Patents Examined by Mary McManmon
  • Patent number: 9926083
    Abstract: A valve for connecting an external tank to an aircraft has a valve body; and a seal assembly arranged, in use, to resiliently engage a seal surface on an aircraft. The seal assembly has a telescopic seal member extending from a proximal end within the valve body to a distal end. The telescopic seal member is constrained within the valve body so as to maintain axial alignment of the telescopic seal member and the valve body. The seal assembly may also have a seal carrier at the distal end of the telescopic seal member. The seal carrier may be pivotable relative to the telescopic seal member for alignment, in use, with the aircraft seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: EATON LIMITED
    Inventor: Melvyn Powell
  • Patent number: 9920840
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve with different threads for preventing rotation of and locking a bonnet with the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Clark-Reliance Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Robert McGuigan, Robert Martin Wilber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9920844
    Abstract: A gas delivery system for a substrate processing system includes first and second valves, a first gas channel, and a cylinder. The first valve includes a first inlet and a first outlet. The first outlet is in fluid communication with a processing chamber of the substrate processing system. The second valve includes a second inlet and a second outlet. The cylinder defines a second gas channel having a first end and a second end. The cylinder is at least partially disposed within the first gas channel such that the cylinder and the first gas channel collectively define a flow channel. The flow channel is in fluid communication with the first end of the second gas channel and with the first inlet. A third gas channel is in fluid communication with the second end of the second gas channel and with the second inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl Leeser, Saangrut Sangplung, Shankar Swaminathan, Frank Pasquale, Chloe Baldasseroni, Ted Minshall, Adrien LaVoie
  • Patent number: 9915364
    Abstract: A drain valve has a housing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite a second rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit. One or more non-return valves are within the drain conduit between the first rim and the second rim and have a closed configuration and an open configuration adapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit. A vent conduit extends within the drain conduit and comprises internally a lower valve seat, an upper valve seat and a bypass valve positioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat. The bypass valve is adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-return valves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: NWS Europa GmbH
    Inventor: Giovanni Fima
  • Patent number: 9915355
    Abstract: A spool assembly is disclosed for use in a valve. The spool assembly may have a cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a bore passing from the first end through the second end. The spool assembly may also have a first insert with a first land slidably disposed inside the bore at the first end, and a second insert separate from the first insert. The second insert may have a second land slidably disposed inside the bore at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Mikhail A. Sorokin
  • Patent number: 9915356
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve apparatus for vehicles that is configured such that the sealability of a valve body can be markedly enhanced. The valve apparatus includes a valve body, a valve member and a sealing unit. The valve body is provided with at least two ports and has an internal space communicating with the ports. The valve member is rotatably installed in the internal space so as to open or close the ports. The sealing unit is provided to seal at least one of the ports. The sealing unit includes a sealing body airtightly installed on an inner surface of the corresponding port, and at least one elastic element integrally provided on a first end of the sealing body. The elastic element axially applies elastic force to the sealing body so that a second end of the sealing body comes into airtight contact with the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: INZI CONTROLS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Seok Yoon Chang, Jun Woo Kim, Seo Kyu Kim, Jae Young Son, Chang Hyun Park, Dong June Kang
  • Patent number: 9909703
    Abstract: A coupling and method are provided that include a coupler and nipple. The nipple has a valve in a normally-closed position and an outer peripheral surface with a plurality of spaced-apart, close-ended cam paths. The coupler has a valve in a normally-closed position and includes a set of latching balls for engagement with the cam paths to secure the coupler to the nipple. The coupler further includes a sleeve mounted thereon and movable between forward and retracted positions. In the forward position, the latching balls are forced into an inward position that prevents release of the latching balls from the cam paths, and in the retracted position, the latching balls are permitted to extend to an outward position enabling initial engagement with or disengagement from the cam paths. The coupler also includes a set of locking balls that prevents movement of the sleeve to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dixon Quick Coupling
    Inventor: Tom Van Scyoc
  • Patent number: 9910448
    Abstract: A method of measuring a molecular rate of gas flow from an upstream source of gas at a pressure higher than a pressure of a destination includes flowing the gas through an upstream valve into a cavity of known volume, then through a restrictor element before proceeding to the destination, controlling the upstream valve to vary a flow rate of the gas through the upstream valve in a determined manner such that its average pressure in the cavity correlates with an average level of gas flow and such that variations in pressure in the cavity induced by varying the flow rate of gas through the upstream valve in the determined manner induce instantaneous pressure variations smaller than 30% of the average pressure in that cavity; and using the variations in the pressure in the cavity associated with varying the flow rate of gas through the upstream valve in the determined manner to determine the molecular rate of gas flow to the destination in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Max Horwitz
  • Patent number: 9909686
    Abstract: A valve comprises a tappet and a sensor for detecting an adjustment stroke of the tappet, in particular an inductive sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a signal transmitter which comprises a coil, of which the coil axis (S) is substantially in parallel with the axis (A) of the tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Feinauer, Christof Jacob, Sebastian Kundel
  • Patent number: 9907632
    Abstract: A dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to be inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving opening and a hose receiving opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a check valve positioned in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: STOMA VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Thomas, Edward Arguello
