Patents Examined by John Fox
  • Patent number: 10591071
    Abstract: A manifold that allows replaceable pressure relief components to be installed and replaced without requiring a system shut down. The manifold allows two pressure relief valves to be installed in separate pressure relief ports. The manifold also includes a valve switch that isolates each valve independently, while allowing the system to remain in operation. For example, in a first position, the manifold directs fluid flow to a first pressure relief valve, while a second pressure relief valve is isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Cyrus Shank Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Kruppe, Matt Powell
  • Patent number: 10591084
    Abstract: A steam valve includes: a valve casing; a first valve body; a second valve body; a second valve rod; a first valve rod; a first actuator capable of applying a first biasing force in the vertical direction to the first valve rod; a second actuator capable of applying a second biasing force in the vertical direction to the second valve rod; a first link mechanism disposed between the first actuator and the first valve rod and capable of transmitting the first biasing force; a second link mechanism disposed between the second actuator and the second valve rod and capable of transmitting the second biasing force, the second link mechanism having a linking part provided integrally with the second valve rod and a lever which is pin-coupled to the linking part; and a guide mechanism capable of regulating horizontal displacement of the linking part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Hiroyuki Kanazawa, Kengo Imaoka, Katsuhisa Hamada
  • Patent number: 10578222
    Abstract: A multi-button waterway switching mechanism includes a fixed portion provided with a waterway switching unit and a driving mechanism. The waterway switching unit includes two valve cores that can move relative to the fixed portion, and the driving mechanism is provided with three buttons spaced side by side and parallel to the sliding direction of the fixed portion, the three buttons are divided into two first button and a second button, the two first button respectively drivingly connected to the two valve cores, the driving mechanism further comprises a transmission member, the second button drivingly connects the transmission member, and the transmission member drivingly connected to the two valve cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xi Huang, Mingfu Zhang, Weilong Luo, Wenxing Chen
  • Patent number: 10570592
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plumbing fixture fitting with a diverting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FB Global Plumbing Group LLC
    Inventor: Ryan M. Snitil
  • Patent number: 10563785
    Abstract: An erosion prevention structure for a sealing surface of a valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, a valve core, a valve sleeve and a valve rod. A valve seat mounting hole is provided in the valve body and located between a medium outlet and a cavity; the valve seat is arranged in the valve seat mounting hole; the top surface of the valve seat is provided with an annular table; the outside surface of the annular table is a sealing surface A, wherein an included angle is formed between the sealing surface A and a horizontal surface; an annular flange is arranged at the bottom of the valve core and located at the outer side of the valve core; the inside surface of the annular flange is a sealing surface B, wherein an included angle is formed between the sealing surface B and a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventors: Cenwenda Li, Wei Li
  • Patent number: 10563781
    Abstract: A valve core includes housing, which is a hollow cylindrical structure with both ends defined as an open end and a through end respectively; a base mounted on the housing to close the open end of the housing; a fixed valve plate mounted on the base, which is unable to rotate relative to the base; a movable valve plate which is rotationally arranged on the fixed valve plate; a manipulation assembly, one end of which is configured on the movable valve plate to manipulate the movable valve plate to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate, and the other end of which is extended to penetrate the through end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 10556233
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a microfluidic device, which comprises distinct, parallel levels, including a first level and a second level. It further includes: a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a node. This node comprises: an inlet port, a cavity, a via, and an outlet port. The cavity is formed on the first level and is open on a top side. The inlet port is defined on the first level; it branches from the first microchannel and communicates with the cavity through an ingress thereof. The outlet port, branches to the second microchannel on the second level. The via extends from the bottom side of the cavity, down to the outlet port, so the cavity may communicate with the outlet port. In addition, the cavity comprises a liquid blocking element to prevent an aqueous liquid filling the inlet port to reach the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Onur Gökçe
  • Patent number: 10551004
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system adapted to isolate an ampoule and/or process line during purge, including an inlet control valve connecting a source of pressurized gas to a refillable ampoule, an outlet control valve connecting the refillable ampoule to a location of use, a process control valve connecting a process line to the refillable ampoule, a process isolation valve, and a purge supply valve, e.g., a three-way purge supply valve, arranged between the process isolation valve and the process control valve. A method of purging a fluid delivery system is also disclosed, including closing a process isolation valve, connecting a process line to a refillable ampoule, supplying a purge gas through a purge supply valve, e.g., a three-way purge supply valve, and cycling open and close at least once a process control valve coupled to the process line. A manifold for use in refilling an ampoule and purging a fluid supply system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard D. Chism, Andy Krell
  • Patent number: 10551893
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for a digital power supply that can provide independent power control for two or more electrical loads. Some disclosed embodiments provide continuous, variable power and other disclosed embodiments provide discrete power levels. Disclosed embodiments may reduce the magnitude of harmonic currents and/or flicker introduced into a power system. Embodiments include a microprocessor that delivers power to electric loads using phase-controlled AC current. In some embodiments, the microprocessor may calculate a power array corresponding to a requested power for each electric load. Logic is provided for populating the power array in a pattern that reduces the magnitude of harmonic currents and flicker. Portions of the disclosure include a band controller for delivering power to achieve and maintain a desired target temperature, and a wireless controller for controlling temperature from a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products LLC
    Inventors: Eric Knappenberger, Julio C. Zuleta, Matthew Lerch, Jeffery C. Emmerich
  • Patent number: 10550960
    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: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Bradford Haines, Gifford Decker, Mark Haehl
  • Patent number: 10544903
    Abstract: Provided is a gas pressure feed device including a compression device for compressing gas supplied from the upstream process and sending the gas to the downstream process, a shut off device provided in the downstream further than the compression device for shutting off the gas heading toward the downstream process, and a recirculation device for recirculate the gas shut off by the shut off device to the upstream of the compression device. The shut off device includes a first port on a primary side for introducing the gas from the compression device, a second port on a secondary side for sending the gas to the downstream process, a third port on the secondary side for sending the gas to the recirculation device, and a switching device for switching the gas heading toward the secondary side to either the second port or the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CHIYODA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10539241
    Abstract: A valve apparatus may include a control valve including valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path. A rotational valve stem may extend along a longitudinal axis, the valve stem having a top portion and a bottom portion, the valve stem operatively coupled to a control element movably disposed in the flow path. A yoke may be attached to the valve body and arranged to operatively couple the valve body to an actuator, the yoke including a first bracket having an aperture and a second bracket having an aperture. A bushing may be arranged to align an actuator shaft of the actuator to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, the bushing having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion engaging within the aperture of the first bracket and the second portion engaging the aperture of the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Trenton F. Jackson, Robert M. Meloy
  • Patent number: 10539252
    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 solid, unitary circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage extends between the inner and outer surfaces and follows an arcuate, non-linear path from the inner surface to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    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: 10527178
    Abstract: A rotationally adjustable valve is disclosed whereby the user is able to control the flow of fluids from complete shutoff to maximum flow by rotating the adjustment means of the valve, said rotation being axial to the flow of the fluid. Additionally, the user is able to attach high and low pressure test probes directly to the valve, as it is rotatably adjusted, so that additional equipment is not required next to the valve. An embodiment of this invention includes the use of an adjustable Cv disk to set the maximum flow of the valve, rather than just create a simple 180° on/off, very similar to a current 90° ball valve that this device will replace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Griswold Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan I. Tuineag, Bryan Holloway
  • Patent number: 10527185
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a basic module and a plurality of valve modules which are mounted on the basic module side by side along a line-up direction, the basic module having a lower portion, an upper portion and a connecting portion connecting the lower and the upper portion, which enclose a receiving space for at least one valve module on three sides. The basic module has a bottom surface facing outwards and an upper side facing outwards. At least one external fluid connection is provided which is arranged on the bottom surface or on the upper side. Furthermore, at least one external electrical connection is provided which is arranged on the bottom surface or on the upper side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Martin Ottliczky, Harry Stoesser, Heiko Engler
  • Patent number: 10514103
    Abstract: A refrigerant control valve apparatus which maintains improved sealing ability while being restrained from being enlarged includes a housing including a first discharge port and a second discharge port which includes a smaller diameter than the first discharge port, a rotor rotatably housed at the housing, a bore portion provided at an outer wall portion of the rotor to control a flow of refrigerant relative to the first discharge port and the second discharge port, a second seal portion of the second discharge port being configured to make contact with an edge portion of the bore portion in a case where the rotor is specified at any rotation position for sending out the refrigerant to the second discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoto Yumisashi, Koichi Maruyama, Yojiro Koga, Hideyuki Suzuki, Masanobu Matsusaka
  • Patent number: 10508742
    Abstract: A cage assembly for a valve includes a hollow first member having a first end for operably connecting to a valve body and an opposed second end for receiving a hollow second member. The assembly includes the second member having a third end for receiving a hollow third member, the second member including first openings formed through a sidewall, and the third member having a fourth end for operably connecting to the valve body. The assembly includes when assembled inside the valve body, the first member, the second member and the third member forming an aligned second opening therethrough, the second opening having a uniform cross section, for slidably receiving a valve closure element for controlling a flow of fluid through the first openings during operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CIRCOR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: James Kloss
  • Patent number: 10487854
    Abstract: A valve device (200) includes a tank pressure port (218), a first pressure port (212), a second pressure port (214), and a pressure shut-off valve (224). The valve is switched between the individual ports (212, 214, 218), and has two valve components (226, 228). Upon reaching a predefinable pressure cut-off value, the first pressure port (212) can be connected to the tank pressure port (218) by the first valve component (226). In the event of the fluid pressure being higher at the second pressure port (214) than at the first pressure port (212), the second pressure port (214) can be separated from the first pressure port (212) by the second valve component (228). Both valve components (226, 228) are combined to form a tradable structural unit and are integrated in a common valve housing (230), preferably making direct contact. A hydraulic system has this valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: BIERI HYDRAULIK AG, HYDAC ENGINEERING AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schneider, Maxim Reichert
  • Patent number: 10487952
    Abstract: A valve core has a housing which is a hollow cylindrical structure with both ends defined as an open end and a through end respectively; a base mounted on the housing to close the open end of the housing; a fixed valve plate mounted on the base in a liquid tight mode and unable to rotate relative to the base; a movable valve plate which is rotationally arranged on the fixed valve plate in a liquid tight mode; a manipulation assembly, one end of which is configured on the movable valve plate to manipulate the movable valve plate to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate, and the other end of which is extended to penetrate the through end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 10487953
    Abstract: A valve core has a housing which is a hollow cylindrical structure with both ends defined as an open end and a through end respectively; a base mounted on the housing to close the open end of the housing; a fixed valve plate mounted on the base in a liquid tight mode and unable to rotate relative to the base; a movable valve plate which is rotationally arranged on the fixed valve plate in a liquid tight mode; a manipulation assembly, one end of which is configured on the movable valve plate to manipulate the movable valve plate to rotate relative to the fixed valve plate, and the other end of which is extended to penetrate the through end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen