Diaphragm Patents (Class 251/335.2)
  • Patent number: 8092761
    Abstract: A microfluidic diaphragm valve. The valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from said sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8087641
    Abstract: For providing a fluid control valve capable of preventing looseness of a screw part between a valve main body and a valve upper body, the fluid control valve comprises a resin valve main body wherein a valve seat comes into or out of contact with a diaphragm, and a resin valve upper body engaged with the valve main body. The fluid control valve comprises a holding member to keep the valve main body and the valve upper body threadedly screwed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Akinori Masamura
  • Patent number: 8088339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage assembly of the type having an upward opening for the draining opening of a new or existing chemical reactor, particularly of the enameled type, characterized in that the outer outlet opening (6) for the drainage is provided in the lower portion thereof with a removable seat part in the form of a planar annual seal (11) having an upper portion with at least one recess (21) used as a seat for the under-face of the head (10) of the valve and as a full flow ramp. The invention is particularly intended for the manufacturers and users of chemical reactors, in particular of the enameled type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: De Dietrich
    Inventors: Roger Glad, Rémy Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8074673
    Abstract: A freeze-resistant metering valve is provided that comprises a magnetic part and a hydraulic part. The magnetic part has an armature biased by a spring. The hydraulic part has an annular space for receiving and conveying a liquid as well as a tappet facing a valve seat. The valve seat comprises a nozzle opening on the side facing away from the tappet. In a currentless state, the tappet blocks the annular space in the direction of an opening (nozzle opening) until a freezing pressure exerted onto the armature generates a sufficient force by virtue of the solidifying liquid. This force is used to counteract the spring force until a freeze expansion space is created by way of a relieving motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Maisch, Stefan Klotz, Matthias Bleeck
  • Patent number: 8062612
    Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising one or more microfluidic diaphragm valves and control circuitry for the valves. Each valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from the sealing surface. The control circuitry is configured to control actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110272609
    Abstract: A releasing valve for an inflatable object has a body, a valve disk and a cap. The body is body and has a passage and a disk mount. The passage is defined through the body and has a bottom opening. The valve disk is attached securely to the bottom of the body to close the bottom opening of the passage and has a mounting end and a free end. The mounting end is mounted securely on the disk mount of the body. The free end is opposite to the mounting end. The cap is attached to the body around the bottom opening, holds the valve disk inside and has a stop. The stop selectively engages the free end of the valve disk when the valve disk being pushed away from the bottom opening for discharging air out from the inflating object via the releasing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chun-Chung Tsai
  • Patent number: 7980531
    Abstract: A device in a valve (1) includes a valve housing (2) with at least a first (3) and a second (4) fluid port. A closure element (5) including a sealing portion (15) and diaphragm (30) is arranged in the valve housing (2). The sealing portion (15) is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element (5) and valve housing (2) form a flow passage (11) which communicates with the fluid ports when the sealing portion (15) leaves the closed position. A second sealing portion (14) is arranged in contact with a support portion (25) of the valve housing (2). An abutment element (16) is arranged in contact with the second sealing portion (14). The abutment element (16) transmits a force via the second sealing portion (14) toward the support portion (25) to provide a seal. The force is at least partly exerted by a spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore AB
    Inventors: Lennart Myhrberg, Håkan Samuelsson, Bertil Wejrot
  • Publication number: 20110031427
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed. The diaphragm valve includes a valve body including a housing defining a fluid flow passageway and a valve seat. A bonnet assembly including a housing is mounted to the valve body. A diaphragm, a backing cushion and a resilient member are positioned between the bonnet assembly and the valve body. The resilient member is sandwiched between the housing of the bonnet assembly and the backing cushion for urging the backing cushion toward the diaphragm, thereby urging the diaphragm against the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Timofey Sitnikov
  • Patent number: 7878479
