Patents Examined by Kevin R Barss
  • Dairy animal milking preparation system and methods
    Patent number: 11627718
    Abstract: The present invention relates to preparing dairy animal teats for being milked, and more particularly to teat preparation, rinsing, and milking that all take place in a milking machine teat cup liner. Such a method includes: applying a teat sanitizer to the teat; injecting air into the liner to force the teat sanitizer toward a waste milk line connected to the liner; pulsating the liner at a first pulsation rate; drawing a rinsing milk from the teat; directing the teat sanitizer, the air, and the rinsing fluid to the waste milk line; pulsating the liner at a second pulsation rate to draw additional milk from the teat; and directing the additional milk to a good milk line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: GEA FARM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Torgerson, Duane F. Sellner
  • Backflow prevention and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 11629792
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Fluid valve
    Patent number: 11629787
    Abstract: A valve has flow trim assembly that can be quickly and efficiently removed and repaired or replaced. A body section having a central through bore defines an inlet, an outlet and inner chamber or space. An upstream cap and inlet hub are disposed at the inlet of the body member, while a downstream cap and outlet hub are disposed at the outlet of the body member. An actuator stem extends into the inner chamber, while a gear train can transfer torque force applied to the actuator stem to a rotator. A first (movable) trim member is attached to the rotator and can be selectively rotated relative to a second (fixed) trim member. The first and second trim members cooperate to adjust flow opening through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: AGI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan T. Sonnier, Christopher F. Rooney
  • Foldable hydrant marker
    Patent number: 11619034
    Abstract: A fire hydrant marker can include an indicator that signals the location of a fire hydrant when the fire hydrant is obstructed. In some examples, the indicator is attached to the fire hydrant by a base. The base allows the indicator to be pivoted between an indicating position and a folded position, thereby providing enhanced user access to the fire hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Vandelay Products LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Olson
  • Fire hydrant
    Patent number: 11619259
    Abstract: A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Yanlong Li, Paul S. Gifford, Walter Pierce Wojick
  • Switch, induction control box comprising the same, and induction faucet
    Patent number: 11619318
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a switch configured to switch an on-off state of a liquid flow conduit to a working mode controlled by a mechanical valve when an induction control component is detected not to be in a working state. The disclosure further discloses an induction control box including the switch, and an induction faucet including: a faucet having a automatic switch mode and a manual switch mode; a sensor arranged on the faucet; a solenoid valve arranged on a water output path and connected with the sensor, wherein when the sensor and solenoid valve are in a working state, the faucet supplies water by automatic switch mode; and a switch configured to switch the faucet from the automatic switch mode to manual switch mode when the sensor and/or the solenoid valve are detected not to be in the working state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU SEAGULL KITCHEN AND BATH PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Hung Yang, Andy Ou, Yongze He
  • Hot tap system and method for coated ductwork
    Patent number: 11619356
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for hot tapping into pressurized, coated duct systems for transporting corrosive substances are disclosed. A branch line may be installed in such systems without shutting down or depressurizing the system using the disclosed systems, apparatus and methods without compromising the system coating or resistance to corrosion from the transported substances. Cut edges created when ductwork is cut to install a branch line are captured and sealed between two gaskets, avoiding the need for recoating with difficult to apply corrosive protection materials such as fluoropolymer coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Fab-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Goodwin, Michael J. Ambrisco
  • Self-contained hydrant monitoring system
    Patent number: 11619033
    Abstract: A sensing device for a hydrant, the sensing device including a housing defining a portion of an operating stem of the hydrant; a sensor located entirely within the interior cavity of the hydrant body and configured to measure a property of a fluid of the fluid distribution system; and an antenna in communication with the sensor and positioned within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno, Diego Aguilera, Daryl Lee Gibson
  • Installation method and installation device for fluid control device
    Patent number: 11608924
    Abstract: Provided are an installation method and an installation device for a fluid control device capable of improving controllability of a fluid in a pipe by improving positional accuracy of a valve body inserted into a hole formed in a fluid pipe in a housing and decreasing the size, weight, and cost of construction equipment such as an operation valve device or an installation device of a fluid control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Naoki Kaneta, Satoshi Tamada
  • Animal watering valve
    Patent number: 11603948
    Abstract: An animal watering valve includes a housing having an upstream end, a downstream end, a bore extending therebetween, a valve element and a valve actuator located at least in part in the bore, and a plug disposed within the bore upstream of the valve element. The plug includes a lattice structure extending along a length of the plug. The valve element may be a diaphragm disposed within the bore to separate the bore into upstream and downstream portions. The valve actuator has a stem with a stem body extending downstream from a stem head and through an outlet of the housing. The diaphragm includes a sealing surface with first and second annular ridges and a groove disposed therebetween. A stem hat having a cap and disk is coupled to a downstream end of the stem. The disk extends radially from the stem at a location upstream of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Avidity Science, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Halstead, Matthew C. Grulich, Rebecca M. Fowler, Thomas Clark, Peter S. Planton
  • Tankless water heater isolation valve assembly
    Patent number: 11603995
    Abstract: A tankless water heater (TWH) isolation valve includes a valve body having a plug valve port, a TWH port, a water distribution system port and a drain port. A plug valve includes at least one plug seal. The plug valve is controlled by a rotatable plug valve handle. The plug valve is disposed through the plug valve port and within the valve body. The rotatable plug valve handle includes a first plug valve handle position and a different rotated second plug valve handle position. In a normal operating mode in the first plug valve handle position, the TWH port is fluidly coupled to both of the drain port and the water system distribution port. In a drain mode, the TWH port is fluidly coupled to the drain port, and the water system distribution port is closed to the TWH port as blocked by the plug seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: James Erhardt, Mahyar Esmaili
  • Faucet pipe fitting assembly, faucet connecting structure and faucet
    Patent number: 11598438
    Abstract: A faucet pipe fitting assembly, a faucet connecting structure and a faucet are disclosed. A faucet pipe fitting assembly includes a pipe joint unit and at least two pipes. The pipe joint unit has joint portions corresponding in number to the pipes. The pipes are integrally formed with the pipe joint unit. The pipes communicate with the joint portions of the pipe joint unit, respectively. The faucet pipe fitting assembly has the advantages of stable connection and convenient connection with a valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: YOUSHI (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE INDUSTRIAL CO, LTD.
    Inventor: Zhangsen You
  • Five port valve
    Patent number: 11592116
    Abstract: A multiport valve has a plurality of inlets and outlets with selected positions to selectively direct fluid differently through the valve based on the position of the valve. A cylindrical exterior stemshell rotates internal to a housing to position channels and/or bores to provide the desired flow paths. Some flow paths are channels which extend linearly from one port to another, whether formed into an exterior surface, parallel to an axis of rotation of the stemshell, or pass from an inlet to an outlet in the exterior surface of the stemshell, preferably separated from flow from flow to an internal passage, which is preferably colinear with the axis of rotation, for at least some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Kyle Svejcar, Nishaj Attassery, Eapen Chacko
  • Valve device and valve system equipped therewith, and control device contained therein for fluid flow control
    Patent number: 11584279
    Abstract: A valve device for controlling a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, having at least one inlet and at least two outlets, at least one of the outlets being fluidically connectable in each case to the inlet via a through-channel of at least one manipulable guide means. The through-channel of the guide means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow either with regard to at least a section of its internal cross section or can be rotated at least to a limited extent with regard to its orientation with respect to the outlets and the inlet can be rotated at least to a limited extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Piotr Ceglarek
  • Valve flush apparatus and method
    Patent number: 11583903
    Abstract: A valve flush apparatus includes a rigid base designed to removably attach to a body of an irrigation valve. A stem extends outwardly from the base and away from the body of the irrigation valve and may be centrally located on the base. The stem and an aperture in the base may define a water passageway through which water may flow through the body of the irrigation valve and through the valve flush apparatus. A hose may also be included which removably attaches to the stem so as to extend the water passageway of the valve flush apparatus. A method includes flushing a clogged irrigation valve through use of the valve flush apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: John Garcia
  • Vacuum breaker valve with leak protection
    Patent number: 11585077
    Abstract: A vacuum breaker valve assembly includes valve body defining a hollow main chamber, which communicates with a plenum opening, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening. A valve cap is attached to the valve body and defines a plenum, which communicates with the plenum opening, and a vent opening communicating with atmosphere. A drainage plug is connected to the vent opening, and an overflow conduit defines an elongated flexible hollow tube having one end connected to the drainage plug. A cap fixture is connected to the valve cap and defines a countersunk shallow recess that receives therein a thin label that is adhesively attached to the cap fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Anderson Brass Company
    Inventor: Bryan Curtiss Price
  • Apparatus for the alignment of pipes
    Patent number: 11566731
    Abstract: This invention provides for a hand-held clamping tool to position and hold two pipe flanges in place allowing for the alignment the bolt holes and the gasket that in placed between the pipe flanges by using an alignment spike; and then holding the pipe flange and the gaskets in place while bolts are installed to join the two gasket sections together. The invention also has a detachable alignment spike and a also has a calibration mark on the alignment spike. The invention also describes a tool for positioning and holding ISO flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Tony Colomina
  • Servo valve
    Patent number: 11566722
    Abstract: A servo valve includes a fluid transfer valve assembly comprising a supply port and a control port; a valve spool arranged to regulate flow of fluid from the supply port to the control port in response to a control signal; and a drive means configured to move the valve spool relative to the fluid transfer assembly in response to the control signal to regulate the fluid flow. The drive means is arranged to rotate the spool relative to the fluid transfer assembly, the spool provided with openings arranged to selectively align with or block flow channels in the fluid transfer assembly according to the direction and degree of rotation of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maciej Bujewicz, Marcin Korczynski
  • Valve device
    Patent number: 11560958
    Abstract: A housing has a housing main body and an outlet port. The housing main body includes a cylindrical housing inner wall that defines an internal space therein. The outlet port fluidly connects the internal space and an outside of the housing main body to each other. The valve has a valve body rotatable about an rotation axis along a rotation axis of the cylindrical housing inner wall. The valve is configured to selectively open and close the outlet port depending on a rotation position of the valve. The housing inner wall is formed such that a distance between the housing inner wall and the axis of the housing inner wall varies in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo Sato, Yuto Sato, Masato Ichikawa, Akihiko Goto, Tadashi Ikemoto, Ryo Nomura, Ryuki Tsuji, Takahito Suzuki, Shogo Kanzaki
  • Revolver bypass valve
    Patent number: 11555547
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining an upstream utility bore, a downstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealing surface and a front surface, a primary passage and a secondary passage defined within the selector between the selector sealing surface and the front surface, the primary passage being isolated from the secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connected in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connected in fluid communication with the secondary passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Tomas Peleckas, Timothy Wayne Stern, Rock Allen Powell, Jr.