Patents Examined by Gerald A. Michalsky
  • Patent number: 6848463
    Abstract: A vapor vent valve for a fuel tank that includes a vapor outlet that connects an interior of the fuel tank with an exterior of the fuel tank. The vent valve also includes a fill cup that has an opening at one end and a sidewall that extends from the open end. A shell defines an interior space and is disposed partially in the fill cup. The shell includes a sidewall that has an opening and an upper edge. A flow passage is defined between the fill cup's sidewall and the shell sidewall to allow fluid which flows into the opening of the fill cup to enter the interior space through the opening in the sidewall of the shell. A float is received in the interior space and is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the interior space. A closure pivotally carried by the shell is movable to a closed position to prevent fluid flow through the vapor outlet. The closure is also movable to an open position which allows fuel vapor to exit the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark R. Johansen
  • Patent number: 6848475
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic valve is provided for use in a system to control flow and/or pressure within the system. An electro-hydraulic valve arrangement includes a housing and a valving mechanism disposed in the housing. The electro-hydraulic valve arrangement has a hold coil assembly connected to the housing adjacent to the valving mechanism. A force control member having a clapper face is positioned adjacent to the hold coil assembly and the clapper face thereof is maintained at a predetermined distance from a coil face of the hold coil assembly. A double precision adjustment mechanism is operative associated with the force control member and is operative to precisely control the distance between the coil face and the clapper face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6843267
    Abstract: System and for sealing an opening of a plastic tank with a multilayer wall by means of a multilayer plate itself constituted by a polymer structure including at least one internal barrier layer and an exterior layer compatible with the exterior layer of the tank wall. The multilayer plate is welded over an opening in the tank and the plate and the wall of the tank are superimposed so that the number of superimposed layers is equal to the sum of the number of layers in the plate and the number of layers in the wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Stephane Leonard, Yannick Gerard, François Dougnier, Joël Op De Beeck, Paul Wouters
  • Patent number: 6843269
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inerting the gas present in the ullage region of a storage tank for combustible liquids, e.g., a fuel tank containing a hydrocarbon liquid fuel, utilizes a molecular sieve zone (2, beds 12/14) which either (a) selectively adsorbs oxygen from the ullage gas to provide an oxygen-depleted return ullage gas, or (b) selectively adsorbs nitrogen from the ullage gas, which nitrogen is desorbed and conveyed by a purge gas to provide a nitrogen-enriched gas. The return ullage gas or the nitrogen-enriched gas is flowed to the ullage region (30, 130) in quantity sufficient to render the overall composition of gas in the ullage region (30, 130) non-combustible and non-explosive. The apparatus may include a compressor (22) or a vacuum pump to flow the ullage gas through the system, and a valving arrangement (16, 18) is used to control the flow of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Sandeep Verma, Martin A. Shimko, Deborah Kamlani Moss
  • Patent number: 6843268
    Abstract: An apparatus is for inhibiting fuels from flowing out of fuel tanks, and includes a housing having an evaporator opening and a fuel opening, a double-floating valve and a cover having a cylinder-shaped liquid receptacle. Alternatively, the apparatus can include a housing having an evaporator opening, a fuel opening and a substantially cylinder-shaped dam, a double-floating valve, and a cover free from the cylinder-shaped liquid receptacle. The apparatus can securely inhibit liquid fuels from flowing into a canister even when liquid fuels spout through the valve hole and the evaporator opening, because liquid fuels collide with the liquid receptacle or the dam to return back into fuel tanks through the evaporator opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamada, Eishin Mori, Keisuke Yoshida, Koji Miwa, Takashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6840259
    Abstract: A double valve for controlling a machine tool has a memory such that when the valve is in its normal deactuated state and the inlet air supply is cycled (e.g., turned from on to off or from off to on), then the valve remains in the deactuated (i.e., ready to run) state. When the valve is in a faulted state (e.g., intermediate position) and the inlet air supply is cycled, then the valve remains in the faulted state. The memory is achieved by a balanced condition of the movable valve elements when in the normal deactuated position and an unbalanced or latched condition when in the intermediate or faulted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Joseph E. Foster
  • Patent number: 6840263
    Abstract: Multifunctional valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. In order to fulfill all these requirements in terms of safety and the restriction of emissions with a valve in as simple a way as possible, the closing element (22) can be moved to a limited degree with respect the float (16), is acted on by a first spring (27) and has a small pressure equalization hole (25), an intermediate element (30) is provided on the float (16) and above the closing element (22) and can move to a limited degree with respect to the float (16) in the axial direction and is acted on by a second spring (35), and a seat plate (38) is arranged above the intermediate element (30) and is pressed downward against a second seat (43) by a third spring (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren-Und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Sandor Palvölgyi, Günther Pozgainer
  • Patent number: 6840262
    Abstract: A fuel blocking valve device includes a housing attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle and having a communication path between an inside and an outside of the fuel tank, a float valve for closing the communication path when fuel flows into the housing, and a two-way valve disposed above the float vale for opening and closing according to an inner pressure of the tank. The two-way valve opens and closes according to a difference between the inner pressure of the fuel tank and an atmospheric pressure. Further, the two-way valve includes a valve member for opening when the vehicle runs and vibrates. The valve member is formed of a spherical member and a cone shape valve seat for opening the communication path when the inner pressure of the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6840261
    Abstract: A gas valve switch structure of a gas stove includes a top base, an aluminum plate, a sealing washer, two rubber washers two fixing pieces, a female base, and a protective plate. The protective plate is used for sealing the rubber washer and the fixing piece in the oblong hole of the female base. Then, the top base is screwed on the female base, with the aluminum plate and the sealing washer being clamped between the top base and the female base. The air storing chambers of the female base are closed while the rubber washer and the fixing piece are sealed in the oblong hole of the female base by provision of the aluminum plate and the sealing washer, and the gas valve switch structure of the gas stove achieves a gas triple safety switch by provision of the two electromagnetic valves and the control bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Ying Huang
  • Patent number: 6840264
    Abstract: The present invention involves a venting system for venting a gaseous fluid from a tank having an aperture and a fuel delivery module cover. The tank is made of a predetermined material. The venting system comprises a venting valve for venting gaseous hydrocarbon fluid at a predetermined pressure from the tank. The valve is disposed through the aperture to define a circumferential space between the inner side of the outer lip and the venting valve. The system further includes a cover comprising the predetermined material and attached to the outer layer to seal the valve between the cover and the outer layer. The system further includes a retention member disposed about the venting valve and attached to the outer layer about the outer side of the outer lip defining an expansion boundary so that the outer lip only expands toward the venting valve to seal the circumferential space when the tank absorbs hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daven C. Bhavsar, Robert J. Ginnard, Richard A. Knaggs
  • Patent number: 6840258
    Abstract: A double valve is reset when a source of pressurized fluid is connected to a reset port. When the source of pressurized fluid is removed from the reset port, a first reset piston is retracted so that a second pilot chamber receives pressurized fluid while a first pilot chamber continues to be vented. A second reset piston is retracted after a predetermined delay time following retraction of the first reset piston, the predetermined delay time being sufficient to allow the second pilot chamber to become substantially pressurized. If a second pilot valve is actuated when the second reset piston is retracted, then the pressurized fluid in the second pilot chamber drives the second movable valve unit out of a deactuated position during a time that pressurized fluid in the first pilot chamber is insufficient to drive the first movable valve unit out of a deactuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventors: Neil E. Russell, Joseph E. Foster
  • Patent number: 6837258
    Abstract: A sealed liquid accumulator for accumulating a liquid in a box which is sealed to prevent the escape of odors from the interior of the box. The accumulator has an outlet tube for evacuating liquid from the interior of the box by way of a vacuum. A source of replacement air is supplied to the box through a controlled valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: AcornVac, Inc.
