Patents Examined by Daphne M Barry
  • Flow path assembly and valve device
    Patent number: 11162597
    Abstract: A flow path assembly incorporating functional components, such as orifices and filters, is provided in which gaps between the functional components and the flow path components defining the flow path are sealed for an extended period of time. An annular elastic member interposed between the flow path members is provided outside the opposing surfaces of the flow path members, the flow path member has a caulking portion, the caulking portion integrates the flow path members and the plate-like member, exerts a force on the flow path member such that one of the opposing surfaces faces the other of the opposing surfaces, seals the gaps between the orifice plate and the opposing surfaces, and the elastic member is crushed between the flow path members to seal the gap between the flow path members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazunari Watanabe, Kohei Shigyou, Kenji Aikawa, Tomohiro Nakata, Takahiro Matsuda, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Faucet handle hub
    Patent number: 11149418
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a faucet including a valve cartridge having a valve stem and supported within a valve body, a handle operably coupled to the valve stem, a handle hub supported for rotation relative to the valve body, and a coupler operably coupling the valve stem with the handle hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Brasstech, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Manga
  • Gas supply device, method for controlling gas supply device, load port, and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
    Patent number: 11139188
    Abstract: A purging nozzle unit of a gas supply device according to the present invention including: a housing that is capable of passing a predetermined gas so as to replace the internal atmosphere of a FOUP with the predetermined gas; a nozzle coming into intimate contact with the proximity of a port that is provided on one face of the FOUP, the nozzle being pressed to thereby open the port; an operation adjustment space configured to increase or decrease so as to operate the nozzle between a use posture in which the predetermined gas can be supplied into the target container via the port and a standby posture in which the predetermined gas cannot be supplied into the target container via the port; and a gas introducing part configured to export or import compression air relative to the operation adjustment space to thereby control an operation of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Taniyama, Toshimitsu Morihana
  • Air control valve
    Patent number: 11131401
    Abstract: An automotive air control valve comprises a housing, the housing defining an air flow path, a blade pivotally mounted within the housing, the blade pivotable between a closed position, wherein the blade substantially blocks air flow through the housing, and an open position, wherein air can flow through the housing, an actuator adapted to selectively pivot the blade between the open and closed positions, a first stop that provides a positive stop for the blade when rotated to the open position, a second stop that provides a positive stop for the blade when rotated to the closed position; and an over-center cam mechanism, wherein the over-center cam mechanism is adapted to bias the blade in the open position when the blade has been pivoted to the open position, and to bias the blade in the closed position when the blade has been pivoted to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dean G. Sorrell, John Norman Stockbridge
  • Electronic plumbing fixture fitting including demonstration feature
    Patent number: 11131086
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting including a demonstration feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FB Global Plumbing Group LLC
    Inventor: Brian Patrick Frackelton
  • Reversible ball valve
    Patent number: 11131403
    Abstract: An isolation valve has a reversible handle and multiple seals between the valve stem and valve housing. The handle includes a portion that engages a handle stop that is attached to the valve body. When the handle is reversed, the stop is moved to another handle stop opening in the valve body. Thus, the handle direction can be reversed without removal of the handle. A locking plate may be used with the isolation valve. The locking plate includes portions that engage a lock and the handle stop. When the handle direction is reversed, the locking plate can be rotated around the stem to engage the repositioned handle stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: David Andrew Bobo, Daryle Shephard, Matthew J. Krazit, Carla M. Williamson
  • Mobile distribution station having onboard fluid storage tank
    Patent number: 11124407
    Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer, a pump on the mobile trailer, at least one manifold on the mobile trailer and fluidly connected with the pump, a plurality of reels on the mobile trailer, and at least one fluid storage tank extending under the reels. A plurality of hoses are connected with a different one of the reels. A plurality of valves on the mobile trailer are situated between the at least one manifold and a respective different one of the reels. A plurality of fluid level sensors are associated with a different one of the hoses, and a controller is configured to individually open and close the valves responsive to the fluid level sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: FUEL AUTOMATION STATION, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Meredith, Garrett Walther
  • Water valve guide tube with integrated weld ring and water valve incorporating same
    Patent number: 11112025
    Abstract: A water valve, guide tube for a water valve, and associated method are provided. The water valve includes a housing and the guide tube is installed on the housing via laser welding. The guide tube and housing each provide axially facing mating surfaces which abut one another in a pre-bonded configuration. In a post-bonded configuration, a laser weld joint is formed at the interface between the mating surfaces. The joint forms a portion of an outer periphery of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Shane Duncan Bartow, Paul Charles Berkley, James E. Pearson
  • System and method for transient mitigation device in continuous pipelines for surge impact control
    Patent number: 11112049
    Abstract: A device and method to mitigate transient events in a transported medium of fluids and gases subjected to surges, and over pressure events caused by the transient state of a transported medium in a continuous pipeline, where the device has one or more concentrically positioned multilayered composite pipes encased in an outer spool pipe with an annulus space between the spool pipe and the multilayered composite pipes, with flanged adaptors at each end of the device for inline installation in a pipeline, with a management system for receiving, processing and transmitting information gathered in combination with existing pipeline monitoring, and acoustical detection system for receiving and processing of acoustic transmission due to an acoustical wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SMART PIPE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Dean Littlestar, Chris Dean Littlestar, Aron Robert Ekelund, Ivan Capistran Mandich
  • Method for producing a medical preparation using a peristaltic pump
    Patent number: 11077023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for synthesizing a medical preparation, a peristaltic pump being used for pumping liquid from a plurality of source containers. According to the invention, micro-amounts are extracted only in the linear region of the peristaltic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Biehl, Michael Hock, Henrik Schaake, Martin Bohm, Ulla Schöbel
  • Technique for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle
    Patent number: 11078817
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle includes a receptacle and a valve. The receptacle includes a wide upper oil collection portion with an upper receptacle wall configured to collect and contain oil drained from a vehicle, and includes a narrower lower outlet portion having a lower receptacle wall configured to allow the oil to drain from the receptacle via a gravity feed. The receptacle has markings arranged on at least one of the upper receptacle wall or the lower receptacle wall and configured to measure the oil drained and collected from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Arthur D. Schaller
  • Systems and methods for control and monitoring of actuated valves
    Patent number: 11073442
    Abstract: In an exemplary method of monitoring performance of a fluid driven actuator for a valve, pressurized fluid is supplied through an actuator supply line to an inlet port of the actuator during a first time period to operate the actuator. Changes corresponding to a fluid flow condition in the actuator supply line are measured during the first time period, and the measured changes are analyzed to identify a non-compliant condition in at least one of the valve and the actuator. An output communicating the identified non-compliant condition is then generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventor: William H. Glime, III
  • Technique for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle
    Patent number: 11073054
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle includes a receptacle and a valve. The receptacle includes a wide upper oil collection portion with an upper receptacle wall configured to collect and contain oil drained from a vehicle, and includes a narrower lower outlet portion having a lower receptacle wall configured to allow the oil to drain from the receptacle via a gravity feed. The receptacle has markings arranged on at least one of the upper receptacle wall or the lower receptacle wall and configured to measure the oil drained and collected from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Arthur D. Schaller, Jr.
  • Multiple port distribution manifold
    Patent number: 11067183
    Abstract: A mountable Multiple Port Distribution Manifold consisting of a selector knob through which a gas of liquid media may internally flow, between a hollow port at one end and a side port of the rotate-able Shaft within the Manifold. By rotating the Knob/Shaft, the side hole port of the Knob/Shaft assembly may selectively intersect with multiple ports within the Manifold. Said assembly also provides of an “off” position, where no Shaft/Manifold intersection allows port to port connection. The invention may be constructed of any suitable material, natural or synthetic, that is sufficiently strong to withstand the internal pressures of a gas or liquid media routed within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: William Messner
  • Housing for multiple mixing valves
    Patent number: 11060628
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first mixing valve configured to mix hot fluid and cold fluid to provide a first mixed fluid, a second mixing valve configured to mix hot fluid and cold fluid to provide a second mixed fluid, and a housing configured to receive the first mixing valve and the second mixing valve. The housing defines a hot fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a supply of hot fluid, a cold fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a supply of cold fluid, a hot fluid passage fluidly coupling the hot fluid inlet to the first mixing valve and the second mixing valve, and a cold fluid passage fluidly coupling the cold fluid inlet to the first mixing valve and the second mixing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Pfund, Heming Dai
  • Valve with self-aligning stem tip
    Patent number: 11047483
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body with an annular valve seat having a first central axis, and a valve closure subassembly assembled with the valve body and including an axially movable valve stem and a stem tip attached to the valve stem by a stem connector and including an annular seal portion having a second central axis. When the first central axis is misaligned with the second central axis, the stem tip is pivotable about the valve stem to effect angular adjustment of the annular seal portion of the stem tip into uniform sealing engagement with the annular valve seat when a closing force is applied to the valve stem. The stem connector is configured to resist pivoting movement of the stem tip when the valve stem is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: William H. Glime, III, Branden W. Keeper
  • Color-coded roller clamp apparatus
    Patent number: 11045637
    Abstract: A color-coded roller clamp apparatus for easily clamping an IV tube includes a clamp housing having a clamp inside. A top aperture and a roller slot extend through to the clamp inside. The clamp housing is configured to receive an IV tube passing through the top aperture and out a bottom. A roller is coupled to the clamp housing and comprises a wheel partially extending through the roller slot. A first hemisphere and a second are a first color and a second color, respectively. An axle is coupled to the wheel within the clamp. The roller is rollingly moveable between a disengaged position alternative engaged. The wheel in the disengaged position exposes the first hemisphere through the roller slot and the wheel in the engaged position exposes the second hemisphere through the roller slot and is configured to clamp the IV tube against the back side to prevent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Leslie McGee
  • Magnetically latched pneumatic valve
    Patent number: 11041575
    Abstract: A valve device that can be activated by pilot air of comparatively low pressure though the size of such valve device is small and provides a valve device that is excellent in durability. The valve device comprises a pilot port which pilot air is supplied to activate a piston part, and a biasing means to press the piston part in the opposite direction to supply and discharge the pilot air, thus controlling the opening and closing of the valve. A first magnetic member is provided on a valve rod; a second magnetic member is provided on a housing. Magnetic attraction is generated between both magnetic members to activate the piston part in the first direction, thus increasing such magnetic attraction by the approach of both magnetic members. An arrangement-relation facing each magnetic member through an air gap is set even when making its closest approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: TRINITY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Ishikawa, Naohiro Osawa
  • Tire inflator with inflation timer
    Patent number: 11027707
    Abstract: A portable inflation device having a pump, a control device, a user interface, and an inflation indicator. The pump includes an elongated hose with an inflation nozzle. The control device controls operation of the pump and is configured to sense a current pressure of an object, calculate the estimated remaining time to inflate the object to a target pressure, and display the remaining time using the inflation indicator. The user interface is configured to allow a user to enter the target pressure into the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Curtis Strong, James Kingsbury, Chris Auerbach, Patrick Lee Ohm, Stephen Leveau, Michael Williams
  • Water faucet housing
    Patent number: 11028563
    Abstract: Provided is a water faucet capable of ensuring a required strength even when an exterior of the water faucet is formed with a cross-sectional shape having a longer direction and a shorter direction in a cross-section. The water faucet (1) comprises: an exterior member (4) having a longer direction (L1) in a cross-section and a shorter direction (W1) in the cross-section, and forming an exterior of the water faucet (1); a discharging port (34) for discharging water therefrom; a water-conducting member (8) for providing fluid communication between the discharging port (34) and a water supply source for supplying water to the discharging port (34); and a reinforcement member (10) provided inside the exterior member (4) so as to reinforce the exterior member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagaiwa, Ryoichi Sugimoto, Daisuke Kazaoka