    Abstract: An adjustment valve includes a first diaphragm integrally formed from an attachment section engaged with and fixed to the bottom of a rod, a joining section to which a valve body is fixed, a thin film section radially extending from a shoulder section, a thick wall section continuous with the thin film section, and a seal section provided at the peripheral edge of the thick wall section. The second diaphragm has a central hole, and includes an integrally formed thin film section radially extending from a thick wall section at the center hole, and a seal section is provided at the peripheral edge thereof. A diaphragm hold-down member penetrates the central hole at the shoulder section of the rod, causing the second diaphragm to be sandwiched and fixed. The rod is disposed with play in the through-hole in the bottom of the cylinder, and is supported by a spring engaged between a step section of the cylinder and the bottom surface of the shoulder in a state such that radial movement is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7866624
    Abstract: A heatable cryo-valve for a cryogenic tank storing liquid hydrogen. In one embodiment, the cryo-valve includes a valve plate mounted to a valve body by a spring. The spring forces the valve plate against a valve seat to prevent hydrogen from flowing through the cryo-valve when the valve is in a closed position. A resistive heating device is position proximate the valve plate. An electrical current applied to the heating device causes the device to expand, which pushes the device against the valve plate and against the bias of the spring to move the valve plate off of the valve seat and allow hydrogen to flow therethrough. The cryo-valve can be designed so that the heating device does not come in direct contact with the liquid hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Sachs
  • Patent number: 7862000
    Abstract: A microfluidic structure and method, where the structure comprises a featureless gasket layer allowing for efficient and reproducible structure production and assembly. Layering methods allow for the use of a variety of device materials and easy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, Siemens Medical Solutions
    Inventors: Arkadij Elizarov, James R. Heath, Hartmuth Kolb, Michael van Dam
  • Patent number: 7780277
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid injecting apparatus equipped with a liquid injecting head, which is mounted on a carriage and moved reciprocally in a widthwise direction of a target, and a valve unit, which is mounted on the carriage to be supplied with liquid via a supply passage from a liquid retainer and to supply liquid to the liquid injecting head. The valve unit has a pressure chamber connected to the liquid retainer via the supply passage; a valve, which opens or closes the supply passage to supply liquid to the pressure chamber; and a flexible film member, which is displaced based on a negative pressure generated as liquid in the pressure chamber decreases to thereby operate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Aruga, Toshio Kumagai, Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7753341
    Abstract: In a seawater pipe, a shut-off valve has a supporting body fixed to the pipe; a shutter movable between a forward closed position and a withdrawn open position; and a control member operated from outside the pipe to move the shutter via a transmission; the transmission is isolated in fluidtight manner from the seawater flowing in the pipe by a membrane; and the membrane has two edges, one fixed to the shutter, and the other forced radially between the supporting body and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Brunoguidi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bruno Guidi
  • Patent number: 7731151
    Abstract: A pendulum vacuum gate valve comprised of a housing for enclosing a valve plate assembly having a pair of air pressure actuated floating seal plates disposed on opposite sides of the valve plate assembly which is actuated by a gate arm to reciprocate between open and closed positions and intermediate stop positions for controlling gas flow between intake and exhaust conduits connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth K L Lee
  • Patent number: 7686280
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a diaphragm valve includes a valve body having a chamber in fluid communication with a first channel and a second channel. A diaphragm is disposed in the chamber, and a tapered seat member is at least partially disposed in the first channel. A sleeve is compressively disposed in the seat member between the seat member and the first channel to maintain a fluid tight seal between the seat member and the first channel. A valve member is movable to controllably urge the diaphragm into and out of engagement with the seat member to control flow of fluid between the first the first and second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Circor Instrumentation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Lowery
  • Patent number: 7661437
    Abstract: A food and beverage industry membrane valve structure with a membrane which separates a control compartment from a product compartment in a food or beverage handling or processing machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: APV Rosista GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Schulz, Frank Baumbach
  • Publication number: 20090314972
    Abstract: A microfluidic diaphragm valve. The valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from said sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7628376
