Patents Examined by Christopher D Ballman
  • Patent number: 12698857
    Abstract: A fluid coupling containing two coupling halves coupled to one another via connecting elements. Each of the coupling halves containing a housing which has an end face. The end face having at least one connecting element for the mutual connection of the coupling halves. The housing having connecting faces of the two coupling halves contacting one another when in the coupled state. A spherical valve element and a locking element, which can be mutually operated via the connecting elements and releases a rotary lever for operating the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2026
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventor: Maxim Wasetzki
  • Patent number: 12687237
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve assembly, including a housing, a valve body, a drive train assembly, a first magnetic component, a driving component, and a second magnetic component. The housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity which are independent of each other. The valve body is disposed in the first cavity. The drive train assembly is disposed in the first cavity to drive the valve body to rotate. The first magnetic component is disposed in the first cavity and disposed on the drive train assembly. The driving component is disposed in the second cavity. The second magnetic component is disposed in the second cavity and disposed on the driving component. The first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured such that the first magnetic component can rotate correspondingly as the second magnetic component rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2025
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Henker
  • Patent number: 12680615
    Abstract: A multi-way valve adapted to control a flow of fluid to different thermal fluid circuits includes a valve housing, a valve flow controller, and a sealing system. The valve flow controller is arranged in the valve housing to control flow through the valve housing. The sealing system is configured to seal between the valve housing and the valve flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: George J. Mitri, John C. Long, Rick McQuiston
  • Patent number: 12680430
    Abstract: A bypass plunger includes a unitary or one-piece hollow body-and-valve cage, which retains a dart valve within the valve cage portion of the hollow body using a threaded retaining nut that is secured to the hollow body by crimple detents. A series of helical grooves surround the central portion of the outer surface of the hollow body of the plunger to control spin during descent. A canted-coil-spring disposed within the retaining nut functions as a clutch. The valve cage includes ports that may be configured to control flow through the plunger during ascent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: Flowco MasterCo LLC
    Inventors: Garrett S. Boyd, Mitchell A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 12669186
    Abstract: A fluid valve has a cavity in which an actuator is accommodated, the cavity has a first inflow opening and a first outflow opening. The actuator has a through-passage with a first actuator opening and a second actuator opening, in one actuator position, the first actuator opening is situated opposite the first inflow opening and the second actuator opening is situated opposite the first outflow opening, and in one different actuator position, the first actuator opening is not situated opposite the first inflow opening and/or the second actuator opening is not situated opposite the first outflow opening, and a cross-sectional area of the first actuator opening is greater than a cross-sectional area of the first inflow opening, and/or a cross-sectional area of the first outflow opening is greater than a cross-sectional area of the second actuator opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Noll
  • Patent number: 12669750
    Abstract: A method of supplying a chemical solution to a photolithography system. The chemical solution is pumped from a variable-volume buffer tank. The pumped chemical solution is dispensed in a spin-coater. The variable-volume buffer tank is refilled by emptying a storage container filled with the chemical solution into the variable-volume buffer tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Zhan Zhou, Heng-Jen Lee, Hsu-Yuan Liu, Yu-Chen Huang, Cheng-Han Wu, Shih-Che Wang, Ho-Yung David Hwang
  • Patent number: 12643391
    Abstract: A fluid management apparatus and a heat management system are provided. The fluid management apparatus includes a connecting piece and a liquid storage part. The connecting piece and the liquid storage part are arranged separately, and a first mating part of a liquid storage part shell is sealedly connected to a first connecting port portion of the connecting piece. A liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage part is in communication with a flow channel of the connecting piece, and the connecting piece, which is provided with a flow channel, is arranged separately from the liquid storage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deping He, Jiahe Liang, Zhengyi Yin, Yao Liu
  • Patent number: 12638084
