Released By Non-valving Actuator Motion Patents (Class 251/95)
  • Patent number: 11911565
    Abstract: A twist to lock heat and moisture exchanging device includes a housing having a first opening that is adapted to open to a tracheostoma and a second opening that opens to ambient. A foam filter is disposed in the housing and a closure member is mounted to the housing and adapted to close a passage between the first opening and the second opening. A locking mechanism is engageable to prevent movement of the closure member to close the passage and disengageable to allow movement of the closure member to close the passage. The twist to lock tracheostoma heat and moisture exchanger allows a user to protect from accidental closure during activities when it would be preferred like sleeping and exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Freudenberg Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Alan Glen, Dimitrios Stroumpoulis, Tejasvi Subramanya
  • Patent number: 11708916
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve housing and a handle that is movable about an actuation axis to actuate a valve actuator within the valve housing between an open position and a closed position. The handle has a first opening and the valve housing has a second opening. When the valve actuator is in the closed position the first opening aligns with the second opening to enable receipt of a lockout member that prevents movement of the valve actuator from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Zachary Spencer Smith
  • Patent number: 11666173
    Abstract: A device for preparing coffee by manual brewing includes: a filter holder for receiving a filter insert with ground coffee; a holder in which the filter holder is inserted; a vessel arranged under the filter holder into which the brewed coffee can be filled; a drain arranged on the filter holder; and a closure element arranged on the drain for opening and closing the drain. An actuating element for the closure element is provided on the filter holder by which the closure element can be moved between an open position and a closed position independently of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MELITTA EUROPA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Sachtleben
  • Patent number: 11603256
    Abstract: A device to allow for the continuous spraying of pressurized liquid from an aerosol spray can at any angle required, and in locations that can only be accessed through an openings through which an aerosol spray can does not fit, all while automatically preventing backflow of the pressurized liquid through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Jesse Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 11486575
    Abstract: According to one embodiment a gas tap is provided that includes a manually operable shaft having a first end coupled to a regulating element and a second end configured to be coupled to a knob that can be operated by a user. The shaft includes a first locking element, and the gas tap includes a second locking element. The shaft is rotational between an initial angular position and a final angular position, and is axially movable when it is arranged in the initial angular position between a first axial position in which the first locking element and the second locking element cooperate with one another, preventing the shaft from being able to rotate, and a second axial position in which the shaft is able to rotate. The user has to pull on the shaft in order to move it from the first axial position to the second axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: COPRECI, S.COOP.
    Inventors: Jose Octavio Sanchez Rodriguez, Maider Sarriegi Galparsoro
  • Patent number: 11338991
    Abstract: The invention pertains generally to an improved fluid dispensing device, particularly a dispensing device which employs at least one hemispherical domed cannister source of reactants and which uses a color-changing dispensing plastic tip to inform the end-user if the reactants are at a proper use temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ICP Construction, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Dolezal, Karl W. Burkart
  • Patent number: 9263204
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic device encloses and supports at least one operational component and includes at least one opening sized to accommodate a mechanical input assembly. The mechanical input assembly includes a feature arranged to receive an input event, at least a portion of the feature exposed at an outside surface of the housing, an operational indicia visible on the exposed portion and having a preferred orientation with respect to the housing, the operational indicial providing an indication of how an operation of the operational component is influenced, and a shaft having a size and shape in accordance with the opening, the shaft attached to the external feature at a first end and an integrally formed self-capturing feature at the second end. The self-capturing feature is inserted into the opening until activated. The indicia is then properly aligned and the mechanical input assembly is locked to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Wey-Jiun Lin, Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 9010375
    Abstract: On an outer surface of an electromagnetic valve body, a manual operation element is provided slidably horizontally, and a slide member is provided slidably in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the manual operation element. The slide member is movable to a lock position and a non-lock position. At the lock position, the slide member is retained by the manual operation element to lock the manual operation element at a non-switch position. At the non-lock position, the slide member unlocks the manual operation element to allow the manual operation element to move toward a switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Narita
  • Patent number: 8985406
    Abstract: The plug includes: a resilient member that is provided on the valve body and serves to bias the valve body in a closing direction; a valve body cover attached to the valve body in order to prevent the resilient member from coming of a rotation member rotatably provided on the valve body cover; at least two engagement claw portions that are provided on the rotation member and serve to allow the valve body cover to be engaged with an upper portion of the valve body; and claw guiding grooves and the recessed grooves serving as steps that are provided on an upper portion of the valve body, the number of the claw guiding grooves being equal to the number of or the integral multiple of the engagement claw portions, the recessed grooves allowing the rotation member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Thermos L.L.C., Thermos K.K.