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve having a diaphragm valve element including a valve element body movable into contact with a valve seat, a web portion extending outward from the valve element body, and a fixed portion formed at an outer peripheral edge of the web portion. The web portion includes a vertical portion vertically formed continuous with the valve element body, a horizontal portion horizontally formed continuous with the fixed portion, and a connecting portion of a circular arc shape (an upward protruding shape) in section to connect the vertical portion with the horizontal portion, thereby holding the vertical portion in constant contact with an outer surface of a backup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: CDK Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Masamura, Toshiyuki Nagao, Hiroki Iwata
  • Publication number: 20090057600
    Abstract: A durable vacuum opening/closing valve connectable with a vacuum chamber and a vacuum pump is arranged to control vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber by changing an opening degree of an O ring serving as a valve element relative to a valve seat. A predetermined clearance between an outer peripheral surface of a piston and an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder is sealed by a bellofram which changes its shape in association with movement of the piston moved to open or close the valve. The bellofram includes an inclined surface with a predetermined inclination angle and the outer periphery of the piston includes an inclined surface with a predetermined inclination angle, so that an inner diameter of the bellofram in contact with the piston and the outer diameter of the piston are equal when the valve element is in contact with the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Watanabe, Makoto Miyahara, Shunsuke Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20090057599
    Abstract: An elastic valve and a microfluidic device including the same are provided. The elastic valve includes a channel dented by external pressure so as to be elastically restituted; and a plurality of channel closing protrusions, which comprise elastomer as a material, which are protruded from at least one inner side surface of the channel toward an opposite inner side surface, and which are separated from each other so as not to interrupt a flow of fluids, wherein, when external pressure is applied in order to dent the channel, the plurality of channel closing protrusions are deformed so as to be elastically restituted, thereby closing the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co,. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kak NAMKOONG, Chin-sung PARK, Jin-tae KIM, Joo-won RHEE
  • Patent number: 7490812
    Abstract: A valve device includes a housing body having a fluidic chamber which has at least one valve seat and a valve control member. The member includes a rigid frame having first and second opposed surfaces and being shaped with recesses, at least one of the recesses extending between the surfaces, a rigid actuating member and a flexible diaphragm on the first surface which is connected with the frame and actuating member by injection molding. The recesses are filled with, and sealing contours on the second surface are formed of, the diaphragm material. At least one valve body is formed by a section of the actuating member and a section of the diaphragm surrounding the actuating member. The valve control member is joined with the housing body so that the diaphragm closes and seals the fluidic chamber and the valve body is opposite the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Scheibe
  • Patent number: 7490811
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for compressed or liquefied gases, comprising a valve body which forms an inlet which can be associated with a pressurized gas cylinder and forms a gas outlet port. A closure port is provided between the inlet and the outlet port, and a gasket acts on the closure port and is supported by a flow control element, which engages the internal face of a diaphragm, on the outer face whereof there acts a pusher piston, which can be actuated by means of an external knob. Between the diaphragm and the pusher piston, at least one metallic disk being arranged which is not retained at its edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Pergola S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Nicolini
  • Patent number: 7455281
    Abstract: The spigot comprises a conduit that communicates with the interior of the container to which the spigot is attached. The conduit communicates with a valve body that comprises a chamber that includes an opening that is selectably opened and closed by a valve element. The valve element may be movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat formed around the opening. The valve element may be biased to the closed position by a spring such as an elastomeric diaphragm. The elastmeric diaphragm may seal the chamber and be exposed such that depressing the diaphragm moves the valve element from the normally closed position to an open position. The valve body may be disposed such that it extends from the first conduit at an angle. The opening in the valve body communicates with a second conduit that extends from the valve body to receive the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles William Craft
  • Patent number: 7445017
