Fluid Pressure Biased Latch Patents (Class 251/94)
  • Patent number: 10739044
    Abstract: A sealed system and a method of assembling the sealed system include installing an expansion device such as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) between an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger. Before or after the expansion device is installed, a predetermined stop position of an adjustable valve is determined, e.g., based on the sealed system capacity. A removable motor assembly moves the adjustable valve to the predetermined stop position and the adjustable valve is permanently fixed within the expansion device, e.g., by removing the motor assembly and/or melting a locking member positioned within the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Isaac D'Souza
  • Patent number: 10263720
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile device comprising a slave clock, a receiver unit for receiving one or more frames from a remote device including a master system clock, a transmitter unit for transmitting one or more frames to the remote device, and a clock error correction unit. The clock error correction unit is configured to maintain clock synchronization between the slave clock and the master system clock, and maintain frame alignment for frames transmitted from the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: AUDIO-TECHNICA U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Brian K. Fair, Robert T. Green, Jacquelynn A. Green
  • Patent number: 8851445
    Abstract: A security valve having a body, a fluid control device, and an internal locking structure. The internal locking structure allows for partial movement of the valve before locking the fluid control device in place. A piping system based on the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Glen Calla, Steven Calla
  • Patent number: 8794589
    Abstract: Actuators having override apparatus are described herein. An example actuator having an override apparatus includes a first actuator stem coupled to a control actuation member. The override apparatus is operatively coupled to the actuator. A spring is coupled to an override member to move the first actuator stem to a predetermined position in response to an override condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: David Anthony Arnold, David George Halm, Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 8783652
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid flow wherein the apparatus comprises an orifice and an adjacent flexible diaphragm separated from each other by a gap through which a liquid flows. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to vary the gap thereby controlling the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid flowing through the orifice. A method for controlling liquid flow through the apparatus comprises flexing said diaphragm to vary a size of the gap to control the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid from flowing through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: MPS Corporation
    Inventors: Thuc M. Dinh, Benjamin Y. H. Liu, Yamin Ma
  • Publication number: 20140117262
    Abstract: A latching valve (100) is provided. The latching valve (100) comprises a valve seal (102) movable between a first position and a second position to selectively open a fluid communication path between a fluid inlet port (330) and a fluid outlet port (331). The latching valve (100) also includes a first pilot valve seal (104a) movable between a first position and a second position. The first pilot valve seal (104a) selectively provides a pressurized fluid to a pilot control chamber (332), wherein pressurized fluid within the pilot control chamber (332) biases the valve seal (102) towards the first position. The latching valve (100) also includes a second pilot valve seal (104b) movable between a first position and a second position. The second pilot valve seal (104b) selectively exhausts the pressurized fluid in the pilot control chamber (332).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FLUID AUTOMATION SYSTEMS S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Deperraz, Stephane Hager
  • Patent number: 8690079
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively containing and dispensing a predetermined liquid material in and from a source container in failsafe manner, wherein a housing is disposed to receive a pressurized fluid stream, and a selectively operable valve assembly is disposed in a flow path defined in the housing. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, which is formed with an admission port for admitting the predetermined liquid material. The valve assembly is disposed between the housing's inlet and outlet, and may be selectively operated to alternatively open and close access of the predetermined liquid material into the housing. The valve assembly is operably actuated responsive at least in part to the pressurized fluid stream in the flow path, whereby admission of the predetermined liquid material into said housing is keyed by introduction of the pressurized fluid stream into the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Mark MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 8567174
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine with at least two drain valves connected to the gas turbine engine to drain oil and moisture from the engine, an actuator for opening and closing the at least two drain valves, a solenoid valve connected to the actuator and to a regulated air supply for driving the actuator and a safety valve connected to an exhaust of the solenoid valve and to a compressor air supply, the compressor air supply driving the safety valve to prevent the actuator from being vented during engine operation. A method of securely operating a plurality of drain valves is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edward Burkitt, Gareth Huw Davies