    Inventor: Katsuaki Tachi
  • Patent number: 8944404
    Abstract: A gas safety valve (1) capable of avoiding unwanted or inadvertent opening and possible closing, with maximum safety and allowing an opening, and possible closing, of these safety valves only through a double intentional and reliable maneuver includes a knob (22) for controlling the shutter (7) of the valve (1), during the opening and closing rotation movement, stop projections (32, 33) of the valve (1) slide on sliding segments (37, 38; 37B, 38B) provided in the knob (22) coplanar or flat-like inclined and associated to relative positioning projections (41, 42), a spring (28) housed in a chamber between a threaded end (19) of a screw (11), and a chamber (23) of the knob (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Giacomini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Giacomini
  • Patent number: 8919731
    Abstract: A valve for inflation and deflation of an air bag that is operable to allow air pressure to open the valve to allow air to enter the air bag with subsequent sealing of the valve upon removal of the air pressure source. For deflation, a common coin is insertable into the valve insert which is subsequently turned into a locked-open position, allowing egress of the air within the air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Dunnage, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie Langston, Cengiz Cesur
  • Patent number: 8852443
    Abstract: Various “no filter, no run” fuel filtration designs are described that include a variable restriction orifice (VRO) designed to vary the amount of fluid, for example fuel, that reaches a fluid outlet. The VRO has a fully open position at which a maximum non-zero fluid flow is permitted, and a fully closed position at which a limited amount of fluid can flow to the outlet. In the case of diesel fuel, the amount of fuel flow permitted at the fully closed position provides lubrication of downstream fuel system components, for example the fuel pump, but is insufficient to permit engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Forrest, J. Bruce Schelkopf, Ted S. Loftis, Barry Verdegan, Wassem Abdalla, Mark Wieczorek, Gérard Malgorn, Charles W. Hawkins, Chad Thomas, Joe Saxon, Mark Johnson, Naren Shaam
  • Patent number: 8740180
    Abstract: A conventional rotary valve in which is provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the degree of aperture so as to prevent misoperation and reduce accidents caused thereby, and even a previously installed valve can be converted to a valve having a locking mechanism, simply by replacing the handle alone. In a rotary valve wherein a valve element that is engaged with a stem is turned by turning the stem, which is connected to a handle, so as to open and close the valve, and having a top flange that is provided on a neck of a valve body that supports the stem, a notch is formed at the peripheral edge of the top flange, and a locking member, having a protrusion that can be latched in the notch in the top flange by way of a torsion spring, is pivotably supported at the center of the handle or on a grip portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsushita, Tomoki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8550426
    Abstract: A dual-motion collar device is described, which elicits an additional motion from an operator when initiating a parking brake release in a vehicle. The collar device comprises top and bottom collars with a compressed and torsionally stressed spring there between, such that the collar device maintains a park brake plunger knob in a locked state. An operator twists the top collar to align interlocking features on the top and bottom collars, and then pushes downward to unlock the collar device. The operator then pushes downward on a park brake plunger knob around which the collar device is installed to actuate a parking brake valve assembly and release the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Duane R. Johnson, Rebecca Carter, Mark H. Sciulli, Scott R. Weslow, Timothy J. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 8490943
    Abstract: A valve of a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system includes an actuator with a housing and a shaft which is arranged at least partially in the housing and which can be coupled directly or indirectly to the valve such that the valve can be adjusted during a rotation of the shaft. A hand-operated element can be coupled to the shaft via an overload clutch arranged between the hand-operated element and the shaft which limits a torque which is transmitted onto the shaft by the hand-operated element to a predetermined maximum value. The overload clutch has a coupling element and a replaceable spring element which presses the coupling element against the shaft such that the maximum value for the transmittable torque is dependent on the replaceable spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Bühler, Jörg Evertz, Martin Sprecher, Uwe Werner
  • Patent number: 8444112
    Abstract: A locking Y-valve has branches that can be independently locked open or locked closed. Each branch has a ball valve connected to a rotating valve column. The valve column extends through a lock plate and attaches to a housing that contains a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a retractable lock pin that cooperates with two recesses in the lock plate to keep the housing, valve column, and ball valve locked in place. The locking mechanism is attached to a rotatable handle outside the housing. Rotating the handle retracts the lock pin from a recess so that the handle can be moved. Releasing the handle extends the lock pin into a recess, securing the handle in place. One or more of the lock plate and housing may be integral with the Y-valve. In the preferred embodiment, the lock plate is configured to be retrofit onto existing Y-valves, so that a non-lockable Y-valve may be converted into a lockable Y-valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Cravener, Tom Conner
