Sectional Patents (Class 251/367)
  • Patent number: 11965707
    Abstract: A water gun, having a trigger control, provides repeated discharge of metered volume stream of water, uses a sealed chamber containing a refillable reservoir of water pressurized by compressed air. The pressurized water supply is connected to a tubular housing, which transports the stream of water to a second end of the tubular housing to a nozzle assembly. A trigger controlled valve which is connected to a trigger mechanism, having an operator controlled trigger, initiating the flow of the stream. The initiated stream is volumetrically metered and terminated by a shuttle valve, which terminates flow upon reaching a valve seat which decelerates the velocity of the shuttle before it contacts the valve seat, which reduces stress on the seal. A method of sequential resetting is provided to reset the trigger valve, trigger mechanism and shuttle valve, enabling a repeated metered discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: Edward Helinski
  • Patent number: 11867302
    Abstract: A valve for hydraulic control of fluid flow rate, comprising: a body provided with an inlet opening, an outlet opening and an actuating opening; a rotating hollow shutter rotatively housed inside said body, said rotating shutter being configured to be crossed by a fluid and to change the passage cross-section inside the valve, in which the rotating shutter comprises at least one first opening rotatively cooperating with at least one mated second eccentric opening, said rotating shutter being configured to be manually actuatable inside the body so that a rotation of said first opening with respect to said second opening is matched by a variation of the fluid passage cross-section in a direction substantially coinciding with the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: GIACOMINI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Samuele Molina, Andrea Zuffellato, Marco Rosa Brusin, Paolo Arrus
  • Patent number: 11867287
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid adapted to be coupled to a solenoid connecting member extending from a support member. The solenoid assembly also includes a retaining bracket having a body portion and a securing portion. The body portion is adapted to be removably coupled to the support member. The securing portion is removably coupled to the solenoid. The retaining bracket is moveable between an unsecured position, and a secured position. The securing portion of the retaining bracket provides a spring force to the solenoid when the retaining bracket is in the secured position such that the solenoid is biased toward the solenoid connecting member to secure the solenoid between the solenoid connecting member and the securing portion of said retaining bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Saxon, Chris VanGorder, Chandreshwar Rao
  • Patent number: 11852263
    Abstract: A fluid management assembly. The fluid management assembly comprises a valve body, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first flow passage, a second flow passage, a third flow passage and a fourth flow passage, wherein the first flow passage, the second flow passage and the third flow passage have openings in an outer wall of the valve body; the valve body is provided with the second chamber, the second flow passage and a first passage; and the first passage can communicate the first chamber and the second chamber. The fluid management assembly is provided with a plurality of channels, the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG SANHUA INTELLIGENT CONTROLS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Senrun Geng, Alfred Gunther, Yong Xu, Zhenshan Zhu, Rongrong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11835147
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly includes a body forming two buckets, wherein flow passes through the body from an inlet to an outlet along an axis and consecutively through each of the buckets. A single zone test cover encloses a first of the buckets to form a single zone chamber. A dual zone test cover encloses a second of the buckets with a dual zone cartridge assembly therein. The dual zone test cover has two test cocks. The dual zone cartridge assembly includes a frame having a valve seat, wherein the frame includes a lumen providing fluid communication from a dual zone chamber upstream of the valve seat to a first of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover, and wherein the second of the two test cocks of the dual zone test cover is in fluid communication with the dual zone chamber downstream of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Peter P. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 11835143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding-free valve that controls the passages of fluids such as gas, air, water, steam and oil in combi boilers and the similar devices, that is designed to ensure the flow rate, that is manufactured from a plastic material and that is resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and pressure. The valve comprised of nail components is characterized by becoming a single piece, such that components constituting the device itself are fitted together and nails are placed, so that the assembly is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SERDAR PLASTIK SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventor: Serdar Mustafa Tütek
  • Patent number: 11619312
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, a downstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealing surface positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Tomas Peleckas, Timothy Wayne Stern
  • Patent number: 11585314