  • Patent number: 8560139
    Abstract: An automatic flow control apparatus includes a solar cell module that provides a received light signal, an energy storage module, a charging circuit, a regulating module, a control module, a rainfall detection module for generating a detected rainfall signal, and a pair of conductors. The control module converts the received light signal and the detected rainfall signal into measured light data and measured rainfall data, and stores a measured data set that includes the measured light data and the measured rainfall data. The controller determines based on at least the measured data set whether to output a control signal to the regulating module for controlling regulation of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Tung-Teh Lee
  • Publication number: 20130256570
    Abstract: A valve and a hydraulic controller are provider. The valve may combine a rotary-to-linear converter with the hydraulic controller to provide for at least two mechanisms for actuating the valve. Additionally, the valve may include a mechanical lock mechanism suitable for securing the valve at a desired flow position. The mechanical lock mechanism may also provide overload protection. That is, the mechanical lock mechanism may “slip” or disengage if torque forces reach undesired levels. The hydraulic controller may enable a “stepping” mode of control and “fast actuation” mode of control. The “stepping” mode may deliver a discrete quantity of a fluid, while the “fast actuation” mode may deliver a continuous quantity of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edmund Peter McHugh, Finbarr Evans, Kevin Peter Minnock
  • Patent number: 8336850
    Abstract: A stop valve is provided for a hydraulic system. The stop valve includes a valve slide that can be moved to a closed position and to an open position. A blocking device for limiting the activation of the valve slide is provided at an intermediate position located between the closed position and the open position, wherein, in this intermediate position, the opening cross section of the stop valve equals only a fraction of the opening cross section present in the open position. The blocking device is constructed such that limiting the activation of the valve slide by the blocking device is realized as a function of a pressure difference value between a pressure in front of and a pressure behind the stop valve, wherein the limiting can be canceled when the value falls below a given pressure difference value. This guarantees a pressure balance controlled according to the flow when the stop valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Bauer
  • Patent number: 8181931
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a valve with a valve actuator. The valve actuator linearly moves a valve stem and valve member assembly to selectively open and close the valve. The valve actuator moves the valve stem by reciprocatingly moving a piston that is attached to the valve stem. The piston is moved by applying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a piston surface. Piston direction is controlled by a selector valve that selectively diverts a hydraulic flow to either side of the piston. The actuator further includes a piston assembly for pressurizing a hydraulic flow, where the piston assembly reciprocates in response to engagement by a profiled rotating cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8177189
    Abstract: A differential dry pipe control valve for fire protection sprinkler systems includes an eccentric plug that rotates and separates supply water and system air pressure and uses an integral actuator that maintains the seal of the eccentric plug with a smaller ratio of air pressure to a higher supply water pressure. When the sprinkler system is actuated, the actuator allows the rotary eccentric plug to open the waterway and includes an eccentric plug opening that swings out of the waterway to reduce friction loss of the water supply. The eccentric plug includes a conical rubber coated seat surface and dynamic metal seal seat that seals due to water pressure eliminating close tolerance mating of sealing components. The actuator includes an integral alarm connection to provide a required alarm function and acts as a pilot differential actuator to provide the required operation of an approximately 5.5:1 ratio differential dry pipe control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Eldon D. Jackson, Vinh B. Hoa
  • Patent number: 8083205
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sundew Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 7841582
    Abstract: Techniques for a door system for sealing an opening between two chambers in a semiconductor processing system are described. A sealing member seals the opening when a door is in a closed position. To selectively open and close the opening, an actuator moves the door. A valve actuator switch provides a first or second pressure to the actuator depending on the pressure inside a first chamber. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors the pressure inside the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Won B. Bang, Toan Q. Tran, Yen-Kun Victor Wang
  • Patent number: 7744060
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Sundew Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 7669830
    Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body and a shutoff assembly. The valve body includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage therebetween. The shutoff assembly includes a poppet and a piston. The poppet is movable between a closed position, a partially open position, and a full open position. The piston is disposed in the valve body adjacent to the poppet, and is moveable between a first position, in which the piston at least inhibits movement of the poppet from the closed position to the full open position, and a second position, in which the piston allows movement of the poppet from the closed position to the full open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Franconi
  • Patent number: 7543653
    Abstract: A valve for fire suppression sprinkler systems is disclosed. The valve has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A closure member, positioned within the chamber, is movable to close and open the inlet. A latch engages the closure member to hold it in the closed position. The latch also engages a deformable diaphragm. The diaphragm deforms in response to pressure applied to it and allows the latch to move between a latched position engaged with the closure member and an unlatched position away from the closure member. When the diaphragm is depressurized it allows the latch to move and disengage from the closure member, which opens under fluid pressure from the inlet and allows fluid to flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Kevin J. Blease, Joseph K. Banis
  • Patent number: 7523916
    Abstract: A gate valve has a body with a gate chamber intersected by a flow passage and a stem chamber extending from the gate chamber. A gate is carried in the gate chamber. A stem, when rotated, causes linear movement of the gate between open and closed positions. A neck on the gate extends into the stem portion of the chamber. The neck has a cylindrical outer diameter, and a seal seals the neck to the stem portion of the chamber. The stem extends into engagement with a cavity in the neck. A ball screw interface is located between the stem and the cavity of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Patent number: 6296008
    Abstract: A switchover valve for switching over from one supply of pressure fluid to another supply thereof in response to failing or failure of the one supply. The valve has a valve body having two inlets for connection thereto of the respective pressure fluid supplies and an outlet. A valve member is movable in the valve body between a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from one inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the other inlet to the outlet and a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from the other inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the one inlet to the outlet. The valve member is subject to pressure of fluid supplied to the one inlet for moving it from the first-mentioned position to the second-mentioned position and to pressure of fluid supplied to the other inlet for moving it from the second-mentioned position to the first-mentioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Boyer, David A. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6206338
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a valve that fails as-is in the event of control line failure. The actuator has a housing carrying an actuator piston for actuating the valve open or closed. An elongate gripper shaft extends upward from the actuator piston. A collet member is carried within the housing and adapted to engage the gripper shaft when moved upward relative to the housing. The collet member is biased upward by a spring. A release piston abutting the dog members prevents their upward movement when actuated to a lower position. The release piston is supplied with the same hydraulic fluid pressure as the actuator piston. If pressure is removed, the spring moves the collet member into locking engagement with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray, Inc.
    Inventors: Len Albert Trail, Timothy J. Otteman, Richard Blair
  • Patent number: 6202671
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of cryogenic liquid propellant in a rocket engine comprises a double acting piston-cylinder unit having a first position in which the valve is closed and a second position in which the valve is open, a locking device being engageable with the double acting piston-cylinder unit to lock the unit in the closed position of the valve is closed while being free from the valve in its open position. The locking device has a control piston connected to a locking member to selectively lock and unlock the piston-cylinder unit against the force of a spring acting to lock the piston-cylinder unit, and a control chamber capable of receiving a pressure medium to move the piston and to unlock the piston-cylinder unit. A two-way control valve controls flow of the pressure to the control chamber and to valve closing and opening operation chambers of the piston-cylinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Daimlerchrysler AG
    Inventor: Markus Horstmann
  • Patent number: 6131878
    Abstract: A control valve for controlling flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a rocket engine having a valve body longitudinally displaceable between open and closed positions of the control valve, a piston rod secured in the valve body, and a piston secured to the piston rod. The piston is subjected to a pressure gas in a first control chamber to displace the piston to the open position of the valve, against the action of a spring which urges the valve to the closed position. A locking rod is operated by the pressure gas and carries a locking member for engaging in a groove in the piston rod in the open position of the valve. A switching disk is secured on the locking rod and is subjected to the pressure gas in a first gas chamber to displace the locking member from the groove. The switching disk is provided with a control hole for throttled passage of the control gas to the first control chamber to displace the piston with a slight delay to the open position of the valve against the action of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Markus Horstmann
  • Patent number: 6113065
    Abstract: A locking plate attached to a rotatable steering shaft used to change operational settings of a low-pressure locking device of a gas-filled device includes a peripheral locking nose and peripheral adjustment noses on either side thereof, slide surfaces extending between the adjustment noses and the locking nose, the noses and slide surfaces cooperating with the tip of a longitudinally movable locking device whose longitudinal positioning can be released by a blocking device of a pressure detector connected to the gas-filled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: ABB Transmit Oy
    Inventors: Risto Lainimo, Hannu Olli, Nils Osterholm
  • Patent number: 6058957
    Abstract: Water saver fire hydrants save water by delivering their initial flow from a pilot valve to a collection of holes in the gasket faces of their hose and pumper outlet nozzles. These holes are normally closed off by the gaskets in caps and hoses, and the water that flows from those holes in the absence of those caps or hoses activates a mechanism inside the hydrant that either blocks attempts to obtain full flow from the hydrant or powers a hydraulic motor that closes the hydrant valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Honigsbaum
  • Patent number: 5762098
    Abstract: An automatic fluid mixing device wherein a cylindrical supporting structure supports a first number of valves angularly spaced along a first circumference, and a second number of valves angularly spaced along a second circumference concentric with and inside the first; the valves are three-way types, and present a control rod extending axially from one end; and the mixing device presents a blade type selecting device movable angularly about an axis through the center of the circumferences, and which singly engages an end portion of the control rod to move the rod axially and so open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Dromont s.r.l.
    Inventors: Michele Manzone, Luca Drocco
  • Patent number: 5649516
    Abstract: A pivoting flap valve, controlled by a pneumatic main actuator or actuating jack through an engagement means or connecting piece and a lever coupled to the valve, controls the changeover between a state in which supercharging air is delivered to the engine through a cooling radiator and a state in which it is delivered directly, according to the temperature of the air. The control device includes, besides the main actuator, two auxiliary or safety actuators or release jacks, carrying thrust pieces which cooperate with the connecting piece, or stop block, so as to prevent the ram of the main actuator from being extended. The flap valve is therefore unable to be put in a position such that the supercharging air bypasses the cooling radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Laveran
  • Patent number: 5647573
    Abstract: To resist mechanical forces tending to unseat a fluid valve applied to seal against a high fluid pressure, a fluid valve assembly is equipped with a valve block that, in response to the high fluid pressure, causes a locking member to be forcibly wedged into clamping engagement with the stem of a valve, thereby securing the valve in its closed, seated position. When the high fluid pressure is relieved, the valve stem is unclamped, and the valve can then be readily lifted to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Maynard
  • Patent number: 5632294
    Abstract: A locking valve for controlling fluid flow within a conduit has a spring-biased detent in fluid communication with a fluid source. A movable valve structure prevents fluid flow through the conduit in a closed position and enables fluid flow through the conduit in an open position. Movement of the valve structure from the closed position to the open position is obstructed by the detent when fluid pressure in the conduit is below a predetermined pressure. An increase in fluid pressure, however, moves the detent against the spring bias, removing the obstruction to movement of the valve structure, and allowing the valve structure to be moved to the open position. Thus, accidental or intentional drainage of the conduit when the fluid pressure source is inactive is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Scully Signal Company
    Inventor: Frances H. Benton
  • Patent number: 5622199
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for use with a fluid motor has a control device, e.g., a valve spool, mounted for movement between a neutral position for motor disabling and an output position for motor operation. The improvement comprises a locking surface on the device and a lock member engaging the surface when the device is in the neutral position. Such lock member prevents movement of the device to the output position. The valve assembly may have two control devices, each having a locking surface. The lock member engages (or disengages from) such surfaces simultaneously. Means for manual and remote shifting of the locking member are also disclosed. The new assembly is particularly useful in mobile machines having hydraulically-operated equipment, e.g., a loader bucket, which is raised above ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick J. Pieper