  • Patent number: 8434735
    Abstract: A bottom loading coupler may include a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock may be positioned in a corresponding slot in the body sidewall and have an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the coupler body. A coupler sleeve formed from a first material may be slidably positioned around the body sidewall of the coupler body. A wear ring formed from a second material may be disposed on the inner circumference of the coupler sleeve. The wear ring and the coupler sleeve may form an interlock retaining seat. The coupler sleeve may have a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body, wherein the interlocks are biased to the disengaged position and retained in the interlock retaining seat. The coupler sleeve may also have a second, extended position relative to the coupler body, wherein the wear ring biases the interlocks to the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert, Krzysztof Wejdman
  • Patent number: 8356792
    Abstract: A sub sea actuator including an actuator housing. An activating element is movably arranged between activating and deactivating positions, respectively. A return spring is supported in the actuator housing to move the activating element into the deactivating position. The sub sea actuator includes an SMA element supported in the actuator housing and arranged with a temperature elevator configured to control a temperature of the SMA element. The SMA element acts on the activating element to move the activating element into the activating position against the force of the return spring in result of a rise in the temperature of the SMA element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Tom Grimseth, Tom Kjonigsen
  • Patent number: 8210199
    Abstract: An arrangement for protecting a sill cock on the outside of a building structure from damage caused by water freezing in the sill cock includes an actuating rod extending through an exterior building wall having a handle disposed on its outer end with its inner end coupled to an inner valve in the sill cock's water line. Manually moving the rod by means of the handle in a first direction opens the inner valve allowing water to flow into the sill cock, while moving the rod in a second opposed direction prevents water from flowing to the sill cock to prevent damage to the sill cock by water freezing therein. A drain line with a second outer valve coupled to the water line outside of the building allows for draining water from the sill cock water line when the inner valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Popp
  • Patent number: 8136552
    Abstract: A faucet includes a valve body having a cartridge receiving bore. A valve cartridge is sealingly disposed in the bore. The valve cartridge includes a rotatable stem. An arc-shaped slot is created in the valve cartridge. A lever assembly having a single handle is connected to the stem and operates when rotated in a first direction to permit cold water flow through the valve body, and after being depressed can be rotated in an opposite second direction to permit hot water flow through the valve body. A torsion spring has a first post received in the elongated slot translatable between opposed ends of the elongated slot, and a second post received in a lever assembly aperture preventing second post translation. A biasing force of the torsion spring biases the lever assembly toward a valve closed position only when the lever assembly is rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Carignan, Peter J. Loire
  • Patent number: 8128058
    Abstract: A flow control device in which a flapper is continuously biased to the closed position by a leaf spring that may have a plurality of fingers. The same valve includes a shutoff mechanism allowing the user to adjust forward flow through the valve or shut it off entirely. The leaf spring is made to include polyoxymethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Quinn, Robert G. Morris
  • Patent number: 8074959
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which prevents the removal of a companion fitting when the valve is open. Thus, for example there is disclosed a load line apparatus comprising a housing, a valve, a cam lever, or more likely a pair of cam levers, and a locking device. The housing has an interior bore, the interior bore defining a flow-through passage. The valve has a surface shaped to close the flow-through passage when the valve is closed. The cam lever is pivotally attached to the housing, and the locking device is movable by the cam lever. The cam lever is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device forms a stop to prevent the valve being opened. In the unlocked position, the locking device is retracted from the locked position. The cam lever is operable from the unlocked position into the locked position only when the valve is closed. The load line apparatus disclosed prevents the valve from being opened unless the cam lever is the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sledz Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Sledz
  • Patent number: 8033523
