Patents Assigned to Engineered Controls International, LLC
  • Patent number: 11933412
    Abstract: A valve actuating assembly is provided that comprises a cam holder positioned within a valve body of an internal valve, a cam operably coupled to the cam holder and configured to engage a valve stem of the internal valve for moving the internal valve between a first position and a second position, and an actuating shaft extending through at least a portion of the valve body, rotation of the actuating shaft causing rotation of the cam holder and the cam, wherein the actuating shaft is removably coupled to the cam holder such that the actuating shaft can be decoupled from the cam holder and removed from the valve body, the cam holder and the cam being configured to remain positioned within the valve body when the actuating shaft is decoupled from the cam holder and removed from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Elijah Marshall Combs
  • Publication number: 20230398564
    Abstract: A cleaning receptacle for cleaning a fueling nozzle used to transfer cryogenic fluid is disclosed. An example cleaning receptacle includes an outer body. The outer body includes an outer wall that extends circumferentially around a center axis of the cleaning receptacle. The outer wall has a first inner surface. The outer body includes a plurality of locating members extending inwardly from the first inner surface toward the center axis. The example cleaning receptacle includes a flow body. The flow body includes a second inner surface that defines a cavity and a lip at an outer end of the flow body. The example cleaning receptacle includes a spray body disposed at an inner end of the flow body. The spray body includes a spray head that defines a plurality of spray holes configured to spray air through the cavity of the flow body and onto surfaces of the fueling nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Jordan
  • Publication number: 20230390798
    Abstract: A cleaning nozzle for cleaning a fueling receptacle capable of receiving a separate fueling nozzle for transferring cryogenic fluid from a fueling station is disclosed. An example cleaning nozzle includes a body that defines a cavity. The example cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head coupled to and extending from a distal end of the body. The nozzle head defines a plurality of spray holes to spray pressurized air onto the fueling receptacle. The example cleaning nozzle includes a blower that defines a blower inlet, a blower outlet, and a blower flow path extending between the blower inlet and the blower outlet. The blower comprises a valve and a lever operatively coupled to the valve. The example cleaning nozzle includes an insert defining an insert flow path that is fluidly coupled to the blower outlet. The example cleaning nozzle includes a connector fluidly connecting the insert and the nozzle head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Jordan
  • Patent number: 11821557
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle includes a body defining a chamber through which cryogenic fluid is to flow. The body includes an outer shell that includes an outer shell surface. The nozzle includes a locking assembly configured to securely couple the nozzle to a receptacle. The locking assembly includes an inner sleeve fixedly coupled to the outer shell surface and an outer sleeve extending over and rotatably coupled to the inner sleeve. One or more locking teeth are fixedly coupled to the outer sleeve and configured to be slidably received by respective one or more coupling slots of the receptacle. The one or more locking teeth are configured to rotatably slide within the respective one or more coupling slots to couple the nozzle to the receptacle as the outer sleeve rotates relative to the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Jordan, John Grenaway
  • Patent number: 11796135
    Abstract: A receptacle includes a main body, a stem, a poppet connected to the stem and defining an inner check void, a spring configured to bias the poppet to a closed poppet position, and a check assembly at least partially disposed in the inner check void. The check assembly includes a check and a check spring. The check is configured to move relative to the main body. The check spring is configured to bias the check toward a closed check position. The check has a first surface area and the poppet has a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area of the poppet such that a fluid force causes the check to move to an open check position before causing the poppet to move to an open poppet position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 11703169
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle includes a flow body defining a conduit. The flow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow through the conduit. The nozzle includes a mounting ring through which the flow body slidably extends and a bushing fixedly positioned adjacent the mounting ring. The bushing slidably receives the flow body in a keyed manner to prevent rotation of the flow body. The nozzle includes a flow control assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The flow control assembly is configured to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body in an open position and prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Jordan
  • Patent number: 11655908
    Abstract: A CO2 low-pressure shut-off system is described. The low-pressure shut-off system may include a low-pressure shut-off valve including a first valve inlet, a second valve inlet and at least one valve outlet, a solenoid valve including a valve inlet, a first valve outlet, and a second valve outlet. The solenoid may be configured to direct a flow of a pressurized gas from the valve inlet into at least one of the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The CO2 low-pressure shut-off system further includes a gas monitor electrically coupled to the solenoid valve. The gas monitor may be configured to transmit one of a first signal and a second signal to the solenoid valve to control the flow of the pressurized gas through the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kendrick Hamm, Christopher Taylor Herman, Elijah M. Combs
  • Patent number: 11650605
    Abstract: A combination valve for pressure building and final-line gas regulation is disclosed. An example valve includes a body defining a first tank port and a second tank port, an outlet port, and a linking chamber fluidly connected to the second tank port. The valve includes a first piston diaphragm at least partially defining a first pressure cavity fluidly connected to the first tank port and a first plug operatively connected to the first piston diaphragm. The first pressure cavity is fluidly connected to the linking chamber when the first plug is in an open position. The valve includes a second piston diaphragm at least partially defining a second pressure cavity fluidly connected to the outlet port and a second plug operatively connected to the second piston diaphragm. The second pressure cavity is fluidly connected to the linking chamber when the second plug is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kendrick Hamm, John Grenaway
  • Patent number: 11592120
    Abstract: A valve assembly (6000) for use with a valve body (7000) having a valve seat (7112) is disclosed, the valve assembly (6000) comprising: a cartridge (6200) threadably engaged with and extending away from the valve body (7000); a poppet (6500) slidably engaged with the cartridge (6200); a plate (6600) engaged with the poppet (6500); a plunger (6400) slidably engaged with the cartridge (6200) and slidably extending through the plate (6600); and a retainer (6450) captured between the plate (6600) and a surface of the poppet (6500), wherein the retainer (6450) is threadably engaged with the plunger (6400). The valve assembly (6000) can regulate fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Guangbin Cao
