Patents Examined by Gerald A. Michalsky
  • Patent number: 6708708
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuation control system includes a pressure controller, an eductor and a valve. The pressure controller is capable of directing an amount of fluid to the contained volume such that a pressure within the contained volume exceeds a pressure external to the contained volume by a predefined positive pressure. The pressure controller can also adjust the pressure within the contained volume when the pressure external to the contained volume changes. The eductor can draw fluid from the contained volume to thereby decrease the pressure within the contained volume. The valve is controllably operable in either a pressure mode or a vacuum mode, where the valve either permits the pressure controller to provide fluid to the contained volume, or permits the eductor to draw fluid from the contained volume. As such, the system provides precision pressure control over a broad range of external pressures while compensating for rapid pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Wingert, Daniel S. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6708711
    Abstract: An air inlet is of a scarf type and the internal profile of the upper sections of its lip includes, with respect to the identical and symmetrical horizontal sections of the lip, an internal bulge that is bigger for a larger scarf angle and that is a maximum at the upper vertical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Thierry Surply, Damien Prat, BenoƮt Gagnaire
  • Patent number: 6708725
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve, particularly a solenoid valve, with an inlet connection and an outlet connection, having between them a shut-off device with a valve seat and a closure member. In such a valve, it is endeavoured to obtain a small output with a simple design. For this purpose, the closure member has a closing element and a tappet separate from the closing element, the closing element being held in a guiding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Entwistle, Hardy Jepsen
  • Patent number: 6708713
    Abstract: The subject invention includes a fill limit control valve assembly (10) having a valve portion (16) and a float portion (18). The valve portion (16) includes a vent opening (28) for venting vapors from the fuel tank (12) to a vapor canister. A float (30) is movably supported by the float portion (18) for movement between an open position spaced from the vent opening (28) and a closed position seating a seal (56) against a seat (64) about the vent opening (28). A liquid fuel trap or discriminator member is disposed above the vent opening (28) to limit liquid fuel flow through an outlet connector (22). The liquid fuel trap includes a baffle barrier (32) surrounding the vent opening (28) and a return cup (34) having a base (36) overlying the baffle barrier (32) and a depending rim (38) surrounding the baffle barrier (32) for forcing the flow of vapor from the vent opening (28) through a U-turn. A stem (54) extends from the top end of the float (30) downwardly to a distal end (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gericke
  • Patent number: 6705347
    Abstract: A piezoelectric valve is characterized by a unique mounting arrangement for the piezoelectric element in the valve housing. The element is elongated and has one end arranged between pressurized inlet and exhaust outlet openings in the housing. The other end of the element is encapsulated in a support member which is arranged in a recess in the housing. A second support member is connected with the piezoelectric element intermediate the ends thereof. The second support is rotatably connected with the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an active condition, the element bends to apply a strong closing force of the first end portion against the exhaust outlet so that all of the pressure from the inlet is delivered to a working outlet of the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an inactive condition, the first end portion closes the pressurized inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Itzhak M. Itzhaky
  • Patent number: 6705341
    Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Rajinder S. Gill
  • Patent number: 6705346
    Abstract: A solenoid valve, in particular, for a refrigerating machine, includes a valve body with an inlet and two outlets, a valve element that can be moved in the valve body between two end positions corresponding respectively to different switching positions of the solenoid valve, at least one permanent magnet for holding the valve element in the respectively assumed end position, and a magnet coil for exerting on the valve element a magnetic force effecting a shift into the respective other end position. The valve body and the magnet coil are accommodated in two compartments of a housing, and the at least one permanent magnet is held in a receptacle on a wall of the housing in a fashion facing a middle position of the valve element situated between the two end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Kordon
  • Patent number: 6705339
    Abstract: A safety check unit for use in a liquid distribution system for preventing damage to a pump and associated components of the system in event of loss in pumping pressure. The unit provides a check component to prevent back-flow of the liquid when the pump is shut down, and provides protection against a possible vacuum condition in the system by introducing air to the system; protects against damage by a surging back-flow of liquid by opening a relief port of the unit; and protects against air in the system by use of an air relief mechanism of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: GA Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant A. Colton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6701950
    Abstract: A vent apparatus is adapted for use with a fuel tank to control venting of fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The vent apparatus comprises a fuel vapor vent outlet to discharge fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The vent apparatus comprises a normally open first valve module to serve as a fuel fill limit valve and close when the liquid level in the tank reaches a predetermined fill limit and a normally open second valve module to serve as a fuel fill limit valve and close when the liquid level in the tank reaches the predetermined fill limit. The first valve module and the second valve module cooperate to block communication between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor vent outlet when the vent apparatus is positioned in a non-tilted orientation relative to a horizontal and the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank reaches the predetermined fill limit to close both valve modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brock, J. Bradley Groom
  • Patent number: 6701959
    Abstract: A valve has a body has a bore into which open an inlet, an outlet, and a workport. A first valve seat is between the inlet and the workport, and a second valve seat is between the outlet and work ports. A poppet slides within the bore and a spring biases the poppet toward the first valve seat. Pressure at the inlet acts on surfaces of the poppet producing opposing forces that respectively tend to move the poppet toward the first and second valve seats. Because of differing surface areas, the nominal inlet port pressure exerts a net force on the poppet which substantially counteracts the spring force. Thus a solenoid actuator needs only to produce a relatively small force to move the poppet away from the first valve seat into engagement with the second valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Husco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Flynn, Curt L. VanWeelden
  • Patent number: 6701952
    Abstract: A valve (30) fitted within a fluid tank, the valve comprising a housing fitted with one or more fluid inlet ports, and an outlet port. The housing accommodates a float-type valve member (32) axially displaceable within the housing responsive to fluid level within the tank, between an open position in which the outlet port (58) is open, and a closed position in which the outlet port is sealingly closed. The housing is integrally formed with a nozzle member (60) being in flow communication with the outlet port and having a main portion with an outlet thereof extending within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Raval A.C.S. Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Ehrman, Ehud Orenstein, Zohar Moalem, Yoav Livne, Valdimir Olshanetaky
  • Patent number: 6698447
    Abstract: A survey monument comprises a conventional water hydrant with survey indicia or markings attached thereto. The survey indicia can be carried for example on a plate mounted on a flange bolt or attached to the operating nut of the hydrant. These survey monuments can be expanded upon and/or maintained in co-ordination with the expansion and maintenance of a municipality's water supply system. The hydrants can also be utilized in connection with any geographical information system to provide known reference points. The hydrants can also be utlized in connection with GPS devices to assist in localizing, initializing and calibrating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell G. B. Cline
  • Patent number: 6694999
    Abstract: Well gas collection systems and methods for improved efficiency, structural integrity, and convenient application provide a multiple well header system, a header element with upper and lower ends and a plurality of inlets in fluidic communication with the interior chamber through a sidewall and a gas outlet positioned through the header element in fluidic communication with the interior chamber wherein each inlet pipe comprises a merged fluidic flow path in fluidic communication with the interior chamber arranged to provide optimal collection of produced gas from wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hettinger Welding, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 6694859
    Abstract: A single stage, electrically controlled variable pressure relief valve assembly is provided that uses a valving element assembly slideably disposed within a housing having first and second inlet and outlet ports, the valving element assembly has a differential area defined thereon which acts in cooperation with an electrically controlled coil assembly to proportionally control the flow of fluid between the inlet port and an outlet ports of the housing. The valving element assembly has inlet and outlet ports that are oriented generally perpendicular to the flow of the fluid through the valving element assembly to effectively offset the effects of flow forces acting on the valving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6695806
    Abstract: An integrated disposable set for dialysis or ultrafiltration treatment of blood is disclosed that includes a memory “key” chip. The key contains information relating to the set, including calibration for sensors, model and date of manufacture and a proprietary secret code to prevent unauthorized duplication of a circuit. The key is activated when treatment of a patient begins to prevent reuse of the set and a delay in use of the set that is too long. Patient data and operational information can be stored in the key during treatment. The key can be returned to the manufacturer or entered into hospital database for analysis. The key is preferably an EEPROM chip that can be embedded in an integral circuit sensor or a separate plug in device, such as a code card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: CHF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gelfand, John J. O'Mahony
  • Patent number: 6691740
    Abstract: A self-holding type solenoid-operated valve comprises a single coil which is wound around a bobbin in one direction, a movable iron core which is disposed coaxially with a fixed iron core, a first spring which urges the movable iron core away from the fixed iron core, and an annular permanent magnet which is installed to a portion at which an end of the fixed iron core and an end of the movable iron core are opposed to one another. The annular permanent magnet partially surrounds the outer circumferential surfaces of the fixed iron core and the movable iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Yoshida, Noriya Sasaki, Masato Hosoi
  • Patent number: 6691725
    Abstract: A float operated fuel vapor vent valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank. The float has a membrane valve caged for lost motion movement on the top of the float. Upon refueling, the float rises and seals the membrane on a vent port valve seat. A projection extending downwardly from the top of the cage contacts the membrane to peel away a localized area of the membrane valve from the valve seat to ensure re-opening upon the float descending as fuel is withdrawn from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Maxim V. Zorine
  • Patent number: 6688332
    Abstract: A multiway valve for controlling a flow of fluid under pressure, includes a valve housing having fluid ports and a plurality of bores in side-by-side parallel disposition substantially at a same level. Each bore is configured for accommodation of a valve spools which are sealed in the bores against the valve housing. The spools have opposite first and second end faces, and include portions of greater diameter and portions of smaller diameter. Acting on the first end face of the spools is an actuation unit for moving the spools in a longitudinal direction to thereby direct a flow of fluid under pressure between the ports, whereas a mechanical coupling mechanism, which is secured to the valve housing, interacts with the second end faces of the spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rexroth Mecman GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Liesenhoff
  • Patent number: 6684895
    Abstract: An improved fluid control valve includes a valve body with an inlet and an outlet. A sealing member is connected to the valve body conformed to seal the inlet and form a pressure chamber. A push rod is connected to the sealing member and a sleeve is provided which encompasses the push rod. A piston, forming an equalization chamber, is connected to the sleeve and to the push rod so that when the piston moves in one direction the sealing member is moved in the opposite direction until camover when both move in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Licari Sclease, Gary Lynn Williams
  • Patent number: RE38434
    Abstract: A gas compressor system draws and compresses gas from a well, wherein the gas has entrained liquid and vapor. The apparatus has a scrubber vessel for receiving the gas and separating at least a portion of the liquid. A storage vessel integral with the scrubber stores seal liquid. The seal liquid is injected into the gas before a single stage liquid ring pump which uses the seal liquid to compress the gas. The compressed gas along with entrained seal liquid is routed to a separator vessel having a coalescing filter. The entrained seal liquid is separated from the gas and routed back to the storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fluid Compressor Corp.
    Inventor: Gary Jennings