    Abstract: The system utilizes fluid pressure achieved by increasing depth as a primary component for generation of energy. The system operates by varying its depth through changes in buoyancy. The ballast changes are controlled by electronics powered by a battery charged by a generator driven by a hydraulic system. Rather than utilizing a motor driven pump to generate pressure in the hydraulic system, a piston-like cylinder is applied pressure by the change in hydrostatic pressure as depth increases and draws fluid back into the cylinder as pressure decreases. As the system sinks, outside pressure forces hydraulic fluid to power a generator that charges a battery and powers a pump to deballast. As the system rises, the lowering of ambient pressure, and other internal forces, causes the hydraulic fluid to return to its initial state, where once the ballast begins to take in fluid, the whole process will continue to repeat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Bryan Christopher Reynoso
  • Patent number: 11470997
    Abstract: A control assembly of a solenoid valve for a delivery device; the control assembly comprising a first input configured to be coupled to a control device of the delivery device and to be supplied by a power supply voltage from the control device; a first output configured to be coupled to a second input of a solenoid valve; a control unit being coupled to the first input; and a drive unit coupled to the first output and to the control unit; the control unit being configured to detect a first voltage at the first input; the control unit being configured to control the drive unit so that, when the control unit detects a first voltage equal to a power supply voltage, the first output of the control assembly delivers: a rated voltage for a first period of time, and a hold voltage different from the rated voltage for a second period of time following the first period of time, and wherein the hold voltage is lower than the rated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: R.P.E. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuliano Ravazzani
  • Patent number: 10274619
    Abstract: A neutron conversion foil for being used in a neutron detector includes a substrate having a first and second side. The substrate is covered at least on one of the first and second sides with a neutron conversion layer made of a neutron reactive material and being capable of capturing neutrons to thereafter emit light and/or charged particles. The neutron conversion foil is transparent to light such that light originating from the conversion of neutrons can pass through one or several of the neutron conversion foils and thereafter be collected and detected by a light sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ARKTIS RADIATION DETECTORS LTD.
    Inventors: Ulisse Gendotti, Rico Chandrasekharan
  • Patent number: 9395010
    Abstract: A solenoid operated modular valve includes a solenoid body having a coil and a pole piece positioned in the solenoid body. A valve body cartridge is connected to the solenoid body. A polymeric snap-in seat assembly includes first and second deflectable claw arms each having a barb engaging the valve body cartridge retaining the snap-in seat assembly in direct contact with the valve body cartridge. A seat engagement face when contacted by a valve seal member defines a valve closed position, and is displaced away from the seat engagement face in a valve open position when the coil is energized. A valve body cartridge body end portion includes a barb engagement face having pitched contact edges each having a continuous pitch directly contacted by the barb of the first and second deflectable claw arms to rotatably and frictionally lock the snap-in seat assembly to the valve body cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jamison, Jeffrey Simmonds, Kevin C. Williams
  • Patent number: 9033312
    Abstract: A side valve having a lateral connector, comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that has an attachment section for attachment on the outer sleeve side, as well as a connector piece for connecting to a water supply. The outer sleeve and inner sleeve are connected with one another by way of a separate connection piece, onto which the connector is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Lange
  • Patent number: 9010720
    Abstract: Thermally compensated valve trim apparatus are disclosed. An example valve trim apparatus includes a valve plug having a recess, an insert fixed in the recess and having an opening therein. The insert is made of a material having a greater strength than a second material of the valve plug. The example valve trim apparatus also includes a valve stem having a threaded end disposed in the opening of the insert to form a valve stem connection, and a spacer operatively coupled to the valve plug and vale stem to affect a load exerted on the valve stem connection in response to a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Wesley Richardson, Justin Paul Goodwin, Jesse Creighton Doyle
  • Patent number: 8985146
    Abstract: A faucet including a molded waterway assembly having a plurality of tubes overmolded within a valve interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Delta Faucet Company, Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Judson Thomas, Alfred Charles Nelson, Derek Allen Brown, Joshua R. Barber, Thomas C. Pinette
  • Patent number: 8979070
    Abstract: A housing for a dispensing tube of a metering dispenser comprises a mounting half and a strike half carried by the mounting half. A channel for a dispensing tube is defined in the mounting half, and a plunger aperture is defined through the channel. The strike half pivots, relative to the mounting half, between a first pivotal position at least partially covering the channel and a second pivotal position exposing the channel and also slides relative to the mounting half, at least when the strike half is in the first pivotal position, between a first slide position obstructing pivotal movement of the strike half out of the first pivotal position and a second slide position permitting such movement. When the strike half is in the first pivotal position and the first slide position, a plunger strike surface on the strike half is in registration with and facing the plunger aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: William Keizer, Mark Stouffer