  • Patent number: 5474103
    Abstract: A safety guard or lockout device (22) for a dual chamber orifice fitting device (1) having a removable orifice plate (4). In a normal position when the upper and lower chambers (8, 9) are equal in pressure, the guard (50) of the safety guard device (22) is in a retracted position relative to the square end (36) of a valve gear shaft (18) as shown in FIG. 3 to permit connection of a manual tool, such as a wrench, to square end (36) of valve gear shaft (18) for actuation of isolation valve member (16). When changing the orifice plate (4), the pressure in the upper chamber (8) is reduced to atmospheric conditions and provides a fluid pressure differential between chambers (8) and (9). The fluid pressure differential moves fluid responsive member (30) and guard (50) to an extended position covering the square end (36) of valve gear shaft (18) to prevent access of a manual tool to the shaft (18) thereby preventing operation of the isolation valve (16) separating the upper chamber (8) from the lower chamber (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Steven P. Klak
  • Patent number: 5413310
    Abstract: Valve, in particular large ball valve for use in oil and gas installations, of the kind comprising a valve member (2) having a through flow passage (6), a movable seat or seal holder (8, 9) and means (11, 12) for moving the holder in directions towards and from cooperating parts (21, 22) of the valve member. At least one opening from the flow passage (6) is surrounded by a protruding edge portion (20) provided with an annular sealing surface (21). A front portion (17) of the seat or seal holder (8, 9) also has an annular sealing surface (18) adapted to cooperate with the sealing surface (21) on the valve member (21) in the open position thereof (FIG. 1B). Outwardly of its sealing surface (18) the front portion (17) has a seal member (19) adapted to cooperate with a second sealing surface (22) on the valve member (2) in the closed position thereof (FIG. 1A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventor: Knut V. Horvei
  • Patent number: 5325895
    Abstract: Rotatably engaged to the filter (4, 104) of a pressurized-steam container (5, 105) is a closing member (2, 102) provided at the upper part thereof with an operating cap (6, 108). Through 180.degree. rotations of the closing member (2, 102) the fluid communication between the container (5, 105) and the surrounding environment via a filling header (8, 109) having a supply opening (110) at the upper part thereof, is selectively opened and closed. The closing member (2, 102) is driven in rotation by means of a grip element (20, 117) that, upon command of a diaphragm (17, 113) submitted to the inner pressure of the container (105), is moved to an embedded condition in the presence of pressure in the container, thereby being inaccessible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Dierre Finanziaria, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Costanzo Pan
  • Patent number: 5295504
    Abstract: A device for controlling discharge from a pneumatic enclosure under pressure, in particular for controlling rapid deflation of a tire to a predetermined pressure value after the device has been assembled to a valve fitted to the enclosure, the device comprising a pushbutton for actuating a striker adapted to cooperate with the deflation pin of the valve and slidably mounted in a case which provides a chamber coaxially around the striker for the deflation pin, at least one vent hole being provided for exhausting the gaseous fluid contained in the enclosure to be deflated, and the striker being slidably mounted in a piston-washer received in said chamber and adapted to cooperate with the striker by a wedging action to hold the striker in a position that allows escape of the gaseous fluid contained in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Didier Riquier, Alain Lelievre
  • Patent number: 5190106
    Abstract: An injection valve for use in a well having a valve closure element positioned below a valve seat moving between an open position to a closed position on the valve seat for blocking off upward flow through the bore, but allowing downward flow. A flow tube is telescopically movable in the housing for controlling the movement of the valve closure member and a piston is movable in the housing and connected to the flow tube and exposed to fluid in the bore. An upwardly facing shoulder on the flow tube receives a retrievable orifice member for providing a force for fully opening the valve when fluid is injected downwardly through the bore. A retrievable lockout sleeve is provided to lock the valve open when the retrievable orifice is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5026021
    Abstract: A flush control assembly for delaying the flush cycle of pressure flush valves for use on plumbing fixtures. The flush control assembly attaches to, and becomes an integral working part of the flush valve and contains a delaying means which is actuated by water pressure differentials in the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Wilton J. Pino
  • Patent number: 4903937
