Patents Examined by Martin P. Schwadron
  • Patent number: 5346177
    Abstract: An automatic tension-activated in-line connector for a pressurized hose is provided with pressure compensation means by which the necessary tension to effect decoupling is rendered less responsive to resistance created by high line pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Fuel Maker Corporation
    Inventors: R. P. Grant Paulsen, Ralph Rackham, Peter J. Thuerig
  • Patent number: 5344119
    Abstract: A hose coupling includes a cylindrical member for coupling a faucet, an annular rib formed in the the cylindrical member, a ring element threadedly engaged in the cylindrical member, a packing engaged between the annular rib and the ring element so as to make a water tight seal between the annular rib and the ring element, a tube is slidably engaged in the packing and the ring element and has a bore, one or more holes are formed in the tube and communicated with the bore of the tube, the water is cut off when the holes are blocked and are opened when the holes are disengaged from the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Der-Shing Wang
  • Patent number: 5343892
    Abstract: A freely-detachable pipe coupling comprising a socket having plural slits each formed at a plug-connected front end area of the socket, extending in the circumferential direction of the socket, and also having stopper members each capable of coming into and out of its corresponding slit in the radial direction of the socket, a plug having a stopper groove round it to elastically stop and hold the plural stopper members therein and also having a portion whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of that plug-connected front end of the socket where the slits are formed, said portion of the plug serving to partly project the stopper members outside from the slits of the socket before the plural stopper members are elastically stopped and held in the stopper groove, and a sleeve freely slidably fitted onto the plug and forwarded to press the stopper members to the axial center of the socket, when the plug is pushed into the socket, to thereby elastically stop and hold the stopper members in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunichi Saito
  • Patent number: 5343884
    Abstract: A self-closing actuator mechanism and a gate valve system equipped with the actuator mechanism, in which a coil spring acts on a gate valve actuating arm only in a closing direction, the coil spring being held in a compressed condition by retaining clips that are connected by a spring under tension and which carry a meltable link material on them between each clip and a holding sleeve. The clips release automatically, under the tensioning of their connecting spring, when either the holding sleeve is retracted or the link material melts. The gate valve system is designed to meet all regulations pertaining to the transportation of hazardous cargoes, while being low in cost and able to be retrofit installed on existing tank gate valves in a simple and easy manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Tom Henderson, Wayne Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5339861
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling with a hollow metal o-ring seal for sealing between the male and female members is disclosed. The hollow metal o-ring seal is held captive between an internal shoulder and a retainer insertable into the internal bore of the female member. The retainer may be slidable to compress the metal o-ring seal axially. The metal o-ring seal also may be pressure-energized to expand the seal cavity in response to fluid pressure in the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 5339862
    Abstract: A manually adjustable service adapter includes a manually adjustable actuation shaft for opening the valve of a charging port of a refrigeration system to permit the charging of refrigerant into such system. Actuation of such charging port results from an axially movable shaft which is manually adjustable by a rotatable knob which causes the shaft to move axially opening the valve of the charging port. Means are provided for preventing rotational movement of the axially movable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Haunhorst
  • Patent number: 5340078
    Abstract: Coupling apparatus includes a bracket fixed to the housing of an air motor and an actuator mechanism fixed to the rotary output shaft of the air motor for coupling the air motor in driving engagement with a handwheel-operated valve for remote power actuation thereof. The apparatus is freely movable into and out of coupling engagement with the valve in directions axially of the valve stem without the use of tools, a retaining bar being pivotal between a release position accommodating movement of the apparatus into coupling engagement with the valve and a retaining position preventing movement from coupling engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Midland Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Robert H. Dean
  • Patent number: 5337782
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupler half simple enough for use in miniature couplings is disclosed. Both the relief ports and the main fluid ports are in the pintle. The relief ports are uncovered by a hyperextension of the pintle; the main fluid ports are uncovered by retraction of a sliding sleeve around the pintle. The pintle has a single annular contact point with the coupler body and clearances between the walls so that exact alignment is not necessary for connection. The nipple half is conventional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Snap-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Wilcox
  • Patent number: 5338003
    Abstract: A high pressure ball valve is disclosed having dual, independent seat to ball seals, the dual seal arrangement including a primary seal and a secondary seal, each operating independently, in proper sequence, each acting in the same direction, and each being pressure actuated, with provision for relieving excess fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: John Beson
  • Patent number: 5338002
    Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventors: James McNaughton, Donald C. Walker
  • Patent number: 5335690
    Abstract: A new and improved water and fertilizer dispensing apparatus includes a connector assembly for connecting to a source of pressurized water. A manually operated diverter valve assembly is connected to the water source connector assembly. The manually operated diverter valve assembly includes an input channel, a first output channel, a second output channel, and a selector valve assembly located between the input channel and both the first output channel and the second output channel. The selector valve assembly is used for manually selecting a water flow path from the input channel through either the first output channel, or the second output channel, or both the first output channel and the second output channel in combination. A mixing chamber is defined by a housing and is connected to the first output channel. The mixing chamber is used for containing a quantity of fertilizer (either solid or liquid) and a quantity of water for dissolving the fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: E. Wayne Worth
  • Patent number: 5335696
