Patents Assigned to The Lee Company
-
Patent number: 5160226Abstract: An expansion sealing plug having a frusto-conical plug body with peripheral U-shaped grooves, an expansion member comprising either an inner wedge pin or a spherical member, and a tapered coaxial bore for receiving the expansion member. The inner wedge pin has a greater average outside diameter and the spherical member has a greater maximum outside diameter than the tapered coaxial bore. The plug body and expansion member are proportioned to be readily preassembled such that the expansion member is frictionally retained after partial insertion into the plug body. The unexpanded plug is inserted into a counterbore that is reamed or formed with the same taper angle as the plug body and the expansion member is driven axially into the plug such that the plug body is radially expanded to forcibly engage the counterbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1990Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Leighton Lee, II
-
Patent number: 5121947Abstract: A device for providing a sealed intersection between flow passages within a housing comprises an expansion sleeve with a cylindrical outer surface and an axially tapered inner surface for receiving a frusto-conical inner member of greater average diameter and the expansion sleeve is radially expanded in place after insertion into the installation bore, by the forcible insertion therein of the inner member. No interference occurs between the sleeve and the installation bore until after the sleeve is in place in the bore. The outer surface of the sleeve is reduced or not as many be desired to provide fluid communication among the flow passages. Two embodiments differ in that one seals between axially separated ports while the other seals between angularly separated ports.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1991Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, III, Jeffrey C. Dickey, Loren Bonsack, Fredrick J. Pecor, John L. Grillo
-
Patent number: 5085402Abstract: An actuator for an axial flow control valve for operation at high speeds comprises an axially symmetrical plunger armature prebiased against a valve seat in a normally closed position, the plunger having a head portion of increased diameter and a rod portion, the rod portion being slidably received within a central passage of a bobbin, and axially spaced from a pole piece. The valve actuator further comprises a cylindrical housing encasing in coil wound around the bobbin with a central passage configured to allow the flow of fluid around the armature and pole piece when the valve is open, the pole piece, armature housing and end piece being magnetically permeable and the magnetic circuit being completed by a similarly magnetically permeable washer fitted into the housing having an internal opening diameter greater than the diameter of the plunger rod section and less than the diameter of the plunger head section positioned on the bobbin side of the plunger head.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1990Date of Patent: February 4, 1992Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Gerald W. O'Dell
-
Patent number: 5023990Abstract: A device for removably retaining a fluid system component in a smooth bore comprises of body on one end of which the component is mounted and the other end of which comprises a plurality of wings. The interior of the body provides female screw threads into which an expansion member is engaged, said expansion member having male screw threads at one end and at the other end a truncated conical section. Rotation of the expansion member relative to the body causes further insertion for expansion member into the body such that the conical section causes the wing members to radially expand and engage the wall of the installation bore. The device is generally cylindrical in overall configuration with an outside diameter at least slightly less than the inside diameter of the installation bore and upon retraction of the expansion member from forcible engagement with the body, the wing members relax to their original state and the device can then be readily removed from the installation bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, II, Robert J. Kolp, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5007454Abstract: A fluid control valve comprises a slidable, tubular poppet member that is biased toward and sealingly engages dual concentric annular valve seats, which valve seats define an annular opening through which the fluid medium flows when the valve is open. When the system pressure reaches a threshold pressure the poppet member is axially displaced from the valve seats such that an annular orifice is opened between the inside edge of the poppet and the inside valve seat and another orifice is formed between the outside edge of the poppet and the outside valve seat through which orifices the fluid medium flows into a central, axially extending relief path partially defined by the inside of the poppet. The dual orifices allow the valve to open with a stroke that is about one-half that of that required in a valve with only one orifice and similar operating range.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Leighton Lee, II
-
Patent number: 4987701Abstract: An endless belt valve grinder for refacing valve heads used in internal combustion engines. Grinding is done by rotating the valve face against a moving endless abrasive belt supported on a backing wheel and driven by a driving wheel. The workhead or chuck assembly for holding the valve during grinding is automatically pneumatically actuated for gripping and releasing the valve stem. Air pressure is selected and regulated and a stop is provided to adjust the gripping force on the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1988Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: K. O. Lee CompanyInventor: Marvin H. Humbert