    Abstract: An isolation valve includes a housing having a port and a seal plate for sealing the port. The seal plate is linked to a shaft which carries a guide frame. To close the port, a drive mechanism drives the shaft linearly in one direction. The seal plate first moves linearly with the shaft until the guide frame stops against the housing. The seal plate then moves linearly in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the housing containing the port until it seals the port. Motion of the drive shaft in the opposite direction causes the seal plate to retrace its path. In one embodiment, the valve includes a second seal plate for sealing a second port. A spring between the guide means and the shaft provides pre-load which maintains the seal plates in a retracted position until the frame stops against the housing. An extension spring between the first and second seal plates eliminates play in the link mechanism and extends valve life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Varian Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoni F. Jakubiec, Thomas M. Daley
  • Patent number: 4700925
    Abstract: The servomotor arrangement has a moving system comprising a piston movable in a cylinder. A latching or retaining member movable transversely of the direction of movement of the system is provided to retain or latch the moving system. The latching member is in operative connection with a pressure chamber, and the pressure chamber is in communication by way of a stop member with a pressure medium source and with a pressure medium sink. The latching member is controllable, a feature which has advantages for the operating behavior of the servomotor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Steffen P. Russak
  • Patent number: 4653522
    Abstract: The ground hydrant of the present invention includes an outlet nozzle above ground and a drain water collection cylinder located below the frost line of the ground. When the hydrant is shut off, the residual water in the nozzle drains into the ground water cylinder and is stored there below the frost line. The next time that the hydrant is turned on, the piston within the cylinder forces the stored water in the cylinder outwardly through a drain line where it is expelled above the ground. The force for moving the piston within the cylinder is provided by water pressure which is diverted from the water source to move the piston and force the stored drain water out of the cylinder and onto the ground. When the hydrant is turned off a second time, the residual water within the hydrant drains again into the cylinder where it is stored until the next time the hydrant is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Woodford Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Fillman, Reinhard Srajer
  • Patent number: 4652059
    Abstract: A parking brake valve cooperates with a spring loaded cylinder which releases a parking brake when pressurized. The valve includes a shaft with an eccentric section, and this shaft may be turned by an actuating lever from a position in which the brake is engaged to a released position. In the released position, the eccentric section of the shaft causes the movement of a control piston, permitting the spring loaded cylinder to be pressurized, releasing the brake. The pressure applied to the spring loaded cylinder is also provided to a radial surface on the shaft, causing the shaft to be friction locked in the released position, despite a spring force applied by a control spring tending to return it to the braking position. If a breakdown occurs in the parking brake system, however, the pressure to the spring loaded cylinder will drop, releasing the friction lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Wittich
  • Patent number: 4603833
    Abstract: An inlet valve for use with a breathing regulator second stage which is connectable to a source of breathable gas. The inlet valve containing a flow-closing valve in the passages and being connectable in the gas circuit to the second stage. Extending externally of the valve body the inlet valve includes a control member. A detent member is attached to the valve body. The detent member having an element projecting externally to the valve body. Also, the detent member being urged into an orientation in which the element retains the control member with the valve in an open flow enabling position. The detent member comprises a piston in the valve body having an end within the passage and exposed to the inlet gas pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: Tony Christianson
  • Patent number: 4565349
    Abstract: A hydraulic piloted pressure reducing and regulating valve which is fail safe for holding the valve at the last selected operating pressure in the event of the loss of control signals. A pressure regulating valve having a body and a control piston therein is provided with a pilot piston in the body which is adapted to be connected to a hydraulic pilot pressure. A spring is provided between the pilot piston and the control piston whereby the control piston can move in response to flow demands in the valve. A rod is connected to the pilot piston with a locking sleeve engaging the rod and releasably locking the rod and pilot piston against movement. A hydraulic pressure port is in communication with the space between the rod and the sleeve for releasing the rod upon application of pressure to the port. The port and the pilot piston are separately connected to a hydraulic fluid supply and a control system whereby upon failure the valve will maintain the last selected operating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Koomey, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry B. Tomlin
  • Patent number: 4530376
    Abstract: A pilot valve having a universally tiltable joy stick further includes a cam attached to said joy stick and movable therewith. A plunger is selectively movable into engagement with the cam for latching the joy stick in a selected one position. Fluid is supplied to the plunger for developing a force acting thereon to move the plunger into engagement with the cam. The fluid force is eliminated and the plunger disengaged from the cam to delatch the joy stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Probir K. Chatterjea
  • Patent number: 4526301
    Abstract: A security system for preventing theft of the liquid contents of storage tanks, such as those used for storing crude oil. The security system includes a first selectively locked access way, a second locked access way and a discharge valve security control subassembly accessible from outside the tank only by way of both access ways when both are unlocked. The discharge valve control subassembly is operatively associated with a housed, inaccessible discharge valve which can be opened only when the discharge valve security control subassembly is actuated. The discharge valve controls flow of the tank contents from inside to outside the tank through a discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventors: Clifford P. King, Trudy L. Pierce
  • Patent number: 4522370
    Abstract: A subsurface valve which functions as a lubricator valve and a retainer valve in response to changes in control pressure which may be pumped through to kill a well and which is provided with a lock means for locking the valve in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Noack, Lester C. Rathie
  • Patent number: 4519571
    Abstract: There is disclosed a blowout preventer having rams each of which is moved between opened and closed positions by a fluid-operated actuator having a rod adapted to be axially reciprocated by piston means within a cylinder and extending from the cylinder for connection to the ram, means for locking the rams in closed position including locking elements carried by the rod for movement into locking position within the cylinder automatically in response to movement of the ram with the rod into closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Koomey Blowout Preventers, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin R. Jones, Roland M. Howard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4483360
    Abstract: A double-block and vent valve having an improved actuator mechanism to allow one part of a composite valve member to be lifted separately from another. The actuator mechanism overlies the valve housing and is connected to the two valve member parts via coaxial rod and tube members. Hold-down cams normally block the upward movement of the tube member to positively lock the upper valve member part against its seat when it is desired to lift only the lower valve member part. A pair of pivotal cams are spring-biased to this blocking position where they bear against lug means carried by the tube member. A small, horizontal, fluid-actuated cylinder pivots the hold-down cams to a non-interfering position whenever it is desired to lift only the upper valve member part or to lift the composite valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Cherry-Burrell Corporation
    Inventors: Herman E. Knappe, James W. Scott
  • Patent number: 4437809
    Abstract: Rotor turning gears for turbines selectively engage with and disengage from rotor ring gears to provide for rotation of the turbine rotor when it would otherwise cease rotation. This is to equalize the effect of thermal stresses on the rotor as it cools down from operating temperatures. The turning gear is positioned by a movable carriage and interlock. The interlock prevents inadvertent engagement of the turning gear and rotor; inadvertent steam admission to the turbine when the turning gear is engaged and assures gear mesh oil to the turning gear during turning gear engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Norman E. Nutter
  • Patent number: 4378931
    Abstract: A valve and particularly a safety valve for use in controlling flow from a well in which an external motor is utilized to shift the actuator of a valve such as a ball valve. The reciprocating rod of the motor is protected by resilient means between the crosshead attached to the motor and the reciprocating actuator. The actuator is latched when the valve is in the open position so that it cannot be moved to closed position except by movement of the reciprocating motor. The valve and seat assembly are designed to be replaced as a unit and can be fabricated as a subassembly with the valve in exact open alignment when the reciprocating actuator is in full valve open position as determined by a stop against which the valve member bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4306586
    Abstract: A three way relay valve has a body defining a bore and first and second chambers, a supply port in fluid communication with the first chamber, and valve and exhaust ports in fluid communication with the second chamber. A plunger is moveably disposed within the bore and extends from the third chamber into the second chamber and a passageway being provided in the plunger for placing the valve port in fluid communication within the body to selectively block fluid communication between the first and second chambers or to block fluid flow through the passageway in the plunger and thereby block fluid communication between the valve and exhaust ports. The valve has a manual reset apparatus and a lock-out device to facilitate actuation of the valve after pilot pressure has been lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Larry K. Spencer