    Abstract: A mesovalve having a diaphragm situated between a first chamber and a second chamber. There may be an inlet and an outlet in the first chamber. The diaphragm may provide an orifice between the first and second chambers. There may be a first electrode on the diaphragm and a second electrode on an inside surface of the second chamber. The diaphragm may have first and second positions, or numerous variable positions. Applying a voltage across the electrodes may electrostatically move the diaphragm to the second position during which the outlet is at least partially opened for fluid communication with the inlet, the orifice is closed and the diaphragm is stopped in the second position by a cushioning fluid pressure in the second cavity to prevent pull-in. Removing the voltage from the electrodes may let the diaphragm return to the first position, open the orifice and close the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Cleopatra Cabuz, Virgil Claudiu Banu
  • Publication number: 20080224081
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to improve the flow property so as to increase the gas flow amount, to inhibit the gas from staying within a valve chamber, and to enhance the gas-replacement property such as evacuation performance and purge performance. A housing (2) is provided with a first flow passage (7), a valve chamber (9) of a shut-off valve (8) and a second flow passage (10) in the mentioned order. A diaphragm (13) is arranged so that it hermetically covers the valve chamber (9). The first flow passage (7) has an inner end opened into an inner surface of the valve chamber (9) to which a mid portion of the diaphragm (13) is opposed. A valve seat (15) is formed around this opening. The shut-off valve (8) is opened and closed by allowing the diaphragm (13) to approach and separate from the valve seat (15). A groove portion (18) is formed in the inner surface of the valve chamber (9) around the valve seat (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Koji Miyazaki, Kouichi Kaminaga, Kouichi Saji
  • Patent number: 7422192
    Abstract: Described herein is a valve for fluids, liquids or dusts, which can be used to particular advantage for controlling openings for passage of cooling air in refrigerating apparatuses or the like. The valve comprises a diaphragm open/close element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports are axially displaceable with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in an axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, including at least one shape-memory wire, which extends at least in part along the periphery of the diaphragm and is activated by electrical supply means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Biasiotto, Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Alessandro Zanella
  • Patent number: 7422194
    Abstract: A solenoid valve, such as, for example, a tank-vent valve f or tank venting in motor vehicles, includes at least one valve orifice forming a sealing seat, and a valve member, which cooperates with the sealing seat for releasing and closing it, the valve member being stressed by at least one spring element and activated by an electromagnet. An essentially unstressed neutral position of at least one additional spring element, which acts upon the valve member in the activation direction, is provided in which the valve member is set apart from the sealing seat. In this manner, the impact of the valve member on the sealing seat, which may be accompanied by distracting noises and wear, is damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz, Achim Meisiek
  • Publication number: 20080185552
    Abstract: A device in a valve (1) comprises a valve housing (2) with at least a first (3) and a second (4) fluid port. A closure element (5) is arranged in the valve housing (2), said closure element (5) having a sealing portion (15) and comprising a diaphragm (30). The sealing portion (15) is movable along an axis of the closure element (5) by said diaphragm (30) between an open position and a closed position of at least one of the fluid ports of the valve housing. The closure element (5) together with the valve housing (2) forms a flow passage (11) in the valve housing (2) which communicates with said fluid ports when the sealing portion (15) leaves said closed position. A second sealing portion (14) of the closure element, which is an enclosing portion spaced from said axis, is arranged in contact with a support portion (25) of the valve housing (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Lennart Myhrberg, Hakan Samuelsson, Bertil Wejrot
  • Patent number: 7383854
    Abstract: A solenoid valve, particularly for hot water, has a diaphragm that is disposed with no folds that accumulate air or vapor bubbles. The diaphragm extends in a smooth curve between its outer edge and its inner edge so that the bubbles are directed to the level where the mouth of the inlet conduit enters the valve chamber. Preferably the center axis of the valve chamber and a solenoid system is tipped back to form an obtuse angle with the center axis of the inlet conduit. In addition, the inlet conduit has a portion of the upper inside wall that slopes upwardly in the direction away form the valve chamber and toward the inlet. In this portion, a discharge channel, such as a groove, extends in the direction from the valve chamber to the inlet. The discharge channel helps direct accumulated air and vapor bubbles from the valve chamber out toward the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: A.u.K Müller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Berger, Heinz-Dieter Riedel, Uwe Glaus
  • Patent number: 7377483
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for opening or closing itself through making direct contact of or through breaking the direct contract of a metal diaphragm with a valve seat disposed inside a body provided with an inlet port and an outlet port. The diaphragm valve includes an elevating member which serves to make or break the direct contact of the metal diaphragm with the valve seat and which is fusion-bonded to the metal diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kitz SCT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Iwabuchi, Katsuhiko Honma
  • Publication number: 20080104900
    Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Mickael Collins Joasil
  • Patent number: 7334771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blocking apparatus for blocking and/or sealing off a line for transporting—preferably hot—media, in particular dust-laden gases, preferably for blocking and/or sealing off a line for transporting hot gases which may be laden with solid particles, having a movable closure body (2) and at least one sealing element (9), in particular a seat ring, against which the closure body bears in the blocking position, and having a device for rotating the closure body (11) about an axis of rotation, in particular a shaft, to which the closure body is connected. In this blocking apparatus, the closure body, by means of a suitable flexible linkage to the device for rotating the closure body, is mounted such that it can move in the direction of the axis of rotation and/or in a direction which is perpendicular with respect thereto, such that it slides on the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rainer Dreier, Herbert Silbernagl
  • Patent number: 7325780
    Abstract: A small-sized motor operated valve is disclosed that has high output and high resolution by housing a reduction gear together with a rotor in a single can. A valve shaft 32 having a valve member 30 is inserted to a motor operated valve body 10. A rotor 170 is disposed inside a can 100 attached to the body 10, and inside the rotor 170 is housed a reduction gear 200. The output of the rotor is input to a sun gear 220 and transmitted to planetary gears 230. The planetary gears 230 are engaged both with the fixed gear 250 and the output gear 260, and the output gear 260 is driven at reduced speed by a large reduction ratio. The output of the output gear 260 is transmitted via a driver 300 to a screw shaft 320, where it is converted into a linear movement and transmitted to the valve shaft 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikoki Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Arai, Eiichi Sasada, Tomoari Ouchi, Hitoshi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 7311292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve intended in particular for sanitary applications, comprising a body in which there are a first and a second perpendicular duct for the flow of a fluid to be shut off; a closure member acts in the valve body to close and open the first duct. The closure member is constituted by a central core with a flexible, circular ring extending around it and has a head having a diverging profile which closes and opens the first duct as a result of the action of the actuator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Fedegari Autoclavi SPA
    Inventor: Fortunato Fedegari
  • Publication number: 20070252103
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve has a body, a top cover and a diaphragm assembly. The body has an open top, a primary chamber, an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The top cover is mounted on the open top of the body and has a balance chamber. The diaphragm assembly is mounted between the top cover and the body, extends in the primary chamber and has a diaphragm, a shaft and a seal. The diaphragm is mounted between the top cover and the body. The shaft is longitudinal, is mounted on the diaphragm and extends downward in the primary. The seal is mounted on the shaft and selectively seals the outlet passage. The longitudinal shaft allows the air pumped into the inlet passage to smoothly flow out of the outlet passage without causing turbulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Ting-Kuo WU
  • Patent number: 7198248
    Abstract: A valve for gases, liquids or powdery material, comprises a diaphragm shutter element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports can be displaced axially with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in the axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, preferably formed by a first shape-memory wire and a second shape-memory wire set on the two opposite faces of the diaphragm shutter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua, Marco Biasiotto, Alessandro Zanella
  • Patent number: 7168675