-
Patent number: 4958661Abstract: A check valve that allows flow in one direction only and is suitable for controlling corrosive, chemically active or sensitive fluids comprises a body formed of a suitably inert substance defining inlet and outlet flow passages with a central chamber between the flow passages and an elastomeric disc traversing the central chamber. Centrally located disc stops bias the disc against an annular valve seat comprising a ridge surrounding the flow path and the sealing engagement of the disc and the valve seat prevents flow through the valve. An increase of the pressure differential across the disc sufficient to overcome the resilience of the disc causes the disc to deform whereby the perimeter of the disc lifts off the valve seat and allows flow through the valve. Support stops are provided at the inlet end of the central chamber to prevent the disc from being forced into the inlet flow passage upon exposure to a high back pressure differential.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1989Date of Patent: September 25, 1990Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Ludwig K. Holtermann, Leighton Lee, II
-
Patent number: 4944487Abstract: A bidirectional diaphragm valve is presented in which the flat, disk shaped diaphragm formed of elastomeric material is biased against the valve seat by means of a plunger which is not attached to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is clamped between the valve body and a bonnet member providing compression and confinement of the perimeter of the diaphragm, resulting in radial compression of the diaphragm which is expressed inwardly as the expansion and buckling of the central portion of the diaphragm whereby the valve opens passively in response to pressure from the flow medium when the plunger is retracted. The preferred embodiment of the valve is of miniature size and compact configuration adapted for use in multi-valve banks and all parts having wetted surfaces are formed of materials of suitable chemical inertness compatible with the fluid media.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: July 31, 1990Assignee: Lee CompanyInventor: Ludwig K. Holtermann
-
Patent number: 4930553Abstract: A pressure relief valve comprises a poppet member that is biased toward and sealingly engages a slidable tubular valve seat having unrestrained axial rotation and a central relief flow passage. When the system pressure reaches a threshold pressure the valve seat and poppet are both axially displaced such that at the moment that the poppet is unseated from the valve seat, the valve seat is in motion. The motion of the valve seat when the poppet is unseating or reseating allows the valve seat to comply with any eccentricities of the poppet to achieve uniform seat stresses and low leakage rates as well as acceptable flow rates and low hysteresis.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1989Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: John L. Grillo
-
Patent number: 4867333Abstract: A small bore expansion plug having an inner wedge pin and a plug body with an outer hard surface with small, peripheral V-shaped grooves, a partly hemispherical end wall at its inner end and a tapered coaxial bore for receiving the wedge pin. To provide a radial expansion force within an acceptable tolerance between the plug body and the wall of its mounting bore, the wedge pin has a coaxial bore to form a high-strength spring and the plug body has a base material with a yield strength providing the desired plug body resistance to deformation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Robert J. Kolp, Jr., Stephen E. Anderson, Jeffrey C. Dickey
-
Patent number: 4804468Abstract: A self-retaining smooth bore insert employs a helical coil spring for retaining a fluid system component in a smooth bore. The spring comprises two connected helical coils. One coil is coiled around the component. The second coil has an engarged diameter which engages the wall of the smooth bore. An end portion of the second coil is engaged by an installation tool to contact the coil to permit installation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1988Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, II, Robert J. Kolp
-
Patent number: 4766924Abstract: A relief valve comprises a stationary valve seat and a poppet member which has a valve surface sealingly engageable with the stationary valve seat. The poppet member has an axially extending wall in the vicinity of the valve surface. When the poppet valve is displaced from the stationary valve seat, the low pressure which is exerted against the poppet valve in the vicinity of the poppet valve surface resulting from fluid flowing between the stationary valve seat and the poppet valve surface is generally substantially exerted in a radial direction against the axial wall to thereby prevent reseating of the poppet member at the initial opening conditions for the relief valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1986Date of Patent: August 30, 1988Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, III, Stephen E. Anderson
-
Patent number: 4753727Abstract: Three embodiments of a self-retaining fluid system component insert for a smooth bore of predetermined diameter. The insert comprises a helical coil spring with one end thereof connected to the component and having, in its relaxed state an outer diameter slightly greater than the bore diameter to frictionally lock the insert within the bore. The insert has a threaded connector for receiving an elongated tool for mounting the insert by rotating the insert in one angular direction thereof for contracting the coil by its frictional engagement with the smooth wall of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1986Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, II, Robert J. Kolp
