Patents Examined by Christopher Ballman
  • Patent number: 9587528
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve, in particular for a cam phaser of a cam shaft, the hydraulic valve including a supply connection with a check valve for supplying a hydraulic fluid; at least one first operating connection and a second operating connection; at least one first tank outlet and a second tank outlet for draining the hydraulic fluid; a piston that is moveable in a bore hole along a longitudinal direction of the bore hole for distributing the hydraulic fluid from the supply connection to the first operating connection and/or the second operating connection and for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the first operating connection to the second operating connection and from the first operating connection to the first tank outlet and/or from the second operating connection to the second tank outlet; and a sleeve that is arranged in the piston moveable relative to the piston in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hilite Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Kaufmann, Dietmar Schulze
  • Patent number: 9574523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid flow valve, particularly for a motor vehicle. Said fluid flow valve comprises a body (2), capable of having said fluid pass therethrough; and a sealing means (3), placed in said body, capable of occupying different angular positions by rotation of said sealing means (3) relative to said body (2). Said sealing means (3) is configured so as to enable, in a first angular position, the fluid to pass from a first inlet (6) to a first outlet (21) of the valve and from a second inlet (22) to a second outlet (7) of the valve, and, in a second angular position, to enable the fluid to pass from the first inlet (6) to the second outlet (7) through the body (2). Said sealing means (3) is also configured so as to ensure a gradual closing of the first inlet (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Mathieu Lallemant, Franck Girardon, Patrick Lebrasseur
  • Patent number: 9574448
    Abstract: A split control unit in a distributed flow unit includes a flow inlet configured to receive a fuel flow, a first manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more primary nozzles, and a second manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more secondary nozzles. In an embodiment, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the flow inlet. A metering valve has a first port in fluid communication with the flow inlet and with the second manifold. The metering valve is configured to supply a metered fuel flow to the first manifold. A flow passage is in fluid communication with, and runs between, a flow line of the first manifold and a flow line of the second manifold to allow for a continuous cooling flow in the second manifold when all of the one or more secondary nozzles are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Jay Snodgrass, Charlie Carson, Carthel C. Baker, Michael P. Garry
  • Patent number: 9562614
    Abstract: The flow control apparatus has first to eleventh channels, wherein the first to fifth channels are respectively provided in a first flow controlling body of a first flow controlling element. The ninth to eleventh channels are respectively provided in a second flow controlling body of a second flow controlling element. The first to fifth channels are extended downwardly from a first flow controlling side of the first flow controlling element. The ninth channel is extended upwardly from a second controlling side of a bottom end of the second flow controlling body and extended from the second middle portion of the bottom end of the second flow controlling body to the second edge portion and defines a ninth opening communicated with an outer space thereof. The tenth and eleventh channels are extended upwardly from the second flow controlling side of the bottom end of the second flow controlling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaozong Hu, Jizong Hu, Zehong Tu
  • Patent number: 9551637
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sheath delivery system that uses a continuous flow of sheath fluid into a pressurized internal reservoir that substantially matches the outflow of sheath fluid through the nozzle of a flow cytometer. A substantially constant level of the sheath fluid is maintained. If the sheath fluid level falls below a desired level, or goes above a desired level, a dampened control system is used to reach the desired level. In addition, air pressure in the pressurized internal container is controlled so that an external sheath container can be removed and refilled with additional sheath fluid without stopping the sheath delivery system 100. Differences in pressure are detected by a droplet camera, which measures the droplet breakoff point to determine the pressure of the sheath fluid in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Fox, Nathan Michael Gaskill-Fox
  • Patent number: 9541201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control cone for control valves, in particular angle control valves, for critical operating states resulting from cavitation or flashing of abruptly vaporizing and erosive media, the control valve comprising a valve seat (2) and a valve stem (3) with a conical valve head (4) guided longitudinally movably therein. Starting from the rear, tapered end of the conical face (6) of the valve head (4), on the front portion adjacent thereto of the valve stem (3), a plurality of coaxially extending ribs (5) is arranged on the valve stem (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Schuf Armaturen und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Frank
  • Patent number: 9518662
    Abstract: A cage for a control valve trim assembly includes a cage wall, a first plate attached to the cage wall, a second plate spaced apart from the cage wall, and a first plurality of rods longitudinally disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Fluid flowing through the cage is characterized by the first plurality of rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Aaron C. Doran
  • Patent number: 9498758
    Abstract: A dilution apparatus includes a container having an adjustable float-operated make-up valve wherein the make-up valve has an inlet end connected to a water supply tube and an outlet end connected to a fill tube inside the container. The make-up valve is connected to a float disposed inside the container. The water supply tube is connected to a reservoir that contains a concentrate. The water flow through the water supply tube siphons the concentrate, into the water stream and through the make-up valve to form a first dilution. A proportioner is connected to a water supply and to the bottom of the container. The water flow through the proportioner siphons the first dilution into the proportioner, thereby mixing the first dilution with water to form a final product having a predetermined dilution ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BioSafe Systems LLC
    Inventor: Robert Larose
  • Patent number: 9476547
    Abstract: A duct intersection comprising a first duct portion and a second duct portion extending laterally from a side of the first duct portion. At least one flow modifier is mounted inside one of the first and second duct portions. The flow modifier is a contoured duct liner and/or the flow modifier includes at least one turning vane. The duct intersection may also include a transition portion extending between the first and second duct portions, wherein the transition portion has a length extending along a side of the first duct portion and a depth extending away from the side of the first duct portion, wherein the length is greater than a diameter of the second duct portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Rajat Kapoor, Chun Wai Choi, Ung-Kyung Chun
  • Patent number: 9441643
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil storage device and an injection molding device are provided with a connection box that partitions a storage region of a sub-tank into a first region that includes a flow channel opening portion for a coupling tube and a second region other than the first region, in which the connection box is provided with an internal region communication portion that brings the first region and the second region into communication, and causes a pressure loss equal to the pressure loss of the coupling tube, or a pressure loss greater than that pressure loss, and a return tube is connected to the sub-tank so that the flow channel outlet faces the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikarashi, Mamoru Kawasaki, Yuichi Hosoi, Toshihiko Kariya, Yoshinao Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9441577
    Abstract: A pressure reducing system for fuel gas and a natural gas dewaxing vehicle are provided. The pressure reducing system includes fuel gas pipelines which consist of successively connected a high pressure pipeline, a medium pressure pipeline and a low pressure pipeline in the flow direction of fuel gas. The tail end of the low pressure pipeline connects with a combustion apparatus. A high pressure relief valve, a high pressure air feed valve, a heat exchanger and a primary pressure reducing valve subassembly are connected on the high pressure pipeline. The heat exchanger is provided with a hot fluid inlet and a hot fluid outlet, where the hot fluid inlet connects with a hot water apparatus, and the hot fluid outlet connects with a water storage apparatus. The medium pressure pipeline is equipped with a medium pressure relief valve and a secondary pressure reducing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZYT PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dequan Liang, Weizhong Wang, Xiangfu Dai, Nian Li, Xingpu Wang, Peng Li, Shucheng Lu, Yuqiong Luo, Zhangying Li, Jinsong Tan, Dan Wu, Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 9429336
    Abstract: A device for regulating the airflow in an air damper including a twist sleeve of flexible material, the cross section of which substantially conforms to, an outer tube in which the flow takes place, one end of the twist sleeve being disposed on the inner side of the outer tube and the other end of the twist sleeve being disposed in a tube sleeve which can be rotated under an axial displacement controlled in relation to the rotation. The tube sleeve may be provided with a helical slot. A guide pin is arranged on an inner side of the outer tube, which guide pin goes down into the helical slot. The operating apparatus comprises two cords, which cords are provided with fastenings against the tube sleeve and run along opposite circumferential directions of the tube sleeve between the outer tube and the tube sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ACTICON AB
    Inventor: Jerry Borander
  • Patent number: 9422069
    Abstract: A vapor plate for covering a manhole of a cargo transport tanker includes a plate member and one or more push rod assemblies. Each push rod assembly includes a guide tube extending through the plate member and a push rod extending through the guide member. A rod of the push rod moves linearly and rotationally within the guide tube. An adjustable collar of a resistance mechanism may be fixed to the rod so that the collar engages a spring allowing a user to generate a resistive clamping force by pushing downward on the push rod. A user may clamp the rim of a manhole between a lower handle of the push rod and the plate member with the resistive force by positioning the lower handle underneath the rim after generating the resistance force. The push rod assembly is sealed to prevent vapor leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: EMCO WHEATON CORP.
    Inventor: William W. Valicek
  • Patent number: 9416894
    Abstract: A system for verifiably locking a first cylindrical component to a second cylindrical component in a safe and secure manner. The system provides a visible indication when the first component and second component are fully and effectively secured. The first cylindrical component comprises a lock cylinder fixedly attached to the first cylindrical component. The lock cylinder comprises a lock piston. The second cylindrical component comprises a channel with a guide region and a lock region. The visible portion of the lock piston provides an indication of whether or not the lock piston is secured in the lock region of the channel. The system is also capable of being operated from a control panel to operate the locks, receive signals from sensors, and to display the lock status of the system. The system offers redundant verifications to enhance safety in operating environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Leo William Abel
  • Patent number: 9411358
    Abstract: A control mechanism for manually adjusting a plurality of control parameters, the control mechanism including a mechanical multiple axis handle movable about a plurality of axes of rotation for operating an operated device, wherein each of the axes of rotation pass through the handle, and a movement transformation assembly to transform rotational movements of the handle to control commands to the operated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Eran Ben-Dor
  • Patent number: 9399395
    Abstract: A tank (10) including a container (15) and a flow line (20) for discharging excess fuel. Said flow line (20) is provided with a pipe (21) and an over-pressure valve (24) arranged inside the container (15). In addition, the tank (10) includes a leaktight bell (30) arranged inside said container, said bell (30) being over the over-pressure valve (24) and surrounding the over-pressure valve (24) at least in part so as to hold air captive in order to isolate the over-pressure valve (24) from the fuel content when said pressure is below said threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Gregory Basset
  • Patent number: 9394863
    Abstract: An integrated vacuum port module includes a base 12 and a mounting feature secured to the base and operable to form an airtight connection with a housing 14. A first tubular conduit 28 is secured to the base 12 forming a flow passage extending through the base 12 from an exterior to interior side. A second tubular similarly secured to the base 12 forming a flow passage extending through the base 12. A flow port, pressure sensing port or exhaust port 22 is fluidically connected to and secured to at least one of the tubular conduits 28,30 and arranged within the housing 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Gregg Updike, Dan Huff
  • Patent number: 9376308
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible membrane separation valve, comprising a housing (120), the lateral surfaces of which are provided with slits (121), within which housing (120) a flexible membrane (122) with cylindrical symmetry is housed, within which an insert (130) having a body (131) with cylindrical symmetry is in turn housed, the insert (130) comprising a proximal end (132) having a proximal apex (133) spaced along the longitudinal axis of the insert (130) from a base (134) with cylindrical symmetry, through which the proximal end (132) joins to the body (131), the proximal apex (133) being joined to the base (134) through a continuous surface, the valve being characterized in that the proximal end (132) has an axial section such that tangent lines to the proximal apex (133) form an angle containing the longitudinal axis of the insert that is lower than or equal to 90°. The invention further relates to an apparatus for mixing a liquid comprising such a flexible membrane separation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SEKO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Petrangeli, Stefano Livoti
  • Patent number: 9353510
    Abstract: A water vapor pressure lowering agent which is safe, is easily mixed with seal water, and is usable even in a cold region; the water vapor pressure lowering agent includes urea, a surfactant, purified glycerol, and water or alkaline reducing water, and the purified glycerol is obtained by purifying waste glycerol containing ethanol, an oil or fat, water, and a carbide by distillation. In a method for preventing seal breakage in a drain trap (T) by using the water vapor pressure lowering agent, the vapor pressure lowering agent is introduced such that a liquid level is equal to or higher than a seal water maintenance lower limit in a seal water portion of the drain trap (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Tetsuya Shibano
  • Patent number: 9303775
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to rotary shear valves which include a stator, a rotor defining a cavity extending at least partially therethrough, and a bladder. The rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the stator to create at least one fluidic path therebetween. The bladder comprises a polymer disposed inside the cavity. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of operating a rotary shear valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark W. Moeller