Coaxial Spring Biasing Means Between Valve And Actuator Patents (Class 251/63.6)
  • Patent number: 7836694
    Abstract: A cooling air flow regulating device for controlling the flow of cooling air to an air bearing may comprise a housing with a piston and a spring disposed within. When the pressure of the cooling air is high, the piston is forced out of the path of the cooling air and into an open position. As the pressure of the cooling air decreases, the spring forces the piston back into the path of the cooling air, effectively blocking the flow of cooling air to the air bearing. The cooling air flow regulating device of the present invention may be useful for controlling the cooling of air bearings in turbochargers of turbocharged engine, where at low engine speed, cooling air is not required for air bearings. Methods for using the cooling air flow regulating device of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Don Arnold
  • Patent number: 7823859
    Abstract: A normally-closed valve having a microflow rate adjusting device includes a valve stem for opening and closing a fluid passage; a biasing device for biasing the valve stem in a direction to close the fluid passage; a piston body which is engaged in a cylinder in an air-tight manner to form a pressure chamber for moving the valve stem in a valve opening direction against the biasing device; and a stopper mechanism, provided on the cylinder, for controlling a limit of movement of the piston body in the valve opening direction. The stopper mechanism comprises a stroke adjustment member which is screw-engaged with the cylinder coaxially with the valve stem so that a position of the stroke adjustment member relative to the cylinder can be adjusted, and includes an annular tapered surface at an end of the stroke adjustment member which faces the piston body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fujikura Rubber Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ejiri
  • Patent number: 7798467
    Abstract: The high vacuum valve includes a valve housing having a valve flow channel provided in an interior thereof, two ports connected to the valve housing so as to be arranged perpendicular relative to each other, and capable of being communicated with each other through the valve flow channel, a valve member housed in the valve flow channel for opening and closing the valve flow channel, a valve shaft received in the valve flow channel for causing the valve member to perform opening/closing operations, and an assembly comprising a tubular member and a welded bellows and hermetically surrounding a periphery of the valve shaft, the assembly being fixed at one end portion thereof to a rear face of the valve member and fixed at the other end portion thereof to a portion of the interior of the valve housing which is opposed to the rear face of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Toyonobu Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20100224807
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the art. A valve device is provided that includes a valve body defining a chamber for receiving fluid to be dispensed from the valve device, a seal contact surface located on the valve body, near a location where fluid discharges from the chamber, one or more grooves within the seal contact surface, and a reciprocatable piston rod supporting a seal that selectively contacts the seal contact surface, the piston rod being received at least partially within the chamber. The groove and seal have structural configurations that prevent the seal from fully blocking the groove when the piston rod is in a first position where the seal contacts a portion of the seal contact surface including the groove, and as a result fluid within the chamber may enter the groove when the piston rod is in this first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Brizes
  • Publication number: 20100224804
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for fail-safe high-speed-pneumatic valve is disclosed. Fail-safe dependability is provided by a spring-loaded normally-closed pneumatic actuator. When the spring-loaded actuator is pressurized, the normally closed mechanism is actuated to the valve active position. Concurrently, the pressure is directly applied to deflect a diaphragm or a bellow-assembly back to sealing position. Ultra high purity embodiments with standard dome shaped diaphragms are disclosed. Additional high conductance diaphragms and bellows embodiments are employed for higher conductance valves. Novel flow path layouts are disclosed. The valves are applicable for fast gas and fluid switching and are particularly suitable for high productivity Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) applications. Additional embodiments cover improved diaphragm and seal reliability, externally adjustable valve conductance, improved valve safety and high temperature valve seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Sundew Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 7766302
    Abstract: Actuators and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators offer efficient, fast, flexible control with large forces. In an exemplary embodiment, an fluid actuator includes a housing having first and second fluid ports, an actuation cylinder in the housing defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions, an actuation piston in the cylinder with first and second surfaces moveable along the longitudinal axis, a spring subsystem biasing the actuation piston to a neutral position, a first fluid space defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A first flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the first fluid space and the first port, whereas a second flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the second fluid space and the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: LGD Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Patent number: 7677528
