Patents Examined by Marina A Tietjen
  • Patent number: 10767352
    Abstract: Provided are internal waterway assemblies for faucets comprising a valve assembly comprising a valve water way portion, a bridge comprising a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the valve water way portion and the bridge having a spout receiving portion having a passageway therethrough; and a spout tube configured to be positioned in the spout receiving portion of the bridge. The spout tube is in fluid communication with the passageway of the bridge and configured to deliver water out of the faucet. Internal water way assemblies are configured to couple to any one of a plurality of cover plates for a faucet, the bridge is configured to be assembled to the valve assembly in any one of a plurality of fixed angular orientations to position the spout tube to fit within an interior space of one of the any one of a plurality of cover plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Pitsch, Marin Marinov, Xiao Jing Ye
  • Patent number: 10767353
    Abstract: A faucet that uses a gearing mechanism to allow the faucet handle to be placed much closer to the mixing valve is disclosed. Various embodiments involve geared mechanical operation of a mixing faucet, where the gears transfer motion of a handle to a faucet valve, which may allow for a lower handle (e.g., a handle placed closer to the faucet body). In some embodiments, an upper gear is provided in a faucet handle, and the upper gear may be held in a carrier. A set screw may lock the handle in place. Finally, a lower gear may be pushed onto the top of a valve stem. When the handle is lifted, the upper gear rotates against the lower gear, causing the valve to open. The carrier may rotate within the valve body, thus allowing for temperature control of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Ientile, Xiaojing Ye
  • Patent number: 10760568
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-component valve system for use in pumps such as fracking pumps for use in subterranean resource production. The assembly includes a retaining pin having a retaining cap on its upper end. Located on the retaining pin are an insert retainer, an insert beneath the insert retainer, a valve beneath the insert, and a guide beneath the valve. The guide has a generally truncated pyramid shape, and a central portion on its upper end. The central portion is centered on the retaining pin. The retaining pin has an expanded lower end to secure the valve assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: ValveWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Johnson, Edward P. Cox, Starr L. Pitzer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10753491
    Abstract: A check valve (10) for reception in a fluid passage (5) comprises a valve seat element (1), a valve body (2), and a sleeve (3) wherein the valve body (2) is moveable in such a manner in the sleeve (3), that it rests in a first position on the valve seat element (1) and it is arranged a distance with respect to the valve seat element (1) in a second position. The valve seat element (1) contains an opening (11) which can be closed by the valve body (2) in the first position. A spring element (4) is arranged between the valve body (2) and the sleeve (3). The spring element comprises a first end (41) and a second end (42), wherein the valve body (2) is retained by the spring element (4) in the first position as long as the fluid pressure present in the opening (11) is smaller than the closing force of the spring element,(4), wherein the first end (41) of the spring element (4) is connected to the valve body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: BLOECHLINGER ENGINEERING AG
    Inventor: Michael Blöchlinger
  • Patent number: 10753483
    Abstract: A material supply assembly includes a valve assembly having an outer valve member and an inner valve member rotatable relative to the outer valve member. A plurality of discharge seals may be provide between the outer valve member and the inner valve member, with one of the discharge seals extending around openings of the outer valve member or openings of the inner valve member. A first circumferential seal may also be provided. An engagement structure including a plurality of spaced apart vertical engagement projections and a plurality of complementary configured engagement recesses may be provided between the valve assembly and the base. A locking arm having a locking member may be provided with the locking member positioned in a locking receptacle. A projection engages the locking arm to move the locking member from the locking receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Hans Feiler, Hope Emily Weilage, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Michael Henry D'Heilly, Nathan John Millner
  • Patent number: 10745163
    Abstract: A dosing apparatus for dosing a product in powder and/or granule form within containers includes a hopper (2) provided with an internal cavity (3) to contain the product, a dosing screw (4) rotatable about, and extending along, a rotation axis (X) inside the hopper and through the internal cavity, and a first driving shaft (5) arranged to rotate the dosing screw; the dosing apparatus also includes a magnetic coupling system (10) to removably connect a first end (6) of the dosing screw (4) to the first driving shaft (5), arranged externally to the hopper (2); the magnetic coupling system includes groups of magnets (21, 22, 23, 24) adapted to magnetically transmit a driving torque from the first driving shaft (5) to the dosing screw (4) and to reversibly fasten, longitudinally along the rotation axis (X), the dosing screw (4) to the first driving shaft (5); the first end (6) of the dosing screw (4) is arranged inside the hopper (2) and the first driving shaft (5) is hermetically separated from the first end (6)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Trebbi
  • Patent number: 10738528
    Abstract: A fluid exchanging system and method for use in exchanging fluids in insulating glass units (IGUs). The fluid exchanging system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, an optical sensor system, coupled to the articulating arm, for identifying an opening in a spacer frame of an IGU, and a fluid exchanging apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The fluid exchanging apparatus also includes a fluid exchanging head for evacuating atmospheric air from the IGU and dispensing fluid into the IGU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Briese, John Grismer, Steven W. Pesek, Paul A. Hofener, Brady S. Jacot, Jason Rody
  • Patent number: 10738895
    Abstract: Vacuum valve having a valve housing with first and second valve openings, and a closure unit having first and second plates, a roller support arranged between the plates, multiple roller pairs, each formed from first and second spreading rollers, and a spring. The plates are carried together with the roller support when it moves parallel to a movement direction from the open position into an intermediate position, and an additional movement of the plates in the movement direction is blocked when the roller support moves from the intermediate position into a closed position, during which the spreading rollers move along rising flanks of recesses, and the plates are thus spread apart. Rotational axes of the spreading rollers of each roller pair are offset relative to each other and are spaced apart in the spreading direction by a distance smaller than a sum of the radiuses of the spreading rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Florian Ehrne, Martin Netzer
  • Patent number: 10738896
    Abstract: A vacuum valve is provided having a valve housing (1) which has a vacuum region (4) in the interior, a closure unit (5) which is arranged in the vacuum region (4) of the valve housing (1) and by which at least one valve opening (2, 3) is closable in a closed state of the vacuum valve, a longitudinal drive (11) by which the closure unit (5) is adjustable in a longitudinal direction (10) for adjusting the closure unit (5) between a position opening up the valve opening (2, 3) and a position covering the valve opening (2, 3). A longitudinal guide (19) for the displaceable guiding of the closure unit (5) parallel to the longitudinal direction (10) is provided, with this longitudinal guide having a guide rod (20) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (10), and at least one guide part (21). At least one bearing element (36) of the guide part (21) is arranged in a region sealed off from the vacuum region (4) of the valve housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Martin Netzer
  • Patent number: 10729942
    Abstract: An inflation needle includes a first end for insertion into an inflatable object, a second end for connection to a pump and an elongated member having a conduit for air therethrough and connecting the first end and the second end, where at least a portion of the elongated member includes a flexible portion. The flexible portion may include a flexible bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: MCGARVEY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael McGarvey
  • Patent number: 10731763
    Abstract: A valve element significantly improved in rotation preventing performance of an abutting member formed of a synthetic resin by using a caulking structure and a high-temperature-oriented valve provided with such a valve element. A valve element includes: an abutting member formed of a synthetic resin and configured to close a path opening by coming into abutment with a path opening edge, and a holding member having a recessed portion into which the abutting member is fitted, in which the holding member is caulked and thus the abutting member is held by the holding member. The holding member is provided with a plurality of notches at a portion to be caulked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keisuke Ishibashi, Michio Yamaji, Tsuyoshi Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 10724648
    Abstract: A float valve assembly includes a cylindrical housing defining an inner flow path and a check valve is positioned within the housing and movable between an open position, where uphole and downhole fluid flow through the inner flow path is allowed, and a closed position, where uphole fluid flow is prevented while downhole fluid flow is allowed. An activation member is movably positioned within the housing between a first position, where the activation member holds the check valve in the open position, and a second position, where the activation member moves axially and out of engagement with the check valve. A drag body is coupled to the activation member and fluid flow in the downhole direction generates a drag force on the drag body that places an axial force on the activation member to move the activation member to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher James Mericas, Todd Anthony Stair
  • Patent number: 10724688
    Abstract: An emergency release system includes a first shut-off valve unit which is land-based; and a second shut-off valve unit which is provided for a marine vessel and separably connected to the first shut-off valve unit, and the first shut-off valve unit is provided with a reservoir container which receives liquid air generated in the first shut-off valve unit and dropped, in a state in which the second shut-off valve unit is separated from the first shut-off valve unit, and the system includes a container support mechanism which is capable of retaining the reservoir container at a retracted position in a state in which the first and second shut-off valve units are connected to each other, the container support mechanism being configured to automatically shift the reservoir container to a reserving position, in a state in which the first and second shut-off valve units are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOKYO BOEKI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventors: Shuntaro Unno, Tomonori Takase, Tomoaki Umemura, Tsutomu Kawai
  • Patent number: 10724644
