Patents Examined by Craig Price
  • Patent number: 7735518
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body having a slidable main valve member and a pilot valve body mechanically connected to the valve body including a slidable pilot valve member. A first solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized directs pressurized fluid to move the pilot valve member between pilot valve open and closed positions. A second solenoid operated valve connected to the valve body when simultaneously energized with the first valve directs the fluid to move the main valve member between valve closed and open positions. A third solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized and when both the first and second solenoid operated valves are de-energized directs the fluid to move the pilot valve to the pilot valve open position and the main valve member to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Mac Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
  • Patent number: 7730905
    Abstract: A high pressure valve for hydrogen gas includes a valve seat and a valve member, which is movable to selectively open and close the valve seat. One of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of austenitic stainless steel, and the other one of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of flexible synthetic resin or soft metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Toyooki Kogyo Co., Ltd., Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Toshihiko Shima, Soichi Shirai
  • Patent number: 7730907
    Abstract: A device for use in a pipeline including a fluid conduit section constructed of a flexible material. The fluid conduit section has a first end, which includes a first mounting arrangement, and a second end, which includes a second mounting arrangement. The fluid conduit section also has a length defined between the first and second ends, an internal diameter, and a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first to the second end. The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes positioned within the fluid conduit section, wherein radially inner edges of the vanes are in direct contact with the radially inner edges of adjacent vanes, and radially outer edges of the vanes contact one of the first and second ends, but are separated from the internal diameter of a remainder of the fluid conduit section, such that a space is defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Metraflex Company
    Inventor: James R. Richter
  • Patent number: 7726335
    Abstract: A check valve for a combustion engine fuel system includes a polymeric poppet valve including a valve stem and a valve head that terminates the valve stem. A valve seat is adapted for cooperation with the valve head of the poppet valve, and includes a valve seat body and an elastomeric valve seat seal supported by the valve seat body and adapted for sealing against the valve head of the poppet valve. The check valve is particularly adapted for use with a fuel pump within a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cory J. Doble
  • Patent number: 7726334
    Abstract: A system for determining a fluid level in a pressurizable container comprising is disclosed. The system includes a service valve having a set of wrench flats defining parallel flat surfaces, one of the wrench flats having a recess defined entirely within its flat surface, a stop-fill device interconnected with the service valve and operable to rotate a first magnet inside the service valve in proximity to the recess in proportion to the amount of fluid in the pressurizable container, and a dial assembly having a dial face and a pointer attached to a second magnet, the second magnet housed in a magnet protrusion on a side of the dial face opposite the pointer and operable to fit into the recess in the service valve such that the dial moves on the dial face proportionately to the degree of rotation of the first magnet inside the service valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Danny E. Swindler
  • Patent number: 7726333
    Abstract: Each of lines A, B is provided on each of opposite sides thereof with a tape heater 11, and a space for positioning a tape heater holding clip 13 therein is provided in each of locations between adjacent fluid control devices. The tape heaters 11 are held from opposite sides thereof to the line by the clip 13. The lines A, B provided with the heaters are each mounted on a line support member 10 removably attached to a base member 1. The line support member 10 has a heater insertion bore 14 formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof. A sheath heater 12 is inserted into the bore 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: CKD Corporation, Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: George Hoshi, Tsuneyuki Okabe, Kenichi Goshima, Hideo Kobayashi, Akinori Nagaya, Michio Yamaji, Kazuhiro Yoshikawa, Yuji Kawano
  • Patent number: 7726330
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air core filling system for reclining or seating furniture, for example, for a mattress, an armchair, a car seat, a piece of camping furniture or similar, comprising an air core and an integrated air core filling system, reacting to a load, which independently, supplies a dosed amount of air into the air core, in order to maintain the same at a given adjustable pressure in the non-loaded state. Said air core filling system comprises an air pump system (3) with at least two separate chambers (2, 6) and control system (17), whereby the first chamber (2) is directly connected to the air core by a line (1) and a second chamber (6) is connected to the air core by a line (7) through a pressure regulation valve (13) and to the ambient air by a line (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kurt Schuster
  • Patent number: 7721760
    Abstract: In a device for reversing the flow of flowing media including two multi-way valves (21) which are fluidically interconnected and mounted on an adapter plate (32), the two valves are identical and are fluidically connected with one another by being pushed one into the other via rotationally symmetrical sealing members that seal in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Hettinger, Julia Lauth, Josip Martis
  • Patent number: 7717126
    Abstract: A float valve structure that includes a case; a valve seat that is formed at an end portion of the case, at a position near an upper opening of the case; a float that is arranged in a space formed in the case so as to be vertically movable; a valve support member that is arranged above the float and that can be inserted into the upper opening; a valve that is fitted to the valve support member and that can contact the valve seat; and a valve opening member that can vertically move together with the float and that opens at least one portion of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroya Tagami, Jun Makita, Hiroshi Oosaki
  • Patent number: 7708029
    Abstract: A coupling member is provided that comprises a valve movable between a closed position and an opening position. The valve is provided with a seal ring fixed in an annular groove formed in the valve and urged against a valve seat in the closed position. The groove has a forward annular groove portion and a rear annular groove portion shallower than the forward annular groove portion. The seal ring has forward and rear annular seal portions fitted in the forward and rear annular groove portions, respectively. The rear ring portion has substantially the same diameter as the forward seal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitagawa, Masayuki Imaizumi, Koji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7703478
    Abstract: In a shifting unit (1) for a vehicle transmission gearbox, the switching unit comprising valves which are connected between with one another by a pressure supply line conduit (58) and by a pressure exhaust line (60) associated with a switch chamber (10) of a switch cylinder (2). The switch chamber (10) of switch cylinder (2) has exhibits at least one opening valve (26) and at least one closing valve (28) through additional valves (62, 64, 66, 68); and the pressure supply line (58) and the pressure exhaust line (60) are separately closed, opened, blocked and/or swapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Mario Steinborn, Rainer Petzold, Martin Miller
