Patents Examined by Michael R Reid
  • Patent number: 11668417
    Abstract: A valve and coupling for joining pipe elements has a valve body captured in a central space defined by a plurality of coupling segments attached to one another end to end. The inner surface of the valve body defines a bore. A liner on the inner surface surrounds the bore and forms a seal with a valve closing member. Circumferentially arranged projections on the segments engage and center the valve body within the central space. The liner has lobes that extend axially in opposite directions. The lobes are compressed between the segments and the pipe elements to form a fluid tight seal when connection members are tightened to draw the segments toward the central space and into engagement with the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Wortmann, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 11668079
    Abstract: A shower system includes an inlet configured to receive water from a supply conduit and a plurality of spout outlets configured to discharge water from the shower system. A diverter is configured to receive water from the inlet and deliver water to the plurality of spout outlets, and the diverter is actuatable to change a water discharge mode of the plurality of spout outlets. A valve is configured to receive water from the inlet, and the valve is actuatable to a first position and a second position. A diverter actuator is configured to receive water from the valve in the second position. The diverter actuator is actuatable from an unactuated position to an actuated position upon receiving water from the valve, and the diverter actuator thereby actuates the diverter to change the water discharge mode of the plurality of spout outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Joshua Drew Wales, David Lee
  • Patent number: 11662028
    Abstract: A body covering a disk in a butterfly valve comprises: an upper body; and a lower body, wherein an inserting space is formed by combining the upper body with the lower body, the disk is inserted into the inserting space, and at least one of the upper body and the lower body includes a framework formed of a metal and a plastic layer formed on the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Sang Seon Lee
  • Patent number: 11655905
    Abstract: A multi-port valve is provided. The multi-port valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body such that it circumscribes the shell body within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joe Ledvora, Philip C. Hawken, Thomas J. Davern
  • Patent number: 11649903
    Abstract: A modular valve assembly can include a core spool module and a plurality of end connection modules. The end connection modules can be configured to be secured to the core spool module at one or more of a core inlet or a core outlet of the core spool module to provide one or more respective, different flow configurations for the modular valve assembly. The core spool module can include a bonnet portion that is integrally formed with the core inlet and the core outlet and a seat ring configured to provide a seal against flow of process fluid through the modular valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Shannon Eugene Jelken, Katherine Nicole Bartels, Thomas Nelson Gabriel, Lawrence Martin, Julian Adin Mann, III
  • Patent number: 11650605
    Abstract: A combination valve for pressure building and final-line gas regulation is disclosed. An example valve includes a body defining a first tank port and a second tank port, an outlet port, and a linking chamber fluidly connected to the second tank port. The valve includes a first piston diaphragm at least partially defining a first pressure cavity fluidly connected to the first tank port and a first plug operatively connected to the first piston diaphragm. The first pressure cavity is fluidly connected to the linking chamber when the first plug is in an open position. The valve includes a second piston diaphragm at least partially defining a second pressure cavity fluidly connected to the outlet port and a second plug operatively connected to the second piston diaphragm. The second pressure cavity is fluidly connected to the linking chamber when the second plug is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kendrick Hamm, John Grenaway
  • Patent number: 11644106
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device includes thermally spraying tungsten carbine in feedstock that does not include Cobalt but that includes Nickel, Copper, or a Nickel-Copper alloy, the method improves the base coating toughness, anticorrosion, and antifouling properties for high load application in sea water and brackish water environments. Additionally, a Cobalt-free material lowers material costs and reduces the global demand of Cobalt. Providing a topcoat of a Silicon-doped DLC significantly reduces the topcoat brittleness of common DLC failures such as “egg shell” in high stress applications. Thus, high hardness, low friction applications may be tailored in high stress applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: OERLIKON METCO (US) INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Williams, James Vecchio, Jonathon Bracci, Justin Cheney, Petr Fiala
  • Patent number: 11644105
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gate valve assembly having a valve body with a channel extending from a distal end to a proximal end, a gate configured to be moved from a first position to a second position, the second position being when the gate is positioned in the channel of the valve body between the distal end and the proximal end of the valve body. A seat insert is also provided to be threaded into a pocked of the valve body and a seat is configured to be positioned within the seat insert. A seal is adapted within a groove of the seat insert positioned between the valve body and the seat insert, wherein the seal is a fixed static seal providing no gaps and/or spaces between the seal insert and the valve body allowing no debris to corrupt the seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SRI Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Alagarsamy Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 11639865
    Abstract: Apparatuses for controlling gas flow are important components for delivering process gases for semiconductor fabrication. These apparatuses for controlling gas flow frequently rely on flow restrictors which can provide a known flow impedance of the process gas. In one embodiment, a flow restrictor is disclosed, the flow restrictor constructed of a plurality of layers, one or more of the layers having a flow passage therein that extends from a first aperture at a first end of the flow restrictor to a second aperture at a second end of the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Sean Joseph Penley, Zachariah Ezekiel McIntyre, Tyler James Wright
  • Patent number: 11629794
