Patents Examined by John Fox
  • Patent number: 11047487
    Abstract: A block forged valve body includes a fully encapsulated seat ring. The valve body includes a through hole and a chamber having a shelf portion that overlies an annular shoulder that encapsulates the valve seat. Methods for the manufacturing and use thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MCC Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhir K. Kulkarni, Tyler A. Ledgett, Sachin S. Chaudhari, Ranjit N. Bhalkar
  • Patent number: 10989313
    Abstract: A valve device has an outer valve casing externally fitted to an existing fluid pipe, an inner valve casing housed in the outer valve casing and an inner packing for sealing a gap between them. The inner packing includes an annular portion mounted along a periphery of an upper side surface of the inner valve casing and a plurality of U-shaped portions extending downward from the annular portion and to be mounted over an entire length from a side surface to a bottom surface of the inner valve casing. An enclosed space sandwiched between an inner surface of the outer valve casing and an outer surface of the inner valve casing is formed between the U-shaped portions that are adjacent to each other. The inner packing is provided with a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of U-shaped portions to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Waterworks Technology Development Organization Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Nagamori
  • Patent number: 10955058
    Abstract: A diverter valve for a sanitary fitting having a diverter valve housing, a valve body for the targeted supply of a fluid to at least two diverter valve outlets, and a spindle for actuating the valve body. The spindle is biased, so that after cutting the spindle to length, the spindle is displaced from the diverter valve housing by a defined travel. Also a concealed installation body with a corresponding diverter valve as well as a method for mounting a corresponding concealed installation body are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Grohe AG
    Inventors: Harry Hopfauf, Heiko Langer, Frank-Thomas Luig
  • Patent number: 10955061
    Abstract: A switch blade type water flowing structure is provided. The switch blade type water flowing structure comprises a main body, a main water channel, a water inlet, water outlets, water flowing switches and the like, each water flowing switch comprises a switch seat, a switch piece and the like, wherein each switch seat is positioned and plugged in the corresponding water outlet in a sealed manner in the axial direction of the corresponding water outlet, and each switch piece is positioned on one side of the corresponding switch seat and is rotatably mounted in the corresponding switch seat in a sealed manner in the radial direction of the switch seat; meanwhile, each switch piece is provided with a pulling arm extending to the outside of the corresponding switch seat in an integrated manner, and each pulling arm is provided with a pulling piece extending out and being exposed on the outer surface of the corresponding water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NINGBO DAYE GARDEN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Ye, Fei Gong
  • Patent number: 10934006
    Abstract: An isolation valve comprising: a housing having an internal surface within the housing, the internal surface having a first outlet and second outlet; an air gate having an outward face opposite the internal surface, the air gate located within the housing and configured to move to at least one of a first position blocking flow to the first outlet, a neutral position blocking flow to neither the first outlet nor second outlet, and a second position blocking flow to the second outlet; a seal groove located on the outward face of the air gate; a seal located within seal groove, the seal configured to form a sealed connection with the internal surface around at least one of the first outlet when in the first position and the second outlet when in the second position; and a retainer configured to secure the seal within the seal groove using a fastening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald E. Army, Frederick Peacos, III
  • Patent number: 10935147
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated valve. The electromagnetically actuated valve with a small longitudinal extension, allows great through-flow quantities for the fluid with a small pressure difference. It is intended in this case that it should be producible cost-effectively in large unit numbers. An armature carries a plurality of valve bodies arranged in a point-symmetrical manner which together form a movable valve, wherein the plurality of valve bodies interact with a same plurality of valve seats which together form a stationary valve. The valve can be used along with a pump, a tank and/or other fluid units in assemblies for conveying mixtures of gas and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Thomas Magnete GmbH
    Inventors: Edwin Kreuzberg, Fabian Rösner, Olaf Ohligschlager, Thomas Baum, Diego Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10900474
    Abstract: Generally disclosed herein are unique mechanical elements implemented in a system and method to convert authentic hand water pumps into functioning water faucets or fabricate the functioning water faucet to simulate an authentic hand water pump. The operating principles and feel of a typical lever faucet have been replicated on the hand pump through use of a cartridge valve connected to a coupling clevis. The pump handle can be lifted up to turn water on and control the flow rate and can simultaneously be partially rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to select water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Eugene R. Prais
  • Patent number: 10883658
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a divider block assembly made from one piece of material. Traditional divider blocks require modular sections so that piston alignment can be calibrated precisely. The current invention uses replaceable pistons and sleeves that are suitable for use at high fluid pressures. The use of these pistons also allows for a single, bodied, one-piece, metal divider body, rather than the conventional multiple block divider blocks, which allows for a more efficient manufacturing method and stronger, more reliable, and more efficient lubricant dispensing system. The use of any of these aspects separately can improve performance, and not all are required in every embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Curtis Alan Roys
  • Patent number: 10883259
    Abstract: A mixer valve (1) comprising a body (2) and at least one inlet (14) adapted to be connected to a fluid supply, the inlet (14) comprising a connector (6) arranged to be connectable to a fluid supply pipe (10) projecting from a mounting surface, and an adjustment means arranged to adjust a position of the connector (6) relative to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventors: Toby Risbey, Karl Fearnley, Ben Lea
  • Patent number: 10883666
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling flow with a 270 degree rotatable valve are provided. A described system includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is controllably rotatable by approximately 270 degrees to modulate fluid flow between the first port and the third port while maintaining the second port completely closed and to modulate fluid flow between the second port and the third port while maintaining the first port completely closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Russell T. Jenks
  • Patent number: 10865847
    Abstract: A damping valve includes a valve body has at least one through-flow channel for each flow direction of a damping medium through the valve body. Each through-flow channel connects an inlet to an outlet. a valve disk covers the through-flow channels at the outlet opening the valve disk has a first volume flow of the damping medium through the valve body, at least one pre-orifice in the valve disk and at least one pre-orifice throttle arrangement is arranged at least indirectly adjoining the valve disk and adapted to at least partially cover or open the pre-orifice depending on the flow direction of a damping medium. The pre-orifice throttle arrangement includes multiple structural component parts arranged coaxial to one another, at least two of the structural component parts are inseparably connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Harun Tucovic, Oswald Lichtlein, Eberhard Simon, Helmut Baalmann
  • Patent number: 10851902
    Abstract: A cross-flow dual valve has a supply path, an exit path, and first and second valve holes through which the supply path and the exit path communicate with each other. The cross-flow dual valve has a first intersecting path through which a supply path side of the first valve hole and an exit path side of the second valve hole communicate with each other. The cross-flow dual valve has a second intersecting path through which a supply path side of the second valve hole and an exit path side of the first valve hole communicate with each other. The cross-flow dual valve includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve includes a first lower valve body and a first spool. The second valve includes a second lower valve body and a second spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Azbil TA Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Ooshima
  • Patent number: 10844966
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is a rotatable ball having a fluid passage that extends through the ball and includes an opening at the end of the ball. The fluid passage is substantially oval-shaped when viewed at the opening in a direction parallel to the fluid passage. The valve assembly further includes a valve stem that is coupled to a valve member and has a first end that extends from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
  • Patent number: 10830367
    Abstract: A fluid flow path of a joining block includes a vertical flow path and a horizontal flow path. The joining block is constrained on a rail member so as to be capable of moving in a longitudinal direction. A fluid control device is supported by the rail member via the joining block and includes a screw hole, and a tightening bolt that has passed through a body of the fluid control device is screwed into the screw hole. A gasket between the joining block and the body is compressed between the body and the joining block by a tightening force of the tightening bolt. The screw hole includes the tip portion closed above the horizontal flow path and at least partially overlaps the horizontal flow path in a planar view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kenji Aikawa, Tsutomu Shinohara, Hajime Nakagawa, Takahiro Matsuda, Akihiro Harada
  • Patent number: 10822779
    Abstract: A decorative air gap cap cover is disclosed. An example embodiment can include: a hollow decorative shell configured with upper and lower interior regions relative to an internal ridge, the internal ridge configured to rest on an upper surface of a ring gasket installed around an air gap cap, the air gap cap being captured within the upper and lower interior regions of the hollow decorative shell; a fluid channel within the hollow decorative shell configured with an entry opening above the internal ridge and an exit opening below the internal ridge, the exit opening terminating at an exit port of the hollow decorative shell; a top vent hole providing an air channel between the upper interior region and the exterior of the hollow decorative shell; and a bottom gasket encircling the air gap cap. An embodiment can also include an auxiliary fluid channel configured with an entry opening below the internal ridge and an exit opening below the internal ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventors: Luke J. Williams, Luke M. Williams
  • Patent number: 10815650
    Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a valve housing having a first side defining first and second openings, the second opening configured to receive a valve. The valve housing further includes a second side defining a third opening configured to receive at least one fluid inlet line and at least one fluid outlet line therethrough. The assembly further includes a cap configured to cover at least a portion of the third opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: David E. Hansen, Rafael A. Rexach
  • Patent number: 10808736
    Abstract: An example valve includes a sleeve having a plurality of openings. A spool is rotatable within the sleeve and includes a respective plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of openings of the sleeve. A rotary actuator coupled to the spool is configured for rotating the spool within the sleeve to one of at least eight rotary positions. The rotary actuator can rotate the spool to a given rotary position in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction to cause at least a partial alignment between a subset of the respective plurality of openings of the spool and a subset of the plurality of openings of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Potter, John Aaron Saunders
  • Patent number: 10801633
    Abstract: A valve body has an outside surface and a cylinder. The cylinder has an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A piston has a head at one end and a foot at the end opposite the head and a piston body between the head and the foot. A cross channel extends from a first side of the piston body. A longitudinal channel is in fluid communication with the cross channel and extends to the outlet chamber. The piston is positioned in the cylinder so that it can be moved to an open position in which the cross channel is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and a closed position in which the cross channel is not in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. The piston is actuated between the two positions by a differential in pressure between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MISTBOX, INC.
    Inventors: Brad Donald Marshall, William S. Nachefski
  • Patent number: 10801605
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pressure control device that improves the workability in assembling a body and a filter unit. The pressure control device includes a body and a filter unit. The body has a flow path that includes a groove and a widened part. The widened part is connected to the groove, extends to a bottom of the groove, and has a width larger than a width of the groove. The filter unit is housed along a depth direction of the widened part to capture foreign matter mixed in a fluid that passes through the flow path. The filter unit includes a cylindrical frame and a flat plate-shaped filter member, wherein the frame includes a through hole part that penetrates in a direction orthogonal to a central axis, and the filter member is disposed to block the through hole part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: NIDEC TOSOK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakano, Yoshinori Yamaki, Tomohiro Yasuda, Weiming Chen, Kenta Kuramochi
  • Patent number: 10794500
    Abstract: A fluid switch-over device of the type that may be used in sanitary shower devices, the fluid switch-over device including a housing body which includes a fluid inlet channel and a plurality of fluid outlet channels arranged fluidically in parallel, a switch-over body which includes a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet and a fluid duct from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and is disposed within the housing body to be translationally movable axially parallel and rotationally movable in a combined manner in relation to a longitudinal axis between at least two different operating positions. The switch-over body in each of the different operating positions is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet channel via its fluid inlet and differentially unblocks or blocks at least partially a fluid connection of its fluid outlet to the respective fluid outlet channel. An actuation unit for actuating the switch-over body includes an operating element disposed on the housing body to be user-operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Christiane Klein, Fabian Melle