Patents Examined by John Fox
  • Patent number: 9816494
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fluid end with a modular intake manifold for use in a pressurized fluid delivery system having two or more modules. According to one embodiment, an intake manifold for a modular multiplex pump includes a reducer coupled to an intake end of each module of the pump, a tee body coupled to a reduced diameter end of each of the reducers, and a damping material disposed within a volume of the reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Mark C. Dille
  • Patent number: 9803760
    Abstract: A rotary valve is provided including a housing with an inner chamber having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet. A valve body is rotatably positioned in the housing. The valve body includes at least one isolated fluid pathway that, depending upon a rotational position of the valve body, provides at least one of a direct connection of one or more of the inlets to one or more of the outlets, or permits flow from at least an other one of the inlets or the outlets that are not in the direct connection created by the at least one isolated fluid pathway into or from the inner chamber. At least one actuator controls the position of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Joseph Morein
  • Patent number: 9803768
    Abstract: A cryogenic valve includes a first port and a second port, a valve body, a valve stem, a sealing member, a valve element and a housing. The valve body includes a valve seat defining a fluid orifice in fluid communication with the first port. The valve stem is configured to engage with the valve body, wherein at least one of the valve stem and valve body form an inner valve cavity. The valve element is positioned within the inner valve cavity. The valve element is also configured to bias the sealing member against the orifice to substantially block flow through the orifice and the first port. The bias is controlled in response to control of the valve element by a valve actuator. A channel is configured to allow fluid flow through at least one of the valve stem and valve element along a longitudinal axis. A housing is configured to substantially seal and enclose at least a portion of the valve body and valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Yozo Satoda
  • Patent number: 9803747
    Abstract: A fluid controller comprising a housing separating an interior of the housing from an inflatable bladder is disclosed, the fluid controller including a plurality of valves fluidly coupling the interior of the housing to the inflatable bladder through a respective opening in the housing, a pump located at least partly within an interior of the housing, wherein the plurality of valves and respective orifices are configured to provide a fluid path between the interior of the housing and the inflatable bladder during inflation of the inflatable bladder, and wherein a valve and respective orifice is biased open to provide a fluid path between the interior of the housing and the inflatable bladder for fluid release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 9791057
    Abstract: A valve for an indoor temperature regulating system, includes a fixed valve housing having at least six valve connections and a valve selector for switching between providing a circulating flow from a first fluid source and a second fluid source thereby enabling fluid of different temperatures to a treatment unit. The valve selector includes a disc plate provided with openings and the valve main body is provided with valve openings connected via channels to the valve connections The valve selector and valve main body are slideable against each other. In the first mode valve openings are in register with lower disc plate openings such that two flow paths connecting the first fluid source with the treatment unit are enabled and in the second mode valve openings are in register with lower disc plate openings such that two flow paths connecting the first fluid source with the treatment unit are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ESBE AB
    Inventors: Per-Ake Larsson, Torbjorn Lonkvist
  • Patent number: 9791068
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method, system for microfluidic control. One or more embodiments of the disclosure relate to pneumatically actuated “lifting gate” microvalves and pumps. In some embodiments, a microfluidic control module is provided, which comprises a plurality of pneumatic channels and a plurality of lifting gate valves configured to be detachably affixed to a substrate. The plurality of lifting gate valves are aligned with at least one fluidic channel on the substrate when affixed to the substrate. Each of the valves comprises: a pneumatic layer, a fluidic layer, and a pneumatic displacement chamber between the pneumatic layer and the fluidic layer. The fluidic layer has a first side facing the pneumatic layer and a second side facing away from the pneumatic layer, wherein the second side has a protruding gate configured to obstruct a flow of the fluidic channel when the fluidic layer is at a resting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard A. Mathies, Jungkyu Kim, Erik C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9759348
    Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage can have a first portion extending from the inner surface and a second portion extending from the outer surface, where the second portion has a diameter smaller than that of the first portion, can follow a non-linear path from the inner to outer surface, and/or can have a cross-sectional area that varies from the inner to outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
  • Patent number: 9759333
    Abstract: A bonnet is pressed and fixed to a valve body using a pressing means of an attachment fixed to the valve body, and also a coupling means is released from coupling, and a work housing is attached to the attachment, the pressing means is released from pressing and fixing, the bonnet is taken out to an inside of a storage space of the work housing and is removed, and thereafter a short pipe that has an inner plug is attached to the valve body, the short pipe is pressed and fixed to the valve body using the pressing means of the attachment, the work housing is removed from the attachment, the short pipe and the valve body are coupled and fixed to each other in a sealed state using a second coupling means, and the attachment is removed from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Okayama City, Taisei Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Munetomo, Mitsunobu Yano, Shinobu Yasui, Mitsuhiro Mori
  • Patent number: 9752691
    Abstract: Valve assemblies are described that provide segmented shuttle of liquid into sample vessels and automatic mixing via bubbles in the segmented liquid. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to receive a pressurized gas, a first fluid, and a second fluid. The valve assembly also includes a second valve member coupled adjacent to the first valve member. The second valve member comprises a plurality of channels configured to interface with the first valve member. In a first configuration, the first fluid is loaded into an external loop. In the second configuration, the second fluid is eluted from the column into a vial in a segmented stream via bubbles of pressurized gas. Bubbles of gas automatically mix the eluted sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Saetveit, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 9746280
