Patents Examined by Kevin L Lee
  • Patent number: 11339896
    Abstract: A block and a fluid control device includes a first mounting cavity. A wall portion of a first fluid passage is provided with a first valve. A first mounting-cavity bottom wall includes a first sub-bottom wall, and the height of the first sub-bottom wall increases as the first sub-bottom wall extends from a first end of the first sub-bottom wall toward a second end of the first sub-bottom wall. The pressure drop across the block and the fluid control device is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizhao Yang, Xibo Liu
  • Patent number: 11333256
    Abstract: A flow rate adjusting valve includes: a casing including an inlet and an outlet and also including a channel connecting the inlet and the outlet to each other; a cylindrical valve port member disposed in the channel and having a valve port penetrating the valve port member in an upstream-downstream direction; and a valve body configured to move forward and backward to the valve port from a downstream side to thereby adjust an opening degree of a downstream opening of the valve port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TLV CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 11326729
    Abstract: The present invention provides a socket and a pipe joint which facilitate coupling and uncoupling of the socket and a plug and which can prevent the plug from jumping out of the socket in the uncoupling. In a socket 10 of the present invention, fluid in a built-in plug part 22 is released to the outside via communication holes 40 of a second base portion 18 and a through hole 51 of a third base portion 19 in a semi-inserted state. Accordingly, the pressure in a hole portion 34 does not become excessively high and an engaged part 42 is not unexpectedly pushed upward. Thus, an engagement portion 38 and a second engaged portion 26 can surely engage with each other. Hence, the plug 12 can be prevented from jumping out toward the front end side in the semi-inserted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: DAISEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Taguchi, Toshiharu Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 11300212
    Abstract: A device (1) is represented and described for regulating the pressure of fluids, comprising: a valve housing (6) with an inlet (16) and with an outlet (15), a closure element (2), which is arranged inside the valve housing (6), and a valve seat (3), which is arranged inside the valve housing (6), wherein the closure element (2) is mounted so as to be movable and wherein the closure element (2) and the valve seat (3) are arranged such that the connection between the inlet (16) and the outlet (15) can be opened and partially or fully closed. In order to prevent the closure element (2) and the valve seat (3) becoming stuck in the case of an abrupt fall in pressure, it is proposed that the valve seat (3) is mounted so as to be movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: KAMAT GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mohammed Chengour
  • Patent number: 11293794
    Abstract: A thermal flow sensor is provide for beverage metering using a heater in physical and thermal communication the beverage dispensing conduit. A temperature sensing element is positioned distant from and downstream from said heater along said direction of fluid flow. A computing device controls the heater and the temperature sensing element and computes a cumulative total volume during a metering cycle. The computing of a cumulative total volume during a metering cycle may be adapted or approximated to account for residual changes in temperature of the conduit or thermal sensing element metering cycles. Flow measurement is thereby without direct physical contact with the beverage itself, thereby providing cleanable fluid paths within the beverage conduit that limits or eliminate voids or trapped volumes. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Lev Volftsun, Alex Belfore
  • Patent number: 11286155
    Abstract: Methods are devices are provided for preventing fracture of a fluid-filled chamber or tank. In general an anti-fracture expansion device can be disposed internally within a fluid-filled chamber such that during a freeze event displaced fluid can compress or flow into the anti-fracture expansion device, thereby reducing the likelihood that the chamber will rupture. The internal disposition of the expansion device prevents it from interfering with other components that may be connected to or adjacent to the fluid chamber, thereby conserving space. In certain embodiments, the expansion device can have a dual function wherein it can act as a flow control valve in addition to functioning as an anti-fracture expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Reiter, Artemus A. Shelton
  • Patent number: 11280428
    Abstract: A pneumatic trip valve that may include a valve structure, a switch plate air path and an internal check valve. In various aspects, the pneumatic trip valve may be connected to a valve positioner, an actuator, or a combination thereof to control the operation of a fluid process control valve. In operation, the Pneumatic trip valve acts to put the actuator in a preset fail-safe position when the actuator loses sufficient pressure or communication from a main air supply, stored pressurized air from an actuator air reservoir, and/or an external air reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: EASYTORK AUTOMATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: George Wang
  • Patent number: 11280438
    Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling can include a first part and a second part. The first part can define a primary fluid passageway and a secondary fluid passageway and can include a first valve movable between open and closed positions to control flow through the first part secondary fluid passageway. The second part can define a second part defining a primary fluid passageway and a secondary fluid passageway and can include a second valve movable between open and closed positions to control flow through the second part secondary fluid passageway. In one aspect, the second part is removably connectable to the first part such that, when connected the first and second part primary passageways are placed in fluid communication with each other and the first and second valves are operable between the open and closed positions to selectively place the secondary fluid passageways of the first and second parts in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Gary M. Jenski, Jr., William T. Flynn
  • Patent number: 11274754
    Abstract: A membrane puncturing mechanism comprises a first element and a second element arranged with opposing surfaces. At least one opposing surface comprises a sloping region inclined relative to the other opposing surface. The first element is moveable towards and away from the second element. A pin for puncturing a membrane is coupled to the first element such that movement of one of the pin and first element causes movement of both. A spring is operable to bias the first element towards the second element. An actuator is removably positioned between the opposing surfaces, the actuator being withdrawable from between and moveable along the opposing surfaces such that, as the actuator is withdrawn, the actuator progressively moves the first and second elements apart against the bias of the spring so as to load the spring and such that the actuator being fully withdrawn from between the opposing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kamil Czechowski, Piotr Zajac
  • Patent number: 11261995
    Abstract: A multiple valve control assembly is described. The multiple valve control assembly includes a first cam/lever assembly to close a first valve, and a second cam/lever assembly to close a second valve. A first locking surface of the first cam/lever assembly, when the first cam/lever assembly is in the open position, physically blocks the rotation of the second cam/lever assembly. This provides for a pressure line to be closed by the first cam/lever assembly before the tank line can be closed by the second cam/lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: CAIRN5 LLC
    Inventors: Trent Andersen, Kurt Kutz
  • Patent number: 11255445
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly may a valve body defined by an inlet port, an outlet port and flange. A movable valve member comprises an inlet opening extending from a leading edge surface present at a narrow slot region to trailing edge surface present at about a full bore region wherein the angle between the leading edge surface and trailing edge surface at the center of valve member is about 270 degrees. The fluid flow from the inlet port of the valve body to one or more outlet openings is controlled by the rotation of the valve member. Rotation of movable valve member enables linear controlling of the fluid flow wherein the control of fluid flow is proportional to the degrees of rotation from 0 to about 270 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero
  • Patent number: 11248708
    Abstract: A high purity control valve for use in high conductance, proportional control applications includes a moveable control plate having a flow-through passage to enhance fluid sweep of the internal valve volume. Nested orifice ridges are used to achieve high conductance with small actuator movement. Enhanced leak tightness can be provided by incorporating into the control plate materials softer than the material comprising the orifice ridge. The control plate comprises a control plate body having a counterbore in fluid communication with a conduit, radial fluid flow paths and axial fluid flow paths. A flat side of the control plate includes a continuous uninterrupted flat portion to shut-off fluid flow in the valve. The radial fluid flow paths provide fluid communication from the counterbore to a circumferential perimeter of the control plate and the axial fluid flow paths provide fluid communication with the fluid conduit through an intermediate valve chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Kim Ngoc Vu
  • Patent number: 11248371
    Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Spartan Tool, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T. Dineen, Brian Christopher Binns
  • Patent number: 11248729
    Abstract: A hot tapping drill apparatus comprising a housing, a rotation shaft arranged within the housing and comprising at least two secondary rotation shafts telescopically arranged and keyed to allow transmission of torque, one end of the rotation shaft extending outside the housing and configured to operatively receive a drill bit, in use. The drill apparatus also includes a translation shaft arranged within the housing and comprising at least two secondary translation shafts telescopically arranged via a complementary threaded engagement to allow for telescopic translation of the secondary translation shafts due to relative threaded rotation. Also included is a link assembly linking the rotation and translation shafts to allow independent rotation of the rotation shaft while coupling translation of both shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ULUTHANDO PTY LTD
    Inventor: Barend Worst
  • Patent number: 11248992
    Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing and monitoring a fluid within a pressurized pipe include a nozzle coupled to a section of the pressurized pipe and defining an open proximal end fluidly communicating with the pressurized pipe through an access hole formed in the pressurized pipe, an open distal end, and an interior passage extending from the open proximal end to the open distal end. A cover plate is coupled to the open distal end of the nozzle. A valve element is disposed in the interior passage and movable between an open position, in which the valve element is entirely disposed within the nozzle, and a closed position, in which a proximal section of the valve element is disposed in the pressurized pipe. A sensor port extends through a proximal end of the nozzle and positioned to fluidly communicate with the interior passage when the valve element is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Hydra-Stop LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Vazzana, Andrew J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11248713
    Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a valve body with an internal flow passage extending in a direction of a flow passage axis, a disk-shaped valve member supported in the internal flow passage rotatably about a rotation axis perpendicular to the flow passage axis and having a spherical valve seat surface in an outer peripheral portion, an annular recessed portion surrounding the internal flow passage on the side surface of the valve body in a direction of the flow passage axis, and a seat ring attached to the annular recessed portion such that a valve seat portion provided in an inner peripheral edge portion thereof projects into the inner flow passage. The valve seat portion has a triangular cross section and is formed such that a bisector of a vertex angle in the triangular cross section of valve seat portion is perpendicular to a tangential line to the valve seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ASAHI YUKIZAI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Nasu, Shinobu Kamimura
  • Patent number: 11242950
    Abstract: A pump connection point to a fracturing manifold includes a valve configured to isolate the fracturing manifold from an outside fluid source. A connector is attached to the valve opposite the well fracturing manifold. A guide is attached to the connector. The guide configured to align a fluid line to mate with the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Downing Wellhead Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Austin C. Johnson, Tim Marvel, Kyle Schultz
  • Patent number: 11236836
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism includes an actuating shaft, an actuated member, and an engaging and disengaging structure. The actuating shaft is configured to be rotatable. The actuated member can be actuated by the actuating shaft to rotate. The engaging and disengaging structure includes an actuating structure provided on the actuating shaft and an actuated structure provided on the actuated member. When the actuating structure engages with the actuated structure, the actuating structure can drive the actuated structure to rotate, such that the actuating shaft can drive the actuated member to rotate. Further, a set of actuating and actuated structures of the actuating mechanism can rotate and stop according to set angle requirements, such that a valve body can be actuated to connect and disconnect different fluid passages as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Yue Ma, Michael Henker, Ziteng Zheng, Sheng Feng
  • Patent number: 11231125
    Abstract: A method of assembling a valve includes inserting a stem of the valve into a valve body of the valve through an end of the valve body, the stem defining a first end engaged with the valve body; securing a fastener to a second end of the stem; and placing a cap of the valve over the second end of the stem, the fastener engaging the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore Chad Harbour, Stephen L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 11226043
    Abstract: A ball valve includes: a main body having a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, and a column-shaped depression communicating with these passages and opening upward; a ball including a fluid communication passage and disposed at the column-shaped depression of the main body rotatably about a reference axis; an operating mechanism configured to cause the ball to rotate about the reference axis; a ball seat having a required opening on a peripheral wall thereof and disposed between the ball and the main body; a ball seat presser configured to press the ball seat; and a pressing screw configured to press the ball seat presser downward. The ball is rotated to achieve communication and cutoff. The ball seat has a substantially frustoconical shape having a bottom surface larger than a bottom of the depression in diameter, and an upper surface slightly smaller than the bottom surface in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tomohiro Mouri, Koji Hiramatsu, Tadayuki Yakushijin