  • Patent number: 8944409
    Abstract: Tunable fluid ends reduce valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a fluid end housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. Each tunable component, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8944408
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
  • Publication number: 20150027563
    Abstract: A split valve assembly (10) comprising two valve portions (12, 14) complementarily shaped such that the first can sealingly engage with and co-operate with the second to allow the movement of material therethrough. Each valve portion (12, 14) comprises a housing (16, 18), a valve seat and a valve closure member (20, 20?). The assembly has a first configuration in which the first and second valve portions engage with one another, the valve closure members being closed, and a second configuration in which the two valve portions are disengaged from one another. The first valve portion has locking means (60) moveable relative to the second valve portion to selectively lock and unlock the two valve portions together. The locking means are received by the second valve portion, which comprises a shim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Athol Barton
  • Publication number: 20150028245
    Abstract: An external seal structure in a vacuum valve in which an upper end plate of a partition wall member is held between a valve body and a cylinder cover. An annular seal member for main fluid is placed between the upper end plate and the valve body to prevent material gas from leaking to atmosphere through an abutting section defined by the valve body and the cylinder cover connected in abutting manner. The main-fluid annular seal member is made of perfluoroelastomer. A fluorinated annular seal member made of fluorinated resin is placed between the upper end plate and the valve body and between the main-fluid annular seal member and the abutting section. A leak port communicated with outside air is provided in the valve body to communicate with between a seal point of the main-fluid annular seal member and a seal point of the fluorinated annular seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki YAMADA, Shunsuke UMEZAWA
  • Patent number: 8939174
    Abstract: A drop-in cartridge style, four-chamber EGR valve, includes a valve actuator, a valve stem extending from the valve actuator and having two valve heads mutually spaced on the stem, and a frame having a plurality of longitudinally extending members connected by at least first and second ring members, the frame being divided along a longitudinal axis into two mating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sponsky, John Lowe
  • Publication number: 20150021506
    Abstract: Apparatus to attach a fluid valve bonnet are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bonnet having a neck portion and a nut engaged with the neck portion of the bonnet to couple the bonnet to a body of a fluid valve. A central axis of the nut is coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the bonnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew John Kinser
  • Publication number: 20140366966
    Abstract: A valve flange joint includes a valve flange and first and second duct flanges. The first and second duct flanges include respective first and second mating portions. The first mating portion includes a first duct rim, a first duct face in contact with a first face of the valve flange, and a first slot. The second mating portion includes a second duct face in contact with a second face of the valve flange, and a second rim. In an embodiment, the valve flange includes a tab that extends in an axial direction through the first slot and includes an inner surface radially inward of an outermost portion of the second mating portion. In another embodiment, a first thickness is defined between the first flange face and the second flange face. Second and third thicknesses are also defined for the first and second mating portions. The three thicknesses are substantially similar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Josh Kamp, Ray Garner
  • Publication number: 20140361207
    Abstract: Actuator bushings having integral seals are described herein. An example apparatus includes a bushing having a central bore to receive a stem and an annular groove at an end of the bushing. The annular groove surrounds the bore to define a flexible ring to form a seal against the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Trenton Frank Jackson, Meredith Jan Bell
  • Patent number: 8905376
    Abstract: Tunable check valves reduce valve-generated vibration to increase the reliability of tunable fluid ends. Selected improved designs described herein reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). Tunable check valve embodiments comprise a family including, but not limited to, tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, and tunable radial arrays. Each such tunable embodiment, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8899551
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a body recess and a bonnet including a bonnet recess having a bonnet mating surface. The valve assembly further includes a valve cage disposed within an interior of the valve body, the valve cage including a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential mating protrusion extending from an outer surface in a transverse direction, the mating protrusion including an upper mating surface and a lower mating surface. The upper mating surface is disposed within the bonnet recess to be aligned with the bonnet mating surface, and the lower mating surface is disposed within the body recess to be aligned with the body mating surface, wherein the upper and lower mating surface are not parallel. Accordingly, clamping forces acting on the mating protrusion include a longitudinal and tangential component, allowing for increased clamping forces without plastically deforming the mating protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J. Linser