  • Patent number: 7703476
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism is provided for a water heater fail safe valve assembly which automatically shuts off the flow of water to a water heater when leakage of water from the water heater is detected in an underlying catch tray. The trigger mechanism includes a vertical housing having a drive rod which is upwardly urged by a spring and holds a resilient valve closing component. A cam member holds the drive rod down, representing the open state of the valve. An accumulation of water in the catch tray causes the cam member to release the drive rod to an upper position which closes the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: James H. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7699073
    Abstract: A soft start device for compressed air systems comprises a primary inlet at which compressed air at a primary pressure may be supplied, the primary inlet being connected with a secondary outlet able to be coupled with a load, by a valve circuit, at which compressed air is taken at the secondary pressure lower than or equal to the primary pressure, a principal valve placed between the primary and secondary outlet, said principal valve being able to be shunted by a bypass, a choke device being placed in the bypass, the principal valve and the choke device together with further valves of the valve circuit being connected together in a circuit and the valve circuit placed in a standard venting switching setting that the secondary outlet is vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Decker, Karl Messerschmidt, Günter Gebauer
  • Patent number: 7694692
    Abstract: A non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve under the control of a controller comprising a motor in rotational communication with a lead screw. The lead screw advances or retracts a valve stem connected to a valve stem cap. The valve stem cap has a valve stem cap passage. A valve end cap having a valve seat is provided and receives the valve stem cap such that the valve stem cap can contact the valve seat. A pressure relief device or shuttle assembly is positioned internal to the valve stem cap. The shuttle assembly is used for venting build-up downstream pressure through the non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve outlet, through the valve stem cap passage, around the shuttle assembly, through passages, into a pressure chamber, and to the non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve exit where the fluid vents until the system is in balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Hansson, Byron K. Steiff
  • Patent number: 7690392
    Abstract: A mixing body for diverting a portion of a liquid, e.g., water flow, into a cartridge of fertilizers, fungicides, hormones, pesticides or the like to form effluent. The effluent is reintroduced to the water flow and goes to a downstream sprinkler or application system. The cartridge, which may contain liquid concentrate, is inserted into the mixing body, which has inlet and outlet one way valves that puncture a sealing layer of the cartridge. The diluted effluent exits through the outlet one way valve and is thus delivered to the irrigation system. The amount of effluent can be regulated by a needle valve that controls the amount of effluent exiting the manifold. The mixing body has a locking system to securely hold the cartridge in place. There is also a plate to protect a user from the sharp inlet and outlet valves when the cartridge is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Vahe Sarkiss
  • Patent number: 7686036
    Abstract: The valve apparatus includes: a valve body whose one side is combined with the movable oxygen cylinder, which communicates with a discharge port at the other side thereof along a path from one side thereof lengthily therein, to thus discharge out the oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port. An opening which opens outwards from an insertion space provided along the path, and a post valve which is installed at the other side of the valve body and controls discharge of oxygen through the discharge port from the oxygen cylinder according to operation of a lever. A charge adapter whose one side is detachably installed in the opening of the insertion space, which charges oxygen supplied from the outside into the oxygen cylinder when the post valve closes the path, and discharges oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port when the post valve opens the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Youngdo Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7686038
    Abstract: Solenoid valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a hydraulic circuit, comprising a valve body having at least one fluid duct, a stopper for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid in the fluid duct, a mechanical connection to actuate the stopper, an electromagnetic actuator arranged to actuate the mechanical connection, and a coupling between the electromagnetic actuator and the valve body via a jacket surrounding the electromagnetic actuator and engaged on a shoulder of the valve body. The jacket holds the electromagnetic actuator in axial engagement against the valve body in a direction of engagement. The shoulder comprises two matching half-washers engaged radially in a peripheral groove of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bontaz Centre
    Inventor: Samuel Chavanne
  • Patent number: 7686030
    Abstract: A cut valve which is installed on a fuel tank and is adapted to shut off a vent passage between the interior of the fuel tank and the outside when a fuel level in the fuel tank has risen, including: a housing having: a cover having a lead-out pipe connected to an external pipe; a tubular body having a vent hole communicating with the lead-out pipe; and a bottom portion closing a lower surface of the tubular body; and a float valve which is adapted to open or close the vent hole by coming into contact with and moving away from a valve seat provided at a peripheral edge of the vent hole in the ceiling portion, wherein an inner periphery of the valve seat has a tapered shape in which its diameter is gradually enlarged in a direction toward the float valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Furuya, Shinichi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7681591
    Abstract: An in-line swivel having a through bore for fluid flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the swivel comprises an inlet member having a first longitudinal axis and an outlet member having a second longitudinal axis. The outlet member is configured to rotate relative to the inlet member. The swivel also comprises a bearing having a third longitudinal axis. The bearing extends through at least a portion of at least one of the inlet member and the outlet member and includes a fluid passage such that the inlet member and the outlet member are in fluid communication through the bearing, and the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular to the third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Philip L. Lundman
  • Patent number: 7677264
    Abstract: A manifold-type solenoid valve comprises a main valve section and a solenoid operating section. The main valve section has a spool in a valve hole to which respective switching flow paths for supply, output, and discharge are opened. The main valve section comprises connecting flow paths for collective supply and/or collective discharge having connecting ports, output ports, and an external port for connecting an external piping for independent supply or independent discharge. The output ports are in communication with the switching flow path for output. The connecting flow paths for collective supply and/or collective discharge are in communication with the switching flow path for supply and the switching flow path for discharge. Additionally, the external port is in communication with the switching flow path for supply or the switching flow path for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba