Patents Examined by G. L. Walton
  • Patent number: 4268008
    Abstract: An energy saving push button faucet for delivering a predetermined volume of water in a set period of time includes a control valve with a movable plunger having a front face and a rear face, the front face of the plunger is normally retained upon a valve seat shutting off flow through the valve in the faucet by supply line pressure on the rear face. The valve also includes a pilot valve which can be actuated by a push button to relieve the pressure on the rear face and permit supply line pressure on the front face to move the plunger off the seat and open the valve. The nose of the plunger is provided with an internal passage containing a flow control mechanism which reduces the effective diameter of the passage to control the volume of water delivered by the faucet. The valve also includes an adjustable timing mechanism which determines the timing cycle or length of time the valve remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Bradley Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Barnum, William A. Smart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4268006
    Abstract: A pilot controlled, diaphragm actuated valve having simplified construction is provided which is capable of maintaining a variety of valve operating positions. In the preferred embodiment, the valve pin is controlled precisely with respect to the pilot opening in the diaphragm to permit modulation of the diaphragm position. Control of the valve pin is maintained through the use of a power assembly which positions the valve pin in accordance with some sensed system variable. The valve includes structure for reducing instability of the valve over the valve operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard L. Kunz, David P. Hargraves
  • Patent number: 4266575
    Abstract: A valve housing has a circular cylindrical tubular member and a tubular body having a central portion which is substantially rectangular in cross-section and has mutually opposite, first and second side walls. The first side wall has in cross-section a length equal to the diameter of said tubular member, which is joined to said first side wall and extends at right angles thereto. A motor-operable valve member is axially slidably mounted in said tubular member and comprises a laterally open shell, which consists of a part of a circular cylinder and is coaxial to said tubular member and substantially defined by that cross-sectional plane of said central portion which includes the axis of said tubular member, a circular ring at the end remote from said second side wall, and an end wall at the end opposite to said circular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Norbert Lukesch
  • Patent number: 4265262
    Abstract: A system for sensing and controlling the level of fluent material in a reservoir or other receptacle. In electrically conducting materials levels are sensed by low voltage direct current conduction between electrode pairs placed at desired "high" and "low" control levels which send D.C. digital logic sensing signals over connecting wires to very high resistance "high" and "low" inputs of a digital logic signal processing circuit, while nonconducting material levels are sensed by suitable transducers which upon immersion can send D.C. digital logic signals. The digital signal processing circuit receives the sensor signals and provides a digital output signal or absence thereof, depending on the relative state and sequence of the sensing signals and transmits a digital output signal to a solid state relay which controls the power of flow control means to maintain desired levels of the fluent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Inventor: William Hotine
  • Patent number: 4265263
    Abstract: A non-linear level controller is provided in which the proportional term is a function of the actual liquid level in a vessel compared to the actual liquid level in the vessel at a previous time. The integral term is a function of the actual liquid level in the vessel compared to a set point which is representative of the desired liquid level in the vessel. Both the proportional term and the integral term are modified by a variable gain factor which is a non-linear function of the liquid level being controlled. The proportional term and integral term are combined to provide the controller output which is utilized to manipulate a flow of liquid from the vessel in which the liquid level is being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: James W. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 4263932
    Abstract: The film developing machine includes a tank containing developing fluid, to which a dosing device continually adds regenerating fluid received from a regenerating-fluid supply tank. To prevent the gradual emptying of the supply tank from producing an accuracy-reducing gradual decrease in the pressure applied to the input side of the dosing device, the latter is connected to the supply tank via a buffer vessel provided with an internal valve mechanism serving automatically to keep the volume of regenerating fluid in the buffer vessel substantially constant despite variations in the amount of regenerating fluid contained in the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventors: Erwin Laar, Werner Sieber, Josef Spickenreither
  • Patent number: 4262692
    Abstract: A bell trap and check valve is disclosed. The bell trap has a central tubular member around its outlet and a conventional cover. The check valve is removably attached to the central tubular member and supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: Mark A. Sampson
  • Patent number: 4262878
    Abstract: A compact, hydraulically operated pressure valve for selective opening and closing of conduits or the like is provided which can withstand extremely high pressures in use, is easily repaired and/or replaced, and is low in cost. The valve includes a thin, circular metallic diaphragm which is mounted for bulging in response to pressure directed thereagainst, along with cavity structure adjacent to and in communication with one face of the diaphragm; in use when the diaphragm is located in closing relationship to a pressurized conduit, hydraulic fluid directed to the chamber establishes a desired pressure differential across the diaphragm such that the latter experiences only a desired pressure. The bulging of the diaphragm also causes the latter to sealingly engage a sharp marginal sealing edge associated with the valve, to further enhance the integrity of the closure effected thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Shale Oil Science & Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. O'ffill
  • Patent number: 4262691
    Abstract: A ball valve in which cams (82, 84) are mounted on the ball member (34) to engage spring biased seat rings (30, 32) and cam the seat rings to a retracted position at which the seat rings are retained. The ball valve has a removable cover plate (16) so that the ball member (34) and seat rings may be subsequently removed from the valve body (12) while the valve remains in-line. A removable stop (56) engages and blocks rotation of the ball member past its fully opened and fully closed positions and the cams (82, 84) engage the seat rings only after the stop is removed and the ball member is rotated past its normal stroke and beyond fully opened or fully closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary W. Kacal
  • Patent number: 4261546
    Abstract: A power-driven quarter-turn valve actuator includes a reciprocating drive member in the form of a rod mounted perpendicularly to and spaced a preselected distance from a valve stem. A crank arm is coupled to the valve stem so that the axis of the crank arm makes an angle of between approximately 60.degree. and 100.degree. with a line intersecting the stem axis and perpendicular to the rod axis when the valve is shut and makes an angle of between minus 30.degree. and plus 10.degree. with said line when the valve is fully open. A link member connects the outer end of the crank arm to a point on the reciprocating rod. The preselected distance between actuator rod and valve stem, and the lengths of the crank arm and link, are chosen to produce a variable actuator torque output curve that closely matches the operating torque requirements of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Posi-Seal International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Cory, Ronald A. Olansen, Joseph A. Wucik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4261545
    Abstract: A small orifice in a flush valve piston is provided with a filter means to prevent sedimentary deposits from clogging the orifice. The filter is formed by providing a generally three-sided channel around the piston. The channel is located such that the orifice opens into the base of the channel. A resilient sealing ring is seated on the channel to close the open side of the channel. A plurality of grooves extend from the interior of the channel, under the sealing ring and to the exterior of the piston. These grooves are sized to prevent entry of sedimentary deposits into the channel while permitting entry of water in the channel. The grooves are individually small compared to the orifice opening but they are sufficient in number to provide an adequate supply of water to the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Charles S. Allen
  • Patent number: 4259979
    Abstract: A closure fixture has a slide member or valve for radioactive and toxic media, a fixture housing, a housing cover connected to the housing via a first sealing surface and a closure device with a drive mechanism arranged on the housing cover. The housing fixture comprises an additional sealing surface and an assembly cap has an interior configured to receive the housing cover, an enclosure device and is sealingly mountable to the additional sealing surface. The assembly cap comprises at least one manipulating device for transferring the housing cover together with the closure device into the interior of the assembly cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Leybold - Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Reimpell, Reinhard Reiter, Lutz Grein
  • Patent number: 4260130
    Abstract: A valve for the control of corrosive fluids is disclosed which includes a spring returned valve spool in a valve housing, the valve being manually movable by actuation of an exteriorly accessible handle, the valve spool being connected to and movable with a pipe for dispensing, the handle being removably carried on the valve housing, the valve housing having separable portions for access to the interior, the valve spool having a central passageway communicating with the dispensing pipe and having spaced packings movable in a bore, the spool in one position having one packing positioned to permit access of fluid to the central passageway while the other packing prevents access of fluid therebeyond and protects other components associated with the valve spool.Provisions are also made for locking the spool valve to prevent unintended fluid delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: B & G Equipment Company
    Inventor: George L. Brehm
  • Patent number: 4259982
    Abstract: A resistive fluid or boiler water type of detecting system has been disclosed. A single conductor type of probe having a plurality of conducting regions that are capable of conducting a bidirectional electric current in either a full bidirectional mode or in a unidirectional mode has been disclosed. The single probe element is capable of three separate and distinct states of operation. The first state is when there is an absence of current, the second is when there is a unidirectional portion of the bidirectional current flowing, and the third state is when the full bidirectional electric current is allowed to flow. An output device is responsive to these three states to provide different types or levels of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: James I. Bartels
  • Patent number: 4259975
    Abstract: Liquid level in tanks is gauged an can be controlled as follows. Liquid communication is provided from near the bottom of the tank to a liquid reservoir containing a liquid which is of different density and immiscible with the tank liquid. The reservoir is in liquid communication with a vertically elongated vessel having a relatively small horizontal area compared to the tank, communication being near the top of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is less dense than the tank liquid and being near the bottom of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is more dense than the tank liquid. The elongated vessel, which can be transparent or translucent so that the liquid level therein corresponding to the liquid level in the tank can be readily determined, can contain a float containing a proximity sensor triggering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Conoco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ennis W. Kinsey, Jr., Carlos Gonzalez, James T. Cox
  • Patent number: 4260128
    Abstract: A valve actuator has at least one piston in a cylindrical chamber that has a segmental skirt provided with transverse teeth on its chordal face meshing with lengthwise teeth on the hub of a rotor extending diametrically through the chamber with one rotor end exposed and provided with a portion for mating engagement with a valve stem portion when the valve is clamped to the actuator. Air is delivered into the chamber on opposite sides of the piston and the skirt is provided with anti-friction elements. Single and dual piston embodiments are disclosed as well as the use of springs by which the valve is operated in a wanted manner in the event of loss of piston operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Kostag V. Tito
  • Patent number: 4258737
    Abstract: In a tank having an internal float there is a standpipe coupled through the tank. The standpipe conducts liquid into the tank. Equipment for controlling the level of liquid in the tank includes a valve. This valve is operated by the float. A conduit depends from the valve. This conduit is longer than the valve and conducts liquid thereto. Also included is a pliable seal which mounted on the conduit at an end opposite the valve. This seal engages an interior surface of the conduit. The seal also has a bore sized to encircle and seal the standpipe. Thus, the standpipe may telescope into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Inventor: Francis J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4258899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly. A closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a movable wall of an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias which is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure to be maintained in the chamber. A pilot valve unit is disposed between the valve closure member and the movable wall. An expansible chamber behind the closure member houses a spring for biasing in a valve closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Zbigniew R. Huelle, Leif Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4258742
    Abstract: Tapping apparatus is provided for cutting an opening in the wall of a conduit and providing fluid tight communication between such opening and a second conduit via a rotatable outlet to facilitate alignment and connection of the second conduit to the tapping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Jean H. Louthan, Ralph A. Wynne
  • Patent number: 4258902
    Abstract: An annular gap between a valve shaft and the bore in a valve body of a steering control valve is dimensioned to accommodate relative eccentricity of parts and is sealed by a sealing gland having a rigid annular element rotatable with the valve shaft. The annular element is formed with recesses seating resilient sealing elements respectively engaging the valve shaft and an axial abutment surface of the valve body. The sealing elements are prestressed in radial directions and axial directions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, AG.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Liebert, Werner Tischer