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing disposed in conjunction with a pressurized vessel and sprung valve assembly and a stem to be inserted into the housing in two stages. The stem is retained in the housing in the first stage and the stem activates the valve to release the pressurized fluid in the second stage. The connector employs a two-stage retaining mechanism that includes a clip retained in a groove defined in an interior wall of the housing, a lower groove and an upper groove formed into an exterior of the stem. The clip is disposed in the lower groove and the housing groove in the first stage; and in the upper groove and the housing groove in the second stage. The stem defines a stem stop that contacts an assembly setting mechanism upon completion of the first stage. The assembly setting mechanism is removed to allow the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. King, Jonathan Clark Swift, Geoffrey Richard Keast
  • Patent number: 8006713
    Abstract: A hydrant coupling assembly includes a hydrant valve and a hydrant coupler, including a coupler body and a coupler actuating collar assembly having an actuating collar movable axially relative to the coupler body. The actuating collar includes at least one movable latching lug that is selectively moved into place around a mating feature on the hydrant valve adapter by lifting or lowering the actuating collar. A locking mechanism is installed within the coupler actuating collar and includes a coupler plunger, a collar plunger, a coupler plunger check ball, and a collar plunger cheek ball. The coupler plunger and the coupler plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a disconnected state and the collar plunger and the collar plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a connected state. A hydrant coupler for use in a hydrant coupling assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • Patent number: 7896310
    Abstract: A pinch valve is adapted to hold at least one flexible tube in a tube holding room (7) and comprises a plunger (13) adapted to protrude into the tube holding room and pinch the tube against an opposite side wall (11) thereof. The plunger (13) is controllable to be positioned in at least two different positions, an open position where the tube in the tube holding room (7) is not pinched, and a pinching position where the tube is pinched between the plunger (13) and the opposing wall (11). The pinch valve further comprises a tube retaining means (19) adapted to prevent the tube from escaping from the tube holding room (7), especially when the plunger (13) is in the open position, and which can be pivoted into at least two different positions, a non locking position used during insertion of a tube into the tube holding room (7), and a locking position for retaining a tube inside the tube holding room (7) even when the plunger is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Bjorn A. Johansson, Roger Lundqvist, Dan Hermansson
  • Patent number: 7846131
    Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The feeding set includes tubing adapted to extend from the fluid source for flow of fluid through the tubing from the fluid source toward a patient. A locating finger projects outwardly from the tubing and is positioned on the tubing so that when received on the flow control apparatus in an operating position the finger permits a locating member of the flow control apparatus to close. However, when the tubing is received on the flow control apparatus in a non-operating position the finger does not permit the locating member to close thereby to verify whether the tubing is in the operating position on the flow control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hudson, James Harr, Joel T. Wiesner, Scott Kimsey
  • Patent number: 7798466
    Abstract: A blowout preventer including, in certain aspects, a main body, a bonnet movably connected to the main body, the bonnet having a bonnet channel with interior threading, a ram shaft with a first portion extending through the main body and a second portion extending through the bonnet, the ram shaft having a ram shaft channel therein and an outer end, a ram connected to the ram shaft for selectively engaging a pipe, a locking assembly for selectively locking the ram shaft, the locking assembly including a torquing shaft with a portion within the ram shaft channel, the torquing shaft having an external end projecting beyond the bonnet, a locking shaft secured to the torquing shaft, the locking shaft having exterior threading for threadedly engaging the interior threading of the bonnet channel, and the locking shaft rotatable within the bonnet channel to abut the outer end of the ram shaft to releasably lock the ram shaft in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James William Weir
  • Publication number: 20100133375
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly includes a hydraulic valve, a control rod configured to be moved in translation along a first longitudinal axis by flight controls of an aircraft, a servocontrol, and an outlet rod configured to be moved in translation along a second longitudinal axis and configured to transfer a hydraulic fluid between the servocontrol and the hydraulic valve. A blocker device is configured to block a movement of the control rod when a difference between a first movement of the control rod and a second movement of the outlet rod exceeds a predetermined threshold and includes at least one moveable abutment configured to block the movement of the control rod when the predetermined threshold is reached and configured to move in longitudinal translation with the outlet rod, and a differential lever configured to mechanically link the control rod to the outlet rod and to cooperate with the at least one moveable abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Jalaguier