    Abstract: A pressure regulator for paint ball gun includes a first housing including a hollow projection on a first end surface, an axial channel through the projection, and a connector on a second end surface; an output pressure gauge on the first housing; a check valve on the first housing; a pressure regulation assembly including a sleeve fastened in the channel and having an axial tunnel, a biasing member in the tunnel, and a hub on the biasing member; a hollow second housing including an internal space with the projection disposed therein, and holes on an end, each hole having overlapping circular portions and of larger and smaller sizes; and fasteners through the overlapping circular portions of smaller size of the holes into the first housing. In an unfastened state of the second housing, the fasteners are through the overlapping circular portions of larger size of the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Chung Wei Huang, Wen-Hung Li, Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 9732880
    Abstract: Fluid flow control devices comprise a body including a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis therethrough and a plurality of channels extending from an outer sidewall of the body to an inner sidewall of the body. At least one first channel may intersect at least one other channel. Fluid flow control systems, methods of forming fluid flow control devices, and methods of flowing a fluid through a fluid flow control device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Bradford Haines, Gifford Decker, Mark Haehl
  • Patent number: 9732862
    Abstract: A method of controlling the flow of different flow paths of fluid is provided. The method includes rotating a valve to a first position, receiving a first concentrate in the first position, discharging the first concentrate through one of two outlets, rotating the valve to a second position, receiving a second concentrate in the second position, and discharging the second concentrate through one of the two outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schiller, James H. Lohr, Paul J. Larson
  • Patent number: 9732748
    Abstract: A valve unit for regulating the flow of working fluid between a working chamber of a fluid working machine and both a first working fluid line and second working fluid line, the valve unit comprising: a first valve comprising a first valve member and one or more cooperating first valve seats, a second valve comprising a second valve member and one or more cooperating second valve seats, an actuator coupled to both the first and second valve members through which a force may be applied to urge the first valve member open or closed and to urge the second valve member open or closed, a coupling between the actuator and the first valve member, wherein the coupling between the actuator and the first valve member comprises a connector which extends at least partially through the second valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ARTEMIS INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Uwe Stein, Jens Eilers, Jack Lavender, Stephen Laird
  • Patent number: 9726087
    Abstract: A method of forming a flapper assembly (200) for a throttle valve (100) is provided. The method includes steps of forming a flapper (110) comprised of hub (112) having an opening (114) and at least one vane (116a,b) coupled to the hub (112), disposing a shaft (210) in the opening (114), and pressing a punch (P) into an outer surface (112a) of the hub (112) such that a torque dimple (118) extends from the hub (112) into the shaft (210) to fasten the flapper (110) to the shaft (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Norgren GT Development Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Coker, Mark Sealy, William Benjamin Boult, John Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 9719603
    Abstract: A valve for use in a gas turbine. The valve includes at least one valve body, at least first, second and third fluid delivery pipes positioned on the valve body, at least one outlet pipe positioned on the valve body and a rotatable spherical shutter inside the valve body (and including first and second distribution channels formed within the shutter so as to allow the outlet pipe to be selectively connected to one of the delivery pipes during rotation of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GE ENERGY PRODUCTS FRANCE SNC
    Inventors: Mohamad-Maher Aboujaib, Daniel Deloge
  • Patent number: 9709178
    Abstract: A flow diverting valve includes a body having a concave spherical surface, a flange traversing a perimeter of the body, and a hinge connected to the flange and configured to rotate about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Dowd, Donald E. Army, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9695951
    Abstract: A slide valve comprises a bushing in which fluid openings are provided which extend through the wall of the bushing, a slide which is arranged adjustably in the bushing and is provided with at least one fluid duct, and an electroactive polymer actuator which can adjust the slide in the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Cricia de Carvalho Rodegheri, Peter Krippner, Stefan Seelecke
  • Patent number: 9683586
    Abstract: A working valve section for a sectional fluid control valve comprising a valve section housing having a substantially planar surface for being attached to an adjacent valve section housing; a main control spool bore (43) extending into the housing substantially parallel to the planar surface; a compensator spool bore (46) extending into the housing substantially parallel to the planar surface, the compensator spool bore being spaced from the main control spool bore; a first relief slot (49a) extending across the planar surface substantially coextensive with the main control spool bore; and a second relief slot (49b) extending across the planar surface substantially coextensive with the compensator spool bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Coolidge
  • Patent number: 9683677
    Abstract: A bypass valve is described comprising a delivery duct, a return duct and a central duct connecting the delivery and return ducts for the circulation of a heat-exchange fluid. A first ball valve is placed along the delivery duct and a second ball valve is placed along the return duct, at the intersection between the central duct and the delivery and return ducts. The rotation axes of the balls of the ball valves are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: FRATELLI PETTINAROLI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giulio Pettinaroli, Sergio D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 9677717
    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: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Russell T. Jenks