Patents Assigned to Nupro Company
  • Patent number: 5601713
    Abstract: A filter and a filter and valve assembly primarily intended for use in fluid analyzer systems for particulate or coalescing filtration of fluids includes a filter assembly having a base element with all port openings in the base and with the port openings arranged so that the assembly can be mounted in a variety of selected positions. An integrally valved filter assembly is also disclosed and is provided with a rotary valve that can control flow between a filter chamber and multiple supply and/or discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Donald P. Mayeaux, James E. Gotch, Christopher J. Kmetko
  • Patent number: 5462081
    Abstract: A poppet type excess flow valve comprises a body forming a valve chamber having a first portion of a first diameter adjacent a first end and a second portion of a second smaller diameter adjacent second end. A valve seat is located between the first and second portions of the valve chamber. A poppet element is mounted in the valve chamber and includes a first section in the form of a hollow cylindrical body extending into the second portion of the valve chamber and terminating therein in an open end. The outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical body section is only slightly less than the diameter of the second portion of the valve chamber for guided sliding movement therein. The poppet element further includes a second section located in the first portion of the valve chamber and including an end wall carrying a valving surface extending radially outward for cooperation with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Perusek, Ulrich H. Koch, Gregory S. Kalata
  • Patent number: 5335691
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Terrence J. Kolenc
  • Patent number: 5253671
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Terrence J. Kolenc
  • Patent number: 5215286
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Terrence J. Kolenc
  • Patent number: 5131627
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a single layer, metal diaphragm cooperating with a plastic valve seat. The surface area and volume of the valve seat is limited. Additionally, the central portion of the diaphragm is generally hemispherically offset and extends axially from a planar periphery. The actuating stroke of the valve is maintained less than the offset that is formed in the diaphragm. Lastly, the valve seat is secured in such a manner to insure repetitive long term shutoff under a variety of operating conditions and limit entrapment and outgassing of potential system contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Terrence J. Kolenc
  • Patent number: 5033505
    Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a hermetically sealed housing that limits the potential for leak paths to atmosphere or exterior to the housing. The regulator includes a dampening arrangement for limiting oscillations during high flow rates. A stem clip secures a poppet assembly to a movable member of the regulator. The stem clip permits radial movement of the poppet assembly to facilitate centering of the poppet assembly relative to a valve seat. The poppet assembly includes a self-tapping poppet to precisely set the opening between the poppet and valve seat irrespective of tolerance stackup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 4968003
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes alternative actuator structures. The first actuator arrangement includes an adjustable nut received on a bonnet portion of the valve for adjusting the stroke of an actuating stem. According to a first alternative arrangement, a sleeve is interposed between a biasing spring and an actuating member to limit the closing force imposed on the diaphragm. A stop defined on the bonnet limits axial movement of the actuating stem so that the spring eventually imposes the entire closing force on the diaphragm. In yet another embodiment, actuating pressure is reduced through incorporationh of a dual pistion actuator arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Oliver L. Danko
  • Patent number: 4964423
    Abstract: A check valve responsive to low cracking pressures includes first and second body portions defining a valve chamber. An inlet and outlet passage communicate with the valve chamber while a valve element received therein moves between open and closed positions responsive to pressure differentials. A stop member welded to the valve body is adapted to limit the opening movement of the valve element. An axially raised central portion of the stop member abuttingly engages the valve element to limit its opening movement yet permit fluid flow around the valve element to plural openings defined in a peripheral region of the stop member. A guide member is interposed between the stop member and valve element to urge a seal member disposed on one face of the valve element toward a seated, closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gausman, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4917357
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a valve body adapted to receive a replaceable diaphragm subassembly. The subassembly includes a sleeve closely received in the valve body. An actuating stem extends through the sleeve and includes a composite diaphragm welded at one end. An intermediate portion of the stem is threadedly received in a closure ring. The closure ring defines a radial gap with a closing cap to permit adjustment of the stem relative to a valve seat. A peripheral portion of the composite diaphragm is clampingly engaged between the valve body and sleeve. The composite diaphragm includes a metal layer having an elastomer bonded to one face to provide superior sealing and strength properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Oliver L. Danko
  • Patent number: 4915353
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a valve body adapted to receive a replaceable diaphragm subassembly. The subassembly includes a sleeve closely received in the valve body. An actuating stem extends through the sleeve and includes a composite diaphragm welded at one end. An intermediate portion of the stem is threadedly received in a closure ring. The closure ring defines a radial gap with a closing gap to permit adjustment of the stem relative to a valve seat. A peripheral portion of the composite diaphragm is clampingly engaged between the valve body and sleeve. The composite diaphragm includes a metal layer having an elastomer bonded to one face to provide superior sealing and strength properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Oliver L. Danko
  • Patent number: 4911412
    Abstract: A bellows valve comprises a main body defining a valve chamber including a valve seat having inlet and an outlet passages connected therewith. A vlave element is positioned in the chamber and has an operating stem with a free end extending axially therefrom. An actuating assembly for moving the valve element toward and away from the seat, includes a rotatably mounted actuating shaft having a free end axially aligned with the free end of the operating stem and an operator for selectively producing axial movement of the actuating shaft. The operating stem is joined to the actuating shaft by a connection including a first ball member positioned axially between the free ends of the operating stem and the actuating shaft with a spring engaged with the first ball member and acting to bias the free ends of the operating stem and actuating shaft axially apart. A plurality of second ball members interconnect the stem and shaft for preventing axial separation of the free ends while permitting free relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Oliver L. Danko
  • Patent number: 4856555
    Abstract: A check valve responsive to low cracking pressures includes first and second body portions defining a valve chamber. An inlet and outlet passage communicate with the valve chamber while a valve element received therein moves between open and closed positions responsive to pressure differentials. A stop member welded to the valve body is adapted to limit the opening movement of the valve element. An axially raised central portion of the stop member abuttingly engages the valve element to limit its opening movement yet permit fluid flow around the valve element to plural openings defined in a peripheral region of the stop member. A guide member is interposed between the stop member and valve element to urge a seal member disposed on one face of the valve element toward a seated, closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gausman, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4840191
    Abstract: An inflatable valve member includes a valve body received in a fluid line and defining a generally annular flow passage therewith. A flexible member disposed on the valve body is selectively inflated to open and close the flow passage. A filter is interposed between the valve body and flexible member. The filter prevents injection of the flexible member in a pre-cured state into an internal passage provided in the valve body. A bonding material is provided between the flexible member and the valve body to provide a secure mechanical engagement therebetween as the material is cured to a cross-linked polymer state. The bonding of the flexible member also eliminates crevices in the final assembled valve member. The fluid line also includes a linear portion at the outlet to facilitate drainage of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gausman, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4790348
    Abstract: A relief valve for low pressure operation includes a valve body having an enlarged cylindrical bore in alignment with an inlet port and defining a valve chamber. An outlet opens laterally from the valve chamber at a location spaced from the inlet port. An insert member is received in the bore and defines an axially facing raised seat circumferentially about the inlet port at a location closely adjacent the outlet port. A poppet valve with a truncated conical configuration and a maximum outer diameter only slightly less than the inner diameter of the enlarged bore is mounted for engaging the seat and blocking flow through the inlet. A biased stem extends into the valve chamber in axial alignment with the seat insert. The stem has a cylindrical end portion which is received in a cylindrical opening formed axially into the poppet valve on the end thereof opposite the seat insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gausman, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4750709
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve which uses a multiple layer annular metal diaphragm welded about its inner periphery to a valve operating stem. The diaphragm is sealingly clamped about its outer periphery to the valve body and is also clamped about its inner periphery at a location spaced outwardly of the weld to prevent the weld from being subjected to flexure stresses during valve actuation. The actuating assembly is arranged to produce non-rotary, reciprocatory movement of the operating stem through a bonnet mounted rotary actuator. An improved stem tip seal arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Terrence J. Kolenc, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4732363
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve which uses a multiple annular metal diaphragm welded about its inner periphery to a valve operating stem. The diaphragm is sealingly clamped about its outer periphery to the valve body and is also clamped about its inner periphery at a location spaced outwardly of the weld to prevent the weld from being subjected to flexure stresses during valve actuation. The actuating assembly is arranged to produce non-rotary, reciprocatory movement of the operating stem through a bonnet mounted rotary actuator. An improved stem tip seal arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Terrence J. Kolenc, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4687180
    Abstract: A metering valve having a one-piece bonnet for reducing problems resulting from tolerance stack up. A guide portion is included on the nose of the bonnet for cooperation with a valve body bore to ensure concentric alignment between the metering pin and its associated orifice. A pair of O-rings on the valve stem cooperate with the bonnet bore to absorb forces and substantially reduce the potential for galling and breakage of the metering pin. One of the O-rings is compressed to a substantially greater extent than the other to aid in achieving better alignment between the stem and bonnet, and to obtain a firmer feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: James K. Simonelli, Gary W. Scheffel
  • Patent number: 4687017
    Abstract: A bellows valve has inlet and outlet passages in fluid communication with a valve chamber on opposite sides of a valve seat. An elongated valve stem has a first end adapted for selective sealing engagement with the valve seat, and a second end of the stem is operatively connected with an actuator assembly. An expansible bellows has a first end secured to the valve stem and a second end sealingly connected to a closing member so that a portion of the valve stem is surrounded thereby. The closing member engages an open end of the valve body and includes an arcuate or rounded sealing protrusion or bead adapted for mating, sealing contact with a generally planar surface on the valve body. The sealing bead facilitates a reduction in or complete elimination of the use of lubricant between the valve body and a bonnet nut, and this, in turn, promotes clean valve operation by removing a potential contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventors: Oliver L. Danko, Carl R. Bork, Jr.
  • Patent number: D345490
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: The NuPro Company
    Inventors: T. Ray Broadbent, J. Samuel Park