-
Patent number: 4715231Abstract: A maximum pressure indicator for indicating maximum pressure of a fluid system employs a deformable disc which is bonded to a main plug. The plug has a cavity which is sealed by the disc so that a low pressure is maintained in the cavity. The indicator is inserted into an installation bore of a fluid system. The maximum pressure exerted against the disc is indicated by means of the deflection distance of the disc into the cavity. A helical coil spring assembly is employed to secure the indicator in fixed position within the installation bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1986Date of Patent: December 29, 1987Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, II, Robert J. Kolp
-
Patent number: 4706705Abstract: A miniaturized check valve comprises a generally tubular body including a cylindrical base and a guide sleeve of reduced diameter which axially extends from the base. The body forms a an interior valve seat which surrounds an axially extending fluid passageway. The guide sleeve has a plurality of angularly spaced discharge openings and a pair of pilot orifices which are axially spaced from the valve seat. A valve ball is displaced from the valve seat to form a fluid flow path which extends generally axially through the valve seat and into the guide sleeve and thereafter generally radially through the orifices and openings for flow exteriorly of the guide sleeve. The ball is biased by a spring assembly which comprises a pair of axially aligned springs having a relatively low pre-load force and low spring rate.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1986Date of Patent: November 17, 1987Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Leighton Lee, II
-
Patent number: 4699715Abstract: A filter screen for filtering contaminant particles from the fluid system of a hydraulic system comprises a screen which forms an axially extended convoluted nipple-like enclosure which opens through a passage formed in a base and terminates at a nose portion opposite the base. The screen has folded sides which comprise a plurality of angularly spaced alternating generally convex surface sections and generally concave surface sections generally symmetrical to the central screen axis. The screen is folded to form a continuous serpentine rim configuration at the base. The serpentine rim comprises an inner plurality of angularly spaced fold segments which engage the exterior surface of the base and an outer plurality of angularly spaced fold segments which overlap the inner fold segments in an alternating fashion. The screen is shaped and dimensioned so that the surface area of the screen generally increases from the nose to the base of the screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Leighton Lee, II
-
Patent number: 4667542Abstract: A gimbal-like device having an arbor for holding a circular saw blade mounted on an angled arm which is attached to a carrier plate which is pivotable about one axis and rotatable about another axis with the carrier mounted on a turntable for swinging the fixture about a third axis whereby the saw blade can be located at various angular positions for grinding or sharpening the teeth of the blade by a planar grinder such as a surface on a vertical grinding or sharpening wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1986Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: K. O. Lee CompanyInventor: Homi K. Erani
-
Patent number: 4662116Abstract: The present invention is a grinding attachment (10) which can be utilized as either a belt grinder or a disc or wheel grinder. The attachment (10) includes a housing (14) enclosing a drive spindle (56) to which either a grinding wheel (114) or a contact wheel (62) can be mounted. If the apparatus is to be used as a disc or wheel grinder, the grinding wheel (114) is affixed. If the apparatus is to be used as a belt grinder, the contact wheel (62) is affixed. The apparatus can easily be interchangeably reconfigured between the two configurations. When in a belt grinder configuration, the attachment (10) includes means within the housing (14) for enabling the extension of the life of a grinding belt (52) by providing various idlers (70, 72, 78) about which the belt (52) can be fed in order to maximize the length of belt within the limited space provided by the housing (14).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1985Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignee: K. O. Lee CompanyInventor: Homi K. Erani
-
Patent number: 4492360Abstract: A piezoelectric valve with a cantilevered control arm assembly, comprising a piezoelectric valve operating arm and a contiguous limit arm for limiting the opening deflection of the valve operating arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1982Date of Patent: January 8, 1985Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventors: Leighton Lee, II, Gerald W. O'Dell, Ludwig K. Holtermann
-
Patent number: 4491156Abstract: A miniature electromagnetic valve having a valve mechanism with three spaced parallel rods, a pair of generally semi-circular, resilient conductor tubes extending between the rods and a linear solenoid for selectively shifting the intermediate rod for selectively and individually pinching the tubes closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1982Date of Patent: January 1, 1985Assignee: The Lee CompanyInventor: Leighton Lee, II