Patents Examined by Kevin L Lee
  • Patent number: 11225963
    Abstract: A valve seat assembly comprises a valve. The assembly further comprises a removable upper seat associated with the valve. The assembly further comprises a lower seat configured to be inserted into a fluid end of a pump and releasably couplable to the upper seat. The upper seat is decouplable from the lower seat while the lower seat remains inserted in the fluid end of the pump. The valve is configured to contact the upper seat to prevent a flow of fluid through the fluid end of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: UTEX INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Henry Naedler, Ricardo Jose Betancourt, William Stephen Colburn
  • Patent number: 11226032
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has an oil pump driven by a travelling driving source. An air vent structure that expels air bubbles contained in automatic transmission fluid during pump operation has an air vent hole whose one end communicates with an outlet port of the oil pump and whose other end opens toward the oil pan. An air vent tube is connected to an opening end of the air vent hole. The air vent tube is extended up to a strainer lower side gap area located between a strainer and the oil pan, and a tube opening end of the air vent tube is placed in oil of the automatic transmission fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11221098
    Abstract: A conduit locking device includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall disposed between the first end and the second end. The conduit locking device may further include a slide engaged with the sidewall of the housing, the slide including an extension arm and an end portion structurally configured to engage with an inner wall of a conduit. The slide may be extendable via the extension arm from a first position substantially adjacent to the sidewall of the housing to a second position disposed away from the sidewall of the housing, where, when in the second position, the slide is configured to retain the conduit locking device at a fixed position within the conduit through the engagement of the end portion with the inner wall of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Scott Lock Company
    Inventor: Barry M. Scott
  • Patent number: 11221017
    Abstract: The variable pitch propeller assembly includes a hub. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a plurality of propeller blade assemblies spaced circumferentially about the hub. Each of the plurality of propeller blade assemblies configured to rotate a respective propeller blade. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a hydraulic fluid port assembly integrally formed and including at least three hydraulic fluid ports configured to receive respective flows of hydraulic fluid from a stationary hydraulic fluid transfer sleeve. The variable pitch propeller assembly also includes a pitch actuator assembly coupled in flow communication with at least three hydraulic fluid ports through respective hydraulic fluid transfer tubes. The pitch actuator coupled to the plurality of propeller blade assemblies to selectively control a pitch of the propeller blades. The pitch actuator assembly includes a travel stop configured to limit a rotation of at least one of the pitch actuator assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Christopher James Kroger
  • Patent number: 11215294
    Abstract: A coupler for a fluid transport system comprising a handle being continuous around the coupler, the coupler having a first end and a second end, the handle having a non-constant radius with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the coupler, the handle comprising a plurality of regions being proximal the first end of the coupler, and a plurality of regions being distal the first end of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: MANN TEKNIK AB
    Inventor: Gerhard Kopplin
  • Patent number: 11203519
    Abstract: A refuel adapter, which may, among other things, be suitable for aircraft refueling includes a casing and a butterfly valve disposed within an interior of the casing. The butterfly valve includes a body defining an opening and a disc rotatable within the body about an axis of rotation to selectively close the opening. The disc includes at least one opening therethrough, and a first flap and a second flap are each rotatably attached to the disc to selectively cover a portion of the at least one opening. The butterfly valve may be movable between (i) a static position in which the disc and the first and second flaps are in a closed position, (ii) a refuel position in which the disc may be in a closed position and the flaps are in an open position, and (iii) a defuel position in which the disc may be in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Graham P. Baker, Ken Fenger
  • Patent number: 11199283
    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: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Gary M. Jenski, Jr., William T. Flynn
  • Patent number: 11193604
    Abstract: A waterproof, mildew resistant, cover for a water backflow prevention apparatus is provided that provides protection of the apparatus's control from UV damage is provided. The cover is constructed from a closed-cell polymeric foam and can be cut to fit when installed. The cover can be anchored to stakes in the ground to prevent dislodgment by wind or animals. The installed cover's open end can take advantage of heat in the ground to maximize the cover's internal temperature when the cover is exposed to low air temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Wilson
  • Patent number: 11187364
    Abstract: A bag connector system includes a first coupling element, with a self-closing seal and a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, and a second coupling element, with a housing having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The fluid inlet end is configured to displace the self-closing seal when inserted into the fluid outlet port of the first coupling element. A bag connector system optionally includes a locking mechanism to maintain the first coupling element and second coupling element in a coupled state. Uncoupling of the first and second coupling elements results in minimal fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements. The bag connector systems provided herein are included in medical appliances for waste management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Yun Jin, Bret Alexander Weig, John Cline, Mingliang Lawrence Tsai
  • Patent number: 11187365
    Abstract: A connector for fluidly connecting a collector pipe and a feeder pipe is disclosed, with a retaining member defining a curved base defining a pair of platforms at opposite ends thereof and facing towards each other upon the connector being mounted on the collector pipe. The base is resiliently deformable such that in a non-deformed state, a radius of curvature of the base is smaller than an outer radius of the collector pipe and a distance between the platforms is smaller than a diameter of the collector pipe. The platforms is displaceable away from each other to vary the distance between them to mount the connector and to exert a clamping force on the collector pipe. The connector has a connecting member engaging the feeder pipe. A piping network is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: LES EQUIPEMENTS LAPIERRE INC.
    Inventor: Donald Lapierre
  • Patent number: 11187328
    Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve closure member displaceable a closed position and an open position. An attenuation element is provided and includes a plurality of hollow tubes including a first tube, a second tube and a third tube. Each tube includes a flow axis from an open first end to an open second end, and an inner surface defining a flow area and having a cross-sectional shape normal to the flow axis. A second end of the tubes is between the valve closure member and first ends of the tubes along their respective flow axes when the valve closure member is closed. The first tube, the second tube, and the third tube are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Kuhlman, Andrew M. Prusha, Billy R. Flowers, David S. Scheffert
  • Patent number: 11187342
    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: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: ASAHI YUKIZAI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Nasu, Shinobu Kamimura
  • Patent number: 11187344
    Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. An orifice is disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A movable valve plug is disposed within the fluid passageway, and the valve plug interacts with the valve seat to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A cage is disposed in the fluid passageway, the cage surrounds the valve plug, and the cage includes a mechanical stop that limits movement of the valve plug within the cage away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Yan Qiu, Guo Dong Chua
  • Patent number: 11174974
    Abstract: A universal quick connector comprising a bolt body, a connector hub, a hub outer sleeve and a connector valve core. Rear end of the connector hub is in threaded connection with front end of the bolt body, and the connector valve core is movably arranged in the connector hub. Inner wall of front end of the connector valve core is provided with a first and a second annular grooves. A first and a second sealing rings are embedded in the first and second annular grooves. Front end and rear end of the first annular groove is provided with a first and a second annular step surface. The first and second annular step surfaces extend to sidewall of the first annular groove. An annular step is formed at rear end of the second annular step surface. The present disclosure has a simple structure and may be quickly connected with various plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Changguo Jiang, Shifang Xu
  • Patent number: 11174953
    Abstract: A relay valve (1?) for a compressed-air system of a vehicle has a working pressure inlet, a working pressure outlet, a venting outlet and a controllable relay piston (19). The relay piston (19) is axially movably guided and, at one axial end, has an annular, radially inner valve seat (20). A sealing piston (9) is axially movably guided coaxially with respect to the relay piston (19). The sealing piston (9) is pushed by a compression spring (8) toward the relay piston (19) and an annular, radially outer valve seat (25), which is a part of a seat ring (24) fastened in an annular collar (23) of the housing bottom part (2). The seat ring (24) is a deep-drawn component shaped as a cylindrical pot of a metallic material. The radially outer valve seat (25) is an axially protruding annular web with a gable-shaped axial cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Riediger-Janisch, Reiner Hölscher, Gerhard Martini
  • Patent number: 11168824
    Abstract: The present invention provides a double poppet valve coupling comprising a first coupling half (1) and a second coupling half (2), wherein each of the first and second coupling halves comprises a housing (3) and a poppet valve assembly (7) with a spring biased poppet element (9), wherein the housing comprises a through-going bore (4), a first connecting end (5), a second connecting end (6) and a poppet seat (11), and the first and the second coupling halves may be coupled together via their respective first connecting ends (5) such that the respective poppet valve assemblies are opened providing a continuous flow path through the coupling; the end section of the poppet element comprises a pressure equalizing fluid channel (36a,36b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FMG Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Geir Tandberg, Peter Bergsland
  • Patent number: 11168825
    Abstract: Systems and devices for use in delivery of water to areas of land. The systems include quick coupling valves, quick coupling valve keys, and fluid delivery systems that utilize quick coupling valves and quick coupling valve keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: LEEMCO, Inc.
    Inventor: Nunzio J. DiChristopher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11161729
    Abstract: A system and method detection of an empty keg is provided. Carbonated beverages from a keg communicates a carbonated alcoholic beverage to a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector. The FOB forms a reservoir and containing a float. Level detection sensors in operative communication with the float identifies the position and movement of the float. An keg's status can thereby be anticipated by float level and speed changes. A the FOB status can thereby operate a touchless tap including a control valve via a tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve. A controller in operative communication with the TCB communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SESTRA SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Lev Volftsun, Alex Belfor, Deepak Harathi, Paras Goda
  • Patent number: 11156296
    Abstract: An electric valve includes a valve body, a spool assembly, and a coil assembly. The spool assembly includes a piston, a valve seat, a valve needle, and a rotor. The valve seat is provided with a first valve port. The valve body is provided with a first port, a second port, a second valve port, and a bypass channel. One end of the first valve port keeps communication with the first port, and another end of the first valve port is in communication with the second port by means of the bypass channel. A second valve port is arranged in a bottom wall of the cavity having an open end, at least part of an outer wall of the valve seat is in sealing engagement with an inner wall of the cavity having an open end. A third valve port is arranged between the second valve port and the second port. A check valve is directly disposed between the third valve port and the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xibo Liu, Shizhao Yang, Wenrong Zhou
  • Patent number: 11149886
    Abstract: A safety coupler for an air hose terminating in a plug. The plug has a passageway between its first and second ends for the passage of air there through. The coupler member has upstream and downstream ends and first body coupler passageway sized for receiving a first cylindrical section of the plug and terminating in a washer. A sleeve coupler and spring for biasing the sleeve coupler towards the coupler member upstream end, the sleeve coupler terminating at its coupler member upstream end by a bushing plug being sized to create a shoulder for abutting a raised stop of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Plews, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Edler, Jamie Schaeffer