    Abstract: A controller comprises power transmitting means (11) for amplifying the force applied on the operating shaft (6) and transmitting to the valve rod (4); and a slow start means (12) for slowly moving the operating shaft (6) upward are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji
  • Patent number: 7665973
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing capacity of a multi-stage compressor comprises: a first cylinder provided with a first suction and a first discharge port, and divided into a first suction chamber and a first compression chamber by a first rolling piston which orbits and a first vane which makes a linear movement in contact with the first rolling piston; a second cylinder provided with a second suction port and a second discharge port, and divided into a second suction chamber and a second compression chamber by a second rolling piston which orbits and a second vane which makes a linear movement in contact with the second rolling piston; a middle bearing inserted between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, having a bypass hole to allow communication between the compression chambers of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and having a valve hole for communication in the middle of the bypass hole; a sliding valve slidingly coupled to the valve hole of the middle bearing, and selectively opening or closi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seon-Woong Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100038567
    Abstract: A suck-back valve having an open/close valve with a suck-back function is provided. The suck-back valve includes a suck-back chamber formed in a valve internal channel of the open/close valve, a piston shaft portion and an open/close pressuring member to apply pressure to a valve piece, bellows that accommodate the piston shaft portion inside and that are connected to the open/close pressuring member at one end and are supported by a casing at the other end, wherein a two-step operation is performed at the time of a closing operation of the valve piece, including a valve closing operation step in which the piston shaft portion moves to the fully closed position of the valve piece, and a suck-back operation step in which the piston shaft portion and the open/close pressuring member further move from the fully closed position of the valve piece to increase the volume of the suck-back chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Atsushi INOUE
  • Patent number: 7658366
    Abstract: A control element of a bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with an outlet pressure and an inlet pressure when the valve is closed such that a sum of the forces applied to the control element result in a net force urging the control element to seat against a valve seat. The valve includes a valve body carrying the valve seat. The control element is balanced on an outlet side of the valve seat such that the outlet pressure applies approximately no net force to the control element. In contrast, the control element is unbalanced on an inlet side of the valve seat such that inlet pressure applies a net force on the control element to bias the control to seat against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Tescom Corporation
    Inventor: Todd W. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20100025601
    Abstract: A poppet valve is disclosed that includes a valve body, a poppet guide disposed inside the valve body so as to form a flow passage from an inlet to an outlet of the valve, a poppet shutter disposed inside the poppet guide, and a biasing member to bias the poppet shutter away from the poppet guide toward an inside surface of the flow inlet so as to block the flow passage. The poppet valve further includes at least one discharge hole placing an inner chamber of the poppet guide in flow communication with a region of low static pressure of the flow passage. A method for reducing a closing pressure force acting on a poppet shutter of a poppet valve is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Stefano Francini, Nicola Campo, Michele Bianchini
  • 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: 20090211814
    Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Luc de Boer
  • Patent number: 7540468
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a valve assembly comprising a valve body, a valve element, a shaft, an engagement stop, an actuator housing, a manual lockout, and a lock. The valve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The valve element is disposed within the valve body flow passage, and is movable between a closed position and a full-open position. The shaft is coupled to the valve element and extends through the valve body. The engagement stop is coupled to, and extends radially from, the shaft. The actuator housing at least partially surrounds the shaft. The manual lockout is configured, upon receipt of a torque, to selectively engage and disengage the engagement stop. The lock is coupled to the actuator housing, and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dixon, Craig T. Dorste
  • Patent number: 7540467
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including an actuator housing assembly having a linear drive mechanism disposed at least partially therein. A linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) is coupled to the linear drive mechanism and configured to eliminate rotation of the linear drive mechanism and provide linear positioning of the linear drive mechanism. A valve shaft is coupled to the linear drive mechanism and in substantially linear alignment with the linear drive mechanism. A rotational coupler, in the form of a helical groove and reciprocating guide member, is formed to couple the linear drive mechanism to the valve shaft. The valve shaft is configured to allow for the linear displacement therein of the linear drive mechanism and thereby output a rotation moment via the rotational coupler to the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Roundy
  • Patent number: 7527238
    Abstract: The two-port valve comprises a main valve part which includes a valve seat disposed in the flow path, a valve element for opening and closing the flow path, and a rod coupled with the valve element and inserted into a through hole of a bonnet, and an operation part for driving the rod. The protection structure is provided in the two-port valve for protecting the rod seal member for the through hole from the fluid containing a depositional material. The protection structure includes ring-shaped abutting seal surfaces disposed in a wide area between a peripheral part of the valve element and an outer periphery of the rod for preventing the invasion of the fluid in a state of opening the valve. A ring-shaped elastic seal member is disposed on an inner end of the abutting seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Toyonobu Sakurai, Ikuo Kanzaka
  • Patent number: 7455279
    Abstract: The dual actuator valve of the present invention deploys both the primary and secondary actuator elements in a single, common control chamber. Therefore, the present invention provides a dual actuator valve having dimensions that are the same as, or similar to, the dimensions of a single actuator control valve. It will be appreciated that the actuator elements may be of diaphragm type or piston type actuator elements. The primary actuator element is mechanically linked to the valve plug and regulates the flow though the valve, while the secondary actuator element remains in a fully open position. Should the primary actuator element fail to operate the valve due, for example, to diaphragm rupture, failure of the primary control system, or any other reason, the secondary control system activates the secondary actuator element, which then effects movement of the primary actuator element thereby resuming flow regulation or closure of the valve as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Bermad CS, Ltd
    Inventor: Zvi Weingarten
  • Publication number: 20080283783
    Abstract: This industrial patent has as purpose to facilitate the installation and/or removal process of equipments when these are in an exit of piping 6. The sealing device for piping exits including a device 1 that contains in its interior a valve 2 that will make the interruption of the flow contained in the piping 6 when there is not equipment 7 installed in the device 1. Therefore, the spring 5 pulls the head sealing 4. When the equipment 7 is settled in the device 1, it pushes the flange 3 that moves the sealing head 4, allowing the course of flow of the piping 6. The building of the automatic sealing device of piping exits (ASD) can be made with any material type, as well as in several geometric forms to guarantee the perfect sealing, as well as to assist the request of the fluid and gases type that passes thought the piping 6. In places where already has exit connections, it can be used only the element of sealing 2, introducing it in the existent connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hudson Gonzaga Perna
  • Patent number: 7434780
    Abstract: A pilot-type two-port valve is disclosed having a water hammer preventing mechanism, operative to prevent a water hammer during valve-closing operation, which includes a valve member operative to open or close a valve and a piston driven by pilot fluid for operating the valve member for opening and closing movements. The water hammer preventing mechanism comprises a piston drive chamber, from which fluid is discharged during valve-closing operation, which has an orifice for restricting the flow rate of discharge fluid whereby when the piston moves to a position to allow the valve member to be close to a valve seat, a portion of an discharge flow passage of the piston drive chamber is blocked to restrict the flow rate of the discharge fluid to the flow rate of fluid flowing through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Shinji Miyazoe, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20080230729
    Abstract: A valve including a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve stem, a valve seat, an opening control chamber for the valve stem, which chamber, by being fed with fluid, urges the valve stem to move towards the open position of the valve, a return spring of opposing effect, and a piston suitable for sliding in the body so as to urge contact to be established between the valve stem and the seat. The valve seat is formed on the piston, which piston is provided with a bore in which the valve stem is in its closure movement, the fluid flows out via a constriction from a damping chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Dominique Costaz, Alain Mangano
  • Publication number: 20080210895
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a control valve for regulating temperature comprises a conduit, a fluid limiter, a restoring actuator, an opening actuator, and a restoring actuator chamber. The conduit has an inlet, an outlet, and an opening between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is operable to receive fluid into the conduit and the outlet is operable to dispense of fluid out of the conduit. The fluid limiter is operable to at least partially cover the opening and thereby resist flow of fluid through the opening. The restoring actuator is operable to provide a force that moves the fluid limiter toward the opening to resist flow of fluid through the opening. The opening actuator is operable to provide a second force that moves the fluid limiter away from the opening to allow the flow of fluid through the opening. The opening actuator is activated based on a temperature of fluid in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Flow Design, Inc
    Inventors: Fritz Essfeld, Bernhard Henke, Karl-Heinz Brinkmann, John M. Trantham
  • Publication number: 20080203338
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including an actuator housing assembly having a linear drive mechanism disposed at least partially therein. A linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) is coupled to the linear drive mechanism and configured to eliminate rotation of the linear drive mechanism and provide linear positioning of the linear drive mechanism. A valve shaft is coupled to the linear drive mechanism and in substantially linear alignment with the linear drive mechanism. A rotational coupler, in the form of a helical groove and reciprocating guide member, is formed to couple the linear drive mechanism to the valve shaft. The valve shaft is configured to allow for the linear displacement therein of the linear drive mechanism and thereby output a rotation moment via the rotational coupler to the valve shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Roundy
  • Patent number: 7401760
    Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve has a poppet type valve element supported so as to be brought into uniformly close contact with a valve seat disposed in a passage connecting two main ports. The valve element is connected to a valve stem by a connecting mechanism that allows the valve element to tilt relative to the valve stem. A piston included in a cylinder actuator moves the valve stem axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuo Kanzaka, Toyonobu Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7380767
    Abstract: A valve comprises a housing (1) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a pressure sensing port (8). A piston (6) slides in a part (3) of the housing (1) in response to a difference between a first fluid pressure at the pressure sensing port on the one side of the piston, and a second fluid pressure at the inlet and/or outlet on the other side of the piston (6). A valve member (7) carried by the piston is operable thereby to close the inlet (4) when said second fluid pressure is less than a value sufficiently greater than said first fluid pressure. The valve member (7) is movable with respect to the piston (6) to facilitate closing of the inlet (4), in response to a fluid flow from the housing (1) to the inlet (4), when the piston is not acting to close the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: AAF-MCQUAY, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Roll, Peter Michael Woodard, Andrew Albert Ellingham, Terence William Thomas Young
  • Publication number: 20080083891
    Abstract: A gate valve actuator including an housing, a piston, a lower end closure, and a piston cylinder end cap. The piston is situated within the housing, and the lower end closure connects the housing and the piston. The piston cylinder end cap also connects the housing and the piston. The housing, the piston, the lower end closure, and the end cap define a main actuator cavity. The connection between the lower end closure and the piston and the connection between the piston cylinder end cap and the piston are sealable connections. The main actuator cavity is substantially isolated from ambient air and from a control fluid, which prevents moisture build-up and hence prevents corrosion of the internal components of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: David Holliday
  • Patent number: 7340939
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in sampling the exhaust emissions from a turbine engine. The device has a valve array in a manifold housing coupling multiple turbine exhaust lines to an emissions analyzer, such as used in CEMS. Each valve can be actuated by pilot air pressure to open or close off flow of one or more of the exhaust lines. Exhaust from various zones of the turbine combustor section can be selectively sampled thereby allowing emissions measurements to be taken and used for compliance monitoring and performance and diagnostic analysis of turbine combustor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Publication number: 20080054205
    Abstract: Actuators and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators offer efficient, fast, flexible control with large forces. In an exemplary embodiment, an fluid actuator includes a housing having first and second fluid ports, an actuation cylinder in the housing defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions, an actuation piston in the cylinder with first and second surfaces moveable along the longitudinal axis, a spring subsystem biasing the actuation piston to a neutral position, a first fluid space defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A first flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the first fluid space and the first port, whereas a second flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the second fluid space and the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Patent number: 7328881
    Abstract: An evacuating valve includes a chamber port structure to be connected to a vacuum vessel in which a plasma is produce to create a plasma atmosphere, a pump port structure to be connected to a vacuum pump; a valve casing defining a passage connecting the chamber port structure and the pump port structure, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the chamber port structure. At least two expended parts are formed by expanding an end part of the inside surface of the chamber port structure, and the valve element has a large part capable of being pressed against the valve seat with the sealing member held between the large part and the valve seat, and at least two small parts capable of being fitted in the expanded parts of the chamber port structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Toyonobu Sakurai, Masao Kajitani
  • Patent number: 7303176
    Abstract: Force amplifying means 5 comprises a tapered member 41 extending vertically downward from the lower end of an operating rod 3, a disk member 42 provided at the upper end of a valve stem 16, and front and rear pivotal members 43, 44 arranged between the two members 41, 42 and opposed to each other with the tapered member 41 positioned therebetween, the pivotal members 43, 44 being pivotally movable about respective pivots 45, 46. Each of the pivotal members 43, 44 has a plate body 43a, 44a, an upper contact face 43b, 44b formed on an upper portion of the body and in bearing contact with a tapered face of the tapered member 41, and a lower contact face 43c, 44c formed on a lower portion of the body and bearing on the upper surface of the disk member 42. The lower contact face 43c, 44c of each pivotal member is in the form of a circular-arc cam face centered about a center line positioned away from the axis of the pivot 45, 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Ichiro Tokuda, Kenji Tsubota, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7234678
    Abstract: A limit switch 6 is placed on an end portion of the trip rod 4, which converts the mechanical deviation of the trip rod 4 into an electrical signal. The electrical signal from the limit switch 6 is transmitted to quick acting solenoid valves placed in a drive unit for a steam valve via a sequence circuit device, and then the steam valve is closed. Accordingly, an equipment structure can be simplified and reliability can be improved as compared to conventional arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Osamu Shindo, Kazuhito Shinoda
  • Patent number: 7231934
    Abstract: A shut-off device, in particular for application in the extraction of natural gas and mineral oil, has a shut-off housing (3) comprising an admission channel (2) and in which a shut-off organ (4) is supported in an adjustable manner relative to the admission channel (2) between an open position (5) and a closed position (6), and has an actuating device (7) at least for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) from the open position (5) into the closed position (6). To improve such a shut-off device in that, especially in an emergency, fast adjustment of the shut-off organ to the closed position is possible in a constructively easy and economical manner, the actuating device comprises a gas generation device (8) for the production of an adjustment pressure for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) in the direction of the close position (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7185489
    Abstract: A particulate trap has a housing and a plurality of filters disposed within the housing. The particulate trap also has a plurality of dividers fluidly isolating one or more of the plurality of filters into filter divisions. The particulate trap has at least one inlet and at least one outlet individually associated with each filter division, and a valve assembly configured to selectively block a flow of exhaust air through each of the inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Owen Charles Kolstad, Kartik Ganesan Iyer, Kerry Allen Delvecchio, Joanna Louise Williams
  • Patent number: 7182278
    Abstract: Accordingly, the invention provides a spray valve comprising: (a) an upper valve body including a hydraulic chamber for receiving an incompressible hydraulic fluid through a piston port and a piston slidable within said hydraulic chamber; (b) a lower valve body including a fluid conduit for receiving fluid into the spray valve, a lower valve seating surface, an annular fluid chamber around the lower valve seating surface and a fluid outlet; and (c) a seating member between the upper valve body and lower valve body including: (i) an upper seat for the piston within the hydraulic chamber of the upper valve body; (ii) a diaphragm of resilient material extending between the upper valve body and lower valve body; and (iii) a valve seat for bearing against the lower valve seating surface and closing the fluid conduit when pressurised incompressible hydraulic fluid is received through the piston port and displacing the piston within the hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Anaid Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoff Haviland, Sean Haviland, Peter Williams
  • Patent number: 7168676
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-port valve in which a fluid passage between two ports is gradually openable without a rapid flow rate, by stepwise lifting a valve member off a valve sent using two pistons, to open the valve in a phased manner. A cylinder portion 2 for driving a valve member 4 has a first piston 24 through which a valve shaft 11 slidably extends, a sleeve 35 movably disposed in a second pressure chamber 27 to limit an operating stroke of the first piston 24, and a second piston 37 slidably disposed in the sleeve 35 and connected to the shaft 11. In an initial phase of opening of the valve, the pistons 24, 37 acting like a unit are together moved to a position at which the first piston 24 contacts the sleeve 35, to slightly open the valve member 4. Thereafter, the valve member 4 is moved by the second piston 37 to its fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Kajitani
  • Patent number: 7163025
    Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve which is simplified in structure and where the flow rate characteristic in evacuating a vacuum vessel is improved, comprises (i) a main valve 1A of a large size which has: a principal body 4 having two main ports 11, 12 connected to a vacuum vessel 7 and a vacuum pump 8, respectively, a valve seat 14 disposed in a fluid passage connecting the ports 11, 12, a valve element 15 seated on and separated from the valve seat 14, and a shaft 20 extending from the valve element 15; and a valve element operating unit 5 for operating the valve element 15 via the shaft 20, and (ii) a sub valve 2A of a small size similar in structure to the main valve 1A. The sub valve 2A is attached to an outer side surface of a casing 10 of the main valve 1A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Kajitani
  • Patent number: 7155896