    Inventor: Enrique P. Loreto
  • Patent number: 6837259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting part, suitable for conducting water of different temperature from at least one mixing and proportioning element. The fitting part has at least three ducts, the first duct and the second duct each running from a lower opening arranged in the region of the lower end of the fitting part to an opening at the side on the fitting part, and the third duct running from a lower opening arranged in the region of the lower end of the fitting part to an upper opening arranged in the region of the upper end of the fitting part and having at least one branch with a lateral opening. The flow direction of the water through the third duct is defined individually for each fitting by suitable separate closing elements, so that a large number of different fittings can be produced using a small number of components. The invention also relates to a fitting with such a fitting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Michael Lehner, Heinz Graber
  • Patent number: 6837269
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device for use in the hydraulic systems of advancing support frames of underground mining equipment, which can be switched by means of switching plungers of electromagnets (24), and the directional control valves (3, 4) are put together from pilot control valve (14) and main control valves (3) arranged on a common axis, where by the pilot control valve (4) switches the main control valve (3) by means of a separate pressure medium supply to be found on an additional control pressure line, in which accepting borings (2) are suited for the acceptance of main control and pilot control valves (3, 4) constructed as cartridges which are plugged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Reinelt, Franz-Heinrich Suilmann
  • Patent number: 6837451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a 3/2-way valve for controlling the injection of fuel in a common rail injection system of an internal combustion engine, having a first switching position, in which an injection nozzle is in communication with a fuel return, and having a second switching position, in which the injection nozzle is in communication with a high-pressure fuel reservoir. To improve the function and quality of the injection, the 3/2-way valve includes a force-balanced control piston, and the control edge of the control piston is pressure-equalized by means of a blind bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nestor Rodriguez-Amaya, Achim Brenk, Wolfgang Klenk, Uwe Gordon, Manfred Mack, Hubert Greif
  • Patent number: 6834676
    Abstract: A pneumatic slide valve includes a valve housing made of injection-molded plastic material and having a valve bore and a plurality of external ports. The valve housing has an outer housing portion, made of reinforced plastic and determinative for a geometric outer dimension of the valve housing, and an inner housing portion made of non-reinforced plastic and extending continuously in the valve housing. The inner housing portion defines several pressure fluid compartments in fluid communication with the ports and the valve bore at least in a region which is positioned in the area of the pressure fluid compartments, wherein the outer housing portion is molded around the inner housing portion. A slide member is accommodated in the valve bore of the valve housing for displacement in the direction of the axis, for regulating a flow of compressed air between the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventor: Erwin Kulmann
  • Patent number: 6834661
    Abstract: A control valve system includes a housing having an inlet port, a first output port, a second output port, and a valve chamber. A primary spool and a secondary spool are independently slidable in the valve chamber. The secondary spool has a first end for abutting against the primary spool and has a second end with a working surface area greater than the working surface areas at the ends of the primary spool. A solenoid valve assembly controllably connects the inlet port to the second end of the secondary spool. A biaser provides a biasing force to the primary spool. A first fluid passage through the primary spool provides fluid communication between the first output port and a second end of the primary spool for displacing the primary spool relative to the secondary spool in an energy saving mode, thereby regulating a pressure at the first output relative to the predetermined magnitude of the biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: José Carlos Bento
  • Patent number: 6832631
    Abstract: In a proportional valve assembly, particularly for supplying compressed air on a glassware molding machine, a tubular body, having an axis and air inlet and outlet ports, houses a slide member which is slid axially along the axis, to open and close the inlet and outlet ports, by a linear actuator, on the one hand, and, on the other, by the reaction exerted by an elastic body and the compressed air; the elastic body being spaced apart from the slide member and connected to the slide member by a relatively moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Bottero S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Armando, Gianclaudio Borsarelli, Carlo Sesia, Bruno Viada
  • Patent number: 6832632
    Abstract: A direct replacement boost valve assembly for use in combination with a pressure regulator valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The boost valve assembly functions to boost line pressure during high load conditions in response to torque signal fluid pressure, which is proportional to engine torque. The present boost valve assembly is comprised of hard-anodized aluminum valve pistons, which are disposed within a wear resistant aluminum sleeve for maximum service longevity. Annular lubrication grooves formed in the valve pistons which comprise the boost valve assembly retain a lubricating film of transmission fluid to center the valve pistons within the sleeve ensuring accurate operation and reducing mechanical wear. The present valve sleeve features a fluid inlet port system, which increases the delivery of torque signal fluid pressure to the boost valve in order to restore its function to original factory boost ratios and specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6827102
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a solenoid having a plunger being actuatable from a first position to a second position, comprising: a housing, comprising a first port, a second port and a third port and a central opening being defined by a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels and a reduced opening disposed between the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels; a movable element disposed within the central opening, the movable element being moved when the plunger moves from the first position to the second position; wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the second port via the plurality of first channels when the plunger is in the first position; and wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the third port via the plurality of second channels, the reduced opening and the plurality of first channels when the plunger is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexis C. Weber