Patents Examined by Gerald A. Michalsky
  • Tap
    Patent number: 6802341
    Abstract: A tap (4) including a tap body (6) within which is located a valve (14), an operating handle (12) mounted on the body and coupled to the valve, a security button (42) which is interlocked with the handle and/or valve, the arrangement being such that the valve can only be opened after activation of the security button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Australian Dynamic Products PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Ian Johnson, Alfred Blochlinger, Brian Charles Hamann, Hugh Yean Fung
  • Patent number: 6802333
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the rate of fluid flow. A flow restrictor having known pressure drop and flow rate characteristics provided in a passage through which the fluid, preferably a gas, flows. An upstream pressure sensor determines the pressure of fluid in the flow passage upstream of the flow restrictor. A downstream pressure sensor determines the pressure of fluid in the flow passage downstream of said flow restrictor. A pressure regulator adjusts the pressure of fluid upstream or downstream of the flow restrictor based on the pressure drop across the flow restrictor so that the actual pressure drop across the flow restrictor closely corresponds to the pressure drop associated with a desired rate of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Mott Metallurgical Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Balazy, Cathy L. Cowan, Mark R. Eisenmann, Kenneth E. Frink, Edward Kulha
  • Patent number: 6799598
    Abstract: In a two-way solenoid vale, a small diameter portion of a nozzle portion is fitted in a small diameter portion receiving part communicating with an output pressure oil passage and a large diameter portion is fitted in a large diameter portion receiving part communicating with a supply pressure oil passage. An opening of a through-hole formed in the nozzle portion faces the output pressure oil passage by way of the small diameter portion receiving part, and an inner end of the through-hole is opened and closed by a plunger and communicates with a drain port. An orifice port communicating with the through-hole is opened to the large diameter portion receiving part and communicates with the supply pressure oil passage. Since the orifice port is disposed in the solenoid valve, a separate plate for an orifice is not required, oil passage is simplified and the solenoid valve can be installed in an optional position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Jatco TransTechnology Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Yoshino, Shigeru Ishii, Nobufumi Yamane
  • Patent number: 6799601
    Abstract: A device for at least intermittently generating an overpressure in a system S in relation to an ambient pressure U includes a pump P that has a pressure side 20 and an intake side 10, where during the generation of an overpressure, the pressure side 20 is connected to the system S and the intake side 10 is connected to the ambient pressure by means of at least one first valve MV1, in particular a solenoid valve. At least one additional valve (ZV) is provided, which is connected in parallel to the first valve MV1 and can provide an additional cross section for the intake volume flow during the generation of an overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram Bauer, Harald Merz, Wolfgang Paessler
  • Patent number: 6796322
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure regulating valve for regulating a pressure in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising a magnetic part which includes an electrically controllable coil, a coil core and a movable armature, a valve flange which is anchored on the magnetic part and has pressure medium guiding passages, a piston controlling a pressure in a passage connected to a consumer, the piston being loaded with the armature and controlling pressure medium connections between the passages, a diaphragm element which seals the valve flange relative to the magnetic part, a return passage, the diaphragm element having at least one pressure chamber which is hydraulically connected with the return passage, and a throttling device formed so that the pressure chamber is connected with the return passage through the throttling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mehmet-Faith Sen
  • Patent number: 6796329
    Abstract: A compact fluid pressure control solenoid valve including a gate valve has outer and inner sleeves. The outer sleeve has ports connected thereto for the admission of pressurized fluid and the delivery of pressurized fluid from the pressure control valve to the work or back to a sump. The inner sleeve has formed therein at least a pair of fluid grooves, and the outer sleeve acting in conjunction with the grooves to form passages for hydraulic fluid flow to and from the gate valve and from main valve chamber. The inner sleeve has a main valving chamber with the gate valve being formed at one end of the main valving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Trans-A-Matic
    Inventor: Roger M. Swenson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6796330
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus is disposed in a pressure control system for a transmission to set pressure control at a torque-transmitting mechanism. The pressure control apparatus includes a torque-transmitting mechanism control valve, which distributes pressure from a high pressure source to the torque-transmitting mechanism. Also within the pressure control apparatus is a boost valve mechanism, which is effective to control feedback pressure on the torque transmitting mechanism pressure regulator valve thereby controlling the pressure rise at the torque-transmitting mechanism and also permitting a boost pressure to be distributed to the torque-transmitting mechanism when full engagement thereof is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 6792975
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve having a spool valve disposed within a valve body and an enlarged diameter, axially sealing land. An upper surface of the sealing land seats against an upper valve stop when the spool valve is in a first sealing position and a lower surface of the sealing land seats against a lower valve stop when the spool valve in a second sealing position, to provide sealing pressure in an axial direction relative to the movement of the spool valve. The control valve includes an actuating portion having a coil and an armature. The armature is in direct contact with the spool valve, preferably through a stem that extends through the upper valve stop. When the coil is not energized, a valve spring biases the spool valve to seat against the upper valve stop so that a source pressure is provided at a control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Erickson, Richard E. Jungwirth
  • Patent number: 6792962
    Abstract: A backflow prevention apparatus and method are provided for use in irrigation systems. An anti-siphoning device may have a housing, a plunger, a plunger retainer, and a cap. The housing has inlet and outlet channels formed therein, with the outlet channel running through the interior of the inlet channel. The plunger has a generally annular shape and is disposed to block water flow from the outlet channel into the inlet channel, but to allow flow from the inlet channel to the outlet channel. When the inlet channel is closed, the plunger permits air to flow into the outlet through the cap, the plunger retainer, and a central opening formed in the plunger. The plunger may have an elastomeric exterior to provide a more effective seal between the plunger and the inlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products
    Inventor: Alan John Smith
  • Patent number: 6792963
    Abstract: A hot water humidifier with an automatic siphon drain fed with cooler source water is flushed via a drain. The humidifier includes the humidifier tank and an inverted U-shaped siphon conduit having one end coupled to the tank and the other end coupled to the drain. A valve controlling the cooler source water feeds the water into the tank to maintain the temperature of an admixture of cooler source water and any preexisting tank water at or below a predetermined temperature during a flush cycle. The tank is flushed and drained via the automatic siphon based upon the level of the admixture in the tank and the level of admixture in the siphon. The source water may be coupled to the humidifier tank via the siphon conduit such that cooler source water may be added during the siphoning action. A method of flushing a hot water humidifier is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: National Environmental Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Zev Kopel
  • Patent number: 6789565
    Abstract: A metering valve for metering dry powder material such as cement. The interior of the valve housing is expanded outward beginning at the sealing surface or lip located adjacent to the inlet opening, thereby forming an enlarged gap between the valve sleeve and housing to discourage powder accumulation in the gap and interference of large bulk particles and foreign materials with the sleeve and housing. An eccentric intermediate sleeve aligns the valve sleeve relative to the housing prior to rotation of the valve sleeve by either moving the valve sleeve away from or toward the valve inlet. The valve sleeve has a rubberized layer to seal with the housing's sealing surface or lip. A sleeve shield blocks entry of powder into the mouths of the vacuum breakers to prevent plugging of the vacuum breakers. Ball bearings are employed to suspend the valve sleeve within the housing, making the valve sleeve easier to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 6789558
    Abstract: An electrical command signal to a direct drive valve is compensated by a digital signal processor to cause the output hydraulic fluid flow from the valve to conform to a desired predetermined flow. The compensation is accomplished by measuring flow from the valve using a standard direct drive valve code. This flow is compared to a desired flow and the difference is taken on a point to point basis. A compensation is then calculated to change the command signal so as to cause the flow to be according to the desired flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim L. Coakley, Russell L. Bessinger, Rex J. Blake
  • Patent number: 6786236
    Abstract: A two, three or four-way valve includes two stages each with working valve components linked by a feedback spring so that a first stage servo unit is auto-nulling and the stroke of the valve member in a second stage valve unit is proportional to the input current to the first stage. An inherently balanced clevis member in the first stage controls flow of pressurized control media, which in combination with direct pressure flow, controls the position of a spool member in the second stage. The spool in turn controls pressure flow to a either one or two metering or input/output flow ports. Transient movement of the clevis due to change in input current to a magnetic servo drive assembly is opposed by bending of the feedback spring arising from the associated movement of the spool, which returns the clevis to its centered null position and stops the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6786239
    Abstract: A storage hub is described for the temporary storage of a cap of the type typically threaded onto the outlet of a spigot to prevent leakage. The hub comprises a generally U-shaped body that can be mounted on the valve stem of a spigot, on top of the handle. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the wall of the structure on which the spigot is mounted. The hub has a generally cylindrical body provided with external threads onto which the cap is threaded. Several means are described for securing the hub to the spigot or to the adjoining wall structure. Among them is the use of magnetic attraction, a suitable adhesive, a nail, or a threaded fastener. An alternative is for the hub and the valve handle to be a unitary structure. The hub can be made from a polymer, an elastomer or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Charles A. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6786238
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has an electromagnet with a clapper armature. The clapper armature is installed in a valve chamber, which is provided with an installation opening for the installation of the clapper armature. The electromagnet is provided with a yoke means, which directly closes the installation opening with a closure section. The clapper armature bears in a pivotal fashion at the rear against this closure section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 6786237
    Abstract: An exciting coil is wound on a cylindrical yoke provided with a pair of pole teeth, a cylindrical permanent magnet where N pole and S pole are magnetized in a radial direction is disposed so as to be movable in a hollow portion of the yoke and the permanent magnet is coupled to a spool by a magnet holder, and a displacement sensor is disposed in a hollow portion of the permanent magnet so as to be positioned on a center axial line of the permanent magnet, so that the displacement of the permanent magnet is detected by the displacement sensor and the degree of opening of the spool is controlled by performing feedback of the displacement to a control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Yajima, Nobuhiro Fujiwara, Daisuke Matsumoto, Seikai Yo, Hiroshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 6786240
    Abstract: An improved structure of sprout assembly to allow it to be externally fixed to the faucet without welding and permit faucet and sprout to be plated first before connecting both to each other is characterized by that a connector in the faucet to engage a locking sleeve in the sprout, and a threaded tube being inserted through both of the connector and the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
  • Patent number: 6782912
    Abstract: In a throttle assembly for a flowing medium having an inlet and outlet and having two throttle devices disposed between them coaxially to one another, which each have at least one flow window for the passage of a flow of the medium flowing from the inlet to the outlet and are rotatable relative to one another for controlling the flow of the medium, in order to avoid friction and wear between the throttle devices and to assure a closing position without leakage flows, the throttle devices are embodied as hollow cones, with a cone jacket including at least one flow window, and the cones are disposed concentrically to one another in such a way that in the closing region of the throttle assembly, they are displaced axially toward one another by displacement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Sam Soubjaki
  • Patent number: 6782911
    Abstract: A vent valve for use in controlling discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The vent valve includes a housing for attachment to the fuel tank includes a wall defining a cavity therein. The float is contained in the cavity of the housing and is responsive to the level of liquid in the fuel tank. The level in the fuel tank rises, the float rises within the housing. When the level of liquid in the fuel tank drops, the float moves downwardly in the housing. A passage is provided in the housing which communicates with an external portion of the tank. The vent valve includes at least one vent positioned proximate to and communicating with the passage for providing venting passage of vapor therethrough and to the passage. The vent valve includes a vent assembly having a flexible diaphragm which is displaceably positioned proximate to the passage to control the flow of vapor through the vent and through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. DeCapua, Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 6779548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for automatically injecting chemicals into a pressurized system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Cody Liners Ltd.
    Inventor: Leonard E. McKeary