    Abstract: A globe valve assembly can include a globe valve that can include a valve stem that defines a valve stem axis, a valve seat, a plug secured at a distal end of the valve stem, and a valve body that supports the valve seat. The valve body can define an inlet passage that extends between an inlet opening and the valve seat and an outlet passage that extends between an outlet opening and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Richardson
  • Patent number: 12638088
    Abstract: A circulation valve comprises a flow control assembly and a pressure control assembly, where a containing cavity and a plurality of sub-channels are formed in the flow control assembly, the plurality of sub-channels all communicate with the containing cavity, a slide block is disposed in the containing cavity, the slide block is configured to move in the containing cavity to control the number of the sub-channels communicating with the containing cavity, and the slide block divides the containing cavity into a first containing cavity and a second containing cavity that do not communicate with each other; and the pressure control assembly can control a ratio of a pressure of the first containing cavity to a pressure of the second containing cavity so as to drive the slide block to move in the containing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peisen Cao, Xing Liu, Zhiheng Deng
  • Patent number: 12638120
    Abstract: A pool hose air evacuation module includes a cover having an upstream connector, and a downstream connector. The cover includes a primary inlet port proximate the upstream connector and a secondary discharge port proximate the downstream connector. The module includes a main conduit, a primary conduit in fluid communication with the primary inlet port and the downstream connector, and a primary impeller mounted within the primary conduit that is configured to be driven by a pool water flow through the primary conduit when the valve is in a closed position. The module also includes a secondary conduit in fluid communication with the upstream conduit and the secondary discharge port, and a secondary impeller is mounted within the secondary conduit that is configured to be driven by the primary impeller to remove air from the pool hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: SPLASH POOL & SPA, INC.
    Inventors: Huaiping Wang, Paul Lambourn, Michael Richard Tregoning
  • Patent number: 12638089
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a cylindrical passage therein about an axis. An inlet port is defined in or near a first end of the valve body. First and second outlet ports are defined in the valve body extending radially outward from the cylindrical passage. A cylindrical valve spool having a central passage is positioned within, and sealingly engaged with, the cylindrical passage. The valve spool is moveable along the axis among: a first position wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the first outlet port but not the second outlet port, a second position wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the second outlet port but not the first outlet port, and an intermediate position between the first and second positions wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with both of the first and second outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: MUELLER REFRIGERATION, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph S. Bryant, Gregory S. Wade, Bradley W. Randolph, Mark Bornand, Tyler A. Meador
  • Patent number: 12638123
    Abstract: A system and a method are for reducing a corrosive environment for a pipeline segment defined between a first end and a second end. The pipeline segment has a fluid pipe, a protective cover surrounding the fluid pipe and an annular space defined between the fluid pipe and the protective cover, the annular space being at least partly filled with an insulation material. The method has the steps of: providing an inlet at the first end for supplying a protective gas inside the annular space; providing a sensor at the second end of the pipeline segment; arranging a sensing element of the sensor inside the annular space for monitoring any corrosive environment therein; providing a protective gas source in fluid communication with the inlet; and controlling the supply of protective gas from the protective gas source based on signals from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Nitrogas AS
    Inventor: Geir Magne Høiland
  • Patent number: 12631266
    Abstract: A valve with a housing has a connection point for insertion into a connection device and a valve seat associated with a passage opening, which valve seat can be closed by a valve closing member, and is transferable by a drive or a pressure of a medium to an operating position in which the valve closing member is lifted with respect to the valve, having a securing element, which holds the valve closing member in a filling position relative to the valve seat, in which position the valve closing member is lifted with respect to the valve seat and unblocks the passage opening, and the securing element can be transferred, following the first transfer of the valve closing member from the filling position to the operating position, to a disengaged position relative to the valve closing member and subsequently the valve closing member is transferable to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: OTTO EGELHOF GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Eike Willers, Juergen Sohn, Kryszstof Kurowski