  • Publication number: 20090224189
    Abstract: A device includes a stem hub attached to a fitting body. A rotatable stem is located at least partially within the stem hub. Rotation of the rotatable stem operates a blocking element located in the fitting body. In an embodiment, an upper stem is coupled to a first end portion of the rotatable stem so that rotation of the upper stem rotates the rotatable stem. A metal seal is located on the stem hub. A portion of the upper stem presses the metal seal between the upper stem and the stem hub when the upper stem is moved towards the stem hub. An operating mechanism moves the upper stem towards the stem hub and away from the stem hub. The upper stem is moved by the operating mechanism in a direction normal to the rotational axis of the rotatable stem and the upper stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce E. Morris
  • 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: 7484709
    Abstract: A press-down valve is provided for medical instruments for suction and irrigation and a medical instrument having installed such a press-down valve. A valve stem is pressed permanently into a closure position via a pretensioned spring. For actuation, the valve stem is moved counter to the force of the spring via an actuation element, and, after release, the spring presses the valve stem back into the closure position. A catch mechanism is provided by means of which the valve stem can be locked in the open position only when the press-down valve has been removed from the medical instrument, and that, when it is installed in the medical instrument, the catch mechanism is automatically released and remains released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Efinger, Michael Riedmüller
  • Patent number: 7475863
    Abstract: An improved, reverse-flow diaphragm valve assembly having a valve member encased within a valve housing including a base portion, having inlet and outlet ports, and a bonnet. The valve member is carried by a resilient diaphragm in a pressure chamber. In a preferred form, a solenoid actuated valve can command the movement of the valve member between closed position and open positions. A hand settable control piston and spring manage forces on the diaphragm, allowing the user to set the pressure drop across the valve. The control piston has an enlarged portion, preferably a flared flange, for providing support for the resilient diaphragm to help prevent wear and damage so to prolong the life of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan Donovan
  • Publication number: 20080169440
    Abstract: A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids includes a valve body having a valve chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A valve element is located in the valve chamber and is movable from a first position for blocking flow between the inlet and outlet to a second position for permitting flow between the inlet and the outlet. An operating stem has an inner end operatively connected to the valve element and an outer end located external to the body. A bonnet is included, and an insert member is rotatably connected to the bonnet and defines an opening through which the stem extends. The bonnet and insert member are secured to the body and enclose the valve element in the valve chamber. The insert is located such that no portion of the insert member is clamped between the bonnet and the body. Spaced-apart guide walls project outwardly from the insert member external to the valve chamber. An actuator handle assembly is operatively coupled to the outer end of the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Michael H. Meyer, Michael A. Kolar, Eric J. McCarty
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7117884
    Abstract: A valve locking device comprising an intermediate member (18) mountable between a valve body and valve actuator and securable to said valve body and/or actuator; a stem attachment member (20) attachable to and rotatable with a valve stem (14) and contained at least partially within said intermediate member, and an engagement member (22) movably located within said intermediate member for selective engagement with said stem attachment member; whereby in use, engagement between said engagement member and said stem attachment member prevents rotation of said stem attachment member, thus preventing rotation of said valve stem to operate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Frederick Thomas Shuter
  • Patent number: 7100888
    Abstract: An interlocking control valve which can be used to control the flow of fluids such as water and gas. The control valve features a push button on the end of a handle which permits the interlocking valve to engage the valve stem when the push button is pressed. A fixed washer is provided with a hole-and-groove cutout, thereby preventing rotation of the handle with respect to the washer unless the push button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Chad Johnson
  • Patent number: 7055794
    Abstract: An air suction valve for storage bag includes a body, a flat valve, a control knob and a lid; the body containing an air duct, a port below the air duct to be closed by the plate valve; the control knob being provided on the plate valve to engage longitudinal displacement to control the plate valve to descend to shut off or to ascend to open up; the lid in relation to the air duct being adapted to the control knob and provided with a air suction port; and an assembly gap being formed to the air suction port to connect through the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Chin Tang
  • Patent number: 6926034
    Abstract: A hydraulic spool lock with a hydraulic spool housing, first and second hydraulic spools mounted within the hydraulic spool housing for independent selective movement with respect to the hydraulic spool housing, and a lock plunger movable mounted to the hydraulic spool housing. The present invention allows independent movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in the unlocked position. The present inventions prevents movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Prince Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Otterby
  • Patent number: 6899120
    Abstract: A yard hydrant has an elongated wet pipe with a plunger that seals against the inside of a well casing. Lifting a pivoting handle at the top of the wet pipe lowers the wet pipe which opens a normally closed supply valve. Pressurized water can then flow up the wet pipe and out of a nozzle head mounted to the upper end of the wet pipe. Lowering the handle pulls the wet pipe upward, thereby clearing it from the supply valve which is spring biased to shut off the water supply. The handle has a cam that positively actuates a normally closed anti-siphon valve so that water left in the wet pipe can fall under gravity to a collection chamber within the well casing beneath the piston. Lifting the handle again lowers the wet pipe and forces the water in the collection chamber back up the wet pipe. At the same time, the anti-siphon valve will close and the wet pipe re-opens the supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles B. Motley
  • Patent number: 6837264
    Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6832623
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter valve for connection to an outlet of a gas meter and a method for its use. The gas meter valve comprises a valve inlet coupleable to the meter outlet, a valve outlet coupleable to piping for supplying gas to a customer and a valve body coupled to the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve body includes a chamber for communicating gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and a valve assembly disposed in the chamber and adapted to prevent the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a first position and permit the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a second position. The gas meter valve further includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the valve assembly for positioning the valve assembly in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny A. Johnson, James S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6651952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a ventilation damper unit utilizing a direct coupled two-position rotary damper actuator with a DC solenoid is disclosed. The actuator acts to rotate the output coupling, and in turn, the damper shaft to open the damper. After approximately 95 degrees +/−3 degrees of output coupling rotation, a limit switch is activated and a DC solenoid equipped with a full way bridge rectifier extends to a brake rotor to lock the damper into position. Simultaneously power is shut-off to the actuator motor assembly to reduce electrical consumption. Upon complete power failure to the actuator unit, such as during a fire and smoke emergency, the DC solenoid is spring returned allowing the damper to be spring returned to a closed position, thus preventing flow of air and smoke through a building and starving a fire of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Barber Colman Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Hightower, Hung-Sun Oh, Gary B. Burwell
  • Patent number: 6648009
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant by-pass valve prevents an unauthorized user from tampering with the valve when it is in the closed position to block gas flow to a meter being replaced or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Jomar International
    Inventors: Paul Craig, Giulio Pettinaroli
  • Patent number: 6644512
    Abstract: A faucet for a water dispenser has a seat secured on a front housing. The seat has at least one nozzle formed therein. At least one button is provided above the seat to control the nozzle's on/off modes when a user presses the button inwards. The button has a slot longitudinally defined therein and a locking key is movably received in the slot. The locking key has a finger extending downwards and blocked by the front housing. The button cannot be pressed when the locking key in a locked position, and can be pressed when the locking key is moved to an unlocked position to retract the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Li, Xiao-Lin Wu
  • Patent number: 6598850
    Abstract: A locking device for a butterfly type valve is provided with an actuating shaft extending through a bore provided in a conduit in which the valve is located; the inner end of the shaft carries a locking arm that is movable upon rotation of the shaft between a locking and unlocking position relative to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Henry Pratt Company
    Inventor: David W. Buchwald
  • Patent number: 6276662
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve or tap for fluids, with a stopper that rotates controlled by a control rod equipped with a throttle or grip lever fixed to said rod by means of a fastening screw. The throttle or grip lever has at least one blocking notch (19, 20), designed to fit tightly with a catch (18), which is part of the valve body in order to prevent the stopper from turning. The fastening screw (15) has a special head that allows it to be screwed/unscrewed only with a specific wench or tool, thereby preventing tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Valvosanitaria Bugatti S.P.A.
