Patents Examined by Michael Powell Buiz
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Patent number: 6516829Abstract: A vent valve for an air braking system of a vehicle comprises an elastomeric valve member (11) held in relation to a vent (17) and having a restricted vent passageway. A continuous depending rib (23) is engageable with a valve seat (28) to close the vent passageway as increasing pressure acts on the head (21) of the valve member (11). The valve member (11) permits a fluid chamber to be connected to exhaust until pressure in the chamber reaches a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: WABCO Automotive UK LimitedInventors: David Townsend, Liam Rowley
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Patent number: 6513545Abstract: A flow shut off valve for use with a pressurized fluid application and which is actuated in response to a flow rate exceeding a maximum allowable rating, the fluid application including a normally regulated and pressurized fluid supply, a length of a conduit extending from the fluid supply. The valve includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical shaped housing interposed between the fluid supply and the extending conduit, the housing having an inlet end communicating with a first coupling extending from an outlet of the fluid supply and an outlet end communicating with a second coupling extending from an inlet of the length of conduit. The housing further including an axially extending interior extending between the inlet and outlet ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Inventors: Evan M. Rhone, John G. Elkins, Reggie T. Dixon
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Patent number: 6510868Abstract: The subject application is directed to a compressor valve having a valve seat, a valve guard and a sealing plate with contoured sealing surfaces, the valve seat having defining inlet flow ports for admitting a controlled medium into the valve, the lower surface of the valve seat including at least one seating surface, the a valve guard having a recessed area and defining outlet flow ports for discharging a controlled medium from the valve, the sealing plate being positioned within a cavity between the valve guard and valve seat and moves relative to the lower surface of the valve seat between an open and closed position, the upper surface of the sealing plate defining at least one contoured sealing surface for engaging at least one seating surface of the valve seat along a continuous line of contact when the valve is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Coltec Industrial Products, Inc.Inventor: Neil C. Penza
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Patent number: 6508269Abstract: A quick connector with a one-way flow valve includes a bearing cage mounted in a bore of a female component housing and supporting a tip end of a conduit lockingly held in the housing by a retainer. A projection extends from one end of the bearing cage and spaces a flow ball movably mounted in the housing bore at a first, flow permitting open position wherein flow paths between the male and female components are established around the exterior of the flow ball and between circumferentially spaced ribs formed in the housing and supporting the flow ball. The flow ball is automatically movable in response to a reverse direction acting fluid pressure differential to a second, flow-blocking position in sealing engagement with a valve seat formed in the housing bore to prevent reverse fluid flow through the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: George Szabo, Shad A. Kelly
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Patent number: 6508268Abstract: A vacuum pressure control apparatus includes a vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 which is disposed on a pipe connecting a vacuum chamber 11 and a vacuum pump 19 and changes its opening to control the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 11, and a pressure sensor 17 which measures the current vacuum pressure in the chamber 11. The vacuum proportional opening and closing valve 18 has a valve seat 36 and a valve member 33 provided with an O-ring 35 which is made contact with or separate from the valve seat 36. The vacuum pressure control apparatus configured as above controls the pressure in the chamber 11 by changing an elastic deformation amount of the O-ring 35 which is in contact with the valve seat 36 and thereby changing the flow quantity of gas leaking between the valve seat 36 and the O-ring 35.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: CKD CorporationInventor: Masayuki Kouketsu
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Patent number: 6508266Abstract: A diaphragm valve can properly mount a peripheral portion of a diaphragm over the entire periphery and reliably establish a seal between the peripheral edge portion on a liquid side of the diaphragm and a diaphragm mounting seat for preventing leakage of a liquid. The diaphragm valve includes an annular base (27) provided to project from a seat surface of mounting seat (12) for a predetermined height and connected with a bracket mounting flange (16) on the side of valve operating portion by bolts (17). A diaphragm retaining portion (30) is formed integrally with flange (16) for compressing the peripheral edge portion of diaphragm with a constant pressure so that flange (16) and base (27) are connected by bolts (17) in the condition where diaphragm (14) is compressed onto base (12) with constant pressure by diaphragm retaining portion (30).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Toyo Stainless Steel Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Iritani, Kaoru Ozawa, Toru Tateishi
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Patent number: 6501986Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable defibrillator (1) comprising a chargeable voltage source (2) and a pulse generator (3) which is formed from a voltage multiplier (5) and a capacitor (4) chargeable to the defibrillation voltage. Provided between the capacitor (4) and the voltage source (2) is a line connection (6) by way of which electrical energy which has not been consumed or which is not required for the tissue stimulation procedure can be returned from the capacitor to the voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Biotronik Mess -und Therapiegeraete GmbH & Co. Ingenieurbuero BerlinInventors: Max Schaldach, Sven Poga
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Patent number: 6499503Abstract: A backflow valve has a closure gate that is pivotally mounted for movement between an open position in which the closure gate is positioned on a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a flow passage and a closed position in which the closure gate is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis. The closure gate has a midsection positioned pivot axis and is unbalanced with greater weight being toward the first end. A rotational stop limits pivotal movement when the closure gate is in the open position. A float is secured to the first end of the closure gate. The greater weight at the first end biases the closure gate by force of gravity against the rotational stop and into the open position. The float causes the closure gate to pivotally move to the closed position in response to liquid rising in the flow passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
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Patent number: 6491055Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
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Patent number: 6488049Abstract: A high volume pressure valve accurately adjustable to within 0.25 PSIG for attachment to a pipe outlet. A flanged valve body and a cap are connected by a compression spring to permit the opening of the valve when the predetermined outlet pressure setting of the valve is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: James O. Sims
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Patent number: 6488044Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Arthur Dubbeldam, Peter Dubbeldam, Michael Hitz
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Patent number: 6478044Abstract: A snap-action piloted fill valve for controlling the level in a liquid storage tank, the valve having a float and a weight cup that are adjustably interconnected by an elongated sleeve slidably disposed on a stem extending upwardly from a valve body mounted inside a tank, the weight cup being further connected to a snap-action beam attached to the valve body. The snap-action beam controls operation of a pilot, which in turn causes the fill valve to open when the beam is in its upward position and to close when the beam is in its downward postion. Use as a toilet valve is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: LSP Products GroupInventor: Samuel H. Howe
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Patent number: 6470909Abstract: A hydraulic system for a motor vehicle has at least one pressure restricting valve with a housing that has two or more connections. At least one conduit cross-section in the housing can be closed by means of a closing body that is movable axially against the action of an energy accumulator. At least a part of the axial travel of the closing body is damped by means of a damping device.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Jürgen Osterlänger, Gerhard Prosch, Walter Parzefall, Jean-Francois Heller, Manfred Homm, Alexandre Fidline, Eugen Kremer
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Patent number: 6463949Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a status of a valve, the valve being connected to a fluid circuit. The method includes the steps of establishing an expected value of a characteristic of the fluid of the fluid circuit, determining an actual value of the fluid characteristic of the fluid circuit, and determining a valve status in response to the actual value, and the expected value.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Ferguson, Matthew C. Full, Matthew J. Miller, Michael K. Oudyn, Derek A. Sauder
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Patent number: 6458098Abstract: A vascular therapy device is used for treatment, such as injecting or applying medicine, to a lumen or body cavity without surgical treatment. The vascular therapy device includes an elongated shaft, an inflatable balloon attached to a side portion of a distal end portion of the shaft, a first path provided in the shaft and communicating with an inside of the balloon to inflate and deflate the balloon, and a second path provided inside the shaft and extending from a proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the shaft. The second path has an outlet at the distal end portion. When the balloon is inflated, a part of the distal end portion is biased to contact a wall where the shaft is inserted. Thus, when the balloon is inflated, the outlet faces and substantially contacts the wall to thereby provide a treatment through the second path and outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Nozomu Kanesaka
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Patent number: 6453941Abstract: A pipe element possessing a longitudinal axis (2) along which a rigid tubular part (3) and a flexible tubular part (4), together constituting a single piece, extend. The rigid part (3) has one end presenting a substantially radial connection surface (8) for connection to an end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), and an additional connection surface (10) on the radial connection surface (8) connecting to the end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), at least a part of the additional connection surface (10) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Nobel PlastiquesInventors: Pierre Milhas, Stéphane Jung
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Patent number: 6453940Abstract: A combination valve including a metal sleeve and a valve body. The valve body is formed of a resilient material and insert bonded or vulcanized to the metal sleeve and includes a cylindrical elongated member defining a passageway therethrough and an annular umbrella portion integrally extending from the elongated member. The elongated member is disposed within the metal sleeve and has converging flexible lips. The metal sleeve includes a plurality of prongs at one end and the valve body includes a top surface. The prongs of the metal sleeve extend to the top surface of the valve body, whereby the valve can be press-fitted into location without damaging the valve body. Between the prongs of the metal sleeve are gaps which permit the molding material to flow from the umbrella portion to the elongated member during the molding of the combination valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Federal-Mogul CorporationInventors: Larry J. Tipton, Aaron E. Kiser
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Patent number: 6450190Abstract: A method of detecting abnormalities in flow rate in pressure-type flow controller. The method checks the flow rate for abnormalities while controlling the flow rate of fluid in a pressure-type flow controller FCS using an orifice—the pressure-type flow controller wherein with the upstream pressure P1 maintained about two or more times higher than the downstream pressure P2, the downstream flow rate QC is calculated by the equation QC=KP1 (K: constant) and wherein the control valve CV is controlled on the basis of the difference signal QY between the calculated flow rate QC and the set flow rate QS.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignees: Tokyo Electron Ltd., Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Seiichi Iida, Satoshi Kagatsume, Jun Hirose, Kazuo Fukasawa, Hiroshi Koizumi, Hideki Nagaoka, Tomio Uno, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda, Ryousuke Dohi, Eiji Ideta
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Patent number: 6446654Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: BS&B Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Geof Brazier, Greg Klein, John Nguyen
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Patent number: RE37937Abstract: An ear piercing assembly includes a disposable cartridge assembly including a first and second ear piercing earring and an ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly for releaseably supporting the ear piercing earring therein. A clutch retaining sub-assembly is integrally formed with the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and releaseably supports a first and second clutch therein. An ear piercing instrument is adapted to receive the cartridge assembly and includes a plunger assembly for ejecting an ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and is displaceable for selectively moving between a first position for ejecting the first ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly and a second position for ejecting the second ear piercing earring from the ear piercing earring retaining sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Inverness CorporationInventor: Samuel J. Mann