    Abstract: A fluid control valve for controlling high-temperature fluid includes: a valve body including a valve chamber communicating with first and second flow passages, and a valve seat provided in the valve chamber; a metal diaphragm that contacts with and separates from the valve seat; a stem that moves the metal diaphragm up and down; and an actuator that drives the stem. The first flow passage includes a first orifice having a diameter set to 50% or less of a diameter of the second flow passage. Alternatively, the second flow passage includes a second orifice having a diameter set to 50% or less of the diameter of the second flow passage. The diameter of the second flow passage is calculated by converting a cylindrical flow passage area defined between the valve seat and the metal diaphragm when separated from the valve seat into a diameter of a circular flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuhito Aoyama
  • Patent number: 10724653
    Abstract: A fluid control valve includes: a valve housing including a flow path formed therein and having inflow and outflow ports for a fluid; a valve seat formed in the flow path; a driving device mounted in the valve housing; a valve shaft configured to be moved by being driven by the driving device; a valve body mounted on the valve shaft so as to open or close the flow path by being separated from or brought into contact with the valve seat; and a diaphragm formed in a form of an annular thin film and including outer and inner circumferential portions, and configured to move together with the valve shaft in a state where one side thereof faces a fluid chamber including the flow path and the valve seat so as to allow the fluid to flow therethrough, and the other side thereof faces an atmosphere chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kajio
  • Patent number: 10696502
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the specific weight of a dry particulate bulk commodity while said commodity is within a transportation vessel, using an array of pokers, these pokers equipped with the means of emitting lateral vibrations into the surrounding commodity and simultaneously creating an air flow through that dry commodity towards the nearest poker of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: William E Hodge
  • Patent number: 10697445
    Abstract: A valve closure for a piston compressor valve including: a valve seat having a plurality of passage openings, a shaft having an axis of rotation (D), and a rotatable closing element connected to the shaft for opening and closing the passage openings, the valve seat having a flat end face, to which the passage openings lead and a center (Z): the passage openings extending radially to the center (Z); and the closing element having a center point (M) and a plurality of closing arms extending radially to the center point (M). The shaft can be rotated about the axis of rotation and can be slid in the extension direction of the axis of rotation extending perpendicularly to the end face and through the center (Z); each closing arm having a sealing surface substantially complementary to the passage openings in accordance with the rotation of the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: BURCKHARDT COMPRESSION AG
    Inventor: Alexandre Voser
  • Patent number: 10682109
    Abstract: A check valve assembly is configured to couple to a first container that retains a first fluid and a second container that retains a second fluid. The check valve includes a fluid inlet housing including a first fluid inlet port defining a first fluid inlet channel, and a second fluid inlet port defining a second fluid inlet channel. A fluid outlet housing is coupled to the fluid inlet housing. The fluid outlet housing includes a fluid outlet port defining a fluid outlet channel. A first diaphragm is seated over the first fluid inlet channel. At least a portion of the first diaphragm is configured to unseat over the first fluid inlet channel to allow the first fluid to pass from the first fluid inlet channel into the fluid outlet channel. A second diaphragm is seated over the second fluid inlet channel. At least a portion of the second diaphragm is configured to unseat over the first fluid inlet channel to allow the second fluid to pass from the second fluid inlet channel into the fluid outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Colm M. Carmody, Gerard G. Henn, Robert R. Schaser, Raymond Jozwik
  • Patent number: 10683860
    Abstract: A piston compressor valve including a valve seat having a plurality of through openings including a closing element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) for opening and closing the through openings and having an actuating drive for rotating the closing element, wherein the valve seat has an end face into which the through openings lead, wherein the closing element is movably connected to the actuating drive in the running direction of the axis of rotation (D), such that the closing element is both rotatable about the axis of rotation (D) and also movable in the running direction of the axis of rotation (D) relative to the end face, and having a sensor for detecting a condition variable (E) of the piston compressor valve, and having a control device which activates the actuating drive as a function of the condition variable (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: BURCKHARDT COMPRESSION AG
    Inventor: Alexandre Voser
  • Patent number: 10675581
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to gas abatement apparatus and effluent management. The apparatus described herein include a high pressure process chamber and a containment chamber surrounding the process chamber. A high pressure fluid delivery module is in fluid communication with the high pressure process chamber and is configured to deliver a high pressure fluid to the process chamber. An effluent management module includes a muffler assembly to effluent pressure reduction and a plurality of scrubbers provide for treatment of effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Adib Khan, Qiwei Liang, Sultan Malik, Srinivas Nemani, Rafika Smati, Joseph Ng, John O'Hehir