    Inventor: Vittorio Bugatti
  • Patent number: 6260819
    Abstract: The invention is a valve that releasably locks the valve in both the open position and the closed position. The valve has a valve body, a valve element, a handle, and a lock-out member that cooperates with the handle and the valve body to lock the handle and the valve element in either the open position or the closed position. The lock-out member has a collar that is rotatably mounted to the rim of the valve body. The collar has cogs that fit within notches in the rim and prevent the collar from rotating. The interlocking of the collar of the lock-out member with the valve body prohibits the rotation of the handle and the valve element. The lock-out member has a release member that cooperates with the handle to lift cogs out of the notches and cause the collar to disengage with the rim when the release member is activated. This allows the handle and the valve element to rotate between either the locked open position or the locked closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Southern Spears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Vagan Ovsepyan
  • Patent number: 6206339
    Abstract: A rotary valve actuator for actuating a valve pivotally disposed in a housing and movable between first and second positions. The actuator includes an actuator member coupled to the valve, a resilient arm coupled to one of the housing or the actuator member, and a wall member protruding from the one of the housing or the actuator member to which the resilient arm is not coupled. An arm tab protruding from the resilient arm is aligned with and preferably protrudes through an opening of the wall member when the valve is in the first position, and an arm engagement member of the resilient arm is engaged with a wall engagement portion of the wall member when the valve is in the first position. The resilient arm is flexible away from the wall member to disengage the arm engagement member from the wall engagement portion. The actuator is operable remotely by one or more flexible straps coupled to the actuator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Craig L. Simdon
  • Patent number: 6086045
    Abstract: A tap attached to one end of a water pipe or a connecting pipe of a water dispenser, and controlling the flow of water or liquid by opening and closing an outlet by the operation of a handle actuated by the leverage, the tap including a body having a shaft with a compression spring, connected to a packing used for opening and closing the outlet, and a lid serving to support a support point when turning or, or off the tap; a push handle mounted on the upper portion of the body and having a shaft connecting boss coupled to the front end of the shaft, a downward rotation stopper, an upward rotation stopper, a push portion, and a race formed on its middle; and an auxiliary handle inserted into the race of the push handle and varying the support point of the push handle according to its two-stage operation, thus controlling the opening/closing of the packing with safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Clover Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Mu Moon
  • Patent number: 6029686
    Abstract: A freeze protection plug has latching balls engageable bayonet-fashion with grooves in a fitting. The balls are normally held in engagement with the grooves by a cam, but move inward to release the plug from the fitting when the cam is moved by a thermal actuator carried by the plug. The balls are retained in tapered openings in the wall of the plug to reduce jamming. Helical ramps in the grooves permit the use of a strong, reliable plug ejecting spring, and make manual insertion of the plug easy. Insertion is aided by the ribs of a plastic cap, which facilitate manual grasping and rotation of the plug. A paint shield ring prevents failures resulting from paint bridges adhering both to the plug and to the fitting. A unitary molded lanyard with two oval loops prevents loss of the plug. The seal on the plug is located on the liquid system side of the latching balls and isolates moving parts from the liquid system, and is of small diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Fred L. Pirkle