  • Patent number: 11460136
    Abstract: A rapid connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a non-rotatable manner can include a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to decoupled, coupled and venting positions. The coupler can also include a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle when the two components are engaged to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy N. Tickle, Jeffrey S. Howard, Chad Thomas
  • Patent number: 11353118
    Abstract: A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. An example receptacle includes a main body defining an inlet and an outlet, a spring retainer disposed in the main body, a valve seat disposed in the main body, and a poppet configured to slide between a closed position and an open position. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between the closed position and the open position and is engaged with the valve seat in the closed position. The example receptacle also includes a spring engaged with the spring retainer and the poppet to bias the poppet to engage the valve seat in the closed position. The spring retainer, the valve seat, the poppet, and the spring are removable from the main body via the inlet without disassembling the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Michael T. Glavin, Jeffrey S. Howard, Guangbin Cao
  • Patent number: 11346454
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly is disclosed. The pressure relief valve assembly comprises an inlet manifold, a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and an outlet manifold. The first pressure relief valve is connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet manifold. The second pressure relief valve is connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and parallel to the first pressure relief valve. The outlet manifold is connected to and in fluid communication with the first pressure relief valve and the second pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kendrick Hamm, Christopher Taylor Herman
  • Patent number: 11262012
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle comprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. A pneumatic cylinder is configured to slide between an extended position and a contracted position. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to and configured to actuate the flow body. A locking mechanism is configured to secure the coupling nozzle to a receptacle. A flow control assembly comprises a valve seat fixed to the flow body adjacent the inlet and a plug configured to slide. When the locking mechanism is locked and the pneumatic cylinder actuates to the extended position, the valve seat is to disengage from the plug to open the flow control assembly. When the locking mechanism is locked and the pneumatic cylinder actuates to the contracted position, the valve seat is to engage the plug to close the flow control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Jordan
  • Patent number: 11261984
    Abstract: A combination regulator valve for conveying fluid is disclosed. The valve comprises a bonnet, a body, a flexible diaphragm, a first spring, and a spindle unit. The spindle unit comprises a pin, a first seat disc, and a seat screw. The bonnet is secured to the body. The flexible diaphragm is compressed between the bonnet and the body. The first spring is disposed in the bonnet. The spindle unit is disposed in the body. The first seat disc is disposed between the pin and the diaphragm. The first seat disc and the pin define a first void. The first spring biases the diaphragm toward the first seat disc. The seat screw is engaged with the body and is slidably engaged with the pin. The seat screw and the pin define a fluid passage in fluid communication with the first void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Guangbin Cao, Patrick N. Morefield
  • Patent number: 11181880
    Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate permanently marking a housing component for a fluid control system product is disclosed. The system comprises a first processor, a second processor, and a printer. The first processor is configured to receive fixed information. The second processor is configured to receive the fixed information from the first processor, generate variable information, control a laser engraver to engrave the fixed and variable information into a workpiece, generate an information packet including the fixed information and the variable information, and transmit the information packet to the first processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tony York, John Cooke
  • Patent number: 10935175
    Abstract: A fluid coupler includes: an outer body; an end connector being at least partially received inside the outer body and configured to receive pressurized fluid; an inner body received inside the outer body, the inner body being moveable with respect to the outer body; a seat holder and a valve seat both located inside of the inner body, the valve seat being configured to press against an inner surface of the inner body to close the fluid coupler; a connector partially housed within the inner body, the connector comprising a first end secured to the seat holder and a second end. The fluid coupler defines a pressurized fluid flow path enabling pressurized fluid to contact and pressurize the end connector, the inner body, the seat holder, and the connector without contacting and pressurizing the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Dominic Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10883665
    Abstract: A method consistent with the present disclosure may include: (a) equalizing pressure between a nozzle inner void and a receptacle main inner void by pressing a nozzle check against a receptacle check to open the nozzle check and the receptacle check; (b) extending the nozzle into the receptacle such that a receptacle main body surrounds at least a portion of the nozzle probe; (c) flowing fluid from the nozzle inner void into the receptacle main inner void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Howard M. Konishi, Jeffrey S. Howard
  • Patent number: 10876636
    Abstract: A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. The receptacle may include a main body, a spring retainer, a valve seat assembly, a poppet, and a spring. The main body defines an inlet and an outlet. The spring retainer is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The valve seat assembly is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between a closed position and an open position and is engageable with the valve seat assembly. The spring is engaged with the spring retainer and with the poppet to urge the poppet against the valve seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Thomas, Michael T. Glavin, Jeffrey S. Howard, Guangbin Cao
  • Patent number: 10768600
    Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate permanently marking a housing component for a fluid control system product is disclosed. The system comprises a first processor, a second processor, and a printer. The first processor is configured to receive fixed information. The second processor is configured to receive the fixed information from the first processor, generate variable information, control a laser engraver to engrave the fixed and variable information into a workpiece, generate an information packet including the fixed information and the variable information, and transmit the information packet to the first processor. The printer includes a third processor configured to receive the information packet from the first processor and print the information packet onto a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Tony York, John Cooke
  • Patent number: D1002802
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Mendenhall, Paul T. Zink