    Abstract: A valve structure having a top part, a flexible media conveyance, such as a tube, a diaphragm and a bottom part with a support for the tube. The top surface of the diaphragm and the bottom surface of the top part may have electrodes attached. When there is no electric potential applied across the electrodes, the diaphragm may rest on and close the passageway in the flexible tube for effectively preventing a fluid flow. When an electrical potential is applied to the electrodes, the diaphragm may be pulled up off from the tube thereby opening or partially opening the passageway in the tube for a media flow or pressure transfer. Partial opening may be for modulation purposes. There may be a tension mechanism attached to the diaphragm. A controller may apply an electrical potential to the electrodes for at least partially opening or closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Cleopatra Cabuz, Tzu-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 7140520
    Abstract: A spigot for a beverage container includes a body having a passage with first and second ends formed therethrough. An annular shoulder extends into the passage proximate the first end thereof and an annular valve seat is formed proximate the second end. An elastomeric plunger positioned in the passage includes a button with a sealing flange seated against the annular shoulder and a valve head biased against the valve seat. The body further includes a plurality of fins extending radially into the passage, each fin has a first end adjacent the annular shoulder such that the first ends contact the sealing flange as the button is depressed. The fins act to inhibit the sealing flange from coming unseated from the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rutland, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay B. Rutler
  • Patent number: 7108241
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes a main body 1, bonnet 2, spring receiving portion 3, piston 4, spring 24, first diaphragm 27, first valve member 5, second valve member 6 and base plate 7, wherein an opening area of a hydraulic control portion composed of a valve element of the second valve member and a valve seat of the main body is changed according to a motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenro Yoshino, Shunichiro Hagihara
  • Patent number: 7100894
    Abstract: A valve body for a valve includes a body having an internal cavity formed therein. An inlet passage and an outlet passage are formed in the body. The inlet passage has an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity, and the outlet passage has an outlet opening in communication with the internal cavity. A circumferential sealing surface is formed on a wall of the internal cavity. The circumferential sealing surface extends between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and circumferentially around the internal cavity. Furthermore, a bottom line extending through the inlet passage, the internal cavity and the outlet passage forms a coplanar surface to allow for free-drainage of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Pharmenta, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
  • Patent number: 7063304
    Abstract: An extended stroke poppet valve particularly suited for handling caustic fluids and having features enabling an extended service life for the valve. The valve includes a two part primary diaphragm assembly with a wetted diaphragm made from highly fatigue resistant fluoropolymer material, and a diaphragm backer made from high strength fluoropolymer material designed to withstand the high stress loads imposed by an extended valve stroke. The combination of these two layers in a single primary diaphragm assembly yields a highly durable, caustic chemical resistant, diaphragm capable of use in a long stroke poppet valve and having a relatively long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Leys
  • Patent number: 7000889
    Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve having the diaphragm attached at its lower end to a valve closure plug, and movable therewith, and attached at its upper end to a portion of valve body that forms the pressure cavity. The diaphragm has a stepped portion between its upper and lower ends which folds back on itself when the valve opens. The valve body has shoulder portions that support the diaphragm when the valve is closed to avoid stressing the diaphragm material due to pressure in the pressure chamber. This allows the outside diameter of the diaphragm to be minimized, and eliminates the need for fabric reinforcement. A filter screen is positioned flush with the surface of the valve plug so that high velocity flow across the screen while the valve is opening and closing removes accumulated dirt thereby making the screen self cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr., Carl L. C. Kah, III
  • Patent number: 6976668
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved diaphragm control valve with a simplified construction that has significant advantages over prior art diaphragm control valves. Further, the present invention provides substantially straight-through fluid flow which enables a high flow capacity with minimal pressure loss. The non-planar diaphragm of the present invention, when standing in a non-stressed state, is substantially an annulus that assumes a shape with a cross section that extends from a first attachment bead substantially radially in a first direction through a first curve continues substantially non-radially in a second direction through a second curve and continues in a substantially radial direction terminating in a second attachment bead, such that the diaphragm does not fold back on itself. That is to say, the diaphragm is both axially non-overlapping and rotationally symmetrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Bermad
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Patent number: 6916012
    Abstract: A valve for sampling a process from a tank or conduit includes an internal cavity in communication with at least one inlet and an outlet. A valve actuating rod includes a sealing tip attached to one end thereof. The valve actuating rod is movable to open and close the inlet to the internal cavity. Furthermore, a seal is provided to isolate the valve actuating rod and the outside environment from the process. The seal is formed on the process side of the bottom wall of the internal cavity in order to ensure that the process material, cleaning material, steam, etc. drains completely out of the internal cavity of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: NL Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
  • Patent number: 6883780
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The diaphragm may be made from a chemically resistant material and optimized to maintain high flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Ronnie Browne, George Carlson
  • Patent number: 6811142
    Abstract: A valve device (200) for a closed system for endotracheal aspiration of a patient via a catheter. The device (200) comprises a valve chamber (220, 222) that can be connected to a vacuum source and to the catheter, a valve body (250) arranged in the valve chamber (220, 222), a manually operated actuator button (210) for the valve body (215), a coupling (260) engaging the valve body (250) and to the actuator button (210) for transmitting a movement of the actuator button (210) to the valve button (250), a spring device for holding the valve body (250) in the first position. The device is characterised in that the wall (216) that delimits the valve chamber (220, 222) comprises an opening (219) for receiving the valve body (250), that a resilient membrane (253) forms a sealing of the opening (219) within the valve housing (215), that the resilient membrane is connected to the valve body and the valve housing (215), respectively, and that the coupling (260) extends exteriorly relative to the valve housing (215).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Unomedical A/S
    Inventor: Gunnar N. Svendsen
  • Patent number: 6786470
    Abstract: A valve body for a valve includes a body having an internal cavity formed therein. An inlet passage and an outlet passage are formed in the body. The inlet passage has an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity, and the outlet passage has an outlet opening in communication with the internal cavity. A circumferential sealing surface is formed on a wall of the internal cavity. The circumferential sealing surface extends between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and circumferentially around the internal cavity. Furthermore, a bottom line extending through the inlet passage, the internal cavity and the outlet passage forms a coplanar surface to allow for free-drainage of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
  • Patent number: 6752376
    Abstract: A flow controller (1), comprising a valve body (4) having flow paths forming an inlet and an outlet of fluid, a diaphragm (6) held fixedly between the valve body and a bonnet (5), and an operating mechanism (7) moving the diaphragm vertically, wherein the valve body flow paths communicate with each other through a projection-free communication path (8), the a diaphragm is formed so that, when lowering, it comes into close contact with the communication path so that it closes the flow path and, when rising, the center part thereof is recessed so that an area near the outer peripheral part is raised, and a curved surface (52), to which the outer upper surface (63) of the raised part is closely fitted, is formed on a bonnet on the inner lower surface of a diaphragm holding part (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Fujikin
    Inventors: Jyunji Satou, Hisatoshi Akamoto, Makoto Iwata
  • Patent number: 6749136
    Abstract: A sprinkler valving apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Each valve may have a first diaphragm that is flexible to control irrigation water flow through the valve. Each of the valves may have a solenoid isolated from irrigation water within the valve by a second diaphragm. The first and second diaphragms are separated by an interior divider with an orifice that can be blocked or unblocked via flexure of the second diaphragm to trigger motion of the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm is actuated by a magnetically actuatable plunger of the solenoid, which extends through an aperture of an interior retainer to reach the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm has a peripheral ring to ensure that it is movable even when negative outlet pressure is applied to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chadwick L. Wilson, Alan John Smith, Edwin McAuley
  • Patent number: 6719268
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve comprises first and second elastic ring members each of which is made of an elastic material such as rubber, which retain a peripheral edge of a diaphragm, and which are flexibly bent in accordance with displacement of the diaphragm. A pair of lip sections is formed on the first and second elastic ring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino