wayne Turner, Christopher Stevens Balton, Guy Robert Babbitt
  • Patent number: 7021602
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a valve actuator comprising a first control valve that regulates fluid communication from a fluid pressure source to a first fluid supply tank that is fluidly connected to the valve actuator. A second control valve regulates fluid communication from the fluid pressure source to a second fluid supply tank that is fluidly connected to the valve actuator. A flow control member regulates fluid communication between the first and second fluid supply tanks and an exhaust valve that regulates fluid communication between the first and second fluid supply tanks and an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Albert S. Davis, John M. Saldivar, David R. Mefford, Frank J. Arriens, Daryl L. Ard
  • Patent number: 6991211
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated fluid control valve includes a piston and a piston actuator including a permanent magnet. First and second piston actuator positions for magnetically disposing the piston in valve open and valve closed positions are provided. A pneumatic actuator driving circuit pneumatically moves the piston actuator from one to the other of first and second piston actuator positions to dispose the piston in the open and closed positions. The valve includes an annular valve assembly. One valve assembly position is a normally closed position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to open the valve. Another valve assembly position is a normally open position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Altonji
  • Patent number: 6966285
    Abstract: A valve actuator control monitors engine valve trajectory, lift and seating velocity and varies the timing of internal feedback control channels to correct for engine valve positioning errors to achieve precise engine valve lift, closing timing and desired seating velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Zongxuan Sun
  • Patent number: 6935363
    Abstract: A pressure control system for controlling the pressure of a process fluid stream at a certain location having a pressure regulator disposed in the process fluid stream, through which the process fluid stream flows. A first pilot controller senses the pressure of the process fluid at the location and receives a control pressure from a control source. A second pilot controller receives the control pressure from the control source and provides added pressure. An inspirator receives the added pressure from the second pilot controller and generates a differential pressure. The differential pressure is used to control the pressure of the process fluid stream within the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator comprises a first chamber and a second chamber therein separated by a flexible element and a divider is disposed in the first chamber and operative to abut against the flexible element to divide the first chamber into separate spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon John Lamont, Chad Comeault, Roger William Harper
  • Patent number: 6934976
    Abstract: A tank-type flusher includes an intake valve, i.e., a fill valve, a diaphragm-operated flush valve, and a pressure control mechanism. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and is constructed to close water flow to a water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The diaphragm-operated flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. There is a diaphragm, separating a flush-valve chamber and a pilot chamber, arranged to seal the flush-valve chamber and thereby maintain pressure forcing the flush valve member to the seated state preventing the water discharge from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, David Hadley, Robert Shamitz
  • Patent number: 6926247
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet. There is a main seat assembly at the outlet. An outer cover is attached to the body and an inner cover is attached to the body within the outer cover. A piston is movable within the body and inner cover and, with the inner cover, defines a pressure chamber. The piston carries an exterior seal which bears against an inside wall of the inner cover during movement of the piston. A refill orifice in the piston connects the chamber with the body inlet. Pressure in the chamber maintains the piston closed upon the main seat assembly. A relief valve is positioned in the piston for venting the chamber to the outlet. When the relief valve is opened and the chamber is vented, the piston moves away from the main seat assembly connecting the inlet with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6913239
    Abstract: A flush valve includes a body having an inlet, an outlet and a main seat assembly between the inlet and outlet. A piston moves within the body and with the body defines a pressure chamber which is used to normally maintain the piston closed upon the main seat assembly. There is a refill orifice in the piston connecting the pressure chamber with the inlet. A relief valve is carried by the piston for venting the pressure chamber and there is a fluid driven apparatus for opening the relief valve, which apparatus is attached to the body. A hydraulic bypass in the body is connected to the fluid driven apparatus. The main seat assembly has a plurality of peripherally disposed fluid passages connecting the hydraulic bypass and the inlet to provide filtered fluid to the fluid driven apparatus. A first seal on the main seat assembly has a flat portion and an arcuate portion constrained within a channel. Lockout lugs formed in the seal prevent installation of an incorrectly sized piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Nortier
  • Patent number: 6820855
    Abstract: An air flow control valve including a valve body having an internal cavity and an inlet and outlet in flow communication with the internal cavity, the axes of the inlet and outlet being aligned at substantially 90° to each other, a valve seat located within the cavity and co-axially aligned with the outlet, the valve seat being located on the distal end of an upstanding tubular pedestal which is formed around the outlet, the internal cavity being configured so as to define an annular space around the pedestal with which the inlet is in flow communication; a flexible generally planar diaphragm mounted above the valve seat, the diaphragm supporting a valve closure member which is adapted to engage the valve seat to close the valve, valve control means for causing the diaphragm to move towards and away from the valve seat to close and open the valve respectiely; and the valve being characterised in that, with the valve oriented with the inlet axis horizontal and the outlet facing downwards, the valve seat is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. PTY Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Alexander Heller, Andrew John McCausland
  • Patent number: 6805328
    Abstract: A shut-off valve apparatus has a valve body and a valve member coupled to the valve body. The valve member is movable between a first position blocking material flow through the valve body and a second position permitting material flow through the valve body. A pneumatic actuator receives pressurized air to move the valve member from the first position to the second position. A pneumatic exhaust controller controls the flow of pressurized air into and out of the pneumatic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Maxon Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Filkovski, Brook W. Pence, Wayne D. Morroney
  • Patent number: 6802339
    Abstract: The fitting, in particular a safety valve, operates according to the relief principle or according to the loading principle. The fitting is opened and closed by a plurality of control parts. The control parts are connected in series in the control line of the fitting and are each actuated by a control valve. The control parts open the fitting only when all the control parts are in a position which opens the fitting. The fitting closes as soon as even only one of the control parts is in a position which closes the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Framatome ANP GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann-Josef Conrads, Erwin Laurer, Jürgen Model
  • Patent number: 6776180
    Abstract: In one aspect, the prevent invention provides control apparatus for controlling the pressure of a water distribution system. Typically the apparatus will be connected to a main pressure reducing valve in the system, which main valve is under the control of a dual diaphragm pilot valve. The control apparatus includes variable gas pressure output pipes which, in one embodiment, are connected to the pilot valve. There is also provided a relatively high gas pressure source and a relatively low gas pressure source, each of which are selectively connectable to the variable gas pressure output means in order to vary the pressure of the variable gas pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Technolog Limited
    Inventor: Claude Yonnet
  • Publication number: 20040099828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pilot-operated pressure shut-off valve having a main control piston which, when an upper system limit pressure in the hydraulic system is reached, connects an inlet, via which pressure medium can be fed to a hydraulic system, to an outlet by taking up a first switching position and, when a lower system limit pressure is reached, separates from the outlet by taking up a second switching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter Krenzer, Karl Josef Meyer, Peter Lauer
  • Patent number: 6739293
    Abstract: Hydraulic engine valve actuation systems and methods for internal combustion engines. The systems utilize a proportional valve to regulate the flow of a working fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator controlling the engine valve position. The position of the proportional valve is controlled by one or more high speed valves to control various engine valve parameters, including engine valve takeoff and landing velocities. Returning all valves to a known starting position between engine valve events avoids accumulation of errors in proportional valve positioning. Embodiments using spool valves for the high speed valves and the proportional valve, and spring return and hydraulic return for the engine valve, are disclosed. A specially shaped spool in the proportional valve provides enhanced control over the engine valve operation. Various further alternate embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Sturman Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wayne Turner, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Guy Robert Babbitt
  • Publication number: 20040065854
    Abstract: Hydraulic engine valve actuation methods for internal combustion engines having improved energy efficiency. In hydraulic engine valve operating systems using spring returns for valve closure, the spring force is a minimum when the valve is closed and a maximum at the maximum lift. The present invention takes advantage of this difference by using a valve opening hydraulic force which is greater than the spring force when the valve is closed and less than the spring force when the valve is open at its maximum lift. The valve actuator is controlled to allow the valve, when opening, to overshoot the equilibrium condition. During the overshoot, the hydraulic actuator backfills with actuating fluid at it normal actuating pressure. When the valve velocity decays to zero or near zero, the flow of hydraulic fluid to (and from) the valve actuator may be cut off, capturing the valve substantially at the overshoot position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael P. Lammert, Miguel Angelo Raimao, Daniel D. Giordano, Christopher Wayne Turner, Christopher Stevens Balton, Guy Robert Babbitt
  • Patent number: 6685159
    Abstract: A valve system (10) that employs a piezo-electric element (38) to activate a fluid flow valve (18) so as to use a minimal amount of electrical energy. The piezo-electric element (38) activates a pilot pressure valve (36), which allows a control fluid to pass to a main control valve (44). The control fluid causes the main control valve (44) to activate a working element (16), which in turn operates the fluid flow valve (18). A switching assembly (70) is employed to activate the piezo-electric element (38). The switching assembly (70) can include various types of switching devices, such as RF switching devices, optical switching devices, infrared switching devices and low voltage electrical switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Schnell
  • Patent number: 6644346
    Abstract: The fitting, in particular a safety valve, operates according to the relief principle or according to the loading principle. The fitting is opened and closed by a plurality of pilot parts. The pilot parts are connected in series in the control line of the fitting and are each actuated by a pilot valve. The pilot parts open the fitting only when all the pilot parts are in a position which opens the fitting. The fitting closes as soon as even only one of the pilot parts is in a position which closes the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Framatome ANP GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann-Josef Conrads, Erwin Laurer, Jürgen Model
  • Patent number: 6416033
    Abstract: A valve actuation system with cooperating pneumatic and hydraulic control features. Compressed pneumatic fluid is generated in a pneumatic fluid supply, and flows in response to requirements between a predetermined command signal and an existing position of a working fluid valve. Hydraulic fluid is pressurized by a pump, and stored within the system by an accumulator. A servo valve comprising a pneumatic fluid flow path and a hydraulic fluid flow path is included to facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the servo valve hydraulic fluid path and a downstream actuator for the working fluid valve in proportion to changes in pneumatic fluid flow through the servo valve pneumatic fluid flow path. A saturated fluid feedback circuit is included to shut off the flow of pneumatic and hydraulic fluid during select periods, such periods typically coincident with static conditions within the actuator of the working fluid valve, thereby reducing pump duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Samuel Holley McKell, Craig Grant Haroldsen, Laren James Winkel, Robert Edmund Gooch
  • Patent number: 6398181
    Abstract: A valve arrangement (10) for hydraulically actuated machinery installations, especially for powered support assemblies in underground mining, with hydraulically actuated working valves (12, 13, 14) to control hydraulic cylinders (11) or other hydraulically actuated machinery units of the machinery installation and with pilot valves (15) controlling the working valves. In order to avoid the pilot valves (15) and working valves (12, 13, 14) entering an unstable operating condition in the event of a falling off of pressure in the hydraulic fluid supply to the valves, and opening and closing in an uncontrollable and undesired manner, the pilot valves (15) are attached to their own pressure medium supply (17), separate or separable from the hydraulic fluid supply (20) to the working valves (12, 13, 14), so that pressure variations in the hydraulic fluid supply circuit do not affect the pressure medium for the switching of the working valves (12, 13, 14), but the pressure in them is maintained largely constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: DBT Deutsche Bergbau-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Dettmers, Wolfgang Kobow, Werner Reinelt
  • Publication number: 20020063227
    Abstract: A primary pressure chamber (7) and a secondary pressure chamber (8) leading to an inlet (5) disposed at the lower part of a main body and an outlet (6) disposed at a side part of the main body, respectively, are formed by dividing an interior of the main body, and the chambers (7, 8) are linked to each other through a valve port (10) upwardly formed coaxially with the inlet (5). A valve disc (11) disposed to open and close the valve port (10) is urged in a valve-closing direction by a spring (12). A diaphragm (13) coupled to the valve disc (11) divides a diaphragm chamber (15) disposed on a back side of the diaphragm (13) in the interior of the main body (1) from the primary pressure chamber (7) An effective pressure-receiving area of the diaphragm (13) on a side of the diaphragm chamber (15) is set greater than that of the diaphragm on a side of the primary pressure chamber (7). The chambers (7, 15) are linked to each other through a bypass flow path (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuura, Hisayuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6370707
    Abstract: A remote valve (46) controls relief of pressure by way from a pilot-valve chamber (38) whose pressure in turn controls pressure relief pressure chamber (24) by which a pressurized-water source holds a flush valve (12) seated in a flush opening at the base of a toilet tank (18). An actuator chamber defined by a housing (74) and flexible diaphragms (72) and (94) contains an incompressible fluid, and the user's depression of a push button (44) causes that fluid to be displaced through a check valve (100) so as to displace a valve member (102), which is coupled to one of the flexible diaphragms, from a sealing position to an unsealing position, where it permits flow from a valve inlet (104) to a valve outlet (48). This relieves the pressure that holds the flush valve (12) closed. A spring (101) biases the valve member (102) to a rest position, to which it tends to return when the user releases the push button (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Kay Herbert, Robert S. Shamitz
  • Patent number: 6321395
    Abstract: By depressing a push button (42), a toilet user opens a valve (44) that permits pressure holding a flush valve (12) seated to be exhausted through a pressure-relief line (48). The pressure in the flow path by which liquid thereby leaves the outlet (46) of the remote valve (44) tends to hold that remote valve's valve member (100) open after the user releases the push button (42). But pressure from the pressure-relief line (48) slowly builds up in a seating-pressure chamber (110) by fluid flow through a high-flow-resistance path provided by a passage containing a fluted pin (114). After a resultant delay sufficient to permit the toilet's tank (16) to empty through the outlet (22) controlled by the flush valve (12), the pressure within the seating-pressure chamber (80) reaches a point at which the force exerted by it on the valve member (110) exceeds the flow-path-pressure force tending to keep that valve member unseated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler
  • Patent number: 6311714
    Abstract: A fluid path opening/closing valve comprises a plate-like valve plug and a rack which is fixed to a piston of an emergency shut-down air cylinder. The rack meshes with a pinion which rotates by a reversible motor with a clutch. If a seismic detecting valve detects earthquake which has over predetermined seismic intensity and opens, compressed air is sent from an air tank via the opened seismic detecting valve to a switching cylinder which disconnects the clutch. At the same time, compressed air is sent from the air tank to the emergency shut-down air cylinder via a delay valve to lower the piston with the fluid-path opening/closing valve which closes the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nichigi Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6311718
    Abstract: An activator valve for providing a time temporary vacuum at an output port which is normally at atmospheric pressure. The timed vacuum is provided in response to an increase in air pressure in an interruptible vacuum chamber, such as that by briefly opening the valve between the outside of the valve and the interruptible vacuum chamber. When this pressure increases, a diaphragm holding a magnet moves downwardly attracting a ferro-magnetic disk upwardly. The ferro-magnetic disk opens a valve between the output port and a main vacuum source port. This causes a vacuum to be drawn at the output port, which in turn operates a remote device which the activator valve is controlling. When the source of outside air to the interruptible vacuum chamber is closed the outside air is then drawn from the interruptible vacuum chamber, causing the magnet to once again rise and release the ferro-magnetic member, closing the valve between the main source of vacuum and the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Co.
    Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron Hahn, Enrique P. Loreto
  • Patent number: 6273135
    Abstract: A high pressure fuel system includes tapped high pressure flows (22,24) with restrictors (44,46) to provide low pressure flows with which, via a valve (50) to enable either a low pressure flow to bias a main, high pressure fuel cut off valve (16) to close at a steady given rate, or a high pressure flow across a further valve (30), to close the valve (16) at a faster rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Russell A Loxley
  • Patent number: 6119283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evacuation of liquids, such as wastewater from e.g. wash basins, urinals, bath tubs or showers, whereby the liquid is collected in a sump, generates a hydrostatic pressure and is evacuated from the sump through a vacuum pipeline after a predetermined hydrostatic pressure is generated. In order to avoid flexible control conduits and to achieve time controlled evacuation with a simple mechanism, valves are integrated in a housing and operated by pressure differences acting on diaphragms after a certain hydrostatic pressure has been generated. One of the valves opens a connection between the sump and the vacuum pipeline to evacuate the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Roediger Vakuum- und Haustechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Galler
  • Patent number: 6116258
    Abstract: Pilot valves used in electrohydraulic control systems are driven by either an electromagnetic electromechanical actuator or an electromotor electromechanical actuator. A drawback of electromagnetic actuation is that on brief interruptions of electrical power the actuator causes a trip response to the pilot valve, whereas a drawback of electromotor actuation is that on complete interruptions of electrical power the actuator cannot independently cause a trip response of the pilot valve on demand. The proposed modification, involving the pilot valve, provides a means to effect a trip response regardless of the electromechanical actuator type used, together with overcoming the drawback of electromotor actuation. To realize the trip response, an additional piston (connected to the electromotor actuator's stem) is positioned between the actuator stem and the pilot valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Compressor Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Vadim Shapiro, Dmitry Drob, Mykhailo Volynskyi, Boris Zilberman
  • Patent number: 5957148
    Abstract: A main valve receives fluid at an inlet and transmits the fluid to an outlet. The main valve has a rear face. A surge control servo valve responds to a load sense signal and moves between a closed position and an open position in which the fluid is transmitted from the inlet to the rear face of the main valve, to close the main valve. A deadman control mechanism responds to a pneumatic control signal and actuates the surge control servo to the closed position when the load sense signal is less than a threshold value. The deadman control mechanism includes: a pneumatically operated piston, separate and distinct from the surge control servo, and a member connected to the piston for engaging the surge control servo within an atmospherically vented chamber. Also, a bypass valve system comprises a main valve for receiving fluid at an inlet and transmitting the fluid to tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Transervice, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Sell
  • Patent number: 5848779
    Abstract: A controlling motor for moving a stem along an axis has a hydraulic actuator with a cylinder in which a piston that is frictionally linked to the stem is slidingly and sealingly mounted, as well as a compression spring that is frictionally linked to the stem and acts against the actuator. The controlling motor has a trigger with an inflow area into which hydraulic fluid may be introduced, a pressure area that communicates with the inflow area through a diaphragm and is connected to the actuator, and a drainage area from which the hydraulic fluid may be evacuated without pressure, as well as a switching element that links the pressure area to the drainage area when a positive pressure differential occurs between the pressure area and the inflow area, and that otherwise shuts off the drainage area. The stem may be pushed out of the cylinder by the compression spring and may be drawn into the cylinder when hydraulic fluid is applied to the inflow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Murbe, Matthias Hartmann, Hans-Frieder Schneider
  • Patent number: 5806766
    Abstract: An electrohydraulically actuatable injection valve includes a control piston which divides an annular conduit from a control chamber disposed between the control piston and an actuator rod. A spring is disposed between the control piston and the actuator rod. The annular conduit also communicates through a control valve with a drain. If the control valve is closed with the injection valve open, the control piston opens a communication between the annular conduit and the control chamber, so that a nozzle needle is pressed onto an associated valve seat and abruptly stops the injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hinrich Krueger, Wendelin Kluegl
  • Patent number: 5791375
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and structures for controlling a valve. One embodiment provides a valve control comprising a first valve fluidly connected with a first fluid conveying conduit and a second fluid conveying conduit. The first valve is movable between a first position where fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit and a second position where fluid does not communicate between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A first source of relatively increased pressure and a first source of relatively reduced pressure are provided. A third conduit fluidly connects the first source of relatively increased pressure and the first source of relatively reduced pressure with the first valve. A third valve is fluidly connected with the third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jeffrey Y. Pan, Donald Ver Lee
  • Patent number: 5775371
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and structures for controlling a valve. One embodiment provides a valve control comprising a first valve fluidly connected with a first fluid conveying conduit and a second fluid conveying conduit. The first valve is movable between a first position where fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit and a second position where fluid does not communicate between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A first source of relatively increased pressure and a first source of relatively reduced pressure are provided. A third conduit fluidly connects the first source of relatively increased pressure and the first source of relatively reduced pressure with the first valve. A third valve is fluidly connected with the third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jeffrey Y. Pan, Donald Ver Lee
  • Patent number: 5755248
    Abstract: A tank pressure control valve is provided for controlling the discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. In one embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to control a flexible diaphragm operable between a closed position blocking discharge of fuel vapor from the fuel tank and an opened position allowing such discharge. In another embodiment, the tank pressure control valve is configured to use pressurized fuel vapor to move a flexible diaphragm to move a rigid valve member between a closed position and an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Szlaga, Robert H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5638775
    Abstract: A pressurization system for controlling actuation of flow control valves in a temperature control system is disclosed. The pressurization system includes a housing which has a chamber formed in it. An input injector is in communication with the housing and is adapted to channel a flow of pressurized fluid into the chamber. An output injector is also in communication with the housing and is adapted to channel a flow of pressurized fluid out of the chamber. Fluid flow control means is connected to the housing and has at least one fluid outlet. The fluid outlet is adapted to direct a flow of pressurized fluid to a flow control valve to control actuation of the valve. The fluid flow control means has an open position for allowing a flow of pressurized fluid out of the fluid outlet and a closed position for preventing fluid flow out of the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5628489
    Abstract: A master/slave discharge valve assembly for pressurized fluid containment systems includes a primary valve chamber, for connection to a fluid pressure source, formed by an eccentrically disposed first longitudinal bore and a secondary valve chamber defined by a second bore generally parallel to that of the primary chamber, communicating at one end with the primary valve chamber and a the other end with a discharge port. A displaceable primary valve member is positioned within the primary valve chamber. A slave valve member and an actuating piston are to open the slave valve member and permit a holding portion of pressurized fluid to vent to the atmosphere, thereby permitting the pressurized fluid to open the first valve member and allow pressurized fluid out the discharge port. A master/slave valve assembly according to the invention is of lower cost to manufacture as well as simpler and sturdier in construction than known valves for carbon dioxide fire suppression systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Stuart D. Woodman
  • Patent number: 5615710
    Abstract: A pilot-type change-over valve which includes a main valve segment, a poppet-type amplifying pilot valve that switches the main valve segment by use of a pilot fluid, and a solenoid pilot valve that switches the amplifying pilot valve by use of the pilot fluid. The use of the amplifying pilot valve whose capacity is larger than that of the solenoid pilot valve and corresponds to that of the main valve segment permits switching the large-capacity main valve segment with the small solenoid pilot valve with small power requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideharu Sato
  • Patent number: 5586575
    Abstract: An electropneumatic converter controlled by solenoid valves, in which the solenoid valves are connected respectively to the feed pressure and to atmosphere, each via a pressure regulator controlled by a differential pressure measurement device connected across a respective solenoid valve, so as to maintain a constant pressure difference across the solenoid valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Nuovopignone- Industrie Meccaniche e Fonderia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Bergamini, Venanzio Mininni
  • Patent number: 5520366
    Abstract: A pilot-operated diaphragm valve adapted to deliver a compressed air pulse from its outlet includes a valve top and valve trigger sub-assembly that cooperate to cycle a flexible diaphragm of the valve toward and away from a diaphragm seat by application of an electric solenoid or external pneumatic pulse applied to the valve trigger. The valve top and trigger sub-assembly enclose a reciprocable hollow plunger that normally is held against a seat at its lower end by a reciprocable solid plunger supported for sliding movement above the hollow plunger in a sealed tube and biased by a spring into engagement with the hollow plunger. Activation of the solenoid or external pneumatic signal pulse drives the solid plunger out of engagement with the hollow plunger which in turn unseats producing low pressure above the diaphragm. The low pressure unseats the diaphragm allowing a high energy pulse of air to escape past the diaphragm through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Jeff Elliott
  • Patent number: 5460196
    Abstract: A fluid supply pressure control apparatus for use in conjunction with a pressure control valve (10) of a fluid supply system is disclosed which includes: first sensor means (26, 28) for sensing the pressure of the fluid at a first point (12, 14) in the system, and first control means (16) for controlling the pressure control valve (10) to adjust the pressure of the fluid at the first point in the system in accordance with a difference between the pressure sensor by the first sensor means and a predetermined pressure valve. The apparatus further includes second control means (24) for controlling the predetermined pressure value to reduce fluctuations in the fluid pressure at a second point in the system.The aim of this apparatus is to maintain the lowest possible pressure in the supply pipes commensurate with maintaining a reasonable pressure in outlying and elevated areas and with meeting the demand for water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Technolog Limited
    Inventor: Claude Yonnet
  • Patent number: 5313983
    Abstract: Response times for a remote hydraulic control system having control lines from a remote controller to a main control valve of 50 feet or more are reduced by providing actuator pistons which are operated at a second pilot hydraulic pressure less than a first pilot hydraulic pressure used for moving a valve spool within the main control valve. The actuator pistons open valves which allow hydraulic fluid at the higher pilot pressure to push the valve spool. "Off" times are further reduced by continuously bleeding off a portion of the hydraulic fluid applied to the actuator pistons at the second hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Alvin S. Rost, John M. Schurman
  • Patent number: 5305983