  • Patent number: 12631274
    Abstract: An adjustable valved coupler for drip irrigation line includes a valve body having a first end connected to a selector switch assembly and a second end having multiple outlets of differing sizes positioned eccentrically about the perimeter of the second end. The selector switch assembly has an inlet cap defining a main port for connecting an upstream feeder line to an internal volume of the valve body, a manually operable dial, and a circular seat mechanically linked to the dial by a shaft. The circular seat defines an eccentrically positioned aperture. Rotation of the dial moves the aperture into and out of alignment with the outlets to adjust flow rate. The selector switch assembly may also include an exit port to allow serial coupling to a downstream feeder line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Inventor: Kody J. Ketterling
  • Patent number: 12625052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for use in a flow cytometer for unclogging obstructions in a nozzle from salt crystal formations and clumps of cells or debris. A nozzle system is moved to a docking station so that a nozzle tip is seated in the docking station. Deionized water is pushed through the nozzle in a reverse direction to a waste port so that the nozzle is flushed. The nozzle system can remain in the docked position during nonuse so that salt crystals do not form in or on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel N Fox, Nathan M Fox, Rodney C Harris
  • Patent number: 12618478
    Abstract: The disclosure herein generally relates to flow Flow control valves for preventing, inhibiting, reducing the likelihood or extent of, and/or protect against erosion or components are provided. The flow control valves provided include various mechanisms to prevent, inhibit, reduce the likelihood or extent of, and/or protect against erosion of components of the flow control valve, for example, due to the effects of leakage flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Swenson, David Clayton, David Gomez Ramirez, Oguzhan Guven, Cash Elston, Ivan Caliu Candiani, Bernardo Machado
  • Patent number: 12595864
    Abstract: An example valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet, a plug, and a cage in the fluid passageway. The plug is disposed in the cage. The plug is moveable in the cage to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The cage includes an inner wall having first openings, an outer wall having second openings, the outer wall disposed coaxially around the inner wall, and an insert having third openings. The insert is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Thomas N. Gabriel, Jonathan W. Richardson
  • Patent number: 12584563
    Abstract: A sanitary valve having a main valve with a diaphragm movable between closed and open positions. The main valve is in an inner housing rotatably mounted in an outer housing. The inner housing has a first valve opening connected to a first valve opening in the outer housing to form a valve outlet. The inner housing has a second valve opening arranged on the outside relative to the valve outlet and is paired with a second valve opening in the outer housing forming a valve inlet. Paired second valve openings are brought into congruence by a relative twisting of the inner and outer housings with the valve inlet being variable. The inner housing has a pot-base inside from which a valve connector protrudes which connects the inner part first valve opening forming the valve outlet to the valve seat formed by the free sleeve end region of the valve connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2026
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventor: Jacek Kowol
  • Patent number: 12578022
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve 300 includes flexi-seals 302 that are annular shaped with non-circular cross-section and are fitted in peripheral groves in plunger 304 of the valve such that a portion of the flexi-seal 302 projects out of the outer circumference of the plunger 304. As the plunger 304 is moved towards a valve seat 314, the projecting portion of the flexi-seal 302 rests against a flat surface of the valve seat 314 to close the passage through the valve seat. The flexi-seal design prevents plurality of bends in the flow passages of the pneumatic valve 300, results in reduced friction during the linear movement of the plunger 304, eliminates movement of seals over edges of cross holes in the plunger bore 306. Besides the flexi-seals are flexible, do not permanently deform, and do not require lubricating media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: ROTEX AUTOMATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Rajesh Shah
  • Patent number: 12565736
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pump (ESP) completion is used in a reservoir. The ESP completion includes an ESP and a static mixer placed below an intake of the ESP within the reservoir. A two-phase (liquid-gas) mixture flows from the reservoir through a tubing-casing annulus to the static mixer. The static mixer conditions and homogenizes the two phase (liquid-gas) mixture. The mixture flows to a tubing-casing annulus through perforated joints to enter the intake of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2026
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohammed H. Aleid, Torty C. Kalu-Ulu, James O. Arukhe