  • Patent number: 9909682
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling a flow of a fluid therethrough while the apparatus is connected to a source of control fluid. The apparatus includes an input, a valve seat, a diaphragm, an output, and a diaphragm control space. The diaphragm control space is partially defined by the diaphragm, and includes a control fluid inlet and a control fluid outlet. The apparatus is operative to independently control a flow of control fluid into the diaphragm control space through the control fluid inlet and a flow of control fluid out of the diaphragm control space through the control fluid outlet. A deflection of the diaphragm in relation to the valve seat is responsive to a pressure of the control fluid in the diaphragm control space. The deflection of the diaphragm in relation to the valve seat is operative to control a fluidic flow resistance between the input and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sundew Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 9903395
    Abstract: A proportional pressure controller includes a body having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports. A fill valve communicates with pressurized fluid in the inlet port. A dump valve communicates with pressurized fluid from the fill valve. An inlet poppet valve opens by pressurized fluid through the fill valve. An exhaust poppet valve when closed isolates pressurized fluid from the exhaust port. An outlet flow passage communicates with pressurized fluid when the inlet poppet valve is open, and communicates with the outlet port and an exhaust/outlet common passage. An isolation valve assembly selectively isolates fluid flow to and from the inlet port or the exhaust port to achieve a zero pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Matthew Neff, Kevin C. Williams, Joseph Richardson
  • Patent number: 9897215
    Abstract: A gate valve for use in oil field applications and including a seat seal assembly. The seat seal assembly includes primary, secondary, and tertiary seals for sealing the space between the seat rings and the valve body. The provision of multiple seals in the seat seal assembly provides redundancy that allows for maintenance of the seal between the components even if one or two of the individual seals fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Rick C. Hunter, Jon B. Kahn, Fabio Okamoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9896592
    Abstract: A fluid check valve incorporating a temporary elastomeric functional barrier membrane, the check valve having a sealing member comprising a first elastomer and a barrier membrane comprising a second elastomer, different from the first elastomer, disposed directly upon the surface of the sealing member so as to form a continuous layer over at least a seal opening of the sealing member. The barrier membrane may include a photoinitiator and coagent which aids in the ultraviolet (UV) curing of the second elastomer after application upon the first. The barrier membrane may applied as a solution of monomers, photoinitiator, and optional coagent, the solvent evaporated, and the deposited solutes exposed to ultraviolet so as to form the barrier membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: VERNAY LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9890520
    Abstract: A water capture device for installing in an elevated location on a building. The water capture device comprises a plurality of exterior walls, an input opening, a main chamber, a release opening, an overflow channel, and an overflow opening. The plurality of exterior walls defines a cavity. The input opening allows for allowing water to enter the cavity. The main chamber is within the cavity configured to fill with water. The release opening is for selectively releasing water from the main chamber for use by a user. The overflow channel within the cavity is for receiving excess water from the main chamber that rises above a threshold associated with the overflow channel. The first overflow opening is for allowing excess water within the overflow channel to freely exit the water capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DrainCube LLC
    Inventor: David W. Brucker
  • Patent number: 9890525
    Abstract: A device for controlling the filling of a cistern in a main reservoir of a toilet flushing system includes a water inlet controlled by a valve. The closing of the valve is controlled by a float that is movable from a high position to a low position. The float is contained in a float housing in the high position. The float housing connects to the main reservoir by at least one siphon having two tubes: a suction tube linked to the float housing; and a discharge tube being linked to the main reservoir and opening into an auxiliary reservoir. There is a control mechanism provided with a mechanism for priming the siphon, wherein shifts between an initial position and an actuated position of the control mechanism result in overpressure or underpressure at the siphon so as to control draining of the float housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Etablissements Dubourgel Grange
    Inventor: Hubert Magar
  • Patent number: 9890608
    Abstract: A fluid control system includes a choke valve having a first connector shaft; an actuator having a second connector shaft; a collar disposed around the first and second connector shafts; and a spring disposed on the first connector shaft. The collar may have an internal taper and a plurality of engagement pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9861804
    Abstract: A valve for a needleless valve system. The valve includes a body configured to be disposed in the needleless valve system and controlling fluid flow through the needleless valve system and wherein the body is tail-less. The body includes a continuous top surface, and a compression feature configured to control how the body is compressed to allow fluid flow through the needleless valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Zollinger
  • Patent number: 9862539
    Abstract: A portable water tank assembly for a dust emitting construction machine, such as a machine for cutting concrete, stone, ceramic materials and the like may include a water container (1) and an electric pump (2) powered by a battery for pumping water from the container (1) through an outlet to the construction machine. To provide a portable water tank assembly which provides a long service life without changing battery, is easy to handle and carry and that is robust and reliable, the pump is a low pressure pump (2), of 0.1-1.5 bar, preferably of 0.3-1.2 bar, that is preferably submersible and placed inside the water container. The assembly has at least 5 liter capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Anders Reuterberg, Hans Petersson
  • Patent number: 9857027
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical delivery are provided herein. In some embodiments, a first reservoir holds a first volume of fluid, receives a carrier gas, and outputs the carrier gas together with vapor derived from the first volume of fluid. A second reservoir holds a second volume of fluid and is capable of delivering a part of the second volume of fluid to the first reservoir. A self-regulating tube extends from the first reservoir to a region above the second volume of fluid in the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Jeff Salinas, Youqun Dong, David Thompson, Mei Chang