    Abstract: A servo valve assembly includes a first nozzle opposing a second nozzle and a shaft positioned in the gap between the first and second nozzles. The first and second nozzles are spaced apart by a gap and each nozzle has an outlet opening. The shaft defines a diameter (D) and a circumferential surface and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (R-R). The shaft defines first and second reduced radial portions around its circumferential surface, and the first and second reduced radial portions are in fluid communication with the first and second nozzle outlet openings, respectively. The shaft is configured to rotate between a first position where the first nozzle outlet opening is more occluded by the shaft circumferential surface than the second nozzle outlet opening, and a second position where the first nozzle outlet opening is less occluded by the shaft circumferential surface than the second nozzle outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maciej Bujewicz, Marcin Korczynski
  • Patent number: 11629631
    Abstract: A deaeration valve includes a housing and a ball in fluid communication with housing. The ball can include a body, a seat defining a bleed passage therein, and a deaeration pin slidably disposed within the bleed passage. Further, the deaeration pin may include a head, a retention feature, and a shaft positioned between the head and the retention feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Davis, Nathan Osmun, Christopher Carns
  • Patent number: 11619312
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining a 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 positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Tomas Peleckas, Timothy Wayne Stern
  • Patent number: 11608905
    Abstract: A modular valve system having fixed valve ports with frame openings on the exterior of each port. Corresponding connectors or plugs are designed to fit within the valve ports and be locked in place by a clip passing through the framed openings and around the connector or plug. The internal valve component may be electrically or mechanically controlled. The modular valve system may be connected to a vehicle coolant system to control fluid flow to a heat exchanger or bypassing the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: TSI Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen William O'Brien, Todd Michael Coleman
  • Patent number: 11598439
    Abstract: A valve having a flow trim assembly that can be quickly and efficiently removed and repaired or replaced. A body section having a central through bore that defines an inlet, an inner chamber or space, and two selectable outlets. Further the selectable outlets can direct flow in either a 90 degree “angle” orientation or at straight “in-line” orientation. An actuator stem extends into the inner chamber. 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. A valve bonnet that allows direct coupling of an actuator to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AGI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan T. Sonnier, Christopher F. Rooney
  • Patent number: 11598218
    Abstract: The valve device includes: a valve casing that includes a valve casing main body, in which an inlet flow path, an intermediate flow path, and an outlet flow path are formed, and a lid portion that closes an external opening portion formed in the valve casing main body; an intermediate valve seat portion that is detachable from the valve casing main body; a strainer that extends in a direction connecting the lid portion and the intermediate valve seat portion and is disposed between the lid portion and the intermediate valve seat portion; and an energizing member that is disposed between the strainer and the intermediate valve seat portion and is energized the intermediate valve seat portion toward the valve casing main body. The strainer is disposed with the energizing member pressed toward the valve casing main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Nishiyama, Yuki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11592118
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect, the present disclosure provides a solenoid valve comprising: an armature that moves upward or downward based on whether a current is supplied; a pusher that is in contact with the armature and linearly moves based on the movement of the armature; a spring that is compressed or expanded based on the linear movement; a plurality of input lines that receive brake fluid from a main master cylinder or a sub-master cylinder; an output line that supplies the brake fluid in a direction toward a wheel brake; and a stator that connects the input lines and the output line to provide a movement path, through which the brake fluid moves, and opens one input line and closes the other input lines among the plurality of input lines based on whether the current is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeonggeol Lee
  • Patent number: 11585199
    Abstract: A frac manifold isolation tool configured to connect to a zipper spool, and comprising a mandrel that is axially movable and a hydraulic setting tool configured to move the mandrel from an open position, in which fracturing fluid is allowed to flow from a zipper spool to a connected frac tree, to a closed position, in which the mandrel and its associated cup tool prevent fracturing fluid from flowing to the connected frac tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: OIL STATES ENERGY SERVICES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard Brian Sizemore, Bob McGuire, Danny L. Artherholt, Nicholas Langston, Blake Mullins, Mickey Claxton
  • Patent number: 11572961
    Abstract: A module for a fluid circuit of a vehicle includes a unitary housing. The unitary housing of the module contains a fluid moving device, a fluid control device, and a power sharing connection. The power sharing device is configured to provide power to the fluid moving device and the fluid control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventor: David Crowther
  • Patent number: 11572958
    Abstract: A housing has a housing main body that defines an internal space therein, an inlet port that fluidly connects the internal space and an outside of the housing main body to each other, and a relief port that fluidly connects the internal space and the outside of the housing main body to each other. Coolant water flows into the housing through the inlet port. A relief valve is disposed in the relief port and configured to selectively allow and block fluid communication between the internal space and the outside of the housing main body via the relief port by selectively opening and closing the relief port in accordance with conditions. A valve has a valve body rotatable about a rotation axis in the internal space, and a shaft disposed along the rotation axis. A covering portion is configured to cover the relief valve not to be visible through the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Nomura
  • Patent number: 11566736
    Abstract: Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected. In some embodiments, the coupling portions cannot be reconnected to each other after being disconnected from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Loi T. Truong