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a spinning device, in particular a spinning or winding device. The device comprises a pressure circuit with a valve installed therein to control the pressure. The valve can be actuated pneumatically. A device for rapid aeration of the valve is provided with the valve. The valve is actuated by compressed air acting upon a side of a cup seal away from a pressure chamber, causing the cup seal to close off an aeration opening. The compressed air streams past the cup seal and fills the pressure chamber, whereby a passage cross-section of the valve is reduced or closed off by means of a closing element acting upon the pressure in the pressure chamber in opposition to a restoring force. As the pressure on the side of the cup seal away from the pressure chamber is reduced, the pressure on the side of the cup seal towards the pressure chamber is increased. As a result the cup seal moves in direction of lower pressure and the aeration opening is again opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Rieter Ingolstadt Spinnereimaschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Manfred Haase, Gottfried Schneider
  • Patent number: 5280807
    Abstract: A supply circuit for a hydraulic fluid system has at least one pressure generation device, at least one connecting valve, a main line and a safety deactivation unit. The supply circuit permits a hydraulic fluid to be fed in such a way that, in all operating states, occurrence of pressure surges in the system is prevented. The connecting valve is designed as a slide valve with three control edges for regulating filling, operation and testing functions. A plate valve, in fluid communication with the slide control valve, is designed as an outflow amplifier and fulfills the safety related tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventors: Heinz Frey, Kamil Prochazka
  • Patent number: 5271598
    Abstract: An improved high pressure impulse valve includes a pilot section, an intermediate section, and an output section which are pressurized to approximately equilibrium with the inlet pressure during a load portion of the operating cycle and which cooperate to provide extremely rapid full opening of the output section to release fluid under pressure from an accumulator through an output section piston seat. The valve is particularly suitable for use in combination with pneumatic impulse separation systems such as those employed for deicing aircraft surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Robert N. Hohenshil, James C. Putt
  • Patent number: 5248123
    Abstract: A housing has a pilot bore with an electrically controlled pilot valve therein, an intermediate bore with an intermediate valve therein, and an engine bore with a main valve therein, each valve being reciprocable between first and second stable positions. When said pilot valve is switched to its first stable position, high pressure hydraulic fluid drives said intermediate valve to its first stable position and releases said engine valve from its second stable position, whereupon a double acting spring drives the engine valve toward its first stable position. High pressure hydraulic fluid completes this movement then holds the main valve in its first stable position against the force of the double acting spring. Switching the pilot valve to its second stable position effects movement of the other valves back to their second stable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Richeson, Frederick L. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5222518
    Abstract: An air valve having a runaway control feature, including a movable piston which is insertable into air blocking position in a valve passage, a diaphragm separating two chambers, one chamber being coupled to the air passage upstream of the movable piston and the other chamber coupled to the air passage downstream of the movable piston, a rod movable by the diaphragm to activate a second air valve, the second air valve controlling the flow of air from the air passage upstream of the piston valve to the piston valve itself, thereby forcing the piston valve to move into air closure position in the passageway when the pressure drop upstream and downstream of the piston valve exceed predetermined limits. The invention includes a test feature which includes a third valve for manually unbalancing the air pressure across the diaphragm chambers to simulate the runaway air flow condition and thereby actuate the piston valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Fisher, Richard D. Lewis, Charles Rescorla
  • Patent number: 5217199
    Abstract: Connecting valve and hydraulic oil safety and power system in which the connecting valve is used.This connecting valve (1) has at least one sealing location (5) which is actuated by means of a piston/cylinder arrangement. A piston (3) is subjected to a pressure fluid and moved against the force of a spring (7).A connecting valve (1) is created which can be inspected for freedom of movement without influencing operation. The hydraulic oil safety and power system should be particularly operationally reliable by means of the connecting valve (1) in accordance with the invention. This is achieved by at least two pipes (17, 18) entering the drive volume (2) offset in the axial direction, of which pipes only one first pipe (17) is initially effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventor: Heinz Frey
  • Patent number: 5193779
    Abstract: This actuating drive (1) has a main piston (4) which can be operated by means of an oil pressure and a pilot control system in effective connection to the main piston (4) by means of a linkage (15). The pilot control system includes a control orifice (14) controlling the oil pressure at the main piston (4) and a pilot control piston arrangement (18) which can be operated hydraulically.The actuating drive (1) is to be designed in such a way that it has improved dynamic characteristics during operation. This is achieved by the fact that the pilot control piston arrangement (18) can be operated by means of an electrohydraulic valve which is triggered by an electronic control unit (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventors: Heinz Frey, Kamil Prochazka