    Abstract: A system for draining fuel from the combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine in the event of a false start includes associated passageways and a straight through flow pilot air actuated poppet valve. The valve is normally open and actuated by the pilot air to close off the combustion chamber from the drain. A return spring biases the valve to open upon release of pilot air pressure acting on the valve. The valve housing has a piston section with a pilot air chamber and a section defining the passageways for the drain. The drain passageway extends along a straight path at an oblique angle to a piston axis along which a piston actuator moves in response to the return spring and/or the pilot air pressure. The valve also includes a position feedback system for detecting the state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey B. Jansen, David K. Shields
  • Patent number: 7121297
    Abstract: Arranged in a hydraulic circuit is a valve with an L-shaped duct arrangement, which is formed by a transverse duct 2 and a longitudinal duct 3. Formed in extension of the longitudinal duct 3 is a holding and guiding bore 4, in which a throttling element, comprising a throttle slide 10 and a valve piston 21 that can be displaced therein, can be displaced longitudinally. The valve piston 21 has a passage hole 25, which is connected to the interior of the throttling element and two proportionate annular chambers 17a and 17b. Of these, the proportionate annular chamber 17b is connected to a pilot control valve via a control duct 19. Depending on the direction and pressure of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the L-shaped duct arrangement, the throttling element is moved in or out and extended or compressed in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhardt Thoms
  • Patent number: 7070159
    Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve includes a valve casing provided with two main ports, a passage connecting the two main ports, a valve seat formed in the passage, a valve element capable of being seated on the valve seat, a valve stem extending from the valve element, and a piston attached to the free end of the valve stem. A valve opening setting unit includes a valve opening setting shaft having a free end held in contact with the back surface of the piston, and a driving mechanism capable of continuously axially moving the valve opening setting shaft to a desired position to set the piston at an operating position corresponding to a desired valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Kajitani
  • Patent number: 7040320
    Abstract: A valve device for controlled supply of a pressure fluid, having a housing (2) with a supply chamber (3) for the supply of a pressure fluid from an inlet (4) connected to a pressure fluid source, and having an outlet (5) communicating with the supply chamber (3) via an outlet valve (6). The valve device includes a reference chamber (10) connected to the outlet (5) through a narrow, leakage-forming duct (11), a regulating unit (12–14) adapted to keep the supply chamber (3) permanently pressurised at a value just above the pressure in the reference chamber (10), and a control valve (20) having a valve body (21) for opening and closing of a passage (19) between the supply chamber (3) and the reference chamber (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Techwood AS
    Inventors: Anders Fjeld, Nils Terje Ottestad
  • Patent number: 7014076
    Abstract: A syrup delivery system delivers flavored syrup. A solenoid introduces air into the system and into an inlet of an exhaust diverter including a flexible diaphragm. The air exits the exhaust diverter through an outlet for entry into a syrup valve that dispenses the syrup. After dispensing of the syrup, the solenoid blocks air from entering the system. The air from the syrup valve reenters the exhaust diverter through the outlet. The air exits the exhaust diverter through the contaminated air exhaust. The air pushes on the flexible diaphragm, which contacts a seating surface around the inlet, preventing the air from exiting the exhaust diverter through the inlet. The remaining air in the system passes into the expansion tank and is diffused, causing any contaminates in the air to fall to the bottom of the expansion tank. The exhaust air is also subjected to a turbulent air flow path in the expansion tank that further separate any contaminants from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Registration, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Pete McNamee, Mark Bush, Jon Peter Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 7004445
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Safoco, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lymberopoulos
  • Patent number: 6991000
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid includes a manifold having a high pressure passageway adapted to be coupled to a source of the liquid and to deliver the liquid at an elevated pressure to a dispenser. The manifold further includes a low pressure passageway for exhausting pressurized liquid from the high pressure passageway. A pressure relief valve is coupled between the high pressure passageway and the low pressure passageway. The pressure relief valve has a valve member mounted for movement relative to a valve seat. One side of the valve seat defines a high pressure side in communication with the high pressure passageway and another side of the valve seat defines a low pressure side in communication with the low pressure passageway. A dynamic seal engages the valve member on the low pressure side and prevents leakage of the liquid from the low pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Jeter, Robert J. Woodlief
  • Patent number: 6986362
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pilot operated relief valve, in which a balance system is provided to offset a tank pressure exerted on a piston, so that a setting pressure of a pilot poppet is not changed even when the tank pressure is changed, and thus a function of the relief valve can be stably performed. The pilot operated relief valve is comprised of a sleeve, a main poppet provided to be movable in the sleeve, a seat provided in the sleeve, a housing connected to a rear end of the sleeve, a pilot poppet provided to be movable in the housing, a piston moved by a pilot signal pressure, and the balance system offsetting the tank pressure exerted on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hae Kyun Cheong
  • Patent number: 6974115
    Abstract: An electro-hydrostatic actuator having a sealed housing filled with a dielectric fluid. A motor driven pump and electronics for controlling the pump are all immersed in the fluid. The pump is arranged to deliver fluid from the housing to a hydraulic cylinder to control the positioning of the piston rod. A solenoid operated valve is integrated as a bypass or tip valve for quick fail safe position. The actuator is ideally suited to control various types of plunger valves. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic cylinder is located outside of the housing and in another embodiment the cylinder is located inside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Young & Franklin Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Silva
  • Patent number: 6964304
    Abstract: A technique for maintaining pressure integrity within a submersible system. The system utilizes a pressure housing with an internal component, such as a valve. The internal component is actuated by an external actuator via an actuator stem. A seal region is positioned to interact with the stem, such that the interior of the pressure housing is sealed and pressure integrity is maintained upon retraction of the stem from engagement with the internal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Brian Skeels, Michael R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6923423
    Abstract: A gate valve comprises a valve body, a stem bore which extends through the valve body, a stem which is disposed in the stem bore and which includes a first stem portion that is sealed to the stem bore, a second, smaller diameter stem portion that is sealed to the stem bore, and a gate pocket that is located between the first and second stem portions, and gate which is disposed within the gate pocket between the first and second seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor L. Jones, Philip Hernandez, Archie L. Smith, David E. Cain, Gregory L. Glidden, Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Paul P. Luangraj
  • Patent number: 6895986
    Abstract: A valve is formed to resist snap-action closure forces and provides a smooth closing action to minimize or eliminate water hammer. The valve is opened and closed by modulating the relative air pressures above and below a piston in the valve. Because the air pressures above and below the piston produce partially offsetting forces on the piston, the net closure force on the valve plunger is limited, and the rate of valve closure is reduced enough to achieve the effect of minimizing water hammer. A separate vent port volume may vent to atmosphere to further limit valve closure speed, and to further reduce water hammer. The valve can provide the capability to control the flow of fluids over a wide temperature range over a long service life while reducing or eliminating water hammer. The valve is well suited for use in injection mold temperature control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: CITO Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst K. Wieder
  • Patent number: 6896236
    Abstract: A hydraulic damper cylinder 270 is provided for an electromagnetic actuated internal combustion engine cylinder valve 20. The damper includes a piston 68 slidably mounted within the damper cylinder 270. The piston 68 bifurcates the cylinder 270 into a first control volume 74 and a second control volume 76. The first and second control volumes are fluidly connected by an inboard flow path 372. Along the extreme ends of travel, the flow path 372 is blocked by the piston 68 and damping occurs through fluid transfer through an outboard flow path 374.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Thomas William Megli, Philip Thomas Koneda, Stephen John Agdorny
  • Patent number: 6854705
    Abstract: A valve is formed to resist snap-action closure forces and provides a smooth closing action to minimize or eliminate water hammer. The valve is opened and closed by modulating the relative air pressures above and below a piston in the valve. Because the air pressures above and below the piston produce partially offsetting forces on the piston, the net closure force on the valve plunger is limited, and the rate of valve closure is reduced enough to achieve the effect of minimizing water hammer. A separate vent port volume may vent to atmosphere to further limit valve closure speed, and to further reduce water hammer. The valve can provide the capability to control the flow of fluids over a wide temperature range over a long service life while reducing or eliminating water hammer. The valve is well suited for use in injection mold temperature control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: CITO Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst K. Wieder
  • Patent number: 6814338
    Abstract: A first piston and a second piston are accommodated in a piston chamber of a cylinder. The first piston is connected to a main valve member which opens and closes a main flow passage. The second piston is connected to a second rod having a stopper whose position can be adjusted. Pressure fluid is supplied to the second pressure chamber to move the second piston forward to a position where the stopper abuts against the abutting portion. In this state, pressure fluid is supplied to the first pressure chamber to move the first piston to a position where the first piston abuts against the second piston, thereby opening the main valve member by a stroke of the first piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Kajitani