  • Publication number: 20140312259
    Abstract: In a positioning device for a processing plant, a valve is provided comprising a valve housing, a valve seat, and a valve member actuated by use of a lead-through opening in the valve housing. A top is provided for screwing on the lead-through opening and for rigidly coupling the valve housing to an actuator. A deformation buffer is arranged or formed on mutually opposite respective screw stop surfaces of the top and of the valve housing and which is deformed in a predetermined manner when screwing the top on the lead-through opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Jantz, Bernd Kunz
  • Publication number: 20140239213
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes valve box, valve shaft, first flexible film, and second flexible film. The valve box includes inlet and outlet, and forms a space therein for housing the fluids. The valve shaft is inserted into through-hole formed in the wall of the valve box, and moves in the longitudinal direction of the through-hole to move valve body in order to block the flow of the fluids from inlet to outlet. The first flexible film includes a through-hole into which the valve shaft is inserted. The outer peripheral end of the first flexible film is fixed to the peripheral edge of the through-hole, and the peripheral edge of the through-hole of the first flexible film is fixed to the outer periphery of the valve shaft to close the gap between the through-hole and the valve shaft. The second flexible film forms a part of the wall of valve box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Daisuke Ike
  • Publication number: 20140175319
    Abstract: Multi-section valve bodies having face seals are described herein. An example multi-section valve body includes a first body defining a first portion of a valve passageway and having a fluid flow axis, the first body having a first sealing surface substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow axis and a first annular wall substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis, the first body having an annular cavity defined in the first sealing surface to receive a seal. The example valve also includes a second body having a bore defining a second portion of the valve passageway, the second body having a first end surface to be substantially parallel to the first sealing surface, wherein the first sealing surface is to engage the first end surface and the first annular wall is to extend into the bore of the second body when the first body is coupled to the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Publication number: 20140158925
    Abstract: A new valve for regulating the flow of liquid has two housings that are removably attached to one another. When the housings are separated, the liquid can no longer pass through the valve. A system of magnetic elements is used to cycle the flow of liquid (urine) through the valve. The valve is typically connected to an indwelling bladder catheter and the valve allows the patient to be at least temporarily disconnected from a collection bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BIOFLO, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin J. Spolski
  • Patent number: 8746654
    Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8740187
    Abstract: A split valve apparatus for the control, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of powders, liquids, slurries and/or fluids. The valve has two valve portions complementarily shaped such that the first can sealingly engage with and co-operate with the second to allow the flow of material therethrough. Each valve portion comprises a housing, a valve seat and a valve closure member, which is movable between two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Chargepoint Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard Athol Barton
  • Patent number: 8720857
    Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Publication number: 20140110620
    Abstract: A valve body assembly for use in an automotive transmission is provided. The valve body assembly includes a first valve body part formed of powdered metal and a second valve body part formed of powdered metal. The first valve body part is attached to the second valve body part by a brazed joint. A method of forming a valve body assembly is also provided. The method includes forming a first valve body part from powdered metal, forming a second valve body part from powdered metal, and sinter brazing the first and second valve body parts together to form a brazed joint between the first and second valve body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert Alan Dziurda
  • Patent number: 8702058
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve for controlling the flow of abrasive particles along a predetermined path from the outlet of a hopper to a conveying line in a particle collection or transportation system. The design of the valve reduces the occurrence of erosive wear resulting from contact with the flow of abrasive particles. A method of making the valve that enhances the hardness of localized areas in the valve that are subject to high wear conditions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Tyler Little, Clint M. Sowers, Tony F. Habib, Billy G. Springer, Jr., Stephen J. Lukezich
  • Patent number: 8684331
    Abstract: A new valve for regulating the flow of liquid has two housings that are removably attached to one another. When the housings are separated, the liquid can no longer pass through the valve. A system of magnetic elements is used to cycle the flow of liquid (urine) through the valve. The valve is typically connected to an indwelling bladder catheter and the valve allows the patient to be at least temporarily disconnected from a collection bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bioflo, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin J. Spolski
  • Patent number: 8622086
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic valve system is provided which includes a micro-fluidic valve actuator apparatus, a fluid distribution manifold and a micro-fluidic POD apparatus. The POD apparatus includes a POD housing that defines an interior central passage extending from a distal mounting end of the housing to a proximal portion thereof. The POD apparatus further includes a stator device disposed in the interior central passage, and includes a distal stator face that cooperates with an opening in the distal mounting end to define a gasket receptacle. A relatively thin, elastomeric gasket member is disposed in the gasket receptacle of the housing in abutting contact between the stator and a communication face of the manifold. A fluid-tight seal is then formed between each respective stator communication port of the stator device and a corresponding manifold communication port of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Idex Health & Science LLC
    Inventor: Carl M. Servin
  • Patent number: 8616522
    Abstract: An idle air control valve includes a sleeve that defines an internal space and an electrical connector including terminals attached to the sleeve. The connector is joined to the sleeve to enclose the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Tire Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Weldon, Yvon Sterling, Albin Lootvoet
  • Publication number: 20130313464
    Abstract: A valve plug assembly includes a support member having a support member body having a first end and a second end. A stem bore adapted to receive a valve stem may extend axially inward from the second end, and a mating protrusion may extend axially outward from the first end. The valve plug assembly also includes a plug tip having a first end and a second end, and a plug surface adapted to engage a valve seat is disposed adjacent to the first end. A mating bore may extend axially inward from the second end, and the mating protrusion may be received into the mating bore such that a threaded portion of the mating protrusion engages a threaded portion of the mating bore. Additionally, an adhesive bonds the threaded portion of the mating protrusion to the threaded portion of the mating bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT (TIANJIN) VALVE CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chun Gao, Zhong Wei Yu, Zhengyu Chen
  • Patent number: 8567753
    Abstract: A tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body, an adjustable preload flange centrally coupled to the valve body, and a viscoelastic element; the assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration transmitted to a pump housing. The vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy. The viscoelastic element comprises a peripheral groove portion coupled to a central reservoir portion via a plurality of fenestration portions. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved by changing valve assembly compliance (with associated hysteresis loss) through adjustment of annular shear preload applied by the flange to the viscoelastic element reservoir portion. Such preload adjustment effectively maximizes hysteresis loss at the resonant frequency. At least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a circumferential shear-thickening material within the viscoelastic element groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8567754
    Abstract: Tunable valve assemblies attenuate valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies which are typically altered to correspond to specific pump housing resonant frequencies. Each tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable flange may be coupled to the valve body for imposing a predetermined shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. One or more valve assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the associated valve-generated vibration spectrum is narrowed, and its amplitude is reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each predetermined assembly resonant frequency. Assembly resonant frequencies are additionally or alternatively altered through choice of viscoelastic elements and inclusions (e.g., shear-thickening materials) in the reservoir and/or peripheral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8550425
    Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve assembly comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a central internal cavity, the cavity enclosing a nonlinear spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid. The central internal cavity is enclosed by a proximal valve body portion and a distal elastic valve body base plate, the base plate having a peripheral valve seat interface. Impulse tolerance results in part from hysteresis heat loss due to compliance of the elastic valve body base plate, as well as from heat loss associated with operation of the nonlinear spring-mass damper. The combined heat loss is reflected in reduction of closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of induced valve body vibrations. Compliance of the elastic valve body base plate increases closing energy impulse duration and narrows the corresponding induced vibration spectrum. The valve body has at least one guide and at least one peripheral seal-retention groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8522825
    Abstract: A fluid apparatus unit structure in which a uniform tightening force is easily applied over the entire periphery by tightening a plurality of fastening members to obtain an advantageous sealing performance is provided. In s fluid apparatus unit structure in which plural fluid apparatus components that are connected via flow paths are collected together and integrated onto a base member, a casing member for the fluid apparatus components is partitioned into plural members in the base member mating direction, a female threading portion assembly (19) in which plural nut portions (18a) that form female threading portions that communicate in the mating direction are integrated by a linking member (18b), is fit and installed on base side partitioned members of a casing member that is disposed at a position in close contact with a base member or a base members, and with base side member interposed therebetween, different fastening members are threaded and tightened from both sides of the nut portion (18a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8517338
    Abstract: Diaphragm valve (1) comprising a housing upper part (2), which receives an actuating device (4) for actuating the valve (1), and a housing lower part (3), which has a receiving region (9) for receiving a diaphragm (11), wherein in the housing lower part (3) below the diaphragm (11) a central region forming a flow channel (17) is designed, wherein the cross-sectional surface of the flow channel (17) in the central region (51) of the housing lower part (3) is constant when the valve (1) is in the open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Christian Hunnekuhl, Juergen Stumpp, Joerg Hunnekuhl, Walter Bannwarth
  • Patent number: 8511640
    Abstract: A ball valve has a valve housing (2) receiving ball spindle (6) pivoted around an axis in the housing (2). A ball body (12) as a blocking element is between the input part and the output part of a media passage (4) of the housing. The flow opening (14) located in the ball body (12) is alignable with the passage (4) for unblocking the ball valve by turning the ball spindle (12). The ball body (12) is supported on two identical end sections (8, 10) connected to and axially spaced from the ball body (12). The support on at least one end section (8, 10) is a support cover (26) having integrated slide bearing elements (34, 36) detachably mounted on the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hydac Accessories GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Hiss, Markus Strupp
  • Patent number: 8505576
    Abstract: A valve housing blank comprises a receiving space for a valve insert having a longitudinal axis. At least two first pairs of supply ducts, which are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis, extend laterally from an outer side of the blank towards the receiving space. The pairs of supply ducts, as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other. Only one of the supply ducts is open towards the receiving space. The other supply ducts are closed off from the receiving space by a destroyable dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Renninger
  • Patent number: 8500091
    Abstract: A valve stem is journaled in a journaling portion of a valve box in an upwardly and downwardly movable manner; a packing is interposed between the journaling portion and the valve stem; a packing gland is arranged above the packing; a yoke sleeve is provided above the packing gland; and a valve seat in the valve box is opened and closed with a valve element provided at the lower end of the valve stem by rotating a handle fitted into the yoke sleeve to move the valve stem upward and downward. A protective tube formed integrally with the packing gland is provided between the packing gland and the yoke sleeve around the valve stem. A guide projection with which the inner periphery of the upper end of the protective tube comes into contact is provided on the lower surface of the yoke sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 8496029
    Abstract: A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of pairs of ports defined in the first surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways extending between each respective pair of ports and in fluid communication with each port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. Each fluid pathway is formed in the second surface of the body. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one fluid pathway, and a second opposing surface. At least one of the body and the at least one cap includes a weld formation formed in at least one of the second surface of the body and the second surface of the at least one cap constructed to surround the at least one fluid pathway and facilitate welding of the at least one cap to the body along the weld formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: VistadelTek, LLC
    Inventor: Kim Ngoc Vu
  • Patent number: 8496224
    Abstract: A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8464999
    Abstract: A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: James C. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8434506
    Abstract: A flow control valve in which corrosion is less likely to occur in the vicinity of a radial step portion in a gas passage of a housing and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. A flow control valve includes: a housing formed with a gas passage including a first cylinder member accommodating portion, a second cylinder member accommodating portion, and a radial step portion; a first cylinder member accommodated in the first cylinder member accommodating portion; a second cylinder member accommodated in the second cylinder member accommodating portion; and a valve body that is rotatably arranged inside the first cylinder member and the second cylinder member in the radial direction. The housing is formed of cast iron. At least surfaces of the first cylinder member and the second cylinder member are formed of a highly corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd., Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Nakamura, Shingo Iguchi, Yoshiki Ihara