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a three-way weir valve. The valve housing has a common flow duct and two additional flow ducts, all connectable to external flow lines. A weir with two valve seats on opposite sides of the weir separates the common flow duct from the two additional flow ducts. Two coaxial diaphragms are arranged to engage with the weir valve seats. The common flow duct communicates with one flow duct over one of the weir valve seats and communicates with the other flow duct over the other weir valve seat. The two diaphragms are engaged with compressors connected to pistons engaged in pneumatic cylinders. An air line connects the two pneumatic cylinders. One diaphragm and compressor are biased towards engagement with its other weir valve seat resulting in a normally closed position. The other diaphragm is biased away from engagement with its weir valve seat resulting in a normally open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 5333637
    Abstract: A transducer which provides a regulated pneumatic output as a function of an electric control input includes a housing, a gas regulator, and a particle trap. The housing has a passage therein, the passage including an inlet for receiving a pressurized gas supply and an outlet. The particle trap is disposed in the passage and includes a trap plate and a trap nozzle which directs gas against the trap plate so as to remove undesired entrained particles from the gas before it reaches the gas regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Gravel
  • Patent number: 5333639
    Abstract: An illuminated siphon includes a directional light source attached adjacent the upper end of the siphon tube. The siphon includes a transmission path for the light source along the siphon inlet tube, with an illumination emission point near the inlet end of the siphon tube, and provides utility for the siphon in darkened and confined areas, such as vehicle fuel tanks. The light source and transmission path are disposed to one side of the siphon inlet tube, thus allowing a clear sight line for the operator along the opposite side of the tube. The inlet end of the siphon tube is inserted into the tank and the light source is activated, whereupon the siphon tube may be maneuvered to observe any water or other contaminates in the tank and to position the inlet end of the tube to withdraw those contaminates from the tank. The tube or pipe to which the light is attached is preferably relatively inflexible in order to provide for maneuverability of the light and inlet end from the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Monte G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5332002
    Abstract: There is disclosed two embodiments of a gate valve having a pair of parallel-sided gates for opening and closing a flowway through the valve body upon reciprocation within a gate cavity intersecting the flowway intermediate its ends. The gates are connected to an actuator stem by a lost motion connection which causes one to be moved from closed toward open position prior to the other, and the one gate has a passageway therein for moving into a position to connect the cavity with the flowway prior to movement of the gates together toward open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Reimert
  • Patent number: 5330155
    Abstract: A valve insert (40) is adapted to be removably mounted as a unit on a cylinder valve (41) to selectively enable a flow of fluid therethrough when a male coupling section (52) is inserted into the outlet of the cylinder valve. The improved insert includes a tubular body (55), a valve member (58) mounted for sealed sliding movement relative to the body, biasing means (97) and a docking member (59) mounted on the valve element and adapted to engage the nose of the male section. When the male section engages the insert and displaces a sealing cushion (80) off its seat (72), the pressure of fluid will urge the valve element (58) into tighter sealed engagement with the male section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Lechner
  • Patent number: 5329966
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for delivering gas at a predetermined rate of flow, including a diaphgram type flow controller, a pressure regulator for providing a constant flow of gas to the flow controller, and a microprocessor controlled stepper motor utilizing an optical encoder to adjust the rate of flow of a gas leaving the controller without having to use a gas flow measurement device to monitor the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Vici Metronics Incorporated
    Inventors: David C. Fenimore, Walter H. McHenry, James L. Blumberg
  • Patent number: 5326072
    Abstract: A plug-type safety coupling for pressures lines comprising a plug, a housing comprising a one-piece shaped part, a blocking element sealably mounted and secured within the housing, the blocking element being rotatable between a blocking position and a working position and having one of a cylindrical and a slightly conical shape. The blocking element is provided with a bore, which bore forms a bush for the plug, the bush comprising two sequential axial borings having different diameters. The material surrounding the smaller diameter axial boring forms an annular groove in communication with the larger diameter axial boring, the annular groove adapted to sealingly accommodate the plug, a seal between the plug and the bush being disposed between an outer surface of a nipple enclosed by the annular groove and an inner side surface of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG, Maschinen-und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Albrecht Wuthrich
  • Patent number: 5325887
    Abstract: A device for correcting interchanged pipe connections in a sink or bathtub faucet has a housing 1 with passages 10,11 for hot and cold water. From each passage tap lines 14, 15 run to a cylindrical recess 2 having a flat bottom 22. Discharge pipes 5,5' for mixed water are also led to the bottom by tap lines 16,17. The two feed tap lines 14,15 and, diagonally opposite, the discharge tap lines 16,17, empty centrally. A connector 6 installed in the recess 2 is provided with passages 34-37, which starting from annular channels 18-20 located at the bottom, lead to openings of feed pipes 24-27 in a fitting housing 9. The connector has two pieces, a central part 7 installed interchangeably by 180.degree. in a peripheral part 8. The connector 6 can also be rotated by 180.degree. on the housing 9, or by 360.degree. together with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Fides Trust AG
    Inventors: Werner Egli, Rene Dolder
  • Patent number: 5325890
    Abstract: A sanitary coupling comprising a coupler member and a nipple member. The coupler member and the nipple member have first and second passageways including first and second transverse ports and first and second longitudinal bores such that, when engaged, fluid and/or fluid and solids may flow unobstructed through the coupler and nipple members. Means for orienting the coupler member with respect to the nipple member provide alignment of said passageways of said nipple and coupler members with respect to each other for full, unobstructed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Snap-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Wilkins