Patents Examined by Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 10302219
    Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 10293893
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring fluid between the tug and the barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Moran Towing Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Reiley Perreault, Curtis Leffers, Matthew William Roddy, Matthew Jacob Wichgers, Jeremy Paul Rice
  • Patent number: 10286365
    Abstract: A dispensing system for delivery of a dispersant from a canister containing an erodible but cakeable water dispersant wherein the cakeable water dispersant in a one piece caked condition falls to a bottom of a divergent walled canister so the water flowing through a bottom portion of the canister continues to maintain erodible contact with the dispersant as the water disperant is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: David Guy, Jeffrey D. Johnson, Paul Freeberg, Terry Goeman, Lyle Enderson
  • Patent number: 10288176
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of, and means for, connecting components of a moveable sub-assembly in a fluid control valve. To control a dimensional characteristic of the moveable sub-assembly, a first component of the sub-assembly can be crimped to create a mechanical connection to a second component of the moveable sub-assembly. The sub-components may be configured such that in the absence of the crimp they can be moveably translated between a plurality of positions and they may be slideably translatable between a number of relative positions, while the crimp acts, once formed, to retain the sub-components in a chosen position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems SA
    Inventors: Christophe Bertrand, Didier Richardet
  • Patent number: 10288185
    Abstract: A valve with a shuttle for use in a flow management system is capable of bypassing a backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: Lawrence Osborne, Joshua Terry Prather
  • Patent number: 10280896
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade is described having a lightning protection system, wherein the lightning protection system is arranged to protect conductive elements or modules used in or on the blade. In one aspect, the lightning protection system comprises a conductive band to be arranged around the circumference of the blade at the location of an internal conductive module, to prevent a lightning strike from penetrating the blade and potentially damaging the internal module. In another aspect, the lightning protection system comprises a lightning down-conductor having a signal-carrying structure, e.g. a signal cable, power cable, or a waveguide, integrated into the down-conductor. In a further aspect, the lightning protection system comprises at least one lightning receptor arranged to protect externally-mounted antennas from lightning strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Lars Bo Hansen
  • Patent number: 10279977
    Abstract: A fluid container adapted for leak proof connection with one or more substantially similar fluid containers, wherein a first cylindrical body with a first top neck and a first bottom recess is vertically stacked with at least a second cylindrical body with a second top neck and a second bottom recess. The second top neck of the second body is received within the first bottom recess of the first body, and the first male valve is received in the first top neck of the first body, and a second male valve is received within the second top neck of a second body. In addition, a first female valve is received within the first bottom recess of the first body, and a second female valve is received in the second bottom recess of the second body. In this manner, the first and second bodies are vertically stacked, and the second male valve of the second body is received within the first female valve of the first bottom recess of the first body for allowing movement of liquid between the first and second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventors: Eli Fleischman, Isaac Meisels
  • Patent number: 10273808
    Abstract: An airfoil of a gas turbine engine is provided. The airfoil includes an airfoil body having at least one internal flow passage, the body having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface defining a wall of the at least one internal flow passage and a bleed port fluidly connecting the at least one internal flow passage to the second surface. The bleed port includes a bleed orifice extending from the second surface toward the internal flow passage and a bleed port cavity extending from the first surface toward the second surface, the bleed port cavity and the bleed orifice fluidly connected. The bleed port cavity is defined by a bleed port cavity wall and a base wall surrounding the bleed orifice. The bleed port cavity wall extends from the first surface to the base wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon W. Spangler, Dominic J. Mongillo, Edward F. Pietraszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 10274091
    Abstract: A gate valve for a chemical plant including a valve housing having an upper opening and an opposite lower opening; an upper sealing seat and a lower sealing seat disposed on the valve housing; a valve gate movably disposed in the valve housing, for blocking a path between the openings in a closed position and opening said path in an open position, the valve gate comprising a first plate having lower surface with a blind recess and a second plate at least partially disposed in the blind recess; wherein, in the closed position, the upper sealing seat sealingly engages the first plate, the lower sealing seat sealingly engages the second plate and the second plate is at least indirectly in contact with the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: PAUL WURTH S.A.
    Inventors: Alexander Schlutter, Rainer Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10274122
    Abstract: A plumbing access cover, including: a circular base with a circular access opening and a first set of threads around the perimeter of the base; a faceplate comprising a second set of threads to interlock with the threads on the base, wherein the circular access opening is 3 to 7 inches in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Adam Danielson
  • Patent number: 10260668
    Abstract: A method for pipe coupling encapsulation includes placing two elastomeric partial rings around pipes on opposite sides of a leaking joint coupling, taking a repair coupling, which includes a band and opposing clamp members extending outwards from ends of the band, and placing the band around the leaking joint coupling such that opposite end portions of the band overlie the elastomeric partial rings, and tightening the opposing clamp members towards each other with one or more tightening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Krausz Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 10260825
    Abstract: A dual fluid heat exchange system is presented that provides a stable output temperature for a heated fluid while minimizing the output temperature of a cooled fluid. The heated and cooled fluids are brought into thermal contact with each other within a tank. The output temperature of the warmed fluid is maintained at a stable temperature by a re-circulation loop that connects directly to the mid portion of the tank such that the re-circulated fluid flow primarily warms only a re-circulation section of the tank. The other, lower flow rate, section of the tank may be positioned so that it has a cooler temperature and thus serves to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange by extracting extra heat energy out of the cooled fluid before it leaves the tank. Alternatively, the low flow rate section of the tank may be warmer than the re-circulated section, and thus allow the re-circulated section to be cooler than the output temperature of the warmed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Steam Technology
    Inventors: Walter T. Deacon, Timothy James Parbs
  • Patent number: 10261522
    Abstract: The pressure-type flow controller includes a main body provided with a fluid passage, a control valve for pressure control fixed in a horizontal position to the main body, an on/off valve fixed in a vertical position to the main body on the downstream side of the control valve for pressure control, an orifice provided in the fluid passage on the upstream side of the on/off valve, and a pressure sensor fixed to the main body for detecting the internal pressure of the fluid passage between the control valve for pressure control and the orifice. The fluid passage includes a first passage portion in a horizontal position connected to the control valve for pressure control, a second passage portion in a vertical position connecting the first passage portion to the orifice, and a third passage portion in a horizontal position connecting the second passage portion to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Masaaki Nagase, Kaoru Hirata, Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10254097
    Abstract: A release mechanism includes a frame with an interior. The release mechanism also includes a prestrained element coupled to the interior of the frame. The prestrained element creates a seal with the frame. The prestrained element is notched in one or more regions. The prestrained element is configured to fracture when heated to a predetermined temperature allowing the interior to open. The fracture is based on the notched regions of the prestrained element such that separation initiates within the notched regions. The remaining regions of the prestrained element unfractured. The shape memory alloy element can include one or more of a nickel-titanium alloy, a titanium-nickel alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper aluminum nickel alloy, and a nickel titanium hafnium alloy. Heating of the shape memory alloy element causes a stress in the shape memory alloy that causes fracturing of the prestrained alloy when sufficient heating has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ward D. Lyman, Frederick B. Koehler
  • Patent number: 10253587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: EPIC Applied Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harry McGraw, Leslie M. Bland, Daniel S. Bangert, Mark F. Gravouia, Rizal Masingkan
  • Patent number: 10253485
    Abstract: Embodiments of a valve assembly and a plumbing system incorporating the same are provided herein. In some embodiments, a valve assembly for use with an enclosed environment includes a housing having an interior volume, an inlet disposed at a first end of the housing and fluidly coupled to an environment surrounding the housing, and an outlet disposed at a second end of the housing opposite the first end and fluidly coupled to the enclosed environment; a first valve having a first valve seat and a first sealing member at least partially extending through a first opening in the first valve seat in a closed position; and a second valve disposed beneath the first valve and having a second valve seat and a second sealing member at least partially extending through a second opening in the second valve seat in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Di Monte, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10240682
    Abstract: Rotary valve assemblies are disclosed, for example, for use in a thermal management system. The assembly may include a first rotary valve including a primary shaft including a hollow portion defining a first inner cavity and a first spline piece disposed within the first inner cavity on one end and including a primary spline feature on an opposite end, the primary spline feature having one or more primary splines. A second rotary valve may include a secondary shaft including a hollow portion defining a second inner cavity and a second spline piece disposed within the second inner cavity and including a secondary spline feature having one or more secondary splines. One or both of the first spline piece and the second spline piece may be formed of metal. The primary splines and the secondary splines may be configured to mesh together to form a spline joint between the rotary valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Patent number: 10234039
    Abstract: Valve assemblies with butterfly valves for use as a double isolation & bleed (DIB) valve and a double block & bleed (DBB) valve. The embodiments may have a twin-disc design with a non-separable, valve body having a central bore. A pair of butterfly valves may reside in the central bore, each having an annular seal and a rotatable disc that contacts the annular seal to prevent flow of fluid into space between the butterfly valves. Implementations of the embodiments configure the annular seal with a sloped contact surface at an angle to positively seal the rotatable discs in the preferred direction of incoming flow. In this way, the valves can always close in response to either uni-directional flow into one end of the central bore or bi-directional flow into both ends of the central bore, respectively or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventor: Chaur Yue Shyu
  • Patent number: 10227767
    Abstract: A flexible check valve for fluid-handling systems that prevents reverse flow but allows downstream flow of fluid comprises a dome that fits within a pipe and includes a concave surface. The flexible check valve further includes a flexible seat that fits within the pipe and includes a. convex surface. The flexible seat is deformable from a closed position, that prevents reverse flow, to an open position, that allows downstream flow, when an upstream pressure acts on the flexible seat and exceeds a downstream pressure and when, in the closed position, the concave surface of the dome is oriented downstream and the convex surface of the flexible seat is oriented upstream. A housing is connected to the dome and the flexible seat and is connectable to the pipe. A seal is formed between the concave surface and the convex surface when the flexible check valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Tide Stop LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael Hirsch
  • Patent number: 10225889
    Abstract: A windshield heating device includes: a heating wire that heats a first part of a windshield of a vehicle, the first part being located in front of a camera; a glass heating apparatus that heats a second part of the windshield, the second part including the first part; and a control unit that controls energization to the heating wire and the glass heating apparatus. The control unit is configured: to determine whether energization to the glass heating apparatus is performed when heating of the first part is requested; to control so that energization to the heating wire is performed when it is determined that the energization to glass heating apparatus is not performed; and to control energization to the heating wire so that an amount of energization to the heating wire is reduced when it is determined that energization to the glass heating apparatus is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hajime Nagae